1062 Vocabulary Words

Front 1

abase

|əˈbās|

Back 1

behave in a way so as to belittle or degrade (someone)

Front 2

abate

|əˈbāt|

Back 2

(of something perceived as hostile, threatening, or negative) become less intense or widespread

cause to become smaller or less intense

Front 3

abdicate

|ˈabdiˌkāt|

Back 3

fail to fulfill or undertake (a responsibility or duty)

(of a monarch) renounce one's throne

Front 4

aberration

|ˌabəˈrā sh ən|

Back 4

a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome

Front 5

abet

|əˈbet|

Back 5

encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense

Front 6

abeyance

|əˈbāəns|

Back 6

a state of temporary disuse or suspension

Front 7

abhor

|abˈhôr|

Back 7

regard with disgust and hatred

Front 8

abhorrent

|abˈhôrənt; -ˈhär-|

Back 8

inspiring disgust and loathing; repugnant

Front 9

abjure

|abˈjoŏr|

Back 9

solemnly renounce (a belief, cause, or claim)

Front 10

abomination

|əˌbäməˈnā sh ən|

Back 10

a thing that causes disgust or hatred

Front 11

aboriginal

|ˌabəˈrijənl|

Back 11

(of human races, animals, and plants) inhabiting or existing in a land from the earliest times or from before the arrival of colonists; indigenous.

Front 12

abound

|əˈbound|

Back 12

exist in large numbers or amounts

Front 13

abrade

|əˈbrād|

Back 13

scrape or wear away by friction or erosion

Front 14

abridge

|əˈbrij|

Back 14

shorten (a book, movie, speech, or other text) without losing the sense

Front 15

abrogate

|ˈabrəˌgāt|

Back 15

repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement)

Front 16

abscond

|abˈskänd|

Back 16

leave hurriedly and secretly, typically to avoid detection of or arrest for an unlawful action such as theft

Front 17

absolve

|əbˈzälv; -ˈsälv|

Back 17

set or declare (someone) free from blame, guilt, or responsibility

Front 18

abstemious

|abˈstēmēəs|

Back 18

not self-indulgent, esp. when eating and drinking

Front 19

abstinent

|ˈabstənənt|

Back 19

restraining oneself from indulging in something, typically alcohol.

Front 20

abstruse

|abˈstroōs|

Back 20

difficult to understand; obscure

Front 21

abysmal

|əˈbizməl|

Back 21

extremely bad; appalling

Front 22

accede

|akˈsēd|

Back 22

1. assent or agree to a demand, request, or treaty

2. assume an office or position

Front 23

accentuate

|akˈsen ch oōˌāt|

Back 23

make more noticeable or prominent

Front 24

accolade

|ˈakəˌlād; -ˌläd|

Back 24

an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgment of merit

Front 25

accrue

|əˈkroō|

Back 25

(of sums of money or benefits) be received by someone in regular or increasing amounts over time

Front 26

acculturation

|əˌkəl ch əˈrā sh ən|

Back 26

assimilate or cause to assimilate a different culture, typically the dominant one

Front 27

acerbic

|əˈsərbik|

Back 27

(esp. of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright

Front 28

acquiesce

|ˌakwēˈes|

Back 28

accept something reluctantly but without protest

Front 29

acquisitive

|əˈkwizitiv|

Back 29

excessively interested in acquiring money or material things.

Front 30

acquit

|əˈkwit|

Back 30

free (someone) from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty

Front 31

acrimonious

|ˌakrəˈmōnēəs|

Back 31

(typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter

Front 32

acronym

|ˈakrəˌnim|

Back 32

a word formed from the initial letters of other words

Front 33

acumen

|əˈkyoōmən; ˈakyə-|

Back 33

the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain

Front 34

acute

|əˈkyoōt|

Back 34

1. (of a bad, difficult, or unwelcome situation or phenomenon) present or experienced to a severe or intense degree

2. having or showing a perceptive understanding or insight: shrewd

Front 35

adage

|ˈadij|

Back 35

a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth

Front 36

adduce

|əˈd(y)oōs|

Back 36

cite as evidence

Front 37

adherent

|adˈhi(ə)rənt; -ˈher-|

Back 37

someone who supports a particular party, person, or set of ideas

Front 38

adjunct

|ˈajə ng kt|

Back 38

1. a thing added to something else as a supplementary rather than an essential part

2. (in grammer) a word or phrase used to amplify or modify the meaning of another word or words in a sentence.

Front 39

admonish

|ədˈmäni sh |

Back 39

warn or reprimand someone firmly

Front 40

adulation

|ˌajəˈlā sh ən|

Back 40

obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise

Front 41

adulterate

|əˈdəltəˌrāt|

Back 41

render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one

Front 42

adumbrate

|ˈadəmˌbrāt; əˈdəm-|

Back 42

1. to produce a faint image or resemblance of; to outline or sketch.

2. to foreshadow; prefigure.

3. to darken or conceal partially; overshadow.

Front 43

adventitious

|ˌadvenˈti sh əs|

Back 43

happening or carried on according to chance rather than design or inherent nature

Front 44

advocate

n. |ˈadvəkit|
v. |-ˌkāt|

Back 44

n. a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy

v. publicly recommend or support

Front 45

aesthetic |esˈθetik| (also esthetic)

Back 45

concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty

Front 46

affable

|ˈafəbəl|

Back 46

friendly, good-natured, or easy to talk to

Front 47

affectation

|ˌafekˈtā sh ən|

Back 47

behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to impress

Front 48

affidavit

|ˌafiˈdāvit|

Back 48

a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation, for use as evidence in court.

Front 49

affinity

|əˈfinitē|

Back 49

1. a spontaneous or natural liking or sympathy for someone or something

2. a similarity of characteristics suggesting a relationship, esp. a resemblance in structure between animals, plants, or languages

Front 50

affliction

|əˈflik sh ən|

Back 50

(something that causes) pain or suffering

Front 51

affront

|əˈfrənt|

Back 51

n. an action or remark that causes outrage or offense

v. offend the modesty or values of

Front 52

aftermath

|ˈaftərˌmaθ|

Back 52

the consequences or aftereffects of an event, esp. when unpleasant

Front 53

aggrandize

|əˈgranˌdīz|

Back 53

1. increase the power, status, or wealth of

2. enhance the reputation of (someone) beyond what is justified by the facts

Front 54

aggrieve

|əˈgrēv|

Back 54

1. to oppress or wrong grievously; injure by injustice.

2. to afflict with pain, anxiety, etc.

Front 55

aghast

|əˈgast|

Back 55

filled with horror or shock

Front 56

alacrity

|əˈlakritē|

Back 56

brisk and cheerful readiness

Front 57

alchemy

|ˈalkəmē|

Back 57

1. the medieval forerunner of chemistry, based on the supposed transformation of matter. It was concerned particularly with attempts to convert base metals into gold or to find a universal elixir.

2. figurative a process by which paradoxical results are achieved or incompatible elements combined with no obvious rational explanation :

Front 58

alienate

|ˈālēəˌnāt; ˈālyə-|

Back 58

cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged

Front 59

allege

|əˈlej|

Back 59

claim or assert that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof that this is the case

Front 60

allegiance

|əˈlējəns|

Back 60

loyalty or commitment of a subordinate to a superior or of an individual to a group or cause

Front 61

alleviate

|əˈlēvēˌāt|

Back 61

make (suffering, deficiency, or a problem) less severe

Front 62

allocate

|ˈaləˌkāt|

Back 62

distribute (resources or duties) for a particular purpose

Front 63

allot

|əˈlät|

Back 63

give or apportion (something) to someone as a share or task

Front 64

alloy

|ˈaˌloi|

Back 64

a metal made by combining two or more metallic elements, esp. to give greater strength or resistance to corrosion

Front 65

allusion

|əˈloō zh ən|

Back 65

an expression designed to call something to mind without mentioning it explicitly; an indirect or passing reference

Front 66

altruism

|ˈaltroōˌizəm|

Back 66

the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others

Front 67

amalgamate

|əˈmalgəˌmāt|

Back 67

combine or unite to form one organization or structure

Front 68

amass

|əˈmas|

Back 68

gather together or accumulate (a large amount or number of valuable material or things) over a period of time

Front 69

ambiguous

|amˈbigyoōəs|

Back 69

1. (of language) open to more than one interpretation; having a double meaning

2. unclear or inexact because a choice between alternatives has not been made

Front 70

ambivalent

|amˈbivələnt|

Back 70

having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone

Front 71

ameliorate

|əˈmēlyəˌrāt; əˈmēlēə-|

Back 71

make (something bad or unsatisfactory) better

Front 72

amenable

|əˈmēnəbəl; əˈmen-|

Back 72

(of a person) open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled

Front 73

amiable

|ˈāmēəbəl|

Back 73

having or displaying a friendly and pleasant manner

Front 74

amid

|əˈmid|

Back 74

surrounded by; in the middle of

Front 75

amnesty

|ˈamnistē|

Back 75

1. an official pardon for people who have been convicted of political offenses

2. an undertaking by the authorities to take no action against specified offenses or offenders during a fixed period

Front 76

amoral

|āˈmôrəl|

Back 76

lacking a moral sense; unconcerned with the rightness or wrongness of something

Front 77

amorphous

|əˈmôrfəs|

Back 77

without a clearly defined shape or form

Front 78

anachronism

|əˈnakrəˌnizəm|

Back 78

1. a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, esp. a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned

2. an act of attributing a custom, event, or object to a period to which it does not belong.

Front 79

anagram

|ˈanəˌgram|

Back 79

a word, phrase, or name formed by rearranging the letters of another (such as cinema, formed from iceman)

Front 80

analogy

|əˈnaləjē|

Back 80

a comparison between two things, typically on the basis of their structure and for the purpose of explanation or clarification

Front 81

anarchy

|ˈanərkē|

Back 81

1. a state of disorder due to absence or nonrecognition of authority.

2. absence of government and absolute freedom of the individual, regarded as a political ideal.

Front 82

anathema

|əˈnaθəmə|

Back 82

1. something or someone that one vehemently dislikes

2. a formal curse by a pope or a council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine.

Synonyms: abomination, an outrage, an abhorrence, a disgrace.

Front 83

ancillary

|ˈansəˌlerē|

Back 83

providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, institution, industry, or system

Front 84

anecdote

|ˈanikˌdōt|

Back 84

1. a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person.

2. an account regarded as unreliable or hearsay.

Front 85

anhydrous

|anˈhīdrəs|

Back 85

(of a substance, esp. a crystalline compound) containing no water.

Front 86

animosity

|ˌanəˈmäsitē|

Back 86

strong hostility

Front 87

anomaly

|əˈnäməlē|

Back 87

something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected

Front 88

antecedent

|ˌantəˈsēdnt|

Back 88

a thing or event that existed before or logically precedes another

Front 89

antedate

|ˈantiˌdāt|

Back 89

precede in time; come before (something) in date

Front 90

anterior

|anˈti(ə)rēər|

Back 90

1. (formal) coming before in time; earlier

2. (technical, chiefly Anatomy & Biology) nearer the front, esp. situated in the front of the body, or nearer to the head or forepart : the veins anterior to the heart. The opposite of posterior .

Front 91

antipathy

|anˈtipəθē|

Back 91

a deep-seated feeling of dislike; aversion

Front 92

antiquity

|anˈtikwitē|

Back 92

1. the ancient past, esp. the period before the Middle Ages

2. great age

Front 93

antithesis

|anˈtiθəsis|

Back 93

1. a person or thing that is the direct opposite of someone or something else

2. a contrast or opposition between two things

Front 94

apathy

|ˈapəθē|

Back 94

lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern

Front 95

aperture

|ˈapərˌ ch ər|

Back 95

an opening, hole, or gap

Front 96

aphorism

|ˈafəˌrizəm|

Back 96

1. a pithy observation that contains a general truth, such as, “if it ain't broke, don't fix it.”

2. a concise statement of a scientific principle, typically by an ancient classical author.

Front 97

apocryphal

|əˈpäkrəfəl|

Back 97

(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true

Front 98

apostasy

|əˈpästəsē|

Back 98

the abandonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief.

Front 99

apotheosis

|əˌpäθēˈōsis; ˌapəˈθēəsis|

Back 99

1. the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax

2. the elevation of someone to divine status; deification

Front 100

appalling

|əˈpôli ng |

Back 100

awful; terrible

Front 101

appendage

|əˈpendij|

Back 101

1. (often with negative or pejorative connations) a thing that is added or attached to something larger or more important

2. (in biology) a projecting part of an invertebrate or other living organism, with a distinct appearance or function

Front 102

apportion

|əˈpôr sh ən|

Back 102

divide and allocate

Front 103

apposite

|ˈapəzit|

Back 103

apt in the circumstances or in relation to something

Synonyms: appropriate, suitable, fitting, apt, befitting; relevant

Front 104

appraise

|əˈprāz|

Back 104

assess the value or quality of

Front 105

approbation

|ˌaprəˈbā sh ən|

Back 105

approval or praise

Front 106

appurtenance

|əˈpərtn-əns|

Back 106

an accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living

Front 107

apropos

|ˌaprəˈpō|

Back 107

(preposition) with reference to; concerning

(adv.) used to state a speaker's belief that someone's comments or acts are unrelated to any previous discussion or situation

(adj.) very appropriate to a particular situation

Front 108

aptitude

|ˈaptiˌt(y)oōd|

Back 108

1. a natural ability to do something

2. a natural tendency

Front 109

arbitrary

|ˈärbiˌtrerē|

Back 109

based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system

Front 110

arcane

|ärˈkān|

Back 110

understood by few; mysterious or secret

Front 111

archetype

|ˈärk(i)ˌtīp|

Back 111

1. a very typical example of a certain person or thing

2. an original that has been imitated

3. a recurrent symbol or motif in literature, art, or mythology

Front 112

archive

|ˈärˌkīv|

Back 112

(n.) a collection of historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people

Front 113

arduous

|ˈärjoōəs|

Back 113

involving or requiring strenuous effort; difficult and tiring

Front 114

arid

|ˈarid|

Back 114

1. being without moisture; extremely dry; parched

2. (figurative) lacking interest or imaginativeness; sterile

Front 115

aristocratic

|əˌristəˈkratik|

Back 115

1. distinguished in manners or bearing

2. grand; stylish

Front 116

armistice

|ˈärməstis|

Back 116

an agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.

Front 117

arraign

|əˈrān|

Back 117

1. call or bring (someone) before a court to answer a criminal charge

2. find fault with

Front 118

arsenal

|ˈärs(ə)-nl|

Back 118

1. a collection of weapons and military equipment stored by a country, person, or group

2. (figurative) an array of resources available for a certain purpose

Front 119

articulate

|ärˈtikyəlit|

Back 119

1. (n.)having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently

2. (n.)having joints or jointed segments.

3. (v.)express (an idea or feeling) fluently and coherently

Front 120

artifact

|ˈärtəˌfakt|

Back 120

1. an object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest

2. something observed in a scientific investigation or experiment that is not naturally present but occurs as a result of the preparative or investigative procedure

Front 121

artifice

|ˈärtəfis|

Back 121

clever or cunning devices or expedients, esp. as used to trick or deceive others

Front 122

ascendancy

|əˈsendənsē|

Back 122

occupation of a position of dominant power or influence

Front 123

ascertain

|ˌasərˈtān|

Back 123

find (something) out for certain; make sure of

Front 124

ascetic

|əˈsetik|

Back 124

(adj.) characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons

(n.) a person who practices such self-discipline and abstention

Front 125

ascribe

|əˈskrīb|

Back 125

attribute something to (a cause)

Front 126

askance

|əˈskans|

Back 126

with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval

Front 127

aspersion

|əˈspər zh ən|

Back 127

an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something

Front 128

assail

|əˈsāl|

Back 128

1. make a concerted or violent attack on

2. come upon (someone) suddenly and strongly

3. criticize (someone) strongly.

Front 129

assert

|əˈsərt|

Back 129

state a fact or belief confidently and forcefully

Front 130

assiduous

|əˈsijəwəs|

Back 130

showing great care and perseverance

Front 131

assimilate

|əˈsiməˌlāt|

Back 131

1. take in (information, ideas, or culture) and understand fully

2. cause (something) to resemble; liken

Front 132

assuage

|əˈswāj|

Back 132

1. make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense

2. satisfy (an appetite or desire)

Front 133

astringent

|əˈstrinjənt|

Back 133

1. causing the contraction of body tissues, typically of the skin

2. sharp or severe in manner or style

3. (of taste or smell) sharp or bitter

Front 134

astute

|əˈst(y)oōt|

Back 134

having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage

Front 135

atomistic

|ˌatəˈmistik|

Back 135

a theoretical approach that regards something as interpretable through analysis into distinct, separable, and independent elementary components

Front 136

atrophy

|ˈatrəfē|

Back 136

1. waste away, typically due to the degeneration of cells, or become vestigial during evolution

2. gradually decline in effectiveness or vigor due to underuse or neglect

Front 137

attenuation

|əˌtenyoōˈā sh ən|

Back 137

the process of reducing the force, effect, or value of

Front 138

attest

|əˈtest|

Back 138

1. provide or serve as clear evidence of

2. declare that something exists or is the case

3. be a witness to; certify formally

Front 139

attribute
(v.)|əˈtriˌbyoōt| (n.)|ˈatrəˌbyoōt|

Back 139

(v.) regard something as being caused by

(n.) a quality or feature regarded as a characteristic or inherent part of someone or something

Front 140

attrition

|əˈtri sh ən|

Back 140

1. the action or process of gradually reducing the strength or effectiveness of someone or something through sustained attack or pressure

2. the gradual reduction of a workforce by employees' leaving and not being replaced rather than by their being laid off

3. wearing away by friction; abrasion

Front 141

audacious

|ôˈdā sh əs|

Back 141

1. showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks

2. showing an impudent lack of respect

Front 142

augment

|ôgˈment|

Back 142

(v.) make (something) greater by adding to it; increase

Front 143

auspices

[aw-spuh-siz]

PHRASES
"under the auspices of"

Back 143

patronage; support; sponsorship

PHRASES
under the auspices of with the help, support, or protection of : the delegation's visit was arranged under UN auspices.

