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3560 Cards in this Set
- Front
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es⋅chew
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[es-choo] –verb to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid: to eschew evil
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as⋅sid⋅u⋅ous
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[uh-sij-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. constant; unremitting: assiduous reading. 2. constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive: an assiduous student.
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pe⋅cu⋅ni⋅ar⋅y
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[pi-kyoo-nee-er-ee] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to money: pecuniary difficulties. 2. consisting of or given or exacted in money or monetary payments: pecuniary tributes.
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a⋅part⋅heid
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[uh-pahrt-heyt, -hahyt] –noun 1. (in the Republic of South Africa) a rigid policy of segregation of the nonwhite population. 2. any system or practice that separates people according to race, caste, etc.
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fath⋅om
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[fath-uhm] noun fath⋅om, verb –noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements.
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lad⋅ing
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[ley-ding] –noun 1. that with which something is laden; load; freight; cargo.
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op⋅u⋅lence
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[op-yuh-luhns] –noun 1. wealth, riches, or affluence. 2. abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty. 3. the state of being opulent.
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pan⋅de⋅mo⋅ni⋅um
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[pan-duh-moh-nee-uhm] –noun 1. wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. 2. a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.
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shrewd
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[shrood]–adjective, -er, -est. 1. astute or sharp in practical matters: a shrewd politician. 2. keen; piercing.
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pan⋅jan⋅drum
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[pan-jan-druhm] –noun a self-important or pretentious official.
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vi⋅car⋅i⋅ous
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[vahy-kair-ee-uhs, vi-] –adjective 1. performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another: vicarious punishment. 2. taking the place of another person or thing; acting or serving as a substitute.
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e⋅vince
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[i-vins] –verb (used with object), e⋅vinced, e⋅vinc⋅ing. 1. to show clearly; make evident or manifest; prove. 2. to reveal the possession of (a quality, trait, etc.).
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af⋅flu⋅ence
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[af-loo-uhns or, often, uh-floo-] –noun 1. abundance of money, property, and other material goods; riches; wealth. 2. an abundant supply, as of thoughts or words; profusion.
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ven⋅er⋅ate
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[ven-uh-reyt] –verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. to regard or treat with reverence; revere.
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eu⋅nuch⋅ize
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[yoo-nuh-kahyz] –verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing. to castrate; emasculate.
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fran⋅gi⋅ble
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[fran-juh-buhl] –adjective easily broken; breakable: Most frangible toys are not suitable for young children.
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for⋅ti⋅fy
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[fawr-tuh-fahy] –verb (used with object) 1. to protect or strengthen against attack; surround or provide with defensive military works.
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mi⋅cro⋅cosm
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[mahy-kruh-koz-uhm] –noun 1. a little world; a world in miniature (opposed to macrocosm ).
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bi⋅be⋅lot
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[bib-loh; Fr. beebuh-loh] –noun. a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity.
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col⋅lage
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[kuh-lahzh, koh- noun 3. an assemblage or occurrence of diverse elements or fragments in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition: The experimental play is a collage of sudden scene shifts, long monologues, musical interludes, and slapstick.
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pro⋅ver⋅bi⋅al
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[pruh-vur-bee-uhl] adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb: proverbial brevity.
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neb⋅u⋅lous
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[neb-yuh-luhs] adjective 1. hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused: a nebulous recollection of the meeting; a nebulous distinction between pride and conceit.
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im⋅mac⋅u⋅late
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[i-mak-yuh-lit] adjective 1. free from spot or stain; spotlessly clean: immaculate linen.
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ve⋅rac⋅i⋅ty
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[vuh-ras-i-tee] noun 1. habitual observance of truth in speech or statement; truthfulness: He was not noted for his veracity.
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viper
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a malignant or spiteful person. a false or treacherous person.
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for⋅tu⋅i⋅tous
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[fawr-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] adjective 1. happening or produced by chance; accidental: a fortuitous encounter.
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no⋅to⋅ri⋅e⋅ty
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[noh-tuh-rahy-i-tee] noun, plural -ties. 1. the state, quality, or character of being notorious or widely known: a craze for notoriety.
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ep⋅i⋅logue
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[ep-uh-lawg, -log] noun 1. a concluding part added to a literary work, as a novel. 2. a speech, usually in verse, delivered by one of the actors after the conclusion of a play.
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ex⋅co⋅ri⋅ate
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[ik-skawr-ee-eyt, -skohr-] verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. 1. to denounce or berate severely; flay verbally: He was excoriated for his mistakes.
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ha⋅rangue
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[huh-rang] noun 1. a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.
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sur⋅rep⋅ti⋅tious
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[sur-uhp-tish-uhs] adjective 1. obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine: a surreptitious glance.
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at⋅el⋅ier
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[at-l-yey, at-l-yey; Fr. atuh-lyey] noun, a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer.
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las⋅civ⋅i⋅ous
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[luh-siv-ee-uhs] adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man.
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os⋅ten⋅ta⋅tious
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[os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn-] adjective 1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
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dis⋅po⋅si⋅tion
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[dis-puh-zish-uhn] noun 1. the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude: a girl with a pleasant disposition.
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vi⋅cis⋅si⋅tude
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[vi-sis-i-tood, -tyood] noun 1. a change or variation occurring in the course of something. 2. interchange or alternation, as of states or things.
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terse
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[turs]–adjective ters⋅er, ters⋅est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
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ethos
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[ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs]–noun 1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period: In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued. 2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc. 3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
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fathom
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[fath-uhm]–noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements. Abbreviation: fath –verb (used with object) 2. to measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound. 3. to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
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tempest
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[tem-pist]–noun 1. a violent windstorm, esp. one with rain, hail, or snow. 2. a violent commotion, disturbance, or tumult. –verb (used with object) 3. to affect by or as by a tempest; disturb violently. -Idiom 4. tempest in a teacup. teacup (def. 3).
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aubade
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[oh-bad, oh-bahd; Fr. oh-bad]-noun, a piece sung or played outdoors at dawn, usually as a compliment to someone.
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synergism
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[sin-er-jiz-uhm, si-nur-jiz-]–noun 1. the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc. 2. the joint action of agents, as drugs, that when taken together increase each other's effectiveness (contrasted with antagonism ). 3. Theology. the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration.
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sermonette
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[sur-muh-net]–noun a brief sermon or homily: five-minute radio sermonettes.
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plenipotentiary
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[plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree]–noun 1. a person, esp. a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another. –adjective 2. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent. 3. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission. 4. absolute or full, as power.
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hallow
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[hal-oh]–verb (used with object) 1. to make holy; sanctify; consecrate. 2. to honor as holy; consider sacred; venerate: to hallow a battlefield.
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prevaricate
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[pri-var-i-keyt]–verb (used without object), -cat⋅ed, -cat⋅ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
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coopt
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[koh-opt]–verb (used with object) 1. to elect into a body by the votes of the existing members. 2. to assimilate, take, or win over into a larger or established group: The fledgling Labor party was coopted by the Socialist party. BREAK 3. to appropriate as one's own; preempt: The dissidents have coopted the title of her novel for their slogan.
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perambulate
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[per-am-byuh-leyt]–verb (used with object) 1. to walk through, about, or over; travel through; traverse. 2. to traverse in order to examine or inspect. BREAK –verb (used without object) BREAK 3. to walk or travel about; stroll.
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indigenous
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[in-dij-uh-nuhs]–adjective 1. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often fol. by to): the plants indigenous to Canada; the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. 2. innate; inherent; natural (usually fol. by to): feelings indigenous to human beings.
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amid
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[uh-mid]–preposition 1. in the middle of; surrounded by; among: to stand weeping amid the ruins. 2. during; in or throughout the course of.
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tantamount
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[tan-tuh-mount]–adjective equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or signification: His angry speech was tantamount to a declaration of war.
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gesticulate
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[je-stik-yuh-leyt]–verb (used without object) 1. to make or use gestures, esp. in an animated or excited manner with or instead of speech. –verb (used with object) 2. to express by gesturing.
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lament
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[luh-ment]–verb (used with object) 1. to feel or express sorrow or regret for: to lament his absence. 2. to mourn for or over.
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lascivious
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[luh-siv-ee-uhs]–adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man. 2. arousing sexual desire: lascivious photographs.
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enjoin
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[en-join]–verb (used with object) 1. to prescribe (a course of action) with authority or emphasis: The doctor enjoined a strict diet.
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pretentious
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[pri-ten-shuhs] –adjective 1. full of pretense or pretension. 2. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance. 3. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
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quixotic
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extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable. 3.impulsive and often rashly unpredictable.
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hellenization
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"verb (used without object) 2. to adopt Greek ideas or customs.
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precarious
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dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood. 2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.
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par·a·gon
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noun a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.
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cur·mudg·eon
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"noun a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.
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gas·tron·o·my
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noun the art or science of good eating. a style of cooking or eating.
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Es·sene
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"noun. Judaism. a member of a Palestinian sect, characterized by asceticism, celibacy, and joint holding of property, that flourished from the 2nd century b.c. to the 2nd century a.d.
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vict·ual
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"noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings.
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har·lot
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"[hahr-luht] –noun a prostitute; whore.
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tar·a·did·dle
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"[tar-uh-did-l] –nounInformal. 1. a small lie; fib. 2. pretentious nonsense.
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vi·ti·ate
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[vish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. 1. to impair the quality of; make faulty; spoil. 2. to impair or weaken the effectiveness of.
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ap·pro·ba·tion
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[ap-ruh-bey-shuhn] –noun 1. approval; commendation. 2. official approval or sanction.
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syn·tag·mat·ic"
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"[sin-tag-mat-ik] –adjectiveLinguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that occur sequentially in the chain of speech or writing, as the relationship between the sun and is shining or the and sun in the sentence The sun is shining.
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par·a·dig·mat·ic"
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"[par-uh-dig-mat-ik] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to a paradigm. 2. Linguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that can substitute for each other in a given context, as the relationship of sun in The sun is shining to other nouns, as moon, star, or light, that could substitute for it in that sentence, or of is shining to was shining, shone, will shine, etc., as well as to is rising, is setting, etc. Compare syntagmatic.
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qui·es·cent
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kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy-] –adjective being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless:
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con·cil·i·ate
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1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
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las·si·tude
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[las-i-tood, -tyood] –noun1. weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor.
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quat·rain
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"[kwo-treyn] –noun a stanza or poem of four lines, usually with alternate rhymes.
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ap·pel·la·tion
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[ap-uh-ley-shuhn] –noun 1.a name, title, or designation.
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pu·er·pe·ri·um
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"[pyoo-er-peer-ee-uhm] –nounObstretrics. the four-week period following childbirth.
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aux·il·ia·ry
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" [awg-zil-yuh-ree, -zil-uh-] –adjective 1. additional; supplementary; reserve: an auxiliary police force. 4. giving support; serving as an aid; helpful: The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other. Passion is auxiliary to art.
