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1000 Cards in this Set

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abase v
To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade
abbess n
The lady superior of a nunnery
abbey n
The group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of monks or nuns
abbot n
The superior of a community of monks
abdicate v
To give up (royal power or the like)
abdomen n
In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor; the belly
abdominal n
Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen
abduction n
A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally
abed adv
In bed; on a bed
aberration n
Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course
abet v
To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense)
abeyance n
A state of suspension or temporary inaction
abhorrence n
The act of detesting extremely
abhorrent adj
Very repugnant; hateful
abidance n
An abiding
abject adj
Sunk to a low condition
abjure v
To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath
able-bodied adj
Competent for physical service
ablution n
A washing or cleansing, especially of the body
abnegate v
To renounce (a right or privilege)
abnormal adj
Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard
abominable adj
Very hateful
abominate v
To hate violently
abomination n
A very detestable act or practice
aboriginal adj
Primitive; unsophisticated
aborigines n
The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country
aboveboard adv & adj
Without concealment, fraud, or trickery
abrade v
To wear away the surface or some part of by friction
abrasion n
That which is rubbed off
abridge v
To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning out minor particles
abridgment n
A condensed form as of a book or play
abrogate v
To abolish, repeal
abrupt adj
Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break
abscess n
A Collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body
abscission n
The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation
abscond v
To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest
absence n
The fact of not being present or available
absent-minded adj
Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business
absolution n
Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses
absolve v
To free from sin or its penalties
absorb v
To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water
absorption n
The act or process of absorbing
abstain v
To keep oneself back (from doing or using something)
abstemious adj
Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food
abstinence n
Self denial
abstruse adj
Dealing with matters difficult to be understood
absurd adj
Inconsistent with reason or common sense
abundant adj
Plentiful
abusive adj
Employing harsh words or ill treatment
abut v
To touch at the end or boundary line
abyss n
Bottomless gulf
academic adj
Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university
academician n
A member of an academy of literature, art, or science
academy n
Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught
accede v
To agree
accelerate v
To move faster
accept v
To take when offered
access n
A way of approach or entrance; passage
accessible adj
Approachable
accession n
Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government
accessory n
A person or thing that aids the principal agent
acclaim v
To utter with a shout
accommodate v
To furnish something as a kindness or favor
accompaniment n
A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting the leading part
accompanist n
One who or that which accompanies
accompany v
To go with, or be associated with, as a companion
accomplice n
An associate in wrong-doing
accomplish v
To bring to pass
accordion n
A portable free-reed musical instrument
accost v
To speak to
account n
A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or of business transactions
accouter v
To dress
accredit v
To give credit or authority to
accumulate v
To become greater in quantity or number
accuracy n
Exactness
accurate adj
Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard
accursed adj
Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune
accusation n
A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error
accusatory adj
Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation
accuse v
To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error
accustom v
To make familiar by use
acerbity n
Sourness, with bitterness and astringency
acetate n
A salt of acetic acid
acetic adj
Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar
ache v
To be in pain or distress
Achillean adj
Invulnerable
achromatic adj
Colorless,
acid n
A sour substance
acidify v
To change into acid
acknowledge v
To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of
acknowledgment n
Recognition
acme n
The highest point, or summit
acoustic adj
Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing
acquaint v
To make familiar or conversant
acquiesce v
To comply; submit
acquiescence n
Passive consent
acquire v
To get as one's own
acquisition n
Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or labor
acquit v
To free or clear, as from accusation
acquittal n
A discharge from accusation by judicial action
acquittance n
Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility
acreage n
Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land
acrid adj
Harshly pungent or bitter
acrimonious adj
Full of bitterness
acrimony n
Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper
actionable adj
Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words
actuality n
Any reality
actuary n
An officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums
actuate v
To move or incite to action
acumen n
Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination
acute adj
Having fine and penetrating discernment
adamant n
Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability
addendum n
Something added, or to be added
addle v
To make inefficient or worthless; muddle
adduce v
To bring forward or name for consideration
adhere v
To stick fast or together
adherence n
Attachment
adherent adj
Clinging or sticking fast
adhesion n
The state of being attached or joined
adieu inter
Good-by; farewell
adjacency n
The state of being adjacent
adjacent n
That which is near or bordering upon
adjudge v
To award or bestow by formal decision
adjunct n
Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding a subordinate place
adjuration n
A vehement appeal
adjutant adj
