h 1	
abase	lower; degrade; humiliate; make humble; make (oneself) lose self-respect
n abash	embarrass
n abate	subside or moderate
abbreviate	shorten
abdicate	renounce; give up (position, right, or responsibility)
aberrant	abnormal or deviant
aberration	deviation from the normal; mental disorder
n abet	assist usually in doing something wrong; encourage
n abeyance	suspended action
abhor	detest; hate
abject	(of a condition) wretched; as low as possible; lacking pride; very humble; showing lack of self-respect; Ex. abject apology
abjure	renounce upon oath
ablution	washing
abnegation	renunciation; self-sacrifice; self-abnegation
abolish	cancel; put an end to
abominate	loathe; hate
abominable	detestable; extremely unpleasant
aboriginal	being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native; indigenous; N. aborigine
abortive	unsuccessful; fruitless
abrasive	rubbing away; tending to grind down
abridge	condense or shorten
abrogate	abolish
n abscission	cutting off; separation
abscond	depart secretly and hide
absolute	complete; totally unlimited; having complete power; certain; not relative; Ex. absolute honesty/ruler; CF. absolutism
absolve	pardon (an offense)
abstain	refrain; withhold from participation; intentionally not use one's vote; ±â±ÇÇÏ´Ù
abstemious	sparing in eating and drinking; temperate
abstinence	restraint from pleasant things, esp. eating or drinking; CF. abstention: act of abstaining from vote
abstract	theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational
s representational (of a style of art) showing things as they actually appear in real life
abstruse	obscure; profound; difficult to understand
abusive	coarsely insulting; physically harmful
n abut	border upon; adjoin
abysmal	bottomless
abyss	enormous chasm; vast bottomless pit
academic	related to a school; not practical or directly useful
accede	agree
accelerate	move faster
accessible	easy to approach; obtainable
accessory	additional object; useful but not essential thing
acclaim	applaud; praise; greet with great approval; announce with great approval; Ex. The new drung has been acclaimed as the most important discoveries for years; N: strong expression of approval and praise
acclimate	adjust to climate or environment; adapt
n acclivity	sharp upslope of a hill; OP. declivity
accolade	award of merit; strong praise and approval
s merit good quality deserving praise; merits: aspect of character or behavior deserving approval or disapproval; Ex. judge each plan on its own merits; V: deserve; earn
s demerit fault; bad quality
s earn gain for the performance of service or labor; gain (something that one deserves); deserve
accommodate	oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony; adapt; make enough space for; ADJ. accommodative; CF. accomodating: helpful and obliging
accomplice	partner in crime
accord	agreement
accost	approach and speak first to a person
n accoutre	equip; N. accoutrement
accretion	growth or increase in size by gradual addition; growth; increase; increase by natural growth; Ex. towers and other accretions of the castle; V. accrete
accrue	come to one as a gain; accumulate over time; come about by addition; Ex. benefits that accrue from scientific research; Ex. interest accruing in a bank account; N. accrual
n acerbity	bitterness of speech and temper; ADJ. acerbic: bitter; acrid (in taste, manner, or tone)
s bitter having a sharp biting taste; ¾´; causing sharp pain to the body or mind; filled with resentment, disappointment, or other unpleasant feelings; Ex. bitter wind/sorrow/tears
s biting sharply painful to the body or mind; Ex. biting wind/remarks
n acetic	vinegary
n acidulous	slightly sour (in taste or manner); sharp; caustic
acknowledge	recognize; admit
n acme	peak; pinnacle; highest point
acoustics	science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in
acquiesce	assent; agree passively; comply without protest
acquittal	deliverance from a charge; V. acquit: free from a charge or accusation; discharge from a duty; conduct (oneself) in a specified manner
n acrid	bitter (to the taste or smell); sharp; bitterly pungent 
n acrimonious	stinging; caustic; bitter in words or manner; N. acrimony: bitter ill-natured animosity in speech or behavior
acrophobia	fear of heights
actuarial	calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics
actuary	someone who advises insurance companies
n actuate	motivate; activate; cause to act
acuity	sharpness (of mind or senses of sight or hearing)
acumen	mental keenness; sharpness of judgment; ability to judge quickly and well; Ex. business acumen 
acute	(of the senses) sharp; quickly perceptive; keen; penetrating; brief and severe; Ex. acute sense of smell/analysis/pain
n adage	wise saying; proverb
s proverb	adage; someone or something well known for notoriety; ADJ. proverbial: of a proverb; widely known; ADV. proverbially
adamant	hard; inflexible
adapt	make or become suitable for a specific use; alter; modify; adjust; N. adaptation: act of adapting; composition recast into a new form; Ex. The play is an adaption of a short novel.
n addendum	addition; appendix to book; something that is added (as at the end of a speech or book)
addiction	compulsive habitual need
n addle	make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy; become rotten (egg)
address	direct a speech to; speak to; deal with or discuss; direct one's efforts or attention to; make with a destination; N: formal speech
adept	expert at; very skilled
adhere	stick fast; be a devotd follower; N. adhesion: adhering; devotion; loyality
adherent	supporter; follower
adjacent	adjoining; neighboring; close by
s adjoin be next to
s adjourn suspend until a later time; move from one place to another
adjunct	something attached to but holding an inferior position
adjuration	solemn urging; V. adjure: entreat earnestly; enjoin solemnly
n adjutant	staff officer assisting the commander; assistant
admonish	warn or speak to with gentle disapproval; reprove
s adore love deeply and respect highly 
adorn	decorate
adroit	skillful (in using mind or hand)
h 2	
adulation	flattery; admiration that is more than is necessary or deserved
adulterate	make impure or of poorer quality by adding inferior or tainted(contaminated) substances
advent	arrival
adventitious	accidental; casual; happening by chance
adversary	opponent; enemy
adverse	going against; opposing; unfavorable; hostile
adversity	great hardship or affliction; misfortune; calamitous event
n advert	refer
advocacy	support; active pleading on behalf of someone or something
advocate	speak in favor of; support (an idea or plan); urge; plead for
n aegis	shield; protection; defense
n aerie(aery,eyrie,eyry)	nest of a large bird of prey
aesthetic	artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful (of a person or building); CF. aesthete; CF. aesthetics
affable	easily approachable; easy to talk to; warmly friendly
affected	artificial; pretended
affidavit	written statement made under oath (for use as proof in a court of law)
affiliation	joining; associating with
affinity	feeling of kinship; similarity; Ex. strong affinity for her; Ex. many affinities between two languages
affirmation	positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath; V. affirm; ADJ. affirmative; CF. affirmative action: positive discrimination
affliction	state of distress; trial; cause of distress or suffering; V. afflict: inflict grievous suffering on
affluence	abundance; wealth
affront	insult; offense; intentional act of disrespect; V: insult or hurt the feelings of intentionally
n agape	openmouthed
n agenda	items of business at a meeting
n agglomeration	collection; heap; V. agglomerate: gather into a rounded mass; N. aggolmeate: jumbled mass; heap
aggrandize	make greater; increase in power, wealth, rank, or honor; N. aggrandizement
aggregate	sum; total; ADJ. V: gather into a mass or whole; accumulate; add up to; Ex. aggregate 100 dollars
aghast	filled with great surprise or fear; horrified
agility	nimbleness; ability to move quickly
agitate	stir up; disturb
agnostic	one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god or any ultimate reality
n agog	highly excited; intensely curious
agrarian	pertaining to land or its cultivation; Ex. agrarian reform
alacrity	cheerful promptness without reluctance
alchemy	medieval chemistry
n alcove	nook; recess
alias	an assumed name esp. by a criminal (usually to mislead people); ADV. alias
alienate	make unfriendly or hostile; estrange; separate; change the ownership of
alimentary	supplying nourishment
n alimony	payments made regularly to an ex-spouse after divorce
allay	calm; pacify
allege	state without proof
allegiance	loyalty
n allegory	story, play, or picture in which characters are used as symbols; fable
alleviate	relieve (pain)
alliteration	repetition of beginning sound in poetry
allocate	assign; set apart for a particular purpose
s earmark set aside (money or time) for a particular purpose
alloy	mixture as of metals; something added that lowers in value or purity; V: mix; make less pure; lower in value or quality; spoil; CF. unalloyed: not in mixture with other maetals; pure; complete; unqualified; Ex. unalloyed happiness
allude	refer indirectly; N. allusion: indirect reference
allure	entice; attract; tempt
s siren	apparatus for making sounds; womanlike creature
alluvial	pertaining to soil deposits left by running water
n aloof	apart; not open in one's relationship with other people; reserved; ADV.
n aloft	upward; high up in the air
altercation	noisy quarrel
altruistic	unselfishly generous; concerned for others; N. altiruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others; unselfishness; OP. egoism
n amalgamate	(of societies or groups) combine; unite in one body
n amalgam	combination of different things; mixture of metals (containing mercury) used for filling holes in teeth
n amass	collect (gradually, in a very large amount)
amazon	female warrior
ambidextrous	capable of using either hand with equal ease
ambience	environment; atmosphere; Ex. restraurant with a pleasant ambience; ADJ. ambient: completely surrounding; Ex. ambient temperature
ambiguous	unclear or doubtful in meaning; having more than one possible interpretation
ambivalence	the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes or opinions
amble	walking at an easy unhurried pace; V: walk slowly and aimlessly
n ambrosia	food of the gods
s nectar	drink of the gods; sweet liquid collected by bees
ambulatory	able to walk
ameliorate	improve
amenable	obedient; compliant; readily managed; responsive; willing to be led; answerable or accountable legally; responsible; able to be tested by; Ex. amenable to sensible suggestions; Ex. He is very amenable; Ex. amenable to the usual tests
amend	correct; change ; generally for the better
h 3	
amenities	convenient features that helps to make life pleasant; social courtesies
amiable	agreeable; lovable; warmly friendly
amicable	peaceful; politely friendly; not quarrelsome; Ex. amicable settlement
n amiss	wrong; faulty; Ex. something amiss; ADV.
amity	friendship; peaceful relationship as between nations
amnesia	loss of memory
amnesty	pardon (allowed by government to political criminals)
amoral	nonmoral; having no understanding of right and wrong
amorous	moved by sexual love; loving; of sexual love; Ex. amorous advances
amorphous	formless; lacking shape or definition
amphibian	able to live both on land and in water; N.
amphitheater	oval building with tiers of seats; CF. arena
n ample	enough; abundant; spacious; large in size; Ex. ample opportunity/garden; N. amplitude: quality of being ample; abundance; largeness of space
amplify	increase in size or effect; expand; broaden or clarify by expanding; intensify; make stronger; Ex. amplify one's remarks with a graph
n amputate	cut off part of body; prune (a limb)
n amok(amuck)	in a state of rage; Ex. run amok
n amulet	charm; talisman; an object worn believed to protect against evil, bad luck
anachronism	an error involving time in a story; something or someone misplaced in time; ADJ. anachronistic
n analgesic	causing insensitivity to pain; N.
s analgesia	condition of being unable to feel pain
analogous	comparable; similar
analogy	similarity; parallelism; comparing two similar things
anarchist	person who seeks to overturn the established government; advocate of abolishing authority
anarchy	absence of governing body; state of disorder
n anathema	solemn curse; someone or something regarded as a curse; V. anathematize
ancestry	family descent; ADJ. ancestral
anchor	secure or fasten firmly; be fixed in place; N. anchorage
ancillary	serving as an aid or accessory; auxiliary; N.
anecdote	short story of an amusing or interesting event
anemia	condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles; ADJ. anemic
anesthetic	substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness; N. anesthesia
anguish	acute pain; extreme suffering
angular	sharp-cornered; having an angle; not rounded (body); bony; lean; gaunt; stiff in manner
animadversion	critical remark; V. animadvert: comment critically with disapproval
animated	lively; spirited
animosity	active enmity
n animus	hostile feeling or intent; animosity; hostility; disposition
annals	records arranged in yearly parts; history
anneal	reduce brittleness and improve toughness by heating and cooling (metal or glass)
annex	attach; add to a large thing; take possession of; incorporate (territory) into a larger existing political unit (by force); N: building added to a large one
annihilate	destroy
annotate	comment; make explanatory notes
annuity	yearly allowance
annul	make void
s elope	run away secretly with the intention of getting married
n anodyne	drug that relieves pain or trouble; ÁøÅëÁ¦; opiate; ADJ. Ex. anodyne statement
anoint	consecrate; put oil on (in a religious ceremony)
anomalous	abnormal; irregular
anomaly	irregularity
anonymity	state of being nameless; anonymousness; ADJ. anonymous
antagonism	hostility; active opposition; V. antagonize: cause to become an enemy; N. antagonist: person who is opposed to another; opponent; adversary; principal character in oppostion to the protagonist
s protagonist leader or noticeable supporter of an idea; chief character in a play or story
antecede	precede
antecedents	preceding events that influence what comes later; ancestors or early background
antediluvian	antiquated; extremely ancient
n anthem	song of praise or patriotism; Ex. national anthem
n anthology	book of literary selections by various authors; CF. omnibus
anthropoid	manlike; resembling a human being; N.
anthropologist	student of the history and science of humankind
anthropomorphic	having human form or characteristics
anticlimax	letdown in thought or emotion; something unexciting, ordinary, or disappointing coming after something important or exciting
antidote	remedy to counteract a poison or disease; Ex. antidote to the economic troubles
antipathy	aversion; dislike or opposition
n antiquated	obsolete; old-fashioned; outdated
s antique made in an earlier period and usu. valuable; N: object that was made in an earlier period and that is rare or valuable
s antiquity quality of being very old; ancient times; °í´ë
antiseptic	substance that prevents infection in a wound; ADJ.
antithesis	contrast; direct opposite of or to; ADJ. antithetic or antithetical
s antler bony growth on the head of a deer
n anvil	iron block used in hammering out metals
apathy	lack of caring; indifference; lack of concern or interest in important matters; Ex. He was sunk in apathy after his failure; ADJ. apathetic
n ape	imitate or mimic (a person's behavior or manner)
n aperture	opening; hole; adjustable opening in a camera that limits the amount of light
n apex	tip; summit; climax; highest point
aphasia	loss of speech due to injury or illness
aphorism	pithy maxim or saying; ADJ. aphoristic
n apiary	a place where bees are kept
s hive	box for bees; V: cause to go in a hive
s apiculture	bee-keeping
s apiarist	person who keeps bees
n aplomb	poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance; self-confidence
s poise	good judgment with composure; balance; V: place in a carefully balanced position
apocalyptic	prophetic; pertaining to revelations especially of disaster; N. apocalypse
n apocryphal	(of a story) widely believed but untrue	
apogee	highest point; the point farthest from the earth; OP. perigee
n apolitical	having an aversion or lack of concern for political affairs
n apologist	one who writes in defense of a cause or institution; N. apologia
n apoplexy	stroke; loss of consciousness caused by too much blood in the brain
n apostate	one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs; N. apostasy
n apothecary	druggist; pharmacist
h 4	
n apothegm(apophthegm)	pithy, compact saying
n apotheosis	elevation to godhood; an ideal example of something
appall	dismay; shock deeply
apparition	ghost; phantom
appease	pacify or soothe; Ex. appease a crying baby; N. appeasement
n appellation	name; title
append	attach
n application	diligent attention; diligence; V. apply oneself
apposite	appropriate; fitting
appraise	estimate value of; N. appraisal
appreciate	be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious of; ADJ. appreciable: enough to be felt; Ex. appreciable difference
apprehend	arrest (a criminal); dread; perceive; N. apprehension
n apprehensive	fearful; discerning
apprise	inform
approbation	approval
appropriate	acquire; take possession of for one's own use without permission; set aside for a particular purpose; allocate; CF. misappropriate
n appurtenances	subordinate possessions; something added to a more important thing
n apropos	with reference to; regarding; Ex. remarks apropos (of) the present situation; ADJ. ADV.
aptitude	fitness; talent
n aquiline	curved; hooked; of or like an eagle; Ex. aquiline nose
n arable	fit for growing crops; Ex. arable land
arbiter	person with power to decide a matter in dispute; judge who is in a position ot make influential judgments; Ex. supreme arbiter of fashion in beachware
arbitrary	unreasonable or capricious; random; tyrannical; Ex. arbitrary ruler
arbitrate	act as judge (at the request of both sides)
n arboretum	place where different trees and shrubs are studied and exhibited
s arboreal	of or living in trees
arcade	a covered passageway usually lined with shops
arcane	esoteric; secret; mysterious; known only to the initiated; Ex. arcane ritual; Ex. arcane process closed to the uninitiated listener
archaeology	study of artifacts and relics of early mankind
n archaic	antiquated; no longer used; belonging to the past; N.
n archetype	prototype; primitive pattern
arch-	chief; first; Ex. archbishop
n archipelago	group of closely located islands
n archives	public records; place where public records are kept
ardor	heat; passion; zeal; ADJ. ardent
n arduous	hard; strenuous; Ex. arduous work
n argot	slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people
aria	operatic solo; a song sung by one person in an opera or oratorio
n arid	(of land) dry; barren; unproductive
aristocracy	hereditary nobility; privileged class; government by nobility; N. aristocrat
armada	fleet of warships
aromatic	fragrant; having a sweet smell; N. aroma: strong pleasant smell
arraign	charge in court; indict
n array	marshal; draw up in order; arrange in order; clothe splendidly; adorn; N: fine clothes; ordered group; Ex. in battle array
arrears	being in debt; money that should have been paid; work that should have been done
n arrhythmic	lacking rhythm or regularity; N. arrhythmia
arrogance	pride; haughtiness; ADJ. arrogant: unpleasantly self-important (with a strong confidence in one's own importance and a lack of respect for other people)
n arroyo	gully; narrow channel formed by rainwater
s artery	blood-vessel; CF. vein
articulate	effective; distinct; expressing ideas clearly; having clear sounds; having joints; Ex. articulate speech; V: express thoughts and feeling clearly; pronounce clearly; unite by joints
arsenal	storage place for military equipment
artifacts	object made by human beings, either hand-made or mass-produced
n artifice	deception; trickery
artisan	a manually skilled worker
n artless	without guile; open and honest
ascendancy	controlling influence; position of controlling influence; CF. in the ascendant
ascertain	find out for certain; make certain
ascetic	practicing self-denial; avoiding physical pleasures and comforts; austere; Ex. ascetic life of Buddhist monks; N. asceticism
ascribe	refer; attribute; assign
aseptic	preventing infection; having a cleansing effect
n ashen	ash-colored; deadly pale
n asinine	stupid; Ex. asinine remarks
n askance	with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval or distruct); Ex. look askance at
n askew	crookedly; slanted; at an angle
asperity	sharpness; roughness; severity (of temper or weather); Ex. asperities of a Russian winter
aspersion	slanderous remark; Ex. cast aspersions on
aspirant	seeker after position or status
aspire	seek to attain (position or status); long for; Ex. aspire to become president; Ex. aspire to/after the leadership
assail	assault
n assay	analyze (to discover what materials are present); evaluate (soil or ore)
assent	agree; accept; N. assessment
n assert	state strongly or positively; demand recognition of (rights, claims, etc.); make a claim to (by forceful action); Ex. assert one's independence
assiduous	diligent
assimilate	absorb; take (food) into the body and digest it; understand (knowledge) completely and be able to use properly; cause to become homogeneous (the people of a country or race in the wasy of behaving or thinking)
assuage	mak less severe; ease or lessen (pain); satisfy (hunger); soothe (anger)
assumption	something taken for granted; the taking over or taking possession of; Ex. her assumption of power; V. assume
s regent	a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child; ADJ. Ex. the Prince regent
assurance	firm statement that something is certainly true; promise or pledge; certainty; confidence in one's own ability; self-confidence; Ex. In spite of all his assurances, he did not come back; Ex. assurance of his loyalty; Ex. The teacher lacked assurance in fron of his class; V. assure; tell firmly with confidence; ensure; make (something) certain to heappen; make (someone) feel sure; give confidence to; ADJ. assured: self-assured; confident in one's own ability; showing certainty
asteroid	small planet
n astigmatism	eye defect which prevents proper focus; OP. stigmatism
h 5	
n astral	relating to the stars
astringent	binding; causing contraction (stopping bleeding); harsh or severe; stringent; Ex. astringent criticism
astronomical	enormously large or extensive
astute	wise; shrewd; keen; seeing quickly something that is to one's advantage
n asunder	into parts; apart; V. sunder
asylum	place of refuge or shelter; protection (religious or political)
asymmetric	not identical on both sides of a dividing central line
n atavism	resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; reversion to an earlier type; throwback; ADJ. atavistic
atheistic	denying the existence of God; N. atheism
atone	make amends for; pay for; Ex. atone for
atrocity	brutal deed; ADJ. atrocious
atrophy	wasting away; V: weaken and lose flesh and muscle (through lack of blood or lack of use)
attentive	alert and watchful; listening carefully; paying attention; considerate; thoughtful; politely helpful; Ex. attentive audience; Ex. He was attentive to the old lady; N. attentions: act of courtesy and consideration
attenuate	make thin; weaken
attest	testify; bear witness
attribute	essential quality; V: ascribe; explain
attrition	rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; reduction in the work force without firing employees; wearing away of opposition by means of harassment; Ex. a war of attrition
n atypical	not normal; not typical
audacious	daring; bold; N. audacity
audit	examination of accounts of a business; official examination; V.
augment	increase; add to
n augury	omen; prophecy; sign of coming events; V. augur: predict; foretell; be a sign of (something in future)
august	impressive; majestic
n aureole	sun's corona; halo; bright circle of light
n auroral	pertaining to the aurora borealis; CF. aurora australis
auspicious	favoring success; giving signs of future success; Cf. auspices
austere	forbiddingly stern; ascetic; without comfort or enjoyment; severely simple and unornamented; Ex. a monk's austere life; Ex. austere grandeur of the cathedral; N. austerity
authenticate	prove genuine
authoritarian	subordinating the individual to the state; completely dominating another's will; Ex. authoritarian regime/father
authoritative	having the weight of authority; regarded as providing knowledge that can be trusted; reliable; peremptory and dictatorial; Ex. authoritative dictionary/manner; CF. definitive
autocratic	having absolute unchecked power; dictatorial; N. autocrat, autocracy
automaton	mechanism that imitates actions of humans; machine that works by itself
autonomous	self-governing; N. autonomy
autopsy	examination of a dead body; postmortem; V.
auxiliary	offering or providing help; additional or subsidiary; N: helper; assistant
avalanche	great mass of falling snow and ice
avarice	greediness for wealth
avenge	take vengence for something or on behalf of someone; Ex. They avenged his death by burning the village; Ex. He swore to avenge his brother; Ex. They avenged themselves on their enemy.
aver	state confidently; declare as true
averse	reluctant; disinclined; not liking or opposed; Ex. averse to cats/doing the house work
aversion	firm dislike
avert	prevent; avoid; turn away (eyes or thought); Ex. An accident was averted by his quick thinking; Ex. She averted her eyes from the terrible sight.
aviary	enclosure for birds; large cage
n avid	greedy; extremely eager for; Ex. avid learner; N. avidity
avocation	secondary or minor occupation
avow	declare openly; N. avowal
avuncular	of or like an uncle
awe	solemn wonder; feeling of respect mixed with wonder and fear; V: fill with awe; ADJ. awesome
s awful	terrible; very bad
n awl	pointed tool used for piercing
n awry	distorted; crooked; bent; Ex. Our plans have gone awry.
axiom	self-evident truth requiring no proof
n azure	sky blue
n babble	chatter idly or foolishly; make continuous sounds like water running gently over rounded stone; N.
n bacchanalian	drunken
s bacchanal	noisy party with a lot of drinking
s Bacchanalia	the ancient Roman festival in honor of Bacchus
n badger	pester; annoy continually with demands; persuade by asking again and again; Ex. The children badgered me into taking them into the cinema; N: a kind of mountain animal
n badinage	teasing conversation; banter; joking talk
baffle	frustrate; perplex
n bait	harass; tease; torment; Ex. badger baiting; N: food or other lure used to catch fish or trap animals
n baleful	evil; malignant in intent or effect; deadly; having a malign influence; portending evil; ominous; threatening; Ex. baleful look
n balk	stop short, as if faced with an obstacle, and refuse to continue; foil; stop or get in the way of; frustrate
n ballast	heavy substance used to add stability or weight; V. supply with ballast
n balm	something that relieves pain; oily liquid with a pleasant smell from trees
s pang	sudden sharp feeling of pain
n balmy	soft and mild (of air); fragrant
banal	hackneyed; commonplace; trite; lacking originality; clich\'ed
n bandy	discuss lightly or glibly; discuss in a frivolous manner; exchange (words) heatedly; quarrel; Ex. bandy words with
bane	posion; cause of ruin; ADJ. baneful: harmful; poisonous
bantering	joking talk; good-naturedly ridiculing; N.V. banter
barb	sharp projection from fishhook, arrow, or other object; openly cutting remark
h 6	
n bard	poet
n barefaced	shameless and noticeable; blatant; bold; unconcealed; having no covering on the face; Ex. barefaced lie
s unregenerate	making no attempt to change one's bad practices
n baroque	highly ornate
barrage	barrier laid down by artillery fire; overwhelming profusion; large number of questions or statements; Ex. a barrage of criticism
barrister	counselor-at-law or lawyer in the higher court of law; CF. bar
s solicitor	lawyer in the lower court of law
barterer	trader; V. barter: trade; exchange good for other goods rather than money
n bask	luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth
s luxuriate	take pleasure in great comfort
n bastion	stronghold; something seen as a source of protection; Ex. the last bastion of male chauvinism
n bate	let down; lessen the force of; moderate; restrain; Ex. with bated breath; CF. abate
n bauble	trinket; cheap jewel; trifle
n bawdy	indecent; obscene; about sex in a rude funny way; CF. bawd
n beatific	giving or showing bliss; blissful
s bliss	complete happiness; ADJ. blissful
n beatitude	blessedness; state of great happiness
s mystic	of hidden meaning and spiritual power; Ex. mystic ceremonies; N. CF. mysticism
n bedizen	dress with vulgar finery
s finery	beautiful clothes for a special occasion
n bedraggle	wet thoroughly; ADJ. bedraggled: draggled
n beeline	direct quick route
n befuddle	confuse thoroughly
s fuddle	make stupid or confused as with alcholic drink; N. in a fuddle: confused
beget	father; become the father of; produce; give rise to
n begrudge	envy; give or allow unwillingly; grudge; Ex. We shouldn't begrudge him his success.
s grudge	deep feeling of dislike; Ex. grudge fight; V.
n beguile	deceive; mislead or delude; cheat; pass time pleasantly; charm or attract; Ex. beguiling smile
n behemoth	huge creature; something of monstrous size or power
n beholden	obligated; indebted; owing thanks; obliged or indebted from gratitude
n behoove(behove)	be suited to; be incumbent upon; be right and necessary; Ex. It behooves one to do.
n belabor	harp on; dwell on tediously; explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; assail verbally; beat severely; attack physically
n belated	delayed
n beleaguer	besiege or attack (with an army); harass; beset
n belie	contradict; give a false impression; disguise; Ex. The poor sales belied our high hopes; Ex. Her smile belies her true feeling of displeasure.
belittle	disparage; depreciate
bellicose	warlike
belligerent	quarrelsome
n bemoan	lament; moan for; express sorrow or disapproval of
n bemused	confused; lost in thought; preoccupied
benediction	blessing
benefactor	gift giver; patron; person who does good or who gives money for a good purpose
beneficent	kindly; doing good
beneficial	helpful; useful; advantageous
beneficiary	person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will
n benefit	advantage; anything that brings helpl, advantage, or profit;  money provided by the government to the people; fund-raising public entertainment; Ex. unemployment benefit; V: receive benefits; be beneficial to; give benefits
benevolent	generous; charitable; having a wish to do good
benign	kindly; favorable; not malignant (disease); Ex. benign tumor
benison	blessing
bent	determined; Ex. bent on advancing in the business; N: natural talent or inclination
bequeath	leave to someone by means of a will; hand down in his will; N. bequest
n berate	scold strongly
n bereavement	state of being deprived of something valuable or beloved; state of being bereaved or bereft
n bereaved	deprived of (someone beloved through death)
n bereft	deprived of (something valuable); lacking
n berserk	mad with violent anger; frenzied; madly excited
beseech	beg; plead with
n beset	harass or trouble from all directions; hem in
s hem	surround tightly so that movement is impossible; Ex. hem in; N.
besiege	surround with armed forces; harass (with requests); annoy continually
n besmirch	soil; defile; make dirty
n bestial	beastlike; brutal; inhuman; very cruel
bestow	confer
n betoken	signify; indicate; be a sign of
s token	outward sign; Ex. a token of our gratitude
n betray	be unfaithful; reveal (unconsciously or unwillingly); Ex. Her trembling hands betray her anxiety.
n betroth	become engaged to marry
n bevy	large group; Ex. a bevy of starlets
bicameral	two-chambered as a legislative body
bicker	quarrel
biennial	every two years
n bifurcated	divided into two branches; forked
n bigotry	stubborn intolerance
s bigot	one who is intolerant (in matters of religion or politics)
s intolerant	not willing to accept ways of thinking different from one's own; CF. tolerant; CF. tolerate
n bilious	suffering from indigestion; sick from having too much bile; irritable; easily irritated
n bilk	swindle; cheat
n billowing	swelling out in waves; surging
s billow	large wave of water; a great swell or surge (of smoke); V: surge, swell, roll in billows
s swell	long wave of water that moves continuously without breaking; V.
s surge	powerful movement of or like a wave; V.
n bivouac	temporary encampment; camp without tents; V.
bizarre	fantastic; violently contrasting; noticeably odd; strikingly unconventional
n blanch	bleach; whiten; make white or pale
n bland	soothing or mild (food); agreeable; causing no trouble or offence
n blandishment	flattery
n blare	loud or harsh roar or screech; dazzling blaze of light
s screech	unpleasant high sharp sound; shriek; V.
s dazzle	make blind with a sudden intense light; amaze; fill with wonder
n blas\'e	bored with pleasure or dissipation; uninterested or bored
n blasphemy	irreverence; sacrilege; cursing; bad language about God or holy things; V. blasphem; ADJ. blasphemous; CF. sacrilege
n blatant	extremely (offensively) obvious; loudly offensive; Ex. blatant lie; N. blatancy
n bleak	cold or cheerless; frigid; unlikely to be favorable; depressing
n blighted	suffering from a disease; destroyed
s blight	plant disease; V: infect with blight; ruin; destroy
n blithe(blithesome)	gay; joyous
n bloated	(unpleasantly) swollen or puffed as with water or air
n blowhard	talkative boaster; braggart
n bludgeon	club; heavy-headed weapon; V.
n bluff	pretense (of strength); deception; high cliff; ADJ: rough but good-natured
h 7	
blunder	error; stupid mistake
n blurt	utter impulsively from nervousness or excitement
n bluster	blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily; bully; speak in a noisy or bullying manner; CF. breeze, gust, gale
s bully	one who is habitually cruel to weaker people; V.
bode	foreshadow; portend
bogus	counterfeit; not authentic; intentionally false; Ex. bogus interview
n bohemian	unconventional (in an artistic way)
boisterous	violent; rough; noisy
n bolster	support; reinforce
n bolt	door bar; fastening pin or screw; length of fabric; large roll of cloth; V: dash or dart off; fasten (a	door); gobble down
s dart	move or throw suddenly and quickly
s gobble	eat very quickly
n bombardment	attack (as with missiles or bombs); V. bombard
n bombastic	pompous; using inflated language
s bombast	grandiloquent, pompous speech
n boon	blessing; benefit; something very helpful
n boorish	rude; insensitive
s boor	rude, insensitive person
n bouillon	clear beef (or meat) soup
n bountiful	generous; graciously generous; showing bounty
s gracious	kind in a generous way (to someone less important)
bourgeois	middle class; selfishly materialistic; too interested in material possessions
bovine	cowlike; placid and dull; slow-thinking; calm
n bowdlerize	expurgate; CF. Thomas Bowdler
n brackish	somewhat saline
n braggadocio	boasting
s brag	boast
n braggart	boaster; bragger
n brandish	wave around (a weapon); flourish
n bravado	swagger; assumed air of defiance; false show of bravery
s swagger	walk or behave with an over-confident manner
n brawn	human muscle; muscular strength; sturdiness
s brawny	muscular; having well-developed muscles
s sturdy	strong and firm (in the body)
n brazen	insolent; without shame; bold; Ex. brazen lie; V: face with bold self-assurance or with unshamed confidence
s brawl	noisy quarrel
n breach	breaking of contract or duty; fissure or gap; opening; V.
breadth	width; extent
brevity	conciseness; shortness of duration
n brindled	tawny or grayish with streaks or spots (of animals)
s tawny	brownish yellow
n bristling	rising like bristles; showing irritation
s bristle	short stiff hair; V: (hair or fur) stand up stiffly
n brittle	hard but easily broken; difficult; unstable; Ex. brittle situation
n broach	introduce as a subject; moot; open up
n brocade	rich, figured(patterned) fabric
brochure	pamphlet
n brooch	ornamental clasp; pin
s clasp	hold firmly within arms
n brook	tolerate; endure; Ex. brook no interference; N: small stream
n browbeat	bully; intimidate
n browse	graze; feed on growing grass; skim or glance at casually
s graze	(of an animal) feed on growing grass; cause (an animal) to feed on grass; scrape (esp. the skin) or touch lightly in passing; brush; Ex. We can't graze the cattle till summer; N: surface wound 
s skim	read or glance through quickly; touch lightly in passing; brush; remove from the surface of a liquid
n brunt	main impact or shock (of an attack or blow); Ex. brunt of the argument
n brusque	blunt; abrupt; curt; not wanting to waste time being nice
n buccaneer	pirate
n bucolic	rustic; pastoral
n buffet	strike forcefully; slap; batter; knock out; N: table with food set out for people to server themselves; meal at which people help themselves to food that's been set
s slap	hit quickly with the flat part of the hand; N. CF. smack
n buffoonery	clowning
s buffoon	stupid person; clown
s clown	act stupidly; play the fool; N.
n bugaboo	bugbear; object of baseless terror
n bullion	gold and silver in the form of bars
n bulwark	strong wall built for defense; earthwork or other strong defense; person who defends
n bungle	mismanage; blunder; botch; blow; spoil by clumsy behavior
s botch	mismanage; blow
buoyant	able to float; cheerful and optimistic; N. buoyancy; Ex. buoyancy of wood/water/American market
bureaucracy	overregulated administrative system marked by red tape; ADJ. bureaucratic
n burgeon	grow rapidly; grow forth; send out buds; Ex. burgeoning computer industry; CF. bludgeon
n burlesque	give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly
n burnish	make shiny by rubbing; polish
n buttress	support; prop up; N. stationary structure to support wall; Ex. flying buttress
s prop	support placed under or against something; V.
n buxom	full-bosomed; plump; jolly
s plump	pleasantly fat; nicely rounded
n cabal	small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests
cache	hiding place; V.
cacophonous	discordant; inharmonious; N. cacophony: unpleasant mixture of loud sounds
cadaver	corpse; dead human body
cadaverous	like a corpse; pale
n cadence	rhythmic rise and fall (of words or sounds); beat; regular beat of sound; rhythm
n cajole	persuade by praise or false promise; coax; wheedle
s coax	persuade by flattery
calamity	disaster; misery
calculated	deliberately planned; likely
n caldron(cauldron)	large kettle
n caliber	ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a round cylinder; Ex. work of very high caliber
calligraphy	beautiful writing; excellent penmanship
n callous	hardened; unfeeling; without sympathy for the sufferings of others; unkind
s callus	area of thick hard skin
n callow	youthful; immature; inexperienced
n calorific	heat-producing; N. calorie
calumny	malicious misrepresentation; slander
n camaraderie	good-fellowship; CF. comrade
n cameo	shell or jewel carved in relief; star's special appearance in a minor role in a film
n canard	unfounded false rumor; exaggerated false report
n candor	frankness; open honesty; ADJ. candid
n canine	related to dogs; doglike
n canker	any ulcerous sore; ulcer; any evil; CF. cancer
s ulcer	sore place appearing on the skin inside or outside the body; Ex. stomach ulcer; ADJ. ulcerous; V. ulcerate
n canny	shrewd in money matters; thrifty
n cant	insincere speech or expression of piety; jargon of thieves; special words used by a particular group of people
cantankerous	ill-humored; irritable
n cantata	story set to music to be sung by a chorus (shorter than an oratorio)
n canter	slow gallop; V. CF. trot
h 8	
n canto	division of a long poem
n canvass	determine or seek opinions, votes, etc.; go through (a region) to solicit votes or orders; conduct a survey; N.
capacious	spacious
n capacity	mental or physical ability; role; position or duty; ability to accommodate; Ex. in my capacity as president
n capillary	having a very fine bore; resembling a hair; fine and slender; Ex. capillary attraction; N: very fine hairlike tube; CF. capillarity
n capitulate	surrender; give up all resistance
caprice	whim; sudden change of mind without any real cause
capricious	unpredictable; fickle
caption	title; chapter heading; text under illustration
n captious	faultfinding; too critical
n carafe	glass water bottle; decanter
n carapace	shell covering the back (of a turtle, tortoise, crab, etc.)
n carat(karat)	unit of weight for precious stones; measure of the purity of gold
n carcinogenic	causing cancer; N. carcinogen
n cardinal	chief; most important; N: priest; cardinal number: number that shows quantity rather thatn order
cardiologist	doctor specializing in ailments of the heart
n careen	lurch; sway from side to side; move with irregular swinging movement; stagger
s career	rush wildly; go at full speed
s sway	swing from side to side; influence (someone) to change one's opinion; N.
caricature	distortion; burlesque
carillon	a set of bells (often in a tower) capable of being played
carnage	destruction of life; slaughter; killing of large numbers of people or animals
carnal	fleshly; sensual; concerning the desires of the body
carnivorous	meat-eating; N. carnivore; CF. herbivore
n carousal	drunken revel; V. carouse
n carping	petty criticism; fault-finding; fretful complaining; quibble
n carrion	rotting flesh of a dead body; CF. vulture
n cartographer	map-maker
cascade	small waterfall
n caste	one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society; social stratification; prestige
castigation	punishment; severe criticism or disapproval
casualty	serious or fatal accident; person killed or wounded in an accident or battle
s casual	happening by chance; irregular; occasional; informal; showing or feeling little interest; Ex. casual reader/labor/remark
n cataclysm	deluge; upheaval; earthquake; violent and sudden event or change
n catalyst	agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged; CF. catalysis
catapult	slingshot; hurling machine; V: fire from catapult
s hurl	throw forcefully; shout out violently
n cataract	great waterfall; eye abnormality (causing a gradual loss of eyesight)
catastrophe	calamity ; disaster
n catcall	shout of disapproval or displeasure (made at the theater or a sports match); boo; V.
n catechism	book for religious instruction in question-and-answer form; religious instruction by question and answer; V. catechize
categorical	without exceptions; made without any doubt in mind; unqualified; absolute
s qualify	reach a necessary standard; limit the meaning of something stated
catharsis	purging or cleansing of any passage of the body; purging and weakening of strong emotions as a result of experiencing a dramatic work of art
cathartic	purgative; medicine that causes the bowels to empty; ADJ.
n catholic	(of likings and interests) universal; general; broad; including many different parts; wide-ranging liberal; Ex. catholic opinions/tastes
n caucus	private meeting of a group of people in a political party to select officers or determine policy; CF. the Caucus club of Boston
n caulk(calk)	make watertight (by blocking up cracks as in a ship)
causal	implying a cause-and-effect relationship; N. causality
caustic	burning; corrosive; able to burn by chemical action; sarcastically biting; (of remarks) intended to hurt; bitter; harmful; OP. harmless
n cauterize	burn (a wound or snakebite, etc.) with hot iron or caustic substance to stop bleeding and prevent infection
n cavalcade	procession of riders or horse-drawn carriages; parade; CF. cavalry
n cavalier	casual and offhand; arrogant; N: knight
n cavil	quibble; make frivolous objections; find fault unnecessarily
n cede	yield (title or territory) to (esp. after losing a war); surrender formally; N. cession
celerity	speed; rapidity
celestial	heavenly
s hereafter	life after death
s afterlife	life after death; later part of one's life
n celibate	abstaining from sexual intercourse; unmarried; N. celibacy
censor	(in ancient Rome) overseer of morals (also taking the census); person who eliminates inappropriate matter; V.
n censorious	severely critical
censure	blame; criticize; express strong disapproval; N: severe criticism; strong disapproval
centaur	mythical figure, half man and half horse
centigrade	denoting a widely used temperature scale (basically same as Celsius)
centrifugal	radiating; departing from the center
centrifuge	machine that separates substances by whirling them
centripetal	tending toward the center
centurion	Roman army officer (commanding a company of about 100 soldiers)
cerebral	pertaining to the brain or intellect; intellectual rather than emotional; CF. cerebrum
cerebration	thought; working of the brain
n ceremonious	marked by formality; extremely formal and polite; CF. ceremony: conventional social courtesy
s unceremonious	not done politely without due formalities
n certitude	certainty
cessation	stoppage
n cession	yielding to another; ceding
n chafe	warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing; N.
n chaff	worthless products of an endeavor; husk(outer seed cover) separated from grain; Ex. separate the wheat from the chaff
n chaffing	bantering; joking
n chagrin	annoyance and disappointment; vexation (caused by humiliation or injured pride)
n chalice	goblet; consecrated cup
chameleon	lizard that changes color in different situations
h 9	
champion	support militantly; fight for; N: person who fights for or supports strongly (a principle, movement, person, etc.)