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nu·mi·nous
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[noo-muh-nuhs, nyoo-] –adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or like a numen; spiritual or supernatural. 2. surpassing comprehension or understanding; mysterious: that element in artistic expression that remains numinous.
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con·cede
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[kuhn-seed] –verb (used with object) 1. to acknowledge as true, just, or proper; admit: He finally conceded that she was right.
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dyschezia
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(dĭs-kē'zē-ə, -zhə) n.The inability to defecate without pain or difficulty.
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di·chot·o·my
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[dahy-kot-uh-mee] –noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
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ra·ti·oc·i·na·tion
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"[rash-ee-os-uh-ney-shuhn, -oh-suh-, rat-ee-] –noun the process of logical reasoning.
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e·gress
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[n. ee-gres; v. ih-gres] –noun 1.the act or an instance of going, esp. from an enclosed place. 2. a means or place of going out; an exit.
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de·ba·cle
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"[dey-bah-kuhl, -bak-uhl, duh-] –noun 1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.
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li·ai·son
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noun 1. the contact or connection maintained by communications between units of the armed forces or of any other organization in order to ensure concerted action, cooperation, etc.
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fat·u·ous
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[fach-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly.
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fe·lic·i·tate
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[fi-lis-i-teyt] –verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate.
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vo·cif·er·ous
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[voh-sif-er-uhs] –adjective 1. crying out noisily; clamorous.
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lo·chi·a
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"[loh-kee-uh, lok-ee-uh] –noun,plural-chi·a. Medicine/Medical. the liquid discharge from the uterus after childbirth.
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pur·port
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"verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official.
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rep·ro·bate
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"noun1. a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person: a drunken reprobate. 2. a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation.
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cou·ture
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noun 1. the occupation of a couturier; dressmaking and designing. 2. fashion designers or couturiers collectively.
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pros·o·dy
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"3.Linguistics. the stress and intonation patterns of an utterance.
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in·to·na·tion
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noun 1. the pattern or melody of pitch changes in connected speech, esp. the pitch pattern of a sentence, which distinguishes kinds of sentences or speakers of different language cultures.
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lit·ur·gy
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noun,plural-gies. 1. a form of public worship; ritual.
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a·grar·i·an
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[uh-grair-ee-uhn] –adjective 1.relating to land, land tenure, or the division of landed property: agrarian laws.
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ger·und
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[jer-uhnd] –nounGrammar. 1. (in certain languages, as Latin) a form regularly derived from a verb and functioning as a noun, having in Latin all case forms but the nominative, as Latin dicendī gen., dicendō, dat., abl., etc., “saying.”
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pro·vi·sion·al
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[pruh-vizh-uh-nl] –adjective Also, pro·vi·sion·ar·y 1. providing or serving for the time being only; existing only until permanently or properly replaced; temporary: a provisional government.
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domicile
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[dom-uh-sahyl, -suhl, doh-muh-] –noun 1. a place of residence; abode; house or home.
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rus·ti·cate
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"[ruhs-ti-keyt] –verb (used without object) 1. to go to the country. 2. to stay or sojourn in the country.
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portico
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a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch.
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mu·nif·i·cent
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"[myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] –adjective 1. extremely liberal in giving; very generous. 2. characterized by great generosity: a munificent bequest.
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Di·as·po·ra
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[dahy-as-per-uh] –noun 1. the scattering of the Jews to countries outside of Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. 2. (often lowercase) the body of Jews living in countries outside Palestine or modern Israel.
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ob·fus·cate
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[ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt] –verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
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in·can·ta·tion
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[in-kan-tey-shuhn] –noun 1. the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power. 2. the formula employed; a spell or charm.
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mag·nan·i·mous
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adjective 1. generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies. 2. high-minded; noble: a just and magnanimous ruler.
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tem·po·rize
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verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
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quix·ot·ic
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adjective 1. (sometimes initial capital letter) resembling or befitting Don Quixote. 2. extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
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chasm
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noun 1. a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge. 2. a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
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blithe
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adjective,blith·er, blith·est. 1. joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful: Everyone loved her for her blithe spirit.
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con·cil·i·ate"
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[kuhn-sil-ee-eyt] verb (used with object) 1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
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ex·as·per·ate
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[v. ig-zas-puh-reyt; adj. ig-zas-per-it] –verb (used with object) 1. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely: He was exasperated by the senseless delays.
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os·ten·si·ble
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"[o-sten-suh-buhl] –adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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pro·pi·ti·ate
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"[pruh-pish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object)-at·ed, -at·ing. to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
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ce·ler·i·ty
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"[suh-ler-i-tee] –noun swiftness; speed.
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ar·du·ous
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[ahr-joo-uhs] adjective 1. requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult: an arduous undertaking. 2. requiring or using much energy and vigor; strenuous: making an arduous effort.
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ad·age
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"[ad-ij] –noun A traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb.
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cher·ub
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1. a celestial being. Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1, 10. 2. Theology. a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.
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pon·tif·i·cate
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(pŏn-tĭf'ĭ-kĭt, -kāt') n. The office or term of office of a pontiff. 1. To express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way. 2. To administer the office of a pontiff.
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in·ex·o·ra·ble
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"[in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] –adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
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cal·cu·lus
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. 1. Mathematics. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
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pos·ter·i·ty
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"[po-ster-i-tee] –noun 1. succeeding or future generations collectively: Judgment of this age must be left to posterity. 2. all descendants of one person: His fortune was gradually dissipated by his posterity.
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in·ter·loc·u·tor
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[in-ter-lok-yuh-ter] –noun 1. a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue. 2. the man in the middle of the line of performers in a minstrel troupe, who acts as the announcer and banters with the end men.
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va·lence
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"[vey-luhns] –noun 1.Chemistry. a.the quality that determines the number of atoms or groups with which any single atom or group will unite chemically. b.the relative combining capacity of an atom or group compared with that of the standard hydrogen atom. The chloride ion, Cl–, with a valence of one, has the capacity to unite with one atom of hydrogen or its equivalent, as in HCl or NaCl.
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aug·ment
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"verb (used with object) 1. to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase: His salary is augmented by a small inheritance. 2. a.to raise (the upper note of an interval or chord) by a half step. B.to double the note values of (a theme): In the fugue's development the subject is augmented.
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ex·e·ge·sis
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"[ek-si-jee-sis] –noun,plural-ses /-siz/ Show Spelled[-seez] critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.
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pro·lix"
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"adjective 1.extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy. 2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length.
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re·cid·i·vism
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"[ri-sid-uh-viz-uhm] –noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime. 2. Psychiatry. the chronic tendency toward repetition of criminal or antisocial behavior patterns.
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chi·me·ra
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[ki-meer-uh, kahy-] –noun,plural-ras. 1. (often initial capital letter) a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. 2. any similarly grotesque monster having disparate parts, esp. as depicted in decorative art.
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terse
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"[turs] –adjectiveters·er, ters·est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
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per·sev·er·ate
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"[per-sev-uh-reyt] –verb (used without object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to repeat something insistently or redundantly: to perseverate in reminding children of their responsibilities.
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in·ef·fa·ble
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[in-ef-uh-buhl] adjective 1. incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy.
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co·i·tus
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"[koh-i-tuhs] –noun sexual intercourse, esp. between a man and a woman.
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dys·pa·reu·ni·a
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"[dis-puh-roo-nee-uh] nounMedicine/Medical. BREAK painful coitus.
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syn·ech·i·a
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"noun,pluralsyn·ech·i·ae Show Spelled[si-nek-ee-ee, -nee-kee-ee, sin-i-kahy-ee] Medicine/Medical, Pathology. any adhesion of parts of the body, as of the iris to the cornea.
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e·nig·ma
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[uh-nig-muh] –noun,plural-mas, -ma·ta /-mətə/ Show Spelled[-muh-tuh] 1. a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation: His disappearance is an enigma that has given rise to much speculation. 2. a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears.
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veneer
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a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance: a cruel person with a veneer of kindliness.
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lu·na·cy
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[loo-nuh-see] noun,plural-cies. 1. insanity; mental disorder. 2. intermittent insanity, formerly believed to be related to phases of the moon.
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Eu·cha·rist
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[yoo-kuh-rist] –noun 1. the sacrament of Holy Communion; the sacrifice of the Mass; the Lord's 2. the consecrated elements of the Holy Communion, esp. the bread.
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her·me·neu·tic
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"[hur-muh-noo-tik, -nyoo-] –adjective of or pertaining to hermeneutics; interpretative; explanatory.
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con·sum·mate
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verb (used with object) 1. to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill. 2. to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract: The company consummated its deal to buy a smaller firm.
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anon
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"adverb 1. in a short time; soon. 2.at another time. 3. Archaic. at once; immediately.
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asseverate
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"verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to declare earnestly or solemnly; affirm positively; aver.
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er·u·dite
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[er-yoo-dahyt, er-oo-] –adjective characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly: an erudite professor; an erudite commentary.
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eu·phe·mism
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[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm] noun 1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. 2. the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
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coo day tah
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removal of a head of state from power (overthrow). Unlike a revolution, which usually takes large numbers of people to take over, a coup can be done by a small number of people. Even one person can cause a coup if they
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anthropomorhphic
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ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, esp. to a deity
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a·poth·e·o·sis
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[uh-poth-ee-oh-sis, ap-uh-thee-uh-sis] noun 1. the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god.
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on·tol·o·gy
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[on-tol-uh-jee] –noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
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in·tran·si·gent
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"[in-tran-si-juhnt] –adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible.
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sol·e·cism
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[sol-uh-siz-uhm, soh-luh-] –noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.
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pa·rish·ion·er
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"[puh-rish-uh-ner] –noun one of the community or inhabitants of a parish.
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he·gem·o·ny
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[hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] –noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation.
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in·ter·loc·u·to·ry
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adjective 1. of the nature of, pertaining to, or occurring in conversation: interlocutory instruction.
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ped·ant·ry
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[ped-n-tree] –noun,plural-ries. 1. the character, qualities, practices, etc., of a pedant, esp. undue display of learning.
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i·dyll
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[ahyd-l] –noun BREAK 1. a poem or prose composition, usually describing pastoral scenes or events or any charmingly simple episode, appealing incident, or the like.
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pro·le·tar·i·an·ism
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"[proh-li-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] –noun the practices, attitudes, or social status of a proletarian.
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an·ar·chy
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noun 1. a state of society without government or law. 2. political and social disorder due to the absence of governmental control: The death of the king was followed by a year of anarchy.
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hi·a·tus
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[hahy-ey-tuhs] –noun,plural-tus·es, -tus. 1. a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
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fe·al·ty
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"noun,plural-ties. 1. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal.
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an·a·sar·ca
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"[an-uh-sahr-kuh] –nounPathology. a pronounced, generalized edema.