Auxiliary
administrator n
One who manages affairs of any kind
admissible adj
Having the right or privilege of entry
admittance n
Entrance, or the right or permission to enter
admonish v
To warn of a fault
admonition n
Gentle reproof
ado n
unnecessary activity or ceremony
adoration n
Profound devotion
adroit adj
Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers
adulterant n
An adulterating substance
adulterate v
To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients
adumbrate v
To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem
advent n
The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state, or personage
adverse adj
Opposing or opposed
adversity n
Misfortune
advert v
To refer incidentally
advertiser n
One who advertises, especially in newspapers
advisory adj
Not mandatory
advocacy n
The act of pleading a cause
advocate n
One who pleads the cause of another, as in a legal or ecclesiastical court
aerial adj
Of, pertaining to, or like the air
aeronaut n
One who navigates the air, a balloonist
aeronautics n
the art or practice of flying aircraft
aerostat n
A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air
aerostatics n
The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties
affable adj
Easy to approach
affect v
To act upon
affectation n
A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt
affiliate n
Some auxiliary person or thing
affirmative adj
Answering yes; to a question at issue
affix v
To fasten
affluence n
A profuse or abundant supply of riches
affront n
An open insult or indignity
afire adv & adj
On fire, literally or figuratively
afoot adv
In progress
aforesaid adj
Said in a preceding part or before
afresh adv
Once more, after rest or interval
afterthought n
A thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time
agglomerate v
To pile or heap together
aggrandize v
To cause to appear greatly
aggravate v
To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome
aggravation n
The fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc
aggregate n
The entire number, sum, mass, or quantity of something
aggress v
To make the first attack
aggression n
An unprovoked attack
aggrieve v
To give grief or sorrow to
aghast adj
Struck with terror and amazement
agile adj
Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally
agitate v
To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts)
agrarian adj
Pertaining to land, especially agricultural land
aide-de-camp n
An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general
ailment n
Slight sickness
airy adj
Delicate, ethereal
akin adj
Of similar nature or qualities
alabaster n
A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum
alacrity n
Cheerful willingness
albeit conj
Even though
albino n
A person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris
album n
A book whose leaves are so made to form paper frames for holding photographs or the like
alchemy n
Chemistry of the middle ages, characterized by the pursuit of changing base metals to gold
alcohol n
A volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste
alcoholism n
A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages
alcove n
A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room
alder n
Any shrub or small tree of the genus Alumnus, of the oak family
alderman n
A member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain judicial functions
aldermanship n
The dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman
alias n
An assumed name
alien n
One who owes allegiance to a foreign government
alienable adj
Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands
alienate v
To cause to turn away
alienation n
Estrangement
aliment n
That which nourishes
alkali n
Anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime, magnesia, etc
allay v
To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of; mitigate
allege v
To assert to be true, especially in a formal manner, as in court
allegory n
The setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly suggestive likeness
alleviate v
To make less burdensome or less hard to bear
alley n
A narrow street, garden path, walk, or the like
alliance n
Any combination or union for some common purpose
allot v
To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person
allotment n
Portion
allude v
To refer incidentally, or by suggestion
allusion n
An indirect and incidental reference to something without definite mention of it
alluvion n
Flood
ally n
A person or thing connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness
almanac n
A series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain astronomical information
aloof adv
Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others
altar n
Any raised place or structure on which sacrifices may be offered or incense burned
alter v
To make change in
alteration n
Change or modification
altercate v
To contend angrily or zealously in words
alternate n
One chosen to act in place of another, in case of the absence or incapacity of that other
alternative n
Something that may or must exist, be taken or chosen, or done instead of something else
altitude n
Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea
alto n
The lowest or deepest female voice or part
altruism n
Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest
altruist n
One who advocates or practices altruism
amalgam n
An alloy or union of mercury with another metal
amalgamate v
To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body
amateur adj
Practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession
amatory adj
Designed to excite love
ambidextrous adj
Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease
ambiguous adj
Having a double meaning
ambitious adj
Eagerly desirous and aspiring
ambrosial adj
Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious
ambulance n
A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded
ambulate v
To walk about
ambush n
The act or state of lying concealed for the purpose of surprising or attacking the enemy
ameliorate v
To relieve, as from pain or hardship
amenable adj
Willing and ready to submit
Americanism n
A peculiar sense in which an English word or phrase is used in the United States
amicable adj
Done in a friendly spirit
amity n
Friendship
amorous adj
Having a propensity for falling in love
amorphous adj
Without determinate shape
amour n
A love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature
ampere n
The practical unit of electric-current strength
ampersand n
The character &; and
amphibious adj
Living both on land and in water