s championship	position of champion; defense or support; competition held to determine a champion
chaotic	in utter disorder
charisma	divine gift; great popular charm or appeal; magnetism
n charlatan	quack; pretender to knowledge (esp. in medicine)
n chary	cautious; unwilling to take risks; sparing or restrained about giving; OP. bold
n chase	ornament a metal surface by indenting; follow rapidly to catch
chasm	abyss; very deep crack
n chassis	framework and working parts of an automobile; framework to which components are attached
chaste	morally pure; virginal; abstaining from illicit sexual acts; modest; simple (of a style of writing); not highly decorated; austere
n chasten	discipline; punish in order to correct; CF. castigate
n chastise	punish as by beating; criticize severely
chauvinist	blindly devoted patriot; zealous adherent of a group, cause, or sex; ADJ. chauvinistic; CF. chauvinism; Nicolas Chauvin
check	stop motion; curb or restrain
n checkered(chequered)	marked by great changes in fortune; with many changes of fortuene; CF. checked: having a pattern of squares
n cherubic	angelic; innocent-looking; N. cherub; CF. seraph: winged angel of the highest order
n chicanery	trickery; deception
n chide	scold; rebuke (someone who has done wrong)
n chimerical	fantastically improbable; highly unrealistic; N. chimera: unreal fancy; fire-breathing female creature
n chisel	swindle or cheat; N: wedgelike tool for cutting
s chip	lose a small piece from the surface or edge; N: small piece broken off something; CF. French fry; Potato chip/crisp
chivalrous	courteous; faithful; brave; N. chivalry
n choleric	hot-tempered; bad-tempered; irritable; easily angered; CF. cholera
n choreography	art of representing dances in written symbols; arrangement of dances
s chore	daily domestic task (such as cleaning, cooking, and shopping); unpleasant task
n chortle	chuckle with delight; N.
s chuckle	laugh quietly
chronic	long established as a disease
chronicle	report; record (in chronological order)
n churlish	boorish; rude; N. churl: boor; yahoo
n ciliated	having minute hairs; CF. cilium; CF. cilia: eyelash
cipher	nonentity; worthless person or thing; zero; secret code; V.
circlet	small ring; band of gold, silver, jewel, etc. (worn on the head, arms, or neck as decoration)
circuitous	roundabout
s circuit	closed circular line around an area; circumference; regularly repeated journey from place to place
circumlocution	indirect or roundabout expression (by using an uncecessarily large number of words esp. when trying to avoid answering a difficult question directly)
circumscribe	limit; confine; draw a line around
n circumspect	prudent; cautious; acting after careful thought
circumvent	outwit; defeat by behaving more cleverly; outsmart; baffle; avoid; get around
n cistern	reservoir or water tank
citadel	fortress
cite	quote; commend; Ex. cited for bravery in an official record
civil	having to do with citizens; not military or religious; courteous and polite; Ex. married in a civil ceremony; Ex. civil strife/disorder/law; N. civility; CF. civic
clairvoyant	having foresight; fortuneteller; N. clairvoyance
s hindsight	understanding the nature of an event after it has actually happened
n clamber	climb by crawling with difficulties; scramble
clamor	loud continous noise; continuous demand or complaint made by a large number of people; V: make a clamor; express (a demand) continually and loudly; ADJ. clamorous
clandestine	secret
s chaperon	older person who accompanies and supervises a young unmarried woman
n clangor	loud resounding noise; sound of repeated clanging
n clapper	striker (tongue) of a bell
s clap	strike the palms of the hands together with a sudden explosive sound; come together suddenly with a sharp sound; put or send promptly; Ex. clap the thief in jail; N: clapping; loud or explosive sound; CF. applause
n clarion	shrill, trumpetlike sound; kind of trumpet used in former times
claustrophobia	fear of being locked in
n clavicle	collarbone
s scrimmage	disorderly fight between two or more people
cleave	split or sever; cling to; remain faithful to; N. cleavage; ADJ. cloven
n cleft	N: split
n clemency	disposition to be lenient in deciding punishments; mildness as of the weather; ADJ. clement
clich\'e	phrase dulled in meaning by repetition; platitude; ADJ. clich\'ed
s bromide	platitude; chemical compound used to calm excitement
n clientele	body of customers
climactic	relating to the highest point; N. climax; CF. climatic
n clime	climate
n clique	small exclusive group of people
cloister	monastery or convent
n clout	great influence (especially political or social); hard blow with fist
cloying	distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental; V. cloy: become unpleasant through too much sweetness or excess
n coagulate	congeal; thicken; clot; N. coagulant
s clot	half-solid lump formed from a liquid (or blood); V.
s pudding	hot sweet dish
coalesce	combine; fuse; N. coalescence
coalition	partnership; league; union of separate political parties
n coda	concluding section of a musical or literary composition
n coddle	treat gently; indulge excessively; pamper; mollycoddle; baby; cook in water just below boiling point; Ex. coddled eggs
n codicil	supplement to the body of a will; later addition to a will
codify	arrange (laws or rules) as a code; classify; N. code: system of words used instead of ordinary writing; collection of laws, rules, established social customs
coercion	use of force to get someone to object; compelling; V. coerce
n coeval	living at the same time as; existing during the same period of time; contemporary; of the same age
n cog	tooth projecting from a wheel
cogent	convincing
cogitate	think over; ponder
cognate	having a common origin; related linguistically; allied by blood; similar or akin in nature; Ex. cognate languages; N.
cognitive	having to do with knowing or perceiving related to the mental processes; N. cognition: the mental process of knowing
cognizance	knowledge; ADJ. cognizant; having knowledge; aware
n cohabit	live together
cohere	stick together
cohesion	tendency to keep together
n cohorts	group of people who share some common quality; armed band; a group of between 300 and 600 soldiers under one commander (in the ancient Rome)
n coiffure	hairstyle
coin	make coins; invent or fabricate (a word or phrase); N. coinage: word or phrase recently invented
coincidence	the chance occurrence, at the same time, of two or more seemingly connected events; V. coincide: happen at the same time; be in agreement; CF. coincident; CF. coincidental
n colander	utensil with perforated bottom used for straining
h 10	
collaborate	work together; cooperate treasonably with the enemy
n collage	work of art put together from fragments
s scrap	small bit or fragment; discarded waste material; fight; Ex. a scrap of paper/cloth; V: break into parts for disposal; discard as worthless; fight; quarrel
s scraps	leftover food
s scrappy	quarrelsome
collate	examine and compare in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order (the sheets of a book before they are bound)
collateral	security given for loan; ADJ: secondary; descended from the same person but through different sons or daughters
n collation	a light meal; collating
colloquial	pertaining to conversational or common speech; informal; N. colloquialism: colloquial expression
colloquy	informal discussion; conversation
collusion	conspiring in a fraudulent scheme to cheat or deceive others; V. collude
colossal	huge
colossus	gigantic statue; person or thing of great size or importance
n comatose	in a coma; extremely sleepy
s coma	deep prolonged unconsciousness caused by disease, poison, or a severe blow
combustible	easily burned; N. CF. combustion
comely	attractive; agreeable; having a pleasing appearance
s homely	not good-looking; unattractive
comestible	something fit to be eaten
n comeuppance	deserts; well-deserved punishment or misfortune; rebuke 
s deserts	what someone deserves
n comity	courtesy; civility; Ex. comity of nations
commandeer	take (private property) for military use without needing permission or giving payment; draft for military purposes
s draft	first rough form; conscription; draught; V: make a draft of; conscript
s draught	current of air (through a room or to a fire); act of pulling roads; act of swallowing liquid or amount of liquid swallowed at a time
n commemorative	remembering; honoring the memory of; Ex. commemorative stamp
s commemorate	honor the memory of; serve as a memorial to; Ex. commemorate the 100th anniversary/those who died in the war
commensurate	equal in extent; of the same size
commiserate	feel or express pity or sympathy for
commodious	spacious and comfortable
n communal	held in common; public; of a group of people; of a commune
s commune	small (often rural) community whose members share work and income; V: exchange thoughts or feelings; Ex. commune with nature
compact	agreement; contract; ADJ: tightly packed; firm; brief; concise; Ex. compact statement
compatible	harmonious; in harmony with; able to exist together
compelling	overpowering; irresistible in effect; holding one's attention; that compels one to do something; Ex. a compelling adventure story; V. compel
s compulsion	compelling; strong desire that is difficult to control; irresistible impulse
s compulsory	obligatory; that must be done
s compulsive	resulting from compulsion
compendium	brief, comprehensive summary; ADJ. compendious
compensatory	making up for; repaying
compilation	listing of information in tabular or book form; compiling
compile	assemble; gather; accumulate; make (a report or a book) from facts and information found in various places; Ex. compile a dictionary
complacency	self-satisfaction; smugness; ADJ. complacent
s smug	self-satisfied; complacent
complaisant	trying to please; obliging; willing to please others
complement	complete; consummate; make perfect; N.
complementary	serving to complete something
compliance	conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield; disposition to yield to others; V. comply
compliant	readily acting in accordance with a rule, order, or the wishes or others; yielding; comforming to requirements
complicity	participation; involvement (in a questionable act or a crime)
component	element; ingredient
n comport	bear one's self; behave; Ex. comport oneself; N. comportment
s deport	send out of the country; behave; N. deportation, deportment
s bearing	deportment; connection
composure	mental calmness
compound	combine; produce by combining; increase; make worse by adding to or increasing; exacerbate; Ex. compound an error; ADJ: consisting of two or more parts; N: combination of two or more parts; area enclosed by a wall containing a group of buildings; Ex. factory compound; CF. complex
comprehensive	broad; including a lot or everything; thorough; inclusive
s comprehend include; understand
compress	force into less space; squeeze; contract; put into fewer words; N: thick mass of cloth pressed to part of the body to stop bleeding or swelling, reduce fever, etc.
comprise	include; consist of
n compromise	adjust or settle by making mutual concessions; endanger the interests or reputation of; put into danger, disrepute, or a dishonorable position; Ex. compromise one's principle; N.
compunction	remorse; strong uneasiness caused by guilt
compute	reckon; calculate
s reckon	count; calculate; regard as; think; suppose
concatenate	link as in a chain
concave	hollow; curved inwards; OP. convex
concede	admit; acknowledge as being true (often reluctantly); yield; grant; Ex. concede a goal
conceit	vanity or self-love; too high opinion of one's own value; extravagant metaphor (in poetry)
s vain	full of self-admiration; conceited; without result; unsuccessful; N. vanity
concentric	having a common center
conception	beginning; forming of an idea; fertilization; V. conceive: form an idea in the mind; devise; become pregnant; CF. inception
n concerted	mutually agreed on; done together by agreement; Ex. concerted effort; CF. in concert: working together
concession	an act of yielding; conceding; something conceded; point, right, etc. given unwillingly; privilege of maintaining a business in a certain place; Ex. oil concessions in the North sea; CF. concessionaire
conciliatory	reconciling; soothing; V. conciliate: reconcile; soothe; win the friendly feelings (by removing anger)
concise	brief and compact
n conclave	private secret meeting
conclusive	decisive; ending all debate
concoct	prepare by mixing or combining; make up in concert; devise (something false) so as to deceive; Ex. concoct an elaborate excuse for being late; N. concoction
concomitant	that which accompanies; Ex. Deafnes is a frequent concommitant of old age; ADJ: existing or happening together with something else
concord	harmony; accord
s concordat	formal agreement
concur	agree; coincide; happen at the same time
concurrent	happening at the same time; in agreement
condescend	(derog.) bestow courtesies with a superior air; descend to the level of one considered inferior
condign	adequate; (of punishment) severe and well deserved
condiments	seasonings; spices
condole	express condolences; N. condolence: sympathy for someone who has experienced great sorrow
condone	overlook; forgive; give tacit approval; excuse
conducive	helpful; contributive; V. conduce; Ex. conduce to/towards
conduit	aqueduct; passageway for fluids
n confidant(confidante)	trusted friend (to whom one tells one's secret)
s confide	tell in confidence (to a person one trusts); be confident about
s confidence	self-assurance; calm unworried feeling based on a strong belief in one's abilities; strong belief in the ability of a person or plan; trust or faith in a person or thing; something confided; secret; Ex. confidence in your ability; Ex. I'm telling you this in confidence; Ex. exchange confidences about their boyfriends; ADJ. confident
s confidential	spoken or written in secret; trusted with private matters; Ex. confidential secretary
confine	shut in an enclosed space; restrict; keep within limits; N. confinement
confiscate	seize; take possession of (private property) by official order (usu. as a punishment); commandeer
conflagration	great fire
confluence	flowing together; the place where two rivers flow together; crowd; gathering together
conformity	harmony; agreement with established rules or customs; similarity; Ex. behave in conformity with; V. conform: be similar; act in agreement; comply; Ex. conform to the rule; CF. conformance
s conformist person who uncritically conforms to the customs of a group; OP. nonconformist: one who does not conform to accepted beliefs of norms
n confound	confuse; puzzle
congeal	freeze; coagulate
congenial	pleasant; friendly; in agreement with one's tastes and nature; Ex. congenial weather
congenital	existing at birth
h 11	
conglomeration	mass of material sticking together
s conglomerate	corporation made up of several different companies in diversified fields; mass of various material gathered together; rock consisting of small stones held together by clay; V.
congruence	correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship; CF. congruity
congruent	in agreement; harmonious; corresponding; coinciding exactly; CF. congruous
n conifer	pine tree (usu. evergreen); cone-bearing tree; ADJ. coniferous; CF. deciduous; CF. evergreen
conjecture	surmise; guess; V.
conjugal	pertaining to marriage
conjure	cause to appear by magic; summon (a devil or a spirit) by magical power; practice magic (esp. by very quick movement of the hands); evoke; conjure up: bring into the mind; Ex. The magician conjured a rabbit out of his hat.
connivance	pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend; V. connive: feign ignorance (of a wrong); cooperate secretly in an illegal action; conspire
connoisseur	person competent to act as a judge of art, etc. (whose judgments are respected); a lover of an art
connotation	suggested or implied meaning of an expression; V. connote
connubial	pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state
s matrimony	state of being married
s patrimony	property inherited from a father
consanguinity	kinship; relationship by birth
s consanguineous(consanguine)	having a common ancestor
conscientious	scrupulous; through and careful; Ex. conscientious worker
conscript	draftee; person forced into military service; V.
consecrate	dedicate; sanctify; declare as sacred; Ex. consecrate one's life to helping the poor
consensus	general agreement; opinion reached by a group
consequential	self-important; significant; consequent; following as a result; Ex. consequential air; CF. subsequent
conservatory(conservatoire)	school of the fine arts (especially music or drama); glass-enclosed area; CF. conservancy
consign	send to a person or place for sale; deliver officially; entrust; put into the care of another; set apart (for a special purpose); N. consignment; CF. consignor, consignee
consistency	absence of contradictions; uniformity; degree of thickness or firmness; Ex. consistency of thick cream; CF. viscous
console	lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort; allay the sorrow of; N. consolation
consolidation	unification; process of becoming firmer or stronger; V. consolidate: merge; strengthen
consonance	harmony; agreement
s consonant	harmonious; in agreement; N.
consort	associate with; keep company; N: husband or wife (or a ruler)
conspiracy	treacherous plot; secret plan against the law (by two or more people)
s conspire	take part in a conspiracy; (of events) work together; combine; Ex. Events conspired to produce great difficulties.
s consternation	great shock; dismay
constituent	supporter; voter; member of a constituency; component
s constituency	voters represented by an elected official; district so represented; group of supporters (or constituents)
s constitution	constituting; system of laws; composition of something; physical makeup or structure of a person; Ex. men with strong constitutions
constraint	restraint; compulsion; repression of feelings; reticence; V. constrain: hold back; restrain; compel; oblige; confine forcibly; imprison
construe	explain; interpret; Ex. construe her silence as meaning that she agreed; CF. misconstrue
consummate	complete; V.
contagion	infection (by contact); ADJ. contagious; CF. infectious: that can be passed by infection in the air
s drastic	strong; violent and severe; Ex. drastic changes/measures
contaminate	pollute
contempt	scorn; disdain; ADJ. contemptuous; CF. contemptible
contend	struggle; compete; assert earnestly; state strongly
contention	assertion; claim; thesis; struggling; competition
s thesis	opinion put forward and supported by reasoned arguments
s boost	lift by pushing up from below; increase; raise; N: push upward; increase
contentious	quarrelsome; controversial; likely to cause arguments
contest	dispute; argue about the rightness of; compete for; try to win; Ex. contest the election results; Ex. contest a seat in Parliament; N.
context	writings preceding and following the passage quoted; circumstance in which an event occurs
contiguous	adjacent to; touching upon
n continence	self-restraint; sexual chastity; sexual abstinence; voluntary control over bladder and bowel functions; ADJ. continent
n contingent	dependent on something uncertain or in the future; conditional; happening by chance; accidental; N: a group of soldiers, ships to a larger force; CF. contingency: future event that may or may not occur; possibility; Ex. prepare for every contingency
contortions	twistings; distortions; V. contort: twist violently out of shape; CF. contortionist
n contraband	illegal trade; smuggling; smuggled goods; ADJ.
n contravene	contradict; oppose; violate (a rule, law, or custom); N. contravention
contrite	penitent; repentant; N. contrition
n contrived	unnatural and forced; artificial; not spontaneous; Ex. The ending was rather contrived.
s contrive	invent or fabricate in a clever way (by improvisation); manage; Ex. contrive to attract his attention
s contrivance	something contrived; machine or apparatus; clever deceitful plan; scheme
controvert	oppose with arguments; attempt to refute; contradict; ADJ. controversial; N. controversy
contumacious	stubborn and disobedient; resisting authority (esp. disobedient to an order made by a court)
contusion	bruise
s bruise	injure without breaking the skin; N.
n conundrum	riddle; difficult problem
convene	come together; assemble; call to meet; Ex. convene the council
convention	social or moral custom; established practice; formal meeting; international agreement
conventional	ordinary; typical; not nuclear; Ex. conventional weapons
converge	approach; tend to meet; come together
conversant	familiar with; having knowledge of
converse	opposite; ADJ.
convert	one who has adopted a different religion or opinion; V: change into another form; (persuade to) adopt a particular religion or belief
convex	curving outward
conveyance	vehicle; transfer; act of conveying; Ex. public conveyance
conviction	judgment that someone is guilty of a crime; strongly held belief
convivial	pleasantly merry; festive; joyous; gay; characterized by joviality; jovial
convoke	call together; Ex. convoke Parliament; N. convocation
convoluted	coiled around; twisted; involved; complicated; intricate; complex; N. convolution: twist; one of the convex folds of the surface of the brain
s convulsion	violent uncontrollable shaking movement (caused by illness); V. convulse; ADJ. convulsive
n copious	plentiful
n coquette	flirt; flirtatious woman; woman who tries to attract the admiration of men without sincere feelings; V.
s flirt	behave in a way that attracts (sexual) attention; deal triflingly with; N: one (or woman) given to flirting; ADJ. flirtatious
cordial	warmly friendly; gracious; heartfelt; Ex. cordial welcome
n cordon	extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress; (¾î±ú¿¡¼­ °Üµå¶û ¹ØÀ¸·Î °ÉÄ¡´Â) Àå½Ä ¸®º»; V.
n cornice	projecting molding on building (usually above columns or pillars); ó¸¶ Àå½Ä
n cornucopia	horn (or horn-shaped container) overflowing with fruit and grain; symbol of abundance; horn of plenty
corollary	natural consequence (which naturally follows from something else)
n corporeal	bodily (rather than spiritual); of a bodily form; material; tangible
corpulent	very fat; N. corpulence
s corpus	collection (of writings or information); Ex. the corpus of Shakespear's works; Cf. corpse
s corpuscle	red or white cell in the blood
correlation	mutual relationship
s correlate	either of the correlated things; V.
corroborate	confirm; support; strengthen
corrode	destroy or wear away gradually by chemical action (over a long period)
corrosive	eating away by chemicals or disease; (of language) fierce
n corrugated	wrinkled; ridged
s wrinkle	small ridge on a smooth surface (face or cloth); V.
s crinkle	wrinkle
cosmic	pertaining to the universe; vast
n coterie	group that meets socially; select circle; close group of people with shared interests
countenance	approve; support; tolerate; Ex. countenance his rude behavior; N: face; appearance
n countermand	cancel; revoke (an order)
h 12	
counterpart	thing that completes another; things very much alike; thing that has the same purpose in a different system
n coup	highly successful action or sudden attack; coup(s) d'\'etat; CF. coup de gr\^ace: deathblow or shot which kills
couple	join; unite; OP. uncouple
n courier	messenger
n covenant	binding agreement between two groups or people; compact; V: enter into a covenant; promise
s bargain	agreement between two groups or people; something for sale at a price advantageous to the buyer; V: negotiate; trade; Ex. bargaining power
covert	secret; hidden; implied; OP. overt
n covetous	avaricious; desirous of (someone else's possessions); V. covet: desire eagerly (someone else's possessions)
n cow	terrorize; intimidate
n cower	shrink quivering as from fear; cringe
n coy	shy (flirtatiously); showing a (pretended) lack of self-confidence; modest; coquettish; CF. job offer¸¦ ¹Þ¾ÒÀ» ¶§
n cozen	cheat; hoodwink; swindle
n crabbed	sour; bad-tempered; peevish; difficult to read as handwriting
s peevish	bad-tempered; irritable; V. peeve: make angry
n crass	very unrefined; grossly insensible; crude and undiscriminating; Ex. crass behavior
craven	cowardly
credence	belief
n credo	creed
credulity	belief on slight evidence; gullibility; naivet\'e; ADJ. credulous
creed	system of religious or ethical belief
crescendo	increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax; CF. crescent
s far-fetched	too improbable to be believed; implausible; Ex. far-fetched story
s overture	musical introduction to a long musical piece; first offer or proposal (to begin talks in the hope of reaching an agreement); Ex. overtures for peace
n crestfallen	dejected; dispirited
s crest	top (as of a hill or wave); showy feathers on the head of a bird
n crevice	crack; fissure
cringe	shrink back as if in fear; cower
criteria	standards used in judging; CF. criterion
n crone	hag; ugly old woman
n crotchety	(of someone old) eccentric; odd; whimsical; bad-tempered; N. crotchet: odd or whimsical notion
n crux	essential or main point; Ex. the crux of the problem; ADJ. crucial: of deciding importance
crypt	secret recess or vault usually used for burial; underground room (under a church)
cryptic	mysterious; hidden; secret
n cubicle	small chamber used for sleeping or work
s compartment	one of the parts into which an enclosed space is divided
n cuisine	style of cooking; Ex. French cuisine
n culinary	relating to cooking or kitchen
n cull	pick out from others (to kill the weakest members); reject; select; collect (information); N.
culmination	highest point; climax; V. culminate in: reach the highest point in; end in; Ex. a series of minor clashes culminating in war
culpable	deserving blame; blameworthy
s culprit	one guilty of a crime
n culvert	artificial channel for water; drain crossing under a road
cumbersome	heavy and awkward to carry or wear; burdensome; Ex. cumbersome parcel/uniform
cumulative	growing by addition; accumulative
cupidity	greed (for wealth); CF. cupid; CF. Cupid
curator	superintendent; manager (in charge of a museum or a library)
n curmudgeon	churlish, miserly individual; bad-tempered old person
n cursive	(of writing) flowing; running; having the successive letters joined
cursory	casual; hastily done with little attention to detail
curtail	shorten; reduce
cynical	skeptical or distrustful of human motives; N. cynicism; CF. cynic: person who believes all people are motivated by selfishness
n cynosure	object of general attention; person or thing that is a center of attention; CF. Ursa Minor
n dabble	work at in a nonserious fashion; splash around; move noisily in a liquid
n dais	raised platform for speakers or other important people
n dally	trifle with; toy with; treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate; waste time
n dank	damp; unpleasantly wet
n dapper	neat and trim (in appearance); (of small men) neat in appearance and quick in movements; neat; spry
n dappled	spotted
n daub	smear (as with paint); cover with something sticky; Ex. daub one's clothes with mud/paint; N: small bit of sticky substance; Ex. a daub of paint
s smear	spread or cover with a sticky substance; N: mark made by smearing
s smudge	dirty mark with unclear edges made by rubbing; V.
daunt	intimidate; frighten; discourage; dishearten
dauntless	bold; fearless
dawdle	loiter; hang around; waste time doing nothing
deadlock	standstill resulting from the opposition of two unrelenting forces; stalemate
s standstill	condition of no movement or activity; stop
n deadpan	wooden; impassive; with no show of feeling; with an expressionless face
dearth	scarcity
d\'eb\^acle	sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster
debase	degrade; reduce in quality or value; degenerate; lower in esteem; disgrace; N. debasement
s kneel	go down on one's knee(s)
n debauch	corrupt morally; seduce from virtue; N. debauchery: wild behavior (with sex and alcohol)
s seduce	lead away from proper conduct; entice; ADJ. seductive
debilitate	weaken (esp. through heat, hunger, illness); enfeeble
s bout	match; short period of great activity; Ex. wrestling bout; bout of drinking/flu
n debonair	(of men) friendly, charming, and fashionably dressed; aiming to please; CF. of good disposition
d\'ebris	rubble; wreckage; scattered remains of something broken or destroyed
n debunk	expose as false, exaggerated, worthless, etc.; ridicule
n debutante	young woman making formal entrance into society
s debut	d\'ebut; first public appearance; formal presentation of a young woman to society
decadence	decay; fall to a lower level (of morality, civilization, or art); ADJ. decadent
decant	pour off gently (wine or liquid)
decapitate	behead
decelerate	slow down
h 13	
n deciduous	falling off at a specific season or stage of growth as of leaves; Ex. deciduous tree/teeth
decimate	kill (usually one out of ten or every tenth man); destroy or kill a large part of
decipher	decode; CF. indecipherable
n declivity	downward slope
n d\'ecollet\'e	(of a dress) having a low-cut neckline; CF. d\'ecolletage: low neckline (on a dress)
s decree	authoritative order; edict; judgment of a court of law; V: order or judge by decree
n decomposition	decay; V. decompose: decay; break and separate into simple parts
decorum	propriety; orderliness and good taste in manners; appropriateness of behavior or conduct
s decorous	proper (in behavior, conduct, or appearance)
decoy	lure or bait; V.
decrepitude	state of collapse or weakness caused by illness or old age
s decrepit	weak and in bad condition from old age or hard use; Ex. decrepit old chair/man
n decry	express strong disapproval of; condemn openly (something dangerous to the public); disparage; Ex. decry the violence of modern films
deducible	derived by reasoning; V. deduce: infer; derive by reasoning
deface	mar; disfigure
s mar	spoil the appearance of
defame	harm someone's reputation; malign; speak evil of; slander; N. defamation; ADJ. defamatory
default	failure to act; failure to perform a task or be present; V.
n defeatist	resigned to defeat or failure; accepting defeat or failure as a natural outcome; N. CF. defeatism
defection	desertion
s defect	shortcoming; V: desert (in order to join the opposite one)
defer	give in respectfully; submit; delay till later; exempt temporarily; N. deferment; CF. show respect, comply with, courteous
deference	courteous regard for another's wish; courteous yielding to another's wish or opinion (showing respect); ADJ. deferential; OP. effrontery
defiance	refusal to yield; resistance; V. defy; ADJ. defiant
defile	pollute; make filthy or dirty; corrupt morally; profane; desecrate; N: narrow passage or gorge through mountains
definitive	most reliable; authorative and complete; that cannot be improved; conclusive; decisive; definite; Ex. definitive decision by the supreme court
deflect	turn aside; turn away from a straight course
n defoliate	destroy leaves; deprive of leaves (by the use of chemicals); N. defoliant
n defray	provide for the payment of; undertake the payment of; pay
n defrock	strip a priest or minister of church authority; unfrock
s frock	long loose garment (worn by monks)
deft	neat; skillful
defunct	dead; no longer in use or existence
degenerate	become worse in quality; deteriorate; ADJ: having become worse; Ex. a degenerate species; N: depraved or corrupt person
degradation	humiliation; debasement; degeneration; V. degrade: debase; disgrace; degenerate; reduce (something) in worth; demote (someone); reduce in rank
s dishonor	disgrace; N. ADJ. dishonorable
n dehydrate	remove water from; dry out
deify	turn into a god; make a god of; idolize; Ex. Kings were deified; CF. deity
n deign	condescend; stoop
s stoop	bend forward and down; lower or debase oneself; fall to a lower standard of behavior by doing something; condescend; Ex. stoop to lying
delete	erase; strike out
n deleterious	harmful
deliberate	consider; ponder; ADJ: done on purpose; slow
delineate	portray; depict; sketch; describe; N. delineation
delirium	mental disorder marked by confusion; uncontrolled excitement; ADJ. delirious
delta	flat plain of mud or sand between branches of a river
delude	deceive
deluge	flood; rush; V.
delusion	false belief; hallucination; deluding; Ex. delusions of grandeur; Ex. under the delusion that
delusive	deceptive; likely to delude; misleading; raising vain hopes; Ex. delusive promises
n delve	dig; search deeply; investigate
demagogue	person who appeals to people's prejudice; false leader of people; CF. demagoguery
demean	disgrace; humiliate; debase in dignity; behave
demeanor	behavior; bearing
demented	insane
demise	death
n demographic	related to population balance; N. demography: statistical study of human population
demolition	destruction; V. demolish
n demoniac(demoniacal)	fiendish; cruel; N. demon: evil supernatural being; devil
s fiend	evil spirit; devil
n demotic	of or pertaining to the people
n demur	object (because of doubts, scruples); raise an objection (showing qualms); hesitate; Ex. demur at the idea of working on Sunday
n demure	(of a woman or child) grave; quiet and serious; coy; pretending to be demure
denigrate	blacken; defame
denizen	(animal, person, or plant) inhabitant or resident of a particular place; regular visitor
denotation	meaning; distinguishing by name; V. denote: indicate; refer to directly; mean; CF. connotation
n d\'enouement	final outcome; final development of the plot of a play or other literary work; the end of a story when everything is explained
denounce	condemn; criticize; N. denunciation
depict	portray
s expos\'e	public revelation of something discreditable
deplete	reduce; exhaust
deplore	regret; express sorrow and severe disapproval for something bad; Ex. deplore their violent behavior; ADJ. deplorable: very bad; deserving severe disapproval; Ex. deplorable living condition
deploy	spread out (troops) in an extended though shallow battle line; distribute (persons or forces) systematically or strategically
s battalion	army unit made up of four or more companies
depose	dethrone; remove from office; give a deposition; testify
deposition	testimony under oath; deposing; dethroning
depravity	extreme corruption; wickedness; V. deprave
deprecate	express disapproval of; deplore; protest against; belittle; ADJ. deprecatory
depreciate	lessen in value; belittle; represent as of little value
depredation	plundering; destruction
deranged	insane
s institute	organization for a special purpose; V: establish
s institution	instituting; (building for the) organization; established custom, practice, or relationship in a society; mental hospital; Ex. institution of marriage
s institutionalize	make into an institution; put or confine in an institution
derelict	negligent; (of someone) neglectful of duty; (of something) deserted by an owner; abandoned; N: abandoned property; homeless or vagrant person
s dereliction	neglect of duty; abandonment
deride	ridicule; treat with contempt; make fun of; OP. respect
derision	ridicule; ADJ. derisive; CF. derisory
derivative	unoriginal; obtained from another source; Ex. derivative prose style; N.
s derivation	deriving; origin or source of something; Ex. the derivation of the word
dermatologist	one who studies the skin and its diseases
s acne	skin disease (on the face)
h 14	
derogatory	expressing a low opinion; disparaging; V. derogate: detract; disparage
n descry	catch sight of (something distant)
desecrate	profane; violate the sanctity of
s violate	break (a law); defile; desecrate; assault sexually; Ex. violate graves
desiccate	dry up
desolate	(of a place) deserted; unpopulated; (of a person) lonely; forlorn; joyless
desolate	make desolate; forsake; abandon and desert
n desperado	reckless, desperate outlaw
s desperate	having lost all hope; despairing; reckless and violent because of loss of hope or despair; undertaken as a last resort
despise	look on with scorn; regard as worthless or distasteful; ADJ. despicable: contemptible
despoil	plunder; sack; Ex. despoil the village
despondent	without hope and courage; depressed; gloomy; N. despondency: loss of hope with gloom; dejection
despot	tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler; CF. despotism
destitute	extremely poor; lacking means of subsistence; utterly lacking; devoid; Ex. destitute of any experience
s impoverish	make poor; deprive of natural strength or something important; Ex. impoverished soil
desultory	aimless; haphazard; digressing at random
n detached	emotionally removed; free from emotional involvement; calm and objective; physically separate; N. detachment; CF. attachment
s detain	keep waiting; prevent from leaving or going; N. detention
n determinate	having a fixed order of procedure; precisely defined; invariable; fixed; conclusive; final
n determination	resolve; firmness of purpose; measurement or calculation; decision
deterrent	something that discourages or deters
detonation	explosion
detraction	slandering; aspersion; detracting; CF. detractor
detrimental	harmful; damaging; N. detriment
deviate	turn away from (a principle, norm); move away from an accepted standard; swerve; depart; diverge; N. deviation; Ex. deviation of the path of light by a prism
n devious	roundabout; erratic; deviating from the straight course; not straightforward; not completely honest; Ex. devious route
devise	think up; invent; plan; bequeath; N: bequest
devoid	empty; lacking
n devolve	deputize; pass or be passed to others (power, work, or property); Ex. devolve on/upon/to
s deputize	work or appoint as a deputy; N. deputy: person who has the power to take charge when the leading person is away
devotee	enthusiastic follower; enthusiast; Ex. devotee of Bach
devout	pious; deeply religious; sincere; earnest; Ex. my devout hope
s religious of religion; (of a person) pious; having reverence for a deity
dexterous	skillful; skill in using hands or mind; N. dexterity
diabolical	diabolic; devilish; fiendish
n diadem	crown
dialectical	relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal; Ex. dialectical situation; N. dialectic: art of arriving at the truth by the exchange of logical arguments
diaphanous	sheer; transparent
n diatribe	bitter scolding or denunciation; invective; abuse
dichotomy	division into two opposite parts; split; branching into two parts (especially contradictory ones)
n dictum	authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge in court); saying; maxim; CF. obiter dictum: incidental, nonbinding remark (something said in passing)
n didactic	(of speech or writing) intended to teach a moral lesson; teaching; instructional; N. didacticism
n die	metal block used for shaping metal or plastic; device for stamping or impressing; mold; CF. dice
diffidence	shyness; lack of self-confidence; timidity; ADJ. diffident
n diffuse	wordy; verbose; rambling; spread out (like a gas); V: spread out in all directions; disperse; N. diffusion; CF. suffuse
digression	wandering away from the subject; V. digress
dilapidated	falling to pieces; in a bad condition; ruined because of neglect; Ex. dilapidated old car/castle; N. dilapidation
dilate	expand; dilate on/upon: speak or write at length on (a subject)
dilatory	delaying; tending to delay
dilemma	situation that requires a choice between equally unfavorable options; problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives
n dilettante	aimless follower of an art or a field of knowledge (not taking it seriously); amateur; dabbler; CF. delight
diligence	steadiness of effort; persistent hard work
dilute	make (a liquid) less concentrated; reduce in strength; Ex. dilute the influence of the president
diminution	lessening; reduction in size; V. diminish
din	continued loud noise; V: make a din; instill by wearying repetition
s weary	tired after long work; V.
n dinghy	small boat (often ship's boat)
s maroon	leave helpless on a deserted island or coast; ADJ. red brown
n dingy	(of things and place) dirty and dull; Ex. dingy street/curtain
s dull	(of colors or surfaces) not bright; cloudy; overcast; boring; (of edge or sound) not sharp; not rapid; sluggish; slow in thinking and understanding; stupid; V.
n dint	means; effort; Ex. by dint of hard work
n diorama	life-size, three-dimensional scene from nature or history; three-dimensional scene with modeled figures against a painted background
n dire	warning of disaster; disastrous; (of needs and dangers) very great; urgent; Ex. dire prediction/need of food
n dirge	funeral song; slow mournful piece of music (sung over a dead person)
disabuse	correct a false impression; undeceive; free from a wrong belief
n disaffected	disloyal; lacking loyality; V. disaffect: cause to lose affection or loyalty
disapprobation	disapproval; condemnation
n disarray	state of disorder; a disorderly or untidy state; Ex. with her clothes in disarray
n disavowal	denial; disclaiming; repudiating; disowning; V. disavow; CF. disclaim
n disband	dissolve; disperse; (of a group) break up and separate; Ex. The club has disbanded.
n disburse	pay out (as from a fund); N. disbursement; CF. purse
discernible	distinguishable; perceivable; Ex. discernible improvement
discerning	mentally quick and observant; having insight; perceptive; able to make good judgments; V. discern: perceive
n disclaim	disown; renounce claim to; deny; CF. disclaimer
disclose	reveal; N. disclosure
n discombobulated	discomposed; confused
s discompose	disturb the composure of; confuse
discomfit	frustrate; put to rout; defeat; disconcert; embarrass; perturb
n disconcert	confuse; upset; embarrass; perturb
disconsolate	hopelessly sad (at the loss of something)
discord	conflict; lack of harmony; dissonance (when musical notes are played)
discordant	not harmonious; conflicting
n discount	disregard; regard (a story or news) as unimportant; deduct from a cost
discourse	serious speech, writing, or conversation; formal discussion (either written or spoken); conversation; V.
discredit	defame; disgrace; destroy confidence in; disbelieve; N. CF. discreditable: causing discredit; shameful
discrepancy	lack of consistency or agreement as between facts; difference; Ex. discrepancy between two descriptions
discrete	separate; unconnected
discretion	prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances; freedom of action or judgment; ADJ. discreet; CF. discretionary
discriminating	able to see differences; discerning; prejudiced; N. discrimination
s discriminate	distinguish; make distinctions on the basis of preference
s brisk	quick and active; marked by liveliness and vigor
n discursive	(of a person or writing) digressing; rambling (without any clear plan)
disdain	treat with scorn or contempt
n disembark	debark; go ashore (from a ship); unload cargo from a ship; CF. embark
disenfranchise	disfranchise; deprive of a civil right; OP. enfranchise
n disengage	uncouple; separate; disconnect; stop fighting; OP. engage
disfigure	mar the appearance of; spoil
n disgorge	surrender something (stolen); eject; vomit; OP. gorge
n disgruntle	make discontented
h 15	
dishearten	discourage
n disheveled	untidy (of hair or clothing); V. dishevel
disinclination	unwillingness
n disingenuous	not naive; not candid; sophisticated; worldly wise; OP. ingenuous
n disinter	dig up; unearth; OP. inter
disinterested	unprejudiced; free from bias and self-interest; objective
disjointed	disconnected; lacking coherence; V. disjoint: disconnect; disjoin
disjunction	act or state of separation; disunity; CF. disjunctive: expressing a choice between two ideas; CF. conjunction; CF. conjunctive
n dislodge	remove (forcibly); force out of a position; Ex. dislodge the food caught in his throat; CF. lodge
n dismantle	take apart; disassemble
s mantle	loose sleeveless outer garment; cloak; something that covers or envelops; the layer of the earth between the crust and the core
s crust	hard outer covering (as of earth or snow)
dismember	cut into small parts; cut (a body) apart limb from limb
n dismiss	eliminate from consideration; no longer consider; put out of court without further hearing; reject; discharge from employment; direct to leave; ADJ. dismissive; N. dismissal
disparage	belittle
maneuver(manoeuver)	strategic military or naval movement (done for training purposes); carefully planned process; stratagem; V: carry out a military maneuver; use maneuvers in gaining an end
disparate	basically different; impossible to compare; unrelated
disparity	difference; condition of inequality; OP. parity
dispassionate	calm; impartial; not influenced by personal feelings
dispatch	speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed; V: send to a specified destination; finish promptly; kill
dispel	scatter; drive away; cause to vanish
s dispense	distribute; prepare and give out (medicines); N. dispensation: dispensing; religious system; official exemption from an obligation or a rule
disperse	scatter; Ex. disperse the cloud/crowd
n dispirited	lacking in spirit
n disport	amuse; Ex. disport oneself; CF. divert
disputatious	argumentative; fond of argument
disquietude	uneasiness; anxiety; V. disquiet: make anxious
n disquisition	formal systematic inquiry; explanation of the results of a formal inquiry; long formal speech or written report
dissection	analysis; cutting apart in order to examine
n dissemble	disguise; hide the real nature of; pretend
disseminate	distribute; spread; scatter (like seeds)
dissent	disagree
dissertation	formal essay; treatise
dissident	dissenting (with an opinion, a group, or a government); rebellious; N.
n dissimulate	pretend; conceal by feigning; dissemble
dissipate	squander; waste foolishly; scatter
n dissolution	disintegration; reduction to a liquid form; looseness in morals; sensual indulgence; debauchery; ADJ. dissolute: lacking in moral restraint; leading an immoral life
s reduce	diminish; bring to a weaker or more difficult condition; demote; lower in rank; separate into components by analysis; Ex. reduced to the ranks; Ex. reduce the house to rubble; N. reduction
dissuade	persuade not to do; discourage; N. dissuasion
s dissonance	discord
n distant	reserved or aloof; cold in manner; Ex. distant greeting; ADV. distantly
distend	expand; swell out
distill	refine (a liquid by evaporating and subsequent condensation); concentrate; separate the most important parts from; Ex. distill fresh water from sea water; CF. brew
n distinction	honor; excellence; difference; contrast; discrimination; Ex. graduated with distinction; Ex. a writer of real distinction
s distinct	clearly different; clearly noticed
s distinctive	clearly different from others of the same kind
distort	twist out of shape; give a false account of; misrepresent; N. distortion
n distrait	absentminded; distracted
n distraught	upset; distracted by anxiety; very anxious and troubled almost to the point of madness; Ex. distraught with grief/worry
s distract	take (one's attention) off something; upset emotionally; make anxious; ADJ. distracted
diurnal	daily; occurring during the daytime
diva	operatic singer; prima donna
diverge	vary; go in different directions from the same point; ADJ. divergent: differing; deviating
diverse	differing in some characteristics (from each other); various; N. diversity:	variety; dissimilitude; lack of resemblance
diversion	act of turning aside; pastime; V. divert: turn aside from a course; distract; amuse
divest	strip (as of clothes); deprive (as of rights); dispossess; N. divestiture(divestment)
divine	perceive intuitively (by or as if by magic); foresee the future; foretell; dowse; ADJ. N. divination
s dowse	use a divining rod to search for underground water or minerals
divulge	reveal
docile	obedient; easily managed; submissive
s ferocious	fierce; violent; N. ferocity
n docket	program as for trial; book where such entries are made; list of things to be done; agenda; label fixed to a package listing contents or directions; V: describe in a docket
n doctrinaire	unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding; marked by inflexible attachment to a doctrine without regard to its practical difficulties
doctrine	teachings in general; particular principle (religious, legal, etc.) taught; dogma; tenet; ADJ. doctrinal
s indoctrinate	cause to accept a doctrine without questioning it; Ex. indoctrinated with mindless anti-communism
n document	provide written evidence (for a claim); record with documents; N.