Front 144

auspicious

|ôˈspi sh əs|

Back 144

1. conducive to success; favorable

2. giving or being a sign of future success

Front 145

austere

|ôˈsti(ə)r|

Back 145

1. severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance

2. (of living conditions or a way of life) having no comforts or luxuries; harsh or ascetic

3. having an extremely plain and simple style or appearance; unadorned

Front 146

autonomy

|ôˈtänəmē|

Back 146

1. the right or condition of self-government, esp. in a particular sphere

2. freedom from external control or influence; independence

Front 147

auxiliary

|ôgˈzilyərē; -ˈzil(ə)rē|

Back 147

providing supplementary or additional help and support

Front 148

avarice

|ˈavəris|

Back 148

extreme greed for wealth or material gain.

Front 149

aversion

|əˈvər zh ən|

Back 149

1. a strong dislike or disinclination

2. someone or something that arouses such feelings.

Front 150

avid

|ˈavid|

Back 150

1. having or showing a keen interest in or enthusiasm for something

2. ( avid for) having an eager desire for something

Front 151

axiom

|ˈaksēəm|

Back 151

a statement or proposition that is regarded as being established, accepted, or self-evidently true

Front 152

banal

|bəˈnal|

Back 152

so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring

Front 153

bane

|bān|

Back 153

a cause of great distress or annoyance

Front 154

barrage

|bəˈrä zh |

Back 154

1. a concentrated artillery bombardment over a wide area.

2. (figurative) a concentrated outpouring, as of questions or blows

Front 155

belated

|biˈlātid|

Back 155

coming or happening later than should have been the case

Front 156

benevolent

|bəˈnevələnt|

Back 156

well meaning and kindly

Front 157

benign

|biˈnīn|

Back 157

1. gentle; kindly

2. (of a climate or environment) mild and favorable

3. (of a disease) not harmful in effect

Front 158

bequeath

|biˈkwēθ; -ˈkwēð|

Back 158

1. leave (a personal estate or one's body) to a person or other beneficiary by a will

2. pass (something) on or leave (something) to someone else

Front 159

bestow

|biˈstō|

Back 159

confer or present (an honor, right, or gift)

Front 160

bilateral

|bīˈlatərəl|

Back 160

1. having or relating to two sides; affecting both sides

2. involving two parties, usually countries

Front 161

bipolar

|bīˈpōlər|

Back 161

having or relating to two poles or extremities

Front 162

bland

|bland|

Back 162

1. lacking strong features or characteristics and therefore uninteresting

2. (of food or drink) mild or insipid

3. (of a person or behavior) showing no strong emotion; dull and unremarkable

Front 163

blandishment

|ˈblandi sh mənt|

Back 163

a flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something

Front 164

blasphemy

|ˈblasfəmē|

Back 164

the act or offense of speaking sacrilegiously about God or sacred things; profane talk

Front 165

blatant

|ˈblātnt|

Back 165

1. (of bad behavior) done openly and unashamedly

2. completely lacking in subtlety; very obvious

Front 166

blueprint

|ˈbloōˌprint|

Back 166

1. a design plan or other technical drawing.

2. (figurative) something that acts as a plan, model, or template

Front 167

brandish

|ˈbrandi sh |

Back 167

wave or flourish (something, esp. a weapon) as a threat or in anger or excitement.

Front 168

brazen

|ˈbrāzən|

Back 168

1. bold and without shame

2. harsh in sound

Front 169

brevity

|ˈbrevitē|

Back 169

1. concise and exact use of words in writing or speech.

2. shortness of time

Front 170

brink

|bri ng k|

Back 170

1. an extreme edge of land before a steep or vertical slope

2. a margin or bank of a body of water

3. a point at which something, typically an unwelcome or disastrous event, is about to happen

Front 171

bureaucracy

|byoŏˈräkrəsē|

Back 171

1. a system of government in which most of the important decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

2. excessively complicated administrative procedure, seen as characteristic of such a system

Front 172

burnish

|ˈbərni sh |

Back 172

polish (something, esp. metal) by rubbing

Front 173

cajole

|kəˈjōl|

Back 173

persuade someone to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery

Front 174

callous

|ˈkaləs|

Back 174

showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others

Front 175

calumny

|ˈkaləmnē|

Back 175

the making of false and defamatory statements in order to damage someone's reputation; slander.

Front 176

canard

|kəˈnär(d)|

Back 176

an unfounded rumor or story

Front 177

candid

|ˈkandid|

Back 177

1. truthful and straightforward; frank

2. (of a photograph of a person) taken informally, esp. without the subject's knowledge.

Front 178

candor

|ˈkandər; -ˌdôr|

Back 178

the quality of being open and honest in expression; frankness

Front 179

capacious

|kəˈpā sh əs|

Back 179

having a lot of space inside; roomy

Front 180

capitulate

|kəˈpi ch əˌlāt|

Back 180

cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender

Front 181

capricious

|kəˈpri sh əs;-ˈprē-|

Back 181

given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior

Front 182

captivate

|ˈkaptəˌvāt|

Back 182

attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm

Front 183

carcinogenic

|ˌkärsənəˈjenik|

Back 183

having the potential to cause cancer

Front 184

cardinal

|ˈkärd-nl; ˈkärdn-əl|

Back 184

of the greatest importance; fundamental

Front 185

careen

|kəˈrēn|

Back 185

move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specified direction

Front 186

cartel

|kärˈtel|

Back 186

an association of manufacturers or suppliers with the purpose of maintaining prices at a high level and restricting competition

Front 187

cartography

|kärˈtägrəfē|

Back 187

the science or practice of drawing maps.

Front 188

cascade (v.)

|kasˈkād|

Back 188

pour downward rapidly and in large quantities

Front 189

castigate

|ˈkastəˌgāt|

Back 189

reprimand (someone) severely

Front 190

catalyst

|ˈkatl-ist|

Back 190

1. a substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without itself undergoing any permanent chemical change.

2. (figurative) a person or thing that precipitates an event

Front 191

caulk

|kôk|

Back 191

a waterproof filler and sealant, used in building work and repairs

Front 192

caustic

|ˈkôstik|

Back 192

1. able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action

2. (figurative) sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way

Front 193

celibacy |ˈselə-bəsē|

Back 193

abstaining from marriage and sexual relations, typically for religious reasons

Front 194

censure

|ˈsen sh ər|

Back 194

express severe disapproval of (someone or something), typically in a formal statement

Front 195

charlatan

|ˈsh ärlətən; ˈsh ärlətn|

Back 195

a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge or skill; a fraud

Front 196

chaste

| ch āst|

Back 196

abstaining from extramarital, or from all, sexual intercourse.

Front 197

chasten

|ˈch āsən|

Back 197

1. (of a reproof or misfortune) have a restraining or moderating effect on

2. (archaic - esp. of God) discipline; punish.

Front 198

chastise

| ch asˈtīz|

Back 198

rebuke or reprimand severely

Front 199

chimera

|kīˈmi(ə)rə; kə-|

Back 199

1. a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve

2. (in Greek mythology) a fire-breathing female monster with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail.

Front 200

chronic

|ˈkränik|

Back 200

1. (of an illness) persisting for a long time or constantly recurring

2. (of a problem) long-lasting and difficult to eradicate

3. (of a person) having a particular bad habit

Front 201

circumscribe

|ˈsərkəmˌskrīb|

Back 201

1. restrict (something) within limits

2. (Geometry) draw (a figure) around another, touching it at points but not cutting it

Front 202

circumspect

|ˈsərkəmˌspekt|

Back 202

wary and unwilling to take risks

Front 203

circumvent

|ˌsərkəmˈvent|

Back 203

1. find a way around (an obstacle)

2. overcome (a problem or difficulty), typically in a clever and surreptitious way

Front 204

clandestine
|klanˈdestən; -ˌtīn; -ˌtēn; ˈklandəs-|

Back 204

kept secret or done secretively, esp. because illicit

Front 205

clemency

|ˈklemənsē|

Back 205

mercy; lenience

Front 206

coagulate

|kōˈagyəˌlāt|

Back 206

(of a fluid, esp. blood) change to a solid or semisolid state

Front 207

coalesce

|ˌkōəˈles|

Back 207

come together and form one mass or whole

Front 208

coda

|ˈkōdə|

Back 208

1. the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition to the basic structure.

2. a concluding event, remark, or section

Front 209

codicil

|ˈkädəsəl; -ˌsil|

Back 209

an addition or supplement that explains, modifies, or revokes a will or part of one.

Front 210

coercion

|kōˈər zh ən; - sh ən|

Back 210

the process of persuading (an unwilling person) to do something by using force or threats

Front 211

cogent

|ˈkōjənt|

Back 211

(of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing

Front 212

cogitate

|ˈkäjəˌtāt|

Back 212

think deeply about something; meditate or reflect

Front 213

cognizant

|ˈkägnəzənt|

(also cognisant )

Back 213

having knowledge or being aware of

Front 214

cohesive

|kōˈhēsiv; -ziv|

Back 214

1. characterized by or causing cohesion

2. cohering or tending to cohere; well-integrated; unified

Front 215

cohort

|ˈkōˌhôrt|

Back 215

1. a group of people banded together or treated as a group

2. a supporter or companion

Front 216

commensurate

|kəˈmensərət; -ˈmen sh ə-|

Back 216

corresponding in size or degree; in proportion

Front 217

commiserate

|kəˈmizəˌrāt|

Back 217

express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize

Front 218

commodious

|kəˈmōdēəs|

Back 218

(esp. of furniture or a building) roomy and comfortable.

Front 219

commodity

|kəˈmäditē|

Back 219

1. a raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as copper or coffee.

2. a useful or valuable thing, such as water or time.

Front 220

compendium

|kəmˈpendēəm|

Back 220

1. a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, esp. in a book or other publication.

2. a collection of things, esp. one systematically gathered

Front 221

complement


|ˈkämpləmənt|

Back 221

a thing that completes or brings to perfection

Front 222

complicity

|kəmˈplisitē|

Back 222

the state of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing

Front 223

comply

|kəmˈplī|

Back 223

1. (of a person or group) act in accordance with a wish or command

2. (of an article) meet specified standards

Front 224

comprise

|kəmˈprīz|

Back 224

consist of; be made up of

Front 225

compunction

|kəmˈpə ng (k) sh ən|

Back 225

1. a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of something bad

2. a pricking of the conscience

Front 226

concave

|känˈkāv; ˈkänˌkāv|

Back 226

having an outline or surface that curves inward like the interior of a circle or sphere

Front 227

concede

|kənˈsēd|

Back 227

1. admit that something is true or valid after first denying or resisting it

2. surrender or yield

Front 228

concentric

|kənˈsentrik; kän-|

Back 228

of or denoting circles, arcs, or other shapes that share the same center, the larger often completely surrounding the smaller

Front 229

conceptual

|kənˈsep ch oōəl|

Back 229

of, relating to, or based on mental concepts

Front 230

concerted

|kənˈsərtəd|

Back 230

1. jointly arranged, planned, or carried out; coordinated

2. strenuously carried out; done with great effort

Front 231

conciliatory

|kənˈsilēəˌtôrē|

Back 231

intended or likely to placate or pacify

Front 232

concise

|kənˈsīs|

Back 232

giving a lot of information clearly and in a few words; brief but comprehensive

Front 233

concoct

|kənˈkäkt|

Back 233

make (a dish or meal) by combining various ingredients

Front 234

concomitant

|kənˈkämitənt|

Back 234

naturally accompanying or associated

Front 235

concur

|kənˈkər|

Back 235

be of the same opinion; agree

Front 236

concurrent

|kənˈkərənt; -ˈkə-rənt|

Back 236

existing, happening, or done at the same time

Front 237

condescend

|ˌkändəˈsend|

Back 237

show feelings of superiority; patronize

Front 238

condone

|kənˈdōn|

Back 238

accept and allow (behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive) to continue

Front 239

confederate

|kənˈfedərət|

Back 239

(adj.) joined by an agreement or treaty

(n.) a person one works with, esp. in something secret or illegal; an accomplice

Front 240

confer

|kənˈfər|

Back 240

1. grant or bestow

2. have discussions; exchange opinions

Front 241

configuration

|kənˌfig(y)əˈrā sh ən|

Back 241

an arrangement of elements in a particular form, figure, or combination

Front 242

confluence

|ˈkänˌfloōəns; kənˈfloōəns|

Back 242

1. the junction of two rivers, esp. rivers of approximately equal width

2. an act or process of merging

Front 243

confound

|kənˈfound|

Back 243

1. cause surprise or confusion in (someone), esp. by acting against their expectations

2. (often be confounded with) mix up (something) with something else so that the individual elements become difficult to distinguish

Front 244

congeal

|kənˈjēl|

Back 244

1. solidify or coagulate, esp. by cooling

2. (figurative) take shape or coalesce, esp. to form a satisfying whole

Front 245

congruent

|kənˈgroōənt; ˈkä ng groōənt|

Back 245

1. in agreement or harmony

2. (of figures) identical in form; coinciding exactly when superimposed

Front 246

conjecture

|kənˈjek ch ər|

Back 246

(n.) an opinion or conclusion formed on the basis of incomplete information

(v.) form an opinion or supposition about (something) on the basis of incomplete information

Front 247

conjoin

|kənˈjoin; kän-|

Back 247

join; combine

Front 248

connotation

|ˌkänəˈtā sh ən|

Back 248

an idea or feeling that a word invokes person in addition to its literal or primary meaning

Front 249

consternation

|ˌkänstərˈnā sh ən|

Back 249

feelings of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected

Front 250

construe

|kənˈstroō|

Back 250

interpret (a word or action) in a particular way

Front 251

contentious

|kənˈten ch əs|

Back 251

1. causing or likely to cause an argument; controversial

2. (of a person) given to arguing or provoking argument

Front 252

contiguous

|kənˈtigyoōəs|

Back 252

1. sharing a common border; touching

2. next or together in sequence

Front 253

contingent

|kənˈtinjənt|

Back 253

1. subject to chance

2. occurring or existing only if (certain other circumstances) are the case; dependent on

Front 254

contrite

|kənˈtrīt|

Back 254

feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt

Front 255

contumacious

|ˌkänt(y)əˈmā sh əs|

Back 255

(esp. of a defendant's behavior) stubbornly or willfully disobedient to authority.

Front 256

contumely

|kənˈt(y)oōməlē; ˈkänt(y)əˌmēlē; ˈkänˌt(y)oōmlē|

Back 256

insolent or insulting language or treatment

Front 257

conundrum

|kəˈnəndrəm|

Back 257

a confusing and difficult problem or question

Front 258

conventional

|kənˈven ch ənl|

Back 258

based on or in accordance with what is generally done or believed

Front 259

converge

|kənˈvərj|

Back 259

(of several people or things) come together from different directions so as eventually to meet

Front 260

conversant

|kənˈvərsənt|

Back 260

familiar with or knowledgeable about something

Front 261

convex

|känˈveks; ˈkänˌveks; kənˈveks|

Back 261

having an outline or surface curved like the exterior of a circle or sphere.

Front 262

convoluted

|ˈkänvəˌloōtid|

Back 262

1. (esp. of an argument, story, or sentence) extremely complex and difficult to follow

2. (technical) intricately folded, twisted, or coiled

Front 263

copious

|ˈkōpēəs|

Back 263

abundant in supply or quantity

Front 264

corollary

|ˈkôrəˌlerē; ˈkärə-|

Back 264

(n.) a proposition that follows from (and is often appended to) one already proved.