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Bo·he·mi·an
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a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.
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tem·po·rize
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verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
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suc·cor
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noun 1. help; relief; aid; assistance.
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ar·ca·num
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"noun,plural-na 1. Often, arcana. a secret; mystery. 2. a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover. 3. a secret and powerful remedy.
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co·pi·ous
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adjective 1. large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful: copious amounts of food.
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ca·dence
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nounAlso, cadency. 1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words: the cadence of language.
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in·vec·tive
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noun 1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach. 2. a railing accusation; vituperation.
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syn·tax
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Linguistics. a.the study of the rules for the formation of grammatical sentences in a language.
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per·func·to·ry"
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"adjective 1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy. 2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
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ped·a·go·gy
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"noun,plural-gies. 1. the function or work of a teacher; teaching. 2. the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.
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al·le·go·ry"
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noun,plural-ries. 1. a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another.
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in·cu·bus
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noun,plural-bi 1. an imaginary demon or evil spirit supposed to descend upon sleeping persons, esp. one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep.Compare succubus (def. 1). 2.a nightmare.
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vacillation
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2.a state of indecision or irresolution. 3. unsteady movement; fluctuation.
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mu·lat·to
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noun 1. the offspring of one white parent and one black parent: not in technical use.
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com·mu·nal
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adjective 1.used or shared in common by everyone in a group: a communal jug of wine.
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pla·cate"
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"verb to appease or pacify, esp. by concessions or conciliatory gestures: to placate an outraged citizenry.
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so·dal·i·ty
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noun,plural-ties. 1.fellowship; comradeship. 2. an association or society.
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lo·qua·cious
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adjective 1. talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous: a loquacious dinner guest.
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la·nu·go
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"noun,plural-gos. Biology. a coat of delicate, downy hairs, esp. that with which the human fetus or a newborn infant is covered.
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pu·ni·tive"
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"adjective serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment: punitive laws; punitive action.
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per·e·gri·na·tion
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"noun 1. travel from one place to another, esp. on foot. 2. a course of travel; journey.
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par·si·mo·ni·ous
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"[pahr-suh-moh-nee-uhs] –adjective characterized by or showing parsimony; frugal or stingy.
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er·u·di·tion
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"[er-yoo-dish-uhn, er-oo-] –noun knowledge acquired by study, research, etc.; learning; scholarship.
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aus·tere
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[aw-steer] –adjective 1. severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. 2. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent.
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ra·pa·cious
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adjective 1. given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed. 2. inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate: a rapacious disposition.
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con·fab·u·late
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"verb (used without object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to converse informally; chat. 2. Psychiatry. to engage in confabulation.
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aph·o·rism
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–noun a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”
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col·lude
|
verb (used without object),-lud·ed, -lud·ing. 1. to act together through a secret understanding, esp. with evil or harmful intent.
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anedotal
|
based on personal observation, case study reports, or random investigations rather than systematic scientific evaluation: anecdotal evidence.
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in·dig·nant
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"adjective feeling, characterized by, or expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base: indignant remarks; an indignant expression on his face.
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litigious
|
inclined to dispute or disagree; argumentative.
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grim·ace
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"noun 1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
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latitudinous
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"adjective having latitude, scope, range, breadth, etc., esp. of ideas, interests, interpretations, or the like: a Renaissance man of latitudinous outlook.
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in·noc·u·ous
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(ĭ-nŏk'yōō-əs) adj. 1. Having no adverse effect; harmless. 2.Not likely to offend or provoke to strong emotion; insipid.
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re·pub·lic
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noun 1. a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them.
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feist·y
|
adjective,feist·i·er, feist·i·est. 1.full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; spunky; plucky: The champion is faced with a feisty challenger.
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ar·che·type
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noun 1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
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labile
|
apt or likely to change.
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ego-dystonic/ego-syntonic
|
behavior that do or don't line up with belief
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provocation
|
act of provoking
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in·cho·ate
|
adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient.
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ad·u·late
|
"verb (used with object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. to show excessive admiration or devotion to; flatter or admire servilely.
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proclivity
|
"noun,plural-ties. natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition: a proclivity to meticulousness.
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clo·nus
|
"noun,plural-nus·es. Pathology. a rapid succession of flexions and extensions of a group of muscles, usually signifying an affection of the brain or spinal cord.
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mor·ti·fy
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verb (used with object) 1.to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one's pride or self-respect.
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bliss
|
noun supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss. 2. Theology. the joy of heaven.
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tra·duce
|
"verb (used with object),-duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.
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cog·ni·zant
|
adjective 1. having cognizance; aware (usually fol. by of): He was cognizant of the difficulty
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an·cil·lar·y"
|
"adjective 1. subordinate; subsidiary. 2. auxiliary; assisting.
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per·ni·cious
|
adjective 1. causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful: pernicious teachings; a pernicious lie.
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in·a·ni·tion
|
"noun 1. exhaustion from lack of nourishment; starvation. 2. lack of vigor; lethargy.
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a·lac·ri·ty
|
"noun 1. cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity. BREAK 2. liveliness; briskness.
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tor·rent
|
noun 1. a stream of water flowing with great rapidity and violence. 2. a rushing, violent, or abundant and unceasing stream of anything: a torrent of lava.
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missive
|
"noun 1. a written message; letter.
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va·grant
|
noun 1. a person who wanders about idly and has no permanent home or employment; vagabond; tramp.
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trep·i·da·tion
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"noun 1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation. 2. trembling or quivering movement; tremor.
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dep·re·cate
|
verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1 .to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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dem·i·god
|
"noun 1. a mythological being who is partly divine and partly human; an inferior deity. 2. a deified mortal.
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gar·ru·lous
|
"[gar-uh-luhs, gar-yuh-] –adjective 1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters. 2. wordy or diffuse: a garrulous and boring speech.
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for·mi·da·ble
|
adjective 1. causing fear, apprehension, or dread: a formidable opponent. 2. of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty, etc.; intimidating: a formidable problem.
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on·tol·o·gy
|
"[on-tol-uh-jee] noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such. 2. (loosely) metaphysics.
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in·tran·si·gent"
|
"adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible. –noun 2. a person who refuses to agree or compromise, as in politics.
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sol·e·cism
|
"noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was. 2.a breach of good manners or etiquette. 3. any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.
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he·gem·o·ny
|
hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] BREAK noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation. 2. leadership; predominance.
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par·ish
|
[par-ish] noun 1. an ecclesiastical district having its own church and member of the clergy. 2. a local church with its field of activity.
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Ontology
|
1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
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Arcanum
|
a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover.
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Solace
|
comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
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Zealot
|
1. an excessively zealous person; fanatic. 2. a member of a radical, warlike, ardently patriotic group of Jews in Judea, particularly prominent from a.d. 69 to 81, advocating the violent overthrow of Roman rule and vigorously resisting the efforts of the Romans and their supporters to heathenize the Jews.
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qui·e·tus
|
noun,plural-tus·es. 1. a finishing stroke; anything that effectually ends or settles: Having given a quietus to the argument, she left. 2. discharge or release from life. 3. a period of retirement or inactivity.
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sat·ire
|
noun 1.the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. 2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
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pre·var·i·cate
|
verb (used without object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
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fro·ward
|
adjective willfully contrary; not easily managed: to be worried about one's froward, intractable child.
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par·ox·ysm
|
[par-uhk-siz-uhm] –noun 1. any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion: paroxysms of rage. 2. Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
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a·poth·e·car·y
|
noun,plural-car·ies. 1. a druggist; a pharmacist.
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aux·il·ia·ry
|
adjective 1. Additional; supplementary; reserve
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marred
|
verb (used with object),marred, mar·ring. 1.to damage or spoil to a certain extent; render less perfect, attractive, useful, etc.; impair or spoil: That billboard mars the view. The holiday was marred by bad weather. 2. to disfigure, deface, or scar: The scratch marred the table.
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di·chot·o·my
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noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
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as·phyx·i·a
|
nounPathology. the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.
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so·lic·i·tous
|
adjective 1.anxious or concerned (usually fol. by about, for, etc., or a clause): solicitous about a person's health.
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in·ane
|
adjective 1.lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void.
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e·gre·gious
|
[ih-gree-juhs, -jee-uhs] –adjective 1.extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant: an egregious mistake; an egregious liar.
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sche·ma
|
noun,pluralsche·ma·ta /ˈskimətə or, sometimes, skiˈmɑtə, skɪ-/ Show Spelled[skee-muh-tuh or, sometimes, skee-mah-tuh, ski-] sche·mas. 1. a diagram, plan, or scheme. 2. an underlying organizational pattern or structure; conceptual framework.
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in·ju·di·cious
|
[in-joo-dish-uhs] –adjective not judicious; showing lack of judgment; unwise; imprudent; indiscreet: an injudicious decision.
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con·ceit
|
"noun 1. an excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability, importance, wit 2. a fancy; whim; fanciful notion. 3. an elaborate, fanciful metaphor, esp. of a strained or far-fetched nature.
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fe·al·ty
|
noun,plural-ties. 1. History/Historical. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal. 2.fidelity; faithfulness.
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Pab·lum
|
1.Trademark. a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants. –noun 2. (lowercase) trite, naive, or simplistic ideas or writings; intellectual pap.
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a·byss
|
noun 1. a deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or cavity; vast chasm. 2. anything profound, unfathomable, or infinite: the abyss of time. 3. (in ancient cosmogony) a.the primal chaos before Creation. b. the infernal regions; hell. c.a subterranean ocean.
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prov·en·der
|
noun 1. dry food, as hay or oats, for livestock or other domestic animals; fodder. 2. food; provisions.
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grav·id
|
adjective pregnant.
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neb·u·la
|
[neb-yuh-luh] –noun,plural-lae /-ˌli, -ˌlaɪ/ Show Spelled[-lee, -lahy] Show IPA, -las. 1. Astronomy. a. Also called diffuse nebula. a cloud of interstellar gas and dust. Compare dark nebula, emission nebula, reflection nebula. b. (formerly) any celestial object that appears nebulous, hazy, or fuzzy, and extended in a telescope view. 2. Pathology. a.a faint opacity in the cornea. b.cloudiness in the urine. 3.any liquid medication prepared for use as a spray.
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a·per·i·tive
|
[uh-per-i-tiv] –adjective 1.aperient. 2. having a stimulating effect on the appetite. –noun 3.an aperient. 4. an appetite stimulant.
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benison
|
[ben-uh-zuhn, -suhn] –noun benediction.
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an·tiq·ui·ty
|
[an-tik-wi-tee] –noun,plural-ties. 1. the quality of being ancient; ancientness: a bowl of great antiquity. 2. ancient times; former ages: the splendor of antiquity. 3. the period of history before the Middle Ages. 4. the peoples, nations, tribes, or cultures of ancient times. 5. Usually, antiquities. something belonging to or remaining from ancient times, as monuments, relics, or customs
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pomp·ous
|
"[pom-puhs] -Adjective 1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official. 2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech. 3. characterized by pomp, stately splendor, or magnificence.