n doddering	shaky; infirm from old age; V. dodder
s merit	deserve; ADJ. meritorious: deserving reward or praise
n doff	take off; OP. don
n dogged	determined; stubborn; stubbornly persevering; tenacious; Ex. Inspector Javert's dogged pursuit of Jean Valjean
s persevere	continue steadily in spite of difficulties
n doggerel	poor verse
dogmatic	opinionated; holding stubbornly to one's opinion; arbitrary; doctrinal
n doldrums	blues; listlessness(lack of spirit or energy); slack(inactive) period; period of stagnation; ocean area near the equator where ships cannot move because there is no wind; Ex. in the doldrums
s blues	state of depression or melancholy; style of slow, mournful music (evolved from southern Black American songs)
dolorous	sorrowful; N. dolor
n dolt	slow-thinking stupid person; CF. dull
n domicile	home; V. ADJ. domiciled: having one's domicile; Ex. He is domiciled in Britain.
n domineer	rule over tyrannically
s dominate	control; rule; enjoy a commanding position in; overlook from a height; ³»·Á´Ùº¸´Ù
s dominant	exercising the most influence; high and easily seen; stronger than the other part of a system; not recessive
n don	put on; OP. doff
s outfit	clothing or equipment for a special purpose; Ex. cowboy outfit
dormant	sleeping; temporarily inactive; lethargic; latent
n dormer	window projecting upright from roof; CF. sleeping room
dorsal	relating to the back of an animal; Ex. dorsal fin
n dossier	file of documents on a subject or person; file; CF. bundle of papers labeled on the back
n dotage	senility; feeblemindedness of old age; Ex. In one's dotage
n dote	be excessively fond of; show signs of mental decline
n dour	sullen; gloomy; stubborn
s sullen	silently showing ill humor or resentment; dark; gloomy
s brood	sit on in order to hatch; think deeply or worry anxiously; N: the young of certain animals; group of young birds hatched at one time
n douse	plunge into water or liquid; dip; immerse; drench; wet throughly; extinguish; throw water over; dowse
n dowdy	untidy (of a woman or clothes); slovenly; dressed in an unattractive way; shabby; CF. unattractive woman
n downcast	disheartened; dejected; sad; directed downward
n drab	dull; lacking color; cheerless ; Ex. drab coat/life
n draconian	extremely severe; Ex. draconian punishment; CF. Draco: Athenian politician
n dregs	sediment in a liquid; lees; worthless residue
n drivel	nonsense; foolishness; V: talk nonsense
s nonsense	speech or writing with no meaning; foolish behavior or language; Ex. make (a) nonsense of: spoil; cause to fail
s dribble	flow or fall in drops; let saliva flow out slowly from the mouth; move a ball; N.
s drip	fall or let fall in drops; shed drops; N: action or sound of falling in drops; liquid that falls in drops
s trickle	flow in drops or in a thin stream; N.
n droll	queer and amusing
s queer	strange; eccentric; deviating from the normal
n drone	idle person who lives on other people's work; male bee
n drone	talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee; N.
s murmur	low, indistinct, continuous sound; V. CF. mumble
n dross	waste matter; worthless impurities
drudgery	hard unpleasant work; menial work
s drudge	do drudgery; N: person who drudges
n dubious	questionable; (of something) causing doubt; (of someone) filled with doubt; N. dubiety
n ductile	malleable; pliable; (of metals) easily pulled into shape; flexible; (of someone) easily influenced or controlled
n dulcet	sweet sounding; pleasing to the ear; melodious
n dumbfound(dumfound)	astonish (making dumb); ADJ. dumbfounded, dumfounded, dumbstruck
n dupe	someone easily fooled or deceived; V: deceive
n duplicity	double-dealing; hypocrisy; being dishonest and deceitful; ADJ. duplicitous
h 16	
duration	length of time something lasts
n duress	forcible restraint, especially unlawfully; coercion by threat; illegal coercion; Ex. a promise made under duress
n dutiful(duteous)	(of people or their behavior) respectful; obedient (filled with a sense of duty)
n dwindle	shrink; reduce gradually
dynamic	energetic; vigorously active
s dynamo	generator for producing electricity; energetic person
n dyspeptic	suffering from indigestion; N. dyspepsia: indigestion; difficulty in digesting food
s dys-	abnormal; impaired
s dyslexia	word blindness; learning disorder marked by impairment of the ability to read
s dysentery	inflammatory disorder of the lower intestinal tract
n earthy	unrefined; coarse; of earth; Ex. earthy remarks; OP. ethereal
s earthly	of this earth; terrestrial; worldly; not divine; possible; Ex. no earthly reason
ebb	(of the tide) recede; lessen; diminish; N. OP. flow: rise of tide
ebullient	showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm; boiling; N. ebullience; N. ebullition: state of boiling
eccentric	irregular; odd; unconventional; whimsical; bizarre; not concentric
eccentricity	oddity; idiosyncrasy
ecclesiastic	ecclesiastical; pertaining to the church; N: minister; priest; cleric; clergyman
s chapel	small church (in a prison, college, or hospital)
s chaplain	clergyman attached to a chapel
s padre	chaplain (in the armed forces)
eclectic	selective; composed of elements drawn from disparate sources; selecting individual elements from a variety of sources; N. eclecticism
s selective careful in choosing; having an effect only on certain things; not general; Ex. eclectic weed killer
eclipse	darken; extinguish; outshine; surpass; cause an eclipse
s ecliptic	path of the sun and the planets
ecologist	person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment; person concerned with the detrimental effects of human civilization on the environment; CF. ecology
s ecosystem	ecological community together with its environment
economy	efficiency or conciseness in using something; thrifty management of resources
ecstasy	rapture; very strong feeling of joy and happiness; any overpowering emotion; ADJ. ecstatic: causing or experiencing ecstasy
s rapture	great joy and delight; ecstasy; ADJ. rapturous
n eddy	swirling current of water, air, etc.; V.
edict	decree (especially one issued by a sovereign); official command
s sovereign	ruler in a monarchy; ADJ: (of a country) independent and self-governing; having supreme power; supreme; excellent
s sovereignty	complete independence and self-government (of a country); supremacy of authority; power to govern
n edify	instruct; correct morally
s edifice	building (of imposing size)
eerie	weird; causing fear because strange
efface	rub out; remove the surface of
effectual	able to produce a desired effect; valid
s effective	effectual; producing a strong response; striking; in operation; in effect; Ex. effective speech/photograph
s effectuate	effect; produce; achieve; Ex. effectuate a reconciliation
effeminate	having womanly traits
s emasculate	weaken; castrate
s castrate	remove the sex organs (of a male animal or person)
n effervescence	inner excitement or exuberance; showing high spirits; emitting bubbles forming inside; bubbling from fermentation or carbonation; ADJ. effervescent; V. effervesce
effete	having lost one's original power; barren; worn out; exhausted
efficacy	power to produce desired effect; ADJ. efficacious: effectual
effigy	dummy; likeness of a person made of wood, paper, or stone; Ex. burn an effigy of the President
s dummy	imitation of a real object used as a substitute; effigy
n effluvium	noxious(harmful) smell
effrontery	rudeness without any sense of shame; shameless boldness; presumptousness; nerve; cheek
s effulgent	shining brightly; brilliant
effusion	pouring forth; unrestrained outpouring of feeling; V. effuse: pour out; ADJ. effusive: pouring forth; gushing
s gush	(of liquid) pour out in large quantities from a hole; make an excessive display of feeling (without true feeling); Ex. Blood gushed from the wound.
egoism	excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in others; selfishness; ADJ. egoistic, egoistical
s ego	one's opinion of oneself; self-esteem
egotistical	egotistic; excessively self-centered(egocentric); self-important; conceited
s egotism	tendency to speak or write of oneself excessively; conceit; self-importance
egregious	notorious; conspicuously bad or shocking
n egress	exit; opening for going out; act of going out; OP. ingress
n ejaculation	exclamation; abrupt ejection (to discharge sperm); V. ejaculate
n elaboration	addition of details; intricacy
s elaborate	work out carefully; add more detail or information; ADJ.
elated	filled with excited joy and pride; overjoyed; in high spirits; joyful and proud; Ex. elated crowd; V. elate; N. elation
n elegy	poem or song expressing lamentation (for the dead); ADJ. elegiacal, elegiac
elicit	draw out fact or information (by discussion or from someone)
n elixir	cure-all; panacea; something invigorating
ellipsis	omission of words from a text; mark used to indicate an omission (when the meaning can be understood without them); PL. ellipses
elliptical	elliptic; oval; of an ellipse; containing an ellipsis; ambiguous either purposely or because key words have been left out
eloquence	expressiveness; persuasive speech; ADJ. eloquent: movingly expressive; expressing ideas well so that the hearers can be influeneced
elucidate	explain; make clear; clarify; enlighten; CF. lucid
elusive	evasive; not frank; baffling; hard to grasp, catch, or understand; V. elude: escape from; escape the understanding or grasp of; Ex. elude the hunter; Ex. His name eludes me.
n elysian	relating to paradise; blissful
s Elysium	place or condition of bliss
emaciated	thin and wasted (from hunger or illness)
emanate	issue forth; come out
emancipate	set free; liberate
embargo	ban on commerce or other activity
embark	commence; go on board a boat; begin a journey
embed(imbed)	enclose; place in something; fix firmly in a surrounding mass
embellish	adorn; ornament; enhance as a story (by adding fictitious details)
embezzlement	taking for one's own use in violation of trust; stealing (of money placed in one's care)
s emblazon	ornament richly (a shield or flag); N. emblazonment
s embody	give a bodily form to; incorporate; include
n emboss	produce a design in raised relief; decorate with a raised design
embrace	hug; clasp with the arms; adopt or espouse; accept readily; encircle; include; Ex. embrace the cause/socialism; Ex. all-embracing; CF. brace; CF. bracelet
s encircle	surround
embroider	decorate with needlework; ornament (a story) with fancy or fictitious details; embellish
embroil	throw into confusion; involve in strife, dispute, or quarrel; entangle; CF. imbroglio
embryonic	undeveloped; rudimentary; N. embryo: organism in the early stage of development
emend	correct (usually a text); N. emendation: correction of errors; improvement
n emetic	substance causing vomiting; ADJ.
n eminent	rising above others; high; lofty; distinguished; Ex. eminent position
emissary	agent (sent on a mission to represent another); messenger
emollient	soothing or softening remedy (for the skin); ADJ.
emolument	salary; payment for an office; compensation
n empathy	ability to identify with another's feelings, ideas, etc.; identification with and understanding of another's feelings; V. empathize; CF. sympathy
s compassion	sympathy for the suffering of others; ADJ. compassionate
empirical	based on experience
n emulate	imitate; rival; try to equal or excel (through imitation)
n enamored	in love; Ex. enamored of his own beauty; V. enamor: inspire with love
encipher	encode; convert a message into code; put into cipher
enclave	territory enclosed within an alien land
encomiastic	praising; eulogistic; N. encomium: very high praise; eulogy
encompass	surround; include; Ex. His activities encompass publishing and computers.
encroachment	gradual intrusion; Ex. I resent all these encroachments on my valuable time; V. encroach: take another's possessions or right gradually or stealthily; intrude; Ex. encroach on/upon
h 17	
encumber	burden; N. encumbrance
n endearment	fond word or act; expression of affection
s endear	make beloved; Ex. endear her to everyone; ADJ. dear: loved; cherished; high-priced
endemic	prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country; peculiar to a particular region or people; CF. pandemic
endorse	approve; support; write one's signature on the back of; N. endorsement; CF. dorsal
endue	provide with some quality; endow
enduring	lasting; surviving; V. endure: bear (pain or suffering) for a long time; remain alive (in spite of difficulties); last; survive
energize	invigorate; give energy to; make forceful and active
enervate	weaken; take away energy from
enfranchise	admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote); CF. franchise
n engage	attract; employ; hire; pledge oneself; confront; fight; enter into confliction; interlock; lock together; participate; N. engagement: agreement to marry; arrangement to meet someone or to do something; battle
engaging	charming; attractive
s engaged	employed; busy; betrothed; involved in conflict
engender	cause; produce; give rise to
engross	occupy fully; absorb
enhance	increase; make greater (as in value, reputation, or usefulness); improve
enigma	puzzle; mystery; ADJ. enigmatic: obscure; puzzling
s puzzle	baffle or confuse by a difficult problem; ponder over a problem in an effort to solve; clarify or solve by reasoning; Ex. puzzle out the answer; N.
enjoin	command; order; forbid
enmity	ill will; hatred; hostility
n ennui	boredom; listlessness and dissatisfaction resulting from lack of interest; CF. annoy
enormity	hugeness (in a bad sense); excessive wickedness; Ex. enormity of the crime; ADJ. enormous
n enrapture	please intensely; fill with rapture and delight
n ensconce	settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)
ensue	follow (as a result)
entail	make necessary; require; necessitate; involve; limit the inheritance of (property) to a specified succession of heirs; Ex. entail A on/upon B
n enterprising	full of initiative; showing enterprise
s enterprise	willingness to take new ventures; initiative; business organization; plan (that is difficult or daring); Ex. their latest enterprise to sail round the world in a small boat
enthrall	capture; enslave; captivate; hold the complete attention of (as if magic); hold spellbound
entice	lure; persuade to do (something wrong); attract; tempt
s mischief	behavior (of children) causing trouble with no serious harm; damage; harm; Ex. mischief to the crops; ADJ. mischievous: causing mischief; playfully troublesome
entity	real being
entomology	study of insects
n entrance	put under a spell(condition caused by magical power); carry away(fill with strong feeling) with emotion; put into a trance; fill with delight
s trance	hypnotic state; ecstatic state; detachment from one's physical surrounding (as in contemplation or daydreaming); CF. transition
s hypnosis	induced sleeping state; ADJ. hypnotic; V. hypnotize
entreat	plead; ask earnestly
n entree(entr\'ee)	entrance; a way in; right to enter; main dish of a meal; Ex. entree into the exclusive circle
entrepreneur	businessperson (who assumes the risk of a business venture); contractor; ADJ. entrepreneurial
enumerate	list; mention one by one
n enunciate	announce; proclaim; utter or speak, especially distinctly; pronounce clearly; articulate; Ex. This theory was first enunciated by him.
environ	enclose; surround; N. environs: surrounding area (as of a city)
n eon(aeon)	long period of time; an age; longest division of geologic time containing two or more eras
n epaulet(epaulette)	ornament worn on the shoulder (of a uniform, etc.)
s fringe	decorative edge of hanging threads; edge
ephemeral	short-lived; fleeting
s fleet	fast; rapid; N. ADJ. fleeting: passing quickly; ephemeral
epic	long heroic poem, novel, or similar work of art (celebrating the feats of a hero); ADJ: (of stories or events) resembling an epic; grand
epicure	connoisseur of food and drink; gourmet; ADJ. epicurean; CF. Epicurus
s Epicurean	believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided; N.
n epigram	witty thought or saying, usually short
epilogue	short speech at conclusion of dramatic work
n episodic	(of a story or play) loosely connected; made up of separate and loosely connected parts; N. episode: incident in the course of an experience
n epistemologist	philosopher who studies the nature of knowledge; N. epistemology
n epitaph	inscription in memory of a dead person (as on a tombstone)
n epithet	word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing; descriptive phrase to characterize a person (often contemptous)
epitome	perfect example or embodiment; brief summary; Ex. epitome of good manners; V. epitomize: make an epitome of; be an epitome of; embody
epoch	period of time
equable	tranquil; of even calm temper; (of temperature) steady; uniform
equanimity	calmness of temperament; composure
n equestrian	rider on horseback; ADJ.
equilibrium	balance of opposing forces; balance of the mind; equanimity
n equine	resembling a horse; Ex. equine face
equinox	period of equal days and nights; the beginning of spring and autumn; Ex. vernal/autumnal equinox; ADJ. equinoctial
n equipoise	balance; balancing force; equilibrium
equitable	fair; impartial; OP. inequitable
equity	fairness; justice; OP. inequity
n equivocal	(of words or statements) ambiguous; intentionally misleading; (of behavior) questionable; OP. unequivocal
n equivocate	use equivocal language to deceive people; lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth; N. equivocation
erode	eat away; wear away gradually by abrasion; Ex. The sea erodes the rocks.
erotic	pertaining to passionate love or sexual love
n errant	wandering (esp. in search of adventure); straying from proper moral standards; Ex. knight-errant
n erratic	odd; irregular in movement or behavior; unpredictable
erroneous	mistaken; wrong; incorrect
erudite	(of a person or book) learned; full of learning; scholarly; N. erudition
s scholarly full of learning; erudite; like a scholar; Ex. scholarly journal
escapade	prank; flighty conduct; reckless adventure that disobeys rules
s prank	mischievous trick
s flighty	(esp. of a woman's behavior) capricious; often changing, esp. from one lover to another; impulsive
n eschew	avoid habitually; Ex. eschew alcoholic drinks
n esoteric	hard to understand; known only to the chosen few, esp. initiates; N. esoterica
espionage	spying
n espouse	adopt; support (an idea or aim); marry; N. espousal
esteem	respect; value; judge; N.
s estimable (of a person) worthy of esteem; admirable; deserving esteem; possible to estimate
s inestimable impossible to estimate; (apprec) invaluable; of immeasurable worth
estranged	separated; alienated; V. estrange: alienate (people in a family); N. estrangement
n ethereal	like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; heavenly; unusually refined; Ex. She has an ethereal beauty; CF. ether: upper air
s airy	of air; high in the air; lofty; immaterial; unreal
n ethnic	relating to races
n ethnology	study of humankind; study of the different races of human beings; CF. anthropology
n ethos	underlying character of a culture, group, etc.; character or ideas peculiar to a specific person, group, or culture; Ex. the company ethos
etymology	study of word parts; study of the origins of words
eugenic	pertaining to the improvement of race; N. eugenics: study of hereditary improvement of the human race
eulogistic	praising; full of eulogy
h 18	
n eulogy	expression of praise, often on the occasion of someone's death; V. eulogize
euphemism	mild expression in place of an unpleasant one; ADJ. euphemistic
euphony	sweet sound; ADJ. euphonious
n euphoria	feeling of exaggerated or unfounded(ungrounded; baseless) well-being; feeling of great happiness or well-being (when unreasonable); ADJ. euphoriaric
euthanasia	mercy killing
evanescent	fleeting; vanishing; soon disappearing; V. evanesce
n evasive	not frank; trying to hide the truth; eluding; evading; V. evade: avoid (a duty or responsibility) or escape from by deceit
evince	show clearly
n evenhanded	impartial; fair
evocative	tending to call up (emotions, memories)
evoke	call forth (memory or feeling); Ex. That old film evoked memories of my childhood; N. evocation
n ewe	female sheep
s ram	male sheep; V. strike or drive against with a heavy impact
exacerbate	worsen; aggravate; embitter
s embitter	make bitter; fill with painful or bitter feelings; make sad and angry; Ex. He was embittered by many disappointments.
exacting	extremely demanding; Ex. exacting standard of safety
s exact	demand and obtain by force; Ex. exact a promise from him; N. exaction
exalt	raise in rank or dignity; praise highly; inspire; Ex. exalt the imagination; ADJ. exalted; N. exaltation
n exasperate	vex; annoy or make angry (by testing the patience)
n exceptionable	objectionable; likely to cause dislike; offensive; CF. unexceptionable: entirely acceptable
s except	exclude; N. exception: objection; exclusion; ADJ. exceptional: unusual; of unusually high quality
n excerpt	selected passage (written or musical) taken from a longer work; V.
n exchequer	treasury; Ex. Chancellor of the exchequer
s chancellor	legal official of high rank; CF. chancellery(chancellory): position of a chancellor
s treasure	keep as precious; cherish
excise	cut away; cut out; N: government tax on good produced and used inside a country; N. excision
exclaim	cry out suddenly; N. exclamation; ADJ. exclamatory
n excoriate	scold with biting harshness; censure strongly; strip the skin off
exculpate	clear from blame or guilt
n execrable	very bad; detestable
execrate	curse; express abhorrence for; detest
execute	put into effect; carry out; kill as a lawful punishment; N. execution
s executor	person designated to execute the terms of a will; ¿¹¼ú ÀÛÇ°ÀÇ Á¦ÀÛÀÚ
s executioner	person administering capital punishment
s executive	person having administrative authority; one branch of government executing laws; ADJ: relating to executing
s legislature	legislating branch of government; CF. legislate: make laws
s judiciary	judicial branch of government
n exegesis	explanation, especially of biblical(of the bible) passages
exemplary	serving as a model; outstanding; Ex. exemplary punishment/behavior; N. exemplar: typical example; model
exemplify	show by example; furnish an example; serve as an example of; Ex. His pictures exemplify that sort of painting.
exempt	not subject to a duty or obligation; free from a duty; V.
exertion	effort; expenditure of much physical work; V. exert oneself: make a great effort
s exhale	breathe out; OP. inhale
exhilarating	invigorating and refreshing; cheering; V. exhilarate: make cheerful and excited; Ex. exhilarated by the ride in the sports car
n exhort	urge (by strong argument or advice); Ex. The general exhorted his men to fight bravely; N. exhortation
s urge	drive or force forward (by causing impulses); drive to take action; impel; entreat earnestly; Ex. urge horses; N: impulse that prompts action
s urgent	compelling immediate action; pressing; persistent; importunate; Ex. urgent in his demands
exhume	dig out of the ground; remove from a grave
s coroner public official who investigates any death thought to be of other than natural causes
exigency	urgent situation; ADJ. exigent
exiguous	small in amount; minute
n existential	pertaining to existence; pertaining to the philosophy of existentialism
exodus	departure (of a large number of people)
exonerate	acquit; exculpate; free from blame or guilt
exorbitant	(of costs or demands) excessive; exceeding reasonable bounds
exorcise	drive out evil spirits
exotic	not native; from another part of the world; strange; intriguingly unusual; Ex. exotic flower/dress
s intrigue	make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of; N: secret scheme; plot; secret love affair
n expansive	(of a person) outgoing and sociable; broad and extensive; able to increase in size
s outgoing	sociable; eager to mix socially with others
n expatiate	talk at length; speak or write in detail
expatriate	exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land; V: exile; banish; leave one's country
expedient	suitable (for a particular purpose although not necessarily morally correct); practical; politic(prudent); N: something expedient
expedite	hasten; make go faster
s expeditious	done with speed; quick; N. expedition
expenditure	payment or expense; expending; something expended; output; Ex. receipt for the expenditure; Ex. expenditure of all the energy
expertise	specialized knowledge (in a particular field); expert skill
expiate	make amends for (a sin)
n expletive	meaningless word; interjection; profane oath; swear-word
s interjection	exclamation; Ex. ``Ouch''
s swear	vow; promise; use profane oaths; use offensive words
s swear-word	word considered offensive; Ex. ``bloody''
s oath	solemn promise; blasphemous use of sacred words to express strong feelings; swear-word; Ex. ``For Christ's sake''
explicate	explain in detail; interpret; clarify; CF. explicable
explicit	totally clear; definite; outspoken
exploit	brave and successful act; deed or action, particularly a brave deed; CF. crossing the Atlantic ocean
exploit	make use of, sometimes unjustly; N. exploitation
expository	explanatory; serving to explain; N. exposition: explaining; exhibition
n expostulation	protest; remonstrance; reasoning with someone to correct or dissuade; V. expostulate
exposure	risk, particularly of being exposed to disease or to the elements; unmasking; act of laying something open; Ex. exposure of governmental corruption
expound	explain
n expropriate	take possession of (often for public use and without payment)
n expunge	cancel; remove a word or name (from a book or list); erase
expurgate	clean; remove offensive parts of a book
extant	(of something written or painted) still in existence
extemporaneous	not planned; impromptu; extempore
n extenuate	weaken; mitigate; lessen the seriousness of (bad behavior)
extirpate	root up; uproot; destroy completely
n extol	praise very highly; glorify
extort	wring from; get money by threats, etc.; obtain by force or threats; CF. extortionate: exorbitant
s wring	twist (to extract liquid); extract by twisting; wrench painfully (necks or hands)
n extradition	surrender of prisoner by one state to another; Ex. extradition treaty; V. extradite
n extraneous	not essential; irrelevant; superfluous; external; coming from the outside; Ex. extraneous details/noise/to the subject
n extrapolation	projection; conjecture; V. extrapolate: infer (unknown information) from known information
extricate	free from an entanglement or difficulty; disentangle
s inextricable from which it is impossible to get free; that cannot be untied; Ex. inextricable troubles; Ex. inextricable two histories
extrinsic	external; not essential or inherent; extraneous; OP. intrinsic
extrovert	person interested mostly in external objects and actions
s mingle	mix together in close association
n extrude	force or push out; thrust out; shape (plastic or metal) by forcing through a die
n exuberance	overflowing abundance; joyful enthusiasm; flamboyance; lavishness; ADJ. exuberant: high-spirited and lively; growing abundantly and strongly
s glow	shine brightly without a flame (as of eyes or metals); show redness and heat (in the face) after hard work or because of strong feelings; N: light produced by a heated body; brilliance of a color
n exude	flow out slowly; discharge (gradually); give forth; N. exudation
s ooze	(of a thick liquid) pass or flow slowly; N: mud or thick liquid as at the bottom of a river
exult	rejoice
fabricate	build; lie; make up (a story) in order to deceive; Ex. fabricate the whole story; CF. fabric: underlying structure; Ex. fabric of society
n facade(fa\c{c}ade)	front or face (of building); superficial or false appearance
facet	small plane surface (of a gem(precious stone)); a side
n facetious	joking (often inappropriately); unserious; humorous
n facile	easily accomplished; ready or fluent; superficial; not deep; Ex. facile solution to a complex problem; Ex. facile speaker; N. facility: ability to do something easily and well; ease in doing resulting from skill or aptitude; something that facilitates an action; amenity; Ex. with great facility
facilitate	help bring about; make less difficult
facsimile	copy
n faction	party; clique (within a large group); dissension
s dissension	disagreement of opinions causing strife within a group
n factious	inclined to form factions; causing dissension
n factitious	artificial; produced artificially; sham; false; Ex. factitious tears
n factotum	handyman; person who does all kinds of work; CF. do everything
faculty	mental or bodily powers; teaching staff
h 19	
fallacious	false; based on a fallacy; misleading; N. fallacy: false idea or notion; false reasoning; Ex. popular fallacy; Ex. fallacy of the argument
fallible	liable to err
s falsify	make (something written) false by changing
n fallow	(of land) plowed but not sowed (to improve the quality); uncultivated
s sow	plant or scatter seed
n falter	hesitate; weaken in purpose or action; walk or move unsteadily through weakness; N.
s stumble	trip and almost fall; proceed unsteadily; act falteringly; N.
fanaticism	excessive zeal; extreme devotion to a belief or cause; N. fanatic; ADJ. fanatic
fancied	imagined; unreal
n fancier	breeder or dealer of animals; one who has a special interest, as for raising  specific plant or animal
n fanciful	whimsical; visionary; imaginary; produced by imagination; Ex. fanciful scheme
s fancy	imagination (of a whimsical or fantastic nature); capricious liking; V: imagine; be fond of; ADJ. decorative; elaborate
n fanfare	call by bugles or trumpets; showy display; spectacular public display
n farce	broad comedy; mockery; humorous play full of silly things happening; ADJ. farcical
n fastidious	difficult to please; squeamish; fussy; finicky
s squeamish	easily shocked or sickened by unpleasant things; fastidious; Ex. A nurse should not be squeamish.
n fatalism	belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one's control; ADJ. fatalistic; CF. fatal: causing death
fathom	comprehend; investigate; determine the depth of; N. unit of measurement for the depth of water
s fathomless	too deep to be measured or understood; unfathomable
n fatuous	smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly; N. fatuity, fatuousness
fauna	animals of a period or region; CF. flora
n fawning	courting favor by cringing and flattering; V. fawn: exhibit affection as a dog; seek favor or attention by obsequiousness
s court	attempt to gain; seek; woo; risk; behave so as to invite; attempt to gain the favor of by attention; Ex. court disaster
n faze	disconcert; dismay; embarrass
feasible	practical; able to be carried out; practicable
n febrile	feverish
n fecundity	fertility; fruitfulness; ADJ. fecund: very productive of crops or young
s fertile	producing many young, fruits, or seeds; (of land) producing good crops; V. fertilize
s fruitful	producing results; profitable; prolific; producing in abundance
feign	pretend
n feint	trick; shift; sham blow; feigned attack to draw away defensive action; V.
s shift	change position or place; exchange (one thing) for another; change in direction or position; Ex. shift the stolen goods; N. group of workers which takes turns with other groups; working period of such a group
n felicitous	(of a word or remark) apt; suitably expressed; well chosen
n felicity	happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, choice, etc.); quality of being felicitous
s feline	of a member of the cat family; N.
n fell	cruel; (of a disease) deadly
n fell	cut or knock down (a tree or a person); bring down (with a missile)
felon	person convicted of a grave crime; CF. felony: serious crime
n feral	(of an animal) not domestic; wild
n ferment	agitation; commotion(noisy and excited activity); unrest (of a political kind); V. produce by fermentation; undergo fermentation; cause (a state of trouble)
s fermentation	chemical reaction that splits complex organic compounds; unrest; agitation
n ferret	drive or hunt out of hiding; hunt with ferrets; drive out (as from a hiding place); expel; uncover or discover by searching; Ex. ferret out the secret; N. small fierce animal which catches rats and rabbits by going into their holes
n fervent	ardent; zealous; hot
n fervid	ardent; zealous; hot
s impassioned	(of speech) filled with passion; fervent
n fervor	glowing ardor; intensity of feeling; quality of being fervent or fervid; zeal; intense heat
n fester	rankle; produce irritation or resentment; (of a cut or wound) generate pus or rot; Ex. His insult festered in my mind for days.
festive	joyous; celebratory; relating to a feast or festival
n fete(f\^ete)	honor at a festival; celebrate or honor with a feast; N. (outdoor) festival or feast; CF. feast
n fetid(foetid)	malodorous; foul
s foul	very bad or disagreeable; very dirty; Ex. foul smell/flavor/temper/language/air/deed/weather/means; N. act against the rules; V. make or become foul; commit a foul
s fetish(fetich)	object believed to have spiritual powers; object of excessive attention or reverence; CF. fetishism
n fetter	shackle; restrict the freedom of; N. chain or shackle for the foot of a prisoner; CF. foot
n fiasco	total failure; CF. bottle
n fiat	command; arbitrary order; Ex. presidential fiat; CF. let it be done
fickle	changeable (in affections or friendship); faithless
n fictitious	imaginary; non-existent; purposely invented to deceive; untrue; Ex. fictitious name/boyfriend; CF. fictional
fidelity	loyalty; accuracy
n figment	invention; something invented; imaginary thing; Ex. figment of your imagination
figurative	not literal but metaphorical; using a figure(impression) of speech
s figure	written symbols; number; amount represented in numbers; outline or silhouette of a thing or human body; person (well-known); impression; diagram; pattern; group in a dance; Ex. figure of speech; V. calculate with numbers; adorn with figures; appear; consider; Ex. My name did not figure in the list.
n figurine	small ornamental statuette(very small statue)
n filch	steal (things of small value)
s pilfer	steal things of small value; filch; snitch
n filial	pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter; Ex. filial respect
n filibuster	block legislation or prevent action in a lawmaking body by making very slow long speeches; N; freebooter
s freebooter	pirate or plunderer who makes war in order to grow rich
s bust	piece of sculpture showing a person's head, shoulders, and upper chest; V: break up; arrest; Ex. crimebuster
n filigree	delicate ornamental lacelike metalwork
s lace	cord used to draw and tie together two opposite edges (as of a shoe); delicate fabric made of fine threads; V: draw together by tying a lace
n filing	particle removed by a file
finale	conclusion; concluding part
n finesse	delicate skill; V: handle with finesse
n finicky	too particular; fussy; difficult to please; too concerned with unimportant details or quality; Ex. finicky about her food
s fussy	fastidious; finicky; easily upset
s fuss:	trouble or worry over trifles; make nervous; pay too much attention to; N: needless concern or worry (about a trivial thing); anxious nervous condition; display of attention; Ex. make a fuss over the baby
finite	limited
n firebrand	piece of burning wood; hothead; troublemaker; person who stirs up trouble
s hothead	person who does things too quickly without thinking; ADJ. hotheaded
fissure	crevice; crack
n fitful	spasmodic; intermittent; irregular
s fit	sudden outburst of an illness or feeling; convulsion caused by epilepsy
n flaccid	flabby; lacking firmness; weak; Ex. flaccid muscles
s limp	walk lamely; ADJ: lacking firmness; weak
n flag	droop; grow feeble; decline in vigor or strength; ADJ. flagging; CF. unflagging
s droop	bend or hang downward; become weakened; Ex. His shoulders drooped with tiredness; N.
flagrant	conspicuously wicked, bad, or offensive; blatant; outrageous
outrage	act of extreme violence or viciousness; resentful anger; V: commit an outrage on; produce anger in; ADJ. outrageous: offensive
n flail	beat with or as if with a flail; move wildly; thresh grain by hand; strike or slap; toss about; N: threshing tool consisting of a stick swinging from the end of a long handle
s thresh	beat (cereal plants) with a machine or flail to separate the grains from the straw
s toss	throw lightly; move or lift (the head) with a sudden motion; flip (a coin) to decide something
n flair	talent
n flamboyant	ornate; highly elaborate; richly colored; ostentatious; showy; CF. flame
n flaunt	display ostentatiously; Ex. ``Honey, if you've got it, flaunt it !''
n flay	strip off skin; plunder; remove the skin from; criticize harshly
n fleck	spot; mark with flecks; N: small mark or spot
n fledgling(fledgeling)	inexperienced; N: young bird that has acquired wing feathers and is learning to fly; inexperienced person
n fleece	wool coat of a sheep; V: shear the fleece from; rob by a trick; swindle; plunder
s shear	remove (fleece or hair) by cutting; remove the hair or fleece from; cut with or as if with shears; N: shears; pair of scissors
s trickster	person who cheats people
n flick	light stroke as with a whip; V: move with a light quick blow; strike with a light quick blow (as from a whip); Ex. flick the switch
s flicker	burn unsteadily or fitfully; move waveringly; N: flickering movement or light; brief sensation; Ex. flicker of excitement
s flutter	(of a bird with large wings) wave (the wings) lightly, rapidly, and irregularly; vibrate rapidly or erratically; fly by waving quickly; flitter; N.
n flinch	hesitate; shrink back (in fear of something unpleasant); Ex. She did not flinch in the face of danger.
h 20	
n flippant	lacking proper seriousness; Ex. flippant remarks about death; N. flippancy
s flip	send (something) spinning, often into the air, by striking with a light quick blow; turn over; Ex. flip over
n flit	fly; fly or move lightly or quickly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by; Ex. a bee flitting from flower to flower
n floe	flat mass of floating ice
flora	plants of a region or era
s florescence	condition or period of flowering
n florid	ruddy; (of a complexion) reddish; flowery; very ornate; CF. rose
s flush	redden; blush; flow suddenly and abundantly; wash out by a rapid brief flow of water; N: reddish tinge; blush; brief rush; rush of strong feeling; Ex. flush of pride; ADJ: having surfaces in the same plane; even; blushing
s blush	become red in the face (from embarrassment or shame); become red or rosy; N.
s tinge	give a slight degree of a color or quality to; N: slight degree of a color or quality; Ex. tinged with grey/jealousy
s tint	slight degree of color; V: give a tint to
s flowery	full of flowers; full of ornate expressions
n flotsam	drifting wreckage
s jetsam	things thrown from a ship (to lighten the ship)
n flounder	struggle and thrash about; proceed clumsily or falter (as in water, mud, snow, etc.); proceed in confusion
s thrash	beat with a whip or flail; defeat utterly; talk about thoroughly in order to find the answer; move wildly or violently; Ex. The fishes thrashed about in the net.
flourish	grow well; prosper; make sweeping gestures; wave; brandish; Ex. The trees flourished in the sun. N: showy movement or gesture; embellishment or ornamentation (esp. in handwriting)
n flout	reject; mock; show contempt for; scorn; Ex. flout the rules
s curb	chain or strap used with a bit to restrain a horse; something that checks; V: check; restrain
fluctuate	waver; shift; rise and fall as if in waves; change or vary irregularly
fluency	smoothness of speech; ADJ. fluent
n fluke	unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune; accidental stroke of good luck; ADJ. fluky
n fluster	confuse; make nervous and confused; N.
n fluted	having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar); V. flute: make long parallel inward curves in; N. flute: long rounded groove incised on the shaft of a column
s groove	long narrow channel made in a surface to guide the movement of something; Ex. groove of the record
s stammer	speak with involuntarily pauses or repetitions
n flux	flowing; series of changes; fluctuation; Ex. in a state of flux
n fodder	coarse food for cattle, horses, etc.; feed for livestock; CF. food
n foible	small weakness of character; slight fault; CF. feeble
n foil	contrast; one that by contrast enhances the distinctive characteristics of another
n foil	defeat; frustrate; prevent from being successful; thwart; CF. fail
n foist	insert improperly; impose upon another by coercion; palm off; pass off as genuine or worthy; CF. fist
s palm	conceal in the palm of the hand; palm off: pass off; Ex. palm off some bad oranges onto the lady/the painting as a real Renoir
s pass_off	present falsely; represent falsely to be
n foliage	masses of leaves; CF. defoliate
n foment	stir up; incite; instigate; promote the growth of (something evil or unpleasant)
n foolhardy	rash; reckless; foolishly daring
n foppish	vain about dress and appearance; N. fop: man who takes too much interest in his clothes and appearance
n foray	raid; sudden raid or military advance; V.
n forbearance	patience; forgiveness; V. forbear: refrain from (in a generous and forgiving way); be patient; Ex. forbear to send him to prison
n ford	place where a river can be crossed on foot; V.
n forebears(forbears)	ancestors
foreboding	premonition of evil; feeling of coming evil; V. forebode: be a warning of (something unpleasant)
n forensic	suitable to debate or courts of law; of or used in legal proceedings and the tracking of criminals; Ex. forensic science/medicine
s forum	public square of an ancient Roman city; public place for open discussion; court of law
foreshadow	give an indication beforehand; be a sign of (what is coming); portend; prefigure
s prefigure	be a sign of; foreshadow
s forerunner	predecessor; one that comes before and indicates the approach of another
foresight	ability to foresee future happenings; prudence in providing for the future
forestall	prevent by taking action in advance
s nuptial	of marriage or the wedding ceremony; N; nuptials; wedding ceremony
s forfeit	something surrendered as punishment for a crime or breach of contract; V: lose as a forfeit; N. forfeiture
s forge	counterfeit; reproduce fraudulently; form by heating in a forge and hammering into shape; move with a sudden increase of speed or power; Ex. forged ahead in the last two years; N: furnace where metals are heated
forgo(forego)	give up; do without
forlorn	sad and lonely; wretched; desolate
formality	ceremonious quality; ceremonious adherence to rules; something done just for form's sake; Ex. mere formality
formidable	menacing; arousing fear; threatening; difficult to defeat; Ex. formidable foe/question
s menace	threat; V: threaten
n forsake	desert; abandon; renounce
n forswear	renounce under oath; abandon; make a solemn promise to give up; CF. abjure
forte	strong point or special talent in a person's character
n forthright	straightforward; direct; frank
s forthcoming	happening in the near future; ready; willing to help; Ex. No answer was forthcoming.
fortitude	bravery; courage; strength of mind
n fortuitous	accidental; by chance; N. fortuity
n foster	rear; bring up (for a certain period only); encourage; promote the development of (feelings or ideas); Ex. help foster friendly relations; ADJ: giving parental care although not related by blood; Ex. foster parents
n founder	fail completely; sink; CF. flounder
founder	person who establishes (an organization or business)
n fracas	brawl(noisy quarrel or fight) in which a number of people take part; melee
n fractious	unruly; peevish; cranky; bad-tempered; Ex. fractious horse
frail	weak; N. frailty
franchise	right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote; license to sell a product in a particular territory
n frantic	wild; distraught as from fear or worry; Ex. frantic with fear
fraudulent	cheating; deceitful; Ex. fraudulent means; N. fraud: deception; swindle
n fraught	filled (with something unpleasant); full; Ex. fraught with danger and difficulties; CF. freight
n fray	brawl; fight; V: wear away or unravel by rubbing; have loose threads developing; cause to become worn out (a person's temper or nerves); CF. rub
n frenetic(phrenetic)	frenzied; frantic
n frenzied	madly excited; N. frenzy: violent wild excitement
n fresco	painting on wet plaster (usually fresh)
s paste	smooth viscous mixture as of flour(powder made by crushing grain) and water (used as an adhesive); V: cause to adhere by applying paste
s pastry	paste of flour and water (eaten when baked)
s plaster	paste that hardens to a smooth solid and is used for coating walls; V.
n fret	be annoyed or vexed; Ex. fret over your poor grades; N: irritation of mind; ADJ. fretful
friction	clash or conflict in opinion; rubbing against
n frieze	ornamental horizontal band on a wall
frigid	intensely cold; cold in manner; Ex. frigid zone
n fritter	waste (time or money on unimportant things)
frivolous	lacking in seriousness; flippant; self-indulgently carefree; unworthy of serious attention; relatively unimportant; trivial
s self-indulgence	excessive indulgence of one's own desire
s carefree	free from worries; having no problems
n frolicsome	prankish; gay; playful; merry; frisky
s frolic	play and jump about happily; frisk; Ex. frolicking young lambs
n frond	fern leaf; palm or banana leaf
s litter	waste material thrown away (as bits of paper scattered untidily); V: cover untidily with scattered litter
n fructify	bear fruit; produce fruit
frugality	thrift; economy; ADJ. frugal: practicing economy; costing little; inexpensive
fruition	bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization; Ex. come to/be brought to fruition
frustrate	thwart; defeat; prevent from accomplishing a purpose
fugitive	fleeting or transitory; lasting only a short time; roving(wandering); running away or fleeing as from the law; N: one who flees; Ex. fugitives at large
n fulcrum	support on which a lever rests or pivots
n fulminate	thunder; explode; issue a severe denunciation
n fulsome	disgustingly excessive; offensively flattering; Ex. fulsome praise/expressions of admire
fumble	move the fingers and hands awkwardly (in search of something); mishandle or drop a ball that is in play; bungle; botch; spoil by mishandling; N.