(adj.) forming a proposition that follows from one already proved. – associated; supplementary

Front 265

corporeal

|kôrˈpôrēəl|

Back 265

of or relating to a person's body, esp. as opposed to their spirit

Front 266

correlation

|ˌkôrəˈlā sh ən|

Back 266

a mutual relationship or connection between two or more things

Front 267

corroborate

|kəˈräbəˌrāt|

Back 267

confirm or give support to (a statement, theory, or finding)

Front 268

corrosive

|kəˈrōsiv; -ziv|

Back 268

1. having the quality of corroding or eating away; erosive

2. harmful or destructive; deleterious

3. sharply sarcastic; caustic

Front 269

corrugated

|ˈkôrəˌgātid; ˈkär-|

Back 269

(of a material, surface, or structure) shaped into alternate ridges and grooves

Front 270

countenance

|ˈkountn-əns|

Back 270

1. a person's face or facial expression

2. support

Front 271

covert

|ˈkōvərt; kōˈvərt; ˈkəvərt|

Back 271

not openly acknowledged or displayed

Front 272

credulous

|ˈkrejələs|

Back 272

having or showing too great a readiness to believe things

Front 273

criterion
|krīˈti(ə)rēən|
( pl. -teria |-ˈti(ə)rēə|)

Back 273

a principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided

Front 274

critique

|kriˈtēk|

Back 274

(n.) a detailed analysis and assessment of something, esp. a literary, philosophical, or political theory

(v.) evaluate (a theory or practice) in a detailed and analytical way

Front 275

cryptic

|ˈkriptik|

Back 275

having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure

Front 276

cull

|kəl|

Back 276

select from a large quantity; obtain from a variety of sources

Front 277

culminate

|ˈkəlməˌnāt|

Back 277

reach a climax or point of highest development

Front 278

culpable

|ˈkəlpəbəl|

Back 278

deserving blame

Front 279

cupidity

|kyoōˈpiditē|

Back 279

greed for money or possessions.

Front 280

cursory

|ˈkərsərē|

Back 280

hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed

Front 281

daunt

|dônt; dänt|

Back 281

make (someone) feel intimidated or apprehensive

Front 282

dearth

|dərθ|

Back 282

a scarcity or lack of something

Front 283

debacle

|diˈbakəl; -ˈbäkəl|

Back 283

a sudden and ignominious failure; a fiasco

Front 284

debase

|diˈbās|

Back 284

reduce (something) in quality or value; degrade

Front 285

debilitate

|diˈbiliˌtāt; dē-|

Back 285

make (someone) weak and infirm

Front 286

debunk

|diˈbə ng k|

Back 286

1. expose the falseness or hollowness of (a myth, idea, or belief)

2. reduce the inflated reputation of (someone), esp. by ridicule

Front 287

decimate

|ˈdesəˌmāt|

Back 287

1. kill, destroy, or remove a large percentage or part of

2. (historical) kill one in every ten of (a group of soldiers or others) as a punishment for the whole group.

Front 288

decorum

|diˈkôrəm|

Back 288

behavior in keeping with good taste and propriety

Front 289

deduce

|diˈd(y)oōs|

Back 289

arrive at (a fact or a conclusion) by reasoning; draw as a logical conclusion

Front 290

deem

|dēm|

Back 290

regard or consider in a specified way

Front 291

deference

|ˈdefərəns|

Back 291

humble submission and respect

Front 292

defunct

|diˈfə ng kt|

Back 292

no longer existing or functioning

Front 293

degenerate

|diˈjenərit|

Back 293

having lost the physical, mental, or moral qualities considered normal and desirable; showing evidence of decline

Front 294

delectable

|diˈlektəbəl|

Back 294

(of food or drink) delicious

Front 295

deleterious

|ˌdeliˈti(ə)rēəs|

Back 295

causing harm or damage

Front 296

delineate

|diˈlinēˌāt|

Back 296

describe or portray (something) precisely

Front 297

delusion

|diˈloō zh ən|

Back 297

an idiosyncratic belief or impression that is firmly maintained despite being contradicted by what is generally accepted as reality or rational argument, typically a symptom of mental disorder

Front 298

delve

|delv|

Back 298

reach inside a receptacle and search for something

Front 299

demeanor

|diˈmēnər|

Back 299

outward behavior or bearing

Front 300

demise

|diˈmīz|

Back 300

1. a person's death

2. the end or failure of an enterprise or institution

Front 301

demographics

|ˌdeməˈgrafiks|

Back 301

statistical data relating to the population and particular groups within it

Front 302

demur

|diˈmər|

Back 302

raise doubts or objections or show reluctance

Front 303

demystify

|dēˈmistəˌfī|

Back 303

make (a difficult or esoteric subject) clearer and easier to understand

Front 304

denotation

|ˌdēnōˈtā sh ən|

Back 304

the literal or primary meaning of a word, in contrast to the feelings or ideas that the word suggests

Front 305

denouement

|ˌdānoōˈmä n |

Back 305

1. the final part of a play, movie, or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are explained or resolved.

2. the climax of a chain of events, usually when something is decided or made clear

Front 306

deplete

|diˈplēt|

Back 306

use up the supply of; exhaust the abundance of

exhaust

Front 307

deploy

|diˈploi|

Back 307

1. move (troops) into position for military action

2. bring into effective action; utilize

Front 308

depravity

|diˈpravitē|

Back 308

1. moral corruption

2. (Christian Theology) the innate corruptness of human nature, due to original sin.

Front 309

deprecate

|ˈdepriˌkāt|

Back 309

express disapproval of

Front 310

derelict

|ˈderəˌlikt|

Back 310

1. in a very poor condition as a result of disuse and neglect

2. (of a person) shamefully negligent in not having done what one should have done

Front 311

derision

|diˈri zh ən|

Back 311

contemptuous ridicule or mockery

Front 312

derivative

|diˈrivətiv|

Back 312

(adj.) originating from, based on, or influenced by

(n.) something that is based on another source

Front 313

derogatory

|diˈrägəˌtôrē|

Back 313

showing a critical or disrespectful attitude

Front 314

desecrate

|ˈdesiˌkrāt|

Back 314

treat (a sacred place or thing) with violent disrespect; violate

Front 315

desiccate

|ˈdesiˌkāt|

Back 315

remove the moisture from (something, esp. food), typically in order to preserve it

Front 316

desist

|diˈsist|

Back 316

cease; abstain

Front 317

despondent

|diˈspändənt|

Back 317

in low spirits from loss of hope or courage.

Front 318

despotic

|diˈspätik|

Back 318

of, pertaining to, or of the nature of a despot or despotism; autocratic; tyrannical

Front 319

destitute

|ˈdestiˌt(y)oōt|

Back 319

without the basic necessities of life

Front 320

desultory

|ˈdesəlˌtôrē|

Back 320

1. lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm

2. (of conversation or speech) going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused

Front 321

deter

|diˈtər|

Back 321

1. discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences

2. prevent the occurrence of

Front 322

detrimental

|ˌdetrəˈmentl|

Back 322

tending to cause harm

Front 323

diaphanous

|dīˈafənəs|

Back 323

1. (esp. of fabric) light, delicate, and translucent

2. delicately hazy.

Front 324

diatribe

|ˈdīəˌtrīb|

Back 324

a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something

Front 325

dichotomy

|dīˈkätəmē|

Back 325

a division or contrast between two things that are or are represented as being opposed or entirely different

Front 326

didactic

|dīˈdaktik|

Back 326

1. intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive

2. in the manner of a teacher, particularly so as to treat someone in a patronizing way

Front 327

diffident

|ˈdifidənt|

Back 327

modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence

Front 328

diffuse

|diˈfyoōz|

Back 328

(v.) spread or cause to spread over a wide area or among a large number of people

(adj.) spread out over a large area; not concentrated

Front 329

dilate

|ˈdīˌlāt; dīˈlāt|

Back 329

1. make or become wider, larger, or more open

2. speak or write at length on (a subject)

Front 330

dilatory

|ˈdiləˌtôrē|

Back 330

slow to act

intended to cause delay

Front 331

dilemma

|diˈlemə|

Back 331

a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, esp. equally undesirable ones

Front 332

diminution

|ˌdiməˈn(y)oō sh ən|

Back 332

1. a reduction in the size, extent, or importance of something

2. (music) the shortening of the time values of notes in a melodic part.

Front 333

disabuse

|ˌdisəˈbyoōz|

Back 333

persuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken

Front 334

disambiguate

|ˌdisamˈbigyoōˌāt|

Back 334

remove uncertainty of meaning from (an ambiguous sentence, phrase, or other linguistic unit).

Front 335

disarray

|ˌdisəˈrā|

Back 335

a state of disorganization or untidiness

Front 336

discernment

|diˈsərnmənt|

Back 336

1. the ability to judge well

2. (in Christian contexts) perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual direction and understanding

Front 337

disclaimer

|disˈklāmər|

Back 337

a statement that denies something, esp. responsibility

Front 338

disconcerting

|ˌdiskənˈsərti ng |

Back 338

causing one to feel unsettled

Front 339

discordant

|disˈkôrdnt|

Back 339

1. disagreeing or incongruous. characterized by quarreling and conflict

2. (of sounds) harsh and jarring because of a lack of harmony

Front 340

discrepancy

|disˈkrepənsē|

Back 340

a lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts

Front 341

discrete

|disˈkrēt|

Back 341

individually separate and distinct

Front 342

discriminate

|disˈkriməˌnāt|

Back 342

recognize a distinction; differentiate

Front 343

disdain

|disˈdān|

Back 343

the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one's consideration or respect; contempt

Front 344

disgruntle

|disˈgrəntl|

Back 344

to put into a state of sulky dissatisfaction; make discontent.

Front 345

disinclination

|disˌinkləˈnā sh ən; disˌi ng klə-|

Back 345

a reluctance or lack of enthusiasm

Front 346

disinformation

|disˌinfərˈmā sh ən|

Back 346

false information that is intended to mislead, esp. propaganda issued by a government organization to a rival power or the media.

Front 347

disingenuous

|ˌdisinˈjenyoōəs|

Back 347

not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does.

Front 348

disinterested

|disˈintəˌrestid; -tristid|

Back 348

1. not influenced by considerations of personal advantage

2. having or feeling no interest in something

Front 349

dismal

|ˈdizməl|

Back 349

1. depressing; dreary

2. (informal) pitifully or disgracefully bad

Front 350

dismay

|disˈmā|

Back 350

(v.) cause (someone) to feel consternation and distress

(n.) consternation and distress, typically that caused by something unexpected

Front 351

disparage

|diˈsparij|

Back 351

regard or represent as being of little worth

Front 352

disparate

|ˈdispərit; diˈsparit|

Back 352

essentially different in kind; not allowing comparison

Front 353

disparity

|diˈsparitē|

Back 353

a great difference

Front 354

dispassionate

|disˈpa sh ənit|

Back 354

not influenced by strong emotion, and so able to be rational and impartial

Front 355

disperse

|disˈpərs|

Back 355

distribute or spread over a wide area

Front 356

dispirit

|diˈspirit|

Back 356

cause (someone) to lose enthusiasm or hope

Front 357

disproportionate

|ˌdisprəˈpôr sh ənit|

Back 357

too large or too small in comparison with something else

Front 358

disquiet

|disˈkwī-it|

Back 358

a feeling of anxiety or worry

Front 359

dissemble

|diˈsembəl|

Back 359

conceal one's true motives, feelings, or beliefs

Front 360

disseminate

|diˈseməˌnāt|

Back 360

spread or disperse (something, esp. information) widely

Front 361

dissent

|diˈsent|

Back 361

hold or express opinions that are at variance with those previously, commonly, or officially expressed

Front 362

disservice

|disˈsərvis|

Back 362

a harmful action

Front 363

dissident

|ˈdisidənt|

Back 363

(n.) a person who opposes official policy, esp. that of an authoritarian state

(adj.) in opposition to official policy

Front 364

dissipate

|ˈdisəˌpāt|

Back 364

1. disperse or scatter

2. (of a feeling or other intangible thing) disappear or be dispelled

Front 365

dissolution

|ˌdisəˈloō sh ən|

Back 365

the closing down or dismissal of an assembly, partnership, or official body

Front 366

dissonance

|ˈdisənəns|

Back 366

1. lack of harmony among musical notes

2. a tension or clash resulting from the combination of two disharmonious or unsuitable elements

Front 367

dissuade

|diˈswād|

Back 367

persuade (someone) not to take a particular course of action

Front 368

distend

|disˈtend|

Back 368

cause (something) to swell by stretching it from inside

Front 369

divergence

|diˈvərjəns; dī-|

Back 369

1. he process or state of diverging

2. a difference or conflict in opinions, interests, wishes, etc.

Front 370

divest

|diˈvest; dī-|

Back 370

1. deprive (someone) of power, rights, or possessions

2. deprive (something) of a particular quality

Front 371

divulge

|diˈvəlj; dī-|

Back 371

make known (private or sensitive information)

Front 372

dogmatic

|dôgˈmatik|

Back 372

inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true

Front 373

dormant

|ˈdôrmənt|

Back 373

in a state of rest or inactivity; inoperative; in abeyance

Front 374

dross

|drôs; dräs|

Back 374

something regarded as worthless; rubbish

Front 375

dubious

|ˈd(y)oōbēəs|

Back 375

1. hesitating or doubting

2. not to be relied upon; suspect

Front 376

ductility

|dəkˈtilitē|

Back 376

1. able to be deformed without losing toughness; pliable, not brittle.

2. (of a person) docile or gullible.

Front 377

duplicity

|d(y)oōˈplisitē|

Back 377

deceitfulness; double-dealing.

Front 378

duress

|d(y)oŏˈres|

Back 378

threats, violence, constraints, or other action brought to bear on someone to do something against their will or better judgment

Front 379

ebb

|eb|

Back 379

1. move away from the land; recede

2. (of an emotion or quality) gradually lessen or reduce

Front 380

ebullient

|iˈboŏlyənt; iˈbəlyənt|

Back 380

cheerful and full of energy

Front 381

eccentric

|ikˈsentrik|

Back 381

(of a person or their behavior) unconventional and slightly strange

Front 382

echelon

|ˈe sh əˌlän|

Back 382

a level or rank in an organization, a profession, or society

Front 383

eclectic

|iˈklektik|

Back 383

deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources

Front 384

edification

|ˌedəfiˈkā sh ən|

Back 384

the instruction or improvement of a person morally or intellectually

Front 385

edifice

|ˈedəfis|

Back 385

1. a building, esp. a large, imposing one.

2. (figurative) a complex system of beliefs

Front 386

effectual

|iˈfek ch oōəl|

Back 386

(typically of something inanimate or abstract) successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective

Front 387

effervescent

|ˌefərˈvesənt|

Back 387

1. (of a liquid) giving off bubbles; fizzy.

2. vivacious; gay; lively; sparkling.

Front 388

efficacious

|ˌefiˈkā sh əs|

Back 388

(typically of something inanimate or abstract) successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective

Front 389

efficacy

|ˈefikəsē|

Back 389

the ability to produce a desired or intended result

Front 390

effluvium

|iˈfloōvēəm| ( pl. -via |-vēə|)

Back 390

an unpleasant or harmful odor, secretion, or discharge

Front 391

effrontery

|iˈfrəntərē|

Back 391

insolent or impertinent behavior

Front 392

effulgent

|iˈfoŏljənt; iˈfəl-|

Back 392

1. shining brightly; radiant.

2. (of a person or their expression) emanating joy or goodness.

Front 393

effusion

|iˈfyoō zh ən|

Back 393

an instance of giving off something such as a liquid, light, or smell

Front 394

egalitarian

|iˌgaləˈterēən|

Back 394

(adj.) of, relating to, or believing in the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities

(n.) a person who advocates or supports such a principle.

Front 395

egregious

|iˈgrējəs|

Back 395

outstandingly bad; shocking

Front 396

elaborate

(adj.) |iˈlab(ə)rit|
(v.) |iˈlabəˌrāt|

Back 396

(adj.)
1. involving many carefully arranged parts or details; detailed and complicated in design and planning

2. (of an action) lengthy and exaggerated

(v.) develop or present (a theory, policy, or system) in detail

Front 397

elation

|iˈlā sh ən|

Back 397

great happiness and exhilaration

Front 398

elicit

|iˈlisit|

Back 398

evoke or draw out (a response, answer, or fact) from someone in reaction to one's own actions or questions

Front 399

elocution

|ˌeləˈkyoō sh ən|

Back 399

the skill of clear and expressive speech, esp. of distinct pronunciation and articulation.

Front 400

eloquence

|ˈeləkwəns|

Back 400

fluent or persuasive speaking or writing

Front 401

elucidate

|iˈloōsiˌdāt|

Back 401

make (something) clear; explain

Front 402

elusive

|iˈloōsiv|

Back 402

1. difficult to find, catch, or achieve

2. difficult to remember or recall

Front 403

emaciate

|iˈmā sh ēˌāt|

Back 403

make abnormally thin or weak, esp. because of illness or a lack of food

Front 404

emanate

|ˈeməˌnāt|

Back 404

1. (of something abstract but perceptible) issue or spread out from (a source)

2. originate from; be produced by

Front 405

emancipate

|iˈmansəˌpāt|

Back 405

set free, esp. from legal, social, or political restrictions

Front 406

embellish

|emˈbeli sh |

Back 406

make (something) more attractive by the addition of decorative details or features

Front 407

embody

|emˈbädē|

Back 407

1. be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality, or feeling)

2. include or contain (something) as a constituent part

Front 408

embroil

|emˈbroil|

Back 408

involve (someone) deeply in an argument, conflict, or difficult situation

Front 409

embryonic

|ˌembrēˈänik|

Back 409

1. of or relating to an embryo.