amphitheater n
An edifice of elliptical shape, constructed about a central open space or arena
amplitude n
Largeness
amply adv
Sufficiently
amputate v
To remove by cutting, as a limb or some portion of the body
amusement n
Diversion
anachronism n
Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time
anagram n
The letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or phrase
analogous adj
Corresponding (to some other) in certain respects, as in form, proportion, relations
analogy n
Reasoning in which from certain and known relations or resemblance others are formed
analyst n
One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method
analyze v
To examine minutely or critically
anarchy n
Absence or utter disregard of government
anathema n
Anything forbidden, as by social usage
anatomy n
That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of organisms
ancestry n
One's ancestors collectively
anecdote n
A brief account of some interesting event or incident
anemia n
Deficiency of blood or red corpuscles
anemic adj
Affected with anemia
anemometer n
An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind
anesthetic adj
Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation
anew adv
Once more
angelic adj
Saintly
Anglophobia n
Hatred or dread of England or of what is English
Anglo-Saxon n
The entire English race wherever found, as in Europe, the United States, or India
angular adj
Sharp-cornered
anhydrous adj
Withered
animadversion n
The utterance of criticism or censure
animadvert v
To pass criticism or censure
animalcule n
An animal of microscopic smallness
animate v
To make alive
animosity n
Hatred
annalist n
Historian
annals n
A record of events in their chronological order, year by year
annex v
To add or affix at the end
annihilate v
To destroy absolutely
annotate v
To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon
annual adj
Occurring every year
annuity n
An annual allowance, payment, or income
annunciation n
Proclamation
anode n
The point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the like
anonymous adj
Of unknown authorship
antagonism n
Mutual opposition or resistance of counteracting forces, principles, or persons
Antarctic adj
Pertaining to the south pole or the regions near it
ante v
In the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt
antecede v
To precede
antecedent n
One who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, order, or causality
antechamber n
A waiting room for those who seek audience
antedate v
To assign or affix a date to earlier than the actual one
antediluvian adj
Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the days of Noah
antemeridian adj
Before noon
antemundane adj
Pertaining to time before the world's creation
antenatal adj
Occurring or existing before birth
anterior adj
Prior
anteroom n
A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger
anthology n
A collection of extracts from the writings of various authors
anthracite n
Hard coal
anthropology n
The science of man in general
anthropomorphous adj
Having or resembling human form
antic n
A grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action
Antichrist n
Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or a power
anticlimax n
A gradual or sudden decrease in the importance or impressiveness of what is said
anticyclone n
An atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward
antidote n
Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or the like
antilogy n
Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas
antipathize v
To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike
antiphon n
A response or alteration of responses, generally musical
antiphony n
An anthem or other composition sung responsively
antipodes n
A place or region on the opposite side of the earth
antiquary n
One who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc
antiquate v
To make old or out of date
antique adj
Pertaining to ancient times
antiseptic n
Anything that destroys or restrains the growth of putrefactive micro-organisms
antislavery adj
Opposed to human slavery
antispasmodic adj
Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections
antistrophe n
The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in "the home of joy and the joy of home"
antitoxin n
A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms
antonym n
A word directly opposed to another in meaning
anxious adj
Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter
apathy n
Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling
aperture n
Hole
apex n
The highest point, as of a mountain
aphorism n
Proverb
apiary n
A place where bees are kept
apogee n
The climax
apology n
A disclaimer of intentional error or offense
apostasy n
A total departure from one's faith or religion
apostate adj
False
apostle n
Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority
apothecary n
One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions
apotheosis n
Deification
appall v
To fill with dismay or horror
apparent adj
Easily understood
apparition n
Ghost
appease v
To soothe by quieting anger or indignation
appellate adj
Capable of being appealed to
appellation n
The name or title by which a particular person, class, or thing is called
append v
To add or attach, as something accessory, subordinate, or supplementary
appertain v
To belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation
apposite adj
Appropriate
apposition n
The act of placing side by side, together, or in contact
appraise v
To estimate the money value of
appreciable adj
Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect
apprehend v
To make a prisoner of (a person) in the name of the law
apprehensible adj
Capable of being conceived
approbation n
Sanction
appropriate adj
Suitable for the purpose and circumstances
aqueduct n
A water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance
aqueous adj
Of, pertaining to, or containing water
arbiter n
One chosen or appointed, by mutual consent of parties in dispute, to decide matters
arbitrary adj
Fixed or done capriciously
arbitrate v
To act or give judgment as umpire
arbor n
A tree
arboreal adj
Of or pertaining to a tree or trees
arborescent adj
Having the nature of a tree
arboretum n
A botanical garden or place devoted to the cultivation of trees or shrubs
arboriculture n
The cultivation of trees or shrubs
arcade n
A vaulted passageway or street; a roofed passageway having shops, etc., opening from it
archaic adj
Antiquated
archaism n
Obsolescence
archangel n
An angel of high rank
