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636 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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halcyon
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denoting a past time regarded as idyllically happy and peaceful
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shock (of hair)
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an unkempt or thick mass of hair
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gait
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a person's manner of walking
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pecuniary
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adj -relating to or consisting of money
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gymkhana
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an event comprising competitions on horseback
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festoon
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to adorn with decorations
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by dent of
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by means of
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menagerie
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a collection of wild animals kept in captivity for exhibition
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cur
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an aggressive dog or a despicable man
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facetious
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using inappropriate humour
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tilley lamp
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a portable oil or paraffin lamp, air pressure used to supply fuel
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hepcat
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a jazz performer associated with the 1940s/50s
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astral
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relating to stars or non-physical realms of existence
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sou /su:/
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1. a former French coin of low value 2. a very small amount of money
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miscreant
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a heretic person who behaves badly/unlawfully
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candid
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1. truthful and straightforward and frank 2. (photog) taken informally/unwittingly
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tress
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a long lock of woman's hair
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rictus
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a fixed grimace or grin, adj. rictal
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sputter
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make a series of soft, explosive sounds, speak in incoherent bursts
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execrable /EksIkrəbl/
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extremely bad or unpleasant
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behemoth /bI'hi:mɒθ/
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a huge or monstrous creature
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vicariously
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experienced in the imagination through actions of another/acting or done for another
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matelot /'matləʊ/
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a sailor
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ostentatious
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characterised by pretentious or showy display, designed to impress
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gynaecomastia
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enlargement of male breasts
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augury /'ɔ:gjʊri/
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1. an omen 2. the interpretation of omens
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vie
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(vies, vying, vied) - compete eagerly with others in order to do or achieve sth
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monolithic
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very large and uniform or indivisible
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exeunt /'Eksiʌnt/
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stage direction 'leave stage' - L. 'they go out'
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incandescent
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emitting light as a result of being heated, extremely angry
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valiance (adj -t)
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showing courage or determination
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inextricably
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impossible to disentangle or impossible to escape from
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austere
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1. severe or strict in appearance or manner 2. lacking comforts, adornments
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élan
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energy, style and enthusiasm
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assiduous
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showing great care and perseverance
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au font
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in essence
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au fait (with)
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having a good or detailed knowledge of
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heterodox
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not conforming with orthodox standards or beliefs
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consecrate
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make or declare sacred, make bread/wine into body/blood
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attritional
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wearing down through sustained attack/pressure/friction
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lofty
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of imposing height, noble, haughty/aloof, thick (wool)
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marmoreal
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made of or likened to marble
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dragoon
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(n) member of British cavalry regiment, (v) to coerce sb into doing sth
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gratuitously
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done without good reason (violence), free of charge
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swami /'swɑ:mi/
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a male Hindu religious teacher
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ouroboros/uroborus /,jʊərə(ʊ)'bɒrəs/
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a snake swallowing its tail
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intractable
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hard to control or deal with, (person) difficult or stubborn
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haversack
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small, strong bag for back/shoulders, used by soldiers/walkers
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erudite /ɛrʊdʌIt/
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having/showing great learning - erudition
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capricious
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given to sudden and unaccountable change of mood or behaviour
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sycophant
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a servile flatterer, a toady
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pep
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to make sth/so more lively
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myrmidon
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a follower or subordinate of a powerful person
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aloof
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not friendly, cool and distant
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haughty
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arrogantly superior and disdainful
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aloo /'alu:/
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potato (Indian)
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luff
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to steer nearer the wind
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terse
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sparing in use of words, abrupt, laconic
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forestall (2nd syllable stressed)
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prevent or obstruct by taking advance action
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hysterectomy
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operation to remove all or part of the womb
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moot
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adj - subject to debate/dispute, v. to raise for discussion
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listless
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lacking energy or enthusiasm
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tricorn(e) /'trʌIkɔ:n/
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a hat with the brim turned up on three sides
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cenotaph
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a monument to s.o. buried elsewhere (from Grk 'empty tomb')
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parallax
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the apparent difference in the position of an object when viewed from different positions
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epaulette /'ɛpəlɛt/
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an ornamental shoulder piece on military uniform
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paraphernalia (sing/pl)
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miscellaneous objects
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florid
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1. having a red/flushed complexion 2. excessively intricate/complicated
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yuppie/-py
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a well-paid middle-class professional in a city - Young Urban Professional
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watershed
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1. an area or ridge of land that separates water flowing to different rivers. 2. An event marking a turning point
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julep /dju:lɛp/
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a sweet drink made from sugar syrup
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conveyance
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1. a vehicle, 2. legal process of transferring property from one owner to another
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rut
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1. track made by wheels, 2. a routine - dull but hard to change, 3. annual period of sexual activity in deer and other animals
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dystopia
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adj. - an imaginary place/society in which everything is bad (adj -n)
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astute
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having the ability to assess situations/people accurately
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canny
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1. shrewd (esp in business) 2. pleasant/nice (Scot, N Eng)
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firebrand(ery)
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a passionate supporter of a cause
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ensconce
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establish in a comfortable, safe or secret place
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astringent
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sharp or severe in manner/style (an astringent lotion is applied to skin for cosmetic purposes or to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions)
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dissension
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disagreement that leads to discord
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abiding (of feeling/memory)
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enduring
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loll
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1. sit, lie or stand in a lazy, relaxed way 2. hang loosely
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pantheon
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1. all the gods of a people/religion collectively 2. an ancient temple dedicated to all gods 3. a collection of famous people.