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ed·i·fice
|
[ed-uh-fis] –noun 1. a building, esp. one of large size or imposing appearance. 2. any large, complex system or organization.
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as·cer·tain
|
"[as-er-teyn] –verb (used with object) 1. to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine: to ascertain the facts. 2. Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
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mon·o·lith
|
[mon-uh-lith] –noun 1.an obelisk, column, large statue, etc., formed of a single block of stone. 2. a single block or piece of stone of considerable size, esp. when used in architecture or sculpture. 3. something having a uniform, massive, redoubtable, or inflexible quality or character.
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te·nac·i·ty
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[tuh-nas-i-tee] –noun the quality or property of being tenacious.
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dudg·eon
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[duhj-uhn] –noun a feeling of offense or resentment; anger: We left in high dudgeon.
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en·thrall
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"[en-thrawl] –verb (used with object) 1. to captivate or charm: a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences. 2. to put or hold in slavery; subjugate: to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.
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te·na·cious
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[tuh-ney-shuhs] –adjective 1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often fol. by of): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits. 2. highly retentive: a tenacious memory. 3. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate. 4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous. 5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.
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exiguous
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"–adjective
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punctilious
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[puhngk-til-ee-uhs] adjective extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.
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disputatious
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–adjective fond of or given to disputation; argumentative; contentious: disputatious litigants.
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convent
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" –noun 1. a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior. 2. a society or association of monks, friars, or nuns: now usually used of a society of nuns. 3. the building or buildings occupied by such a society; a monastery or nunnery.
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bricolage
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" 1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
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idiosyncratic
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"noun, plural -sies. 1. a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual. 2. the physical constitution peculiar to an individual.
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privation
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"–noun 1. lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life: His life of privation began to affect his health. 2. an instance of this. 3. the act of depriving.
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allay
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–verb (used with object), -layed, -lay·ing. 1. to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet. 2. to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate: to allay pain.
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procession
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"noun 1. the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession or in a formal and ceremonious manner, as a line of people, animals, vehicles, etc. 2. the line or body of persons or things moving along in such a manner.
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auspicious
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adjective BREAK 1. promising success; propitious; opportune; favorable: an auspicious occasion. BREAK 2. favored by fortune; prosperous; fortunate.
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auspice
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noun,1. Usually, auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship: under the auspices of the Department of Education. 2. Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
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mana
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–nounAnthropology. a generalized, supernatural force or power, which may be concentrated in objects or persons.
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alogical
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–adjective beyond the scope of logic or logical reasoning: alogical philosophical speculations.
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tautologous
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noun, plural -gies. 1. needless repetition of an idea, esp. in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness, as in “widow woman.” 2. an instance of such repetition
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circumlocutory
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"–noun 1. a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. 2. a roundabout expression.
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bombastic
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"adjective (of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.
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verbose
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"adjective characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.
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alexithymia
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–nounPsychiatry. difficulty in experiencing, expressing, and describing emotional responses
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squalor
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"–noun the condition of being squalid; filth and misery.
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jurisprudence
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"–noun 1. the science or philosophy of law. 2. a body or system of laws.
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pillory
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verb (used with object) 2. to set in the pillory. 3. to expose to public derision, ridicule, or abuse: The candidate mercilessly pilloried his opponent
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salutary
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"–adjective 1. favorable to or promoting health; healthful. 2. promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome.
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earnest
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–adjective 1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous: an earnest worker. 2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty. 3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention. –noun 4. full seriousness, as of intention or purpose: to speak in earnest.
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heed
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"verb (used with object) and noun 1. to give careful attention to: He did not heed the warning.
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clarion
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"adjective 1. clear and shrill: the clarion call of a battle trumpet.
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trenchant
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–adjective 1. incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit. 2. vigorous; effective; energetic: a trenchant policy of political reform. 3. clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct.
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raucous
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–adjective 1. harsh; strident; grating: raucous voices; raucous laughter. 2. rowdy; disorderly: a raucous party.
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compendium
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"–noun, plural -di·ums 1. a brief treatment or account of a subject, esp. an extensive subject; concise treatise: a compendium of medicine. 2. a summary, epitome, or abridgment.
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succumb
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verb (used without object) 1. to give way to superior force; yield: to succumb to despair
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brothel
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–noun a house of prostitution
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putrid
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–adjective 1. in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
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putrescent
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–adjective 1. becoming putrid; undergoing putrefaction. 2. of or pertaining to putrefaction.
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confaternity
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"–noun, plural -ties. 1. a lay brotherhood devoted to some purpose, esp. to religious or charitable service. 2. a society or organization, esp. of men, united for some purpose or in some profession.
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benefaction
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"noun 1. an act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed: He is known throughout the region for his many benefactions. 2. the benefit conferred; charitable donation: to solicit benefactions for earthquake victims.
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conversely
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"–adjective 1. opposite or contrary in direction, action, sequence, etc.; turned around. –noun 2. something opposite or contrary.
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trite
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"adjective, trit·er, trit·est. 1. lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale: the trite phrases in his letter. 2. characterized by hackneyed expressions, ideas, etc.: The commencement address was trite and endlessly long.
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platitude
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–noun 1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. 2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory.
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preamble
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noun 1. an introductory statement; preface; introduction. 2. the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows. 3. a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance: His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime
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parochial
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"adjective 1. of or pertaining to a parish or parishes. 2. of or pertaining to parochial schools or the education they provide.
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recrudescence
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–noun breaking out afresh or into renewed activity; revival or reappearance in active existence.
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opprobrious
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–adjective 1. conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker: opprobrious invectives. 2. outrageously disgraceful or shameful: opprobrious conduct
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adroit
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–adjective 1. expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body. 2. cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious: an adroit debater
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harried
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"–verb (used with object) 1. to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks; worry: He was harried by constant doubts. 2. to ravage, as in war; devastate: The troops harried the countryside.
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contumelious
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–noun, plural -lies. 1. insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment. 2. a humiliating insult.
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supercilious
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–adjective haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression
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contemptuous
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–adjective showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful
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prowess
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–noun 1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker
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mussitate
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–verb (used without object), -tat·ed, -tat·ing. Obsolete . to mutter; mumble
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importunate
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–adjective 1. urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so. 2. pertinacious, as solicitations or demands
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luciferous
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adjective 1. bringing or providing light. 2. providing insight or enlightenment.
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lucifugous
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" adj avoiding light
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nihilism
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–noun 1. total rejection of established laws and institutions. 2. anarchy, terrorism, or other revolutionary activity.
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gaiety
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"noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being gay or cheerful; gay spirits. 2. Often, gaieties. merrymaking or festivity: the gaieties of the New Year season.
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merriment
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noun 1. cheerful or joyful gaiety; mirth; hilarity; laughter. 2. Obsolete . a cause of mirth; a jest, entertainment,
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congeal
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verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid
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malady
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noun, plural -dies. 1. any disorder or disease of the body, esp. one that is chronic or deepseated. 2. any undesirable or disordered condition: social maladies; a malady of the spirit.
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recidivist
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noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime.
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massagist
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Slang . to treat with special care and attention; coddle or pamper: The store massages its regular customers with gifts and private sales. 5. Informal . a. to manipulate, maneuver, or handle skillfully: to massage a bill through the Senate
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ameliorate
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"–verb (used with object), verb (used without object), -rat·ed, -rat·ing. to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate.
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diaphanous
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"adjective 1. very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent. 2. delicately hazy.
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booty
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–noun, plural -ties. 1. spoil taken from an enemy in war; plunder; pillage. 2. something that is seized by violence and robbery.
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techie
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noun Informal . 1. a technical expert, student, or enthusiast, esp. in the field of electronics. 2. a technician, as for a stage crew.
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injunction
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noun 1. Law . a judicial process or order requiring the person or persons to whom it is directed to do a particular act or to refrain from doing a particular act. 2. an act or instance of enjoining.
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itinerant
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adjective 1. traveling from place to place, esp. on a circuit, as a minister, judge, or sales representative; itinerating; journeying. 2. characterized by such traveling: itinerant preaching
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ambrosian
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adjective 1. exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant. 2. worthy of the gods; divine
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imago
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" an adult sexually mature insect produced after metamorphosis 2. psychoanal an idealized image of another person, usually a parent, acquired in childhood and carried in the unconscious in later life
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cartesian
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–adjective 1. of or pertaining to Descartes, his mathematical methods, or his philosophy, esp. with regard to its emphasis on logical analysis and its mechanistic interpretation of physical nature
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emend
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"–verb (used with object) 1. to edit or change (a text). 2. to free from faults or errors; correct.
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dilapidated
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adjective reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.
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extravagant
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–adjective BREAK 1. spending much more than is necessary or wise; wasteful: an extravagant shopper. BREAK 2. excessively high: extravagant expenses; extravagant prices
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errant
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–adjective 1. deviating from the regular or proper course; erring; straying. 2. journeying or traveling, as a medieval knight in quest of adventure; roving adventurously
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equanimity
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–noun mental or emotional stability or composure, esp. under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.
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undulate
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–verb (used without object) 1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement: The flag undulates in the breeze. 2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions
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repungance
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noun 1. the state of being repugnant. 2. strong distaste, aversion, or objection; antipathy. 3. contradictoriness or inconsistency
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abhorrence
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noun 1. a feeling of extreme repugnance or aversion; utter loathing; abomination. 2. something or someone extremely repugnant or loathsome.
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jactation
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–noun 1. boasting; bragging. 2. Pathology . a restless tossing of the body
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conglomerate
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"noun 1. anything composed of heterogeneous materials or elements. 2. a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated industries, usually as a result of merger or acquisition.
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endearing
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–adjective 1. tending to make dear or beloved. 2. manifesting or evoking affection: an endearing smile.
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spurious
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"adjective 1. not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit. 2. Biology . (of two or more parts, plants, etc.) having a similar appearance but a different structure.
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anecdote
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"noun a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.
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tittle
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noun 1. a dot or other small mark in writing or printing, used as a diacritic, punctuation, etc. 2. a very small part or quantity; a particle, jot, or whit: He said he didn't care a tittle.
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hugh
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noun a male given name: from a Germanic word meaning “heart, mind.”
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remoulade
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–noun a cold sauce made with mayonnaise and various condiments and herbs, as chopped pickles, capers, mustard, parsley, chervil, and tarragon.
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quandary
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noun, plural -ries. a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
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connate
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adjective 1. existing in a person or thing from birth or origin; inborn: a connate sense of right and wrong. 2. associated in birth or origin. 3. allied or agreeing in nature; cognate.
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echinate
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adjective bristly; prickly.