n functionary	official (who performs a particular function)
s functional	made for practical use only (without decoration); functioning; Ex. functional modern furniture; CF. functionalism
fundamental	basic; primary; essential
n funereal	sad; solemn; suitable for a funeral
n furor	frenzy; great anger and excitement; CF. fury
n furtive	stealthy; quiet and secret (trying to escape notice); sneaky; Ex. furtive glance
s sneak	move, give, or take in a quiet, stealthy way; N: one who sneaks; ADJ. sneaky
s underhand(underhanded)	done slyly and secretly (being dishonest)
s sly	clever in deceiving; secretive; not telling one's intentions
n fusillade	simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles, questions, etc.)
fusion	union; coalition; V. fuse
futile	useless; hopeless; ineffectual
n gadfly	animal-biting fly; irritating person
n gaffe	social blunder
h 21	
n gainsay	deny
n gait	manner of walking or running; speed
galaxy	large isolated system of stars, such as the Milky Way; collection of brilliant personalities
gale	windstorm; gust of wind; emotional outburst (laughters, tears); Ex. gale of laughter
n gall	bitterness of feeling; nerve; effrontery; ´ãÁó(bile); CF. gall bladder
n gall	annoy; exasperate; chafe; N: skin sore caused by rubbing (as on the skin of a horse); exasperation
galleon	large three-masted sailing ship
s galley	low ship with sails (rowed along by slaves)
s clipper	sailing vessel built for great speed
s pinnace	small boat
s clip	cut off with shears; fasten; N: something clipped off (as a short extract from film); clasp or fastener
n galvanize	stimulate or shock by an electric current; stimulate by shock; shock into action; stir up; coat with rust-resistant zinc by using electricity
s galvanic	of the production of electricity by the action of an acid on a metal; having the effect of an electric shock; Ex. galvanic cell; galvanic effect; CF. Luigi Galvani
n gambit	opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed; action made to produce a future advantage
s ploy	strategem to gain an advantage; tactic; Ex. management ploy
n gambol	romp; skip about; leap about playfully; frolic; N.
s romp	play or frolic boisterously; gambol; N.
s zest	outer skin of an orange used for giving a special taste to food; spice; interest; flavor; spirited enjoyment; Ex. add a certain zest to the affair; Ex. zest for life
n gamely	in a spirited manner; with courage; Ex. fight gamely against a superior boxer; ADJ. game
n gamut	entire range
n gape	open widely; open the mouth wide; stare wonderingly with the mouth open; CF. agape
n garbled	mixed up; jumbled; distorted; V. garble: mix up or distort (a message) to such an extent as to make misleading or unintelligible
s jumble	mix in a confused way
n gargantuan	huge; enormous; gigantic; CF. the hero of Gargantua and Pantagruel
gargoyle	waterspout carved in grotesque figures on a building
n garish	overbright in color; unpleasantly bright; gaudy
s trim	make neat or tidy by clipping; reduce by removing what is unnecessary; ornament; decorate (round the edges); Ex. trim the cost; Ex. jacket trimmed with fur; N. ADJ: tidy; in good order
n garner	gather; store up; amass
n garnish	decorate; add a garnish to; decorate (food or drink) with small items such as lemon slices; N.
n garrulous	loquacious; wordy; talkative; N. garrulity
n gastronomy	art and science of preparing and serving good food; CF. gastronome
gauche	clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
n gaudy	flashy; showy
s flashy	showy; gaudy; giving a momentary brilliance
s gild	cover with a thin layer of gold
n gaunt	lean and angular; thin and bony; emaciated; barren
n gavel	hammerlike tool; mallet(wooden hammer) used by a presiding officer or an auctioneer; V.
s bid	command; utter (a greeting); offer as a price; N: offer of a price; amount offered; earnest effort to gain something; Ex. bid for freedom
n gawk	stare foolishly; look in open-mouthed awe
n gazette	official periodical publication; newspaper
genealogy	record of descent; lineage; ancestry; study of ancestry
generality	vague statement; general statement which is not detailed; quality of being general; greater part; most; Ex. generality of people
generate	cause; produce; create
generic	characteristic of an entire class or species; of a genus
s genus	division of animals or plants, below a family and above a species
genesis	beginning; origin
n geniality	cheerfulness; kindliness; sympathy; ADJ. genial: cheerful and good-tempered
genre	particular variety of art or literature
n genteel	well-bred; elegant; striving to convey an appearance of refinement; Ex. genteel poverty
n gentility	those of gentle birth; high social class; refinement; quality of being genteel
s breed	produce young; rear; bring up; produce (an undesirable condition); N: kind or sort of animal or plant
s crossbreed	hybridize; N: hybrid; CF. interbreed; CF. inbreed
s well-bred	of good upbringing; well-mannered and refined
n gentry	people of standing(rank or position); people of good family or high social position; class of people just below nobility
s gentle	kindly; soft; mild; of good family
n genuflect	bend the knee as in worship
germane	pertinent; bearing upon(having connection with) the case at hand; appropriate
n germinal	pertaining to a germ; creative; Ex. germinal idea
s germ	earliest form of an organism; seed or bud; something that may develop into something larger or more important; microbe
germinate	cause to sprout; sprout
s sprout	begin to grow; give off shoots or buds; N: new growth on a plant; shoot
s shoot	new growth from a plant
gerontocracy	government ruled by old people
s gerontology	study of the sociological phenomena associated with old age
s geriatrics	medical treatment and care of old age
n gerrymander	change voting district lines in order to favor a political party; N. CF. Elbridge Gerry + (sala)mander
n gestate	evolve as in prenatal growth; N. gestation: period of development from conception until birth
s natal	connected with birth; CF. prenatal; CF. postnatal
n gesticulation	motion; gesture; V. gesticulate: make gestures (while speaking)
n ghastly	horrible; terrifying; resembling ghosts; CF. aghast
n gibberish	nonsense; nonsensical or unintelligible talk or writing; babbling
n gibe	mock; make jeering remarks; N: jeering remarks
n giddy	light-hearted; not serious; frivolous; dizzy; causing dizziness; Ex. giddy youth; Ex. giddy climb/height
n gingerly	very carefully; ADJ.
n girth	distance around something; circumference
n gist	essence; main point; substance
glacial	like a glacier; of an ice age; extremely cold; Ex. glacial epoch; CF. iceberg
n glaring	(of something bad) highly conspicuous; harshly bright; shining intensely and blindingly
s glare	shine intensely and blindingly; stare fixedly and angrily; N.
n glaze	cover with a thin and shiny surface; apply a glaze to; N: thin, smooth, shiny coating (as for pottery); Ex. unglazed pottery
n glean	gather leavings; gather grain left behind by reapers; gather bit by bit (facts or information) often with difficulty
glib	fluent (with insincerity or superficiality); facile; slick
s slick	make smooth or glossy; N: smooth surface; Ex. oil slick; ADJ: smooth; glossy; deftly executed; adroit; glib
s sleek	smooth and shining (as from good health); V.
n glimmer	shine erratically; twinkle; N: dim or unsteady light; faint indication; Ex. glimmer of hope
s glitter	shine brightly with flashing points of light; Ex. glittering diamond ring; N: sparkling light; attractiveness; glamor; Ex. glitter of the sun on the waves
s glamor	compelling charm; ADJ. glamorous
n gloat	express evil satisfaction; look at or think about with evil satisfaction; view malevolently; Ex. The thief gloated over the stolen jewels.
n gloss_over	explain away with the intention of deceiving or hiding faults
s gloss	brief explanation note or translation of a difficult expression; V.
glossary	brief explanation of words used in the text
n glossy	smooth and shining; N. gloss: shiny brightness on a surface; superficially attractive appearance; Ex. gloss of good manners
s mat	not shiny; matte; having a dull finish; N: flat piece of material used as a floor covering; V.
s finish	surface texture; completeness of execution
s finished	properly made and complete; Ex. finished product/performance
n glower	scowl; glare; look or stare angrily
s scowl	frown angrily; N: angry frown
n glut	overstock; fill beyond capacity (with food); fill to excess; N: oversupply
n glutinous	sticky; viscous; gluey
glutton	someone who eats too much; ADJ. gluttonous: given to gluttony; greedy; CF. gluttony: habit of eating too much
n gnarled	twisted
s gnarl	protruding knot on a tree; V.
gnome	dwarf; underground spirit who guards treasure hoards
goad	urge on; drive with a goad; cause (someone) to do something by continued annoyance; Ex. They goaded him into doing it by saying he was a coward; N: sharp-pointed stick for driving cattle; stimulus; CF. annoy continually
n gorge	narrow canyon; steep rocky cleft; ravine (made by a stream which runs through it)
n gorge	stuff oneself (with food); glut; CF. gorgeous: dazzlingly beautiful
n gory	bloody; N. gore: blood (from a wound)
s shudder	shake uncontrollably; tremble; V.
n gossamer	sheer; very light; like cobwebs; N: soft and sheer fabric; cobweb
s sheer	pure; thin and transparent; very steep
h 22	
n gouge	tear out; cut out (as if with a gouge); Ex. gouge his eyes out; N: chisel for cutting out hollow areas in wood
n gouge	overcharge (with high price); extort from; Ex. gouge the public; CF. usury
n gourmand	epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink
n gourmet	connoisseur of food and drink; epicure
graduated	arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.)
s graduate	arrange into categories or grades; divide into marked intervals (for use in measurement); Ex. graduated ruler
n granary	storehouse for grain
grandeur	impressiveness; stateliness; majesty
s stately	formal; ceremonious; grand in style or size; majestic
grandiloquent	(of a person or speech) using high sounding or important-sounding language; pompous; bombastic
grandiose	affectedly grand; pretentious; high-flown; ridiculously exaggerated; impressive; great in size or scope; grand; Ex. grandiose ideas
s high-flown	highly pretentious or inflated
s matin\'ee(matinee)	dramatic or musical performance given in the afternoon
n granulate	form into grains or granules; N. granule: grain or particle
graphic	pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described
s vivid	(of light or color) bright and distinct; evoking lifelike mental images; Ex. vivid red hair/description
s graphite	black form of carbon used in lead pencils
n grapple	wrestle; come to grips with; take hold of and struggle with; Ex. grapple with the burglar
n grate	make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; shred by rubbing against a rough surface; Ex. grated cheese N: framework of metal bars to hold fuel in a fireplace
gratify	please; satisfy; Ex. gratify a desire
n gratis	free; without charge; ADJ.
gratuitous	given freely; unwarranted; uncalled for; done without good reason; Ex. gratuitous comment
gratuity	tip
gravity	seriousness; ADJ. grave
gregarious	sociable; (of an animal) tending to form a group
grievance	cause of complaint; complaint
n grill	question severely; cook on a grill; broil; N: cooking surface of parallel metal bars
s broil	cook by direct heat; N.
s grim	causing great fear; unrelenting; determined in spite of fear; Ex. grim smile
n grimace	facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc; V.
n grisly	ghastly; horrifying; Ex. grisly remains of the bodies
s groom	man employed to take care of horses; V: make neat and trim; clean and brush (an animal)
grotesque	fantastic; comically hideous; strange and unnatural (causing fear or amusement)
s hideous	repulsive to the sight; ugly; repugnant; Ex. hideous face/scream
n grotto	small cavern
n grouse	complain; fuss; grumble; grouch; N: plump chickenlike game bird
s grumble	complain; mutter discontentedly; grouch; N.
s mutter	utter (complaining words) indistinctly in low tones
s rumble	make or move with a deep rolling sound (as thunder or stomach)
n grovel	crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate; behave in a servile manner
grudging	unwilling; reluctant; stingy(giving reluctantly)
n gruel	thin liquid porridge
s porridge	soft food made by boiling oatmeal
s oatmeal	crushed oats used for making porridge
n grueling	exhausting; Ex. grueling marathon race
n gruesome	grisly; horrible
n gruff	rough-mannered; (of a voice) rough; hoarse
s grunt	utter a deep guttural sound (as a pig does); N.
n guffaw	boisterous laughter; V.
guile	deceit; duplicity; wiliness; cunning; Ex. persuade her by guile
s cunning	clever in deceiving; sly; N: cleverness in deceiving; deceit
guileless	without deceit
guise	outward appearance; costume; Ex. in a new guise
n gull	trick; deceive; hoodwink; N: person who is easily tricked; dupe
gullible	easily deceived
n gustatory	affecting or relating to the sense of taste
n gusto	eager enjoyment; zest; enthusiasm
gusty	windy
s gust	strong abrupt rush of wind; V. CF. bluster
n guy	cable or chain attached to something that needs to be braced or steadied; CF. guide
s topple	become unsteady and fall down
s overthrow	topple; N.
s overturn	turn over; capsize; topple
s capsize	(of a boat) turn over
gyroscope	apparatus used to maintain balance, ascertain direction, etc.
n habituate	accustom or familiarize; addict
n hackles	hairs on back and neck, especially of a dog; Ex. make someone's hackles rise
s growl	low, guttural, menacing sound (as of a dog)
hackneyed	commonplace; trite
n haggard	wasted away; gaunt; Ex. haggard faces of the rescued miners
n haggle	argue about prices (in an attempt to bargain)
n halcyon	calm; peaceful; Ex. halcyon days
n hale	healthy
s hail	frozen rain drop; V: salute or greet; precipitate hail
n hallowed	blessed; consecrated; Ex. hallowed ground; V. hallow: set apart as holy
hallucination	delusion; false idea; false perception of objects with a compelling sense of their reality; objects so perceived; V. hallucinate; ADJ. hallucinatory
n halting	hesitant; faltering; not fluent; Ex. halting steps/voice; V. halt: proceed or act with uncertainty; falter; hesitate; waver; stop
s waver	move or swing back and forth; be uncertain or unsteady in decision or movement; Ex. wavering between accepting and refusing
hamper	obstruct; prevent the free movement of; N: ½Ä·áÇ°À̳ª ÀǺ¹ µîÀ» ´ã´Â ¹Ù±¸´Ï 
n hap	chance; luck
haphazard	random; by chance; happening in an unplanned manner; Ex. haphazard growth of the town
n hapless	unfortunate; luckless
n harangue	long, passionate, and vehement speech; V.
harass	annoy by repeated attacks
harbinger	forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
harbor	give protection (by giving food and shelter); provide a refuge for; hide; keep in mind (thoughts or feelings); Ex. harbor a grudge/criminal; N: place of shelter; refuge
s habitat	natural home of a plant or animal; CF. habitation
n hardy	(of people or animals) sturdy; robust; (of plants) able to stand inclement(stormy) weather
n harping	tiresome dwelling on a subject; V. harp: dwell on(think or speak a lot about) tediously
n harrowing	agonizing; distressing; traumatic; V. harrow: break up and level (soil) with a harrow; inflict great distress on; agonize; N: farming machine to break up the earth
harry	harass, annoy, torment (by repeated attacks); raid
hatch	deck opening; lid covering a deck opening; V: emerge from an egg; produce (young) from an egg
s latch	fastening or lock consisting of a movable bar that fits into a notch; V: close with a latch
s notch	V-shaped cut in a surface; V.
haughtiness	pride; arrogance; ADJ. haughty
s haunt	(of a spirit) visit (a place); come to mind continually; visit (a place) regularly; frequent; Ex. haunted house; Ex. haunted by his last words; N: place much frequented
n haven	place of safety; refuge; harbor; Ex. tax haven
s havoc	widespread damage; disorder; chaos
hazardous	dangerous
s hazard	venture; put in danger; risk; Ex. hazard a guess; N: possible source of danger
hazy	slightly obscure; misty; unclear; N. haze: light mist or smoke; confused state of mind
n headlong	hasty; rash; headfirst; ADV.
s headfirst	moving with the head leading; headlong
n headstrong	willful; stubborn; unyielding; determined to have one's own way; CF. no 'excessive'
n heckler	person who verbally harasses others; V. heckle: verbally harass as with gibes (by interrupting a speaker or speech)
hedonist	one who believes that pleasure is the sole aim in life; CF. hedonism: practice of living one's life purely for pleasure
heedless	not noticing; disregarding
s heed	pay attention to; N: close attention
n hegemony	dominance especially of one nation over others
n heinous	atrocious; wicked; hatefully bad; Ex. heinous crime
s gross	total; fragrant; clearly wrong; (of people's behavior) coarse; corpulent; Ex. gross insolence/behavior; V: earn as a total amount; N: 12 dozens
s helm	steering wheel of a ship; position of control
herbivorous	grain-eating; CF. herbivore
heresy	opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion; ADJ. heretical; CF. heretic
n hermetic	sealed by fusion so as to be airtight; airtight
n hermetic	concerning alchemy or magic; obscure and mysterious; occult
s sterile	incapable of producing young; free from microorganism; V. sterilize
n hermitage	home of a hermit
n herpetologist	one who studies reptiles; CF. herpetology: branch of zoology that deals with reptiles and amphibians
n heterodox	(of beliefs) against accepted opinion; unorthodox; unconventional
heterogeneous	dissimilar; mixed; not homogeneous; consisting of dissimilar elements or plants
n hew	cut to pieces with ax or sword; chop; N.
n heyday	time of greatest success or power; prime
s prime	period of ideal or peak condition; earliest or beginning stage; Ex. in the prime of life; Ex. prime of the year(spring); ADJ: first in importance or rank; first; V: make ready; prepare
s primary	first in rank or importance; principal; earliest in time; Ex. primary stages; N. CF. first
s primal	first in rank or importance; being first in time; original; Ex. man's primal innocence
s primate	group of mammals including humans
n hiatus	gap; pause; gap or interruption in space or time; break
h 23	
n hibernal	wintry; wintery; of or like winter
hibernate	sleep throughout the winter; N. hibernation
hierarchy	arrangement by rank or standing; authoritarian body divided into ranks; body of persons having authority
s totem	animal, plant, or natural object serving as a symbol of a clan or family; representation of this; Ex. totem pole
hieroglyphic	picture writing; ADJ.
n hilarity	boisterous mirth(merriment; laughter); ADJ. hilarious: full of laughter
n hindmost	furthest behind; farthest to the rear
s wage	begin and continue (a war)
hindrance	block; obstacle; V. hinder
n hinterlands	back country; inner part of a country; OP. foreland
n hireling	one who serves for hire (usually used contemptuously); one who works solely for compensation; Ex. hireling politician
n hirsute	hairy; having a lot of hair
n histrionic	theatrical; excessively dramatic or emotional; affected; of actors or acting; N. histrionics: histrionic behavior
s historic	important in history; Ex. historic battle
s historical	connected with history; based on events in history (whether regarded as important or not)
n hoard	stockpile; accumulate for future use; N: supply stored for future use
n hoary	white with age
n hoax	trick which makes someone take action; practical joke; Ex. hoax mail; V.
n holocaust	destruction by fire; CF. burnt whole; CF. Holocaust
n holster	leather pistol case (that hangs on a belt around the waist)
homage	honor; tribute; great respect; Ex. pay/do homage to
n homeostasis	tendency of a system or organism to maintain relative stability or internal equilibrium; CF. homeo-: constant; Ex. homeotherm
homespun	domestic; made at home; spun or woven at home; simple and ordinary; Ex. homespun philosophy
s spin	rotate swiftly; make (thread) by twisting (cotton, wool, etc.); N.
n homily	sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; serious warning; ADJ. homiletic
homogeneous	of the same kind; uniform in composition throughout
n hone	sharpen (a tool); N: whetstone for sharpening a tool
n hoodwink	deceive; delude
n horde	crowd; swarm
s swarm	large group of insects moving in a mass; crowd of people or animals; V: move in a crowd or mass
n hortatory	encouraging; exhortive; marked by exhortation; CF. exhort
n horticultural	pertaining to cultivation of gardens; N. horticulture: science or art of cultivating fruits, vegetables, or ornamental plants; CF. agriculture: science or art of farming or growing crops
hostility	unfriendliness; hatred; enmity; ADJ. hostile
n hovel	shack; small wretched house
s hut	crude dwelling; shack
s shack	crude cabin
s shed	small roofed structure for storage and shelter; V: pour forth; lose by natural process; repel without allowing penetration; radiate; cast; Ex. shed tears/light/water/skin/leaves
n hover	hang about; (of birds or aircraft) stay in the air in one place; (of people) wait nearby; stay around one place; waver; be in an uncertain state
n hubbub	confused uproar; loud noise; din
n hubris	arrogance; excessive self-conceit
n hue	color; aspect; Ex. opinions of every hue
n hue_and_cry	outcry; loud cry or clamor; strong protest; Ex. hue and cry against the new rule
humane	marked by kindness or consideration; kind and compassionate; humanitarian
humanitarian	one devoted to the promotion of human welfare; CF. humanism
n humdrum	dull; monotonous
humid	damp; N. humidity
n humility	humbleness of spirit
s humble	of low rank or position; modest; having a low opinion of oneself and a high opinion of others; unassuming; not proud; V. humiliate: make humble; cause to feel ashamed or to lose the respect of others
n hummock	small hill; hillock
n humus	substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter; CF. soil
n hurtle	crash; rush; move with great speed; Ex. hurtling runaway train
n husband	use sparingly; conserve; save; Ex. husband one's energy; CF. house holder
n husbandry	frugality; thrift; economy; agriculture; farming; Ex. animal husbandry; CF. husbandman
hybrid	mongrel; mixed breed; V. hybridize
s mongrel	plant or animal (esp. a dog) of mixed breed; ADJ.
s pedigree	line of ancestors; ancestry; lineage; ADJ. (of an animal) descended from of a chosen family; Ex. pedigree dog; CF. crane's foot
n hydrophobia	fear of water; rabies
s rabies	disease passed on by the bite of an infected animal (causing madness and death)
s hygiene	science and practice of the promotion and preservation of health; ADJ. hygienic: showing careful attention to cleanness (to prevent disease); Ex. hygienic condition
n hyperbole	exaggeration; overstatement; ADJ. hyperbolic: of hyperbole; of a hyperbola
hypercritical	excessively exacting; too critical (without noticing good qualities)
n hypochondriac	person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness; ADJ. CF. hypochondria: neurosis that one is or is becoming ill; CF. abdomen
hypocritical	pretending to be virtuous; deceiving; N. hypocrisy: profession of beliefs one does not possess; CF. hypocrite
hypothetical	based on assumptions or hypotheses; supposed; N. hypothesis
n ichthyology	study of fish; CF. ichthyo-: fish
icon(ikon)	religious image; idol; image or representation
n iconoclastic	attacking cherished traditions; N. iconoclast: one who attacks traditional ideas; one who destroys sacred images
ideology	system of ideas characteristic of a group or culture
n idiom	expression whose meaning as a whole differs from the meanings of its individual words; distinctive style (of expression); Ex. idiom of the modern popular music; ADJ. idiomatic
idiosyncrasy	individual trait usually odd in nature; behavioral peculiarity; eccentricity; attitude, behavior, or opinion peculiar to a person; anything highly individual or eccentric; ADJ. idiosyncratic
n idolatry	worship of idols; excessive admiration or devotion; ADJ. idolatrous
n idyllic	charmingly carefree; simple and happy; Ex. idyllic scene
s idyll(idyl)	short poem idealizing rural life; simple happy period of life (in the country); scene from such a time; Ex. idyll of two young lovers
n igneous	produced by fire; of fire; volcanic; (of rocks) formed from lava; Ex. igneous meteorite
ignite	kindle; light; catch fire or set fire to
n ignoble	unworthy; not noble; dishonorable; Ex. ignoble deed
n ignominy	deep disgrace; shame or dishonor; ADJ. ignominious; Ex. ignominous defeat
illicit	illegal
n illimitable	infinite; limitless
illuminate	brighten; clear up or make understandable; enlighten; enable to understand; Ex. illuminating remarks
illusion	misleading vision or visual image; false idea or belief; CF. delusion
illusive	deceiving; based on illusion; causing illusion; deceptive
illusory	illusive; deceptive; not real
imbalance	lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion
s disproportion	lack of proportion (between the parts); ADJ. disproportionate
n imbecility	weakness of mind; state of being an imbecile; N. imbecile: stupid person; fool
imbibe	drink in
n imbroglio	complicated situation (as in a play); painful or complex misunderstanding (as in a play); entanglement; confused mass (as of papers); V. embroil
n imbue	saturate(soak thoroughly); fill; Ex. imbue someone with feelings
h 24	
immaculate	spotless; flawless; absolutely clean
s tenant	one that pays rent to use property owned by another
s tenancy	possession of land or building by rent; period of a tenant's occupancy
imminent	impending; near at hand
immobility	state of being immovable
n immolate	offer or kill as a sacrifice (by fire)
immune	resistant to; free or exempt from; N. immunity
n immure	imprison; shut up in confinement; CF. wall
immutable	unchangeable
impair	injure; hurt; damage
n impale	pierce (with a sharp point); Ex. impaled by the spear
impalpable	imperceptible(not easily understood); intangible; OP. palpable: tangible; easily perceptible
impartial	not biased; fair; N. impartiality
s impart	grant a share of; make known; Ex. news to impart
impassable	not able to be traveled or crossed
impasse	predicament(dangerous condition) from which there is no escape; situation allowing for no further progress
impassive	without feeling; expressionless; imperturbable; stoical; Ex. impassive face
n impeach	charge (a public official) with crime in office; raise doubts about; indict; Ex. impeach a witness's credibility
n impeccable	faultless
s credential	evidence concerning one's authority; written proof of a person's position; Ex. The new ambassador presented his credentials to the court.
impecunious	without money
impede	hide; retard or obstruct the progress of; block
s retard	delay (in development); ADJ. retarded: (as of a child) slower in development
impediment	hindrance; stumbling-block; speech defect preventing clear articulation; Ex. speech impediment
impel	drive or force onward; drive to take action; urge to action
impending	nearing; approaching; about to happen
impenetrable	not able to be pierced or entered; beyond understanding; impossible to understand; Ex. impenetrable mystery
impenitent	not repentant
imperative	absolutely necessary; that must be done; critically important; expressing command; Ex. It is imperative that; N: something that must be done
imperceptible	unnoticeable; impossible to perceive; undetectable
imperial	like an emperor; related to an empire; CF. imperialism
s imperil	put in danger
n imperious	domineering; too commanding; haughty; CF. imperial/emperor
impermeable	impervious; not permitting passage through its substance; impossible to permeate
impertinent	insolent; rude; not pertinent; N. impertinence
imperturbable	unshakably calm; placid
s collected	composed; calm; self-possessed
n impervious	impenetrable; incapable of being damaged or distressed; incapable of being affected (in one's opinions); Ex. impervious to water/criticism
impetuous	violent; hasty; rash; impulsive; without careful thought; Ex. impetuous decision
impetus	moving force; momentum; force of a moving body; incentive; stimulus; impulse
impiety	irreverence; lack of respect for God or piety
n impinge	infringe; encroach; influence; touch; collide with; Ex. The effects are impinging on every aspect of our lives.
impious	irreverent
implacable	incapable of being pacified; impossible to appease; Ex. implacable enemy
implausible	unlikely (to be true); unbelievable; Ex. implausible alibi
implement	put into effect; enforce; carry out; supply with tools; Ex. implement the plan/suggestion; N: tool or instrument
implicate	incriminate; involve incriminatingly; show to be involved (in a crime); Ex. implicate someone in the crime
implication	something hinted at or suggested; implying; implicating
implicit	understood but not stated; implied; unquestioning and complete; Ex. implicit trust
implode	burst inward; CF. vaccum tube
implore	beg
imply	suggest a meaning not expressed; signify
n impolitic	not wise; not expedient; not politic
imponderable	weightless; that cannot undergo precise evaluation; CF. pound
import	significance; importance; meaning
s significant	expressing a meaning; important; Ex. significant smile; N. significance: importance; meaning; V. signify: denote; mean; signal; make known; matter; be significant
n importunate	urging; always demanding; troublesomely urgent or persistent
n importune	beg persistently; make repeated requests (in an annoying way)
imposture	assuming a false identity; masquerade; CF. impostor
s masquerade	wear a mask or disguise; pretend; N: costume party or ball at which masks are worn; pretense; disguise
impotent	weak; ineffective; lacking in physical strength or power
s crave	desire; want intensely
n imprecation	curse; swearword
n impregnable	invulnerable; impossible to capture or enter by force; Ex. impregnable fort/argument; CF. take
s impregnate	make pregnant; fill thoroughly; saturate
impromptu	without previous preparation; off the cuff(end of a sleeve); on the spur of the moment
impropriety	improperness; unsuitableness
improvident	thriftless; not providing for the future
improvise	compose on the spur of the moment
imprudent	lacking caution; not prudent; injudicious
impudence	impertinence; insolence
n impugn	dispute or contradict (often in an insulting way); attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay; CF. fight
n impuissance	powerlessness; feebleness
impunity	freedom from punishment or harm; CF. punish
n impute	attribute; ascribe; charge; N. imputation
inadvertently	unintentionally; by oversight; carelessly
s oversee	watch over and direct; supervise; N. oversight: unintentional failure to notice or do something; supervision
inalienable	not to be taken away; nontransferable; Ex. inalienable rights
n inane	silly; senseless; Ex. inane remarks; N. inanity
inanimate	lifeless; not animate
n inarticulate	speechless; producing indistinct speech; not articulate; not expressing oneself clearly
s speechless	unable for the moment to speak (because of strong feeling); Ex. speechless with anger
inaugurate	begin formally; install in office; induct into office by a formal ceremony; N. inauguration; ADJ. inaugural
n incandescent	strikingly bright; shining with intense heat; emitting visible light when heated; Ex. incandescent light bulb; CF. candle
n incantation	singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula; (the saying of) words used in magic; CF. enchant
s chant	tune(melody) in which a number of words are sung on the same note; V: sing (a chant); utter (a slogan) in the manner of a chant
s charm	quality of pleasing; amulet; action or formula thought to have magical power; spell; V: attract; cast a spell on; bewitch
s bewitch	cast a spell over; captivate completely
s recite	repeat aloud (something learned); describe; Ex. recite his complaints; N. recitation
s recital	act of reciting publicly; detailed account; performance of music or dance (by a solo performer)
n incapacitate	disable; N. incapacity: lack of capacity
incarcerate	imprison
incarnate	endowed with flesh; invested with bodily form; personified; Ex. devil incarnate; V: give bodily form to; embody
incarnation	act of assuming a human body and human nature; one who personifies something; personification; Ex. previous incarnation/reincarnation
s personify	represent (an inanimate object) as a person; be the embodiment or perfect example of; Ex. She is evil/patience personified; N. personification
incendiary	arsonist; ADJ: causing fire; of arson; Ex. incendiary bomb
incense	enrage; infuriate(make furious); make extremely angry; outrage; N: aromatic substance burned to produce a pleasant odor
incentive	spur; motive; something which encourages one to greater activity
inception	start; beginning
incessant	uninterrupted; unceasing
h 25	
n inchoate	(of desire, wish, plan) recently begun; not explicit; at the beginning of development; rudimentary; elementary; Ex. inchoate mass
incidence	rate of occurrence; particular occurrence; Ex. high incidence of infant mortality
incidental	not essential; minor; N: something incidental
s incident	event; event that causes a crisis
s incinerate	burn to ashes
incipient	beginning; in an early stage
incisive	(appreciatively) cutting; sharp; Ex. incisive remarks; V. incise: make a cut into
incite	arouse to action; goad; motivate; induce to exist; Ex. incite a riot/the crowd to rebellion
n inclement	stormy; unkind; unmerciful; CF. clement
incline	slope; slant; Ex. steep incline
inclined	tending or leaning toward; bent; V. incline: slant; dispose; be disposed; tend
s tend	have a tendency; take care of; minister; serve at; apply one's attention; attend
inclusive	tending to include all; all-inclusive; Ex. inclusive charge
incognito	with identity concealed; using an assumed name; ADJ.
incoherent	unintelligible; muddled; unable to express one's thoughts in an orderly manner; illogical; lacking cohesion; not coherent
incommodious	not spacious; inconvenient
incompatible	inharmonious; N. incompatibility
incongruity	lack of harmony; absurdity; ADJ. incongruous: lacking in harmony; inappropriate
s attire	clothe; N: clothing; array; apparel
inconsequential	insignificant; unimportant
inconsistency	state of being self-contradictory; lack of uniformity or steadiness; ADJ. inconsistent: displaying a lack of consistency; erratic; contradictory; incompatible
incontinent	lacking self-restraint; not continent; licentious
incontrovertible	indisputable; impossible to dispute; not open to question; unquestionable
incorporate	introduce something into a larger whole; include; embody; give material form to; ADJ.
n incorporeal	without a material body; insubstantial
incorrigible	uncorrectable
incredulity	tendency to disbelief
incredulous	withholding belief; skeptical; showing disbelief
increment	increase
incriminate	accuse of or implicate in a crime; serve as evidence against; cause to seem or make guilty of a crime; Ex. incriminating evidence
n incrustation	hard coating or crust; V. incrust: encrust; cover with a crust
incubate	hatch; warm (eggs) with the body to promote hatching; maintain at optimal environment conditions for development; be holding in one's body an infection which is going to develop into a disease; N. incubation; CF. incubation:disease
s inasmuch_as	since; owing to the fact that
incubus	burden; very worriying problem; mental care; nightmare; male devil; CF. succubus
inculcate	teach (ideas or principles); instill
incumbent	obligatory; imposed as an obligation; currently holding an office; N: person who holds an office
incur	bring upon oneself
incursion	temporary invasion; CF. excursion: short journey
s inroad hostile invasion; advance that lessens the quantity or difficulty of something; Ex. The long illness made serious inroads on his savings; CF. raid
indefatigable	tireless; untiring; showing no sign of getting tired
indelible	not able to be erased
n indemnify	make secure against damage or loss; compensate for damage or loss; CF. make uninjured
indentation	notch; deep recess; V. indent; CF. tooth
n indenture	bind as servant or apprentice to master; bind by indenture; N: contract binding one party into the service of another for a specified time (as between an apprentice and his master)
indeterminate	uncertain; not clearly fixed; indefinite
indicative	suggestive; implying; serving to indicate
indices	signs; indications; Ex. indices of a student's potential; CF. index: something that reveals or indicates; sign; Ex. cost-of-living index
indict	charge; N. indictment
indifferent	unmoved or unconcerned by; having no interest in; mediocre; neither good nor bad
indigence	poverty
indigenous	native; Ex. plant indigenous to the New World
indigent	poor; destitute
indignation	anger at an injustice; Ex. righteous indignation; ADJ. indignant
s righteous	morally upright; just
s rightful	legally correct; Ex. rightful owner
indignity	treatment or situation that causes shame or loss of dignity, respect; offensive or insulting treatment; humiliating or degrading treatment; Ex. I suffered the indignity of having to say that in front of them.
indiscriminate	choosing at random; confused; not based on careful distinctions
indisputable	too certain to be disputed; beyond doubt
indissoluble	permanent; impossible to dissolve or disintegrate
indite	write; compose
indolent	lazy
indomitable	unconquerable; unyielding
n indubitable	unable to be doubted; which cannot be doubted; unquestionable
induce	persuade; lead to do something; bring about; N. inducement
inductive	pertaining to induction or proceeding from the  specific  to the general
s induct	place formally in office; install; admit as a member; initiate; N. induction: inducting; process of deriving general principles from particular facts
indulgent	humoring; yielding; lenient; showing indulgence
s indulge	yield to; gratify; allow oneself a special pleasure; Ex. indulge one's every whim/a child/in a big cigarette; N. indulgence
s humor	indulge; comply with the wishes of; N. quality that makes something amusing; state of mind; mood; Ex. in a bad humor; Ex. out of humor
industrious	diligent; hard-working; N. industry
n inebriated	habitually intoxicated; drunk; N. inebriety
s inebriate	make drunk; intoxicate; N. intoxicated person
s intoxicate	make drunk; stimulate or excite; Ex. intoxicated by all the money he might win
n ineffable	unutterable; not to be uttered; taboo; that cannot be expressed in speech; indescribable; unspeakable; inexpressible; Ex. ineffable name/joy
ineffectual	not effective; not having a desired effect; weak
n ineluctable	irresistible; not to be escaped; unavoidable
inept	unsuited; inappropriate; lacking skill; incompetent; CF. inapt: (of statements or ideas) inappropriate
inequity	unfairness; ADJ. inequitable
n inerrancy	infallibility
n inert	inactive; lacking power to move; unable to move or act; Ex. chemically inert; N. inertia: state of being inert; force which keeps a thing in the position or state
inevitable	unavoidable
n inexorable	relentless; unyielding; implacable; not capable of being changed by entreaty or efforts; Ex. inexorable price rises
infallible	unerring; never making mistakes
infamous	notoriously bad; notorious; well known for being bad; Ex. infamous behavior; N: infamy: infamous act; evil fame or reputation
infantile	childish; infantlike
infer	deduce; conclude; N. inference
n infernal	pertaining to hell; devilish; N. inferno: place of fiery heat or destruction
n infidel	unbeliever (with respect to a particular religion)
infiltrate	pass into or through; penetrate or enter (an organization) sneakily; Ex. infiltrate the troops into enemy territory; CF. infiltrator
s penetrate	enter into; pierce; permeate; see through; grasp the inner significance of; understand
infinitesimal	very small
infirmity	weakness
inflated	exaggerated; pompous; enlarged (with air or gas)
influx	flowing into
infraction	violation (of a rule or regulation); breach
h 26	
infringe	violate (a law); encroach (the right of another person)
ingenious	marked by inventive skill; clever; resourceful; N. ingenuity
s resourceful	clever and imaginative (in dealing with difficult situations); N. resource, resourcefulness
ingenuous	naive and trusting; young; unsophisticated; candid
s ingenue	ing\'enue; young innocent girl
ingrained	deeply established; firmly rooted; Ex. ingrained dirt/prejudice
ingrate	ungrateful person (not expressing thanks)
n ingratiate	become popular with; bring (oneself) in favor of another; Ex. ingratiate himself with the boss
inherent	firmly established by nature or habit; intrinsic
inhibit	restrain; prohibit; retard or prevent; N. inhibition
s inhibited	(of a person) unable to express what one really feels
s uninhibited	having no inhibitions; free in behavior and feelings
n inimical	(of someone) unfriendly; hostile; (of something) harmful; detrimental; CF. enemy
inimitable	matchless; not able to be imitated
iniquitous	wicked; immoral; unrighteous; N. iniquity; Ex. den of iniquity
initiate	begin; originate; receive into a group; introduce to a new field or activity; Ex. initiate someone into the mysteries of a secret religion; N: one who has been initiated
injurious	harmful; causing injury
n inkling	hint; slight indication
innate	inborn
innocuous	harmless
innovation	change; something newly introduced; introduction of something new; V. innovate: begin or introduce (something new); be creative; ADJ. innovative
n innuendo	indirect or subtle (derogatory) hint; insinuation; Ex. sexual innuendo
inopportune	untimely; inappropriate or ill-timed; poorly chosen
n inordinate	beyond reasonable limits; unrestrained; excessive; Ex. inordinate demands
inquisitor	questioner (especially harsh); investigator; person making an inquisition
s inquisitive	eager for knowledge; unduly curious
n insalubrious	unwholesome; not healthful; Ex. insalubrious place
s healthful	conducive to good health; Ex. healthful mountain air
s healthy	possessing good health; healthful
s wholesome	conducive to mental or physical health; healthful
insatiable	not easily satisfied; unquenchable; Ex. insatiable appetite
n inscrutable	difficult to understand; impenetrable; not readily understood; mysterious
n insensate	without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
n insensible	unconscious; unresponsive; insensitive; unaware; imperceptible; Ex. insensible of his danger/to pain; Ex. insensible change; CF. not the opposite of sensible
n insidious	treacherous; stealthy; sly; working or spreading harmfully in a stealthy manner; Ex. insidious spreading of dry rot
insightful	discerning; perceptive
n insinuate	hint; imply; suggest indirectly; creep in; introduce or insert (oneself) by artful means; Ex. insinuate himself into the boss's favor; CF. ingratiate
s creep	move with body close to the ground; move stealthily or slowly; N.
s artful	exhibiting art or skill; deceitful; cunning; CF. artifice
n insipid	lacking in flavor; lacking interest; dull; Ex. insipid food/character
insolence	impudent disrespect; haughtiness; ADJ. insolent; CF. haughty + rude
insolvent	bankrupt; lacking money to pay; N. insolvency
insomnia	wakefulness; inability to sleep
n insouciant	without concern or care; unconcerned; indifferent
n instigate	start; urge; provoke; incite; Ex. instigate a search/quarrel
insubordination	disobedience; rebelliousness; ADJ. insubordinate
insubstantial	lacking substance; insignificant; frail; immaterial
n insularity	narrow-mindedness; isolation; ADJ. insular: of an island; isolated; narrow-minded; CF. peninsula
insuperable	insurmountable; unbeatable; Ex. insuperable difficulties
s odds	chances; probability; disagreement; Ex. The odds are that it will rain. Ex. at odds with
insurgent	rebellious; N.
insurmountable	overwhelming; unbeatable; insuperable
insurrection	rebellion; uprising
intangible	not able to be perceived by touch; vague
integral	complete; necessary for completeness; Ex. integral part
integrate	make whole; combine; make into one unit
integrity	honesty; uprightness; wholeness; state of being whole and undivided; completeness
s upright	(sitting or standing) straight up; honest; moral
intellect	higher mental powers; person of great intellectual ability
intelligentsia	intellectuals; members of the educated elite (often used derogatorily)
inter	bury; N. interment
s cemetery	place for burying the dead
interdict	prohibit; forbid; N.