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dabs
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fingerprints
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gaudy
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extravagant or tasteless, bright or showy
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glee
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great delight. Glee club = a society for singing part songs
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Stygian
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very dark - from the River Styx - an underworld river in Greek mythology
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lilt
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rising/falling of voice speaking, a gentle rhythm in tune
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dobbin
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pet name for a draught horse or a farm horse
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residual
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1. remaining after the great part has been subtracted 2. not accounted for/eliminated
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jaunty
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having a lively and self-confident manner
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nomenclator
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selecting of names, a body or system of names, the terms applied to so/sth
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(sweet) Fanny Adams
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nothing at all
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pernicious
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having a harmful effect, esp in a gradual or subtle way
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goad
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v. to provoke to action or reaction 2. drive with a spiked stick
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jaunt
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a short excursion for pleasure
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catalepsy
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condition characterised by trance/seizure/loss of sensation/rigidity
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adobe
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a kind of clay used to make sun-dried bricks
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charlatan
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a person falsely claiming to have a special knowledge/skill
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so(u)briquet /'səʊbrIkeI/
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a person's nickname
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sultry
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1.hot and humid 2. displaying/suggesting a strongly sexual nature in a woman
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languor /langə/
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1. tiredness or inactivity, esp when pleasurable 2. an oppressive still of the air (adj-languorous)
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curlicue
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a decorative curl or twist in calligraphy or in an object's design
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spurious
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1. false or fake 2. illegitimate (child)
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eponym(ous)
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a word or name derived from a person's name/ the person after whom sth is named
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abet
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to encourage or assist so to do sth wrong
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lambast(e) (2nd syllb stress)
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criticise harshly
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indict /in'dʌIt/
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(N Amer) formally accuse sb of a crime
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vitiolic
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filled with bitter criticism or malice
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placid
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calm, not easily upset or excited
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churlish
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rude, mean-spirited and surly
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homily
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1. a religious discourse 2. a tedious moralising lecture
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accolade
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1. sth granted as a special honour 2. the shoulder touch on knighting
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harridan
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a strict, bossy or belligerent old woman
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innocuous
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not harmful or offensive
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prodigious
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remarkably large [(archaic) unnatural]
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belligerent
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hostile and aggressive, engaged in a war/conflict
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plaintive
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sounding sad and mournful
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plaintiff
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a person who brings a case against another in a court of law
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lapidary (1st syllb stress) adj (or noun)
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1. relating to engraving/cutting/polishing of stones/gems 2. (of language) elegant and concise - suitable for stone engraving (noun - the art of engraving/the person who engraves)
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paraxysm
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a spasm/fit/convulsion , an outburst of emotion or action
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extemporise
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to compose or perform without preparation, to improvise
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exult
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to show or feel triumphant elation
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impervious (to)
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1. not allowing fluid to pass through (2. unable to be affected by)
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dactyloscopy
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technique of fingerprinting
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excoriate
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1. criticise severely 2. damage/remove part of the surface of skin
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acute
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1. critical, serious 2. perceptive, shrewd, 3. high, shrill
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abject (1st syllb stress)
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1. (of sth bad) experienced to the maximum degree 2) completely without pride or dignity "an abject apology"
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prairie
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a large, open area of grassland
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acumen
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ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions
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arrogate
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take or claim for os without justification
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outré (1st syllb stress)
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unusual and typically rather shocking (French - exceeded)
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fabby
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fabulous
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consonant with
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in agreement or harmony with
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misabile dictu (2nd syllb stress) adj
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wonderful to relate
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rive gauche
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the Left Bank (of the river Seine in Paris) - refers to the Paris of artists/bohemian
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ex ante /ɛks'ɑnti/
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based on forecasts rather than actual results
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deus ex machina
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an unexpected power/event saving a seemingly helpless situation
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extricate (1st syllb stress)
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to free from a constraint or a difficulty
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petulant (1st syllb stress)
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childishly sulky or bad-tempered
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mercurial
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subject to sudden changes of mood or mind
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febrile /'fi:brʌIl/
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1. showing a great deal of nervous excitement 2.showing symptoms of a fever
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acrimony (1st syllb stress)
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bitterness or ill feeling
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transmogrify
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transform in a surprising or magical manner
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ebullient ɪˈbʌljənt
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1. cheerful, full of energy. 2(archaic) boiling or turbulent (liquid)
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implacable
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1. unable to be appeased 2. unable to be stopped
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philanthropist
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person who seeks to promote the welfare of others, esp by donating money to good causes
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maverick
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an unorthodox or independent-minded person
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abut (2nd syllb stress) v.
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1. [of land or building] to be next to or share a boundary with. 2. to touch or lean on
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ungulate /ˈʌŋɡjʊlət, -ˌleɪt/
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a hoofed mammal
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undulate
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to move with smooth wave-like motion
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indelible (2nd syllb stress)
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1. [of ink or mark] unable to be removed 2. unable to be forgotten
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risible
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such as to provoke laughter
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secede
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to withdraw formally from membership of a federal union or a political or religious organisation
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the Secession
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the withdrawal of 11 Southern states from the US union in 1860 leading to the Civil War.
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miscegenation /ˌmɪsɪdʒɪˈneɪʃən/
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the interbreeding of people of different races#
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plumb v.
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1. to measure depth of water 2. to experience fully/to extremes
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plumb adv
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1. exactly 2. (N. Am) completely
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plumb adj.
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1. vertical 2. (cricket, of wicket) level/true
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apoplectic ('apoplexy) [3rd syllb stress)
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extremely angry
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aplomb /əˈplɒm/ n.
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self-confidence or assurance
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laconic
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using very few words, terse
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etiolated /ˈiːtɪəˌleɪtɪd/
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1. (of a plant) pale and weak due to lack of light 2. having lost vigour or substance, feeble.
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agronomy (2nd syllb stress)
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the science of soil management and crop production
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affable
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good-natured and sociable
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largess
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1. generosity 2. money/gifts given generously
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chow /tʃaʊ/ (v/n)
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food / to eat
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bugbear
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a cause of obsessive fear, anxiety or irritation
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ornery /ˈɔː.nə.ri/
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(N Amer, inform) bad-tempered
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rumbustious
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boisterous or unruly
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peacenik
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(inform, often derogatory) a member of a pacifist movement
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corral /kəˈrɑːl/
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(N Amer) 1. pen for livestock on a farm/ranch, 2. a defensive enclosure of wagons in an encampment
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profligate /ˈprɒf.lɪ.gət/ (adj) profligacy /ˈprɒf.lɪ.gə.si/ (n)
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recklessly extravagant/wasteful, licentious, dissolute
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licentious
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1. promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters. 2. (archaic) disregarding accepted rules - especially in grammar/literary style
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dissolute
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overindulgent in sensual pleasures
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contiguous
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1. sharing a common border, 2. next or together in a sequence
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foible
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a minor weakness or eccentricity
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aegis /ˈiː.dʒɪs/
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the protection, backing or support or someone
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serendipity
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the occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way
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puerile
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childishly silly and trivial
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personable
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having a pleasant appearance and manner
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shtetl (pl. shtetlach or shtetls)
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[Yiddish] a small Jewish town in Eastern Europe
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shtick
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[Yiddish] an attention getting or theatrical routine, gimmick, or talent
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shtook
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[Yiddish] trouble
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shtup (-ped past participle)
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[Yiddish] to have sex with
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recrudesce //ˌriː.kruːˈdEs/.