archbishop n
The chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the Greek, Roman, and Anglican church
archdeacon n
A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese
archaeology n
The branch of anthropology concerned with the systematic investigation of the relics of man
archetype n
A prototype
archipelago n
Any large body of water studded with islands, or the islands collectively themselves
ardent adj
Burning with passion
ardor n
Intensity of passion or affection
arid adj
Very dry
aristocracy n
A hereditary nobility
aristocrat n
A hereditary noble or one nearly connected with nobility
armada n
A fleet of war-vessels
armful n
As much as can be held in the arm or arms
armory n
An arsenal
aroma n
An agreeable odor
arraign v
To call into court, as a person indicted for crime, and demand whether he pleads guilty or not
arrange v
To put in definite or proper order
arrangement n
The act of putting in proper order, or the state of being put in order
arrant adj
Notoriously bad
arrear n
Something overdue and unpaid
arrival n
A coming to stopping-place or destination
arrogant adj
Unduly or excessively proud, as of wealth, station, learning, etc
arrogate v
To take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or grounds
Artesian well n
A very deep bored well
artful adj
Characterized by craft or cunning
Arthurian adj
Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story
artifice n
Trickery
artless adj
Ingenuous
ascendant adj
Dominant
ascension n
The act of rising
ascent n
A rising, soaring, or climbing
ascetic adj
Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion
ascribe v
To assign as a quality or attribute
asexual adj
Having no distinct sexual organs
ashen adj
Pale
askance adv
With a side or indirect glance or meaning
asperity n
Harshness or roughness of temper
aspirant n
One who seeks earnestly, as for advancement, honors, place
aspiration n
An earnest wish for that which is above one's present reach
aspire v
To have an earnest desire, wish, or longing, as for something high and good, not yet attained
assailant n
One who attacks
assassin n
One who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or secretly
assassinate v
To kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person
assassination n
Murderer, as by secret assault or treachery
assay n
The chemical analysis or testing of an alloy ore
assent v
To express agreement with a statement or matter of opinion
assess v
To determine the amount of (a tax or other sum to be paid)
assessor n
An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes
assets n pl
Property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts
assiduous adj
Diligent
assignee n
One who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property and interests
assimilate v
To adapt
assonance n
Resemblance or correspondence in sound
assonant adj
Having resemblance of sound
assonate v
To accord in sound, especially vowel sound
assuage v
To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as excitement, appetite, pain, or disease
astringent adj
Harsh in disposition or character
astute adj
Keen in discernment
atheism n
The denial of the existence of God
athirst adj
Wanting water
athwart adv
From side to side
atomizer n
An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc
atone v
To make amends for
atonement n
Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury
atrocious adj
Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel
atrocity n
Great cruelty or reckless wickedness
attache n
A subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy
attest v
To certify as accurate, genuine, or true
attorney-general n
The chief law-officer of a government
auburn adj
Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair
audacious adj
Fearless
audible adj
Loud enough to be heard
audition n
The act or sensation of hearing
auditory adj
Of or pertaining to hearing or the organs or sense of hearing
augment v
To make bigger
augur v
To predict
Augustinian adj
Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him
aura n
Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons
aural adj
Of or pertaining to the ear
auricle n
One of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins
auricular adj
Of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing
auriferous adj
Containing gold
aurora n
A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the atmosphere
auspice n
favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance
austere adj
Severely simple; unadorned
autarchy n
Unrestricted power
authentic adj
Of undisputed origin
authenticity n
The state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship claimed
autobiography n
The story of one's life written by himself
autocracy n
Absolute government
autocrat n
Any one who claims or wields unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence
automaton n
Any living being whose actions are or appear to be involuntary or mechanical
autonomous adj
Self-governing
autonomy n
Self-government
autopsy n
The examination of a dead body by dissection to ascertain the cause of death
autumnal adj
Of or pertaining to autumn
auxiliary n
One who or that which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary or accessory
avalanche n
The fall or sliding of a mass of snow or ice down a mountain-slope, often bearing with it rock
avarice n
Passion for getting and keeping riches
aver v
To assert as a fact
averse adj
Reluctant
aversion n
A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some particular thing
avert v
To turn away or aside
aviary n
A spacious cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept
avidity n
Greediness
avocation n
Diversion
avow v
To declare openly
awaken v
To arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like
awry adv & adj
Out of the proper form, direction, or position
aye adv
An expression of assent
azalea n
A flowering shrub
azure n
The color of the sky
Baconian adj
Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy
bacterium n
A microbe
badger v
To pester
baffle v
To foil or frustrate
bailiff n
An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment
baize n
A single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc
bale n
A large package prepared for transportation or storage
baleful adj
Malignant
ballad n
Any popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form
balsam n
A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing
banal adj
Commonplace
barcarole n
A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers
barograph n