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cachinnate
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verb (used without object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing. to laugh loudly or immoderately
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remised
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verb (used with object), -mised, -mis·ing. Law . to give up a claim to; surrender by deed.
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purlieus
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–noun 1. purlieus, environs or neighborhood. 2. a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds. 3. a person's haunt or resort. 4. an outlying district or region, as of a town or city.
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conjure
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"–verb (used with object) 1. to affect or influence by or as if by invocation or spell. 2. to effect, produce, bring, etc., by or as by magic: to conjure a miracle. 3. to call upon or command (a devil or spirit) by invocation or spell.
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tumescence
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adjective 1. swelling; slightly tumid. 2. exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming. 3. pompous and pretentious, esp. in the use of language; bombastic.
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fallacious
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"–adjective 1. containing a fallacy; logically unsound: fallacious arguments. 2. deceptive; misleading: fallacious testimony.
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variance
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noun 1. the state, quality, or fact of being variable, divergent, different, or anomalous. 2. an instance of varying; difference; discrepancy.
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quarantine
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–noun 1. a strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
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equable
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–adjective 1. free from many changes or variations; uniform: an equable climate; an equable temperament. 2. uniform in operation or effect, as laws.
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insouciance
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–noun the quality of being insouciant; lack of care or concern; indifference
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distrain
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–verb (used with object) 1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim. 2. to levy a distress upon.
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impeccable
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–adjective 1. faultless; flawless; irreproachable: impeccable manners. 2. not liable to sin; incapable of sin
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monastic
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adjective of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living. noun 4. a member of a monastic community or order, esp. a monk
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hue
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"–noun 1. a gradation or variety of a color; tint: pale hues. 2. the property of light by which the color of an object is classified as red, blue, green, or yellow in reference to the spectrum.
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inception
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"–noun 1. beginning; start; commencement.
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sophistry
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noun, plural -ries. 1. a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning. 2. a false argument; sophism
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casuistry
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"— n , pl -ries 1. philosophy the resolution of particular moral dilemmas, esp those arising from conflicting general moral rules, by careful distinction of the cases to which these rules apply 2. reasoning that is specious, misleading, or oversubtle
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resurgence
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–adjective rising or tending to rise again; reviving; renascent
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carousal
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–noun a noisy or drunken feast or social gathering; revelry
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creed
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noun 1. any system, doctrine, or formula of religious belief, as of a denomination. 2. any system or codification of belief or of opinion.
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impedimenta
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plural noun baggage or other things that retard one's progress, as supplies carried by an army: the impedimenta of the weekend skier.
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suffusion
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"verb (used with object), -fused, -fus·ing. to overspread with or as with a liquid, color, etcpervade, diffuse, bathe, flood.
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squelch
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–verb (used with object) 1. to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash. 2. to put down, suppress, or silence, as with a crushing retort or argument.
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vespertine
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"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or occurring in the evening: vespertine stillness. 2. Botany . opening or expanding in the evening, as certain flowers.
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vituperate
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—Synonyms censure, vilify, berate
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agnosia
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"n loss or diminution of the ability to recognize familiar objects or stimuli usually as a result of brain damage see visual agnosia
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proffer
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Synonyms proffering 1. volunteer, propose, sugges tverb (used with object) 1. to put before a person for acceptance
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janus
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" n the Roman god of doorways, passages, and bridges. In art he is depicted with two heads facing opposite ways
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inerrant
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adjective free from error; infallible
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hunky dory
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"fine; okay. : As a matter of fact, everything is just hunky-dory.
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commensurate
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"–adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 3. proportionate; adequate.
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assent
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verb (used without object) 1. to agree or concur; subscribe to (often fol. by to ): to assent to a statement
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exculpatory
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adjective tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt.
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quixotical
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extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
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latitude
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scope for freedom of action, thought, etc; freedom from restriction: his parents gave him a great deal of latitude
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consternate
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" vb ( tr; usually passive ) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion
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haptic
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Function: adj 1 : relating to or based on the sense of touch haptic mode of perception — Colin Gordon > 2 : characterized by a predilection for the sense of touch haptic person>
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insurgent
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" rebellious, revolutionary, mutinous.
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grotesque
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odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre
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heliolatry
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–noun worship of the sun.
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amok
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" n 1. a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays adj 2. run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
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remiss
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–adjective 1. negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc.: He's terribly remiss in his work. 2. characterized by negligence or carelessness. 3. lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish
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oleaginous
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"— adj resembling or having the properties of oil 2. containing or producing oil
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traducer
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verb (used with object), -duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character
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threnody
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noun, plural -dies. a poem, speech, or song of lamentation, esp. for the dead; dirge; funeral song.
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rectitude.
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"noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives. 2. correctness: rectitude of judgment.
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dowries
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–noun, plural -ries. 1. Also, dower. the money, goods, or estate that a wife brings to her husband at marriage.
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misogynist
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–noun hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
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emissaries
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noun 1. a representative sent on a mission or errand: emissaries to negotiate a peace. 2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
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syncopate
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–verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. BREAK 1. Music a. to place (the accents) on beats that are normally unaccented
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intimation
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verb (used with object), -mat·ed, -mat·ing BREAK 1. to indicate or make known indirectly; hint; imply; suggest
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ingenuity
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noun, plural -ties 1. the quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; inventiveness: a designer of great ingenuity
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plucky
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adjective, pluck·i·er, pluck·i·est. having or showing pluck or courage; brave: The drowning swimmer was rescued by a plucky schoolboy.
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waive
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"verb (used with object), waived, waiv·ing. 1. to refrain from claiming or insisting on; give up; forgo: to waive one's right; to waive one's rank; to waive honors.
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eidetic
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"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or constituting visual imagery vividly experienced and readily reproducible with great accuracy and in great detail.
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equity
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"–noun,plural-ties 1.the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality: the equity of Solomon. 2.something that is fair and just.
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praxis
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noun practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of knowledge or skills 2. convention, habit, or custom.
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envisage
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–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag·ing to contemplate; visualize: He envisages an era of great scientific discoveries
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taradiddle
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noun Informal 1. a small lie; fib 2. pretentious nonsense
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purport
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verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official. 2. to convey to the mind as the meaning or thing intended; express or imply.
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leniency
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noun, plural -cies. 1. the quality or state of being lenient. 2. a lenient act
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pathetic
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adjective 1. causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable: a pathetic letter; a pathetic sight. 2. affecting or moving the feelings
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querulous
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"–adjective 1. full of complaints; complaining. 2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
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demagogue
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"noun 1. a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people. verb 3. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
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superfluous
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adjective 1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2. unnecessary or needless
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loquacity
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"–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being loquacious; talkativeness; garrulity.
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inexorable
|
"–adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
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obstinate
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" adj 1. adhering fixedly to a particular opinion, attitude, course of action, etc 2. self-willed or headstrong
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pertinacious
|
–adjective 1. holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute. 2. stubborn or obstinate
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resolute
|
"adjective 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.
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machismo
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adjective BREAK 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. BREAK 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc
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bastion
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"noun 1. Fortification . a projecting portion of a rampart or fortification that forms an irregular pentagon attached at the base to the main work. 2. a fortified place.
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quintessential
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noun 1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance. 2. the most perfect embodiment of something
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vis a vis
|
adverb 1. face to face: They SAT vis-à-vis at the table. –adjective 2. face-to-face: a vis-à-vis encounter.
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suasion
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noun 1. the act of advising, urging, or attempting to persuade; persuasion. 2. an instance of this; a persuasive effort.
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epitaph
|
noun 1. a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary monument about the person buried at that site. 2. a brief poem or other writing in praise of a deceased person.
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matriculate
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree.
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peonage
|
noun 1. the condition or service of a peon. 2. the practice of holding persons in servitude or partial slavery, as to work off a debt or to serve a penal sentence.
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cogent
|
adjective 1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling. 2. to the point; relevant; pertinent
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obfuscate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
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muliebrity
|
"noun 1. womanly nature or qualities. 2. womanhood.
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repute
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noun 1. estimation in the view of others; reputation: persons of good repute. 2. favorable reputation; good name; public respect
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chevron
|
noun 1. a badge consisting of stripes meeting at an angle, worn on the sleeve by noncommissioned officers, police officers, etc., as an indication of rank, service, or the like. 2. an ornament in this form, as on a molding
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probity
|
noun integrity and uprightness; honesty
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perpend
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noun a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall
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proselytize
|
verb to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
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vamoose
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verb (used without object) 1. to leave hurriedly or quickly; decamp.
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foraging
|
noun 1. the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.
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hysteria
|
–noun 1. an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrationality, laughter, weeping, etc
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lurch
|
"–noun 1. an act or instance of swaying abruptly. 2. a sudden tip or roll to one side, as of a ship or a staggering person.
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loath
|
adjective unwilling; reluctant; disinclined; averse: to be loath to admit a mistake.
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aberrant
|
–adjective 1. departing from the right, normal, or usual course. 2. deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional; abnormal
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inundation
|
verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing. 1. to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge. 2. to overwhelm: inundated with letters of protest
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primeval
|
–adjective of or pertaining to the first age or ages, esp. of the world: primeval forms of life
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metonymy
|
–noun Rhetoric a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part, as “scepter” for “sovereignty,” or “the bottle” for “strong drink,” or “count heads (or noses)” for “count people.”
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sesquipedalianism
|
given to using long words. 2. (of a word) containing many syllables
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idiom
|
noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics. 2. a language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to a people
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doula
|
noun a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth.
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exonerate
|
"noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics.
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valetudinarian
|
noun 1. an invalid. 2. a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments. –adjective 3. in poor health; sickly; invalid. 4. excessively concerned about one's poor health or ailments
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aesthetics
|
noun ( used with a singular verb ) 1. the branch of philosophy dealing with such notions as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc., as applicable to the fine arts, with a view to establishing the meaning and validity of critical judgments concerning works of art, and the principles underlying or justifying such judgments.
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askesis
|
–noun, plural strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.
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moil
|
"verb (used without object) 1. to work hard; drudge. 2. to whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy. –verb (used with object) –noun 4. hard work or drudgery.
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innominate
|
adjective having no name; nameless; anonymous.
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nidus
|
"noun, plural 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs.
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efficacious
|
adjective capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.: The medicine is efficacious in stopping a cough.
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vapid
|
adjective 1. lacking or having lost life, sharpness, or flavor; insipid; flat: vapid tea. 2. without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious: a vapid party; vapid conversation.
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auscultated
|
to examine by auscultation
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disport
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to divert or amuse (oneself). 2. to display (oneself) in a sportive manner: The picnickers disported themselves merrily on the beach.
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solipsist/solipsismal
|
–noun 1. Philosophy . the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist. 2. extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption
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oneiric
|
adjective of or pertaining to dreams.
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inculcation
|
verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually fol. by upon or in ): to inculcate virtue in the young. 2. to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually fol. by with ): Socrates inculcated his pupils with the love of truth.