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(form) to break out again, recur - (recrudescence, recrudescent)
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jolie laide /,ʒɒlI 'lEd/
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a woman who is attractive despite having ugly features
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ardour /ˈɑː.də/
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great enthusiasm or passion
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vade mecum /vɑ:də meikəm/
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guide kept constantly at hand
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truculent
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defiantly aggressive, eager or quick to fight
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corollary n. (adj.)
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a direct consequence or result (associated, supplementary)
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impute
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to attribute, ascribe, assign (a value)
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venial /ˈviː.nIəl/
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refers to a sin that is excusable and not serious
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belie
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fail to give a true notion of, fail to justify (a claim/expectation)
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penitent adj/n
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feeling regret/one who repents sins
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striation
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marking of striae - linear marks, usually parallel
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periphrasis /pə'rIfrəsIs/
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1. use of indirect or circumlocutory speech or writing. 2. use of separate words to express a grammatical relationship otherwise indicated by inflection - e.g. 'did go' rather than 'went'
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gaucherie
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awkward or unsophisticated ways
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entropy (1st syllb stress)
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a measure of the rate of transfer of information in a message or language
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bathetic
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denoting an unintentional change in mood from the important/serious to the trivial/ridiculous
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apocryphal /əˈpɒk.rɪ.fəl/
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(of a report) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
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opacity
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being difficult or impossible to understand
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volition
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the faculty or power of using one's own will ("of one's own volition")
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bifurcated
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divided into two branches or forks
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substantive
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having a firm basis in reality and therefore important or meaningful/having an independent existence.
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asserveration (4th syllb stress)
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a solemn or emphatic declaration or statement
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imbibe
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to drink alcohol, to absorb (knowledge)
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imbue
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fill with a feeling or quality
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venal /'vi:nl/
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showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery (:vendere)
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inveigh (against)
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to speak or write out with great hostility
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tome
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a (large and scholarly) book
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inveigle sb into
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to persuade by deception or flattery
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obviate
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1. remove (a need/difficulty) 2. avoid; prevent
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surfeit (n)
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1. an excess 2.(archaic) an illness caused by excessive overeating/drinking
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surfeit (v)
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1. to weary sb through excess 2. overeat
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wanton (adj)
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1. (of violence) deliberate and unprovoked. 2. promiscuous 3. growing profusely 4. luxuriant - lively
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wanton (v)
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1. play, frolic 2. behave promiscuously
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sup
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(n) 1. a sip, 2. an alcoholic drink (v) 1. to sip 2. to eat supper.
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usurer /ˈjuː.zjʊ.rər/
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a person who lends money at unreasonably high rates of interest
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impudent (1st syllb stress)
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not showing due respect for another; impertinent
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undone
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ruined by a disastrous setback
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disinterested
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1. impartial 2. uninterested
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mendacious
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untruthful
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duplicitous
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1. deceitful 2. [law] (of a charge or plea) containing more than one allegation
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votaress
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nun/votary - a devoted follower - one who has made vows of dedication to a religion
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hie! /hʌI/
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go swiftly
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fie! /fʌI/
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express disgust or outrage
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brazen
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1. bold and shameless 2. made of brass
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brazen it out
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endure a difficult situation with apparent confidence and lack of shame
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warrant
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1. to justify/necessitate. 2. officially affirm/guarantee. - I'll warrant you = no doubt
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egregious
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1. outstandingly bad, shocking. 2. (archaic) very good
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opprobrium
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1. harsh criticism, scorn 2. public disgrace arising from shameful conduct.
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jeremiad /ˌdʒɛr əˈmʌɪ əd/
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long, mournful complaint/lamentation
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gerontocracy
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state/society/group governed by old people
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acrimonious
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angry and bitter
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boondoggle
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(N Amer.) a wasteful project - unnecessary or fraudulent. V - to waste time/money on such projects
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auspice /ˈɔ:spIs/
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an omen (archaic)
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totemic
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(from totem - a natural object or animal believed to have spiritual significance and so adopted as an emblem
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swinge
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strike hard, beat
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nobble
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steal, thwart by underhand means
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hole up
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hide oneself
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alacrity
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brisk and cheerful readiness
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paean /'pi: ən/
|
a song of praise or triumph
|
|
|
Politburo
|
policymaking committee of a communist party - esp USSR
|
|
|
kowtow /ˌkaʊˈtaʊ/
|
be excessively subservient to sb
|
|
|
vituperation
|
bitter and abusive language
|
|
|
recalcitrant
|
obstinately uncooperative
|
|
|
conduit /ˈkɒn.djuː.ɪt/
|
a channel for conveying water or other fluid
|
|
|
trenchant
|
1. vigorous or incisive in expression or style. 2. (of a weapon/tool) having a sharp edge
|
|
|
dearth
|
a scarcity/lack of something.