An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure
barometer n
An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure per unit of surface
barring prep
Apart from
baritone adj
Having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor
bask v
To make warm by genial heat
bass adj
Low in tone or compass
baste v
To cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking
baton n
An official staff borne either as a weapon or as an emblem of authority or privilege
battalion n
A body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a regiment
batten n
A narrow strip of wood
batter n
A thick liquid mixture of two or more materials beaten together, to be used in cookery
bauble n
A trinket
bawl v
To proclaim by outcry
beatify v
To make supremely happy
beatitude n
Any state of great happiness
beau n
An escort or lover
becalm v
To make quiet
beck v
To give a signal to, by nod or gesture
bedaub v
To smear over, as with something oily or sticky
bedeck v
To cover with ornament
bedlam n
Madhouse
befog v
To confuse
befriend v
To be a friend to, especially when in need
beget v
To produce by sexual generation
begrudge v
To envy one of the possession of
belate v
To delay past the proper hour
belay v
To make fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat
belie v
To misrepresent
believe v
To accept as true on the testimony or authority of others
belittle v
To disparage
belle n
A woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments, etc
bellicose adj
Warlike
belligerent adj
Manifesting a warlike spirit
bemoan v
To lament
benediction n
a solemn invocation of the divine blessing
benefactor n
A doer of kindly and charitable acts
benefice n
A church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service
beneficent adj
Characterized by charity and kindness
beneficial adj
Helpful
beneficiary n
One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of an estate or property
benefit n
Helpful result
benevolence n
Any act of kindness or well-doing
benevolent adj
Loving others and actively desirous of their well-being
benign adj
Good and kind of heart
benignant adj
Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect
benignity n
Kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner
benison n
Blessing
bequeath v
To give by will
bereave v
To make desolate with loneliness and grief
berth n
A bunk or bed in a vessel, sleeping-car, etc
beseech v
To implore
beset v
To attack on all sides
besmear v
To smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance
bestial adj
Animal
bestrew v
To sprinkle or cover with things strewn
bestride v
To get or sit upon astride, as a horse
bethink v
To remind oneself
betide v
To happen to or befall
betimes adv
In good season or time
betroth v
To engage to marry
betrothal n
Engagement to marry
bevel n
Any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees
bewilder v
To confuse the perceptions or judgment of
bibliomania n
The passion for collecting books
bibliography n
A list of the words of an author, or the literature bearing on a particular subject
bibliophile n
One who loves books
bibulous adj
Fond of drinking
bide v
To await
biennial n
A plant that produces leaves and roots the first year and flowers and fruit the second
bier n
A horizontal framework with two handles at each end for carrying a corpse to the grave
bigamist n
One who has two spouses at the same time
bigamy n
The crime of marrying any other person while having a legal spouse living
bight n
A slightly receding bay between headlands, formed by a long curve of a coast-line
bilateral adj
Two-sided
bilingual adj
Speaking two languages
biograph n
A bibliographical sketch or notice
biography n
A written account of one's life, actions, and character
biology n
The science of life or living organisms
biped n
An animal having two feet
birthright n
A privilege or possession into which one is born
bitterness n
Acridity, as to the taste
blase adj
Sated with pleasure
blaspheme v
To indulge in profane oaths
blatant adj
Noisily or offensively loud or clamorous
blaze n
A vivid glowing flame
blazon v
To make widely or generally known
bleak adj
Desolate
blemish n
A mark that mars beauty
blithe adj
Joyous
blithesome adj
Cheerful
blockade n
The shutting up of a town, a frontier, or a line of coast by hostile forces
boatswain n
A subordinate officer of a vessel, who has general charge of the rigging, anchors, etc
bodice n
A women's ornamental corset-shaped laced waist
bodily adj
Corporeal
boisterous adj
Unchecked merriment or animal spirits
bole n
The trunk or body of a tree
bolero n
A Spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by caste nets and singing
boll n
A round pod or seed-capsule, as a flax or cotton
bolster v
To support, as something wrong
bomb n
A hollow projectile containing an explosive material
bombard v
To assail with any missile or with abusive speech
bombardier n
A person who has charge of mortars, bombs, and shells
bombast n
Inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects
boorish adj
Rude
bore v
To weary by tediousness or dullness
borough n
An incorporated village or town
bosom n
The breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being, especially of a woman
botanical adj
Connected with the study or cultivation of plants
botanize v
To study plant-life
botany n
The science that treats of plants
bountiful adj
Showing abundance
Bowdlerize v
To expurgate in editing (a literary composition) by omitting words or passages
bowler n
In cricket, the player who delivers the ball
boycott v
To place the products or merchandise of under a ban
brae n
Hillside
braggart n
A vain boaster
brandish v
To wave, shake, or flourish triumphantly or defiantly, as a sword or spear
bravado n
An aggressive display of boldness
bravo interj
Well done
bray n
A loud harsh sound, as the cry of an ass or the blast of a horn
braze v
To make of or ornament with brass
brazier n
An open pan or basin for holding live coals
breach n
The violation of official duty, lawful right, or a legal obligation
breaker n
One who trains horses, dogs, etc
breech n
The buttocks
brethren n pl
Members of a brotherhood, gild, profession, association, or the like
brevity n
Shortness of duration
bric-a-brac n
Objects of curiosity or for decoration
bridle n
The head-harness of a horse consisting of a head-stall, a bit, and the reins
brigade n
A body of troops consisting of two or more regiments
brigadier n
General officer who commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a major-general
brigand n
One who lives by robbery and plunder
brimstone n