interim	meantime; Ex. in the interim; ADJ. taking place during an interim; Ex. interim paper
n interloper	intruder; one who interferes
interminable	endless
intermittent	periodic; on and off; stopping and starting at intervals
internecine	mutually destructive
n interpolate	insert between
n interregnum	period between two successive reigns or governments
n interrogate	question closely; cross-examine; cross-question
intervene	come between; interfere; Ex. intervened to prevent a fight; N. intervention
n intimate	hint; suggest; imply; ADJ: marked by close relationship; familiar; private; personal; Ex. intimate knowledge/thoughts in the diary; N: close friend or confidant; CF. intimacy
intimidate	frighten; N. intimidation
intractable	unruly; difficult to manage; Ex. intractable problem/child
intransigence	refusal of any compromise; stubbornness; ADJ. intransigent: uncompromising
intrepid	fearless
intrinsic	essential; inherent; built-in
n introspective	looking within oneself; N. introspection: self-examination
introvert	one who  is  introspective or inclined  to  think  more  about oneself; ADJ. introverted
n intrude	put or force in without being asked; trespass; enter as an uninvited person; Ex. intrude one's own opinion into the report; CF. thrust in
intuition	immediate insight; power of knowing without reasoning; ADJ. intuitive; V. intuit: know by intuition
inundate	flood; overflow; submerge; cover completely; Ex. inundated with work
s overwhelm	(of water) cover completely; defeat completely by much greater force; Ex. overwhelmed by grief
s submerge	place under water; dip; go under water; cover completely (as with water); Ex. submerged in work
s engulf	surround and swallow up
n inured	accustomed; hardened; Ex. inured to the Alaskan cold; V. inure: make used to something undesirable; harden; CF. unfeeling
invalidate	weaken; destroy; make invalid; nullify
s invalid	one incapacitated(disabled) by a chronic illness; ADJ: incapacitated by illness; not valid; null; V: allow to leave (a military force) because of ill-health
invective	abuse
n inveigh	denounce; utter censure or invective; Ex. inveigh against the evils of drink
n inveigle	deceive; lead astray by deception; wheedle(cajole); Ex. inveigle her into joining the club; CF. interest dishonestly
inverse	opposite
invert	turn upside down or inside out; reverse the position or condition of
h 27	
inveterate	deep-rooted; habitual; CF. grow old
n invidious	designed to create ill will or envy; tending to rouse ill will or envy; Ex. invidious comparison
invincible	unconquerable
n inviolable	secure from corruption, attack, or violation(or profanation); unassailable; Ex. inviolable oath/rights; N. inviolability
n invocation	prayer for help (used in invoking); calling upon as a reference or support; act of invoking
n invoke	call and bring into use (a right or law); call on/upon (a higher power or god) for help; ask for; beg for; conjure (a spirit); Ex. invoke the veto power; Ex. invoke one's advisor/God
invulnerable	incapable of injury; impossible to damage or injure
iota	very small quantity
n irascible	irritable; easily angered
n irate	angry; CF. ire: anger; wrath
n iridescent	exhibiting rainbowlike colors; Ex. iridescent oil slick; N. iridescence
irksome	annoying; tedious; V. irk: annoy
ironic	expressing irony; occurring in an unexpected and contrary manner
n irony	hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that seem to mean the opposite of what they actually mean; use of words to convey the opposite of their literal meaning
irreconcilable	impossible to reconcile; incompatible; not able to be resolved
irrefutable	indisputable; incontrovertible; undeniable
irrelevant	not applicable; unrelated
irremediable	incurable; uncorrectable; impossible to remedy
irreparable	not able to be corrected or repaired; impossible to repair
irrepressible	unable to be restrained or held back; impossible to hold back
irreproachable	beyond reproach; blameless; impeccable; Ex. irreproachable conduct
irresolute	uncertain how to act; weak; lacking in resolution; indecisive; N. irresolution
s indecisive	marked by indecision; inconclusive; Ex. indecisive battle
s indecision	irresolution; inability to make up one's mind
irretrievable	impossible to recover or regain; CF. retrieve
irreverence	lack of proper respect or reverence; ADJ. irreverent
irrevocable	unalterable; irreversible; impossible to revoke
isotope	varying from of an element
n isthmus	narrow neck of land connecting two larger bodies of land
n itinerant	wandering; traveling from place to place (to perform work); Ex. itinerant preacher
n itinerary	plan of a trip; record of a trip
n jabber	chatter rapidly or unintelligibly
s jab	poke abruptly with something sharp; punch with short blows
n jaded	tired or uninterested by surfeit; fatigued; surfeited; worn out; wearied; Ex. jaded appetite
jargon	language used by special group; technical terminology; gibberish; nonsensical or incoherent talk
n jaundiced	yellowed; prejudiced (envious, hostile, or resentful) from long and disappointing experience of human affairs; Ex. with a jaundiced eye
s jaundice	medical condition in which the skin, the white part of the eyes, etc. turn yellow; V: affect with jaundice; affect with prejudice, envy, or hostility; bias
n jaunt	trip; short journey
n jaunty	cheerful and pleased with life; lighthearted; animated; easy and carefree; dapper in appearance; Ex. jaunty person/hat
jeopardize	endanger; imperil; put at risk; N. jeopardy: danger
n jettison	throw overboard (from a ship or plane)
n jibe	agree; be in harmony with; gibe
jingoist	extremely aggressive and militant patriot; warlike chauvinist; N. jingoism: extreme nationalism
n jocose	given to(having a tendency of) joking
n jocular	said or done in jest or playfully; marked by joking
s jest	playful remark or act; V. act or speak playfully
n jocund	merry
n jollity	gaiety; cheerfulness; ADJ. jolly: merry; gay
n jostle	shove; bump; push against (someone) rather roughly; Ex. jostled by the crowds
s shove	push forward; push roughly; Ex. pushing and shoving to get on the bus; N.
s bump	hit or knock against with force; N.
n jovial	good-natured; merry; cheerful
jubilation	rejoicing; great joy
judicious	sound on judgment; wise
n juggernaut	irresistible crushing force; overwhelming advancing force that crushes everything in its path
s jug	pitcher; container for holding liquids
n juncture	crisis; point in time; joining point; joint; act of joining
n junket	trip especially one taken for pleasure by an official at public expense
n junta	group of persons joined in political intrigue; cabal; group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power (by force)
n jurisprudence	science of law
s jurisdiction	right and power to apply the law; authority
s juridical	of the law and its administration; CF. judicial: of courts of law; CF. judiciary
n juxtapose	place side by side; CF. next
n kaleidoscope	tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce interesting symmetrical effects; series of changing events; Ex. kaleidoscope of European history; CF. beautiful
n ken	range of knowledge; Ex. beyond one's ken
kernel	central or vital part; core; whole seed (as of corn)
n killjoy	grouch; spoilsport; one who intentionally spoils the pleasure of others
s grouch	bad-tempered complaint; person who keeps complaining; V: complain; grumble
s spoilsport	one who spoils the pleasure of others
kindle	start a fire; ignite; inspire; arouse
n kindred	related; belonging to the same group; similar in nature or character; Ex. kindred languages; N: relative; kin; kinship
kinetic	producing motion; of motion
n kismet	fate; destiny; Ex. Kismet is the Arabic word for fate.
n kleptomaniac	person who has a compulsive desire to steal
n knave	untrustworthy person; rogue; scoundrel; jack; N. knavery
n knead	mix; work dough; mix and work into a uniform mass (with the hands); Ex. knead dough
n knell	tolling of a bell especially to indicate a funeral, disaster, etc.; sound of the funeral bell; V.
s toll	sound (a large bell) slowly at regular intervals; N: sound of a bell; fixed tax or charge
s curfew	regulation requiring all people to leave the streets at stated times; signal (as a bell) announcing the hour of a curfew
n knit	contract into wrinkles; grow together; join together closely; make (a fabric or garment) by interwining yarn or thread; Ex. knit the brow; Ex. The bones should knit together in a few weeks.
s crochet	make (a piece of needlework) by looping thread with a hooked needle; N. CF. crotchet
n knoll	little round hill; hillock
n knotty	intricate; difficult; tangled; CF. knot
n kudos	honor; glory; acclaim or praise for exceptional achievement
s entourage	group of attendants; retinue; CF. surround
n labile	likely to change; unstable; Ex. emotionally labile; N. lability
laborious	demanding much work or care; tedious
labyrinth	maze
n laceration	torn ragged wound; V. lacerate: tear (the skin as with broken glass); wound
s rip	tear or be torn quickly and violently; Ex. The sail ripped under the force of the wind; N.
s rag	scrap of cloth; ADJ. ragged: old and torn; seeming unfinished and imperfect; Ex. ragged debut/performance
n lachrymose	producing tears; tearful
n lackadaisical	lacking interest or effort; lacking purpose or zest; lazy; halfhearted; languid
s halfhearted	exhibiting little interest or enthusiasm
n lackluster	lacking luster(shine; gloss); dull
n laconic	brief and to the point; using few words; terse
n laggard	slow; sluggish; N: one who lags; straggler
s lag	move or develop more slowly; straggle; Ex. lag behind the rest; N.
s straggle	stray or fall behind (a main group); spread out in a scattered group; Ex. straggling marathon racer; Ex. straggling branch
h 28	
n lagoon	shallow body of water or lake near a sea; lake separated from a sea by sandbars or coral reefs
n laity	laypersons; laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
s layman	man who is not a cleric; man who is nonprofessional
lament	grieve; express sorrow; N. lamentation
n lampoon	ridicule; N: written attack ridiculing or satirizing a person, group, or institution
n lancet	small surgical tool for making incisions
s lance	pierce with a lance; cut into; N: spearlike weapon
languid	lacking energy or vitality; weary; sluggish; listless
languish	lose animation or strength
languor	lack of physical or mental energy; lassitude; depression
n lank	long and thin; Ex. Lank, gaunt, Abraham Lincoln
n lap	take in food or drink with one's tongue; splash gently; Ex. waves lapping the shore; N: front area from the waist to the knees of a seated person
n larceny	theft; Ex. petit larceny
n larder	pantry; place where food is kept
n largess	generous gift (given to people who do not have enough)
lascivious	lustful
s lust	intense sexual desire; intense eagerness; V.
n lassitude	languor; weariness; listlessness
latent	present but not yet noticeable or active; dormant; hidden; N. latency; CF. potential
lateral	of or coming from the side
n latitude	freedom from narrow limitations
laud	praise; N. ADJ. laudable: praiseworthy; ADJ. laudatory: expressing praise
n lavish	liberal; wasteful; generous or wasteful in giving or using; abundant; profuse; great; Ex. decorated lavishly; V. give in abundance
n lax	careless; negligent; not paying enough attention; Ex. lax service
n leaven	add leaven to; cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven; N: agent, such as yeast, that causes dough to rise (by fermentation); element that lightens or enlivens
s enliven	make lively or spirited; animate
lechery	gross lewdness; lustfulness; ADJ. lecherous; N. lecher: lecherous man
n lectern	reading desk or stand for a public speaker
n leery	(of someone) suspicious; wary; cautious
n leeway	room to move; margin; latitude; Ex. leeway for the deadline
s margin	border; room; allowance beyond what is needed; Ex. margin of safety
s marginal	of a margin; barely within a limit; Ex. marginal effect/writing ability
legacy	gift made by a will; something handed down from an ancestor
legend	explanatory list of symbols on a map
n legerdemain	sleight(dexterity) of hand; CF. light of hand
leniency	mildness; permissiveness; ADJ. lenient: not severe in judgment or punishment
s permissive	allowing much freedom; lenient; Ex. permissive society
leonine	like a lion
lethal	deadly
lethargic	drowsy; dull; N. lethargy: state of sluggishness and inactivity
n levee	earthen or stone embankment to prevent flooding; CF. raise
n levitate	rise and float in the air (especially by magical means); CF. light
levity	lack of seriousness or steadiness; frivolity; lightness of manner
n levy	impose (a fine); collect (a payment); impose or collect (a tax); Ex. levy a tax on tobacco
lewd	lustful
n lexicographer	compiler of a dictionary; CF. lexicography: work of compiling a dictionary
n lexicon	dictionary
n liability	drawback; handicap; debts; obligation; responsibility; condition of being liable; ADJ. liable: likely; responsible (for paying)
liaison	contact that keeps parties in communication; communication between groups; one that maintains communication; go-between; secret love affair; V. liaise: keep a connection
libel	defamatory written statement; act of writing something that smears a person's character; V. ADJ. libelous
n libertine	debauched person; dissolute or licentious person; rou\'e; CF. free
s rou\'e	lecherous man
libidinous	lustful
n libido	psychic and emotional energy or urges behind human activity; sexual desire
n libretto	text of an opera or oratorio; CF. book
licentious	amoral; lewd and lascivious; unrestrained
s license	official or legal permission; latitude of action or speech; excessive freedom that causes harm or damage; V.
n lien	legal claim or right on a property
n ligneous	like wood
n lilliputian	extremely small; CF. Lilliput in Gulliver's Travels
n limber	flexible; supple; pliable; V.
n limbo	region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; prison (slang); Ex. Purgatory and Limbo
s abode	dwelling place; home
s abide	dwell; abide by: comply with; put up with; tolerate; Ex. abide by the rules; Ex. I can't abide rude people.
n limn	draw; outline; describe; CF. line ?
n limpid	crystal clear
lineage	descent; ancestry
n lineaments	features especially of the face; distinctive shape or contour of the face; CF. line
s feature	distinctive part of the faces (as the eyes or mouth); features: overall appearance of the face; prominent or distinctive quality; prominent article; film; V: make prominent
s linger	loiter or dawdle; be slow in leaving; delay going; continue or persist; be slow to disappear; Ex. The smell lingered for days.
s persist	continue in existence; last; continue in a course of action in spite of opposition; Ex. persist in/with something; ADJ. persistent
linguistic	pertaining to language
s lionize	treat (a person) as a celebrity
s liquidate	settle accounts; pay off (a debt); clear up; eliminate; kill or abolish
s list	tilt (as of a ship); lean over (to one side)
listless	lacking in spirit or energy; languid
n litany	supplicatory prayer; prayer in which the priest calls out and the people replies in the same words
n lithe	flexible; supple; CF. limber
s willowy	flexible; pliant; slender; CF. willow
n litigation	lawsuit; N. litigant: one party in a lawsuit; V. litigate
n litotes	understatement for emphasis; Ex. ``not bad(=pretty good)''
s understate	state with less truth than seems warranted by the facts; Ex. He understated the seriousness of the crime; N. understatement; OP. overstate
n livid	lead-colored; black and blue (as from a bruise); ashen; enraged; extremely angry
n loath	reluctant; unwilling; disinclined; Ex. Romeo and Juliet were both loath for him to go.
loathe	detest; ADJ. loathsome: arousing loathing; offensive; Ex. loathsome smell
n lode	metal-bearing vein(long deposit of an ore)
lofty	very high
s loft	room or space under the roof; attic
log	record of a voyage or flight; record of day-to-day activities; section of a trunk; V.
loiter	hang about/around; stand idly about; linger
n loll	lounge about
s lounge	stand, sit, or lie in a lazy, relaxed way
longevity	long life; long duration
n loom	appear or take shape (usually in an enlarged, indistinct, or distorted form); Ex. The shadow of the gallows loomed threateningly. N: apparatus for making thread into cloth
s gallows	framework from which a noose is suspended (used for execution by hanging)
s noose	loop formed in a rope
n lope	gallop slowly
loquacious	talkative; N. loquacity
h 29	
n lout	clumsy person; ADJ. loutish; CF. from countrysides ?
n low	moo; make the sound of a cow
s lubricate	apply a lubricant to; N. lubricant: substance that reduces friction
lucid	easily understood; clear; intelligible; N. lucidity
lucrative	profitable; producing wealth
n lucre	money; profit; Ex. filthy lucre
s filth	dirty matter; ADJ. filthy
n ludicrous	laughable; ridiculous; trifling
n lugubrious	mournful; sorrowful
n lull	moment of calm; period of reduced activity; Ex. a lull in the rain; V: cause to become less active; cause to sleep or rest; Ex. lull the opponents into a false sense of security; CF. lullaby
n lumber	move heavily or clumsily; Ex. The bear lumbered through the woods; N: timber
n lumen	unit of light energy (one candle's worth)
n luminary	celebrity (in a specific field); dignitary; object that gives light (as a celestial body)
s dignitary	person of high rank or position
n luminous	shining (esp. in the dark); issuing light; Ex. luminous paint/road signs
lunar	pertaining to the moon
s lunatic	insane; Ex. lunatic asylum
n lurid	wild; sensational; graphic; gruesome; horrible; Ex. lurid details of the murder
n lurk	stealthily lie in waiting; slink; exist unperceived
s slink	move furtively; ADJ. slinky: stealthy; furtive; sneaky (as in ambush)
n luscious	pleasing to taste or smell; delicious
n luster	shine; gloss (of a polished surface)
n lustrous	shining; brilliant; Ex. lustrous hair
n luxuriant	abundant; growing healthily and in large amounts; excessively ornate; rich and splendid; fertile; Ex. luxuriant forests/prose; CF. luxurious, luxuriate
n macabre	gruesome; grisly; ghastly; CF. of death
s morgue	mortuary; place where bodies are kept before burial or cremation
s cremate	incinerate (a corpse); N. crematory, crematorium
n mace	ceremonial staff used as a symbol of authority; clublike medieval weapon
n macerate	soften by soaking in liquid; waste away; Ex. macerate powdered wood to make paper
n Machiavellian	crafty; double-dealing; of the political doctrine of Machiavelli, which holds that craft and deceit are justified in pursuing political power
n machinations	evil schemes or plots; schemes or plots to achieve an evil end; V. machinate
n maculated	spotted; stained; CF. immaculate
n madrigal	pastoral song; song for several singers without instruments
n maelstrom	violent whirlpool; violent or tublent situation; CF. stream
n magisterial	authoritative; imperious; commanding; of a magistrate; Ex. magisterial study of Roman law; Ex. magisterial manner
s magistrate	official with power to administer the law
magnanimity	generosity; ADJ. magnanimous: generous
n magnate	person of prominence or influence; powerful or influential person (in business or industry); Ex. oil magnate
magniloquent	boastful; pompous
magnitude	greatness (in size or extent); extent
n maim	mutilate; injure lastingly; disable; cripple; Ex. maimed for life
s mangle	tear or cut to pieces; mutilate or disfigure; Ex. badly mangled bodies
maladroit	clumsy; not skillful; awkward; bungling
malady	illness
n malaise	uneasiness; vague feeling of ill health (without any particular pain or appearance of disease)
n malapropism	comic misuse of a word; CF. Mrs. Malaprop
s malapropos	inappropriate; ADV.
malcontent	person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs; discontented person; ADJ: discontented
malediction	curse
malefactor	evildoer; criminal
s maleficient	doing evil; N. maleficience
malevolent	wishing evil; exhibiting ill will; N. malevolence
n malfeasance	wrongdoing; misconduct (by a public official)
malicious	hateful; spiteful; expressing malice; N. malice: desire to harm others; spite
malign	speak evil of; bad-mouth(criticize spitefully); defame; ADJ: harmful; Ex. malign influence
malignant	tending to cause death; highly injurious; aggressively malevolent; Ex. malignant tumor
malingerer	one who feigns illness to escape duty; V. malinger: feign illness to avoid work
n malleable	(of a metal) capable of being shaped by pounding(beating); pliable; (of someone) impressionable(easily influenced); easily controlled; tractable
malodorous	foul-smelling
s compost	mixture of decaying organic matter used as fertilizer; V: put or make compost
mammal	vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young
s vertebrate	having a backbone or spinal column; N: group of animals having a segmented spinal column
s suckle	give or take milk at the breast or udder
s nurse	suckle; take care of (as a nurse); bear in mind; Ex. nursing mother; Ex. nurse a hope/grudge against someone
mammoth	gigantic; enormous
manacle	restrain; handcuff; N.
n mandate	order; charge; authoritative command; power to govern another country; power to given to a government; region under administration; V: give a mandate to; place under a mandate; Ex. mandated territory
mandatory	obligatory; compulsory; of a mandate
n mangy	shabby; wretched; suffering from mange; of bad appearance
s mange	skin disease (esp. of domestic animals) marked by loss of hair
maniacal	raging mad; insane; N. maniac: insane person; CF. mania: disorder of the mind; intense enthusiasm
manifest	evident; visible; obvious; V: show plainly
n manifestation	outward demonstration; manifesting; indication of the presence of something; Ex. manifestation of his pronounced musical bent
s pronounced	distinct; very noticeable; Ex. pronounced limp
manifesto	public declaration of principles; statement of policy
n manifold	many in number or kind; numerous; varied
n manipulate	operate with one's hands; control or play upon (people, forces, etc.) artfully; maneuver; Ex. how to manipulate publicity and men; ADJ. manipulative
n mannered	affected; not natural; Ex. mannered way of speech
s mannerism	distinctive behavioral trait; affected style in art (according to a set of styles)
n manumit	emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
marital	pertaining to marriage
n maritime	bordering on(adjacent to) the sea; nautical; of the ships or the sea; Ex. Maritime Provinces
marked	noticeable; targeted for vengeance or attack; Ex. marked improvement/man
n marred	damaged; disfigured; V. mar: spoil; disfigure
n marshal	put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place; Ex. marshal the children into the museum; N: military officer; official
s enlist	(cause to) join the armed forces; obtain (help, sympathy, or support)
n marsupial	one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch(pocket of skin or leather); CF. kangaroo, opossum, wombat
martial	warlike; of war; Ex. martial art/law
s cadet	student at a military school
n martinet	strict disciplinarian; person who demands total obedience to rules and orders; CF. Jean Martinet
martyr	one who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause; great sufferer; Ex. martyr to his rheumatism
masochist	person who enjoys his own pain; CF. masochism
n masticate	chew
materialism	preoccupation with physical comforts and things; excessive regard for worldly concerns (rather than spiritual matters)
maternal	motherly; N. maternity: motherhood
matriarch	woman who rules a family or larger social group
n matriculate	enroll (in college or graduate school); CF. matrix
n matrix	point of origin; array of numbers or algebraic symbols; mold or die; Ex. the matrix of Western civilization
n maudlin	effusively sentimental
s sentimental	swayed by sentiment; appealing to the sentiments
n maul	handle roughly; batter; injure by beating; Ex. mauled by his overexcited fans; N: heavy long-handled hammer
h 30	
n mausoleum	monumental tomb; large stately tomb; CF. Mausolos
n mauve	pale purple
n maverick	rebel; nonconformist (in a group)
n mawkish	mushy(sentimental) and gushy; icky-sticky sentimental; excessively and objectionably sentimental
maxim	proverb; truth pithily stated
n mayhem	injury to body; crime of willfully maiming or crippling a person; violent disorder; Ex. mayhem in the zoo; CF. maim
meager	scanty; inadequate
n mealymouthed	indirect in speech (when something unpleasant must be said); hypocritical; evasive
n meander	wind or turn in its course; follow a winding or turning course; move aimlessly and idly
n meddlesome	interfering; V. meddle: interfere
mediate	settle a dispute through the services of an outsider; act as an intermediary; produce by mediating; Ex. mediate a cease-fire
s intermediary	intermediate; acting as a mediator; N: mediator; go-between
mediocre	ordinary; commonplace; neither good nor bad
meditation	reflection; thought; V. meditate
medium	element that is a creature's natural environment; nutrient setting in which microorganisms are cultivated; appropriate occupation or means of expression; channel of communication; compromise; middle position between extremes; intervening substance through which something else is transmitted
n medley	mixture
n meek	submissive; patient and long-suffering
s suitor	man who is courting a woman
n megalomania	mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder characterized by delusions of wealth, power, or importance
melancholy	gloomy; morose; blue; N. ADJ. melancholic; CF. melancholia
s blue	gloomy; depressed
melee	fight
n mellifluous	(of words or a voice) sweetly or smoothly flowing; melodious; having a pleasant tune
n memento	token; reminder of the past; keepsake; Ex. memento of your visit
memorialize	commemorate
s memorial	something, such as a monument or holiday, intended to honor the memory of a person or event; ADJ: commemorative
n menagerie	collection of wild animals on exhibition; zoo
n mendacious	lying; habitually dishonest; N. mendacity
n mendicant	beggar; ADJ: living as a beggar
s alms	money or goods given to the poor
n menial	suitable for servants; lowly; mean; N: someone who does menial work (esp. servant in a house)
n mentor	counselor; teacher
n mercantile	concerning trade or merchants
mercenary	motivated solely by money or gain; N.
n mercurial	capricious; quick and changing; fickle; containing the element mercury; Ex. mercurial temper; CF. mood
s quicksilver	mercury
n meretricious	flashy; tawdry; attractive on the surface but of no real value; Ex. metericious argument/jewel; CF. prostitute
s vulgar	of the common people; deficient in refinement; not refined; coarse; Ex. vulgar display of wealth; N. vulgarism: vulgarity; crudely indecent word; CF. vulgarian: vulgar person; boor; lout
n merger	combination (of two business corporations); act of merging
n mesmerize	hypnotize; N. mesmerism; CF. Franz Mesmer
n metallurgical	pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores; N. metallurgy: science that deals with extracting metals from ores
metamorphosis	change of form; Ex. metamorphosis of caterpillar to butterfly; V. metamorphose: change by metamorphosis
metaphor	implied comparison; CF. simile
s soar	rise or fly high in the air; Ex. The rocket soared into the sky.
metaphysical	pertaining to speculative philosophy; of metaphysics; N. metaphysics: branch of philosophy that examines the nature of reality
n mete	measure; distribute; administer; Ex. mete out justice/punishment
meteoric	like a meteor; swift; momentarily brilliant; Ex. meteoric rise to fame; N. meteor
methodical	systematic; N. method: systematic method of procedure
meticulous	excessively careful (with great attention to detail); painstaking; scrupulous
metropolis	large city
n mettle	courage (to continue bravely in spite of difficulties); spirit; ADJ. mettlesome
n miasma	swamp gas; heavy vaporous atmosphere often emanating from decaying matter; pervasive corrupting influence; noxious atmosphere or influence
s swamp	wetland; marsh; V: flood; overwhelm; drench in with liquid
microcosm	small representative world; world in miniature; Ex. microcosm of English society
s miniature	small model; small painting; ADJ: small
migrant	changing its habitat; wandering; Ex. migrant birds/workers; N: one that migrates
migratory	wandering; V. migrate: move from one region and settle in another; move periodically from one region to another
n milieu	social environment; means of expression; Ex. feel out of one's milieu; Ex. His proper milieu is watercolor.
militant	combative; bellicose; N.
n militate	work against; Ex. militate against the chances of promotion; CF. serve as a soldier
s militia	army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers
millennium	thousand-year period (as in the New Testament); hoped-for period of happiness and prosperity
mimicry	imitation
s mime	pantomime(act without dialogue); mimicry; mimer; V: mimic; pantomime
n minatory	menacing; threatening
n mincing	affectedly dainty(delicate); V. mince: cut (esp. meat) into very small pieces; walk with exaggerated primness; walk in an unnatural way, taking little short steps; Ex. The actor minced across the stage; CF. mincemeat; CF. mincer
s dainty	delicate; delicately beautiful; fastidious; not easy to please; Ex. dainty movement/dress
s exquisite	delicate; very finely made; extremely beautiful; Ex. exquisite piece of jewelry
s choice	delicate; of very fine quality
n minion	servile dependent; obsequious follower
n minuscule(miniscule)	extremely small
minute	extremely small; CF. minutes: official record of the proceedings at a meeting
n minutiae	petty or trivial details; CF. minutia
mirage	unreal reflection; optical illusion
n mire	entangle; stick in swampy ground; stick or sink in mire; N: bog; deep mud; Ex. sucked deeper into the mire
n mirth	merriment; laughter
n misadventure	mischance; ill luck; Ex. death by misadventure
misanthrope	one who hates mankind; misanthropist
s vile	despicable; unpleasant; disgusting; Ex. vile slander
misapprehension	error; misunderstanding; V. misapprehend
miscellany	mixture of writings on various subjects; collection of various items
s miscellaneous	made up of a variety of parts
n mischance	ill luck
misconstrue	interpret incorrectly; misinterpret; misjudge
n miscreant	wretch; wrongdoer; villain; Ex. kindness to the miscreant; CF. believe
s wretch	miserable person; bad or despicable person; ADJ. wretched: miserable; bad; contemptible; vile
misdemeanor	minor crime; misdeed; wrongdoing
s misconduct	immoral behavior; bad management; V.
miserly	stingy; mean
n misgivings	doubts
n mishap	unfortunate accident
n misnomer	wrong or improper name; incorrect designation
h 31	
misogamy	hatred of marriage
misogynist	hater of woman; CF. misogyny
missile	object to be thrown or projected
n missive	letter; written statement; CF. sent
n mite	very small object or insect-like creature; small coin
mitigate	appease; moderate; make or become less in force or intensity
n mnemonic	pertaining to memory; assisting the memory; N: device, such as as formula or rhyme, used as a mnemonic aid
mobile	movable; not fixed; N. mobility
n mock	ridicule; deride; imitate often in derision
mode	prevailing style; current fashion; manner; way of doing something; Ex. in the latest mode; Ex. simple mode of life
n modicum	limited quantity; small amount; Ex. He does not have a modicum of sense; CF. moderate
n modish	fashionable; conforming to the current fashion
n modulate	tone down in intensity; change the intensity or tone of; regulate; change from one musical key to another; Ex. modulate from E to G
n mogul	powerful person; Ex. oil moguls; CF. Mogol, Moghul; CF. Mongolian
molecule	the smallest particle (one or more atoms) of a substance that has all the properties of that substance
n mollify	soothe an angry person
n mollycoddle	pamper; coddle; baby; indulge excessively
n molt(moult)	periodically shed or cast off hairs or feathers (for replacement by a new growth)
n molten	melted; Ex. molten lava
momentous	very important; N. moment; CF. momentary
momentum	quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus; moving force
monarchy	government under a single ruler
monastic	related to monks or monasteries; removed from worldly concerns
monetary	pertaining to money
monochromatic	having only one color
s monochrome	painting in only one color; ADJ.
s monogram	design composed of one or more initials of a name; V.
s monograph	scholarly article
n monolithic	solidly uniform; unchangeable; unyielding; N. monolith: large block of stone
monotheism	belief in one God
monotony	sameness leading to boredom; monotonousness; ADJ. monotonous; CF. monotone
n monumental	massive; impressively large; built as a monument
n moodiness	fits of depression or gloom; ADJ. moody: given to changeable moods; subject to periods of depression; gloomy CF. mood:	state of mind or emotion
n moratorium	legal delay of payment or action; Ex. declare moratorium on the building of new houses
n morbid	given to unwholesome or unhealthy thought; moody; characteristic of disease; Ex. morbid curiosity; N. morbidity; CF. disease
n mordant	biting; sarcastic; stinging; (apprec.) incisive; cutting; Ex. mordant pen/wit
n mores	conventions; moral standards; moral customs
n moribund	dying; at the point of death; CF. death
n morose	ill-humored; sullen; sullenly melancholy
n mortician	undertaker; CF. death
s undertaker	funeral director; one whose business is to arrange burials
n mortify	humiliate by embarassing excessively; shame; punish the flesh; discipline (one's body) by self-denial; Ex. mortified by her blunder; Ex. mortify the flesh; CF. cause to die
mosaic	picture made of small colorful inlaid tiles; ADJ.
n mote	small speck (esp. of dust)
s speck	small piece or mark; Ex. speck of dust in the eye
n motif	theme; recurrent thematic element in a musical or literary work; single or repeated pattern; figure
n motility	ability to move spontaneously; ADJ. motile: moving spontaneously
n motley	multi-colored (as of a garment worn by a jester); mixed; heterogeneous; CF. jester: one who jests (as a paid fool at medieval courts)
s motto	brief statement used to express a principle
n mottled	blotched in coloring; spotted; Ex. mottled face; V. mottle: mark with blotches of different colors
s blotch	spot; blot; CF. blot+botch
s blemish	mar; spoil the beauty or perfection of; N: flaw or defect (that spoils perfection); Ex. blemishes in the crystal; CF. unblemished
n mountebank	charlatan; boastful pretender
s peddle	travel about selling (wares); CF. foot
n muddle	confuse; mix up confusedly; N: state of confusion
n muggy	(of weather) warm and damp
n mulct	defraud a person of something; swindle; Ex. mulct the boy of his legacy
n multifarious	varied; greatly diversified; Ex. multifarious activities
multiform	having many forms
multilingual	having many languages; fluent in several languages
multiplicity	state of being numerous or multiple; large number; Ex. multiplicity of details; ADJ. multiple: of more than one element
n mundane	worldly as opposed to spiritual; everyday; of the ordinary; Ex. mundane existence; CF. world
n munificent	very generous in giving; Ex. munificent benefactor; N. munificience
n mural	wall painting
n murky	dark and gloomy; thick with fog; vague; Ex. murky night/fog; N. murk: partial or complete darkness; gloom
n muse	ponder at length; N: source of inspiration (esp. of a poet)
n musky	having the odor of musk; N. musk: odorous substance secreted by an Asian deer
n muster	gather; assemble (troops); Ex. muster up one's strength for the ordeal; N.
n musty	stale (in odor or taste); spoiled by age; CF. moist
mutablility	ability to change in form; fickleness; ADJ. mutable: able to change; fickle; CF. mutate; CF. mutant
muted	silent; muffled; toned down; Ex. muted traffic noise
s mute	silent; without speech; not pronounced; unable to speak; N: one who is incapable of speech; V: soften the sound, color, shade of
n mutilate	maim; injure lastingly; deprive of a limb or an essential part
n mutinous	unruly; rebellious; Ex. mutinous teenagers; N. mutiny: open rebellion; CF. mutineer
n myopic	nearsighted; lacking foresight; N. myopia
n myriad	very large number; ADJ. CF. ten thousand
n nadir	lowest point; point on the celestial sphere diametrically opposite the zenith
naivet\'e(naivety)	quality of being unsophisticated; simplicity; artlessness; gullibility; ADJ. naive(na\"ive): ingenuous; lacking worldliness; simple; credulous
narcissist	conceited person; N. narcissism; CF. narcissus
narrative	related to telling a story; N: narrated account; story; V. narrate: tell (a story); CF. narration
n nascent	incipient; coming into being or existence; Ex. nascent ability in music
h 32	
natation	swimming
n natty	neatly or smartly dressed; dapper; smart; Ex. natty dresser
s smart	intelligent; quick and energetic; fashionable; Ex. smart pace/restaurant; V: cause or feel a sharp pain; N: smarting pain
nauseate	cause to become sick; fill with disgust; fill nausea
s nausea	feeling of sickness and desire to vomit; disgust; CF. seasickness
s nauseous	causing nausea; feeling nausea
nautical	pertaining to ships or navigation
n navigable	(of a body of water) wide and deep enough to allow ships to pass through; (of a ship or aircraft) able to be steered
n nebulous	vague; hazy; cloudy; of a nebula; Ex. nebulous proposal
s nebula	diffuse mass of interstellar dust or gas; galaxy
n necromancy	black magic; sorcery; dealings with the dead; art that professes to communicate with the spirits of the dead so as to predict the future; CF. necromancer; CF. necro+divination; CF. necro-: death; Ex. necropolis
n nefarious	very wicked
negate	cancel out; nullify; cause to have no effect; deny; N. negation
negligence	neglect; failure to take reasonable care; ADJ. negligent: neglectful; lax; not taking enough care
negligible	so small, trifling, or unimportant as to be easily disregarded
nemesis	someone seeking revenge; source of downfall or ruin; CF. Nemesis
n neologism	new or newly coined word or phrase
n neophyte	recent convert; new member of a religious group; beginner; CF. plant
n nepotism	favoritism (to a relative); CF. nephew
s favoritism	display of partiality toward a favored person
n nether	lower; Ex. nether garments/regions
n nettle	irritate; annoy; vex; ADJ. nettlesome
n nexus	connection
n nib	beak(bill); pen point
n nicety	precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference; Ex. to a nicety: exactly; precisely; Ex. distinguish between niceties
n niggardly	meanly stingy; parsimonious; N. niggard: stingy person
n niggle	spend too much time on minor points (esp. when finding fault); find fault; Ex. niggle over details; ADJ. niggling
n nihilist	one who considers traditional beliefs to be groundless and existence meaningless; absolute skeptic; revolutionary terrorist; CF. nihilism: belief that nothing has meaning or value; belief that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvement
n nip	snip off; stop something's growth or development; bite; make numb with cold; Ex. nip the plan; Ex. A guard dog nipped the postman; Ex. fingers nipped by the extreme chill
s snip	short quick cut with scissors; V: cut with scissors
s pinch	squeeze between the thumb and a finger, or other edges; Ex. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming. N: amount that can be held between the thumb and a finger
n nirvana	in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of an impersonal beatitude
s impersonal	not being a person; not showing personal feelings; Ex. impersonal force/manner/organization
nocturnal	done or active at night; Ex. nocturnal animals/raids; CF. nocturne
n noisome	foul smelling; very unpleasant; unwholesome
nomadic	wandering; N. nomad: tribe who migrates from place to place
nomenclature	terminology(system of specialized words); system of names or naming things
nominal	in name only; of a name; trifling; (of a sum of money) very small; CF. nominate: propose as a candidate; appoint
n nonchalance	indifference; lack of concern; composure; ADJ. nonchalant: unconcerned; cool; indifferent; Ex. nonchalant attitude to his debts
noncommittal	neutral; refusing commitment to a particular opinion;  unpledged; undecided
n nondescript	undistinctive; ordinary; ordinary-looking; Ex. nondescript fellow in a crowd
nonentity	person of no importance; nonexistence
n nonplus	put at a loss; bring to a halt by confusion; perplex; CF. no more
nostalgia	homesickness; longing for the past; Ex. nostalgia for the clothes of 1920s; ADJ. nostalgic
n nostrum	questionable medicine; quack medicine; CF. our (remedy)
notable	conspicuous; worthy of note; remarkable; important; distinguished; noted
notoriety	disrepute; ill fame
s nova	star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then returns to its original brightness
n novelty	something new; newness; ADJ. novel: new; original
novice	beginner
noxious	harmful; CF. obnoxious
n nuance	shade of slight difference in meaning or color; subtle distinction
s shade	slight difference in degree; nuance; degree of color; Ex. shades of meaning/grey
s gradation	series of gradual stages; degree in such a progression
n nubile	marriageable; of marriageable age; CF. connubial
n nugatory	worthless; futile
nullify	make invalid; make null; invalidate
n numismatist	person who collects coins; N. numismatics: study or collection of money, coins, and medals
n nuptial	related to marriage or the wedding ceremony; N. nuptials: wedding ceremony
n nurture	nourish; feed; educate; rear; care for while it is growing or developing; foster; cultivate; N: something that nourishes; rearing
n nutrient	nourishing substance; ADJ: providing nourishment
s nutrition	process of nourishing or being nourished; CF. malnutrition
s nutritious	providing nourishment
s nourish	provide with food necessary for life and growth
s nourishment	something that nourishes; food
n oaf	stupid awkward person; CF. elf
obdurate	stubborn; refusing to change one's belief
obeisance	bow (to show respect and obedience)
obelisk	tall column tapering(becoming gradually narrower toward the end) and ending in a pyramid
obese	excessively fat; N. obesity
n obfuscate	confuse; muddle; cause confusion; make needlessly complex; make so confused as to be difficult to understand
n obituary	death notice (esp. in a newspaper); ADJ.
objective	not influenced by emotions; fair; N: goal; aim
obligatory	binding; required; compulsory; V. oblige: constrain; make grateful; do a favor; accommodate
oblique	indirect; slanting (deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line); Ex. oblique reference
obliterate	destroy completely; wipe out; Ex. obliterate the village
oblivion	obscurity; condition of being completely forgotten; forgetfulness
n oblivious	inattentive or unmindful; unaware; wholly absorbed; forgetful(having the habit of forgetting)
obloquy	slander; disgrace; infamy
n obnoxious	offensive; disagreeable; Ex. obnoxious smell
obscure	dark; vague; unclear; not well known; Ex. obscure meaning/village; V: darken; cover; make unclear; Ex. obscure the moon/meaning
obsequious	slavishly attentive; servile; full of servile compliance; sycophantic
s slavish	of or like a slave; servile; showing no originality; copied very closely; Ex. slavish devotion/copy of the original
obsequy	funeral ceremony
obsessive	related to thinking about something constantly; of an obsession; preoccupying; N. obsession: compulsive preoccupation with a fixed idea; compulsive idea; V. obsess: preoccupy the mind of excessively
obsidian	black volcanic rock
s scion	detached plant shoot used in grafting; descendant
h 33	
obsolete	outmoded; no longer used
obstetrician	physician specializing in delivery(assisting in giving birth) of babies; N. obstetrics; CF. midwife
obstinate	stubborn; hard to control or treat; Ex. obstinate cough; N. obstinacy
obstreperous	boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
n obtrude	push (oneself or one's ideas) forward or intrude; impose (oneself or one's ideas) on others; butt in; stick out or extrude; thrust out; Ex. obtrude A on B; ADJ. obtrusive; N. obtrusion; CF. unobtrusive
obtuse	blunt; not sharp; stupid; slow in understanding
obviate	make unnecessary; get rid of; Ex. obviate the need
Occident	the West
n occlude	shut; close; obstruct; Ex. A blood clot occluded an artery.
occult	mysterious; secret; supernatural; beyond human comprehension; CF. mysterious to human ?; OP. bare
oculist	physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes
n odious	arousing strong dislike; hateful(causing hatred); vile
n odium	detestation; quality of being odious; hatefulness; disrepute (resulting from hateful conduct)
n odoriferous	giving off an odor
odorous	having an odor
n odyssey	long, eventful, adventurous journey
offensive	attacking; insulting; distasteful; V. offend: violate; hurt the feelings of; N. offense: offending; violating of a moral or social code; crime; attack; Ex. first offense
offhand	casual; done without prior thought or preparation
n officious	meddlesome; excessively pushy in offering one's services; overly eager in offering unwanted services or advices; Ex. officious bellboy
s pushy	disagreeably aggressive
n ogle	look at amorously; make eyes at; Ex. old men ogling young girls
n olfactory	concerning the sense of smell
oligarchy	government by a privileged few
ominous	threatening; of an evil omen
s threat	sign or warning (of coming danger); Ex. threat of rain; V: express a threat; give warning of (something bad); Ex. The cloud threatens rain.