|
|
|
incisive
|
1. intelligently analytical and concise 2. (of an action) quick and direct)
|
|
|
spigot /'sp-/
|
a small peg or plug - esp for insertion into the vent of a cask
|
|
|
itinerant /(ʌ)ɪˈtɪn.ər.ənt/
|
travelling from place to place
|
|
|
demur
|
reserved, modest and shy
|
|
|
esoteric
|
intended for or understood by a small no. of people with a specialised knowledge
|
|
|
to rat
|
1. to desert one's side/cause 2. 'rat on' - to break an agreement or promise
|
|
|
siphon
|
n. a tube v. 1. to draw off liquid with a siphon 2. to draw off (money) illicitly over time
|
|
|
extort
|
obtain by force, threats or other unfair means
|
|
|
vertiginous
|
extremely high or steep -/ affected by vertigo
|
|
|
scrofulous
|
adj -from scrofula - a disease with glandular swellings
|
|
|
repudiate
|
1. refuse to accept or be associated with, 2. deny the truth of
|
|
|
lugubrious
|
mournful, sad and dismal
|
|
|
morose
|
sullen and bad-tempered
|
|
|
philtre /ˈfɪltə/
|
a love potion [from Grk 'phil' - to love]
|
|
|
portentous
|
overly solemn
|
|
|
portent
|
1. omen 2. exceptional person/thing
|
|
|
unalloyed
|
complete and unreserved
|
|
|
supercilious
|
having an air of contemptuous superiority
|
|
|
accrete /əˈkriːt/
|
to grow/form by accumulation/coalescence
|
|
|
pusillanimous /ˌpjuː.sɪˈlan.ɪ.məs/
|
lacking courage/determination, timid
|
|
|
rococo /rəˈkəʊkəʊ/
|
1. highly ornamented, florid 2. ornate late Baroque 18C European asymmetrical patterns
|
|
|
jejune /dʒɪˈdʒuːn/
|
1. naïve and simplistic, childish 2. (of ideas, writing) dull
|
|
|
enervate
|
to cause to feel drained of energy
|
|
|
fetid
|
smelling unpleasant
|
|
|
tonsure /ˈtɒnsjə/
|
a part of a monk's head shaven
|
|
|
vacuity - vacuous
|
showing a lack of thought/intelligence
|
|
|
iconoclast
|
1. a person who attacks cherished beliefs/institutions 2. a person who destroys religious images
|
|
|
decrepit
|
1. elderly/infirm 2. worn out/ruined because of age/neglect
|
|
|
fatuity - fatuous
|
silly and pointless
|
|
|
reverie
|
1. a daydream 2. (archaic) fanciful idea 3. (music) dreamlike
|
|
|
zooty
|
(archaic) stylish, flashy
|
|
|
irreverent
|
disrespectful
|
|
|
raffish
|
slightly disreputable, but in a attractive way
|
|
|
hoary
|
1. (having) grey (hair); aged 2. overused and trite
|
|
|
1. hoard 2. horde
|
1. secret stock 2. large group of people
|
|
|
trite
|
lacking originality or freshness, dull on account of overuse
|
|
|
irasible
|
hot-tempered, irritable - from L. 'ira' - ire
|
|
|
chattel
|
a personal possession
|
|
|
swarthy
|
dark-complexioned
|
|
|
sanguine /saŋgwɪn/
|
cheerfully optimistic
|
|
|
1. discrete 2. discreet
|
2. individually separate and distinct 2. careful and prudent - avoid attracting attention/offence
|
|
|
cabal /kəˈbal/
|
a secret political clique
|
|
|
contrite
|
feeling or expressing remorse
|
|
|
diffident
|
modest/shy because of a lack of self-confidence
|
|
|
compound
|
1. make worse, 2. combine, 3. settle (debt or court case in exchange for money/other)
|
|
|
immolate
|
to kill/offer as sacrifice (often by burning)
|
|
|
cohort
|
1. a group with shared characteristics, 2. a supporter/companion
|
|
|
parlous
|
(archaic, humorous) full of uncertainty; precarious
|
|
|
varsity
|
(archaic or S. African) university (N. American) a sports team for a university/college
|
|
|
badinage /ˈbad.ɪ.nɑːʒ/
|
a witty conversation
|
|
|
atone - etymology of
|
(lit. at one) Got and mankind united through Jesus dying for man's sins
|
|
|
victual(s) /ˈvɪt.əlz/
|
food or provisions - pronunciation is representative of the earlier spelling 'vittel'
|
|
|
replete
|
adj. filled or well-supplied with sth (n. repletion), 2. sated (from v. replenish) =filled with food.
|
|
|
shibboleth /ˈʃɪb.əl.Eθ/
|
very unwilling to spend money or use resources
|
|
|
correlative /kə'rElətIv/
|
1. having a correlation 2. gram - corresponding to one another - e.g. neither and nor
|
|
|
sate
|
to satisfy fully, supply with as much as or more than is desired (also: satiate, n. satiety /sə'tʌIIti/
|
|
|
paucity
|
the presence of sth in only small or insufficient amounts
|
|
|
paramour
|
(archaic) a lover, esp one already married
|
|
|
also-ran
|
1. a loser in a race 2. an undistinguished/unsuccessful person/thing
|
|
|
animist - animism
|
1. a belief in a supernatural power that animates the universe 2. the attribution of a living soul to plants/inanimate objects
|
|
|
detritus /dɪˈtraɪ.təs/
|
waste/debris, especially sth produced by erosion/decomposition
|
|
|
grouser
|
a grumbler
|
|
|
to grouse
|
to complain pettily
|
|
|
ostensible
|
apparently true but not necessarily so
|
|
|
nepotism
|
favouring of relatives/friends when giving jobs - from Ital. nepote
|
|
|
succour
|
assistance/support in times of hardship
|
|
|
ostentatious
|
pretentious or showy display designed to impress
|
|
|
machination
|
plot, scheme (usually evil)
|
|
|
lycanthropy
|
transformation of man to a wolf or a form of madness believing to be a wolf
|
|
|
impetuous
|
1. acting or done quickly/rashly 2. moving forcefully/rapidly
|
|
|
suborn
|
to bribe or otherwise induce someone to commit an unlawful act
|
|
|
utilitarian
|
adj. useful/practical rather than attractive. N. an adherent of the doctrine that actions are right if it benefits the majority
|
|
|
panoply /'pan~/
|
a complete or impressive collection/display
|
|
|
inhere /In'hIə/
|
1. (form) exist essentially or permanently in. 2. [Law] (of rights, powers etc.) be vested in (a person or group) or attached to the ownership of (a property)
|
|
|
conflate
|
combine into one
|
|
|
suffuse
|
gradually spread through or over
|
|
|
vicissitude
|
1. a change of circumstances or fortune, often for worse. 2. alteration between contrasting things
|
|
|
patrician
|
an aristocrat/nobleman/refined person [member of the noble class in Ancient Rome]
|
|
|
civic
|
relating to city/town or to duties/activities of its citizens
|
|
|
extrapolate
|
1. extend the application of (method/conclusion) to different or larger groups. 2. extend graph by inferring unknown values from trends in current data
|
|
|
infer
|
deduce from evidence and reasoning rather than explicit statements
|
|
|
coeval /kəʊˈiː.vəl/
|
adj. contemporary/having same age or date of origin. N. a contemporary
|
|
|
peripatetic
|
1. travelling from place to place - working/based in a succession of places each for a short period 2. Aristotelian - referring to his practice of walking to and fro while teaching
|
|
|
pastiche
|
an artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work/artist/trend
|
|
|
partisan
|
1. a strong supporter of a party/cause/person 2. member of an armed group fighting secretly against occupying force. Adj. prejudiced in favour of a particular cause
|
|
|
exigency /ˈEk.sɪ.dʒənt .si/
|
an urgent need or demand
|
|
|
impecunious
|
having little or no money
|
|
|
perspicacy, adj-uous
|
(person) expresses things clearly, (account) lucid, easily understood
|
|
|
expedient
|
adj - convenient and practical, though maybe immoral/improper, n-a means to an end, but possibly improper
|
|
|
pogrom /ˈpɒg.rəm/
|
an organised massacre of a particular ethnic group - originally that of the Jews in Russia [Russ: 'devastation)
|
|
|
distrait (fem -e)
|
distracted/absent-minded
|
|
|
concubine /ˈkɒŋ.kjʊ.baɪn/ (n. concubinage)
|
a woman who lives with a man but has a lower status that his wife/wives (perhaps due to caste/slavery etc.)