Sulfur
brine n
Water saturated with salt
bristle n
One of the coarse, stiff hairs of swine: used in brush-making, etc
Britannia n
The United Kingdom of Great Britain
Briticism n
A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great Britain or the British
brittle adj
Fragile
broach v
To mention, for the first time
broadcast adj
Disseminated far and wide
brogan n
A coarse, heavy shoe
brogue n
Any dialectic pronunciation of English, especially that of the Irish people
brokerage n
The business of making sales and purchases for a commission; a broker
bromine n
A dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor
bronchitis n
Inflammation of the bronchial tubes
bronchus n
Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs
brooch n
An article of jewelry fastened by a hinged pin and hook on the underside
brotherhood n
Spiritual or social fellowship or solidarity
browbeat v
To overwhelm, or attempt to do so, by stern, haughty, or rude address or manner
brusque adj
Somewhat rough or rude in manner or speech
buffoon n
A clown
buffoonery n
Low drollery, coarse jokes, etc
bulbous adj
Of, or pertaining to, or like a bulb
bullock n
An ox
bulrush n
Any one of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water
bulwark n
Anything that gives security or defense
bumper n
A cup or glass filled to the brim, especially one to be drunk as a toast or health
bumptious adj
Full of offensive and aggressive self-conceit
bungle v
To execute clumsily
buoyancy n
Power or tendency to float on or in a liquid or gas
buoyant adj
Having the power or tendency to float or keep afloat
bureau n
A chest of drawers for clothing, etc
bureaucracy n
Government by departments of men transacting particular branches of public business
burgess n
In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland or Virginia
burgher n
An inhabitant, citizen or freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town
burnish v
To make brilliant or shining
bursar n
A treasurer
bustle v
To hurry
butt v
To strike with or as with the head, or horns
butte n
A conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated
buttress n
Any support or prop
by-law n
A rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or the like
cabal n
A number of persons secretly united for effecting by intrigue some private purpose
cabalism n
Superstitious devotion to one's religion
cabinet n
The body of men constituting the official advisors of the executive head of a nation
cacophony n
A disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones
cadaverous adj
Resembling a corpse
cadence n
Rhythmical or measured flow or movement, as in poetry or the time and pace of marching troops
cadenza n
An embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or instrument
caitiff adj
Cowardly
cajole v
To impose on or dupe by flattering speech
cajolery n
Delusive speech
calculable adj
That may be estimated by reckoning
calculus n
A concretion formed in various parts of the body resembling a pebble in hardness
callosity n
The state of being hard and insensible
callow adj
Without experience of the world
calorie n
Amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree centigrade
calumny n
Slander
Calvary n
The place where Christ was crucified
Calvinism n
The system of doctrine taught by John Calvin
Calvinize v
To teach or imbue with the doctrines of Calvinism
came n
A leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in stained-glass windows
cameo n
Any small engraved or carved work in relief
campaign n
A complete series of connected military operations
Canaanite n
A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of Canaan, or western Palestine
canary adj
Of a bright but delicate yellow
candid adj
Straightforward
candor n
The quality of frankness or outspokenness
canine adj
Characteristic of a dog
canon n
Any rule or law
cant v
To talk in a singsong, preaching tone with affected solemnity
cantata n
A choral composition
canto n
One of the divisions of an extended poem
cantonment n
The part of the town or district in which the troops are quartered
capacious adj
Roomy
capillary n
A minute vessel having walls composed of a single layer of cells
capitulate v
To surrender or stipulate terms
caprice n
A whim
caption n
A heading, as of a chapter, section, document, etc
captious adj
Hypercritical
captivate v
To fascinate, as by excellence, eloquence, or beauty
carcass n
The dead body of an animal
cardiac adj
Pertaining to the heart
cardinal adj
Of prime or special importance
caret n
A sign (^) placed below a line, indicating where omitted words, etc., should be inserted
caricature n
a picture or description in which natural characteristics are exaggerated or distorted
carnage n
Massacre
carnal adj
Sensual
carnivorous adj
Eating or living on flesh
carouse v
To drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner
carrion n
Dead and putrefying flesh
cartilage n
An elastic animal tissue of firm consistence
cartridge n
A charge for a firearm, or for blasting
caste n
The division of society on artificial grounds
castigate v
To punish
casual adj
Accidental, by chance
casualty n
A fatal or serious accident or disaster
cataclysm n
Any overwhelming flood of water
cataract n
Opacity of the lens of the eye resulting in complete or partial blindness
catastrophe n
Any great and sudden misfortune or calamity
cathode n
The negative pole or electrode of a galvanic battery
Catholicism n
The system, doctrine, and practice of the Roman Catholic Church
catholicity n
Universal prevalence or acceptance
cat-o-nine-tails n
An instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for flogging in the army and navy
caucus n
A private meeting of members of a political party to select candidates
causal adj
Indicating or expressing a cause
caustic adj
Sarcastic and severe
cauterize v
To burn or sear as with a heated iron
cede v
To pass title to
censor n
An official examiner of manuscripts empowered to prohibit their publication
censorious adj
Judging severely or harshly
census n
An official numbering of the people of a country or district
centenary adj
Pertaining to a hundred years or a period of a hundred years
centiliter n
A hundredth of a liter
centimeter n
A length of one hundredth of a meter
centurion n
A captain of a company of one hundred infantry in the ancient Roman army
cereal adj
Pertaining to edible grain or farinaceous seeds
ceremonial adj
Characterized by outward form or ceremony
ceremonious adj
Observant of ritual
cessation n
Discontinuance, as of action or motion
cession n