omnipotent	all-powerful; having unlimited power
omnipresent	universally present; ubiquitous
omniscient	all-knowing
omnivorous	eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything
n onerous	burdensome
n onomatopoeia	words formed in imitation of natural sounds
s rustle	make slight sounds like silk moving or being rubbed together
onslaught	vicious assault; fierce attack; Ex. unexpected onslaught of the enemy
s slaughter	killing of animals for food; massacre; V: butcher (animals) for food; kill in large numbers
n onus	burden; responsibility
s spare	give; use; refrain from harming; save from experiencing; exempt; Ex. spare me 5 minutes; Ex. Take this money and spare my life; Ex. The emperor was spared the onus; ADJ: kept in reserve; free for other use; unoccupied; Ex. spare time
n opalescent	iridescent; lustrous; like an opal; N. opalescence
opaque	dark; not transparent; N. opacity
opiate	medicine to induce sleep or deaden pain; something that relieves emotions or causes inaction; sleep-producing drug containing opium
opportune	timely; well-chosen
opportunist	individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of circumstances; N. opportunism
n opprobrium	infamy; disgrace arising from shameful conduct; vilification(slander); scorn; contempt; Ex. opprobrium hurled against him; ADJ. opprobrious: expressing contempt; shameful or infamous
optician	maker and seller of eyeglasses
optimist	person who looks on the bright side; N. optimism
optimum	most favorable; optimal; N: most favorable condition
optional	not compulsory; left to one's choice; N. option: act of choosing; choice; freedom or power to choose; something available as a choice; Ex. have no option; Ex. two options
optometrist	one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects
opulence	extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundance; ADJ. opulent: possessing great wealth; abundant
n opus	work (esp. musical composition); Ex. magnum opus: masterpiece; CF. opera
n oracular	of an oracle; prophetic; uttered as if with divine authority; mysterious or ambiguous; hard to understand; N. oracle: wiser person; prophecy made by an oracle
orator	public speaker
oratorio	dramatic poem set to music; long musical work with singing but without acting; CF. cantata
n ordain	decree or command; grant holy orders; predestine; install as a minister, priest, or rabbi; N. ordainment; CF. ordination
ordeal	severe trial or affliction; difficult experience; trial(test of patience or endurance); affliction
ordinance	decree; authoritative order
n ordination	ceremony conferring holy orders; ceremony of ordaining a priest
n orgy	wild drunken revelry; unrestrained indulgence in an activity; Ex. orgy of shopping
orient	get one's bearings; adjust; make familiar with a situation; orientate
orientation	act of finding oneself in society; orienting
n orifice	mouthlike opening; small opening (esp. to a cavern or passage of the body); CF. mouth
ornate	excessively or elaborately decorated
n ornithologist	scientific student of birds; N. ornithology: scientific study of birds
orthodox	traditional; (of someone) conservative in belief; adhering to an established doctrine
n orthography	correct spelling; CF. ortho-: straight; correct; Ex. orthodontics
oscillate	vibrate pendulumlike; waver
n osseous	made of bone; bony
n ossify	change or harden into bone; become hard and unchanging in one's ideas
ostensible	apparent; appearing as such; professed(pretended); pretended; Ex. ostensible purpose of the expedition
s apparent	evident; easily seen or understood; appearing as such; Ex. apparent improvement
n ostentatious	showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious; N. ostentation: showy display
n ostracize	banish from a group; exclude from public favor; ban; Ex. His friends ostracized him. N. ostracism
s blackball	vote against (an applicant); ostracize; N: negative vote
n oust	expel; drive out; force out; N. ouster: ousting
outlandish	bizzare; peculiar; unconventional
outmoded	no longer in fashion or use; no longer stylish; old-fashioned
n outskirts	fringes; outer borders (as of a city); Ex. outskirts of Boston
outspoken	candid; blunt
s blunt	having a dull edge; abrupt and frank in speech or manner; brusque; V: make or become blunt
n outstrip	outrun; surpass; outdo
outwit	outsmart; defeat by behaving more cleverly
n ovation	enthusiastic applause
overbearing	bossy; domineering and arrogant; decisively important; Ex. overbearing manner/importance; V. overbear: dominate
overt	open to view; public; not secret; CF. covert
n overweening	arrogant; presumptuous
h 34	
n overwrought	nervous or excited; extremely agitated; hysterical; wrought-up; CF. wrought: made or done
s hysteria	excessive or uncontrollable excitement; N. hysteric: person suffering from hysteria; CF. hysterics: attack of hysteria
ovoid	egg-shaped; CF. ovum; CF. ovulate
pachyderm	thick-skinned animal
pacifist	one opposed to force; antimilitarist; ADJ. N. pacifism: opposition to war as a means of resolving disputes
pacify	soothe; make calm or quiet; subdue; bring peace to
n paean	song of praise or joy; Ex. paeans celebrating the victory
n painstaking	taking pains; showing hard work; taking great care; very careful and through
n palatable	agreeable; pleasing to the taste
n palate	roof of the mouth; sense of the taste
n palatial	of or suitable for a palace; magnificent
n paleontology	study of prehistoric life or fossils; CF. paleo-: ancient or prehistoric; Ex. paleography: study of ancient written documents
palette	board on which painter mixes pigments(coloring matters)
n palimpsest	parchment or piece of writing material used for second time after original writing has been erased
s parchment	writing material made from the skin of a sheep or goat
n pall	become boring; grow tiresome
n pallet	small poor bed; Ex. straw pallet
n palliate	ease pain (without curing); make less severe or offensive (a crime or illness)
n pallid	pale; wan; Ex. pallid complexion
palpable	tangible; (of something bad) easily perceptible; obvious; Ex. palpable blunder
n palpitate	throb; beat rapidly; flutter; tremble; Ex. Her heart began to palpitate.
s throb	(of a heart or machine) beat rapidly or violently; N. Ex. hearthrob: heartbeat; sweetheart
n paltry	insignificant; petty; trifling; contemptible; Ex. paltry sum; CF. trash
n pan	criticize harshly
panacea	cure-all; remedy for all diseases
n panache	flair; manner of doing things without any difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance; bunch of feathers (on a helmet); Ex. with great panache; CF. ÀÜ ¾Æ·¡·Î õÀ» »©³»´Â ¼Ø¾¾
pandemic	widespread; affecting the majority of people; N: pandemic disease; CF. all people
pandemonium	wild tumult(commotion); wild noisy disorder; CF. Paradise Lost
n pander	cater to (the low desires of others)
s cater	provide food and drink (for); cater to: try to satisfy (desires of a bad kind)
n panegyric	formal praise; encomium; Ex. I don't deserve such panegyrics.
panoramic	denoting an unobstructed and comprehensive view; N. panorama: unbroken view of a wide area
pantomime	acting without dialogue; V.
papyrus	ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant
n parable	short simple story teaching a moral
paradigm	model; example that serves as a model; pattern; list of all the inflectional forms of a word
paradox	something apparently contradictory in nature (that may nonetheless be true); statement that looks false but is actually correct
paragon	model of perfection; Ex. paragon of virtue
parallelism	state of being parallel; similarity; analogy
s parallel	similar; analogous; corresponding; N: parallel line; person or thing that is parallel (to another); similarity; Ex. know of no parallel to the case; Ex. without parallel; V: be similar to; make parallel; Ex. Your experience parallels mine; CF. unparalleled
n parameter	limit; independent variable; Ex. parameters of the problem; Ex. within the parameters of the budget
paramount	foremost in importance; supreme; CF. para-: beyond; above; Ex. paranormal
paramour	illicit lover
s inamorata	woman whom a man loves
paranoia	psychosis marked by delusions of grandeur or persecution; N: ADJ: paranoid, paranoiac
paraphernalia	equipment; odds and ends used in a particular activity; personal belongings; Ex. photographic paraphernalia; CF. married woman's property exclusive of her dowry
s dowry	money or property brought by a bride to her husband at marriage
paraphrase	restate a passage in one's own words while retaining thought of author; N: restatement of a text in other words
parasite	animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant; CF. para-: beside
s infest	inhabit in numbers large enough to be harmful; Ex. Mice infested the house; Ex. shark-infested waters
n parched	extremely dry; very thirsty; V. parch: make or become extremely dry (by exposure to heat)
n pariah	social outcast; Ex. Mariah the pariah
s outcast	one that has been excluded from a society; ADJ.
parity	equality; close resemblance; CF. disparate
n parlance	language; manner of speaking; idiom; Ex. in legal/common parlance
n parley	conference (between opponents); CF. speak
n parochial	narrow in scope or outlook; provincial; related to parishes
s parish	area in the care of a single priest and served by one main church
s outlook	point of view; view from a particular place; expectation for the future; prospect; Ex. outlook on life; Ex. pleasing outlook; Ex. weather outlook
parody	humorous imitation; spoof; takeoff; travesty; V.
s spoof	parody
s takeoff	burlesque; act of leaving the ground
paroxysm	fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage; sudden outburst
n parquet	floor made of wood strips inlaid in a mosaic like matter; CF. strip: long narrow piece
parry	ward off a blow; deflect; Ex. He parried the unwelcome question very skillfully; N. CF. ¸·´Â´Ù´Â °³³äÀÌ ¾Æ´Ô
s ward	administrative division of a city; division in a hospital or prison; incompetent person placed under the protection of a guardian; V: guard; ward off: avert
parsimony	stinginess; excessive frugality; ADJ. parsimonious
partial	incomplete; favoring one side over another; having a liking for something
partiality	state of being partial; inclination; favorable bias; special fondness; preference
n partisan	one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party (with dislike of any others); N: strong supporter of a party; guerrilla
s parvenu	upstart; newly rich person
partition	divide into parts
n pass\'e	old-fashioned; past the prime
passive	not active; acted upon; receiving an action without acting in return; accepting without resistance
n pastiche	imitation of another's style in musical composition or in writing; work of art openly imitating the works of other artists
pastoral	rural; of rural life; idyllic; of a pastor
patent	obvious; easily seen; open for the public to read; of or protected by a patent; Ex. patent to everyone; N.
pathetic	causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching
s touching	causing a feeling of pity or sympathy; pathetic; V. touch: cause to feel pity or sympathy; ADJ. touched
pathological	pertaining to disease; N. pathology: study of disease
n pathos	tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings; Ex. pathos that runs through the novel
n patina	green crust on old bronze works or copper; tone slowly taken by varnished painting
s varnish	paint used to coat a surface with a glossy film; glossy coating produced by using this substance; Ex. nail varnish; V.
n patois	local or provincial dialect
patriarch	father and ruler of a family or tribe
n patrician	noble; aristocratic; N: person of high rank; aristocrat; CF. member of the governing classes in ancient Rome; CF. plebian
patronize	support; act superior toward; treat in a condescending manner; be a customer of; N. patron: one that supports; regular customer; N. patronage; CF. boycott
paucity	scarcity; dearth
pauper	very poor person
n peccadillo	slight offense or fault; CF. sin
s swipe	hit with a sweeping motion; N.
h 35	
pecuniary	pertaining to money
pedagogue	teacher; CF. child leader
pedagogy	teaching; art of education
n pedant	scholar who overemphasizes book learning, trivial details of learning, or technicalities
n pedantic	bookish; showing off learning; marked by an excessive ostentatious concern for book learning; N. pedantry
s bookish	fond of books and reading
s studious	given to diligent study
n pedestrian	ordinary; dull; unimaginative(lacking in imagination); going on foot; Ex. pedestrian prose; N.
s precinct	division of a city for election or police purposes; precincts: space that surrounds a building; Ex. precincts of the college
s pedigree	ancestry; lineage
pediatrician	physician specializing in children's diseases; N. pediatrics
peerless	having no equal; incomparable
s peer	one who has equal standing with another; nobleman; V: look intently; N. peerage; CF. peeress
n pejorative	(of a word or phrase) suggesting that someone is of little value; negative in connotation; having a belittling effect; Ex. Many women now considers ``housewife'' a pejorative expression, because it patronized them.
n pell-mell	in confusion; disorderly; Ex. dash pell-mell
n pellucid	transparent; limpid(crystal clear); clear in meaning; easy to understand
n penance	self-imposed punishment for sin; Ex. do penance for one's sins; CF. penitent
n penchant	strong inclination; strong liking (esp. for something that is disapproved of by other people); Ex. penchant for fast cars
pendant(pendent)	hanging down from something; pending; N: ornament (hanging from a necklace etc.)
s pending	not yet decided or settled; impending; Ex. pending decision; PREP. while awaiting; until; Ex. delay the decision pending his return
n pendulous	hanging; suspended
s suspend	cause to stop for a period; interrupt; hold in abeyance; defer; hang from above; exclude for a period from a position; Ex. suspended state; Ex. suspend judgment; Ex. suspended from the team; N. suspension
s suspense	state of being undecided; anxiety or apprehension resulting from uncertainty
penitent	repentant; N.
n pensive	dreamily or deeply thoughtful; sadly thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness; contemplative; CF. think over
n penumbra	partial shadow (in an eclipse); CF. almost shadow
penury	extreme poverty; stinginess; ADJ. penurious: very poor; stingy
n peon	landless agricultural worker; bond servant; menial worker; N. peonage
perceptive	insightful; showing a good ability at perceiving and understanding; aware; wise; of perception
n percussion	striking one object against another sharply; Ex. percussion instrument; N: striking together of two bodies; sound caused by percussion
n perdition	damnation; complete ruin; hell
s damn	condemn; criticize severely; condemn to everlasting punishment; doom; bring to ruin; N. damnation
s doom	condemnation to a severe penalty; ruin; fate (esp. a tragic or ruinous one); V.
peregrination	journey; V. peregrinate
n peremptory	demanding and leaving no choice; imperative; Ex. peremptory decree/knock 
perennial	something long-lasting; perennial plant; ADJ: lasting through the year or many years; lasting for a long time; enduring
perfidious	treacherous; disloyal; N. perfidy: treachery
perforate	pierce; put a hole through
perfunctory	done routinely and with little care; superficial; not thorough; lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; Ex. perfunctory kiss
perigee	point of moon's orbit when it is nearest the earth; CF. apogee
perimeter	outer boundary; length of the outer boundary; circumference
s bound	leap or spring; limit or confine; constitute the limit of; Ex. bounded by Canada; N: leap or jumping; boundary; ADJ: certain; having a duty to do something (legally or morally); confined by bonds; Ex. We are bound to be late; Ex. I am bound to say my opinion; CF. bounce, rebound
n peripatetic	walking about from place to place (to work); moving; Ex. peripatetic school of philosophy
n peripheral	of a periphery; marginal; outer; of minor importance; not central; Ex. peripheral nerve/interest
n periphery	outside edge especially of a round surface; perimeter; Ex. periphery of the town
perjury	false testimony while under oath; V. perjure oneself: testify falsely under oath
permeable	that can be permeated; penetrable; porous; allowing liquids or gas to pass through; V. permeate: spread or flow throughout; charge
n pernicious	very harmful; deadly; very destructive; Ex. pernicious effect/anemia
n peroration	conclusion of an oration; perorating; V. perorate: conclude a speech; speak at great length
n perpetrate	commit an offense; do (something wrong)
perpetual	everlasting
perpetuate	make perpetual; make something last for a long time; preserve from extinction; N. perpetuity
n perquisite(perk)	any gain above stipulated salary; Ex. perquisites such as free meals and a car
n personable	attractive (in personality or appearance)
perspicacious	(of someone) having insight; penetrating; astute
perspicuity	clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity
perspicuous	(of something) plainly expressed; easy to understand; Ex. perspicuous comments
n pert	(esp. of a girl or young woman) impertinent; forward; trim; jaunty; Ex. pert young miss/hat
s forward	presumptuous or bold
pertinacious	holding tenaciously to an action; stubborn; persistent
pertinent	suitable; to the point; relevant
perturb	disturb greatly
n peruse	read through with care; N. perusal
pervasive	spread throughout; V. pervade: (of smells, ideas, feelings) spread throughout; charge; permeate
n perverse	purposely continuing to do something wrong; stubbornly wrongheaded; perverted; directed away from what is right; wicked and unacceptable; Ex. perverse satisfaction; Ex. Hannibal Lecter in a perverse mood; N. perversity
perversion	corruption; turning from right to wrong
s pervert	corrupt; turn from right to wrong; misuse; Ex. perverted sexual desire/scientific knowledge; N: person whose sexual behavior is not natural
s wrongheaded	stubbornly wrong
pessimism	belief that life is basically bad or evil; gloominess; tendency to take the gloomiest possible view of a situation; ADJ. pessimistic
n pestilential(pestilent)	causing plague; tending to cause death; baneful; N. pestilence: fatal epidemic disease (esp. bubonic plague)
n pestle	tool for mashing or grinding substances in a hard bowl or mortar
s mortar	vessel in which substances are crushed with a pestle
s mash	crush into mash; convert into mash; N: mixture of ground grain and nutrients fed to livestock and fowl
n petrify	turn to stone; cause to become stonelike; stun or paralyze
petty	trivial; unimportant; very small; small-minded; petty-minded
n petulant	touchy; peevish; ill-tempered
s phalanx	formation of infantry carrying overlapping shields and long spears; group of men packed together (for attack or defense)
n pharisaical	pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical
s pharisee	Pharisee: member of an ancient Jewish group that emphasized strict observance of the Mosaic law (considering themselves very holy); hypocritical self-righteous person
s self-righteous	sure of one's own righteousness; moralistic
n phenomena	observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation; SG. phenomenon: observable fact; very unusual person, thing, or event; marvel; wonder; CF. phenomenons; ADJ. phenomenal: very unusual; extraordinary; of a phenomenon; Ex. phenomenal strength
philanderer	faithless lover; flirt
h 36	
philanthropist	lover of mankind; doer of good; N. philanthropy
n philatelist	stamp-collector; N. philately: stamp collecting
n philistine	narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain; uncultured person who is indifferent to artistic and cultural values; member of an ancient people in Palestine; OP. aesthete
n philology	study of language or words
n phlegmatic	calm and unexcitable; not easily disturbed; CF. phlegm: sticky mucus produced in the respiratory tract
phobia	morbid fear
phoenix	symbol of immortality or rebirth; Ex. phoenix rising from its ashes
n phylum	major classification, second to kingdom, of plants and animals; category ranking below a kingdom and above a class; division
n physiognomy	face (as showing the character and the mind); art of judging human character from facial features
n physiological	pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms; N. physiology
n piebald	of different colors; mottled; spotted in different colors (esp. in black and white); Ex. piebald horse; CF. pie+bald
n piecemeal	one part at a time; gradually; in stages; Ex. read a novel piecemeal
n pied	piebald; variegated(many-colored); multicolored
piety	devoutness; reverence for God; ADJ. pious
n pigment	coloring matter (usually powder to be mixed with water or oil)
pillage	plunder
pillory	punish by placing in a wooden frame or pillory; subject or expose to criticism and ridicule; N.
n pine	long for; yearn; languish from longing or grief; decline
n pinion	restrain or immobilize by binding the wings or legs; N: bird's wing
pinnacle	peak; highest point; acme; Ex. pinnacle of fame
pious	devout; religious; N. piety
n piquant	pleasantly tart-tasting; spicy; pleasantly stimulating; Ex. piquant situation when my old enemy asked for my help
s tart	sharp to the taste; acid-tasting; caustic; sarcastic; Ex. tart apple/reply
s sour	having a sharp or acid taste; acid; tart; bad-tempered; V.
pique	irritation; resentment from wounded pride (eg. loss in a contest); V: provoke; arouse; annoy; cause to feel resentment; Ex. pique her curiosity
n piscatorial	pertaining to fishing; CF. Pisces
pitfall	hidden danger; concealed trap
s beware	be cautious (of)
n pith	core or marrow; spongelike substance in the center of stems; essence; substance
s marrow	soft fatty tissue that fills most bone cavities and is the source of blood cells
pithy	concise and meaningful; substantial; meaty
n pittance	small amount (of money); small allowance or wage
pivotal	of a pivot; central; critical; crucial
placate	pacify; bring peace to; conciliate; appease
n placebo	harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill
s tablet	small round piece of medicine; flat piece of stone or metal bearing an inscription; Ex. stone tablet on the wall
placid	peaceful; calm; Ex. placid child/lake
n plagiarize	steal another's ideas or writings and pass them off as one's own; Ex. ideas plagiarized from my article; N. plagiarism; CF. kidnap
n plaintive	expressing sorrow; mournful; Ex. plaintive song
n plait	braid; interwine; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; Ex. plaited hair; N: braided length as of hair o fabric; CF. pigtail, ponytail
n plasticity	ability to be molded; ADJ. plastic: capable of being shaped or molded; Ex. plastic material such as clay
platitude	trite remark; commonplace statement; ADJ. platitudinous
s commonplace	ordinary; N: something ordinary or common; trite remark
s commonwealth	nation governed by the people; republic; people of a nation
platonic	purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire
n plaudit	praise; enthusiastic approval; round(succession or series) of applause; ADJ. plauditory; CF. applaud
plausible	conceivably true; having a show of truth but open to doubt; specious
n plebeian	common; vulgar; pertaining to the common people; N: common people in ancient Rome; CF. patrician
s plebiscite	direct vote by the entire electorate (on an important issue)
s referendum	direct vote by all the people
n plenary	(of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members; Ex. plenary power
n plenitude	abundance; plenty; great amount; completeness; fullness; CF. plenary, plenty
n plethora	excess; overabundance; Ex. a plethora of excuses
pliable	flexible; easily influenced; yielding; adaptable
pliant	flexible; easily influenced
plight	difficult condition; condition or state (esp. a bad state or condition); predicament
n pluck	courage; V: pull off or out; pull out the hair or feathers of; ADJ. plucky: courageous; brave
n plumage	feathers of a bird; 
s plume feather, esp. large or showy one; something that rises into the air (like the shape of a feather); Ex. plume of smoke: ¹ö¼¸ ±¸¸§
n plumb	exactly vertical; N: weight on the end of a line; V: examine very carefully or critically in order to understand; measure depth (by sounding); Ex. plumb the depth of
s plumber	one who installs and repairs pipes and plumbing(pipes)
n plummet	fall sharply; fall straight down; Ex. Stock prices plummeted.
plutocracy	society ruled by the wealthy
podiatrist	doctor who treats ailments of the feet; chiropodist; N. podiatrics
podium	pedestal; raised platform
s pedestal	support or base as for a pillar or statue
n poignancy	quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion; ADJ. poignant: touching; deeply moving; (of sorrow, grief, etc.) painful; keenly distressing to the mind; Ex. poignant memory/anxiety; CF. prick
n polarize	split into opposite extremes or camps
s polarity	state of having two opposite qualities
s polar	of a pole; characterized by opposite extremes; Ex. polar opposites
s camp	group sharing a common cause or opinion
n polemic	attack or defense of an opinion; controversy or refutation; argument in support of point of view; N. polemics: art of debate or controversy
n polemical(polemic)	aggressive in verbal attack; disputatious (rather than simply expressing opinions)
politic	prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised
polity	(particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state; Ex. student polity
polygamist	one who has more than one spouse at a time; CF. bigamy; CF. polyandry
polyglot	speaking several languages; multilingual; Ex. polyglot person/society; N.
pomposity	self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt(pompous person); ADJ. pompous: self-important
n ponderous	having great weight; weighty; unwieldy; lacking lightness; dull; Ex. ponderous body/style of writing
n pontifical	pertaining to a bishop or pope; pompous or pretentious; CF. pontiff: pope; bishop
n pore	study industriously; ponder; scrutinize; Ex. pore over the book; N.
porous	full of pores; like a sieve
s interstice	narrow space between things
portend	foretell; presage; be a sign or warning of; N. portent: sign; omen; forewarning
s soothsayer	one who foretells the future
n portly	stout; corpulent
s stout	rather fat; strong in body; sturdy; resolute; determined; strong in determination; Ex. stout stick/supporter
n poseur	person who pretends to be sophisticated, elegant, etc., to impress others; person who poses; CF. pose
s pose	assume a particular posture; put forward; present; affect a particular attitude (to impress others); Ex. pose a threat; N.
n posterity	descendants; future generations; Ex. go down to posterity; CF. posterior, anterior
n posthumous	after death (as of child born after father's death or book published after author's death); coming or occurring after one's death; Ex. posthumous fame/novel
s postmortem	autopsy; ADJ: occurring after death; of a postmortem
n postulate	self-evident truth; something assumed without proof; V: assume the truth of (as a basis of an argument)
n posture	assume an affected pose; act artificially; N: pose; attitude
n potable	suitable for drinking; drinkable
potent	powerful; convincing; persuasive; greatly influential
n potentate	monarch; sovereign
potential	expressing possibility; latent; N: capacity for growth
potion	dose (of liquids); liquid dose
n potpourri	heterogeneous mixture; medley; mixture of dried flower petals a pot (to give a pleasant smell to a room)
n poultice	soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body
practicable	feasible
practical	based on experience; of or acquired through practice (rather than theory); useful; Ex. practical man
pragmatic	practical (as opposed to idealistic); concerned with practical worth or impact of something; Ex. pragmatic test of the skill
pragmatist	practical person; N. pragmatism: pragmatic way of dealing with things
s prance	move about in a spirited manner (proudly and confidently)
n prate	talk idly; speak foolishly; boast idly
n prattle	talk idly; babble; N. CF. prate
s idle	not working; not employed or busy; lazy; without purpose; useless; lacking substance; baseless; not based on truth; Ex. idle worker; Ex. talk idly; V.
preamble	introductory statement
n precarious	unsafe; lacking in stability; uncertain; risky; Ex. precarious living
precedent	something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future action; V. precede; CF. unprecedented
precedent	preceding (in time, rank, etc.)
h 37	
precept	practical rule guiding conduct; Ex. mother's precept
precipice	cliff; dangerous position; Ex. on the edge of the precipice
s brink	edge (at the top of a cliff); Ex. on the brink of the Grand Canyon
precipitant	something that causes a substance in a chemical solution to separate out in solid form; ħÀüÁ¦; OP. solvent
precipitate	hurl downward; throw headlong; hasten; cause to happen sooner; condense and fall as rain or snow; cause (a solid substance) to be separated from a solution; ADJ. hasty; rash; premature; sudden
precipitous	steep; overhasty; precipitate
n pr\'ecis	abstract; concise summing up of main points; concise summary of a text
precise	exact
preclude	make impossible; prevent; exclude; eliminate
precocious	advanced in development; N. precocity
precursor	forerunner; predecessor
predator	predatory animal or bird; predatory person; creature that seizes and devours another animal; person who robs or exploits others; ADJ. predatory: living by preying on other organisms; plundering; N. predation
predecessor	former occupant of a post
predetermine	determine in advance; predestine; settle or decide beforehand; influence markedly
predicament	difficult situation; tricky or dangerous situation; dilemma
n predilection	preference; partiality
n predispose	give an inclination toward (in advance); make susceptible to; Ex. predispose people to certain cancer; N. predisposition
preeminent	outstanding; superior
n preempt	prevent in advance; head off(forestall); forestall by acting first; appropriate for oneself before others; supplant; take the place of; displace; Ex. preempt any attempts; ADJ. preemptive
n preen	make oneself tidy in appearance; feel self-satisfaction or pride; (of a bird) smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak; Ex. preen oneself on; CF. prune
prefatory	introductory; of a preface
n prehensile	capable of grasping or holding (esp. by wrapping around); Ex. prehensile tails
n prelate	church dignitary; priest of high position in the church (esp. bishop)
prelude	introduction; introductory performance or event; forerunner
premeditate	plan in advance; Ex. premeditated murder
premise	assumption; postulate; proposition upon which an argument is based
premonition	forewarning; presentiment; foreboding
premonitory	serving to warn
preponderance	superiority of power, quantity, etc.; V. preponderate: be greater in power, weight, or importance; ADJ. preponderant
preposterous	absurd; completely unreasonable; ridiculous
prerogative	privilege; unquestionable right; CF. ask before
presage	foretell; be a warning or sign of; N: presentiment; foreboding; omen
n prescience	ability to foretell the future; knowledge of actions before they occur; ADJ. prescient
presentiment	premonition; foreboding; feeling something will happen; anticipatory fear
prestige	respect or admiration; impression produced by achievements or reputation; ADJ: causing admiration; ADJ. prestigious: having prestige
n presumptuous	going beyond what is right; excessively forward; arrogant; taking liberties
s presume	take for granted; assume; act overconfidently; take liberties; presume on/upon: take unfair advantage of (someone's kindness or connection); N. presumption
n pretentious	ostentatious; showy; pompous; making unjustified claims; overambitious; Ex. pretentious films that claim to be art
s pretend	feign; pretend to: claim to possess; make pretensions to; Ex. I don't pretend to much expertise; N. pretense
s pretension	pretentiousness; claim (without foundation); Ex. I make no pretensions to skill as an artist.
n preternatural	beyond what is normal in nature; supernatural; Ex. preternatural strength/forces
pretext	excuse
n prevail	be widespread; triumph over; gain victory; prevail on: persuade; induce; Ex. Justice has prevailed; Ex. prevail on someone to do something
prevalent	widespread; generally accepted
n prevaricate	lie; hide the truth (by equivocating)
prey	target of a hunt; victim; V: hunt and eat as prey; victimize; Ex. Cats prey on mice.
n prim	proper to the point of affectation; very precise and formal; exceedingly proper
n primogeniture	seniority by birth; state of being the first-born child; right of the eldest child (to inherit the entire property of one or both parents)
primordial	existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary
n primp	groom oneself with care; adorn oneself
n pristine	unspoiled; remaining in a pure state; characteristic of earlier times; primitive; Ex. an old book in pristine condition
n privation	lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want; CF. deprive
n privy	secret; hidden; not public; made a participant in something secret; Ex. privy chamber government; Ex. be privy to a discussion; CF. private
probe	explore with a probe or tools; investigate; N: slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity; device designed to investigate an unknown region; thorough investigation; Ex. space probe
probity	uprightness; honesty; incorruptibility
s defalcate	embezzle
n problematic	causing a problem; open to doubt; doubtful; unsettled; questionable; Ex. Whether the arena will ever be completed is problematic.
proclivity	inclination; natural tendency (esp. towards something bad)
procrastinate	postpone; delay or put off
procurement	obtaining; V. procure: obtain by effort; obtain (a prostitute) for another
n prod	poke (with a pointed object); stir up; urge; goad to action; N: pointed object used to prod; prodding
prodigal	wasteful; reckless with money; profuse; Ex. a mind prodigal of ideas; N. prodigality
prodigious	enormous; marvelous; extraordinary; Ex. prodigious amount/memory
prodigy	highly gifted child; person with exceptional talents; marvel; wonder
profane	violate; desecrate (something holy); treat unworthily; be profane for; ADJ: secular; nonreligious; irreverent for holy things
n profligate	wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute; N: profligate person; N. profligacy
profound	deep; not superficial; complete; Ex. profound thinker/remark/silence/deafness; N. profundity
profusion	great amount; plenty; overabundance; excess; lavish expenditure; Ex. profusion of choices; ADJ. profuse: plentiful; copious; giving or given abundantly; extravagant
progenitor	ancestor
n progeny	children; offspring; descendants
prognosis	forecasted course of a disease; prediction; CF. prognostic
prognosticate	predict (according to present indications)
prohibitive	so high as to prohibit purchase or use; tending to prevent the purchase or use of something; prohibiting; inclined to prevent or forbid; Ex. prohibitive tax
projectile	missile; fired or thrown object (such as stone or bullet)
proletarian	member of the working class; blue collar guy; N. proletariat: working class (who have to work for wages)
proliferate	grow rapidly (in numbers); spread; multiply; N. proliferation
prolific	producing offspring or fruit in abundance; fertile; fecund; abundantly fruitful; producing abundant works; Ex. prolific writer
n prolixity	tedious wordiness; verbosity; ADJ. prolix: wordy; verbose; diffuse
prologue	introduction (to a poem or play)
s feud	bitter prolonged quarrel (usually between two peoples or families); V. CF. Romeo and Juliet; CF. feudal, feudalism
prolong	lengthen; extend; draw out
prominent	protruding(sticking out); conspicuous; notable; eminent
n promiscuous	mixed indiscriminately; indiscriminate; not choosing carefully; indiscriminate in the choice of sexual partners; irregular, particularly sexually; Ex. promiscuous life/girl; N. promiscuity
promontory	headland
n promote	advance in rank; advance; help to flourish; advocate; help actively in forming; publicize or popularize; Ex. Milk promotes health; Ex. promote a match/bill; Ex. promote a new product
n prompt	cause; urge; provoke; provide a cue (for an actor); ADJ: done without delay; done at the right time; punctual; on time; N: reminder or cue
s cue	word or signal (as in a play to prompt another actor's speech or entrance); reminder or hint; V: give a cue to
n promulgate	announce; proclaim a doctrine or law; make known by official publication
prone	inclined to; likely to (suffer); prostrate; lying with the front downward; Ex. prone to disease/make mistakes; Ex. accident-prone
propagate	increase in number by producing young; multiply; spread; Ex. Most plants propagate by seed; Ex. newspaper propagating their ideas
propellant(propellent)	substance which propels or drives forward (such as an explosive charge or a rocket fuel)
propensity	natural inclination
prophetic	of a prophet or prophecy; having to do with predicting the future; N. prophecy; V. prophesy; N. prophet
prophylactic	used to prevent disease; N: something prophylactic; condom; N. prophylaxis: prevention of disease
n propinquity	nearness (in space or relationship); proximity; kinship
n propitiate	appease; conciliate; make peaceful; ADJ. propitiatory
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n propitious	favorable; auspicious; advantageous; fortunate; Ex. propitious day/sign
s horoscope	diagram of the positions of stars at a given moment (eg. of a person's birth) used by astrologers
proponent	supporter; backer; opposite of opponent
propound	put forth for consideration or analysis; set forth; Ex. propound a problem/theory
propriety	fitness; quality of being proper; correct conduct; conformity to prevailing customs and usages; CF. proprietor, proprietary
s usage	act or manner of using; accepted practice; way in which words are actually used
propulsive	driving forward; N. propulsion
n prosaic	lacking in imagination; dull and unimaginative; matter-of-fact(concerned with facts, not imagination or feelings); factual; CF. prose
n proscenium	part of stage in front of curtain; front arch of a stage
proscribe	prohibit; ostracize; banish; outlaw
s outlaw	fugitive from the law (excluded from legal protection); V: declare (someone) to be an outlaw; deprive of the protection of the law; declare illegal; Ex. Drinking has been outlawed.
n proselytize	(induce someone to) convert to a religion or belief; N. proselyte: new convert to a doctrine or religion
n prosody	art of versification; study of the metrical structure of verse
s metrical	metric; written in the form of poetry; Ex. metrical translation of Homer
s meter	arrangement of words in the form of poetry (by accentual rhythm)
prosperity	good fortune and financial success; physical well-being
s prosper	become successful (esp. financially); thrive; grow well; Ex. children prospering under his care
s prosperous	successful; rich; affluent; well-to-do; well-off
prostrate	stretch out full on ground; make prostrate; enervate; Ex. prostrating illness; ADJ: lying face down; having lost all strength
n protean	able to take on many forms; versatile; CF. Proteus: sea god to change his shape at will
prot\'eg\'e	person receiving protection and support from a patron
n protocol	diplomatic etiquette; ceremony and etiquette observed by diplomats; first copy of a treaty before its ratification; Ex. Protocol demands that the queen meet him at the airport.
prototype	original work used as a model by others
protract	prolong; lengthen in time; draw out
protrude	stick out; jut; project; Ex. protruding teeth
n protuberance	protrusion; swelling; bulge
s bulge	protruding part; swelling of a surface; Ex. The apple made a bulge in his pocket; V: swell outward; protrude
n provenance	place of origin; origin or source of something; Ex. Gunpowder is of Chinese provenance; CF. come
n provender	dry food for livestock; fodder
provident	providing for future needs; displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies; OP. improvident
s providence	quality of being provident; divine care; god's care; Providence: god; Ex. It seemed like providence that the doctor happened to be there; ADJ. providential: of divine providence; fortunate
provincial	pertaining to a province; limited in outlook; narrow; unsophisticated
provisional	tentative; temporary
proviso	stipulation; condition in an agreement; provision
s provision	act of providing; something provided; preparatory measure; provisions: necessary supplies (esp. food); stipulation; condition in an agreement; Ex. According to the provisions of the agreement
provocative	arousing anger or sexual interest; annoying; Ex. provocative in tight jeans; V. provoke: incite to anger; cause (an unpleasant action or feeling); N. provocation
n prowess	extraordinary ability; military bravery; Ex. prowess in battle
proximity	nearness; ADJ. proximate
proxy	authorized agent; authority to act for another
n prude	excessively modest or proper person (who is easily shocked by improper things, esp. of a sexual nature); N. prudery; ADJ. prudish: excessively concerned with propriety
prudent	cautious; careful; prudential
prune	cut away; trim
n prurient	having or causing lustful desires and thoughts; arousing immoderate sexual desire
n pry	inquire impertinently (someone else's private affairs); use leverage to raise or open something; prize; N. pries: tool for prying
s prize	pry; move with a lever; value highly; esteem; Ex. his most prized possession; N: something captured during war-time (esp. an enemy ship)
pseudonym	pen name; fictitious name assumed by an author; ADJ. pseudonymous
psyche	soul; mind
psychiatrist	doctor who treats mental diseases
s psychic	of psyche; mental; of or possessing extraordinary mental powers
psychopathic	pertaining to mental dearrangement; N. psychopath: person with an antisocial personality disorder
psychosis	mental disorder; ADJ. N. psychotic
s psychosomatic	of the influence of the mind on the body (esp. with respect to disease)
n pterodactyl	extinct flying reptile; CF. wing+finger
n puerile	childish; immature; CF. puer: boy
pugilist	boxer; CF. pugilism: boxing
n pugnacity	combativeness; disposition to fight; ADJ. pugnacious: (of people) belligerent; combative in nature
n puissant	powerful; strong; potent; N. puissance: power
n pulchritude	beauty; comeliness; ADJ. pulchritudinous
n pulmonary	pertaining to the lungs
n pulsate	throb; beat regularly; vibrate regularly
s pulse	rhythmical throbbing of arteries; brief sudden change in a normally constant quantity; V: pulsate
pulverize	crush or grind into very small particles
n pummel	pommel; beat or pound with fists
punctilious	minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form; N. punctilio, punctiliousness: careful attention payed to every small exact detail
n pundit	authority on a subject; expert; learned person
pungent	stinging; acrid; sharp in taste or smell; (of speech or writing) caustic; N. pungency
n punitive	punishing; Ex. punitive measures
n puny	tiny; weak; insignificant
n purchase	secure grasp or hold; firm grasp or footing
purgatory	place of spiritual expiation; temporary state or place in which the souls must expiate their sins
purge	remove or get rid of something or someone unwanted; eliminate; free from blame or guilt; cleanse or purify (esp. of sin, guilt, or defilement); N.
purport	intention; purpose; meaning; V: claim; profess; Ex. order which purports to be signed by the general
purported	alleged; claimed; reputed or rumored; Ex. purported Satanists
s rooster	cock; adult male chicken
s rabble	mob; noisy crowd
n purse	pucker; contract (lips) into wrinkles; N: wallet
s pucker	gather into wrinkles or folds; N: wrinkle or fold
n purveyor	furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer; V. purvey: supply (eg. food); furnish; CF. provide
n pusillanimous	cowardly; lacking courage; fainthearted
n putative	supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such; Ex. putative father of the child
n putrid	decayed and foul-smelling; foul; rotten; decayed; N. putridity
s putrefy	make or become putrid; N. putrefaction
s putrescent	becoming putrid; putrefying
s gangrene	decay of body tissue caused by insufficient blood supply (usually following injury); ADJ. gangrenous
pyromaniac	person with an insane desire to set things on fire
quack	charlatan; impostor
n quadruped	four-footed animal; ADJ. CF. biped
n quaff	drink with zest; drink with relish(zest; hearty enjoyment); ²Ü²©²Ü²© ¸¶½Ã´Ù; CF. sip
n quagmire	bog; marsh; soft, wet, boggy land; predicament; complex or dangerous situation from which it is difficult to free oneself
s bog	soft wet land; V: hinder or be hindered; Ex. bogged down in the mud
n quail	cower; shrink back in fear; lose heart
quaint	odd in an old-fashioned way; odd; old-fashioned; picturesque
qualified	limited; restricted; V. qualify: limit the meaning of; modify
n qualms	uneasy feelings; misgivings; uneasy fears especially about matters of conscience; Ex. I have no qualms about giving this assignment to Helen.
n quandary	dilemma; state of uncertainty; Ex. She is in a quandary about whether to go.
n quarantine	isolation of a person, place, or ship to prevent spread of infection; V: isolate in quarantine
n quarry	person or animal of pursuit; victim; object of a hunt; prey
n quarry	dig into (to get stone); N: mine; ä¼®Àå
s bank	heap; piled-up mass; embankment; lateral tilting (as of an aircraft in turning); V: pile up; protect with a bank; tilt in turning
h 39	
n quash	crush; suppress; squash; subdue; annul; Ex. quash a rebellion/the decision of the low court
s squash	crush; quash; suppress
quay	dock; wharf; pier; landing place (for boats)
n queasy	experiencing nausea; nauseated; easily nauseated; squeamish; Ex. feel a little queasy
n quell	suppress; put an end to; put down forcibly; extinguish; quiet; Ex. ``Army Quells Rebellion'' in newspaper; CF. kill
n quench	assuage or satisfy (thrust); slake; douse or extinguish; put out; suppress
s squelch	produce a splashing sound (when stepping through mud); crush; squash; CF. ÁøÈëÀ» À§¿¡¼­ ¹âÀ» ¶§
n querulous	given to complaining; complaining; fretful; whining
s whine	complain (in a sad voice); make a high sad sound (as in pain or supplication)
query	inquiry; question; V.
queue	line (of waiting people or vehicles)
n quibble	minor objection or complaint; V: raise minor objections; carp; cavil
n quiescent	dormant; temporarily inactive; at rest; N. quiescence
quietude	tranquillity; calmness
n quintessence	purest and highest embodiment; perfect example; apotheosis; most essential element; Ex. quintessence of wit; ADJ. quintessential; CF. fifth essence
n quip	taunt; clever sarcastic remark; V.
s taunt	deride or provoke; challenge in derision; N.
n quirk	sudden sharp turn or twist; startling twist; caprice; idiosyncrasy; peculiarity of behavior; Ex. by a quirk of fate
n quisling	traitor who aids invaders; CF. Vidkun Quisling
n quiver	case for arrows
n quiver	tremble; shake; N.
s leash	restraining rope fastened to the collar of an animal (to control it); Ex. a dog on a leash
n quixotic	idealistic but impractical; CF. Don Quixote
n quizzical	curious; suggesting puzzlement (without saying); questioning; teasing; mocking; bantering; Ex. quizzical glance
n quorum	minimal number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
n quotidian	daily; commonplace; customary; Ex. quotidian routine
n rabid	of or suffering rabies; like a fanatic; extremely zealous; furious; CF. rabies: hydrophobia
n raconteur	story-teller; one who tells stories with wit and skill
n ragamuffin	dirty child in torn clothes; person wearing tattered clothes
s tatter	torn piece of cloth; ADJ. tattered: (of clothes) old and torn; (of a person) dressed in old torn clothes
n rail	complain bitterly; scold; rant; Ex. the weaker railing against injustices
n raiment	clothing; garments; Ex. I have no raiment fit to wear.