|
|
|
ancillary
|
adj - 1. providing support to primary activities of an organisation 2.additional but inferior/subsidiary
|
|
|
parsimonious
|
very unwilling to spend money or use resources
|
|
|
farrago /fəˈrɑː.gəʊ/
|
a confused mixture
|
|
|
emeritus /ɪˈmer.ɪ.təs/
|
having retired but allowed to keep one's title as an honour
|
|
|
farouche /fəˈruːʃ/
|
sullen or shy in company
|
|
|
expunge
|
obliterate or remove completely
|
|
|
inordinate
|
1. unusually large or excessive 2. (archaic) unrestrained in feelings or behaviour
|
|
|
pique
|
n. feeling of irritation or resentment due to a slight to one's pride. V. 1. to stimulate (curiosity/interest) 2. be piqued - feel irritated/resentful
|
|
|
acolyte
|
1. assistant or follower 2. one who assists priest in service
|
|
|
intemperate
|
showing a lack of self control - has excessive indulgence esp in alcohol
|
|
|
hector (v)
|
to talk to sb in a bullying way (adj hectoring) (from Hector in Illiad)
|
|
|
grandstand
|
seek to attract favourable public or media attention (derogatory)
|
|
|
detent /dI'tEnt/
|
a catch in a machine which prevents motion until released
|
|
|
hunker (down)
|
to squat [Germ: hocken] (to apply os seriously to a task)
|
|
|
chivvy
|
to repeatedly tell so to do sth
|
|
|
array v.
|
to display in an impressive way 2. to be elaborately clothed in 3. impanel (/empanel) a jury
|
|
|
barrack v.
|
(brit) to jeer kindly (Aus) ~ for = give encouragement to
|
|
|
arcane
|
understood by few, mysterious
|
|
|
pay lip service to
|
express support for insincerely
|
|
|
apparatchik /apəˈraʧɪk/
|
(derog/hum) an official in a large political organisation (a blindly loyal bureaucrat) 2. a member of the Communist party (apparat)
|
|
|
conversant with
|
familiar with/knowledgeable about sth
|
|
|
assuage /əˈsweɪdʒ/
|
1. make (an unpleasant feeling) less intense 2. satisfy (hunger/desire)
|
|
|
denigrate
|
criticise unfairly, disparage
|
|
|
animus
|
1. hostility or ill-feeling 2. motivation to do sth 3. masculine part of a woman's personality (Jung phil)
|
|
|
cavil /ˈkæv.əl/
|
make petty or unnecessary
|
|
|
opine /əʊ ˈpaɪn/
|
hold and state as one's opinion
|
|
|
effervescent /ˌEf.əˈvEs.ənt/
|
1. fizzy 2. vivacious and enthusiastic
|
|
|
solecism
|
a grammatical mistake, an instance of incorrect behaviour
|
|
|
hamstring v.
|
1. to cripple by cutting hamstrings 2. to thwart or restrict
|
|
|
rapacious
|
aggressively greedy
|
|
|
vox populi
|
the opinions or beliefs of the majority
|
|
|
obelus
|
symbol † used as a reference mark or to indicate a person is deceased
|
|
|
pare
|
1. to trim by cutting outer edges 2. to reduce/diminish in stages
|
|
|
extirpate /ˈek.stəː.peɪt/
|
to destroy completely, eradicate
|
|
|
unedifying
|
distasteful, unpleasant
|
|
|
albumen
|
egg white
|
|
|
cavalier /ˌkæv.əlˈɪər /
|
adj - showing a lack of proper concern
|
|
|
emetic /ɪˈmEt.ɪk/
|
(of a substance) adj. causing vomitting - 'emisis = vomiting
|
|
|
eidetic /aɪˈdɛtɪk/
|
denoting mental images having unusual vividness and detail, as if actually visible. - pertaining to vivid memories
|
|
|
otiose
|
1. serving no practical purpose 2. idle
|
|
|
as lief
|
as happily, gladly
|
|
|
hermetic
|
1. (of a seal) air tight 2. insulated/protected from outside influences
|
|
|
unctuous
|
1. excessively flattering or ingratiating 2. having a greasy/soapy feel - [Ital ungere - to anoint/grease)
|
|
|
inchoate /ɪnˈkəʊ.eɪt/
|
1. not fully formed/developed - rudimentary - 2. confused, incoherent
|
|
|
smart v.
|
1. give a sharp/stinging pain 2. feel upset/annoying
|
|
|
predecease
|
to die before
|
|
|
interdiction
|
prohibition
|
|
|
propensity
|
an inclination or tendency (from 'pro' forward and 'pendere' hang)
|
|
|
kecks
|
trousers/underpants
|
|
|
benighted
|
1. in a state of intellectual or moral ignorance 2. overtaken by darkness
|
|
|
bumptious
|
irritatingly self-assertive
|
|
|
between scylla and charybdis /'sIlə/ /kəˈrɪbdɪs/
|
between a rock and a hard place
|
|
|
1. convince 2. persuade
|
1. cause to believe firmly in the truth of sth 2. cause to do something through reason/argument.
|
|
|
effete /ɪˈfiːt/
|
1. affected and over-refined and ineffectual - (man) weak and effeminate 2. no longer capable of effective action
|
|
|
efficacy /ˈEf.ɪ.kə.si/
|
effectiveness (adj. efficacious)
|
|
|
isinglass
|
type of gelatine from fish - esp sturgeon
|
|
|
epistemic
|
relating to knowledge [Grk 'episteme' knowledge]
|
|
|
cankerous
|
bitter
|
|
|
trestle
|
framework consisting of a horizontal beam supported by two pairs of sloping legs to support a flat surface
|
|
|
urbane
|
(esp of a man) suave, courteous and refined
|
|
|
snaffle
|
(informal) illicitly take for oneself
|
|
|
husband (v)
|
to use (resources) economically
|
|
|
wheedle
|
to employ endearments or flattery to persuade so to do sth
|
|
|
systole /ˈsɪstəli/ - diastole /dʌɪ'astəli/
|
1. phase of the heart beat when the heart muscle contracts and pumps blood into the arteries. 2. shortening of a vowel. - 1. when the heart muscle relaxes and allows the chambers to fill with blood 2. lengthening of a vowel
|
|
|
schooner /ˈskuː.nə/
|
1. a sailing ship 2. a large glass for (Brit) sherry (US) beer
|
|
|
forb
|
a herbaceous flowering plant other than grass
|
|
|
pantywaist
|
(US) a feeble or effeminate person
|
|
|
Milquetoast /ˈmɪlktəʊst/
|
(US) a timid or submissive person
|
|
|
temporise
|
avoid making a decision or committing os in order to gain time
|
|
|
wainscotting
|
an area of wooden panelling on the lower part of the walls of a room
|
|
|
metier /'mEtjeI/
|
a profession or occupation (-one that one is good at)
|
|
|
galvanise
|
to shock or excite into action
|
|
|
moribud
|
1. at the point of death 2. in terminal decline - lacking in vigour
|
|
|
inune (be inured to)
|
to accustom (so) to sth (unpleasant)
|
|
|
anomie /ˈæn.əm.i/ - adj. anomic /ə'nomik/
|
social instability caused by the lack of the usual social/ethical standards adj - socially disorganised.