2. (of a system, idea, or organization) in a rudimentary stage with potential for further development

Front 410

eminence

|ˈemənəns|

Back 410

fame or recognized superiority, esp. within a particular sphere or profession

Front 411

emollient

|iˈmälyənt|

Back 411

1. having the quality of softening or soothing the skin

2. attempting to avoid confrontation or anger; soothing or calming

Front 412

empathy

|ˈempəθē|

Back 412

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Front 413

empirical

|emˈpirikəl|

Back 413

based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic

Front 414

emulate

|ˈemyəˌlāt|

Back 414

1. match or surpass (a person or achievement), typically by imitation

2. imitate

Front 415

encroach

|enˈkrō ch |

Back 415

intrude on (a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right)

Front 416

endemic

|enˈdemik|

Back 416

1. (of a disease or condition) regularly found among particular people or in a certain area

2. (of a plant or animal) native or restricted to a certain country or area

Front 417

enervate

verb |ˈenərˌvāt|
adjective |ˈenərvit|

Back 417

(v.) cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken.

(adj.) lacking in energy or vitality

Front 418

enfranchise

|enˈfranˌ ch īz|

Back 418

give the right to vote to

Front 419

engender

|enˈjendər|

Back 419

cause or give rise to (a feeling, situation, or condition)

Front 420

enigma

|iˈnigmə|

Back 420

a person or thing that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.
• a riddle or paradox.

Front 421

enmity

|ˈenmitē|

Back 421

the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something

Front 422

ennui

|änˈwē|
[ahn-wee]

Back 422

a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement.

Front 423

ensue

|enˈsoō|

Back 423

happen or occur afterward or as a result

Front 424

entail

verb |enˈtāl|
noun |ˈenˌtāl|

Back 424

(v.) involve (something) as a necessary or inevitable part or consequence

(n.) a settlement of the inheritance of property over a number of generations so that it remains within a family or other group.
• a property that is bequeathed under such conditions.

Front 425

entity

|ˈentitē|

Back 425

1. a thing with distinct and independent existence

2. existence; being

Front 426

entreat

|enˈtrēt|

Back 426

ask someone earnestly or anxiously to do something

Front 427

enumerate

|iˈn(y)oōməˌrāt|

Back 427

mention (a number of things) one by one

Front 428

enunciate

|iˈnənsēˌāt|

Back 428

say or pronounce clearly

Front 429

envision

|enˈvi zh ən|

Back 429

imagine as a future possibility; visualize

Front 430

ephemeral

|əˈfem(ə)rəl|

Back 430

lasting for a very short time

Front 431

epilogue

|ˈepəˌlôg; -ˌläg|

Back 431

a section or speech at the end of a book or play that serves as a comment on or a conclusion to what has happened.

Front 432

epistemology

|iˌpistəˈmäləjē|

Back 432

the theory of knowledge, esp. with regard to its methods, validity, and scope. Epistemology is the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion.

Front 433

epitome

|iˈpitəmē|

Back 433

( the epitome of) a person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type

Front 434

equanimity

|ˌēkwəˈnimitē; ˌekwə-|

Back 434

mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, esp. in a difficult situation

Front 435

equipoise

|ˈekwəˌpoiz|

Back 435

(n.) balance of forces or interests

(v.) balance or counterbalance (something)

Front 436

equivocate

|iˈkwivəˌkāt|

Back 436

use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself

Front 437

erratic

|iˈratik|

Back 437

1. not even or regular in pattern or movement; unpredictable

2. deviating from the normal or conventional in behavior or opinions

Front 438

erudite

|ˈer(y)əˌdīt|

Back 438

having or showing great knowledge or learning.

Front 439

eschew

|esˈ ch oō|

Back 439

deliberately avoid using; abstain from

Front 440

esoteric

|ˌesəˈterik|

Back 440

intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest

Front 441

estrange

|iˈstrānj|

Back 441

cause (someone) to be no longer close or affectionate to someone; alienate

Front 442

ethereal

|iˈθi(ə)rēəl|

Back 442

extremely delicate and light in a way that seems too perfect for this world

Front 443

eulogy

|ˈyoōləjē|

Back 443

a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly, typically someone who has just died

Front 444

euphemism

|ˈyoōfəˌmizəm|

Back 444

a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing

Front 445

euphoria

|yoōˈfôrēə|

Back 445

a feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness

Front 446

evanescent

|ˌevəˈnesənt|

Back 446

soon passing out of sight, memory, or existence; quickly fading or disappearing

Front 447

evince

|iˈvins|

Back 447

1. reveal the presence of (a quality or feeling)

2. be evidence of; indicate

Front 448

eviscerate

|iˈvisəˌrāt|

Back 448

1. disembowel (a person or animal)

2. deprive (something) of its essential content

Front 449

evoke

|iˈvōk|

Back 449

bring or recall to the conscious mind

Front 450

exacerbate

|igˈzasərˌbāt|

Back 450

make (a problem, bad situation, or negative feeling) worse

Front 451

excise

|ˈekˌsīz|

Back 451

(n.) a tax levied on certain goods and commodities produced or sold within a country and on licenses granted for certain activities

(v.) charge excise on (goods)

Front 452

excoriate

|ikˈskôrēˌāt|

Back 452

1. censure or criticize severely

2. (in medicine) damage or remove part of the surface of (the skin)

Front 453

exculpate

|ˈekskəlˌpāt|

Back 453

show or declare that (someone) is not guilty of wrongdoing

Front 454

exemplary

|igˈzemplərē|

Back 454

serving as a desirable model; representing the best of its kind

Front 455

exemplify

|igˈzempləˌfī|

Back 455

be a typical example of

Front 456

exhume

|igˈz(y)oōm; ekˈs(y)oōm|

Back 456

dig out (something buried, esp. a corpse) from the ground.

Front 457

exigent

|ˈeksijənt|

Back 457

pressing; demanding

Front 458

exonerate

|igˈzänəˌrāt|

Back 458

absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, esp. after due consideration of the case

Front 459

exorbitant

|igˈzôrbitənt|

Back 459

(of a price or amount charged) unreasonably high

Front 460

expedient

|ikˈspēdēənt|

Back 460

1. (of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral

2. (of an action) suitable or appropriate

Front 461

expiate

|ˈekspēˌāt|

Back 461

atone for (guilt or sin)

Front 462

explicate

|ˈekspliˌkāt|

Back 462

analyze and develop (an idea or principle) in detail

Front 463

explicit

|ikˈsplisit|

Back 463

1. stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for confusion or doubt

2. describing or representing sexual activity in a graphic fashion

Front 464

exposition

|ˌekspəˈzi sh ən|

Back 464

1. a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory

2. a large public exhibition of art or trade goods.

Front 465

expostulate

|ikˈspäs ch əˌlāt|

Back 465

express strong disapproval or disagreement

Front 466

expunge

|ikˈspənj|

Back 466

erase or remove completely (something unwanted or unpleasant)

Front 467

extant

|ˈekstənt; ekˈstant|

Back 467

(esp. of a document) still in existence; surviving

Front 468

extenuate

|ikˈstenyəˌwāt|

Back 468

make (guilt or an offense) seem less serious or more forgivable

Front 469

extirpate

|ˈekstərˌpāt|

Back 469

root out and destroy completely

Front 470

extol

|ikˈstōl|

Back 470

praise enthusiastically

Front 471

extort

|ikˈstôrt|

Back 471

obtain (something) by force, threats, or other unfair means

Front 472

extraneous

|ikˈstrānēəs|

Back 472

irrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with

SYNONYMS: irrelevant, immaterial, beside the point, unrelated

Front 473

extrapolate

|ikˈstrapəˌlāt|

Back 473

extend the application of (a method or conclusion, esp. one based on statistics) to an unknown situation by assuming that existing trends will continue or similar methods will be applicable

Front 474

extricate

|ˈekstriˌkāt|

Back 474

free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty

Front 475

extrinsic

|ikˈstrinzik; -sik|

Back 475

not part of the essential nature of someone or something; coming or operating from outside

Front 476

facade

|fəˈsäd| (also façade)

Back 476

1. the face of a building, esp. the principal front that looks onto a street or open space.

2. (figurative) an outward appearance that is maintained to conceal a less pleasant or creditable reality

Front 477

facet

|ˈfasət|

Back 477

1. one side of something many-sided, esp. of a cut gem.

2. a particular aspect or feature of something

Front 478

facetious

|fəˈsē sh əs|

Back 478

treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor; flippant.

Front 479

fallacy

|ˈfaləsē|

Back 479

a mistaken belief, esp. one based on unsound argument

Front 480

fanatic

|fəˈnatik|

Back 480

a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, esp. for an extreme religious or political cause

Front 481

fastidious

|fasˈtidēəs|

Back 481

1. very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail

2. very concerned about matters of cleanliness

Front 482

fatuous

|ˈfa ch oōəs|

Back 482

silly and pointless

Front 483

fecund

|ˈfekənd; ˈfē-|

Back 483

producing or capable of producing an abundance of offspring or new growth; fertile

Front 484

felicitous

|fəˈlisətəs|

Back 484

well chosen or suited to the circumstances
• pleasing and fortunate

Front 485

fervent

|ˈfərvənt|

Back 485

having or displaying a passionate intensity

Front 486

fester

|ˈfestər|

Back 486

1. (of a wound or sore) become septic; suppurate

2. (of food or garbage) become rotten and offensive to the senses

3. become worse or more intense, esp. through long-term neglect or indifference

Front 487

fiat

|ˈfēət; ˈfēˌät|

Back 487

a formal authorization or proposition; a decree

Front 488

flagrant

|ˈflāgrənt|

Back 488

(of something considered wrong or immoral) conspicuously or obviously offensive

Front 489

fledgling

|ˈflejli ng | (also fledgeling)

Back 489

1. a young bird that has just fledged.

2. a person or organization that is immature, inexperienced, or underdeveloped

Front 490

florid

|ˈflôrid; ˈflär-|

Back 490

1. having a red or flushed complexion

2. elaborately or excessively intricate or complicated

Front 491

flourish

|ˈfləri sh |

Back 491

1. (of a person, animal, or other living organism) grow or develop in a healthy or vigorous way, esp. as the result of a particularly favorable environment

2. wave (something) around to attract the attention of others

Front 492

flout

|flout|

Back 492

openly disregard (a rule, law or convention)

Front 493

flux

|fləks|

Back 493

1. the action or process of flowing or flowing out

2. continuous change

Front 494

foment

|ˈfōˌment; fōˈment|

Back 494

instigate or stir up (an undesirable or violent sentiment or course of action)

Front 495

foray

|ˈfôrˌā; ˈfärˌā|

Back 495

(n.)
1. a sudden attack or incursion into enemy territory, esp. to obtain something; a raid

2. an attempt to become involved in a new activity or sphere

(v.) make or go on a foray

Front 496

forebode

|fôrˈbōd|

Back 496

1. (of a situation or occurrence) act as a warning of (something bad)

2. have a presentiment of (something bad)

Front 497

forensic

|fəˈrenzik; -sik|

Back 497

(adj.) of, relating to, or denoting the application of scientific methods and techniques to the investigation of crime

(n.) scientific tests or techniques used in connection with the detection of crime.

Front 498

forestall

|fôrˈstôl|

Back 498

1. prevent or obstruct (an anticipated event or action) by taking action ahead of time

2. act in advance of (someone) in order to prevent them from doing something

Front 499

fortuitous

|fôrˈtoōətəs|

Back 499

happening by accident or chance rather than design

Front 500

frenetic

|frəˈnetik|

Back 500

fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way

Front 501

frivolous

|ˈfrivələs|

Back 501

not having any serious purpose or value

• (of a person) carefree and not serious.

Front 502

frugal

|ˈfroōgəl|

Back 502

sparing or economical with regard to money or food

• simple and plain and costing little

Front 503

fruition

|froōˈi sh ən|

Back 503

the point at which a plan or project is realized

Front 504

fulminate

|ˈfoŏlməˌnāt; ˈfəl-|

Back 504

express vehement protest

Front 505

fulsome

|ˈfoŏlsəm|

Back 505

1. complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree

2. of large size or quantity; generous or abundant

Front 506

furtive

|ˈfərtiv|

Back 506

attempting to avoid notice or attention, typically because of guilt or a belief that discovery would lead to trouble; secretive

• suggestive of guilty nervousness

Front 507

futile

|ˈfyoōtl; -ˌtil|

Back 507

incapable of producing any useful result; pointless

Front 508

gainsay

|ˌgānˈsā; ˈgānˌsā|

Back 508

deny or contradict (a fact or statement)

• speak against or oppose (someone).

Front 509

gambit

|ˈgambit|

Back 509

1. (in chess) an opening in which a player makes a sacrifice, typically of a pawn, for the sake of some compensating advantage.

2. a device, action, or opening remark, typically one entailing a degree of risk, that is calculated to gain an advantage

Front 510

gamut

|ˈgamət|

Back 510

the complete range or scope of something

Front 511

garble

|ˈgärbəl|

Back 511

reproduce (a message, sound, or transmission) in a confused and distorted way

Front 512

garrulous

|ˈgar(y)ələs|
[gar-uh-luhs]

Back 512

excessively talkative, esp. on trivial matters

Front 513

genre

|ˈ zh änrə|

Back 513

a category of artistic composition, as in music or literature, characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

Front 514

germane

|jərˈmān|

Back 514

relevant to a subject under consideration

Front 515

germinate

|ˈjərməˌnāt|

Back 515

1. (of a seed or spore) begin to grow and put out shoots after a period of dormancy.

2. come into existence and develop

Front 516

gratis

|ˈgratis|

Back 516

without charge; free

Front 517

gratuitous

|grəˈt(y)oōitəs|

Back 517

1. uncalled for; lacking good reason; unwarranted

2. given or done free of charge

Front 518

grave

|grāv|

Back 518

(adj.)
giving cause for alarm; serious

• serious or solemn in manner or appearance; somber

Front 519

gregarious

|griˈge(ə)rēəs|

Back 519

(of a person) fond of company; sociable

(of animals) living in flocks or loosely organized communities

(of plants) growing in open clusters or in pure associations.

Front 520

grovel

|ˈgrävəl; ˈgrə-|

Back 520

1. lie or move abjectly on the ground with one's face downward

2. act in an obsequious manner in order to obtain someone's forgiveness or favor

Front 521

guile

|gīl|

Back 521

sly or cunning intelligence

Front 522

guise

|gīz|

Back 522

an external form, appearance, or manner of presentation, typically concealing the true nature of something

Front 523

gullible

|ˈgələbəl|

Back 523

easily persuaded to believe something; credulous

Front 524

hackneyed

|ˈhaknēd|

Back 524

(of a phrase or idea) lacking significance through having been overused; unoriginal and trite

Front 525

haphazard

|ˌhapˈhazərd|

Back 525

lacking any obvious principle of organization

Front 526

hapless

|ˈhaplis|

Back 526

(esp. of a person) unfortunate

Front 527

harbinger

|ˈhärbənjər|

Back 527

1. a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another

2. a forerunner of something

Front 528

haughty

|ˈhôtē|

Back 528

arrogantly superior and disdainful

Front 529

hedonism

|ˈhēdnˌizəm|

Back 529

the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

Front 530

hegemony

|həˈjemənē; ˈhejəˌmōnē|

Back 530

leadership or dominance, esp. by one country or social group over others

Front 531

heinous

|ˈhānəs|

Back 531

(of a person or wrongful act, esp. a crime) utterly odious or wicked

Front 532

heresy

|ˈherəsē|

Back 532

belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious (esp. Christian) doctrine

Front 533

hermetic

|hərˈmetik|

Back 533

1. (of a seal or closure) complete and airtight

2. of or relating to an ancient occult tradition encompassing alchemy, astrology, and theosophy.
• esoteric; cryptic

Front 534

heterodox

|ˈhetərəˌdäks|

Back 534

not conforming with accepted or orthodox standards or beliefs

Front 535

heterogeneous

|ˌhetərəˈjēnēəs|

Back 535

diverse in character or content

Front 536

hiatus

|hīˈātəs|

Back 536

a pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process

Front 537

hindrance

|ˈhindrəns|

Back 537

a thing that provides resistance, delay, or obstruction to something or someone

Front 538

homage

|ˈ(h)ämij|

Back 538

special honor or respect shown publicly

Front 539

homogeneous

|ˌhōməˈjēnēəs|

Back 539

of the same kind; alike

Front 540

hubris

|ˈ(h)yoōbris|

Back 540

excessive pride or self-confidence.

Front 541

hyperbole

|hīˈpərbəlē|

Back 541

exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

Front 542

hypocrite

|ˈhipəˌkrit|

Back 542

1. a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

2. a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

Front 543

hypothetical

|ˌhīpəˈθetikəl|

Back 543

of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis

Front 544

iconoclast

|īˈkänəˌklast|

Back 544

1. a person who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions.

2. a destroyer of images used in religious worship, in particular

Front 545

ideology

|ˌīdēˈäləjē; ˌidē-|

Back 545

the ideas and manner of thinking characteristic of a group, social class, or individual

Front 546

idiom

|ˈidēəm|

Back 546

a group of words established by usage as having a meaning not deducible from those of the individual words

Front 547

idiosyncrasy

|ˌidēəˈsi ng krəsē|

Back 547

1. a mode of behavior or way of thought peculiar to an individual

2. a distinctive or peculiar feature or characteristic of a place or thing

Front 548

ignominious

|ˌignəˈminēəs|

Back 548

deserving or causing public disgrace or shame

Front 549

imbroglio

|imˈbrōlyō|

Back 549

an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation

Front 550

imbue

|imˈbyoō|

Back 550

inspire or permeate with a feeling or quality

Front 551

imminent

|ˈimənənt|

Back 551

about to happen

Front 552

immolate

|ˈiməˌlāt|

Back 552

kill or offer as a sacrifice, esp. by burning.