n rakish	jaunty; stylish; sporty; morally corrupt; dissolute; Ex. He wore his hat at a rakish and jaunty angle.
s rake	angle of a slope; V: slant from the perpendicular
s rake	immoral or dissolute person
rally	come or bring together; call up or summon (forces, vital powers, etc.); revive or recuperate (after illness or difficulty); N: act of rallying; mass gathering
ramble	wander aimlessly (physically or mentally); digress
ramification	branching out; subdivision; one branch of a system; one of the results following from an action or decision; Ex. ramifications of a business/the decision
ramify	branch out; divide into branches or subdivisions
n ramp	slope; inclined plane or roadway (connecting two levels)
n rampant	growing or spreading uncontrollably; growing in profusion; unrestrained; Ex. rampant lawlessness/weed
rampart	defensive mound of earth
n ramshackle	(of a building or vehicle) poorly constructed; rickety; falling apart
s rickety	(of buildings) likely to break or fall apart; of rickets; CF. rickets; CF. vitamin D
s ransack	search thoroughly; pillage (going through a place); Ex. Enemy soldiers ransacked the town.
n rancid	having the odor of stale or decomposing fat; rank
s rank	offensive in odor or flavor
n rancor	long-lasting hatred; bitterness; Ex. negotiation without rancor; ADJ. rancorous
random	without definite purpose, plan, or aim; haphazard; Ex. random shots; Ex. chosen at random
s lot	object used in making a determination at random; fate; piece of land
s draw	choosing of a lot or card
s lottery	contest in which winners are selected in a drawing of lots
s raffle	lottery; V: award as a prize in a raffle; Ex. raffle off a new car
n rankle	irritate; fester; annoy
n rant	speak violently or excitedly; rave; talk excitedly showing anger; scold; make a grandiloquent speech; Ex. The priest ranted about the devil.
n rapacious	voracious; ravenous; taking everything one can; excessively grasping; plundering; subsisting on live prey; Ex. rapacious birds
rapport	close relationship; emotional closeness; harmony
n rapt	engrossed; absorbed; enchanted; Ex. rapt listener
n rarefied	made less dense (of a gas); V. rarefy: make less dense; N. rarefaction
s rare	(of air) thin in density; rarefied; Ex. rare air of the mountains
n raspy	making a harsh noise; grating; harsh
s rasp	(of a sound) grate on (eg. nerves); make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect; rub with something rough; Ex. The cat's tongue rasped my hand.
ratify	approve formally; confirm; verify
n ratiocination	reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises; V. ratiocinate: reason logically
rationale	fundamental reason or principle (on which a system or principle is based); fundamental reason or justification; grounds for an action
rationalize	make rational; devise false reasons for (one's behavior); offer an excuse; give a plausible reason for an action in place of a true, less admirable ones; N. rationalization
s rational	(of a person) having reason; (of ideas) based on reason; logical
s ration	fixed portion; V: distribute as rations
n raucous	(of voice) harsh and unpleasant; (of people) disorderly and boisterous; Ex. raucous shouts
ravage	devastate; plunder; despoil; Ex. crops ravaged by storms
s maraud	move in search of plunder; Ex. marauding army
n rave	overwhelmingly favorable review; V: talk wildly as if mad; Ex. raving lunatic
ravel	fall apart into tangles; entangle; unravel or untwist
n ravenous	extremely hungry; voracious
n ravine	narrow valley with steep sides; gorge; CF. gully, canyon
raze	destroy completely; Ex. raze the city to the ground
reactionary	strongly opposed to social or political change; opposing progress; politically ultraconservative; N. OP. radical
s reinstate	restore to a previous condition or position
realm	kingdom; field or sphere; Ex. not within the realms of possibility
reaper	one who harvests grain; Ex. the Grim Reaper; V. reap: cut and gather (crop); harvest a crop
rebate	return of part of a payment; discount; V.
n rebuff	reject bluntly; snub; beat back; Ex. She rebuffed his invitation; N.
s snub	ignore or behave coldly toward; Ex. I made a suggestion but she snubbed me; N.
rebuke	scold harshly; criticize severely
n rebus	representation of words in the form of pictures or symbols; puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words; Ex. ``R U 18'' is a rebus for ``Are you 18''.
n rebuttal	refutation; response with contrary evidence; V. rebut: refute; disprove
n recalcitrant	disobedient or resisting authority even after being punished; obstinately stubborn; determined to resist authority; unruly; Ex. recalcitrant child
recant	disclaim or disavow; retract a previous statement; openly confess error; Ex. recant one's faith/a statement
recapitulate	summarize
n recast	reconstruct (a sentence, story, statue, etc.); fashion again
s fashion	give shape to; make; Ex. fashion the pot out of clay
receptive	quick or willing to receive (ideas, suggestions, etc.); Ex. receptive to the proposal
recession	withdrawal; retreat; time of low economic activity
s recess	pause; temporary cessation; alcove; secret inner place; Ex. parliament in recess; V. CF. recessive
recidivism	habitual return to crime (even after being punished); N. recidivist
recipient	receiver
reciprocal	mutual; given and received in return; exchangeable; interacting; Ex. reciprocal trade agreement
n reciprocate	do or give something in return; repay in kind; give or take mutually; interchange; move backwards and forwards; Ex. reciprocate his invitation by inviting him; N. reciprocity: reciprocal relationship; mutual interchange of advantages between two groups; Ex. reciprocity in trading rights
recluse	hermit; loner; ADJ. reclusive
reconcile	make friendly again (after quarrel); make consistent (two ideas in opposition); correct inconsistencies; Ex. reconcile one's political principles with one's religious beliefs
recondite	abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret
reconnaissance	survey of enemy by soldiers; reconnoitering; V. reconnoiter: make a preliminary inspection of (esp. to gather military information)
n recount	narrate or tell (a story); count over again
recourse	resorting to help when in trouble; Ex. without recourse to
s resort	turn to for help; Ex. resort to violence; N.
s makeshift	temporary expedient or substitute (in the case of urgent need); Ex. makeshift shelter
s recreant	disloyal; cowardly; N: disloyal and cowardly person
recrimination	countercharges; V. recriminate
rectify	set right; correct; CF. rect-: right
n rectitude	moral correctness; moral uprightness; moral virtue; correctness of judgment
recumbent	reclining; lying down completely or in part
s recline	lie down
recuperate	recover; return to health; regain; Ex. recuperate losses
recurrent	occurring again and again
h 40	
redolent	odorous; fragrant; suggestive (of an odor); Ex. redolent of onions/mystery
n redoubtable	formidable; causing fear
n redress	remedy; compensation; Ex. seek redress for the damage to your car; V: put right; remedy or rectify (a wrong); make amends for
redundant	superfluous; more than is necessary; verbose; excessively wordy; repetitious
n reek	emit (an unpleasant odor or smoke); give off an unpleasant odor; give out smoke; Ex. reeking chimney; N: unpleasant odor; stench
s stench	strong foul odor; reek; stink
s stink	stench; V: emit a strong foul odor
n refectory	dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
refraction	bending of a ray of light
n refractory	unmanageable; disobedient and stubborn; Ex. refractory horse
n refrain	abstain from; resist; forbear; N: chorus
s chorus	phrase repeated throughout a song or poem
refulgent	effulgent; brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming; Ex. refulgent moon
s gleam	brief flash of light; glow; V.
n refurbish	renovate; make clean, bright, or fresh (make new) again; make bright by polishing; Ex. refurbish an old theater; CF. furbish: polish
refute	disprove; prove to be false; N. refutation
regal	royal; of a monarch; Ex. regal manner
n regale	entertain
n regatta	boat or yacht race
regeneration	spiritual rebirth; Ex. regeneration of the prisoners; V. regenerate: give or obtain new life; reform spiritually
s penology	study of prison management and criminal rehabilitation
regicide	murder of a king or queen
regime	method of system or government
n regimen	prescribed course of diet or exercise; prescribed diet and habits; Ex. daily regimen of a dancer
n regiment	military unit; V: subject to strict order; Ex. regimented society
rehabilitate	restore to proper condition (health or useful life); restore the former rank of
reimburse	repay; pay back
reiterate	repeat
n rejoinder	reply; retort; comeback; V. rejoin: say in reply
s comeback	retort; quick clever reply; return to former status
rejuvenate	make young again
n relegate	put into a lower or worse place; banish to an inferior position; delegate; assign; Ex. relegate the old furniture to the children's room; Ex. relegated to the second division
relent	become less severe; give in(surrender); ADJ. relentless: unyielding; continuously severe
relevant	having importance; pertinent; referring to the case in hand; N. relevance, relevancy
n relic	surviving remnant (from an extinct culture); memento; keepsake; relics: corpse; Ex. ancient relics; Ex. relics of his travel; Ex. His relics are buried at X.
relinquish	give up something (with reluctance); yield; release; Ex. relinquish power/the claim to the land/his hold on my arm
n relish	enjoy; savor; N: enjoyment; zest
remediable	reparable
reminiscence	recollection; V. reminisce: recollect the past
s reminiscent	suggestive of something (in the past); of reminiscence
remiss	negligent; careless about a duty
remission	temporary moderation (of disease symptoms); remitting of a debt or punishment; cancelation of a debt; pardon; Ex. The disease went into remission; Ex. Christians pray for the remission of sins.
s remit	transmit (money) in payment; free someone from a debt or punishment
s remittance	remitting of money; amount of money remitted
remnant	remainder
remonstrate	protest; objection; V. remonstrate: say in protest
remorse	deep regret for wrongdoing; guilt; self-reproach
remunerative	(of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid; V. remunerate: reward; pay (someone) for work or trouble
rend	split; tear apart; N. rent; CF. heartrending: causing deep sorrow
render	give; deliver; provide; represent in verbal or artistic form; depict; perform; make; translate; Ex. render the song beautifully
rendezvous	meeting place; meeting at a set time or place; V.
rendition	rendering; translation; artistic interpretation of a song, etc
n renegade	deserter; traitor; ADJ.
n renege	break a promise; deny; go back on; Ex. renege on the contract/paying off the debt
renounce	abandon; give up (by formal announcement); disown; repudiate; Ex. renounce one's claim to the property/one's religion; N. renunciation
renovate	restore to good condition; renew
renown	fame; ADJ. renowned
s herald	messenger; sign of something to come; V: announce; proclaim; Ex. unheralded researcher
n rent	tear made by rending; rip; split
reparable	capable of being repaired
n reparation	compensation (for loss or wrong); amends; Ex. make reparation for the damage; CF. repair
repartee	quick clever reply
n repast	meal; feast; banquet
repeal	revoke; annul
repel	drive away; disgust; Ex. repel the attack/moisture; Ex. repelled by the dirty room; CF. repulsion
repellent	driving away; disgusting; offensive; repulsive; unattractive; N.
repercussion	rebound; reaction; reverberation; Ex. serious repercussion
repertoire	list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present; CF. repertory
n repine	fret; complain; be annoyed; Ex. repine over the undone work
replenish	fill up again
replete	fully filled; filled to the brim or to the point of being stuffed; abundantly supplied; Ex. report replete with errors
s memoir	memoirs; autobiography; biography
s brim	uppermost edge of a cup; projecting rim (as on a hat); Ex. The glass was full to the brim; V: be full to the brim
replica	copy
replicate	reproduce; duplicate
repository	storehouse
s repose	resting; state of being at rest; calmness; V: lie at rest; relax; put or place; Ex. repose our hopes in a single man
reprehensible	deserving blame; blameworthy; V. reprehend: blame
repress	hold back (the natural expression of); restrain; crush; oppress; Ex. repressed child; Ex. repress a laugh/rebellion
reprieve	postponement or cancelation of a punishment; temporary stay; V: postpone or cancel the punishment of
reprimand	reprove severely; rebuke; N.
reprisal	retaliation
n reprise	musical repetition; repeating of a piece of music; repeat performance; recurrent action; Ex. reprise in the finale; Ex. constant reprises
reproach	blame (not angrily but sadly); express disapproval or disappointment; N. ADJ. reproachful
n reprobate	morally disapproved person; person hardened in sin, devoid of a sense of decency; CF. disapproved by God ?
reprobation	severe disapproval; CF. approbation
reprove	censure; rebuke; N. reproof
repudiate	disown; disavow; deny
repugnance	disgust; strong dislike; loathing; ADJ. repugnant: arousing disgust; repulsive
repulsion	distaste; disgust; act of driving back; ADJ. repulsive: causing disgust; tending to drive away; V. repel (not `repulse')
s repulse	reject with rudeness or coldness (an offer or friendship); drive back (an enemy attack); CF. repulse $\neq$ cause repulsion
reputable	respectable; having a good reputation
reputed	supposed; Ex. reputed father of the child; V. repute: consider; N. repute: reputation; esteem
requiem	mass for the dead; dirge
s mass	Christian religious ceremony; CF. Mass: ceremony of the Eucharist
requisite	necessary requirement; something required; ADJ: required; necessary
s requisition	formal demand or request; Ex. requisition for more computing equipment; V.
n requite	make return for; repay; reciprocate; revenge; N. requittal
h 41	
rescind	repeal; annul; cancel (a law, decision, or agreement)
resentment	indignation; bitterness; displeasure; V. resent: feel anger about
reserve	self-control; self-restraint; formal but distant manner; reticence; Ex. without reserve: freely and openly; ADJ. reserved: shy and uncommunicative
residue	remainder; balance
s residual	remaining; left over; of a residue; N: residue
resignation	patiently submissiveness; statement that one is quitting a job; ADJ. resigned: acquiescent
s resign	give up (a position, right, or claim); submit (oneself) passively
resilient	elastic; having the power of springing back; able to recover quickly (as from misfortune)
s elastic	able to spring back into shape; quick to recover (as from disappointment); able to adapt to change; Ex. elastic plans; N: elastic material
resolution	determination; resoluteness; ADJ. resolute: firm or determined in purpose
resolve	determination; resolution; firmness of purpose
resolve	decide; settle; solve; separate; make a determined decision; N. resolution
resonant	(of a sound) echoing; resounding(sounding loudly); deep and full in sound; producing resonance; Ex. resonant voice; N. resonance
s resound	(of a place) be filled with sound; (of a sound) sound loudly; sound back; echo; Ex. hall resounded with laughter
respiration	breathing; exhalation; ADJ. respiratory
n respite	time for rest; interval of relief; delay in punishment; reprieve
resplendent	brilliant; splendid in appearance; dazzling; glorious
responsiveness	state of reacting readily to appeals, orders, etc.; ADJ. responsive: readily reacting; Ex. responsive to treatment
n restitution	returning something (lost or stolen) to the rightful owner; reparation; indemnification; compensation for loss, damage, or injury
n restive	impatiently restless (induced by external coercion or restriction); restlessly impatient; obstinately resisting control; Ex. restive horses because of wolves; CF. not a general synonym for `restless'
restraint	moderation or self-control; controlling force; restriction
resumption	taking up again; recommencement; V. resume: begin or take up again; take or occupy again; Ex. Kindly resume your seats.
n resurge	rise again; flow to and fro; N. resurgence; ADJ. resurgent: (of ideas or beliefs) experiencing revival; surging again
s resurrect	revive
resuscitate	revive; bring back to life or consciousness; Ex. resuscitate the drowned child
retain	keep; maintain possession of; employ (esp. a lawyer or advisor); N. retainer: servant; fee paid to retain an advisor
retaliate	repay in kind (usually for bad treatment); V. retaliate
n retentive	holding; able to retain things (esp. facts in the mind); having a good memory
n reticent	inclined to silence; uncommunicative; reserved; Ex. He was reticent about the reasons; N. reticence
retinue	following; attendants
n retiring	shy and reserved (of a person); modest; Ex. her retiring personality
retort	quick sharp reply; V.
retract	withdraw; take back; draw back; Ex. retract a statement/an offer/claws; N. retraction; CF. retractile
n retrench	cut down; cut down expenses; economize
n retribution	deserved punishment for wrongdoing; punishment for offenses; compensation; vengeance; CF. pay back
retrieve	recover; put right; find and bring in; regain; Ex. retrieve the situation
n retroactive	taking effect before its enactment (as a law) or imposition (as a tax); (of a law) having effect on the past as well as the future
s enact	make (a bill) into law
n retrograde	go backwards; recede; degenerate; deteriorate; ADJ.
retrospective	looking back on the past; N. retrospection; V. retrospect
n revelry	boisterous merrymaking; V. revel: engage boisterous festivities; enjoy greatly; N: boisterous festivity or celebration
n reverberate	echo repeatedly; resound; Ex. The thunder reverberated across the valley.
reverent	respectful; worshipful; V. revere: regard with reverence; N. reverence: profound respect
s reverend	deserving reverence; N: priest
n reverie	daydream; abstracted musing
revert	relapse; backslide; turn back to; return to the former owner; N. reversion
s relapse	return to a former state (esp. after improvement); N.
s backslide	revert (to bad habits); N. reverter
n revile	attack with abusive language; vilify(slander)
revoke	cancel; retract; CF. irrevocable
n revulsion	sudden strong feeling of disgust; sudden violent change of feeling; negative reaction; Ex. revulsion from the scenes of torture
n rhapsodize	speak or write in an exaggeratedly enthusiastic manner; Ex. rhapsodize over the beauty of the scenery
s rhapsody	excessively enthusiastic expression of feeling; musical composition of irregular form (as if made up as one plays it)
n rhetoric	art of effective communication; art of using language effectively and persuasively; style of speaking or writing; grandiloquent language; Ex. political rhetoric; ADJ. rhetorical; CF. rhetorical question: question to which no answer is expected as ``Who knows it ?''
n ribald	marked by vulgar lewd humor; wanton; profane; N. ribaldry: ribald language or joke
n riddle	pierce with holes; permeate or spread throughout; Ex. The gunman riddled the car with bullets; Ex. The whole report is riddled with errors; N. large sieve (separating earth from stone)
n rider	amendment or clause added to a legislative bill
n rife	(of something bad) widespread; abundant; current
n rift	narrow opening in a large mass; break in a friendly relation; Ex. through a rift in the clouds; OP. reconcilation
n rig	fix or manipulate; manipulate dishonestly for personal gain; Ex. rig the election
s rig	arrangement of masts and sails; V: equip (a ship) with rigging; ADJ. rigging: ropes that hold up a ship's sails
rigid	hard and unbending; stiff and unyielding; fixed in behavior or views; strict; rigorous; Ex. rigid rule
rigor	severity; Ex. rigors of the Russian winter
n rile	irritate; vex; muddy
n riveting	holding one's attention; absorbing; engrossing
s rivet	metal pin used for fastening metal plates together; V: fasten with a rivet; engross
n rivulet	small stream; CF. rill < rivulet < river
robust	strong; vigorous
rococo	ornate; highly decorated; N. CF. 18th century
n roil	make liquids murky by stirring up sediment; disturb
n roseate	rosy; optimistic; Ex. roseate views
n roster	list (of names)
n rostrum	raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
s pulpit	raised platform used in preaching (in a church)
n rote	repetition; memorization through repetition without understanding; Ex. learn poetry by rote
n rotunda	circular building or hall covered with a dome
n rotundity	roundness; sonorousness of speech
s rotund	(of a person) fat and round
n rousing	lively; inducing excitement; stirring; V. rouse: waken; arouse from sleep or depression; excite; stir up
rout	put to rout; stampede; drive out; N: complete defeat and disorderly retreat
s stampede	sudden frenzied rush (of panic-stricken animals or people); V: participate in or cause stampede; Ex. stampede before the price rises
rubble	fragments (esp. from a destroyed building)
s mason	one who builds or works with stone or brick; N. masonry: work of a mason; stonework or brickwork
n rubric	title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol
n ruddy	reddish; (of the face) reddish and healthy-looking
rudimentary	elementary; not developed; crude; N. rudiment: fundamental element or principle; Ex. rudiments of the language
n rue	regret; lament; mourn; Ex. He will rue the day; N. ADJ. rueful
n ruffian	violent scoundrel; bully
n ruminate	chew over and over (mentally or, like cows, physically); mull over(ponder)
s ruminant	animal that ruminates; ADJ.
rummage	ransack; thoroughly search
n runic	mysterious; set down in an ancient alphabet; N. rune: one of the letters of an alphabet used by ancient Germanic peoples (cut on stone or wood); magic charm
n ruse	trick to deceive; stratagem
rustic	pertaining to country people; unsophisticated; simple; crude; uncouth; (of furniture) rough with the bark left on; N. rural person; rustic person
rusticate	banish to the country; dwell in the country
ruthless	pitiless; merciless; cruel
saboteur	one who commits sabotage; destroyer of property; N. sabotage: destruction of property (usually carried out secretly)
saccharine	cloying sweet; characteristic of sugar or saccharin
sacrilegious	desecrating; profane; N. sacrilege: desecration, misuse, or theft of something sacred
n sacrosanct	invioably sacred; most sacred; inviolable
h 42	
n sadistic	inclined to cruelty; N. sadism: delight in cruelty
saga	Scandinavian myth; any legend; long heroic narrative
n sagacious	wise; perceptive; shrewd; having insight; N. sagacity
n sage	person celebrated for wisdom; wise person; ADJ: wise
n salacious	lascivious; lustful; Ex. salacious monk
n salient	prominent; projecting beyond a line; conspicuous; Ex. salient features
saline	salty
n sallow	(of the skin) yellowish and unhealthy-looking; sickly in color; Ex. sallow complexion due to jaundice
n salubrious	healthful; conducive to health or well-being; socially desirable; Ex. salubrious area; CF. health
n salutary	tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome; Ex. The punishment had a salutary effect on the boy; CF. health
salvage	rescue (goods or property) from loss; N: saving; property saved
n sanctimonious	displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness; N. sanctimony: hypocritical piety
sanction	approve; ratify; N: permission; penalty intended to enforce compliance
sanctuary	place of refuge; shelter; shrine; holy place; Ex. The outlaw was granted sanctuary in the church.
sanguinary	bloody; with much bloodshed
sanguine	optimistic; cheerful; hopeful; of the color of blood; red
n sap	diminish; weaken; undermine the foundations of (a fortification); Ex. The element kryptonite sapped his strength.
sarcasm	cutting ironic remark; scornful remarks; stinging rebuke; ADJ. sarcastic
n sardonic	scornfully mocking; disdainful; sarcastic; cynical; Ex. sardonic smile
n sartorial	pertaining to tailors or tailoring; Ex. a man of great sartorial elegance; CF. sartor: tailor
n sate	satisfy to the full; satisfy to excess; cloy
s doze	sleep lightly; nap
satellite	small body revolving around a larger one
satiate	satisfy fully (physical needs such as hunger); sate; N. satiety: condition of being satiated
satire	form of literature in which irony, sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack human vice and folly
satirical	using satire; mocking
saturate	soak thoroughly; imbue; impregnate; charge; fill to capacity
n saturnine	morose; gloomy; Ex. Do not be misled by his saturnine countenance.
n satyr	half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus (resembling a goat), portrayed as wanton(unrestrained) and cunning; lecher; CF. faun; CF. goat: lecherous man
n saunter	stroll(go for a leisurely walk) slowly; N.
n savant	scholar; learned person; CF. savoir: know
n savor	enjoy; have a distinctive flavor, smell, or quality; N: taste or smell; distinctive quality
n savory	pleasant in taste; tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable; Ex. savory reputation
n scabbard	case for a sword blade; sheath
n scad	a great quantity; Ex. scads of clothes
n scaffold	temporary platform for workers (to work at heights above the ground); bracing framework; platform for execution
scale	climb up; ascend; remove or come off in scales; N: flake of epidermis; ascending or descending series of musical tones
scanty	meager; insufficient
n scapegoat	someone who bears the blame for others; whipping boy; CF. escape+goat
n scavenge	hunt through discarded materials for usable items or food; search, especially for food; N. scavenger: one who scavenges; animal that feeds on refuse and carrion
s refuse	anything discarded or rejected as worthless; trash
scenario	plot outline; screenplay(script for a movie); opera libretto; outline of possible future events
schematic	of a schema or scheme; relating to an outline or diagram; using a system of symbols; N. schema: diagrammatic representation; outline
s scheme	systematic plan; plot; clever dishonest plan; orderly arrangement of elements; Ex. health insurance scheme; Ex. a scheme to escape taxes; Ex. a color scheme; Ex. a story with no scheme; V: contrive a scheme
n schism	division into factions (esp. within a religious body); split
n scintilla	trace; minute amount; shred; least bit; Ex. There is not a scintilla of truth; CF. spark
n scintillate	sparkle; flash; be animated; be full of life; Ex. scintillating conversation
n scoff	laugh (at); mock; ridicule; Ex. scoff at their threats
n scotch	stamp out(put an end to); thwart; hinder; Ex. scotch the rumor; CF. cut; CF. È°µ¿À» ÁÙÀÌ´Â ÀǹÌ
s score	number of points; written form of a musical composition; reason; group of 20; notch or incision; Ex. full/vocal score; Ex. Don't worry on that score; V: mark with lines or notches; Ex. score the paper to make it easy to fold
s stamp	step on heavily (so as to crush or extinguish); put an end to; imprint or impress with a mark, design, or seal; shape with a die; characterize; Ex. machine stamping out car bodies; Ex. newspaper stamping him as a liar; N. stamping; implement used to stamp; impression stamped; mark; Ex. Her remarks bear the stamp of truth.
n scourge	lash; whip (formerly used for punishment); source of severe punishment; V: whip; afflict
n scruple	hesitate for ethical reasons; fret about; Ex. She did not scruple to read his diary; N: uneasy feeling arising from conscience; conscience
scrupulous	conscientious; extremely thorough; Ex. scrupulous worker
scrutinize	examine closely and critically; N. scrutiny
n scuffle	struggle confusedly; move off in a confused hurry; N. CF. scuffling twins ?
s shuffle	mix together; jumble; move (something) from one place to another; slide (the feet) along the ground while walking; Ex. shuffle papers from one pile to another; N.
n scurrilous	abusive; obscene; indecent; Ex. scurrilous remark
n scurry	move hastily; hurry; move briskly
n scurvy	contemptible; despicable; N: disease caused by deficiency of Vitamin C
n scuttle	sink (a ship) by cutting holes in the hull; scrap; discard; N: small hatch in a ship's deck or hull
s hull	husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame or body of a ship
n seamy	sordid; base; filthy; unwholesome; Ex. seamy side of city life
s base	contemptible; morally bad; inferior in value or quality; Ex. base motives/conduct; Ex. base metal such as iron
n sear	burn the surface of; char or burn; brand; parch; cause (a plant) to wither
s char	make or become black by burning; reduce or be reduced to carbon or charcoal(black substance made by burning wood) by incomplete combustion
s scorch	sear; N.
s brand	trademark; mark burned on the hide of an animal; mark burned into the flesh of criminals; mark of disgrace; V: mark with a brand; give a lasting bad name; stigmatize; Ex. The press branded him a liar.
s hide	skin of an animal
seasoned	experienced
s season	enhance the flavor of by adding a spice, etc.; inure; harden; N. seasoning: something used in seasoning
s seasonal	of a particular season; Ex. seasonal rise in employment
s seasonable	occurring at the proper time or season; opportune; Ex. seasonable intervention in the dispute
secession	withdrawal; V. secede: withdraw formally from membership
seclusion	isolation; solitude; V. seclude: set apart from others; isolate
n secrete	conceal; hide away or cache; produce and release a substance into an organism; CF. secretive
sect	separate religious body; faction; group of people with common beliefs within a larger group
s sectarian	of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial; N: member of a sect; narrow-minded person
s denomination	religious group; unit in a system; name or designation; CF. denominator: common trait or characteristic
secular	worldly; not pertaining to church matters or religion; temporal
n sedate	composed (with no excitement); grave; V: administer a sedative to; CF. sedative
sedentary	requiring sitting; done while sitting; not moving from one place to another; settled; Ex. sedentary job/population
sedition	conduct or language inciting rebellion; rebellion; resistance to authority; insubordination; ADJ. seditious
n sedulous	diligent; assiduous; paying attention; N. sedulity
n seedy	run-down; decrepit; disreputable; having many seeds; Ex. seedy downtown hotel
s run-down	(of a place) dilapidated; in a bad condition; (of a person) weak or exhausted
n seemly	(of behavior) proper; appropriate
n seep	pass slowly through small openings; ooze; trickle; N. seepage
n seethe	be violently disturbed; boil; (of a liquid) move about wildly as if boiling; Ex. The nation was seething with discontent.
n seine	seine net; net for catching fish
seismic	pertaining to earthquakes
n semblance	outward appearance; guise; Ex. We called in the troops to bring a/some semblance of order to the city.
seminal	related to seed or semen; germinal; creative; providing a basis for further development; influencing future developments; Ex. seminal research in a new field
n seminary	school for training future ministers; secondary school, especially for young women
senility	old age; feeblemindedness of old age; ADJ. senile: resulting from old age; showing the weakness of body or mind from old age; Ex. senile dementia
s feebleminded	deficient in intelligence; very stupid
n sensitization	process of being made sensitive or acutely responsive to an external agent or substance; V. sensitize: make or become sensitive
sensual	devoted to the pleasures of the sense; carnal; voluptuous; Ex. sensual woman/curves/lips
s voluptuous	sensual; of or giving sensual pleasure; indulging in sensual pleasures; Ex. voluptuous lines; Ex. voluptuous life of the Romans; N. voluptuary: voluptuous person
sensuous	giving pleasure to the senses; pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses; sensuous feeling of soft velvet on the skin
n sententious	pithy; terse; concise; aphoristic
n sentient	capable of sensation and conscious; aware; sensitive; Ex. sentient creature; N. sentience
sentinel	sentry; lookout
s lookout	act of keeping watch; high place commanding a wide view; person who keeps watch
n septic	of or causing sepsis; putrid; producing putrefaction; N. sepsis: poisoning of part of the body (producing pus)
n sepulcher	tomb; V: place in a sepulcher; ADJ. sepulchral
h 43	
n sequester	isolate; segregate; seclude; retire from public life
n sere	sear; parched; dry
n serendipity	gift for finding valuable things by accident; accidental good fortune or luck; CF. The Three Princes of Serendip
serenity	calmness; placidity; ADJ. serene
n serpentine	winding; twisting; of or like a serpent; Ex. serpentine course of the river; N. serpent: snake
n serrated	having a sawtoothed edge; Ex. serrated leaf
servile	slavish; cringing; N. servility
servitude	slavery; compulsory labor imposed as a punishment
n sever	separate; cut off (a part) from a whole; break up (a relationship); N. severance; CF. severance pay: extra pay given an employee upon leaving a position
severity	harshness; intensity; sternness; austerity; ADJ. severe: harsh; strict; extremely violent or intense
n sextant	navigation tool used to determine a ship's latitude and longitude (by measuring the altitudes of stars)
n shackle	chain; fetter; confine with shackles; N.
n sham	pretend; feign; ADJ: not genuine; fake; Ex. sham jewelry; N: something that is not what it appears; impostor; pretense; Ex. The agreement was a sham.
n shambles	(place or scene of) complete disorder or ruin; wreck; mess; Ex. After the hurricane, the coast was a shambles.
n shard	fragment generally of broken pottery (glass, clay bowl, or cup)
n shaving	very thin piece, usually of wood (cut from a surface with a sharp blade)
s plane	carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood; V. CF. flat
n sheaf	bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together
n sheathe	place into a case; insert into or provide with a sheath; Ex. He sheathed his dagger; N. sheath: case for a blade
n sherbet	flavored dessert ice
n shimmer	shine with a flickering light; glimmer intermittently; Ex. The moonlight shimmered on the water; N.
n shirk	avoid (responsibility, work, etc.); malinger
n shoddy	made of inferior material; sham; not genuine; inferior; dishonest; Ex. shoddy goods/trick
n shrew	scolding woman; very small mouselike animal
shrewd	clever; astute
n shun	keep away from; avoid deliberately; Ex. She has been shunned by her neighbors.
n shunt	move (a railway train) from one track to another; turn aside; divert; sidetrack; Ex. shunt traffic around an accident; N.
s sidetrack	switch (a railroad car) to a siding; divert from a main issue; N. CF. siding: short section of railroad track connected by switches with a main track
n shyster	lawyer using questionable methods; unscrupulous practioner
sibling	brother or sister
n sibylline	prophetic; oracular; N. sibyl: woman prophet (in the ancient world)
n sidereal	relating to stars; Ex. sidereal day
n silt	sediment deposited by running water (at the entrance to a harbor or by a bend in a river)
n simian	monkeylike; N: ape or monkey
simile	comparison of one thing with another, using the word like or as
n simper	smirk; smile in a silly way; smile affectedly
simplistic	oversimplified
simulate	feign; imitate
n sinecure	well-paid position with little responsibility; CF. sine cure: without care; CF. San Serif
n sinewy	(of meat) tough; strong and firm; muscular; N. sinew: tendon; strong cord connecting a muscle to a bone
singular	being only one; individual; unique; extraordinary; odd; Ex. singular beauty/behavior
sinister	evil; ominous
n sinuous	twisting; winding; bending in and out; not morally honest
skeptic	sceptic; doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view; ADJ. skeptical; N. skepticism; scepticism
n skiff	small light sailboat or rowboat
n skimp	provide or use scantily; live very economically; Ex. skimp on necessities; ADJ. skimpy: inadequate in amount; scanty; stingy; niggardly
n skinflint	miser; stingy person
skirmish	minor fight; minor battle in war; V.
n skittish	inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious; Ex. charming but skittish young woman; CF. skit
s frisk	move about playfully; froric; ADJ. frisky: playful
n skulduggery(skullduggery)	dishonest behavior or action; Ex. skulduggery in the election
n skulk	move furtively and secretly; Ex. He skulked through the less fashionable sections of the city.
n slacken	slow up; loosen; make or become slack
s slack	moving slowly; sluggish; inactive; (of a rope) loose; negligent; lax; Ex. slack season; Ex. slack in one's work; N. V.
n slag	glassy residue from smelting metal; dross; waste matter
slake	satisfy (thirst); quench; sate
slander	defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements; V. ADJ. slanderous
n slapdash	hasty and careless; haphazard; sloppy(carelessly done)
n sleazy	shabby and dirty; flimsy; insubstantial; Ex. sleazy back-street hotel/fabric
n sleeper	one that achieves unexpected success; something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable
sleight	dexterity; CF. sleight of hand: legerdemain; quickness of the hands in doing tricks
n slew	large quantity or number; Ex. slew of errands left
n slight	insult to one's dignity; snub; V: treat as if of small importance; insult; snub; ADJ. small in size; of small importance
n slipshod	slovenly; careless; sloppy; untidy; shabby; Ex. slipshod work
n slither	slip or slide
sloth	slow moving tree-dwelling mammal; laziness; ADJ. slothful: lazy; indolent
n slough	(of a snake) shed or cast off (dead outer skin); N: outer layer that is shed
n slovenly	untidy; careless in work habits; slipshod; N. sloven: one who is habitually untidy or careless
s sledge	large sled drawn by work animals
s sleigh	large vehicle drawn by a horse over snow or ice
n sluggard	lazy person
sluggish	lazy; slow; inactive; lethargic; CF. slug: nail with no shell
n sluice	artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water (with a gate to regulate the flow)
n slur	slander; insult to one's character or reputation; V.
n slur	pronounce indistinctly; speak indistinctly; mumble
n smattering	slight knowledge; small scattered number or amount; Ex. smattering of German
n smelt	melt (ore) for separating and removing the metal; melt or blend ores changing their chemical composition
n smirk	conceited smile; offensively self-satisfied smile (often at someone else's misfortune); V.
n smolder	smoulder; burn slowly without flame; be liable to break out at any moment; exist in a suppressed state; Ex. smoldering anger
n snicker	half-stifled(suppressed) laugh; V.
n snivel	complain or whine tearfully; run at the nose; snuffle; Ex. Don't come back sniveling to me.
s snuffle	sniffle; sniff repeatedly (in order to keep liquid from running out of the nose)
sobriety	moderation (especially regarding indulgence in alcohol); seriousness
s sober	serious; solemn; not drunken; abstemious or temperate; V: make or become sober
n sodden	thoroughly soaked; dull or stupid as if from drink
n sojourn	temporary stay; V: stay for a time
n solace	comfort in sorrow or trouble; consolation; V: comfort or console in time of sorrow or trouble
n solder	repair or make whole by using a metal alloy; N: metal alloy (usually tin and lead) used in the molten state to join metallic parts
n solecism	nonstandard grammatical construction; construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically; violation of social etiquette
solemnity	seriousness; gravity
solicit	entreat; request earnestly; seek to obtain; Ex. solicit votes; CF. solicitor: one who solicits; chief law officer
n solicitous	anxious; worried; concerned; eager; Ex. solicitous to do something; N. solicitude
soliloquy	talking to oneself (esp. in a play); CF. monologue: soliloquy; long speech by one person (often monopolizing a conversation)
solitude	state of being alone; seclusion; ADJ. solitary: existing or living alone (esp. by choice); remote or secluded; single; sole; Ex. solitary life/inn; Ex. no solitary piece of proof
solstice	point or time at which the sun is farthest from the equator
soluble	able to be dissolved in a liquid; able to be worked out or solved
solvent	able to pay all depths; N. solvency
solvent	substance that dissolves another; ADJ: capable of dissolving another substance
somatic	pertaining to the body; bodily; physical
h 44	
n somber	dark; gloomy; melancholy; depressing; CF. shadow
somnambulist	sleepwalker; V. somnambulate; N. somnambulism
n somnolent	half asleep; drowsy; N. somnolence
n sonorous	resonant; producing a full deep sound; producing sound
s sonic	of sound or its speed in air; CF. subsonic, supersonic
s sonnet	14-line poetic verse form with a fixed rhyme pattern
sophist	teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning; N. sophism: plausible but fallacious argument
sophisticated	worldly wise and urbane; refined; complex; N. sophistication; V. sophisticate
sophistry	seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning; sophism
n sophomoric	immature; half-baked; like a sophomore
n soporific	sleep-causing; marked by sleepiness; drowsy
n sordid	filthy; foul; base; vile; Ex. sordid bed/story
n spangle	small shiny metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation
sparse	not thick; thinly scattered; scanty
n spartan	without attention to comfort; lacking luxury and comfort; sternly disciplined; Ex. spartan living condition/life
n spasmodic	fitful; periodic; of or like a spasm; N. spasm: sudden involuntary muscular contraction; sudden burst of energy or emotion
n spat	squabble; minor dispute; minor quarrel
n spate	sudden flood or rush; Ex. spate of accidents
spatial	relating to space
n spatula	broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing
spawn	lay eggs (in large numbers); produce offspring (in large numbers); N: eggs of aquatic animals
specious	seemingly reasonable but incorrect; misleading (often intentionally)
spectral	ghostly; N. specter: spectre; ghost; phantom
spectrum	colored band produced when a beam of light passes through a prism; broad and continuous range; Ex. whole spectrum of modern thoughts
n spendthrift	someone who wastes money; CF. thrift: accumulated wealth
n sphinx-like	enigmatic; mysterious
n splice	join together end to end to make one continuous length; fasten together; unite; Ex. splice two strips of tape; N.
spontaneity	lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint; ADJ. spontaneous: self-generated; unpremeditated; happening without being planned
n spoonerism	accidental transposition of sounds in successive words; Ex. ``Let me sew you to your sheet'' for ``Let me show you to your seat''; CF. William Spooner
s transpose	reverse the order or position of
sporadic	occurring irregularly; intermittent
n sportive	playful; frolicsome; merry; CF. sport: play or frolic; CF. sportsmanlike
n spruce	neat and trim in appearance; smart; Ex. Be spruce for your job interview; V.
n spry	(esp. of older people) vigorously active; nimble
s nimble	quick in movement; agile; quick in understanding; Ex. nimble climber/mind
n spurious	false; counterfeit; forged; illogical; Ex. spurious arguments
n spurn	reject disdainfully; scorn; Ex. She spurned all offers of help.
n squabble	minor quarrel; bickering; V: engage in a minor quarrel; Ex. squabbling children
n squalor	condition of being squalid; filth; degradation; dirty neglected state; ADJ. squalid: dirty; sordid; morally repulsive; Ex. squalid story
squander	waste; spend foolishly
n squat	short and thick; stocky; Ex. ugly squat tower; V. N.