|
|
|
foment /fə(ʊ)ˈmEnt/
|
instigate/stir up (revolution or strife)
|
|
|
palliative
|
relieving pain or alleviating a problem without dealing with the cause
|
|
|
tenebrous
|
dark, shadowy
|
|
|
maven
|
(US/Yiddish) an expert/connoisseur
|
|
|
sanctimonious
|
making a show of being morally superior
|
|
|
parochial /pəˈrəʊ.ki.əl/
|
1. relating to a church parish. 2. having a narrow outlook/scope
|
|
|
caravanserai - /kærəˈvænsəraɪ/
|
1. inn with a central courtyard for travellers in desert 2. a group of people travelling together.
|
|
|
prolix adj. prolixity n.
|
adj. (of speech or writing) tediously lengthy
|
|
|
calumniate /kəˈlʌmni.eɪt/
|
(form) make false and defamatory statements about
|
|
|
anathematise /əˈnaθ.ə.mətaɪz/
|
to curse/condemn
|
|
|
seraph(ical)
|
n (adj) an angelic - associated with light/purity/ardour
|
|
|
lacuna /ləˈkjuː.nə/, pl -ae /i/
|
a gap or missing portion
|
|
|
priggish
|
self-righteously moralistic and superior (n. = a prig)
|
|
|
seraglio
|
the women's apartments in a Muslim palace > a harem
|
|
|
waspish
|
sharply irritable
|
|
|
upbraid
|
scold or reproach
|
|
|
nubiferous
|
bringing/producing clouds
|
|
|
epistaxis
|
bleeding from the nose
|
|
|
estuary
|
the tidal mouth of a large river
|
|
|
wrest
|
to forcibly pull from so's grasp - take (power) after resistance (-same root as 'wrist')
|
|
|
stir (n)
|
(informal) prison
|
|
|
turophile
|
a cheese lover
|
|
|
mop
|
an autumn fair or gathering at which farmhands/servants were hired
|
|
|
preternatural /ˌpriː.təˈnætʃ.əɹ.əl/
|
beyond what is normal or natural
|
|
|
specious /ˈspiːʃəs/
|
1. superficially plausible but actually wrong 2. misleadingly attractive in appearance
|
|
|
deleterious /ˌdɛlɪˈtɪəriəs/
|
(form) causing harm or damage
|
|
|
natch
|
naturally
|
|
|
felid /'fi:lId/
|
a mammal of the cat family.
|
|
|
arcadia
|
1. region in S Greece regarded as an ideal, rustic paradise - also Arcady /'ɑːk~/
|
|
|
maudlin /ˈmɔːd.lɪn/
|
adj. self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental
|
|
|
degagé /deI'gɑ:ʒeI/
|
adj. unconcerned or unconstrained
|
|
|
expostulate /ɪkˈspɒs.tjʊ.leɪt/
|
to express strong disagreement/disapproval
|
|
|
cloaca /~eIkə/
|
a common cavity at the end of the digestive tract for release of both excretory and genital products
|
|
|
exeat /'EksIət/
|
a permission from a college or boarding school for temporary absence
|
|
|
eximious /Ek'sI~/
|
preeminent, outstanding
|
|
|
candour
|
the quality of being open and honest
|
|
|
abstemious /æbˈstiː.mi.əs/
|
adj. indulging only very moderately in sth, esp food or drink
|
|
|
spoony
|
1. sentimentally or foolishly amorous 2. foolish
|
|
|
ullage
|
1. the amount by which a container falls short of being full 2. loss of liquid by evaporation or leakage.
|
|
|
parricidal, parricide
|
the killing of a parent or near relative
|
|
|
derhotacise
|
a distortion of the sound 'r'
|
|
|
abscond /əbˈskɒnd/
|
1. to leave hurriedly and secretly to escape from custody or avoid arrest. 2. to hide away
|
|
|
foolscap
|
a size of paper c. 330x200/400mm
|
|
|
costermonger
|
a person who sells goods, esp fruit/veg, from a handcart in the street
|
|
|
wastrel /'weIstrl/
|
a wasteful or worthless person
|
|
|
au fond
|
in essence
|
|
|
blue pencil
|
to censor (traditionally used to censor a text)
|
|
|
buss
|
to/a kiss
|
|
|
entrammel
|
entangle, trap
|
|
|
voluptuary
|
a person devoted to luxury and sensual pleasure (can be used as adj too)
|
|
|
percolate
|
1. filter through a porous surface or substance. 2. (information) spread gradually. 3. (coffee) prepared in a percolator 4. (US) become full of lively activity/excitement
|
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meiotic - meiosis /maɪˈəʊ.sɪs/
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process of cell division - produces daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent
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venustation
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to make beautiful
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nugatory /ˈnjuː.gə.tər.i/
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1. of no value/importance 2. useless or futile
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doughty /ˈdaʊ.ti/
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brave and resolute
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rude
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1. (awakening) very abrupt 2. vigorous or hearty 3. roughly made or done 4. ignorant/uneducated
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plangent
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loud and resonant with a mournful tone
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probity /ˈprəʊ.bɪ.ti/
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honesty and decency
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metathesis
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transposition of sounds/letters in a word
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plaintive
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sounding sad and mournful
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echolalia
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1. meaningless repetition of another person's spoken words as a symptom of a psychological disorder 2. repetition by a child learning to talk
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topiary /ˈtəʊ.pjər.i/
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1. art of clipping shrubs into ornamental shapes 2. shrubs/trees clipped in such a way
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banjax
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(informal) ruin or incapacitate
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abrade
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to scrape or wear away by erosion
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ague /ˈeɪ.ɡju/
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malaria or other illness involving fever/shivering
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lorgnette /lɒ:rnjɛt/
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pair of glasses/opera glasses held by a long handle at one end
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ab ovo
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from the very beginning
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aglet
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the cover at the end of the shoelace to prevent it from fraying
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guano
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excrement of seabirds, used as fertilizer
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anagrammatic
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adj of anagram - v. anagrammatise
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diablerie /dI'ɑ:blri/
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1. the quality of being reckless or wild in a charismatic way. 2 (archaic) sorcery supposedly assisted by the devil
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lissom(e)
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slim, supple and graceful
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naif /naI'i:f/
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adj naïve, n. a naïve person
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plaudits (pl)
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praise, enthusiastic approval - said by Roman actors at the end of the play - from L plaudite ('applaud!')