Front 553

immutable

|iˈmyoōtəbəl|

Back 553

unchanging over time or unable to be changed

Front 554

impeccable

|imˈpekəbəl|

Back 554

(of behavior, performance, or appearance) in accordance with the highest standards of propriety; faultless

Front 555

impecunious

|ˌimpəˈkyoōnēəs|

Back 555

having little or no money

Front 556

impediment

|imˈpedəmənt|

Back 556

a hindrance or obstruction in doing something

Front 557

impervious

|imˈpərvēəs|

Back 557

1. not allowing fluid to pass through

2. unable to be affected by

Front 558

impetuous

|imˈpe ch oōəs|

Back 558

acting or done quickly and without thought or care

• moving forcefully or rapidly

Front 559

implacable

|imˈplakəbəl|

Back 559

unable to be placated
• relentless; unstoppable

Front 560

implicate

|ˈimpliˌkāt|

Back 560

1. show (someone) to be involved in a crime

2. convey (a meaning or intention) indirectly through what one says, rather than stating it explicitly; imply

Front 561

implicit

|imˈplisit|

Back 561

1. implied though not plainly expressed

2. with no qualification or question; absolute

Front 562

implore

|imˈplôr|

Back 562

beg someone earnestly or desperately to do something

Front 563

importunate

|imˈpôr ch ənit|

Back 563

persistent, esp. to the point of annoyance or intrusion

Front 564

imprecation

|ˌimpriˈkā sh ən|

Back 564

a spoken curse

Front 565

impromptu

|imˈpräm(p)ˌt(y)oō|

Back 565

done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed

Front 566

impugn

|imˈpyoōn|

Back 566

dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); call into question

Front 567

impunity

|imˈpyoōnitē|

Back 567

exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action

Front 568

inadvertent

|ˌinədˈvərtnt|

Back 568

not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning

•(of a mistake) made through lack of care.

Front 569

inalienable

|inˈālēənəbəl|

Back 569

unable to be taken away from or given away by the possessor

Front 570

inane

|iˈnān|

Back 570

silly; stupid

Front 571

inaugurate

|inˈôg(y)əˌrāt|

Back 571

1. begin or introduce (a system, policy, or period)

2. admit (someone) formally to public office

3. mark the beginning or first public use of (an organization or project)

Front 572

incandescent

|ˌinkənˈdesənt|

Back 572

1. emitting light as a result of being heated

2. extremely angry

3. of outstanding and exciting quality; brilliant

Front 573

incarcerate

|inˈkärsəˌrāt|

Back 573

imprison

confine (someone) in a particular place

Front 574

incendiary

|inˈsendēˌerē|

Back 574

1. (of a device or attack) designed to cause fires

2. tending to stir up conflict

3. very exciting

Front 575

incense

noun |ˈinˌsens|
verb |inˈsens|

Back 575

(n.) a gum, spice, or other substance that is burned for the sweet smell it produces.
• the smoke or perfume of such a substance.

(v.) to perfume with incense or a similar fragrance

Front 576

inception

|inˈsep sh ən|

Back 576

the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity

Front 577

incessant

|inˈsesənt|

Back 577

(of something regarded as unpleasant) continuing without pause or interruption

Front 578

incidental

|ˌinsiˈdentl|

Back 578

1. accompanying but not a major part of something

2. liable to happen as a consequence of (an activity)

Front 579

incipient

|inˈsipēənt|

Back 579

in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop

• (of a person) developing into a specified type or role

Front 580

incisive

|inˈsīsiv|

Back 580

(of a person or mental process) intelligently analytical and clear-thinking

(of an account) accurate and sharply focused

Front 581

incite

|inˈsīt|

Back 581

encourage or stir up (violent or unlawful behavior)

• urge or persuade (someone) to act in a violent or unlawful way

Front 582

incoherent

|ˌinkōˈhi(ə)rənt; ˌi ng-; -ˈher-|

Back 582

(of spoken or written language) expressed in an incomprehensible or confusing way; unclear

Front 583

incongruous

|inˈkä ng groōəs|

Back 583

not in harmony or keeping with the surroundings or other aspects of something

Front 584

incontrovertible

|inˌkäntrəˈvərtəbəl|

Back 584

not able to be denied or disputed

Front 585

incorrigible

|inˈkôrijəbəl; -ˈkär-|

Back 585

(of a person or their tendencies) not able to be corrected, improved, or reformed

Front 586

increment

|ˈi ng krəmənt; ˈin-|

Back 586

an increase or addition, esp. one of a series on a fixed scale

• (Mathematics) a small positive or negative change in a variable quantity or function.

Front 587

inculcate

|inˈkəlˌkāt; ˈinkəl-|

Back 587

instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction

Front 588

incursion

|inˈkər zh ən|

Back 588

an invasion or attack, esp. a sudden or brief one

Front 589

indefatigable

|ˌindəˈfatigəbəl|

Back 589

(of a person or their efforts) persisting tirelessly

Front 590

indelible

|inˈdeləbəl|

Back 590

not able to be forgotten or removed

Front 591

indict

|inˈdīt|

Back 591

formally accuse or charge (someone) with a serious crime

Front 592

indigenous

|inˈdijənəs|

Back 592

originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native

Front 593

indolent

|ˈindələnt|

Back 593

wanting to avoid activity or exertion; lazy.

Front 594

indomitable

|inˈdämitəbəl|

Back 594

impossible to subdue or defeat

Front 595

induce

|inˈd(y)oōs|

Back 595

1. succeed in persuading or influencing (someone) to do something

2. bring about or give rise to

Front 596

ineffable

|inˈefəbəl|

Back 596

too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words

Front 597

ineluctable

|ˌiniˈləktəbəl|

Back 597

unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable

Front 598

inert

|iˈnərt|

Back 598

lacking the ability or strength to move

• lacking vigor : an inert political system.
• chemically inactive.

Front 599

inexorable

|inˈeksərəbəl|

Back 599

impossible to stop or prevent

Front 600

infamous

|ˈinfəməs|

Back 600

well known for some bad quality or deed

Front 601

infer

|inˈfər|

Back 601

deduce or conclude (information) from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements

USAGE There is a distinction in meaning between infer and imply. In the sentence: the speaker implied that the general had been a traitor, the word implied means that something in the speaker's words 'suggested' that this man was a traitor (although nothing so explicit was actually stated). However, in | we inferred from his words that the general had been a traitor, the word inferred means that something in the speaker's words enabled the listeners to 'deduce' that the man was a traitor. The two words infer and imply can describe the same event, but from different angles. Mistakes occur when infer is used to mean imply, as in | are you inferring that I'm a liar? (instead of | are you implying that I'm a liar?).

Front 602

infest

|inˈfest|

Back 602

(of insects or animals) be present (in a place or site) in large numbers, typically so as to cause damage or disease

Front 603

infiltrate

|ˈinfilˌtrāt; inˈfil-|

Back 603

enter or gain access to (an organization, place, etc.) surreptitiously and gradually, esp. in order to acquire secret information

Front 604

infrastructure

|ˈinfrəˌstrək ch ər|

Back 604

the basic, underlying framework or features of a system or organization

Front 605

infringe

|inˈfrinj|

Back 605

1. actively break the terms of (a law, agreement, etc.)

2. act so as to limit or undermine (something); encroach on

Front 606

ingenuous

|inˈjenyoōəs|

Back 606

(of a person or action) innocent and unsuspecting

Front 607

ingratiate

|inˈgrā sh ēˌāt|

Back 607

bring oneself into favor with someone by flattering or trying to please them

Front 608

inherent

|inˈhi(ə)rənt; -ˈher-|

Back 608

existing in something as a permanent, essential, or characteristic attribute

Front 609

innate

|iˈnāt|

Back 609

inborn; natural

Front 610

innocuous

|iˈnäkyoōəs|

Back 610

not harmful or offensive

Front 611

innuendo

|ˌinyoōˈendō|

Back 611

an allusive or oblique remark or hint, typically a suggestive or disparaging one

Front 612

insatiable

|inˈsā sh əbəl|

Back 612

(of an appetite or desire) impossible to satisfy

Front 613

inscrutable

|inˈskroōtəbəl|

Back 613

impossible to understand or interpret

Front 614

insidious

|inˈsidēəs|

Back 614

1. intended to entrap or beguile

2. stealthily treacherous or deceitful

3. operating or proceeding in an inconspicuous or seemingly harmless way but actually with grave effect

Front 615

insipid

|inˈsipid|

Back 615

1. lacking vigor or interest

2. lacking flavor

Front 616

insolvent

|inˈsälvənt|

Back 616

unable to pay debts owed

Front 617

insouciance

|inˈsoōsēəns; ˌa n soōˈsyä n s|

Back 617

casual lack of concern; indifference

Front 618

instigate

|ˈinstiˌgāt|

Back 618

1. bring about or initiate (an action or event)

2. incite someone to do something, esp. something bad

Front 619

insular

|ˈins(y)ələr|

Back 619

ignorant of or uninterested in cultures, ideas, or peoples outside one's own experience

Front 620

insurgent

|inˈsərjənt|

Back 620

rising in active revolt

Front 621

integral

|ˈintigrəl; inˈteg-|

Back 621

necessary to make a whole complete; essential or fundamental

Front 622

intelligible

|inˈtelijəbəl|

Back 622

able to be understood; comprehensible

Front 623

intemperate

|inˈtemp(ə)rit|

Back 623

1. having or showing a lack of self-control; immoderate

2. given to or characterized by excessive indulgence, esp. in alcohol

Front 624

interim

|ˈintərəm|

Back 624

(n.) the intervening time

(adj.) in or for the intervening period; provisional or temporary

Front 625

interloper

|ˈintərˌlōpər; ˌintərˈlōpər|

Back 625

a person who becomes involved in a place or situation where they are not wanted or are considered not to belong.

Front 626

interlude

|ˈintərˌloōd|

Back 626

1. an intervening period of time

2. something performed during a theater intermission

Front 627

intermittent

|ˌintərˈmitnt|

Back 627

occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady

Front 628

intersperse

|ˌintərˈspərs|

Back 628

scatter among or between other things; place here and there

Front 629

interstice

|inˈtərstis|

Back 629

an intervening space, esp. a very small one

Front 630

intervene

|ˌintərˈvēn|

Back 630

come between so as to prevent or alter a result or course of events

Front 631

intractable

|inˈtraktəbəl|

Back 631

hard to control or deal with

Front 632

intransigent

|inˈtransijənt; -zi-|

Back 632

unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about something.

Front 633

intrepid

|inˈtrepid|

Back 633

fearless; adventurous (often used for rhetorical or humorous effect)

Front 634

intrinsic

|inˈtrinzik; -sik|

Back 634

belonging naturally; essential

Front 635

introspective

|ˌintrəˈspektiv|

Back 635

consider one's own internal state or feelings

to look into or examine (one's own mind, feelings, etc.)

Front 636

inundate

|ˈinənˌdāt|

Back 636

overwhelm (someone) with things or people to be dealt with

flood

Front 637

inure

|iˈn(y)oŏr| (also enure)

Back 637

(usu. be inured to) accustom (someone) to something, esp. something unpleasant

Front 638

invective

|inˈvektiv|

Back 638

insulting, abusive, or highly critical language

Front 639

inveigh

|inˈvā|

Back 639

speak or write about (something) with great hostility

Front 640

inveterate

|inˈvetərit|

Back 640

having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-established and unlikely to change

Front 641

invidious

|inˈvidēəs|

Back 641

(of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment or anger in others

Front 642

invincible

|inˈvinsəbəl|

Back 642

too powerful to be defeated or overcome

Front 643

irascible

|iˈrasəbəl|

Back 643

easily made angry

Front 644

iridescent

|ˌiriˈdesənt|

Back 644

showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.

Front 645

ironic

|īˈränik|

Back 645

happening in the opposite way to what is expected, and typically causing wry amusement because of this

Front 646

irresolute

|i(r)ˈrezəˌloōt|

Back 646

showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain

Front 647

irreverent

|iˈrev(ə)rənt|

Back 647

showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally taken seriously

Front 648

juxtapose

|ˈjəkstəˌpōz; ˌjəkstəˈpōz|

Back 648

to place close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast.

Front 649

kindle

|ˈkindl|

Back 649

1. light or set on fire.

2. arouse or inspire (an emotion or feeling)

Front 650

kinetic

|kəˈnetik|

Back 650

of, relating to, or resulting from motion.

Front 651

labyrinth

|ˈlab(ə)ˌrinθ|

Back 651

a complicated irregular network of passages or paths in which it is difficult to find one's way; a maze

Front 652

laconic

|ləˈkänik|

Back 652

(of a person, speech, or style of writing) using very few words

Front 653

lascivious

|ləˈsivēəs|

Back 653

(of a person, manner, or gesture) feeling or revealing an overt and often offensive sexual desire

Front 654

lassitude

|ˈlasəˌt(y)oōd|

Back 654

a state of physical or mental weariness; lack of energy

Front 655

latent

|ˈlātnt|

Back 655

(of a quality or state) existing but not yet developed or manifest; hidden; concealed

Front 656

latitude

|ˈlatəˌt(y)oōd|

Back 656

1. scope for freedom of action or thought

2. the angular distance of a place north or south of the earth's equator, or of a celestial object north or south of the celestial equator, usually expressed in degrees and minutes

Front 657

laudatory

|ˈlôdəˌtôrē|

Back 657

(of speech or writing) expressing praise and commendation

Front 658

lavish

|ˈlavi sh |

Back 658

1.sumptuously rich, elaborate, or luxurious

2. spent or given in profusion

Front 659

legacy

|ˈlegəsē|

Back 659

1. a thing handed down by a predecessor

2. an amount of money or property left to someone in a will.

Front 660

legitimate

|liˈjitəmit|

Back 660

conforming to the law or to rules

Front 661

lethargic

|ləˈθärjik|

Back 661

affected by lethargy; sluggish and apathetic

Front 662

levity

|ˈlevətē|

Back 662

humor or frivolity, esp. the treatment of a serious matter with humor or in a manner lacking due respect

Front 663

liaison

|ˈlēəˌzän; lēˈā-|

Back 663

communication or cooperation that facilitates a close working relationship between people or organizations

•a person who acts as a link to assist communication or cooperation between groups of people

Front 664

libel

|ˈlībəl|

Back 664

a published false statement that is damaging to a person's reputation; a written defamation

Front 665

licentious

|līˈsen sh əs|

Back 665

promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters.

Front 666

lionize

|ˈlīəˌnīz|

Back 666

give a lot of public attention and approval to (someone); treat as a celebrity

Front 667

litany

|ˈlitn-ē|

Back 667

1. a series of petitions for use in church services or processions, usually recited by the clergy and responded to in a recurring formula by the people.

2. a tedious recital or repetitive series

Front 668

litigate

|ˈlitəˌgāt|

Back 668

go to law; be a party to a lawsuit.

Front 669

livid

|ˈlivid|

Back 669

furiously angry

Front 670

loath

|lōθ; lōð|

Back 670

reluctant; unwilling

Front 671

loquacious

|lōˈkwā sh əs|

Back 671

talkative

Front 672

lucid

|ˈloōsid|

Back 672

1. expressed clearly; easy to understand

2. showing ability to think clearly, esp. in the intervals between periods of confusion or insanity : he has a few lucid moments every now and then.

• Psychology (of a dream) experienced with the dreamer feeling awake, aware of dreaming, and able to control events consciously.

Front 673

ludicrous

|ˈloōdəkrəs|

Back 673

so foolish, unreasonable, or out of place as to be amusing; ridiculous

Front 674

lugubrious

|ləˈg(y)oōbrēəs|

Back 674

looking or sounding sad and dismal

Front 675

luminous

|ˈloōmənəs|

Back 675

1. full of or shedding light; bright or shining, esp. in the dark

2. glowing with health, vigor, or a particular emotion

Front 676

luster

|ˈləstər|

Back 676

1. a gentle sheen or soft glow, esp. that of a partly reflective surface

2. (figurative) glory or distinction

Front 677

magnanimous

|magˈnanəməs|

Back 677

very generous or forgiving, esp. toward a rival or someone less powerful than oneself.

Front 678

malapropism

|ˈmaləˌpräp izm|

Back 678

the mistaken use of a word in place of a similar-sounding one, often with unintentionally amusing effect, as in, for example, “dance a flamingo ” (instead of flamenco).

Front 679

malevolent

|məˈlevələnt|

Back 679

having or showing a wish to do evil to others

Front 680

malice

|ˈmaləs|

Back 680

the intention or desire to do evil; ill will

Front 681

malignant

|məˈlignənt|

Back 681

very virulent or infectious

malevolent

Front 682

malleable

|ˈmalyəbəl; ˈmalēə-|

Back 682

1. able to be hammered or pressed permanently out of shape without breaking or cracking.

2. (figurative) easily influenced; pliable

Front 683

marginal

|ˈmärjənl|

Back 683

1. of, relating to, or situated at the edge or margin of something.