n staccato	played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound; Ex. staccato applause
s legato	(of music) played smoothly
stagnant	(of water) not flowing (often bad-smelling); motionless; stale; not developing; inactive; dull; Ex. stagnant industrial output
n staid	serious and sedate; sober; Ex. staid during the funeral ceremony
stalemate	deadlock; situation in which further action is blocked
n stalwart	physically strong; brawny; steadfast; strong in mind or determination; Ex. stalwart supporter; N: stalwart follower
stamina	power of endurance; strength; staying power
n stanch	stop or check flow of blood; Ex. stanch the gushing wound
n stanza	division of a poem (composed of two or more lines)
static	having no motion; unchanging; lacking development; N. stasis: stable state
statute	law enacted by the legislature
statutory	created by statute or legislative action; regulated by statute; Ex. statutory age limit
n steadfast	steadily loyal; unswerving; steady
stealth	action of moving secretly or unseen; slyness; sneakiness; secretiveness; ADJ. stealthy
n steep	soak; saturate; Ex. steep the fabric in the dye bath; ADJ: precipitous
stellar	pertaining to the stars; of a star performer; outstanding; Ex. stellar attraction of the entire performance
n stem	stop or check (the flow of); Ex. stem the bleeding from the slashed artery; N: main axis of a plant; stalk
stem_from	arise from; originate from
n stentorian	(of the voice) extremely loud; CF. Stentor: a loud herald in the Iliad
stereotype	one regarded as embodying a set image or type; fixed and unvarying representation; standardized mental picture often reflecting prejudice; Ex. stereotype of the happy slave; V: make a stereotype of; represent by a stereotype; Ex. It is wrong to stereotype people; Ex. stereotyped answer
n stickler	perfectionist; person who insists things be exactly right
n stifle	suppress; extinguish; inhibit; smother or suffocate
s smother	kill from lack of air; suppress; cover thickly; Ex. smothered in little stickers
s suffocate	die or kill from lack of air; suppress
n stigma	token of disgrace; brand; V. stigmatize: mark with a stigma; characterize as disgraceful
n stilted	bombastic; stiffly pompous; Ex. stilted rhetoric; CF. stiff: formal
n stint	set limits in amount or number; be thrifty; ADJ. stinting, unstinting; CF. stint:savings
n stint	supply; allotted amount of work; assigned portion of work; limitation; Ex. two-year stint in the army; Ex. without stint
n stipend	pay for services
n stipple	paint or draw with dots or short strokes
stipulate	state as a necessary condition (of an agreement); make express conditions; specify; Ex. He stipulated payment in advance
n stock	standard; kept regularly in stock or supply; typical; routine; common; Ex. stock sizes of paper; Ex. stock excuse/character; N: goods for sale in a shop; OP. unique
n stockade	wooden enclosure or pen; fixed line of posts used as defensive barrier
s pen	fenced enclosure for animals; confining space; Ex. sheep pen; V: confine in a pen; enclose
n stodgy	dull; stuffy; boringly conservative; Ex. stodgy book
stoic	stoical; impassive; unmoved by joy or grief; N. CF. stoicism
n stoke	stir up a fire or furnace; feed plentifully
n stolid	dull; impassive; showing little emotion when strong feelings are expected
stratagem	deceptive scheme; clever trick
stratified	divided into classes; arranged into strata; V. stratify
stratum	layer of earth's surface; layer of society; PL. strata
n strew	spread randomly; sprinkle; scatter; Ex. flower girl strewing rose petals
n striated	marked with parallel bands; striped; grooved; Ex. striated rocks; V. striate; N. stria: thin groove or line
n stricture	severe and adverse criticism; critical comments; limit or restriction
n strident	loud and harsh; insistent; N. stridency
stringent	(of rules) binding; rigid; marked by scarcity of money; Ex. stringent economic conditions
n strut	pompous walk; V: walk in a self-important manner
n strut	supporting bar; CF. airplane wingÀ̳ª building µîÀ» support 
n studied	carefully contrived; calculated; unspontaneous; deliberate; thoughtful; Ex. studied remark
n stultify	make stupid in mind; cause to appear or become stupid or inconsistent; suppress; frustrate or hinder; Ex. stultifying effect of uninteresting work; Ex. stultify free expression
n stupefy	stun; make numb (as with a drug); amaze
n stupor	state of being stupefied; state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness
s stun	make unconscious or numb as by a blow; amaze; astound
s daze	stun as with a blow or shock; bemuse; benumb; N.
n stygian	unpleasantly dark; gloomy; hellish; deathly; CF. Styx: the chief river in the subterranean land of the dead
n stymie	thwart; present an obstacle; stump
s stump	base of a tree trunk left after the rest has been cut down; V: walk in a heavy manner; baffle; puzzle
n suavity	urbanity; polish; ADJ. suave: smooth and courteous
n subaltern	subordinate
subdue	less intense; quieter; Ex. subdued lighting; Ex. subdue: conquer; make less intense; quiet; Ex. subdue one's anger
subjective	influenced by personal feelings; occurring or taking place within the mind; unreal; Ex. subjective sensation of the ghostly presence
subjugate	conquer; bring under control
sublimate	refine; purify; replace (natural urges) with socially acceptable activities; change between a solid state and a gaseous state
sublime	causing deep feelings of wonder, joy, respect, etc.; exalted; noble and uplifting; utter
h 45	
subliminal	below the threshold of conscious perception; Ex. subliminal advertisement
submissive	willing to obey orders; yielding; timid
subordinate	occupying a lower rank; inferior; submissive; N. V: put in a lower rank or class
n suborn	persuade to act unlawfully (especially to commit perjury); N. subornation
n subpoena	writ(written command issued by a court) summoning a witness to appear in court; V: summon with a subpoena
subsequent	following in time or order; later
subservient	behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious; subordinate; N. subservience
subside	sink to a lower level; settle down; sink to the bottom (as a sediment); descend; grow quiet; become less; moderate; abate
subsidiary	serving to assist; subordinate; secondary; of a subsidy; N.
subsidy	direct financial aid by government, etc.; V. subsidize: assist with a subsidy
subsistence	existence; means of subsisting; means of support; livelihood; V. subsist: exist; maintain life (at a meager level)
substantial	of substance; material; solid; essential or fundamental; ample; considerable; well-to-do; wealthy
substantiate	support (a claim) with evidence; establish with evidence; verify
n substantive	substantial; essential; pertaining to the substance; substantial; considerable; Ex. substantive issues
n subsume	include (as a member of a group); encompass
n subterfuge	stratagem(deceptive scheme); pretense; evasion; Ex. resort to a harmless subterfuge
subtlety	perceptiveness; ingenuity; delicacy; ADJ. subtle: delicate; so slight as to be difficult to detect; able to make fine distinctions; clever; Ex. subtle mind/differences in meaning
n subversive	tending to overthrow or ruin; V. subvert: overthrow completely (an established system); destroy completely; CF. undermine ?
succor	assist (someone in difficulty); aid; comfort; N.
n succulent	juicy; full of juice or sap; full of richness; N: succulent plant such as a cactus
succumb	yield (to something overwhelming); give in; die; Ex. succumb to the illness
n suffragist	advocate of the extension of voting rights (for women); CF. suffrage
n suffuse	spread through or over (with a color or liquid); charge; Ex. A blush suffused her cheeks.
n sully	defile; soil; tarnish; Ex. sully one's hands in menial labor
s tarnish	make or become dull or discolored; N.
sultry	(of weather) hot; sweltering; sensual; voluptuous
summation	act of finding the total; summing-up; summary (esp. one given by the judge at the end of a trial)
n sumptuous	grand suggesting great expense; lavish; rich; Ex. sumptuous feast
n sunder	separate; part; CF. asunder
n sundry	miscellaneous; various; several; N. sundries: small miscellaneous items
n superannuated	retired or disqualified because of age; outmoded; obsolete
supercilious	haughty; arrogant; condescending; patronizing; CF. eyebrow, cilium
n supererogatory	superfluous; more than needed or demanded
superficial	of the surface; not deep; shallow; not thorough; trivial; Ex. superficial analysis/knowledge
superfluous	excessive; overabundant; unnecessary; N. superfluity
superimpose	place over something else
n supernumerary	person or thing excess of what is necessary; extra; ADJ: additional to the usual or necessary number
supersede	replace; cause to be set aside; make obsolete; N. supersession
n supine	lying on back; passive; inactive; Ex. The defeated pugilist lay supine; Ex. supine acceptance of the decision
supplant	take the place of unfairly; usurp; replace
supple	flexible; limber; pliant
suppliant	entreating; beseeching; N.
supplicate	petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
s supplicant	one who supplicates; ADJ.
supposition	assumption; hypothesis; surmise; V. suppose
n supposititious	assumed; counterfeit; hypothetical
suppress	put an end to forcibly; subdue; stifle; overwhelm; inhibit the expression of; check; prevent from being published or made public; Ex. suppress a smile; Ex. suppress the magazine/truth
n surfeit	satiate; feed or supply to excess; stuff; indulge to excess in anything; N: surfeiting; excessive amount; Ex. surfeit of food
n surly	bad-tempered; rude; cross
s cross	bad-tempered; showing ill-humor; angry
surmise	guess; N.
surmount	overcome
surpass	exceed
surreptitious	done secretly; secret; furtive; sneaky; hidden
n surrogate	substitute; person or thing used in place of another; Ex. surrogate mother; ADJ.
surveillance	close observation of a person (esp. one under suspicion); watching; guarding
n susceptible	impressionable; easily influenced; sensitive; having little resistance as to a disease; likely to suffer; receptive to; capable of accepting; Ex. susceptible to persuasion/colds; Ex. The agreement is not susceptible of alteration; N. susceptibility
sustain	suffer (harm or loss); experience; support; prop; maintain; keep in existence; nourish (to maintain life); Ex. sustain the family/the trapped miners
sustenance	sustaining; means of livelihood, support, food, nourishment; something that maintains life; food
n suture	stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision; material used in sewing; V: sew together a wound
n swarthy	(of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky; Ex. swarthy Italian ?
n swathe	swath; wrap around; bandage; Ex. one's head swathed in bandages
n swelter	(of a person) suffer from oppressive heat; be oppressed by heat
n swerve	deviate; turn aside sharply from a straight course; Ex. swerve from the principle; Ex. The car swerved to the right.
n swill	drink greedily
swindler	cheater
n sybarite	lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury; CF. Sybaris: an ancient Greek city in Italy
sycophant	servile flatterer; bootlicker; yes man; ADJ. sycophantic
syllogism	logical formula consisting of a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion; deceptive or specious argument
n sylvan	pertaining to the woods or the country
n symbiosis	interdependent relationship (between groups, species) often mutually beneficial; ADJ. symbiotic; CF. together + life
symmetry	arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity; ADJ. symmetrical
s lopsided	heavier or larger on one side than the other; Ex. lopsided way of walking
synchronous	similarly timed; simultaneous with; occurring at the same time; V. synchronize
synoptic	providing a general overview; summary; N. synopsis
synthesis	combining parts or separate things into a whole; the whole so formed; PL. syntheses; V. synthesize
synthetic	not natural; artificial; resulting from synthesis; Ex. synthetic fiber; N.
tacit	understood (without actually being expressed); not put into words; Ex. tacit agreement
n taciturn	habitually silent; talking little
tactile	pertaining to the organs or sense of touch
s tact	skill or sensitivity in dealing with people without causing offence
s tactful careful no to cause offence; OP. tactless 
n taint	contaminate; cause to lose purity; modify with a trace of something bad; Ex. tainted reputation; N: stain; touch of decay or bad influence; CF. touch
n talisman	charm; object believed to give supernatural powers to or protect its bearer
n talon	claw of bird
n tangential	only slightly connected; not central; peripheral; digressing; showing divergence; CF. tangent
tangible	able to be touched; real; concrete; palpable; possible to realize or understand; Ex. tangible proof
n tanner	person who turns animal hides into leather
s tan	convert (hide) into leather; make brown by exposure to the sun
n tantalize	tease; excite by exposing something desirable while keeping it out of reach; torture with disappointment; CF. Tantalus: Greek mythological figure
n tantamount	equivalent in effect or value; Ex. This invasion is tantamount to a declaration of war; CF. amount
h 46	
n tantrum	fit of bad temper; fit of petulance; caprice; Ex. The child went into tantrums.
n taper	very thin candle; gradual decrease in the width of a long object; V. make or become gradually narrower toward one end
n tarantula	venomous spider
n tarry	linger; delay in starting or going; dawdle
n taut	tight; strained; tense; ready; OP. slack
n tautological	needlessly repetitious; Ex. ``It was visible to the eye''; N. tautology: needless repetition of the same sense; statement that is always true
n tawdry	cheap and gaudy; Ex. tawdry jewelry
taxonomist	specialist in classifying (animals, etc.); CF. taxonomy: science of classification
tedium	boredom; weariness; ADJ. tedious
n teetotalism	practice of abstaining totally from alcoholic drinks; N. teetotaler;; ADJ. teetotal; CF. T + total
temerity	boldness; nerve; rashness; Ex. temerity to ask for a pay increase after only three day's work
temper	moderate; make less severe; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) as by alternate heating and cooling
temperament	characteristic frame of mind; disposition; emotional excess; ADJ. temperamental: of temperament; having frequent changes of temper; Ex. temperamental dislike of sports; Ex. temperamental actress
temperate	moderate; restrained; self-controlled; moderate in respect to temperature; CF. temperance: moderation and self-restraint; abstinence of alcoholic drinks; Ex. temperance society
n tempestuous	stormy; violent; impassioned; N. tempest: violent storm
tempo	speed of music
n temporal	of time; not lasting forever; limited by time; temporary; secular; worldly
n temporize	gain time as by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself
tenacious	holding fast (as to a belief); persistent
tenacity	firmness; persistence
n tendentious	promoting a particular point of view; biased; having an aim; designed to further a cause; Ex. tendentious rather than truth-seeking; CF. tend: move in a certain direction
tender	offer formally; extend; Ex. tender one's resignation/the exact fare; N: formal offer; money; Ex. legal tender; ADJ: young and vulnerable; sensitive to the touch; sore; soft; delicate; Ex. child of tender years; Ex. tender wound
tenet	doctrine; dogma
n tensile	capable of being stretched; of tension; Ex. tensile rubber
s tension	stretching; condition of being stretched; mental strain; strained relationship between groups or people
n tentative	not fully worked out or developed; provisional; experimental; uncertain; hesitant; not definite or positive; Ex. tentative agreement/reply
n tenuous	thin; slim; rare
tenure	holding of an office or real estate; time during which such an office is held
n tepid	lukewarm; slightly warm; ¹ÌÁö±ÙÇÑ; half-hearted; not eager; Ex. tepid reaction to the new film; Ex. tepid supporter
termination	end; V. terminate
terminology	terms used in a science or art; study of nomenclature
n terminus	last stop of railroad; end
s terminal	part that forms the end; railroad or bus station; ADJ. forming an end; ending in death; fatal; Ex. terminal cancer
terrestrial	on or relating to the earth
terse	concise; abrupt; pithy
n tertiary	third in order or rank
n tessellated	mosaic; inlaid; Ex. tessellated pattern
n testator	maker of a will; CF. testatrix
n testy	irritable; impatient and bad-tempered; short-tempered; N. testiness
n tether	tie (an animal) with a rope or tether; N: rope or chain to which an animal is tied; limit of one's endurance; Ex. the end of one's tether
thematic	of a theme; relating to a unifying motif or idea
theocracy	government run by religious leaders
theoretical	based on theory; not practical or applied; hypothetical
therapeutic	curative; N. therapy
n thermal	pertaining to heat; producing heat; warm; Ex. thermal bath; N: rising current of warm air
n thespian	pertaining to drama; N: actor or actress
s drama	prose or verse composition to be performed by actors; play; exciting and unusual situation
n thrall	slave; bondage; slavery; Ex. Her beauty held him in thrall; CF. enthrall
n threadbare	worn through till the threads show; shabby and poor; hackneyed; Ex. threadbare excuses
thrifty	careful about money; economical; N. thrift
thrive	prosper; flourish
throes	violent anguish
n throng	crowd (of people or things); V.
n throttle	strangle; regulate the speed of with a throttle; N: valve that regulates the flow; CF. throat ?
s strangle	kill by choking or suffocating; suppress
thwart	block or hinder; baffle; frustrate
n tightwad	miser; excessively frugal person
n tiller	handle used to move boat's rudder (to steer)
n timbre	quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument (which distinguishes it from others of the same pitch)
timidity	lack of self-confidence or courage
timorous	fearful; timid; demonstrating fear
n tipple	drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently; N: alcoholic drink
n tirade	long angry denunciatory speech; diatribe; harangue; extended scolding; denunciation
s tardy	slow; sluggish; not on time; late; Ex. tardy arrival
titanic	gigantic; N. titan
n tithe	tax of one-tenth (contributed to a church); V: pay a tithe
n titillate	tickle; excite pleasantly; Ex. not to titillate the audience but to enlighten it
s tickle	touch (the body) lightly so as to cause laughter; please
title	name (of a book, film, etc.); mark of rank; formal appellation as of rank or office (such as Lord or General); right or claim to possession; championship; Ex. title as head of the family; Ex. title to the estate
n titter	nervous giggle; nervous laugh; V.
n titular	of a title; in name only; nominal; having the title of an office without the obligations; Ex. titular head of the company
n toady	servile flatterer; yes man; sycophant; V: be a toady to; fawn
n toga	Roman outer robe
tome	large volume; book
s handsome	large in quantity; generous; Ex. handsome reward
h 47	
n tonsure	shaving of the head especially by person entering religious orders; V.
n topography	physical features of a region (such as the shape and height); CF. topo-: place
s torpedo	underwater explosive apparatus; V.
torpor	lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy; ADJ. torpid: lethargic; lazy; inactive; (of an animal) dormant; hibernating
n torque	twisting force; force producing rotation
n torrent	rushing stream; flood; Ex. The rain fell in torrents.
n torrid	(of weather) hot or scorching; passionate; Ex. torrid love affairs
n torso	trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk
s trunk	main wooden stem of a tree; human body excluding the head and limbs; torso; prehensile nose of an elephant
n tortuous	winding; full of curves; Ex. tortuous mountain road
n totter	shake or move unsteadily; sway as if about to fall
touchstone	stone used to test the fineness of gold alloys; criterion; standard
n touchy	oversensitive; easily offended; irasible; delicate; needing delicate handling; Ex. touchy situation
n tout	promote or publicize (one's goods or service); praise excessively (as a form of advertisement); CF. advertise
toxic	poisonous; N. toxicity
n tract	propaganda pamphlet (esp. by a religious or political group); expanse of land; region of indefinite size; system of related organs; Ex. digestive tract
tractable	docile; easily managed; (of something) easily changed or molded; N. tractability
traduce	expose to slander
trajectory	path taken by a projectile; Ex. trajectory of a bullet
s elevation	elevated position; altitude; height; flat upright side of a building; angle made by pointing a gun; Ex. The elevation of her style is much admired; Ex. front elevation of the house
tranquillity	calmness; peace
transcendent	exceeding ordinary limits; superior; surpassing; V. transcend: go beyond; exceed; surpass; N. transcendancy
s transcendental	going beyond common thought or ideas; impossible to understand by practical experiences or practices; known only by studying thoughts or intuition; OP. empirical; CF. transcendentalism
transcribe	copy; write a copy of; N. transcription
transgression	violation of a law; sin; V. transgress: go beyond (a limit); violate; do wrong
transient	staying for a short time; momentary; temporary; N: one that is transient
transition	going from one state of action to another
transitory	transient; impermanent; fleeting; N. transitoriness
translucent	partly transparent
transmute	transform; change; convert to something different
transparent	permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected; obvious; clear; Ex. transparent lie
n transpire	(of a fact) become known; be revealed; happen; give off (watery waste matter) through pores
n transport	strong emotion; rapture; Ex. in a transport/transports of; V: move to strong emotion; enrapture
n trappings	outward decorations; ornaments (as an outward sign of rank)
n traumatic	(of an experience) deeply shocking; pertaining to an injury caused by violence; N. trauma: serious wound; emotional shock that causes lasting psychological damage
n travail	strenuous work; toil; painful labor; labor of childbirth
traverse	go through or across
n travesty	copy or example of something that completely misrepresents the true nature of the real thing; comical parody or imitation; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous; Ex. travesty of justice; OP. paragon
treatise	article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
n trek	travel; journey; V: make a long difficult journey
tremor	trembling; slight quiver (as of the earth or from nervous agitation)
tremulous	trembling; wavering
trenchant	cutting; incisive; keen
s furrow	long shallow trench made by a plow; deep wrinkle in the skin; V.
trepidation	fear; nervous apprehension
n tribulation	suffering; ordeal; distress; trial
n tribunal	court of justice
s tribune	official of ancient Rome elected by the plebians to protect their rights; protector of the people
tribute	tax levied by a ruler; payment made by one nation to another in acknowledgment of submission; mark of respect (such as praise or gift); Ex. pay tribute to
n trident	three-pronged spear
s prong	pointed projecting part
trifling	trivial; unimportant
s trifle	something of little importance or value; small amount; Ex. a trifle; V: treat without seriousness; flirt
trigger	set off; start
n trilogy	group of three related works (connected by a shared subject but each complete in itself)
n trinket	knickknack; bauble; cheap jewelry
trite	hackneyed; commonplace
trivia	trifles; unimportant matters
n troth	pledge of good faith especially in betrothal; betrothal; Ex. by my troth
n trough	long narrow container for feeding farm animals; lowest point (of a wave, business cycle, etc.); long narrow depression as between waves
n truculence	aggressiveness; ferocity; ADJ. truculent: aggressive; pugnacious; fierce
n truism	self-evident truth
truncate	cut the top off; shorten
n tryst	meeting arranged by lovers; arrangement between lovers to meet
n tumid	(of a part of the body) swollen; distended; bombastic; pompous
n overblown	inflated; exaggerated
n tumult	commotion of a great crowd; riot; noise; uproar; ADJ. tumultuous: noisy and disorderly
tundra	rolling treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America
s rolling	(of land) rising and falling in long gentle slopes; happening continuously by stages; Ex. rolling devolution of power to local governments
n turbid	(of a liquid) having the sediment disturbed; muddy; thick
turbulence	state of violent agitation; ADJ. turbulent: violently agitated or disturbed
n tureen	deep dish for serving soup
n turgid	swollen; distended (as from liquid)
n turmoil	extreme confusion; great commotion and confusion; Ex. throw the country into turmoil
n turncoat	traitor
n turpitude	depravity; baseness; Ex. moral turpitude
n tutelage	guardianship; training; function of a tutor; instruction
n tutelary	protective; pertaining to a guardianship; Ex. tutelary deities
n tycoon	wealthy and powerful businessperson; wealthy leader; magnate; Ex. business tycoon
typhoon	tropical hurricane or cyclone
tyranny	oppression; cruel government; ADJ. tyrannical: of a tyrant or tyranny; despotic; V. tyrannize: treat tyrannically; oppress
tyro	beginner; novice
ubiquitous	being everywhere; omnipresent; N. ubiquity
s wade	walk through a substance, such as water, that impedes movement
h 48	
n ulterior	intentionally hidden; beyond what is evident; situated beyond; unstated and often questionable; Ex. ulterior motive
ultimate	final; not susceptible to further analysis; fundamental; Ex. The sun is the ultimate source of energy.
s eventual	happening at last as a result; Ex. eventual victory
n ultimatum	last demand; last warning; last statement of conditions that must be met; Ex. They have ignored our ultimatum.
n umbrage	resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult; Ex. take umbrage at his rudeness
unaccountable	unexplicable; impossible to account for; unreasonable or mysterious
unanimity	complete agreement; ADJ. unanimous
unassailable	not open to attack; impregnable; not subject to question
unassuaged	unsatisfied; not soothed
n unassuming	modest; Ex. the champion's unassuming manner
n unbridled	violent; uncontrolled; Ex. unbridled rage/greed
s bridle	harness fitted about a horse's head (used to restrain); curb; check; V: put a bridle on; control or restrain; show anger
n uncanny	strange; mysterious; Ex. uncanny knack
s knack	special talent; art
n unconscionable	unscrupulous; not guided by conscience; excessive; beyond reason; Ex. unconscionable demand
n uncouth	boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior; outlandish
n unction	the act of anointing with oil; Ex. extreme unction
n unctuous	oily; bland; insincerely suave
underlying	lying below; fundamental
undermine	weaken gradually; sap; dig a mine beneath
underscore	underline; emphasize
undulating	moving with a wavelike motion; V. undulate; CF. und: wave
n unearth	dig up; discover (facts) by careful searching; Ex. He unearthed some secrets about her; OP. conceal
n unearthly	not earthly; supernatural; weird; ghostly
s weird	eerie; strange; unnatural
unequivocal	plain; clear; obvious
unerringly	infallibly; ADJ. unerring: making no mistakes
n unexceptionable	entirely acceptable; not offering any basis for criticism
unfaltering	steadfast; firm; not changing
unfeigned	genuine; real
unfetter	liberate; free from chains; V. unfetter
s hostage	person who is kept as a prisoner by an enemy so that the other side will do what the enemy demands
n unfledged	immature; not having the feathers necessary to fly; CF. fledgling
unfrock	defrock; strip a priest or minister of church authority
s disbar	make (a lawyer) leave the bar or the legal profession
s debar	bar; forbid; exclude; Ex. debarred from jury services
s bar	railing in a courtroom; legal profession; vertical line dividing a staff into equal measures; Ex. prisoner at the bar; V: shut in or out with bars; forbid; exclude; CF. barrister
s bastard	illegitimate child
n ungainly	(of someone) awkward in movement; clumsy; (of something) unwieldy; Ex. ungainly dancer/instrument
n unguent	ointment
uniformity	sameness; monotony; ADJ. uniform: the same all over
n unilateral	one-sided; involving or affecting only one side; Ex. unilateral declaration
n unimpeachable	that cannot be impeached; beyond doubt or question; blameless and exemplary
uninhibited	unrepressed; free in behavior and feelings
unintimating	unfrightening
unique	without an equal; single in kind
n unison	unity of pitch (in musical performance); complete accord; Ex. The choir sang in unison.
s choir	group of people who sing together (esp. during religious services); place for choir
universal	characterizing or affecting all; general; present everywhere; of the universe; cosmic; Ex. universal agreement; Ex. a subject of universal interest
n unkempt	disheveled; uncared for in appearance; not combed; CF. comb
n unmitigated	(of something bad) not moderated; unrelieved or immoderate; without qualification; absolute; Ex. unmitigated disaster
n unobtrusive	inconspicuous; not blatant
unprecedented	having no previous example; novel; unparalleled
n unprepossessing	unattractive
s prepossessing	attractive; CF. preoccupying ?
unravel	disentangle; solve
unrequited	not requited; not reciprocated; Ex. unrequited love
unruly	disobedient; lawless; difficult to control
unsavory	distasteful; disagreeable; morally offensive; Ex. unsavory activity/reputation
n unscathed	unharmed; Ex. escape the accident unscathed
n unseemly	unbecoming; not proper in behavior; indecent; Ex. leave with unseemly haste
n unsightly	ugly; unpleasant to look at
n unsullied	untarnished; CF. sully
n untenable	(of a position, esp. in an argument) indefensible; not able to be maintained
n untoward	unexpected and adverse; unfortunate or unlucky; Ex. untoward encounter
unwarranted	unjustified; having no justification; groundless; baseless; undeserved
unwieldy	awkward (to carry or move); cumbersome; unmanageable
n unwitting	not knowing; unaware; unintentional; Ex. She was their unwitting accomplice; Ex. unwitting insult; CF. wit: know
n unwonted	unaccustomed; unusual; Ex. He arrived with unwonted punctuality.
n upbraid	reprimand; severely scold
s braid	plait; interweave strands or lengths of; make by weaving strands together; N: braided segment (as of hair)
n uproarious	marked by commotion or uproar; very noisy (esp. with laughter); hilarious; causing loud laughter; extremely funny
s uproar	noisy confusion
n upshot	outcome; final result
n urbane	suave; refined in manner; elegant
n urchin	mischievous child (usually a boy); CF. urchin: hedgehog; CF. porcupine: pig with spikes ?; CF. sea urchin
ursine	bearlike; pertaining to a bear
n usurp	seize another's power or rank (without legal authority); supplant; appropriate; N. usurpation; CF. take for one's own use
n usury	lending money at illegal high rates of interest
utopia	ideal place, state, or society; ADJ. utopian
s Shangri-la	imaginary remote paradise on earth; CF. Lost Horizon
n uxorious	excessively submissive or devoted to one's wife; CF. uxor: wife
n vacillate	waver (in opinion); fluctuate; sway to and fro; N. vacillation
n vacuous	empty; lacking in ideas; inane; stupid; Ex. vacuous expression; N. vacuity
vagabond	wanderer (without a permanent home); tramp
s tramp	walk with a heavy step; travel on foot; N: vagrant; one who travels aimlessly about; long walk; sound of heavy walking
s trample	step heavily with the feet; crush under the feet
s tread	walk; trample; N: grooved face of a tire; horizontal part of a step
n vagary	capricious happening; caprice; whim; CF. wander
vagrant	wandering from place to place; roving; stray; moving in a random fashion; Ex. vagrant thoughts; N. vagrancy
vagrant	homeless wanderer
n vainglorious	boastful; excessively conceited; N. vainglory: great vanity
valedictory	pertaining to farewell; N: farewell address (esp. at graduation exercises)
s valediction	saying farewell; expression of leave-taking
s leave-taking	farewell or departure
valid	logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable; effective; Ex. valid reasoning/passport
s sound	in good condition; showing good judgment or good sense; thorough; complete; Ex. sound mind/investment/training
validate	make valid; confirm; ratify
valor	bravery; ADJ. valiant: possessing valor; brave
vampire	ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living
n vanguard	forerunners; foremost position of an army; advance forces; foremost position in a trend or movement; CF. rearguard
s avantgarde	group of artists whose work is based on the newest ideas and methods; CF. vanguard
vantage	position giving an advantage (such as a strategic point); CF. vantagepoint
n vapid	lacking liveliness; dull and unimaginative; insipid and flavorless; Ex. vapid lecture
vaporize	turn into vapor (steam, gas, fog, etc.)
n variegated	(esp. of a flower or leaf) many-colored
s variegate	change the appearance of (by marking with different colors)
n vassal	in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord; subordinate or dependent
n vaunted	boasted; bragged; highly publicized; V. vaunt: boast; brag
n veer	change in direction; swerve
n vegetate	live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity); CF. vegetation: plants of an area; CF. vegetarian; CF. vegan
vehement	forceful; intensely emotional; with marked vigor; strong; N. vehemence
h 49	
velocity	speed
n venal	capable of being bribed; corrupt; CF. vernal
n vendetta	blood feud (esp. between two families); CF. Nina Williams
vendor	seller
n veneer	thin surface layer (of good quality wood, glued to a base of inferior material); cover; surface show; fa\c{c}ade; V.
n venerable	deserving high respect; commanding respect; CF. command: deserve and get
n venerate	revere; treat with great respect
n venial	(of a fault or sin) forgivable; trivial
n venison	meat of a deer; CF. cow: beef; CF. pig: pork, ham, bacon; CF. calf: veal; CF. sheep: mutton; CF. lamb: lamb
n venom	poison (of an animal); hatred; Ex. remarks full of venom; ADJ. venomous
n vent	small opening; outlet (as of fumes or a gas); Ex. He gave vent to his anger by kicking the chair.
n vent	release or discharge through a vent; express (esp. unfairly); utter; Ex. He vented his wrath on his family.
s ventilate	admit fresh air into to replace stale air
n ventral	abdominal
ventriloquist	someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing (without moving lips or jaws); N. ventriloquism, ventriloquy
venture	risk; expose to risk; dare; undertake a risk; N.
s brave	face courageously; Ex. brave the storm
venturesome	(of a person) bold; adventurous; daring; (of an action) risky
n venue	location; place (of a crime, trial, gathering, etc.); CF. come
n veracious	(of a person) truthful
n veracity	truthfulness; adherence to the truth
verbalize	put into words; ADJ. verbal: of words; spoken rather than written; oral; of a verb
verbatim	word for word; in the same words; repeating the actual words exactly
verbiage	pompous array of words; too many unnecessary words; wordiness
verbose	wordy; N. verbosity
n verdant	green; covered with green plants or grass; lush in vegetation; Ex. verdant meadows
s lush	(of a plant or grass) growing very well
n verdigris	green coating or patina on copper which has been exposed to the weather
verge	border; edge, rim, or margin; Ex. on the verge of: very near to; V: border on
n verisimilar	having the appearance of truth or reality; probable or likely to be true; plausible
n verisimilitude	appearance of truth; quality of appearing to be true or real; likelihood; Ex. verisimilitude of her performance as Lady Macbeth
n veritable	being truly so; real or genuine; actual; not false or imaginary
verity	quality of being true; lasting truth or principle; Ex. the verity of his testimony; Ex. one of the eternal verities
n vernacular	living language (as compared to the official language); language spoken in a country or region; natural style; Ex. lapse into the vernacular
n vernal	pertaining to spring
versatile	having many talents; capable of working in many fields; having many uses or functions; N. versatility
vertex	summit; highest point; PL. vertices
vertigo	severe dizziness; giddiness
n verve	enthusiasm (as in artistic performance or composition); liveliness; vigor
vestige	trace; remains; Ex. vestiges of some ancient religion
s veto	vested power to reject a bill; exercise of this right; V: prevent or forbid by exercising the power of veto
vex	annoy; distress
viable	capable of maintaining life; feasible; practical or workable; Ex. viable scheme
n viand	food; CF. live
n vicarious	experienced as if one were taking part in the experience of another; done by a deputy for other people; acting as a substitute; Ex. vicarious thrill at the movies; Ex. the vicarious sufferings of Christ
s vicar	parish priest; representative
n vicissitude	change (esp. from good to bad); change of fortune; CF. the last emperor of China
n victuals	food; provisions; V. victual: provide with food
vie	contend; compete
vigilant	watchful; on the alert; watchfully awake; alert to spot danger; N. vigilance
s vigil	keeping watch (during normal sleeping hours); Ex. all-night vigil
s vigilante	one who without authority assumes law enforcement powers
vigor	active strength; energy; enthusiasm; ADJ. vigorous
n vignette	small drawing placed at the beginning or end of a chapter; picture; short literary sketch; short written description of a character or scene
n vilify	slander; speak evil of; N. vilification
n vindicate	clear from blame; free from blame or accusation (with supporting proof); exonerate; substantiate; justify or support; avenge; Ex. vindicate one's client; Ex. vindicate one's claim; CF. vindicator
n vindictive	disposed to revenge; vengeful; out for revenge; spiteful; intended to cause harm; malicious; Ex. vindictive streak
n vintner	wine merchant; winemaker; seller of wine
viper	poisonous snake
virile	manly; having masculine spirit or strength; full of strength
virtual	in essence; existing in essence though not in actual form; for practical purposes; Ex. virtual ruler/space
virtue	goodness; moral excellence; good quality; advantage; Ex. by virtue of; Ex. make a virtue of necessity
n virtuoso	highly skilled artist (esp. in music); Ex. piano virtuoso
n virulent	(of a disease or poison) extremely harmful or poisonous; (of a feeling) hostile; bitter; N. virulence; CF. virus; CF. venom
virus	disease communicator
n visage	face; appearance
n visceral	felt in one's inner organs; N. viscera: internal body organs; CF. eviscerate
n viscid	adhesive; gluey
viscous	(of a liquid) thick and sticky; gluey; viscid; CF. consistency
n vise	vice; tool for holding work in place; clamping device
n visionary	produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical; showing foresight; N: one having foresight; one given to speculative impractical ideas
s vision	eyesight; foresight; mental image produced by the imagination; experience of seeing the supernatural
vital	full of life; animated; vibrant and lively; critical; of great importance; necessary to stay alive; of life; living; breathing; N. vitality; V. vitalize
s vibrant	full of vigor or energy; vibrating
n vitiate	spoil the effect of; make inoperative; corrupt morally
n vitreous	of glass; pertaining to or resembling glass; V. vitrify: change into glass; CF. petrify
n vitriolic	causing sharp pain to the mind; caustic; corrosive; sarcastic; of vitriol; N. vitriol: sulphuric acid (which burns flesh deeply); bitterly abusive expression; caustic expression; CF. glass
n vituperative	abusive; scolding; V. vituperate: berate; scold; rail against abusively
n vivacious	lively or animated; sprightly
s sprightly	lively
vivisection	act of dissecting living animals
n vixen	female fox; ill-tempered woman; CF. shrew
vociferous	clamorous; noisy; V. vociferate: cry out loudly (when complaining)
n vogue	popular fashion; Ex. Jeans became the vogue.
h 50	
n volatile	changeable; of a quickly changing nature (as of temper); mercurial; tending to violence; evaporating rapidly; Ex. volatile character/situation in the street
volition	act of using one's will; act of making a conscious choice; Ex. She selected this dress of her own volition.
voluble	fluent; talkative; glib; N. volubility
s volley	simultaneous discharge of a number of shots; V.
voluminous	having great volume (as of a garment or container); bulky; large
s bulk	size or volume (esp. when very large); main part; Ex. The bulk of the work has already been done; ADJ. bulky: having great size
s voodoo	religion practiced chiefly in Haiti
voracious	ravenous; eating large quantities of food; exceedingly eager; insatiable; Ex. voracious animal/reader
vortex	whirlwind; whirlpool; center of turbulence; predicament into which one is inexorably plunged
n vouchsafe	grant condescendingly; guarantee; Ex. vouchsafe your fair return on your investment
s vouch	give a personal guarantee; Ex. I can vouch for his integrity; N. voucher
n voyeur	Peeping Tom; person who derives sexual gratification from observing the sexual acts of others
vulnerable	susceptible to wounds or attack; N. vulnerability
n vulpine	like a fox; crafty
s craft	skill (esp. with one's hands); skill in deceiving people; guile; ADJ. crafty: cleverly deceitful; cunning
s vulture	carrion-eating birds
s vying	contending; CF. vie
n waffle	speak equivocally about an issue; N.
n waft	move gently (in air or in seas) by wind or waves; Ex. leaves wafting past the window
n waggish	humorous; mischievous; tricky
s wag	shake repeatedly from side to side; Ex. The dog wagged its tail; N: humorous person; wit
n waif	homeless child or animal; Ex. waifs and strays
waive	give up temporarily; yield; N. waiver: waiving a right or claim; document that waives a right or claim
n wake	trail of ship or other object through water; path of something that has gone before; Ex. hunger followed in the wake of the war
n wallow	roll in mud; indulge in; (of a ship) roll in a rough sea; become helpless; Ex. wallow in the mud/luxury
n wan	having a pale or sickly color; pallid
n wanderlust	strong longing to travel
n wane	decrease in size or strength (after being full); grow gradually to an end; Ex. The moon waxes and wanes every month; N.
n wangle	achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake; Ex. She tried to wangle an invitation to the party.
s wiggle	wriggle; move from side to side with irregular twisting motions
s fake	not genuine; N: one that is not genuine; impostor; sham; V: counterfeit; Ex. fake the results of the experiment/the signature
n wanton	unrestrained; gratuitously cruel; willfully malicious; unchaste; sexually improper; promiscuous; Ex. wanton spending/killing; CF. having no just cause
n warble	(of a bird) sing; babble; N.
s warp	twist out of shape; N.
warranted	justified; authorized
s warrant	justification; written order that serves as authorization (esp. a judicial writ); Ex. search/death warrant; V: justify; guarantee
warranty	guarantee; assurance by seller
n warren	tunnels in which rabbits live; overcrowded living area; crowded conditions in which people live
wary	very cautious; watchful
n wastrel	waster; profligate
n wax	increase gradually (as the moon); grow
n waylay	ambush; lie in wait for and attack
s ambush	act of lying in wait to attack by surprise; sudden attack made from a concealed position; Ex. lie in ambush; V.
n wean	accustom a baby not to nurse; accustom (the young of a mammal) to take nourishment other than by suckling; give up a cherished activity; cause to gradually leave (an interest or habit); Ex. wean oneself from cigarettes
n weather	pass safely through (a storm or  difficult period); endure the effects of weather or other forces
n welt	raised mark from a beating or whipping
n welter	confusion; turmoil; confused mass; bewildering jumble; Ex. welter of data
n welter	wallow (as in mud or high seas); lie soaked (as in blood); Ex. The victims weltered in their blood.
n wheedle	deceive, persuade, or obtain by flattery; cajole; coax; Ex. wheedle a promise out of her
n whelp	young animal (esp. of the dog or cat family); young wolf, dog, tiger, etc.
n whet	sharpen; stimulate; Ex. whet someone's appetite
n whiff	puff or gust (of air, scent, etc.); short-lasting smell; hint; Ex. whiff of perfume/scandal
n whimsical	capricious; fanciful; amusingly strange
s whim	sudden capricious idea; fancy
s whimsy	whim; tendency to behave amusingly strangely; Ex. story full of whimsy
n whinny	neigh like a horse; CF. neigh: make the sound which horses make
n whit	small amount; smallest speck; Ex. not a whit of
n whittle	pare; cut away thin bits (from wood); fashion in this way; reduce gradually; trim
s pare	cut away the outer covering or skin of (with a knife); trim; Ex. pare apples/expenses
n whorl	ring of leaves around stem; ring; circular arrangement; Ex. whorls on the fingers
willful	wilful; intentional; headstrong
s wilt	loose freshness; droop
wily	crafty; cunning; artful; N. wile: deceitful stratagem
n wince	move back suddenly; shrink back; flinch; Ex. She winced as she touched the cold body.
s start	move suddenly or involuntarily; Ex. start at the sight of a snake
n windfall	fallen fruit; unexpected lucky event
n winnow	sift; separate the chaff from grain by blowing; separate good parts from bad; CF. wind
s sift	put through a sieve to separate fine from coarse particles; sort or examine carefully
n winsome	charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging
n wispy	thin; slight; barely discernible
s wisp	small bunch (of hair); faint streak (of smoke)
n wistful	sadly thoughtful (because of desires or memories); sadly pensive; vaguely longing
n withdrawn	introverted; retiring; remote
s remote	distant in manner; aloof
n wither	(of a plant) dry up from loss of moisture; lose freshness; shrivel; decay
s shrivel	make or become shrunken and wrinkled (often by drying)
n withhold	refuse to give; hold back; Ex. withholding tax
withstand	stand up against; resist successfully
witless	lacking intelligence or wit; foolish; idiotic
n witticism	witty saying; wisecrack(clever joking remark)
wizardry	sorcery; magic
n wizened	shriveled; withered; Ex. wizened apple/old lady
woe	great sorrow; deep inconsolable grief; affliction; suffering; Ex. financial woes
s woeful	sad; (of something bad) deplorable; deplorably bad; Ex. woeful housing conditions
n wont	(the stated person's) habit or custom; habitual procedure; ADJ. wonted: customary
worldly	engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual; of the material world
n wrangle	quarrel noisily; obtain through arguing; herd cattle; N.
s herd	group of animals; crowd; one who looks after a herd; Ex. shepherd/goatherd; Ex. herd instinct; Ex. herdsman; V: come together in a herd; look after a herd; Ex. herd cattle
wrath	anger; fury
n wreak	inflict; Ex. wreak one's vengeance on
wrench	twist; pull; strain; Ex. He wrenched the gun out of her hands.
n wrest	obtain by pulling violently; pull away; take by violence; Ex. wrest victory from their grasp
n writ	written command issued by a court (telling someone to do or not to do something)
n writhe	twist in coils; contort in pain
n wry	(esp. of an expression of the face) twisted; with a humorous twist (expressing displeasure)
xenophobia	fear or hatred of foreigners; N. xenophobe
n yen	strong desire; longing; urge; Ex. yen for travel
n yeoman	man or farmer owning small estate; middle-class farmer
yield	amount produced; crop; income on investment; profit obtained from an investment; V: produce; give in; surrender
n yoke	join together; unite; N: crossbar used to joining two draft animals
n yokel	rustic; country bumpkin; Ã̳ð
n yore	time long past; Ex. in the days of yore
n zany	comic; crazy; N: clown; comical person (given to outlandish behavior)
zeal	eager enthusiasm (to a cause or ideal); ADJ. zealous
zealot	one who is zealous; fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal
zenith	point directly overhead in the sky; summit; acme; highest point
n zephyr	gentle breeze; west wind