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sybaritic - sybarite /'sIbəraIt/
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a person who is self-indulgently fond of sensuous luxury
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recondite
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adj (of a subject/knowledge) obscure
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gamut /'gamət/
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1. complete range or scope of sth. 2. a complete musical scale - the range of a voice or instrument.
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flaneur /fla'nə:/
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a man about town who saunters around observing society - or an idler/loafer
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citadel /'sItədl/
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1. a fortress protecting or dominating a city 2. a meeting hall of the Salvation Army
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run the gamut
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experience or display the complete range of sth.
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prelate /'prElət/
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a bishop or other high ecclesiastical dignitary
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punster
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one who makes puns
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yore
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(of yore) of former times or long ago
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peremptory
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adj. 1. insisting on immediate attention or obedience, brusque and imperious 2. (law) not open to appeal or challenge - final
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gonnegtion
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mispronunciation of connection
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meretricious
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1. showily attractive but lacking real value 2. (arch) characteristic of a prostitute
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debauchee
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s.o. who is debauched, s.o. addicted to indulgence in sensual pleasures
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debaucher
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s.o. who debauches, or corrupts others, a seducer
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debauch
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destroy moral purity or corrupt
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eye dialect
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written representations of dialect speech
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glib
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fluent but insincere and shallow
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fusilier
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member of a British regiment formally armed with fusils (light muskets)
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mezzanine /ˈmet.sə.niːn/
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1. a low storey between two others especially between ground and first floor 2. (US) lowest balcony in a theatre
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dilatory /ˈdɪl.ə.tri/
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1. slow to act 2. intended to cause delay
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hypaethral /hʌɪˈpiːθɹəl/
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(of a classical building) having no roof
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acedia /əˈsiːdɪə/
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1. spiritual or mental sloth 2. boredom 3. apathy
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slumgullion
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cheap or insubstantial stew
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bootless
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(archaic, of a task) ineffectual, useless - OE bot - advantage/remedy -> better
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lionise
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treat as a celebrity
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arcana (pl, sing=arcanom) /ɑ:'keɪnə/
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secrets, mysteries
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youthquake
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a shift in cultural norms influenced by the values, tastes and mores of young people
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mores /ˈmɔː.reɪz/
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pl. n. the customs and conventions of a community
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skirl
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n. a shrill sound, esp that of bagpipes, v. to make sure a sound
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snafu /ˈsnɑːfuː/
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a confused or chaotic state/mess, v.to throw into chaos [WWII acronym - situation normal, all fucked up]
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harbinger /ˈhɑː.bɪn.dʒə/
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n. a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of sth [ME -> a person who provides or goes ahead to find lodgings ->later 'herald', from Proto-Germanic *harjaz (“army”) + *bergô (“protection”). Compare German 'Herberge', Italian 'albergo', English 'harbour'.]
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pneumothorax
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presence of air/gas in cavity between lungs and chest causing lung collapse
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pneumo-
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1. relating to lungs, 2. relating to presence of air/gas
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pneumonia
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a lung infection where air sacs fill with pus
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pasquinade /paskwɪˈneɪd/
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n. satire or lampoon, originally one displayed/delivered in a public place -> C16 Ital 'pasquinata' from 'pasquino' a statue in Rome on which abusive Latin verses were posted.
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tart
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1. sharp or acid in taste 2. (remark, tone of voice) cutting, butter or sarcastic
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hale
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adj, (of an old person) strong and healthy
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floe
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a sheet of floating ice
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overweening
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showing excessive confidence or pride
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anodyne /ˈanədʌɪn/
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adj. unlikely to cause offence or disagreement but dull, n. a painkiller (from Anc Greek 'without pain')
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somnolent
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adj. sleepy, drowsy
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retrofit
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fit with a component not fitted during manufacture
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recidivist
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a convicted criminal who reoffends (L 'fall back')
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retroactive
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adj (esp of legislation) taking effect from a date in the past
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non compos mentis
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not in one's right mind, not of sound mind
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aquiline
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1. like an eagle 2. (of a nose) curved like an eagle's beak
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bête noir
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a person or a thing that one particularly dislikes
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apposite
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(esp of language) very appropriate, apt
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deliquesce
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v, 1. (of organic matter) become liquid (esp during decomposition) 2. (Chem) (of a solid) become liquid by absorbing moisture from the air
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ameliorate
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v. to make (sth bad or unpleasant) better
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interregnum
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a period wen normal government is suspended, esp. between successive reigns or regimes
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efface /ɪˈfeɪs/
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1. erase (a mark) from a surface. 2. (efface o.s.) to make o.s. appear insignificant or inconspicuous
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triptych /ˈtrɪp.tɪk/
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picture or carving on three panel, typically hinged vertically and used as an altarpiece -> a set of three associated artistic, literary or musical works
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baleful
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menacing, having a harmful effect.
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breakneck
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dangerously or extremely fast
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endemic
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1. (of disease/condition) regularly found among a particular people or in a certain area. 2. (of plant/animal) native or restricted to a certain area.