2. of secondary or minor importance; not central

Front 684

meager

|ˈmēgər|

Back 684

(of something provided or available) lacking in quantity or quality

Front 685

meander

|mēˈandər|

Back 685

(of a person) wander at random

Front 686

mediocrity

|ˌmēdēˈäkrətē|

Back 686

the quality or state of being mediocre

Front 687

melee

|ˈmāˌlā; māˈlā|

Back 687

1. a confused fight, skirmish, or scuffle

2. a confused mass of people

Front 688

mellifluous

|məˈlifloōəs|

Back 688

(of a voice or words) sweet or musical; pleasant to hear

Front 689

menagerie

|məˈnajərē; -ˈna zh-|

Back 689

1. a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition

2. (figurative) a strange or diverse collection of people or things

Front 690

mendicant

|ˈmendikənt|

Back 690

given to begging.

Front 691

mentor

|ˈmenˌtôr; -tər|

Back 691

an experienced and trusted adviser

Front 692

meretricious

|merəˈtri sh əs|

Back 692

apparently attractive but having in reality no value or integrity

Front 693

metamorphosis

|ˌmetəˈmôrfəsəs|

Back 693

a change of the form or nature of a thing or person into a completely different one, by natural or supernatural means

Front 694

metaphor

|ˈmetəˌfôr; -fər|

Back 694

1. a figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable

2. a thing regarded as representative or symbolic of something else, esp. something abstract

Front 695

metaphysical

|ˌmetəˈfizikəl|

Back 695

transcending physical matter or the laws of nature

Front 696

meticulous

|məˈtikyələs|

Back 696

showing great attention to detail; very careful and precise

Front 697

minion

|ˈminyən|

Back 697

a follower or underling of a powerful person, esp. a servile or unimportant one.

SYNONYMS: underling, henchman, flunky, lackey, hanger-on, follower, servant, hireling, vassal, stooge, toady, sycophant; informal yes-man, trained seal, bootlicker, brown-noser, suck-up.

Front 698

misanthropy

|misˈsanθrəpē|

Back 698

a dislike of humankind.

Front 699

miserly

|ˈmīzərlē|

Back 699

pitiably small or inadequate

Front 700

misinformation

|ˌmisinfərˈmā sh ən|

Back 700

false or inaccurate information, esp. that which is deliberately intended to deceive

Front 701

misogyny

|məˈsäjənē|

Back 701

the hatred of women by men

Front 702

mitigate

|ˈmitəˌgāt|

Back 702

make less severe, serious, or painful

Front 703

mnemonic

|nəˈmänik|

Back 703

a device such as a pattern of letters, ideas, or associations that assists in remembering something.

Front 704

monolithic

|ˌmänəˈliθik|

Back 704

1. formed of a single large block of stone.

2. (of an organization or system) large, powerful, and intractably indivisible and uniform

Front 705

moratorium

|ˌmôrəˈtôrēəm; ˌmär-|

Back 705

a temporary prohibition of an activity

Front 706

mordant

|ˈmôrdnt|

Back 706

(esp. of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting

Front 707

morose

|məˈrōs; mô-|

Back 707

sullen and ill-tempered.

Front 708

motile

|ˈmōtl; ˈmōˌtīl|

Back 708

moving or capable of moving spontaneously

Front 709

multifarious

|ˌməlt(ə)ˈfe(ə)rēəs|

Back 709

having many varied parts or aspects

Front 710

multiplicity

|ˌməltəˈplisətē|

Back 710

a large number

Front 711

mundane

|ˌmənˈdān|

Back 711

lacking interest or excitement; dull

Front 712

munificent

|myoŏˈnifəsənt; myə-|

Back 712

(of a gift or sum of money) larger or more generous than is usual or necessary

(of a person) very generous.

Front 713

nadir

|ˈnādər; ˈnādi(ə)r|

Back 713

the lowest point in the fortunes of a person or organization

SYNONYMS; lowest point, lowest level, all-time low, bottom, rock-bottom; informal pits.

ANTONYM zenith.

Front 714

narcissism

|ˈnärsəˌsizəm|

Back 714

1. excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.

2. (Psychology) extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one's own talents and a craving for admiration, as characterizing a personality type.

Front 715

nebulous

|ˈnebyələs|

Back 715

in the form of a cloud or haze; hazy

Front 716

nefarious

|niˈfe(ə)rēəs|

Back 716

(typically of an action or activity) wicked or criminal

Front 717

nemesis

|ˈneməsis|

Back 717

1. the inescapable or implacable agent of someone's or something's downfall

2. a downfall caused by such an agent

Front 718

neophyte

|ˈnēəˌfīt|

Back 718

a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief

Front 719

nexus

|ˈneksəs|

Back 719

a connection or series of connections linking two or more things

Front 720

noisome

|ˈnoisəm|

Back 720

having an extremely offensive smell

Front 721

notorious

|nəˈtôrēəs; nō-|

Back 721

famous or well known, typically for some bad quality or deed

Front 722

noxious

|ˈnäk sh əs|

Back 722

harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant

Front 723

nullify

|ˈnələˌfī|

Back 723

1. make legally null and void; invalidate

2. make of no use or value; cancel out

Front 724

obdurate

|ˈäbd(y)ərit|

Back 724

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action

Front 725

obfuscate

|ˈäbfəˌskāt|

Back 725

render obscure, unclear, or unintelligible

Front 726

oblique

|əˈblēk; ōˈblēk|

Back 726

neither parallel nor at a right angle to a specified or implied line; slanting

Front 727

obliterate

|əˈblitəˌrāt|

Back 727

1. destroy utterly; wipe out

2. cause to become invisible or indistinct; blot out

Front 728

obscure

|əbˈskyoŏr|

Back 728

(adj.) not discovered or known about; uncertain
• hard to make out or define; vague

(v.) keep from being seen; conceal

Front 729

obsequious

|əbˈsēkwēəs|

Back 729

obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree

Front 730

obstinate

|ˈäbstənit|

Back 730

stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action, despite attempts to persuade one to do so

• (of an unwelcome phenomenon or situation) very difficult to change or overcome

Front 731

obstreperous

|əbˈstrepərəs; äb-|

Back 731

noisy and difficult to control

Front 732

obtrusive

|əbˈtroōsiv; äb-|

Back 732

noticeable or prominent in an unwelcome or intrusive way

Front 733

obtuse

|əbˈt(y)oōs; äb-|

Back 733

annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand

Front 734

obviate

|ˈäbvēˌāt|

Back 734

remove (a need or difficulty)

• avoid; prevent

Front 735

occlude

|əˈkloōd|

Back 735

stop, close up, or obstruct (an opening, orifice, or passage)

Front 736

officious

|əˈfi sh əs|

Back 736

1. assertive of authority in an annoyingly domineering way, esp. with regard to petty or trivial matters

2. intrusively enthusiastic in offering help or advice; interfering

Front 737

ominous

|ˈämənəs|

Back 737

giving the impression that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen; threatening; inauspicious

Front 738

omniscient

|ämˈni sh ənt|

Back 738

knowing everything

Front 739

onerous

|ˈōnərəs; ˈänərəs|

Back 739

(of a task, duty, or responsibility) involving an amount of effort and difficulty that is oppressively burdensome

Front 740

ontology

|änˈtäləjē|

Back 740

the branch of metaphysics dealing with the nature of being.

Front 741

opaque

|ōˈpāk|

Back 741

not able to be seen through; not transparent

•[figurative] (esp. of language) hard or impossible to understand; unfathomable

Front 742

opprobrium

|əˈprōbrēəm|

Back 742

harsh criticism or censure

Front 743

opulent

|ˈäpyələnt|

Back 743

ostentatiously rich and luxurious or lavish

Front 744

orthodox

|ˈôrθəˌdäks|

Back 744

(of a person or their views, esp. religious or political ones, or other beliefs or practices) conforming to what is generally or traditionally accepted as right or true; established and approved

(of a thing) of the ordinary or usual type; normal

Front 745

oscillate

|ˈäsəˌlāt|

Back 745

move or swing back and forth at a regular speed

Front 746

osmosis

|äzˈmōsis; äs-|

Back 746

a process by which molecules of a solvent tend to pass through a semipermeable membrane from a less concentrated solution into a more concentrated one, thus equalizing the concentrations on each side of the membrane.

• figurative the process of gradual or unconscious assimilation of ideas, knowledge, etc.

Front 747

ossify

|ˈäsəˌfī|

Back 747

turn into bone or bony tissue

• [often as adj. ] ( ossified) figurative cease developing; be stagnant or rigid

Front 748

ostensibly

|äˈstensiblē; əˈsten-|

Back 748

apparently or purportedly, but perhaps not actually

Front 749

ostentatious

|ˌästənˈtā sh əs|

Back 749

characterized by vulgar or pretentious display; designed to impress or attract notice

Front 750

overwrought

|ˈōvəˈrôt|

Back 750

in a state of nervous excitement or anxiety

Front 751

oxymoron

|ˌäksəˈmôrˌän|

Back 751

a figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction

Front 752

pacify

|ˈpasəˌfī|

Back 752

quell the anger, agitation, or excitement of

Front 753

paean

|ˈpēən|

Back 753

a song of praise or triumph.

• a thing that expresses enthusiastic praise

Front 754

palatable

|ˈpalətəbəl|

Back 754

(of food or drink) pleasant to taste

• (of an action or proposal) acceptable or satisfactory : a device that made increased taxation more palatable.

Front 755

palliate

|ˈpalēˌāt|

Back 755

make (a disease or its symptoms) less severe or unpleasant without removing the cause

• allay or moderate (fears or suspicions)
• disguise the seriousness or gravity of (an offense)

Front 756

palpable

|ˈpalpəbəl|

Back 756

able to be touched or felt

• (esp. of a feeling or atmosphere) so intense as to be almost touched or felt
• clear to the mind or plain to see

Front 757

pandemic

|panˈdemik|

Back 757

(adj.) (of a disease) prevalent over a whole country or the world.

(n.) an outbreak of such a disease

Front 758

panegyric

|ˌpanəˈjirik|

Back 758

a public speech or published text in praise of someone or something

Front 759

paradigm

|ˈparəˌdīm|

Back 759

a typical example or pattern of something; a model

• a worldview underlying the theories and methodology of a particular scientific subject

Front 760

paradox

|ˈparəˌdäks|

Back 760

a statement or proposition that, despite sound (or apparently sound) reasoning from acceptable premises, leads to a conclusion that seems senseless, logically unacceptable, or self-contradictory

• a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true

Front 761

paragon

|ˈparəˌgän; -gən|

Back 761

a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality

• a person or thing viewed as a model of excellence
• a perfect diamond of 100 carats or more.

Front 762

parameter

|pəˈramitər|

Back 762

a numerical or other measurable factor forming one of a set that defines a system or sets the conditions of its operation

• (in general use) a limit or boundary that defines the scope of a particular process or activity

Front 763

paranoia

|ˌparəˈnoiə|

Back 763

a mental condition characterized by delusions of persecution, unwarranted jealousy, or exaggerated self-importance, typically elaborated into an organized system. It may be an aspect of chronic personality disorder, of drug abuse, or of a serious condition such as schizophrenia in which the person loses touch with reality.
• suspicion and mistrust of people or their actions without evidence or justification

Front 764

pariah

|pəˈrīə|

Back 764

an outcast

Front 765

parody

|ˈparədē|

Back 765

an imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect

• an imitation or a version of something that falls far short of the real thing; a travesty

Front 766

parsimony

|ˈpärsəˌmōnē|

Back 766

extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources

Front 767

partisan

|ˈpärtəzən|

Back 767

(n.) a strong supporter of a party, cause, or person.

(adj.) prejudiced in favor of a particular cause

Front 768

pathology

|pəˈθäləjē|

Back 768

the science of the causes and effects of diseases, esp. the branch of medicine that deals with the laboratory examination of samples of body tissue for diagnostic or forensic purposes.

• mental, social, or linguistic abnormality or malfunction

Front 769

pathos

|ˈpāˌθäs; -ˌθôs|

Back 769

a quality that evokes pity or sadness

Front 770

paucity

|ˈpôsitē|

Back 770

the presence of something only in small or insufficient quantities or amounts; scarcity

Front 771

pedagogy

|ˈpedəˌgäjē; -ˌgōjē|

Back 771

the method and practice of teaching, esp. as an academic subject or theoretical concept

Front 772

pedantic

|pəˈdantik|

Back 772

overly concerned with minute details or formalisms, esp. in teaching

SYNONYMS: scrupulous, precise, exact, perfectionist, punctilious, meticulous, fussy, fastidious, finicky

Front 773

pedestrian

|pəˈdestrēən|

Back 773

a person walking along a road or in a developed area.

lacking inspiration or excitement; dull

Front 774

pejorative

|pəˈjôrətiv; ˈpejəˌrātiv|

Back 774

expressing contempt or disapproval

noun
a word expressing contempt or disapproval.

Front 775

pellucid

|pəˈloōsid|

Back 775

translucently clear

• lucid in style or meaning; easily understood
• (of music or other sound) clear and pure in tone

Front 776

penchant

|ˈpen ch ənt|

Back 776

a strong or habitual liking for something or tendency to do something

Front 777

penury

|ˈpenyərē|

Back 777

extreme poverty; destitution

Front 778

perfidious

|pərˈfidēəs|

Back 778

deceitful and untrustworthy

Front 779

perfunctory

|pərˈfə ng ktərē|

Back 779

(of an action or gesture) carried out with a minimum of effort or reflection

Front 780

peripheral

|pəˈrifərəl|

Back 780

of secondary or minor importance; marginal

Front 781

permeate

|ˈpərmēˌāt|

Back 781

spread throughout (something); pervade

Front 782

pernicious

|pərˈni sh əs|

Back 782

having a harmful effect, esp. in a gradual or subtle way

Front 783

perpetrate

|ˈpərpəˌtrāt|

Back 783

carry out or commit (a harmful, illegal, or immoral action)

Front 784

perpetuate

|pərˈpe ch oōˌāt|

Back 784

make (something, typically an undesirable situation or an unfounded belief) continue indefinitely

Front 785

perplex

|pərˈpleks|

Back 785

(of something complicated or unaccountable) cause (someone) to feel completely baffled

Front 786

perquisite

|ˈpərkwəzit|

Back 786

• a thing regarded as a special right or privilege enjoyed as a result of one's position

Front 787

persevere

|ˌpərsəˈvi(ə)r|

Back 787

continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success

Front 788

perspicacious

|ˌpərspiˈkā sh əs|

Back 788

having a ready insight into and understanding of things

Front 789

pertinent

|ˈpərtn-ənt|

Back 789

relevant or applicable to a particular matter; apposite

Front 790

perturbation

|ˌpərtərˈbā sh ən|

Back 790

1. anxiety; mental uneasiness
• a cause of such anxiety or uneasiness

2. a deviation of a system, moving object, or process from its regular or normal state of path, caused by an outside influence

Front 791

peruse

|pəˈroōz|

Back 791

read thoroughly or carefully

Front 792

pervade

|pərˈvād|

Back 792

(esp. of a smell) spread through and be perceived in every part of

• (of an influence, feeling, or quality) be present and apparent throughout

Front 793

pervasive

|pərˈvāsiv|

Back 793

(esp. of an unwelcome influence or physical effect) spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people

Front 794

petulant

|ˈpe ch ələnt|

Back 794

(of a person or their manner) childishly sulky or bad-tempered

Front 795

philanthropist

|fəˈlanθrəpist|

Back 795

a person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, esp. by the generous donation of money to good causes.

Front 796

phlegmatic

|flegˈmatik|

Back 796

(of a person) having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition.

Front 797

piety

|ˈpīətē|

Back 797

the quality of being religious or reverent

• the quality of being dutiful : filial piety.
• a belief or point of view that is accepted with unthinking conventional reverence

Front 798

pillory

|ˈpilərē|

Back 798

(noun)
a wooden framework with holes for the head and hands, in which an offender was imprisoned and exposed to public abuse.

(verb) attack or ridicule publicly

Front 799

piquant

|ˈpēkənt; -känt|

Back 799

having a pleasantly sharp taste or appetizing flavor.
• pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind.

Front 800

pique

|pēk|

Back 800

(n.) a feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, esp. to one's pride

(v.) stimulate (interest or curiosity)

2. feel irritated or resentful

Front 801

placate

|ˈplākāt|

Back 801

make (someone) less angry or hostile

Front 802

placebo

|pləˈsēbō|

Back 802

a harmless pill, medicine, or procedure prescribed more for the psychological benefit to the patient than for any physiological effect

• (figurative) a measure designed merely to calm or please someone.

Front 803

platitude

|ˈplatiˌt(y)oōd|

Back 803

a remark or statement, esp. one with a moral content, that has been used too often to be interesting or thoughtful : she began uttering liberal platitudes.