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dishabille
|
noun 1. the state of being dressed in a careless, disheveled, or disorderly style or manner; undress. 2. a garment worn in undress
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impervious
|
"adjective 1. not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable: The coat is impervious to rain. 2. incapable of being injured or impaired: impervious to wear and tear.
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esthetic
|
adjective 1. pertaining to a sense of the beautiful or to the science of aesthetics. 2. having a sense of the beautiful; characterized by a love of beauty. 3. pertaining to, involving, or concerned with pure emotion and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality. –noun 4. a philosophical theory or idea of what is aesthetically valid at a given time and place: the clean lines, bare surfaces, and sense of space that bespeak the machine-age aesthetic
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interlard
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to diversify by adding or interjecting something unique, striking, or contrasting (usually fol. by with ): to interlard one's speech with oaths. 2. (of things) to be intermixed in
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deference
|
"noun 1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
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manus
|
–noun, plural -nus 1. Anatomy, Zoology . the distal segment of the forelimb of a vertebrate, including the carpus and the forefoot or hand. 2. Roman Law . power over persons, as that of the husband over the wife
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manumit
|
–verb (used with object), -mit·ted, -mit·ting. to release from slavery or servitude.
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extirpation
|
verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. 1. to remove or destroy totally; do away with; exterminate. 2. to pull up by or as if by the roots; root up: to extirpate an unwanted hair
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occult
|
adjective 1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies. 2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
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prose
|
"–noun 1. the ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure, as distinguished from poetry or verse. 2. matter-of-fact, commonplace, or dull expression, quality, discourse, etc.
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bedizen
|
–verb (used with object) to dress or adorn in a showy, gaudy, or tasteless manner.
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sybaritic
|
adjective 1. ( usually lowercase ) pertaining to or characteristic of a sybarite; characterized by or loving luxury or sensuous pleasure: to wallow in sybaritic splendor. 2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Sybaris or its inhabitants.
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farcical
|
adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of farce. 2. resembling farce; ludicrous; absurd.
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incendiarism
|
–noun 1. the act or practice of an arsonist; malicious burning. 2. inflammatory behavior; agitation
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conflagration
|
–noun a destructive fire, usually an extensive one
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superlative
|
–adjective 1. of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme: superlative wisdom. BREAK 2. Grammar . of, pertaining to, or noting the highest degree of the comparison of adjectives and adverbs, as smallest, best, and most carefully, the superlative forms of small, good,
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victual
|
–noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings
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acclamation
|
–noun 1. a loud shout or other demonstration of welcome, goodwill, or approval. 2. act of acclaiming
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precedence
|
"–noun 1. act or fact of preceding. 2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority. 3. the fact of preceding in time; antedating.
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prognosticate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy. 2. to foretoken; presage: birds prognosticating spring
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popinjay
|
"noun 1. a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter; coxcomb; fop.
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embarkation
|
–noun the act, process, or an instance of embarking
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unprecedent
|
adjective without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled: an unprecedented event.
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tumult
|
–noun 1. violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar: The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech
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oddities
|
"–noun 1. an odd or remarkably unusual person, thing, or event. 2. the quality of being odd; singularity, strangeness, or eccentricity.
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denigrate
|
"–verb (used with object), -grat·ed, -grat·ing. 1. to speak damagingly of; criticize in a derogatory manner; sully; defame: to denigrate someone's character. 2. to treat or represent as lacking in value or importance; belittle; disparage: to denigrate someone's contributions to a project.
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portentous
|
–adjective 1. of the nature of a portent; momentous. 2. ominously significant or indicative: a portentous defeat. 3. marvelous; amazing; prodigious.
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prelude
|
"–noun 1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance. 2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
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exigent
|
–adjective 1. requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing. 2. requiring a great deal, or more than is reasonable
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exiguous
|
adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
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caustic
|
–adjective 1. capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. 2. severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark
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chock
|
–noun 1. a wedge or block of wood, metal, or the like, for filling in a space, holding an object steady, etc
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whet
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction. 2. to make keen or eager; stimulate: to whet the appetite; to whet the curiosity.
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fatidic
|
–adjective prophetic
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deprecate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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tempestuous
|
"adjective 1. characterized by or subject to tempests: the tempestuous ocean. 2. of the nature of or resembling a tempest: a tempestuous wind.
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axiomatic
|
"adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of an axiom; self-evident; obvious; requiring no proof. 2. aphoristic.
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fatuous
|
"adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly. 2. unreal; illusory.
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inane
|
–adjective 1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void
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felicitate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate
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convivial
|
adjective 1. friendly; agreeable: a convivial atmosphere. 2. fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company; jovial. 3. of or befitting a feast; festive.
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throes
|
"noun 1. a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm. 2.a sharp attack of emotion. 3. throes, a. any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle. b. the agony of death. c. the pains of childbirth.
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billet
|
noun 1. lodging for a soldier, student, etc., as in a private home or nonmilitary public building.
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reverberant
|
adjective reverberating; reechoing: the reverberant booms of cannon.
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epitome
|
noun 1. a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class: He is the epitome of goodness. 2. a condensed account, esp. of a literary work; abstract.
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mollify
|
verb 1. to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease. 2. to mitigate or reduce; soften: to mollify one's demands.
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affront
|
"noun 1. a personally offensive act or word; deliberate act or display of disrespect; intentional slight; insult: an affront to the king. 2. an offense to one's dignity or self-respect. verb 3. to offend by an open manifestation of disrespect or insolence: His speech affronted all of us. 4. to make ashamed or confused; embarrass. 5.Archaic . to front; face; look on. 6.Obsolete . to meet or encounter face to face; confront.
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peter
|
verb 1. to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing: The hot water always peters out in the middle of my shower. 2. to tire; exhaust (usually used as a past participle): I'm petered out after that walk.
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relic
|
noun 1. a surviving memorial of something past.
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incipient
|
adjective beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.
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inchoate
|
adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient. 3. not organized; lacking order: an inchoate mass of ideas on the subject.
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polity
|
noun 1. a particular form or system of government: civil polity; ecclesiastical polity. 2. the condition of being constituted as a state or other organized community or body: The polity of ancient Athens became a standard for later governments. 3. government or administrative regulation: The colonists demanded independence in matters of internal polity. 4. a state or other organized community or body.
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squalid
|
adjective 1. foul and repulsive, as from lack of care or cleanliness; neglected and filthy. 2. wretched; miserable; degraded; sordid.
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exemplar
|
noun 1.a model or pattern to be copied or imitated: Washington is the exemplar of patriotic virtue. 2. a typical example or instance. 3. an original or archetype: Plato thought nature but a copy of ideal exemplars. 4. a copy of a book or text.
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thwart
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose. 2. to frustrate or baffle (a plan, purpose, etc.). noun 3. a seat across a boat, esp. one used by a rower. 4. a transverse member spreading the gunwales of a canoe or the like. adjective 5. passing or lying crosswise or across; cross; transverse. 6. perverse; obstinate.
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perusal
|
noun 1. a reading: a perusal of the current books. 2. the act of perusing; survey; scrutiny: A more careful perusal yields this conclusion.
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atomistic
|
"noun 1. Also called atomic theory. Philosophy . the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter. 2. Psychology . a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
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apposite
|
adjective suitable; well-adapted; pertinent; relevant; apt: an apposite answer.
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abeyance
|
noun 1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while. 2. Law . a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance.
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promulgate
|
verb 1. to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.). 2. to set forth or teach publicly (a creed, doctrine, etc.).
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ennui
|
noun a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom: The endless lecture produced an unbearable ennui.
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innards
|
noun ( used with a plural verb ) 1. the internal parts of the body; entrails or viscera. 2. the internal mechanism, parts, structure, etc., of something; the interior of something: an engine's innards.
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infinitesimal
|
"adjective 1. indefinitely or exceedingly small; minute: infinitesimal vessels in the circulatory system. 2. immeasurably small; less than an assignable quantity: to an infinitesimal degree. 3. of, pertaining to, or involving infinitesimals. noun 4. an infinitesimal quantity.
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moribund
|
"adjective 1.in a dying state; near death. 2. on the verge of extinction or termination. 3. not progressing or advancing; stagnant: a moribund political party.
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multifarious
|
adjective 1.having many different parts, elements, forms, etc. 2.numerous and varied; greatly diverse or manifold: multifarious activities.
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malediction
|
noun 1. a curse; imprecation. 2. the utterance of a curse. 3. slander.
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contrived
|
"adjective obviously planned or forced; artificial; strained: a contrived story.
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commensurate
|
adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 2. corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree: Your paycheck should be commensurate with the amount of time worked. 3. proportionate; adequate. 4. having a common measure; commensurable.
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coquettish
|
"noun 1. a woman who flirts lightheartedly with men to win their admiration and affection; flirt. verb (used without object) 2. to coquet.
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peccant
|
adjective 1.sinning; guilty of a moral offense. 2.violating a rule, principle, or established practice; faulty; wrong.
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opprobrium
|
noun 1.the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy. 2.a cause or object of such disgrace or reproach.
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desiderata
|
noun something wanted or needed.
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lambasted
|
verb (used with object), -bast·ed, -bast·ing. Informal . 1.to beat or whip severely. 2.to reprimand or berate harshly; censure; excoriate.
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diathesis
|
noun, plural -ses /-ˌsiz/ Show Spelled[-seez] Show IPA. Pathology . a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or affection.
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debauch
|
verb (used with object) 1.to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce. 2.to corrupt or pervert; sully: His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money. 3.Archaic . to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.
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breath
|
noun 1.the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. 2.respiration, esp. as necessary to life. 3.life; vitality.
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despotism
|
noun 1.the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority. 2.absolute power or control; tyranny. 3.an absolute or autocratic government.
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nepotism
|
noun patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics:
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votary
|
noun Also, vo·ta·rist. 1.a person who is bound by solemn religious vows, as a monk or a nun. 2.an adherent of a religion or cult; a worshiper of a particular deity or sacred personage. 3.a person who is devoted or addicted to some subject or pursuit: a votary of jazz.
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voluptuous
|
adjective 1.full of, characterized by, or ministering to indulgence in luxury, pleasure, and sensuous enjoyment: a voluptuous life. 2.derived from gratification of the senses: voluptuous pleasure. 3.directed toward or concerned with sensuous enjoyment or sensual pleasure: voluptuous desires.
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invigorate
|
verb (used with object), -at·ed, -at·ing. to give vigor to; fill with life and energy; energize.
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ruse
|
noun a trick, stratagem, or artifice.
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illustrious
|
adjective 1.highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2.glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements. 3.Obsolete . luminous; bright.
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ghastly
|
adjective 1.shockingly frightful or dreadful; horrible: a ghastly murder. 2.resembling a ghost, esp. in being very pale: a ghastly look to his face. 3.terrible; very bad: a ghastly error.