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foley
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relating to the addition of sound effects after the shooting of a film - named after the US inventor Jack Foley
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atrophy
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1 (of body tissue) waste away 2. gradually decline in effectiveness or vigour
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areal
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of or pertaining to an area
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newel
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the central or supporting pillar of a spiral staircase -> the top/bottom support post of a stair rail
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endue
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endow with a quality or ability
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spat
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1. a short cloth gaiter covering the instep and ankle. 2 cover for the upper part of a wheel
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shrive
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1. to hear a confession of sb, assign a penance and absolve. 2. ~ o.s. = to present o.s. to a priest for confession, penance and absolution
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lum
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a chimney
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rayon
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a textile fibre or fabric made from regenerated cellulose
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postpartum
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relating to the period after childbirth
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Garrison finish
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a race finish in which the winner comes from behind at the end -> named after jockey Edward Garrison
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tucket
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a fanfare on a trumpet
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harmartia /hə'mɑːtɪə/
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a tragic flaw
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doggerel /ˈdɒɡ(ə)rəl/
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comic verse composed in irregular rhythm ->badly written verse
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poetaster
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a person who writes inferior poetry ('aster' denoting poor quality from L = incomplete, little)
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criticaster
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a petty or charlatan critic
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politicaster
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a third-rate, petty politician (Ital - politicastro)
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pridian
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referring to a previous day
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expedite
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cause to be accomplished more quickly
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bolide /ˈbəʊ.laɪd/
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a large meteor which explodes in the atmosphere
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apodictic /apə(ʊ)ˈdɪktɪk/
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clearly established or beyond dispute
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paradigm
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1. a typical example, pattern or model of sth 2. a world view underlying the theories and methodology of a scientific subject. 3. (Ling) a set of items that form mutually exclusive choices in particular syntactic roles. 4. (Gram) a table of all the inflected forms of a word.
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tendentious
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calculated to promote a particular cause or point of view
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qui vive (on the ~) /ki: vi:v/
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on the alert or lookout (from the French 'who lives?' - a sentry's challenge)
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prognosticate
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to foretell; prophesy
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schizoid
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(Psych) denoting a personality type characterised by emotional aloofness and solitary habits -> (inform) resembling schizophrenia in having contradictory elements; mad or crazy
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exculpate
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show or declare to be not guilty of wrongdoing
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promulgate
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1. promote or make widely known, 2. put (a law/decree) into effect by official proclamation
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propitiate
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appease, win or regain the favour of
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incubus -i
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1. a male demon believed to have sexual intercourse with a sleeping woman 2. (arch) nightmare
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askance
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with a look of suspicion or disapproval
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fillip
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n. 1. a stimulus or boost 2. a flick. V. to propel (sth small)
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charwoman
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a woman employed as a cleaner in a house/office ('chore'->'char')
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alabaster
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adj. smooth and white, n. a white material used to make ornaments
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caterwaul
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v. to make a shrill howling or wailing noise, n. a shrill noise
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skinflint
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a miser
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factotum /fækˈtəʊ.təm/
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an employee who does all kinds of work (L 'fac' [do] 'totum' [everything])
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aviary
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a large enclosure for keeping birds in
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amperage
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the strength of an electric current in amps
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iniquity
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highly unfair or immoral behaviour
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birch
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v. to beat with a bundle of birch twigs as a punishment
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intendant
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1. the administrator of an opera house or theatre. 2. a title of a high-ranking official.
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presage /ˈprEs.ɪdʒ/
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v. to be a sign or warning of (an imminent event) n. an omen or portent.
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rhapsodise
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speak with great enthusiasm about sth or so
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adamantine /,adə'man-/
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adj (lit) unbreakable
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coltish
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energetic but awkward in one's movements or behaviour
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fustian
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pompous speech or writing
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protean /ˈprəʊ.tɪ.ən/,
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tending or able to adapt, variable, versatile
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vestigial /vɛˈstɪdʒ(ɪ)əl/
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adj. 1. forming a very small remnant of sth that was once greater. 2. (of an organ) atrophied - become functionless in the cause of evolution
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carapace /ˈkæ.rəˌpeɪs/
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the hard upper shell of a tortoise/crustacean
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indubitable /ɪnˈdju:bɪtəbl/
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unquestionable
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saturnalia
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an ancient Roman festival of Saturn in December -> an occasion of wild revelry
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poltroon
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an utter coward
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inveterate /ɪn'vɛtərət/
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having a long-standing habit or activity -> An inveterate gambler
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desultory /ˈdɛs.əl.tə.ɹi/,
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adj, lacking purpose or enthusiasm
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priapic
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1. relating to phallus or male sexuality 2. having a constantly erect penis (from Greek god of fertility Priopos)
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bibulous
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excessively fond of drinking alcohol
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farceur
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a writer or performer in farces
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pas de deux
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a dance for two (French 'step for two)
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goitre /ˈɡɔɪ.tə/
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a swelling of the neck from enlargening of thyroid gland
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uxorious /ʌkˈsɔːɹ.i.əs/
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adj. showing great/excessive fondness for one's wife (L 'uxor' [wife])
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adenoidal
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nasal (sounding voice)
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gurney -ies
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a wheeled stretcher for transporting hospital patients
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kittel
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white robe worn by Jews at festivals -> D der Kittel [tunic]
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scion /ˈsaɪən/
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1. detached living portion of a plant 2. descendant/child (of noble family) 3. heir
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vespertine
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relating to the evening
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redolant
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1. exuding fragrance, aromatic 2. evocative or suggestive
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nescience /ˈnɛsɪəns/
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lack of knowledge, ignorance -> nescient
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ether /ˈiːθə/
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1. liquid used as anaesthetic solvent 2. (lit) clear sky - upper regions of air above the clouds
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spavin (adj - ed)
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a disorder of a horse's hock (leg joint)
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jackanapes
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1. an impertinent person. 2. a tame monkey
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indefeasible
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not subject to being lost, annulled or overturned
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fleer
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v. to laugh impudently or jeeringly n. an impudent or jeering look/speech
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duende /du:'EndeI/
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1. passion 2. evil spirit
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ahimsa /əˈhɪmsɑː/
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(in Hindu, Buddhist and Jainist tradition) respect for all living things and an avoidance of violence towards others
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paronomasia
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n. a pun
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sciolist
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(arch) a person who pretends or claims to be knowledgeable (from L 'scio' [I know])
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kwashiorkor /,kwɒʃɪ'ɔ:kɔ:/
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malnutrition caused by protein deficiency causing swollen bellies [Ghanaian]
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dissolute
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over-indulgent in sensual pleasures
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lexiphanic
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using bombastic or pretentious language
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magniloquent
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speaking pompously
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bombastic
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pompous or overly wordy
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grandiloquent
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speaking pompously
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emblazon
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1. to conspicuously display (a design) on sth -> depict (a heraldic device) on sth. 2. (arch) to praise publically
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seminal
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1. (of a work, event, person) stronly influencing later developments. 2. relating to or denoting semen.
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heady
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1. (of alcohol) potent, intoxicating 2. having a strong or exhilarting effect.
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anthemic
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rousing (adj of 'anthem')
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callow
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(of a young person) inexperienced and immature
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prurient /ˈprʊə.ri.ənt/
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having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters
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