Surrender, as of possessions or rights
chagrin n
Keen vexation, annoyance, or mortification, as at one's failures or errors
chameleon adj
Changeable in appearance
chancery n
A court of equity, as distinguished from a common-law court
chaos n
Any condition of which the elements or parts are in utter disorder and confusion
characteristic n
A distinctive feature
characterize v
To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities
charlatan n
A quack
chasm n
A yawning hollow, as in the earth's surface
chasten v
To purify by affliction
chastise v
To subject to punitive measures
chastity n
Sexual or moral purity
chateau n
A castle or manor-house
chattel n
Any article of personal property
check v
To hold back
chiffon n
A very thin gauze used for trimmings, evening dress, etc
chivalry n
The knightly system of feudal times with its code, usages and practices
cholera n
An acute epidemic disease
choleric adj
Easily provoked to anger
choral adj
Pertaining to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir
Christ n
A title of Jesus
christen v
To name in baptism
Christendom n
That part of the world where Christianity is generally professed
chromatic adj
Belonging, relating to, or abounding in color
chronology n
The science that treats of computation of time or of investigation and arrangement of events
chronometer n
A portable timekeeper of the highest attainable precision
cipher v
To calculate arithmetically
circulate v
To disseminate
circumference n
The boundary-line of a circle
circumlocution n
Indirect or roundabout expression
circumnavigate v
To sail quite around
circumscribe v
To confine within bounds
circumspect adj
Showing watchfulness, caution, or careful consideration
citadel n
Any strong fortress
cite v
To refer to specifically
claimant n
One who makes a claim or demand, as of right
clairvoyance n
Intuitive sagacity or perception
clamorous adj
Urgent in complaint or demand
clan n
A tribe
clandestine adj
Surreptitious
clangor n
Clanking or a ringing, as of arms, chains, or bells; clamor
clarify v
To render intelligible
clarion n
A small shrill trumpet or bugle
classify v
To arrange in a class or classes on the basis of observed resemblance’s and differences
clearance n
A certificate from the proper authorities that a vessel has complied with the law and may sail
clemency n
Mercy
clement adj
Compassionate
close-hauled adj
Having the sails set for sailing as close to the wind as possible
clothier n
One who makes or sells cloth or clothing
clumsy adj
Awkward of movement
coagulate v
To change into a clot or a jelly, as by heat, by chemical action, or by a ferment
coagulant adj
Producing coagulation
coalescence n
The act or process of coming together so as to form one body, combination, or product
coalition n
Combination in a body or mass
coddle v
To treat as a baby or an invalid
codicil n
A supplement adding to, revoking, or explaining in the body of a will
coerce v
To force
coercion n
Forcible constraint or restraint, moral or physical
coercive adj
Serving or tending to force
cogent adj
Appealing strongly to the reason or conscience
cognate adj
Akin
cognizant adj
Taking notice
cohere v
To stick together
cohesion n
Consistency
cohesive adj
Having the property of consistency
coincide v
To correspond
coincidence n
A circumstance so agreeing with another: often implying accident
coincident adj
Taking place at the same time
collaborate v
To labor or cooperate with another or others, especially in literary or scientific pursuits
collapse v
To cause to shrink, fall in, or fail
collapsible adj
That may or can collapse
colleague n
An associate in professional employment
collective adj
Consisting of a number of persons or objects considered as gathered into a mass, or sum
collector n
One who makes a collection, as of objects of art, books, or the like
collegian n
A college student
collide v
To meet and strike violently
collier n
One who works in a coal-mine
collision n
Violent contact
colloquial adj
Pertaining or peculiar to common speech as distinguished from literary
colloquialism n
Form of speech used only or chiefly in conversation
colloquy n
Conversation
collusion n
A secret agreement for a wrongful purpose
colossus n
Any strikingly great person or object
comely adj
Handsome
comestible adj
Fit to be eaten
comical adj
Funny
commemorate v
To serve as a remembrance of
commentary n
A series of illustrative or explanatory notes on any important work
commingle v
To blend
commissariat n
The department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs
commission v
To empower
commitment n
The act or process of entrusting or consigning for safe-keeping
committal n
The act, fact, or result of committing, or the state of being
commodity n
Something that is bought and sold
commotion n
A disturbance or violent agitation
commute v
To put something, especially something less severe, in place of
comparable adj
Fit to be compared
comparative adj
Relative
comparison n
Examination of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or unlikeness
compensate v
To remunerate
competence n
Adequate qualification or capacity
competent adj
Qualified
competitive adj
characterized by rivalry
competitor n
A rival
complacence n
Satisfaction with one's acts or surroundings
complacent adj
Pleased or satisfied with oneself
complaisance n
Politeness
complaisant adj
Agreeable
complement v
To make complete
complex adj
Complicated
compliant adj
Yielding
complicate v
To make complex, difficult, or hard to deal with
complication n
An intermingling or combination of things or parts, especially in a perplexing manner
complicity n
Participation or partnership, as in wrong-doing or with a wrong-doer
compliment v
To address or gratify with expressions of delicate praise
component n
A constituent element or part
comport v
To conduct or behave (oneself)
composure n
Calmness
comprehensible adj
Intelligible
comprehension n
Ability to know
comprehensive adj
Large in scope or content
compress v
To press together or into smaller space
compressible adj
Capable of being pressed into smaller compass
compression n
Constraint, as by force or authority
comprise v
To consist of
compulsion n
Coercion
compulsory adj
Forced
compunction n
Remorseful feeling
compute v
To ascertain by mathematical calculation
concede v
To surrender
conceit n
Self-flattering opinion
conceive v
To form an idea, mental image or thought of
concerto n
A musical composition
concession n
Anything granted or yielded, or admitted in response to a demand, petition, or claim
conciliate v
To obtain the friendship of