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incorrigible
|
adjective 1.not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform: incorrigible behavior; an incorrigible liar. 2.impervious to constraints or punishment; willful; unruly; uncontrollable: an incorrigible child; incorrigible hair. 3.firmly fixed; not easily changed: an incorrigible habit.
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meddle
|
verb (used without object), -dled, -dling. to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly: Stop meddling in my personal life!
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|
discursive
|
djective 1.passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. 2.proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.
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respite
|
noun 1. a delay or cessation for a time, esp. of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite. 2.temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
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rigmarole
|
noun 1.an elaborate or complicated procedure: to go through the rigmarole of a formal dinner. 2.confused, incoherent, foolish, or meaningless talk.
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|
salacious
|
adjective 1.lustful or lecherous. 2.(of writings, pictures, etc.) obscene; grossly indecent.
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ignominy
|
noun, plural -min·ies for 1.disgrace; dishonor; public contempt. 2.shameful or dishonorable quality or conduct or an instance of this.
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|
amorous
|
adjective 1.inclined or disposed to love, esp. sexual love: an amorous disposition. 2.showing or expressing love: an amorous letter. 3.of or pertaining to love: amorous poetry.
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|
ineffable
|
adjective 1.incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy. 2.not to be spoken because of its sacredness; unutterable: the ineffable name of the deity.
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jovial
|
adjective 1.endowed with or characterized by a hearty, joyous humor or a spirit of good-fellowship: a wonderfully jovial host. 2.( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the god Jove, or Jupiter.
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insipid
|
adjective 1. without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities; vapid: an insipid personality. 2. without sufficient taste to be pleasing, as food or drink; bland: a rather insipid soup.
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nidus
|
noun, plural -di 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs. 2. a place or point in an organism where a germ or other organism can develop or breed.
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ostensible
|
adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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myriad
|
"noun 1. a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things. 2. ten thousand.
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moue
|
noun a pouting grimace.
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imperilled
|
verb to put in peril or danger; endanger
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cavil
|
–verb 1. to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually fol. by at or about ): He finds something to cavil at in everything I say.
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quibble
|
"noun
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|
demotic
|
"adjective BREAK 1. of or pertaining to the ordinary, everyday, current form of a language; vernacular: a poet with a keen ear for demotic rhythms. BREAK 2. of or pertaining to the common people; popular.
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provocateur
|
"noun 1. a person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or the like; agitator.
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erasure
|
–noun BREAK 1. an act or instance of erasing. BREAK 2. a place where something has been erased; a spot or mark left after erasing: You can't sign a contract with so many erasures in it.
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educe
|
"verb (used with object), e·duced, e·duc·ing. BREAK 1. to draw forth or bring out, as something potential or latent; elicit; develop.
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derision
|
noun BREAK 1. ridicule; mockery: The inept performance elicited derision from the audience. BREAK 2. an object of ridicule.
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propinquity
|
"noun BREAK 1. nearness in place; proximity. BREAK 2. nearness of relation; kinship. BREAK 3. affinity of nature; similarity.
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attrition
|
"–noun BREAK 1. a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Our club has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away. BREAK 2. a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment: The enemy surrounded the town and conducted a war of attrition.
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modicum
|
noun a moderate or small amount: He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.
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simulacra
|
noun 1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance. BREAK 2. an effigy, image, or representation: a simulacrum of Aphrodite.
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introjection
|
noun Psychoanalysis . BREAK an unconscious psychic process by which a person incorporates into his or her own psychic apparatus the characteristics of another person or object
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martient
|
–noun BREAK 1. a strict disciplinarian, esp. a military one. BREAK 2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules
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consanguineous
|
"adjective
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heuristic
|
–adjective 1. serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation.2. encouraging a person to learn, discover, understand, or solve problems on his or her own, as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error: a heuristic teaching method.
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crude
|
"adjective 1.in a raw or unprepared state; unrefined or natural: crude sugar.
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hardy
|
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specious
|
–adjective 1.apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible: specious arguments. 2.pleasing to the eye but deceptive
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casuistry
|
"specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, esp. in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.
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saccharine
|
of the nature of or resembling that of sugar: a powdery substance with a saccharine taste
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effeminate
|
"adjective 1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy. 2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury.
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reticent
|
adjective 1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved. 2. reluctant or restrained.
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taciturnity
|
"noun 1. the state or quality of being reserved or reticent in conversation.
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enspirit
|
"verb (used with object) to infuse spirit or life into; enliven.
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nimbus
|
a cloud, aura, atmosphere, etc., surrounding a person or thing: The candidate was encompassed with a nimbus of fame. 2. halo
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congeal
|
verb used with object, verb used without object1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup
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simpatico
|
congenial or like-minded; likable: I find our new neighbor simpatico in every respect
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cavort
|
verb (used without object) 1. to prance or caper about. 2. to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry
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careen
|
verb (used without object) 1. (of a vehicle) to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion: The car careened around the corner
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exultation
|
noun the act of exulting; lively or triumphant joy, as over success or victory
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stupefy
|
verb 1. to put into a state of little or no sensibility; benumb the faculties of; put into a stupor
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personage
|
noun 1. a person of distinction or importance
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implore
|
verb 1. to beg urgently or piteously, as for aid or mercy; beseech; entreat: They implored him to go
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venal
|
adjective 1. willing to sell one's influence, esp. in return for a bribe; open to bribery; mercenary: a venal judge
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mercenary
|
adjective 1. working or acting merely for money or other reward; venal.
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pariah
|
noun 1. an outcast. 2. any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided
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libertine
|
–noun 1. a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake. 2. a freethinker in religious matters
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embellish
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn. 2. to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
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epoch
|
"noun
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|
constitute
|
"verb (used with object), -tut·ed, -tut·ing. 1. to compose; form: mortar constituted of lime and sand. 2. to appoint to an office or function; make or create: He was constituted treasurer.
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armamentarium
|
noun the aggregate of equipment, methods, and techniques available to one for carrying out one's duties: The stethoscope is still an essential part of the physician's armamentarium
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issuance
|
–noun 1. the act of issuing
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turpitude
|
noun 1. vile, shameful, or base character; depravity
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precipice
|
noun 1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face. 2. a situation of great peril: on the precipice of war
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|
|
veritably
|
adjective 1. being truly or very much so: a veritable triumph
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mores
|
noun Sociology . folkways of central importance accepted without question and embodying the fundamental moral views of a group
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|
elucidation
|
verb (used with object) 1. to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior
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|
antipathy
|
noun1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion
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|
generativist
|
"adjective BREAK
|
|
|
effrontery
|
noun, plural -ter·ies. 1. shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity: She had the effrontery to ask for two free samples. 2. an act or instance of this
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|
impudent
|
impertient
|
|
|
petulant
|
"moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.
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fretful
|
verb (used without object) 1. to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like: Fretting about the lost ring isn't going to help
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|
|
peevish
|
adjective 1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent: a peevish youngster
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|
|
amicable
|
adjective characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable: an amicable settlement.
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|
carping
|
adjective 1. characterized by fussy or petulant faultfinding; querulous: carping criticism
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|
|
emblem
|
noun 1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol: The olive branch is an emblem of peace
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|
|
cogitate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem
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|
|
doling
|
noun 1. a portion or allotment of money, food, etc., esp. as given at regular intervals by a charity or for maintenance.
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|
|
adept
|
adjective 1. very skilled; proficient; expert: an adept juggler
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|
|
deft
|
adjective dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever: deft hands; a deft mechanic.
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|
|
erstwhile
|
adjective former; of times past: erstwhile friends
|
|
|
abject
|
adjective utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched: abject poverty.
|
|
|
self-effacing
|
humility
|
|
|
unctuous
|
adjective characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
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|
|
anonymity
|
the state or quality of being anonymous
|
|
|
dalliance
|
amorous toying; flirtation.
|
|
|
abrogate
|
verb (used with object) to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal: to abrogate a law
|
|
|
antithesis
|
opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong
|
|
|
titillate
|
"verb (used with object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing.
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|
|
proffer
|
to put before a person for acceptance; offer.
|
|
|
coterie
|
[koh-tuh-ree] –noun a group of people who associate closely
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|
|
delude
|
verb (used with object) 1. to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive: His conceit deluded him into believing he was important
|
|
|
vitriol
|
something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism
|
|
|
car-i-ca-ture
|
any imitation or copy so distorted or inferior as to be ludicrous.
|
|
|
chauvinistic
|
"shoh-vuh-niz-uhm] noun 1. zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory. 2. biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.
|
|
|
mellifluous
|
[muh-lif-loo-uhs] adjective 1. sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding: a mellifluous voice; mellifluous tones
|
|
|
sangfroid
|
sahn-frwa] –noun coolness of mind; calmness; composure: They committed the robbery with complete sang-froid
|
|
|
vestige
|
noun 1. a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence: A few columns were the last vestiges of a Greek temple
|
|
|
miscreant
|
mis-kree-uhnt adjective 1. depraved, villainous, or base
|
|
|
endow
|
to provide with a permanent fund or source of income: to endow a college
|
|
|
askew
|
adverb 1. to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry: to wear one's hat askew; to hang a picture askew
|
|
|
awry
|
uh-rahy adverb, adjective 1. with a turn or twist to one side; askew: to glance or look awry.
|
|
|
atavist
|
"noun
|
|
|
pantomime
|
noun 1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech
|
|
|
mutiny
|
–noun 1. revolt or rebellion against constituted authority, esp. by sailors against their officers
|
|
|
eclectic
|
adjective 1. selecting or choosing from various sources. 2. made up of what is selected from different sources
|
|
|
perilous
|
"adjective involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous: a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.
|
|
|
parlously
|
pahr-luhs] –adjective 1. perilous; dangerous
|
|
|
contumacious
|
kon-too-mey-shuhs adjective stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient
|
|
|
arboreal
|
ahr-bawr-ee-uhl, -bohr-] adjective of or pertaining to trees; treelike
|
|
|
devolve
|
verb (used with object) 1. to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
|
|
|
earmark
|
"any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic: The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics 2. verb (used with object)
|
|
|
olio
|
a dish of many ingredients
|
|
|
umbrage
|
noun 1. offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness
|
|
|
rectitude
|
noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives
|
|
|
emblazon
|
to depict, as on an escutcheon in heraldry. 2. to decorate with brilliant colors
|
|
|
capitulate
|
verb (used without object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms. 2. to give up resistance: He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way
|
|
|
quandary
|
a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
|
|
|
indubitable
|
that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable.
|
|
|
reveries
|
"noun 1. a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing: lost in reverie.
|
|
|
perennial
|
adjective 1. lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring: her perennial beauty
|
|
|
parcel
|
"noun 1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.