• the quality of being dull, ordinary, or trite

Front 804

plausible

|ˈplôzəbəl|

Back 804

(of an argument or statement) seeming reasonable or probable

• (of a person) skilled at producing persuasive arguments, esp. ones intended to deceive

Front 805

plethora

|ˈpleθərə|

Back 805

an excess of (something)

Front 806

pliable

|ˈplīəbəl|

Back 806

easily bent; flexible

• (figurative) easily influenced

Front 807

pluralism

|ˈploŏrəˌlizəm|

Back 807

a condition or system in which two or more states, groups, principles, sources of authority, etc., coexist.
• a form of society in which the members of minority groups maintain their independent cultural traditions.
• a political theory or system of power-sharing among a number of political parties.
• a theory or system of devolution and autonomy for individual bodies in preference to monolithic state control.
• Philosophy a theory or system that recognizes more than one ultimate principle

Front 808

polarize

|ˈpōləˌrīz|

Back 808

divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs

Front 809

polemic

|pəˈlemik|

Back 809

a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something

Front 810

ponderous

|ˈpändərəs|

Back 810

slow and clumsy because of great weight

• dull, laborious, or excessively solemn

Front 811

porous

|ˈpôrəs|

Back 811

(of a rock or other material) having minute spaces or holes through which liquid or air may pass.
• (figurative) not retentive or secure

Front 812

posthumous

|ˈpäs ch əməs; pästˈ(h)yoōməs|

Back 812

occurring, awarded, or appearing after the death of the originator

• (of a child) born after the death of its father.

Front 813

postulate

|ˈpäs ch əˌlāt|

Back 813

suggest or assume the existence, fact, or truth of (something) as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or belief

Front 814

pragmatic

|pragˈmatik|

Back 814

dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that is based on practical rather than theoretical considerations

Front 815

precarious

|priˈke(ə)rēəs|

Back 815

1. not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse

2. dependent on chance; uncertain

Front 816

precede

|priˈsēd|

Back 816

come before (something) in time

• come before in order or position

Front 817

precedent

|ˈpresid(ə)nt|

Back 817

an earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide to be considered in subsequent similar circumstances

Front 818

precept

|ˈprēˌsept|

Back 818

a general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought

Front 819

precipitous

|priˈsipətəs|

Back 819

dangerously high or steep

• (of a change to a worse situation or condition) sudden and dramatic

•(of an action) done suddenly and without careful consideration

Front 820

preclude

|priˈkloōd|

Back 820

prevent from happening; make impossible

• ( preclude someone from) (of a situation or condition) prevent someone from doing something

Front 821

precocious

|priˈkō sh əs|

Back 821

(of a child) having developed certain abilities or proclivities at an earlier age than usual

• (of behavior or ability) indicative of such development

Front 822

precursor

|ˈprēˌkərsər; priˈkər-|

Back 822

a person or thing that comes before another of the same kind; a forerunner

Front 823

predecessor

|ˈpredəˌsesər; ˈprē-|

Back 823

a person who held a job or office before the current holder

• a thing that has been followed or replaced by another

Front 824

predilection

|ˌpredlˈek sh ən; ˌprēdl-|

Back 824

a preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something

Front 825

predominant

|priˈdämənənt|

Back 825

present as the strongest or main element

• having or exerting control or power

Front 826

preemptive

|prēˈemptiv|

Back 826

serving or intended to preempt or forestall something, esp. to prevent attack by disabling the enemy

Front 827

preponderance

|priˈpändərəns|

Back 827

the quality or fact of being greater in number, quantity, or importance

Front 828

prescient

|ˈpre sh (ē)ənt; ˈprē-|

Back 828

having or showing knowledge of events before they take place

Front 829

presumptuous

|priˈzəmp ch (oō)əs|

Back 829

(of a person or their behavior) failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate

Front 830

presuppose

|ˌprēsəˈpōz|

Back 830

(of an action, process, or argument) require as a precondition of possibility or coherence

• [with clause ] tacitly assume at the beginning of a line of argument or course of action that something is the case

Front 831

pretense

|ˈprēˌtens; priˈtens|

Back 831

an attempt to make something that is not the case appear true

• a false display of feelings, attitudes, or intentions

Front 832

prevail

|priˈvāl|

Back 832

prove more powerful than opposing forces; be victorious

• be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current

Front 833

prevaricate

|priˈvariˌkāt|

Back 833

speak or act in an evasive way

Front 834

proactive

|prōˈaktiv|

Back 834

(of a person, policy, or action) creating or controlling a situation by causing something to happen rather than responding to it after it has happened

Front 835

probity

|ˈprōbitē|

Back 835

the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency

Front 836

proclivity

|prōˈklivətē; prə-|

Back 836

a tendency to choose or do something regularly; an inclination or predisposition toward a particular thing

Front 837

Procrustean

|prəˈkrəstēən; prō-|

Back 837

(esp. of a framework or system) enforcing uniformity or conformity without regard to natural variation or individuality

Front 838

procure

|prəˈkyoŏr; prō-|

Back 838

obtain (something), esp. with care or effort

Front 839

prodigal

|ˈprädigəl|

Back 839

(adj.) spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant

(n.) a person who spends money in a recklessly extravagant way.

Front 840

prodigious

|prəˈdijəs|

Back 840

remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree

Front 841

profligate

|ˈpräfligət; -ləˌgāt|

Back 841

recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources

• licentious; dissolute

Front 842

profuse

|prəˈfyoōs; prō-|

Back 842

(esp. of something offered or discharged) exuberantly plentiful; abundant

Front 843

proliferate

|prəˈlifəˌrāt|

Back 843

increase rapidly in numbers; multiply

Front 844

prolific

|prəˈlifik|

Back 844

1. (of a plant, animal, or person) producing much fruit or foliage or many offspring
• (of an artist, author, or composer) producing many works
• (of a sports player) high-scoring

2. present in large numbers or quantities; plentiful

Front 845

prolix

|prōˈliks|

Back 845

(of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy

Front 846

promulgate

|ˈpräməlˌgāt; prōˈməl-|

Back 846

promote or make widely known (an idea or cause)

Front 847

propagate

|ˈpräpəˌgāt|

Back 847

1. spread and promote (an idea, theory, knowledge, etc.) widely

2. transmit (motion, light, sound, etc.) in a particular direction or through a medium

Front 848

propensity

|prəˈpensətē|

Back 848

an inclination or natural tendency to behave in a particular way

Front 849

propinquity

|prəˈpi ng kwətē|

Back 849

the state of being close to someone or something; proximity

Front 850

propitiate

|prəˈpi sh ēˌāt|

Back 850

win or regain the favor of (a god, spirit, or person) by doing something that pleases them

Front 851

propitious

|prəˈpi sh əs|

Back 851

giving or indicating a good chance of success; favorable

Front 852

propound

|prəˈpound|

Back 852

put forward (an idea, theory, or point of view) for consideration by others

Front 853

prosaic

|prōˈzāik|

Back 853

having the style or diction of prose; lacking poetic beauty

• commonplace; unromantic

Front 854

proscribe

|prōˈskrīb|

Back 854

forbid, esp. by law

• denounce or condemn

Front 855

protean

|ˈprōtēən; prōˈtēən|

Back 855

tending or able to change frequently or easily

• able to do many different things; versatile

Front 856

protocol

|ˈprōtəˌkôl; -ˌkäl|

Back 856

the accepted or established code of procedure or behavior in any group, organization, or situation

Front 857

protrude

|prəˈtroōd; prō-|

Back 857

extend beyond or above a surface

Front 858

provincial

|prəˈvin sh əl|

Back 858

of or concerning the regions outside the capital city of a country

• unsophisticated or narrow-minded, esp. when considered as typical of such regions.

Front 859

prowess

|ˈprou-əs; ˈprōəs|

Back 859

skill or expertise in a particular activity or field

Front 860

proximity

|präkˈsimətē|

Back 860

nearness in space, time, or relationship

Front 861

prudent

|ˈproōdnt|

Back 861

acting with or showing care and thought for the future

Front 862

pundit

|ˈpəndit|

Back 862

an expert in a particular subject or field who is frequently called on to give opinions about it to the public

Front 863

pungent

|ˈpənjənt|

Back 863

having a sharply strong taste or smell

• (of comment, criticism, or humor) having a sharp and caustic quality.

Front 864

punitive

|ˈpyoōnətiv|

Back 864

inflicting or intended as punishment

• (of a tax or other charge) extremely high

Front 865

purport

|pərˈpôrt|

Back 865

appear or claim to be or do something, esp. falsely; profess

Front 866

putative

|ˈpyoōtətiv|

Back 866

generally considered or reputed to be

Front 867

qualm

|kwä(l)m; kwô(l)m|

Back 867

an uneasy feeling of doubt, worry, or fear, esp. about one's own conduct; a misgiving

Front 868

quandary

|ˈkwänd(ə)rē|

Back 868

a state of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation

Front 869

quasi-

|ˈkwāˌzī|

Back 869

seemingly; apparently but not really

Front 870

quell

|kwel|

Back 870

put an end to (a rebellion or other disorder), typically by the use of force

2. suppress (a feeling, esp. an unpleasant one)

Front 871

querulous

|ˈkwer(y)ələs|

Back 871

complaining in a petulant or whining manner

Front 872

quiescent

|kwēˈesnt; kwī-|

Back 872

in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy

Front 873

quintessential

|ˌkwintəˈsen ch əl|

Back 873

representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class

Front 874

quixotic

|kwikˈsätik|

Back 874

exceedingly idealistic; unrealistic and impractical

Front 875

ramification

|ˌraməfəˈkā sh ən|

Back 875

a consequence of an action or event, esp. when complex or unwelcome

Front 876

rampant

|ˈrampənt|

Back 876

(esp. of something unwelcome or unpleasant) flourishing or spreading unchecked

Front 877

rapacious

|rəˈpā sh əs|

Back 877

aggressively greedy or grasping

Front 878

rapport

|raˈpôr; rə-|

Back 878

a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well

Front 879

rational

|ˈra sh ənl; ˈra sh nəl|

Back 879

based on or in accordance with reason or logic

• (of a person) able to think clearly, sensibly, and logically

Front 880

rationale

|ˌra sh əˈnal|

Back 880

a set of reasons or a logical basis for a course of action or a particular belief

Front 881

raucous |ˈrôkəs|

Back 881

making or constituting a disturbingly harsh and loud noise

Front 882

rebuff

|riˈbəf|

Back 882

reject (someone or something) in an abrupt or ungracious manner

Front 883

rebut

|riˈbət|

Back 883

claim or prove that (evidence or an accusation) is false

Front 884

recalcitrant

|riˈkalsətrənt|

Back 884

having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline

Front 885

recant

|riˈkant|

Back 885

say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, esp. one considered heretical

Front 886

recidivist

|riˈsidəvist|

Back 886

(n.) a convicted criminal who reoffends, esp. repeatedly

(adj.) denoting such a person

Front 887

recluse

|ˈrekˌloōs; riˈkloōs; ˈrekˌloōz|

Back 887

a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people.

Front 888

recondite

|ˈrekənˌdīt; riˈkän-|

Back 888

(of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse

Front 889

rectify

|ˈrektəˌfī|

Back 889

put (something) right; correct

Front 890

redress

|riˈdres; ˈrēˌdres|

Back 890

remedy or set right (an undesirable or unfair situation)

Front 891

redundant

|riˈdəndənt|

Back 891

no longer needed or useful; superfluous

• (of words or data) able to be omitted without loss of meaning or function.

Front 892

refractory

|riˈfraktərē|

Back 892

1. stubborn or unmanageable

2. resistant to a process or stimulus

Front 893

refute

|riˈfyoōt|

Back 893

prove (a statement or theory) to be wrong or false; disprove

Front 894

relegate

|ˈreləˌgāt|

Back 894

consign or dismiss to an inferior rank or position

Front 895

remuneration

|riˌmyoōnəˈrā sh ən|

Back 895

money paid for work or a service.

Front 896

rend

|rend|

Back 896

tear (something) into two or more pieces

• (poetic/literary) cause great emotional pain to (a person or their heart).

Front 897

renounce

|riˈnouns|

Back 897

formally declare one's abandonment of (a claim, right, or possession)

Front 898

replete

|riˈplēt|

Back 898

filled or well-supplied with something

Front 899

replicate

|ˈrepliˌkāt|

Back 899

make an exact copy of; reproduce

Front 900

reprehensible

|ˌrepriˈhensəbəl|

Back 900

deserving censure or condemnation

Front 901

reprobate

|ˈreprəˌbāt|

Back 901

an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately)

Front 902

repudiate

|riˈpyoōdēˌāt|

Back 902

refuse to accept or be associated with

• deny the truth or validity of

Front 903

repugnant

|riˈpəgnənt|

Back 903

extremely distasteful; unacceptable

• (repugnant to) in conflict with; incompatible with

Front 904

rescind

|riˈsind|

Back 904

revoke, cancel, or repeal (a law, order, or agreement)

Front 905

residual

|riˈzijoōəl|

Back 905

remaining after the greater part or quantity has gone

Front 906

resilient

|riˈzilyənt|

Back 906

(of a substance or object) able to recoil or spring back into shape after bending, stretching, or being compressed

• (of a person or animal) able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions

Front 907

resolute

|ˈrezəˌloōt; -lət|

Back 907

admirably purposeful, determined, and unwavering

Front 908

respite

|ˈrespət; riˈspīt|

Back 908

a short period of rest or relief from something difficult or unpleasant

Front 909

resplendent

|riˈsplendənt|

Back 909

attractive and impressive through being richly colorful or sumptuous

Front 910

reticent

|ˈretəsənt|

Back 910

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

Front 911

retract

|riˈtrakt|

Back 911

draw or pull (something) back or back in

Front 912

retrospect

|ˈretrəˌspekt|

Back 912

a survey or review of a past course of events or period of time

•in retrospect when looking back on a past event or situation; with hindsight

Front 913

revamp

|rēˈvamp|

Back 913

give new and improved form, structure, or appearance to

Front 914

revulsion

|riˈvəl sh ən|

Back 914

a sense of disgust and loathing

Front 915

rife

|rīf|

Back 915

(esp. of something undesirable or harmful) of common occurrence; widespread

• ( rife with) full of

Front 916

rotund

|rōˈtənd; ˈrōˌtənd|

Back 916

(of a person) plump

• round or spherical : huge stoves held great rotund cauldrons.
• figurative (of speech or literary style) indulging in grandiloquent expression.

Front 917

rubric

|ˈroōbrik|

Back 917

a heading on a document.

• a statement of purpose or function
• a category

Front 918

rudimentary

|ˌroōdəˈment(ə)rē|

Back 918

involving or limited to basic principles

• of or relating to an immature, undeveloped, or basic form

Front 919

sacrilege

|ˈsakrəlij|

Back 919

violation or misuse of what is regarded as sacred

Front 920

sagacious

|səˈgā sh əs|

Back 920

having or showing keen mental discernment and good judgment; shrewd

Front 921

salient

|ˈsālyənt; -lēənt|

Back 921

most noticeable or important

• prominent; conspicuous

Front 922

salutary

|ˈsalyəˌterē|

Back 922

(esp. with reference to something unwelcome or unpleasant) producing good effects; beneficial

Front 923

sanction

|ˈsa ng (k) sh ən|

Back 923

1. a threatened penalty for disobeying a law or rule

2. official permission or approval for an action

Front 924

sanguine

|ˈsa ng gwin|

Back 924

cheerfully optimistic

Front 925

satire

|ˈsaˌtīr|

Back 925

the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

• a play, novel, film, or other work that uses satire

Front 926

saturnine

|ˈsatərˌnīn|

Back 926

(of a person or their manner) slow and gloomy

Front 927

savory

|ˈsāv(ə)rē|

Back 927

1. (of food) belonging to the category that is salty or spicy rather than sweet.

2. [usu. with negative ] morally wholesome or acceptable : everyone knew it was a front for less savory operations.

Front 928

scant

|skant|

Back 928

barely sufficient or adequate

Front 929

schism

|ˈs(k)izəm|

Back 929

a split or division between strongly opposed sections or parties, caused by differences in opinion or belief

Front 930

scrupulous

|ˈskroōpyələs|

Back 930

(of a person or process) diligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to details

Front 931

scrutiny

|ˈskroōtn-ē|

Back 931

critical observation or examination

Front 932

sedentary

|ˈsednˌterē|

Back 932

(of a person) tending to spend much time seated; somewhat inactive.

• (of work or a way of life) characterized by much sitting and little physical exercise.

Front 933

sedulous

|ˈsejələs|

Back 933

(of a person or action) showing dedication and diligence

Front 934

seminal

|ˈsemənl|

Back 934

of a work, event, moment, or figure) strongly influencing later developments

Front 935

sententious

|senˈten ch əs|

Back 935

given to moralizing in a pompous or affected manner

Front 936

sequester

|səˈkwestər|

Back 936

isolate or hide away (someone or something)

Front 937

serene

|səˈrēn|

Back 937

calm, peaceful, and untroubled; tranquil

Front 938

serpentine

|ˈsərpənˌtēn; -ˌtīn|

Back 938

• winding and twisting like a snake

• complex, cunning, or treacherous

Front 939

servile

|ˈsərvəl; -ˌvīl|

Back 939

having or showing an excessive willingness to serve or please others

Front 940

shard

| sh ärd|

Back 940

a piece of broken ceramic, metal, glass, or rock, typically having sharp edges

Front 941

simile

|ˈsiməlē|

Back 941

a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid

Front 942

sinuous

|ˈsinyoōəs|

Back 942

having many curves and turns : the river follows a sinuous trail through the forest.