conciliatory adj
Tending to reconcile
conclusive adj
Sufficient to convince or decide
concord n
Harmony
concordance n
Harmony
concur v
To agree
concurrence n
Agreement
concurrent adj
Occurring or acting together
concussion n
A violent shock to some organ by a fall or a sudden blow
condensation n
The act or process of making dense or denser
condense v
To abridge
condescend v
To come down voluntarily to equal terms with inferiors
condolence n
Expression of sympathy with a person in pain, sorrow, or misfortune
conduce v
To bring about
conducive adj
Contributing to an end
conductible adj
Capable of being conducted or transmitted
conduit n
A means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway for a fluid
confectionery n
The candy collectively that a confectioner makes or sells, as candy
confederacy n
A number of states or persons in compact or league with each other, as for mutual aid
confederate n
One who is united with others in a league, compact, or agreement
confer v
To bestow
conferee n
A person with whom another confers
confessor n
A spiritual advisor
confidant n
One to whom secrets are entrusted
confide v
To reveal in trust or confidence
confidence n
The state or feeling of trust in or reliance upon another
confident adj
Assured
confinement n
Restriction within limits or boundaries
confiscate v
To appropriate (private property) as forfeited to the public use or treasury
conflagration n
A great fire, as of many buildings, a forest, or the like
confluence n
The place where streams meet
confluent n
A stream that unites with another
conformance n
The act or state or conforming
conformable adj
Harmonious
conformation n
General structure, form, or outline
conformity n
Correspondence in form, manner, or use
confront v
To encounter, as difficulties or obstacles
congeal v
To coagulate
congenial adj
Having kindred character or tastes
congest v
To collect into a mass
congregate v
To bring together into a crowd
coniferous adj
Cone-bearing trees
conjecture n
A guess
conjoin v
To unite
conjugal adj
Pertaining to marriage, marital rights, or married persons
conjugate adj
Joined together in pairs
conjugation n
The state or condition of being joined together
conjunction n
The state of being joined together, or the things so joined
connive v
To be in collusion
connoisseur n
A critical judge of art, especially one with thorough knowledge and sound judgment of art
connote v
To mean; signify
connubial adj
Pertaining to marriage or matrimony
conquer v
To overcome by force
consanguineous adj
Descended from the same parent or ancestor
conscience n
The faculty in man by which he distinguishes between right and wrong in character and conduct
conscientious adj
Governed by moral standard
conscious adj
Aware that one lives, feels, and thinks
conscript v
To force into military service
consecrate v
To set apart as sacred
consecutive adj
Following in uninterrupted succession
consensus n
A collective unanimous opinion of a number of persons
conservatism n
Tendency to adhere to the existing order of things
conservative adj
Adhering to the existing order of things
conservatory n
An institution for instruction and training in music and declamation
consign v
To entrust
consignee n
A person to whom goods or other property has been entrusted
consignor n
One who entrusts
consistency n
A state of permanence
console v
To comfort
consolidate v
To combine into one body or system
consonance n
The state or quality of being in accord with
consonant adj
Being in agreement or harmony with
consort n
A companion or associate
conspicuous adj
Clearly visible
conspirator n
One who agrees with others to cooperate in accomplishing some unlawful purpose
conspire v
To plot
constable n
An officer whose duty is to maintain the peace
constellation n
An arbitrary assemblage or group of stars
consternation n
Panic
constituency n
The inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body
constituent n
One who has the right to vote at an election
constrict v
To bind
consul n
An officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to represent his country
consulate n
The place in which a consul transacts official business
consummate v
To bring to completion
consumption n
Gradual destruction, as by burning, eating, etc., or by using up, wearing out, etc
consumptive adj
Designed for gradual destruction
contagion n
The communication of disease from person to person
contagious adj
Transmitting disease
contaminate v
To pollute
contemplate v
To consider thoughtfully
contemporaneous adj
Living, occurring, or existing at the same time
contemporary adj
Living or existing at the same time
contemptible adj
Worthy of scorn or disdain
contemptuous adj
Disdainful
contender n
One who exerts oneself in opposition or rivalry
contiguity n
Proximity
contiguous adj
Touching or joining at the edge or boundary
continence n
Self-restraint with respect to desires, appetites, and passion
contingency n
Possibility of happening
contingent adj
Not predictable
continuance n
Permanence
continuation n
Prolongation
continuity n
Uninterrupted connection in space, time, operation, or development
continuous adj
Connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence
contort v
To twist into a misshapen form
contraband n
Trade forbidden by law or treaty
contradiction n
The assertion of the opposite of that which has been said
contradictory adj
Inconsistent with itself
contraposition n
A placing opposite
contravene v
To prevent or obstruct the operation of
contribution n
The act of giving for a common purpose
contributor n
One who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose
contrite adj
Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin
contrivance n
The act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a special purpose
contrive v
To manage or carry through by some device or scheme
control v
To exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence over
controller n
One who or that which regulates or directs
contumacious adj
Rebellious
contumacy n
Contemptuous disregard of the requirements of rightful authority
contuse v
To bruise by a blow, either with or without the breaking of the skin
contusion n
A bruise
convalesce v
To recover after a sickness
convalescence n
The state of progressive restoration to health and strength after the cessation of disease
convalescent adj
Recovering health after sickness
convene v
To summon or cause to assemble
convenience n
Fitness, as of time or place
converge v
To cause to incline and approach nearer together
convergent adj
Tending to one point