• lithe and supple : the sinuous grace of a cat.

Front 943

sloth

|slôθ; släθ; slōθ|

Back 943

reluctance to work or make an effort; laziness

Front 944

slough

|slou; sloō|

Back 944

a swamp

• (figurative) a situation characterized by lack of progress or activity : the economic slough of the interwar years.
• a muddy side channel or inlet.

Front 945

solemn

|ˈsäləm|

Back 945

formal and dignified : a solemn procession.
• not cheerful or smiling; serious
• characterized by deep sincerity

Front 946

solicit

|səˈlisit|

Back 946

ask for or try to obtain (something) from someone

Front 947

somber

|ˈsämbər|

Back 947

1. dark or dull in color or tone; gloomy

2. oppressively solemn or sober in mood; grave

Front 948

soporific

|ˌsäpəˈrifik|

Back 948

tending to induce drowsiness or sleep

Front 949

spacious

|ˈspā sh əs|

Back 949

(esp. of a room or building) having ample space.

Front 950

spate

|spāt|

Back 950

a large number of similar things or events appearing or occurring in quick succession : a spate of attacks on travelers.

Front 951

specious

|ˈspē sh əs|

Back 951

superficially plausible, but actually wrong

• misleading in appearance, esp. misleadingly attractive

Front 952

spectrum

|ˈspektrəm|

Back 952

used to classify something, or suggest that it can be classified, in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme or opposite points : the left or the right of the political spectrum.

• a wide range : self-help books are covering a broader and broader spectrum.

Front 953

splenetic

|spləˈnetik|

Back 953

bad-tempered; spiteful

Front 954

spontaneous

|spänˈtānēəs|

Back 954

performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus

Front 955

sporadic

|spəˈradik|

Back 955

occurring at irregular intervals or only in a few places; scattered or isolated

Front 956

spurious

|ˈspyoŏrēəs|

Back 956

not being what it purports to be; false or fake

• (of a line of reasoning) apparently but not actually valid

Front 957

squalid

|ˈskwälid|

Back 957

(of a place) extremely dirty and unpleasant, esp. as a result of poverty or neglect

• showing or involving a contemptible lack of moral standards

Front 958

stagnant

|ˈstagnənt|

Back 958

(of a body of water or the atmosphere of a confined space) having no current or flow and often having an unpleasant smell as a consequence

• (figurative) showing no activity; dull and sluggish

Front 959

staid

|stād|

Back 959

sedate, respectable, and unadventurous

Front 960

static

|ˈstatik|

Back 960

lacking in movement, action, or change, esp. in a way viewed as undesirable or uninteresting

Front 961

stigma

|ˈstigmə|

Back 961

a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person

Front 962

stipulate

|ˈstēpyəˌlāt|

Back 962

demand or specify (a requirement), typically as part of a bargain or agreement

Front 963

stoic

|ˈstō-ik|

Back 963

a person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining.

Front 964

stratagem

|ˈstratəjəm|

Back 964

a plan or scheme, esp. one used to outwit an opponent or achieve an end

Front 965

stratify

|ˈstratəˌfī|

Back 965

arrange or classify

Front 966

stupor

|ˈst(y)oōpər|

Back 966

a state of near-unconsciousness or insensibility

Front 967

subjugate

|ˈsəbjəˌgāt|

Back 967

bring under domination or control, esp. by conquest

Front 968

subliminal

|səˈblimənl|

Back 968

(of a stimulus or mental process) below the threshold of sensation or consciousness; perceived by or affecting someone's mind without their being aware of it.

Front 969

subside

|səbˈsīd|

Back 969

1. become less intense, violent, or severe

2. (of water) go down to a lower or the normal level

Front 970

subsidize

|ˈsəbsəˌdīz|

Back 970

support (an organization or activity) financially

• pay part of the cost of producing (something) to reduce prices for the buyer

Front 971

substantiate

|səbˈstan ch ēˌāt|

Back 971

provide evidence to support or prove the truth of

Front 972

substantive

|ˈsəbstəntiv|

Back 972

having a firm basis in reality and therefore important, meaningful, or considerable

Front 973

subterfuge

|ˈsəbtərˌfyoōj|

Back 973

deceit used in order to achieve one's goal.
• a statement or action resorted to in order to deceive.

Front 974

subtle

|ˈsətl|

Back 974

(esp. of a change or distinction) so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe

Front 975

succinct

|sə(k)ˈsi ng (k)t|

Back 975

(esp. of something written or spoken) briefly and clearly expressed

Front 976

suffice

|səˈfīs|

Back 976

be enough or adequate

Front 977

suffuse

|səˈfyoōz|

Back 977

gradually spread through or over : her cheeks were suffused with color | the first half of the poem is suffused with idealism.

Front 978

sullen

|ˈsələn|

Back 978

bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy

Front 979

sumptuous

|ˈsəm(p) ch oōəs|

Back 979

splendid and expensive-looking

Front 980

sunder

|ˈsəndər|

Back 980

split apart

Front 981

superficial

|ˌsoōpərˈfi sh əl|

Back 981

existing or occurring at or on the surface

• not having or showing any depth of character or understanding

Front 982

superfluous

|soōˈpərfləwəs|

Back 982

unnecessary, esp. through being more than enough

Front 983

superlative

|səˈpərlətiv|

Back 983

(adj.) of the highest quality or degree

(n.) an exaggerated or hyperbolical expression of praise

Front 984

supersede

|ˌsoōpərˈsēd|

Back 984

take the place of (a person or thing previously in authority or use); supplant

Front 985

suppress

|səˈpres|

Back 985

forcibly put an end to

• prevent the development, action, or expression of (a feeling, impulse, idea, etc.); restrain

Front 986

surfeit

|ˈsərfət|

Back 986

an excessive amount of something

Front 987

surmise

|sərˈmīz|

Back 987

suppose that something is true without having evidence to confirm it

Front 988

surreptitious

|ˌsərəpˈti sh əs|

Back 988

kept secret, esp. because it would not be approved of

Front 989

susceptible

|səˈseptəbəl|

Back 989

likely or liable to be influenced or harmed by a particular thing

Front 990

sycophant

|ˈsikəfənt; -ˌfant|

Back 990

a person who acts obsequiously toward someone in order to gain advantage; a servile flatterer.

Front 991

synchronize

|ˈsi ng krəˌnīz|

Back 991

cause to occur or operate at the same time or rate

Front 992

synopsis

|səˈnäpsis|

Back 992

a brief summary or general survey of something

• an outline of the plot of a book, play, movie, or episode of a television show.

Front 993

syntax

|ˈsinˌtaks|

Back 993

the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language

Front 994

synthesis

|ˈsinθəsis|

Back 994

combination or composition, in particular

• the combination of ideas to form a theory or system

• the production of chemical compounds by reaction from simpler materials

Front 995

systemic

|səˈstemik|

Back 995

of or relating to a system, esp. as opposed to a particular part

Front 996

tacit

|ˈtasit|

Back 996

understood or implied without being stated

Front 997

taciturn

|ˈtasiˌtərn|

Back 997

(of a person) reserved or uncommunicative in speech; saying little.

Front 998

tangential

|tanˈjen ch əl|

Back 998

• diverging from a previous course or line; erratic : tangential thoughts.

• hardly touching a matter; peripheral : the reforms were tangential to efforts to maintain a basic standard of life.

Front 999

tangible

|ˈtanjəbəl|

Back 999

perceptible by touch

• clear and definite; real

Front 1000

taut

|tôt|

Back 1000

stretched or pulled tight; not slack : the fabric stays taut without adhesive.

• (esp. of muscles or nerves) tense; not relaxed.

• figurative (of writing, music, etc.) concise and controlled : a taut text of only a hundred and twenty pages.

Front 1001

tawdry

|ˈtôdrē|

Back 1001

showy but cheap and of poor quality
• sordid or unpleasant

Front 1002

tedium

|ˈtēdēəm|

Back 1002

the state of being tedious

Front 1003

teem

|tēm|

Back 1003

(adj.) be full of or swarming with

(v.) (of water, esp. rain) pour down; fall heavily

Front 1004

temerity

|təˈmeritē|

Back 1004

excessive confidence or boldness; audacity

Front 1005

tenacious

|təˈnā sh əs|

Back 1005

not readily letting go of, giving up, or separated from an object that one holds, a position, or a principle

• not easily dispelled or discouraged; persisting in existence or in a course of action

Front 1006

tendentious

|tenˈden sh əs|

Back 1006

expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of view, esp. a controversial one

Front 1007

tenuous

|ˈtenyoōəs|

Back 1007

very weak or slight

• very slender or fine; insubstantial

Front 1008

tepid

|ˈtepid|

Back 1008

(esp. of a liquid) only slightly warm; lukewarm.

• figurative showing little enthusiasm

Front 1009

terse

|tərs|

Back 1009

sparing in the use of words; abrupt

Front 1010

timorous

|ˈtimərəs|

Back 1010

showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence

Front 1011

tirade

|ˈtīˌrād; ˌtīˈrād|

Back 1011

a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation

Front 1012

torpid

|ˈtôrpid|

Back 1012

mentally or physically inactive; lethargic

Front 1013

tortuous

|ˈtôr ch oōəs|

Back 1013

full of twists and turns :

• excessively lengthy and complex

Front 1014

tractable

|ˈtraktəbəl|

Back 1014

(of a person or animal) easy to control or influence

• (of a situation or problem) easy to deal with

Front 1015

transcend

|tranˈsend|

Back 1015

be or go beyond the range or limits of (something abstract, typically a conceptual field or division)

• surpass (a person or an achievement).

Front 1016

transient

|ˈtran sh ənt; - zh ənt; -zēənt|

Back 1016

lasting only for a short time; impermanent

Front 1017

transitory

|ˈtransiˌtôrē; ˈtranzi-|

Back 1017

not permanent

Front 1018

translucent

|transˈloōsnt; tranz-|

Back 1018

(of a substance) allowing light, but not detailed images, to pass through; semitransparent

Front 1019

transparent

|tranˈspe(ə)rənt; -ˈspar-|

Back 1019

(of a material or article) allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen

• having thoughts, feelings, or motives that are easily perceived

Front 1020

transpire

|tranˈspī(ə)r|

Back 1020

occur; happen

Front 1021

trenchant

|ˈtren ch ənt|

Back 1021

vigorous or incisive in expression or style

Front 1022

trepidation

|ˌtrepiˈdā sh ən|

Back 1022

a feeling of fear or agitation about something that may happen

Front 1023

truculent

|ˈtrəkyələnt|

Back 1023

eager or quick to argue or fight; aggressively defiant

Front 1024

turbid

|ˈtərbid|

Back 1024

(of a liquid) cloudy, opaque, or thick with suspended matter

Front 1025

turbulence

|ˈtərbyələns|

Back 1025

violent or unsteady movement of air or water, or of some other fluid

• (figurative) conflict; confusion

Front 1026

turgid

|ˈtərjid|

Back 1026

swollen and distended or congested

• (of language or style) tediously pompous or bombastic

Front 1027

turpitude

|ˈtərpiˌt(y)oōd|

Back 1027

depravity; wickedness

Front 1028

ubiquitous

|yoōˈbikwətəs|

Back 1028

present, appearing, or found everywhere

Front 1029

ulterior

|ˌəlˈti(ə)rēər|

Back 1029

existing beyond what is obvious or admitted; intentionally hidden

Front 1030

unilateral

|ˌyoōnəˈlatərəl; -ˈlatrəl|

Back 1030

(of an action or decision) performed by or affecting only one person, group, or country involved in a particular situation, without the agreement of another or the others

Front 1031

unkempt

|ˌənˈkem(p)t|

Back 1031

(esp. of a person) having an untidy or disheveled appearance

Front 1032

unobtrusive

|ˌənəbˈtroōsiv|

Back 1032

not conspicuous or attracting attention

Front 1033

conspicuous

|kənˈspikyoōəs|

Back 1033

standing out so as to be clearly visible

Front 1034

untoward

|ˌənˈtôrd; -t(ə)ˈwôrd|

Back 1034

unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient

Front 1035

upbraid

|ˌəpˈbrād|

Back 1035

find fault with (someone); scold

Front 1036

Utopian

|yoōˈtōpēən| (also utopian)

Back 1036

modeled on or aiming for a state in which everything is perfect; idealistic

Front 1037

vacillate

|ˈvasəˌlāt|

Back 1037

alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive

Front 1038

vacuous

|ˈvakyəwəs|

Back 1038

having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence; mindless

Front 1039

vapid

|ˈvapid|

Back 1039

offering nothing that is stimulating or challenging

Front 1040

vehement

|ˈvēəmənt|

Back 1040

showing strong feeling; forceful, passionate, or intense

Front 1041

veneer

|vəˈni(ə)r|

Back 1041

(n.) an attractive appearance that covers or disguises someone or something's true nature or feelings : her veneer of composure cracked a little.

(v.) cover or disguise (someone or something's true nature) with an attractive appearance.

Front 1042

venerate

|ˈvenəˌrāt|

Back 1042

regard with great respect; revere

Front 1043

verdant

|ˈvərdnt|

Back 1043

(of countryside) green with grass or other rich vegetation.
• of the bright green color of lush grass

Front 1044

verity

|ˈveritē|

Back 1044

a true principle or belief, esp. one of fundamental importance

Front 1045

viable

|ˈvīəbəl|

Back 1045

capable of working successfully; feasible

Front 1046

vicarious

|vīˈkerēəs; vi-|

Back 1046

experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person

• acting or done for another : a vicarious atonement.

Front 1047

vilify

|ˈviləˌfī|

Back 1047

speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner

Front 1048

virtuoso

|ˌvər ch oōˈōsō|

Back 1048

a person highly skilled in music or another artistic pursuit

Front 1049

virulent

|ˈvir(y)ələnt|

Back 1049

1. (of a disease or poison) extremely severe or harmful in its effects.

2. bitterly hostile

Front 1050

vituperation

|vəˌt(y)oōpəˈrā sh ən; vī-|

Back 1050

bitter and abusive language

Front 1051

vociferous

|vəˈsifərəs; vō-|

Back 1051

(esp. of a person or speech) vehement or clamorous

Front 1052

volatile

|ˈvälətl|

Back 1052

liable to change rapidly and unpredictably, esp. for the worse

Front 1053

voluble

|ˈvälyəbəl|

Back 1053

speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently

Front 1054

voracious

|vəˈrā sh əs|

Back 1054

wanting or devouring great quantities of food

• having a very eager approach to an activity

Front 1055

warrant

|ˈwôrənt; ˈwä-|

Back 1055

(v.) justify or necessitate (a certain course of action)

Front 1056

zeal

|zēl|

Back 1056

great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective

Front 1057

gestalt

|gəˈ sh tält; -ˈ sh tôlt| (also Gestalt)

Back 1057

an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts.

Front 1058

salacious

|səˈlā sh əs|

Back 1058

(of writing, pictures, or talk) treating sexual matters in an indecent way and typically conveying undue interest in or enjoyment of the subject

• lustful; lecherous

Front 1059

denigrate

|ˈdeniˌgrāt|

Back 1059

criticize unfairly; disparage

Front 1060

accoutrement

|əˈkoōtərmənt; -trə-| (also accouterment)

Back 1060

additional items of dress or equipment, or other items carried or worn by a person or used for a particular activity

Front 1061

ethos

|ˈēθäs|

Back 1061

the characteristic spirit of a culture, era, or community as manifested in its beliefs and aspirations

Front 1062

cogent

|ˈkōjənt|

Back 1062

(of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing

Front 1063

impetus

|ˈimpitəs|

SYN:
1 the flywheel lost all its impetus momentum, propulsion, impulsion, motive force, driving force, drive, thrust; energy, force, power, push, strength.
2 the sales force were given fresh impetus motivation, stimulus, incitement, incentive, inducement, inspiration, encouragement, boost, fillip, springboard

Back 1063

the force or energy with which a body moves

• the force that makes something happen or happen more quickly

Front 1064

exegete

|ˈeksəˌjēt|

Back 1064

noun
an expounder or textual interpreter, esp. of scripture.

verb
expound or interpret (a text, esp. scripture)

Front 1065

exegesis

|ˌeksiˈjēsis|

Back 1065

critical explanation or interpretation of a text, esp. of scripture

Front 1066

penitent

|ˈpenitnt|

Back 1066

feeling or showing sorrow and regret for having done wrong; repentant

Front 1067

reprobate

|ˈreprəˌbāt|

Back 1067

noun
an unprincipled person (often used humorously or affectionately).

• archaic Christian Theology (esp. in Calvinism) a sinner who is not of the elect and is predestined to damnation.

adjective
unprincipled (often used as a humorous or affectionate reproach)

Front 1068

reticent

|ˈretəsənt|

Back 1068

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

reticence noun
reticently adverb

Front 1069

reticent

|ˈretəsənt|

Back 1069

not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily

reticence noun
reticently adverb

Front 1070

gravitas

|ˈgraviˌtäs|

Back 1070

dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner

Front 1071

bravado

|brəˈvädō|

Back 1071

a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.

SYN: showing off

Front 1072

gravitas

|ˈgraviˌtäs|

Back 1072

dignity, seriousness, or solemnity of manner

Front 1073

bravado

|brəˈvädō|

Back 1073

a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate.

SYN: showing off