|
|
|
deleterious
|
adjective 1. injurious to health: deleterious gases
|
|
|
militating
|
to have a substantial effect; weigh heavily: His prison record militated against him.
|
|
|
peremptory
|
adjective 1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative: a peremptory command
|
|
|
ambient
|
of the surrounding area or environment: The tape recorder picked up too many ambient noises. The temperature in the display case was 20° lower than the ambient temperature
|
|
|
quagmire
|
noun 1. an area of miry or boggy ground whose surface yields under the tread; a bog
|
|
|
onerous
|
adjective 1. burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship: onerous duties
|
|
|
risible
|
adjective 1. causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.
|
|
|
presage
|
1. a presentiment or foreboding
|
|
|
vagaries
|
noun, plural -gar·ies. 1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance: the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene
|
|
|
copasetic
|
fine; completely satisfactory; OK
|
|
|
heirloom
|
a family possession handed down from generation to generation
|
|
|
apparition
|
noun 1. a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, esp. a ghost; a specter or phantom; wraith: a ghostly apparition at midnight
|
|
|
enumerate
|
to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list: Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis
|
|
|
barrage
|
"an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or criticisms: a barrage of questions.
|
|
|
eerie
|
adjective 1. uncanny, so as to inspire superstitious fear; weird: an eerie midnight howl
|
|
|
charlatan
|
–noun a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack
|
|
|
dilettante
|
"noun 1. a person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, esp. in a desultory or superficial way; dabbler.
|
|
|
avid
|
adjective 1. enthusiastic; ardent; dedicated; keen: an avid moviegoer.
|
|
|
revile
|
verb (used with object) 1. to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively.
|
|
|
bereft
|
–adjective 2. deprived: They are bereft of their senses. He is bereft of all happiness
|
|
|
obsequious
|
uhb-see-kwee-uhs] –adjective 1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow
|
|
|
complaisance
|
the quality of being complaisant
|
|
|
sine qua non
|
an indispensable condition, element, or factor; something essential: Her presence was the sine qua non of every social event
|
|
|
heinous
|
hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible: a heinous offense
|
|
|
indelible
|
"making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or the like: indelible ink.
|
|
|
gra·tu·i·tous
|
[gruh-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] –adjective 1. given, done, bestowed, or obtained without charge or payment; free; voluntary. 2. being without apparent reason, cause, or justification: a gratuitous insult. 3. Law. given without receiving any return value.
|
|
|
par·a·digm
|
"[par-uh-dahym, -dim] –noun 1. Grammar. a. a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, esp. the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem or theme. b. a display in fixed arrangement of such a set, as boy, boy's, boys, boys'. 2. an example serving as a model; pattern.
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|
|
adrift
|
|
|
|
esoteric
|
mysterious or secret
|
|
|
edict
|
proclamation have the force of law
|
|
|
tirade
|
protracted speech marked by intemperate or harshly conscious language
|
|
|
conspicuous
|
obvious to the eye or mind
|
|
|
dissonance
|
inconsistency b/w belief and action
|
|
|
extort
|
obtain from a person by force
|
|
|
maraud
|
to roam abort and raid in search of plunder
|
|
|
cordial
|
warmly welcome
|
|
|
cryptic
|
secret conceal mysterious
|
|
|
primitive
|
character tic of earlier stage of development
|
|
|
dubious
|
uncertain or questionable
|
|
|
sequester
|
to seize
|
|
|
colassal
|
exceptional or astonishing degree
|
|
|
chide
|
to speak out in anger or displeased rebuke
|
|
|
convalesce
|
recover healthy strength gradually after sickness or weakness
|
|
|
penance
|
show sorrow or repentance for sin
|
|
|
futility
|
useless
|
|
|
didactic
|
designed or intended to teach
|
|
|
imminent
|
hanging threateningly over ones head
|
|
|
cosmic
|
relating to the universe
|
|
|
immutable
|
no change
|
|
|
fulminant
|
coming on suddenly or w/ great severity
|
|
|
propriety
|
conforming socital norms
|
|
|
plaudif
|
act of applause
|
|
|
predilection
|
established preference
|
|
|
repudiate
|
refusal to accept
|
|
|
abate
|
put and end to
|
|
|
orator
|
one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker
|
|
|
rhetoric
|
art of speaking or writing effectively
|
|
|
nadir
|
lowest point
|
|
|
epithet
|
characterizing often abusive word or phrase
|
|
|
equivocal
|
ambiguous or uncertain
|
|
|
unequivocal
|
w/o doubt
|
|
|
conflate
|
bring together or join
|
|
|
refractory
|
resistant
|
|
|
lingo
|
strange or incomprehensible language or speech
|
|
|
contemporary
|
occurring or existing at the same time or of same age
|
|
|
innuendoes
|
insinuation
|
|
|
salient
|
moving by leaps or springs
|
|
|
deficon
|
5 levels of US military ready to respond to perceived threat
|
|
|
emulate
|
strive to equal or excel
|
|
|
avert
|
avoid
|
|
|
propaganda
|
spreading of idea info or rumor for purpose of helping or injuring an institution or person
|
|
|
exasperation
|
thoroughly annoy
|
|
|
paean
|
song of praise
|
|
|
plunder
|
take fy force
|
|
|
exuberance
|
joyously unrestrained
|
|
|
profligacy
|
shamelessly immoral
|
|
|
nostalgia
|
state of being homesick
|
|
|
fastidious
|
difficult to please
|
|
|
tyranny
|
oppressive power
|
|
|
intuit
|
quick and ready insight
|
|
|
underscore
|
make evident w/ emphasis
|
|
|
motif
|
dominant idea or central theme
|
|
|
lucid
|
mentally sound
|
|
|
apathy
|
lack of emotion or interest
|
|
|
subvert
|
overthrow or ruin
|
|
|
aloof
|
indifferent or reserved
|
|
|
renaissance
|
rebirth or revival
|
|
|
euphoria
|
elation filled w/ joy
|
|
|
diction
|
choice of words w/ regard to correctness clearness or effectiveness
|
|
|
relegate
|
move to less prominent position
|
|
|
invoke
|
petition for help or support
|
|
|
martyr
|
person who sacrifice something of great value (life) for the sake of principle
|
|
|
assail
|
attack violently w/ blows or words
|
|
|
hubris
|
exaggerated pride or self confidence
|
|
|
morass
|
situation that traps confuses or impedes
|
|
|
hasten
|
urge on
|
|
|
ascertain
|
make certain exact or precise
|
|
|
palliative
|
reduce the violence of disease
|
|
|
shama
|
priest that use magic for purpose of healing the sick
|
|
|
beneficence
|
quality of doing good
|
|
|
pragmatism
|
practical approach to problems and affairs
|
|
|
regime
|
rule of management or form of government
|
|
|
cynosure
|
center of attraction
|
|
|
narcissism
|
pathological self love
|
|
|
laudable
|
worthy of praise
|
|
|
mitigate
|
lessen harm
|
|
|
acquiesce
|
to accept comply or submit
|
|
|
enunciate
|
make a definite or systematic statement or articulate sounds
|
|
|
codify
|
reduce to a code
|
|
|
prodigy
|
extraordinary person or thing
|
|
|
foreboding
|
premonition of disaster
|
|
|
emulate
|
try to equal or excel
|
|
|
hedonistic
|
way of life devoted to pleasure
|
|
|
paradox
|
statement or phrase that is contradictory
|
|
|
platonic
|
friendly nonsexual relationship
|
|
|
enigma
|
puzzle or mystery
|
|
|
ambivalence
|
simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feeling
|
|
|
panoramic
|
view in all direction
|
|
|
stupor
|
extreme apathy condition of dull sense or sensibility
|
|
|
prodrome
|
premonitory symptoms of disease
|
|
|
egregious
|
notably bad
|
|
|
dissuade
|
advise against something
|
|
|
sentient
|
responsive to or conscious of sense impression
|
|
|
amalgam
|
mixture of different elements
|
|
|
engender
|
procreate or develop
|
|
|
colloquial
|
informal conversation
|
|
|
vernacular
|
using a language or dialect native to a region or country
|
|
|
relegate
|
send into exile
|
|
|
cynic
|
attribute action to selfish motive
|
|
|
evocative
|
evoking an emotional response
|
|
|
vigil
|
act or period of watching or surveillance
|
|
|
aristocrat
|
upper class
|
|
|
protégé
|
one under the care and protection of an influential person
|
|
|
coercion
|
forced to do something
|
|
|
tranquility
|
quiet and undistorted
|
|
|
tenacity
|
strong courage
|
|
|
prototype
|
original model on which something is patterned or individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
|
|
|
façade
|
principle face of building
|
|
|
askance
|
w/ a side glance
|
|
|
serene
|
tranquil
|
|
|
utopia
|
place of ideal perfection
|
|
|
futility
|
useless act or gesture
|
|
|
empirical based on observation
|
|
|
|
altruism
|
concern for others
|
|
|
tropism
|
invol response to a stimulus in that direction
|
|
|
herald
|
convey news or proclaim
|
|
|
contagion
|
disease spread by contact
|
|
|
temperament
|
mode of emotional response
|
|
|
conundrum
|
intricate and difficult problem
|
|
|
beacon
|
lighthouse or signal for guidance
|
|
|
duplicitious
|
|
|
|
meld
|
to merge; blend
|
|
|
espies
|
verb to see at a distance; catch sight of
|
|
|
banalise
|
trivialize
|
|
|
maudlin
|
adjective tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental: a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog
|
|
|
kowtowing
|
prostrate
|
|
|
sullen
|
adjective showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve
|
|
|
catacomb
|
an underground cemetery
|
|
|
mausoleum
|
a large stately tomb
|
|
|
conjecture
|
"the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.
|
|
|
centenarian
|
pertaining to or having lived 100 years
|
|
|
desultory
|
"adj1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation. 2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
|
|
|
maelstrom
|
–noun 1. a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool
|
|
|
tenuous
|
"–adjective 1. thin or slender in form, as a thread. 2. lacking a sound basis, as reasoning; unsubstantiated; weak: a tenuous argument.
|
|
|
gadfly
|
noun, plural -flies. 1. any of various flies, as a stable fly or warble fly, that bite or annoy domestic animals
|
|
|
dithyrambic
|
any wildly enthusiastic speech or writing
|
|
|
calumnies
|
–noun, plural -nies. 1. a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something: The speech was considered a calumny of the administration
|
|
|
crass
|
"adjective, -er, -est. 1. without refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity; gross; obtuse; stupid: crass commercialism; a crass misrepresentation of the facts.
|
|
|
satyr
|
a lascivious man; lecher
|
|
|
purgative
|
"adjective
|
|
|
cathartic
|
the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music
|
|
|
quiddity
|
"the quality that makes a thing what it is; the essential nature of a thing.
|
|
|
imbued
|
to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions
|
|
|
panoply
|
a wide-ranging and impressive array or display:
|
|
|
cowed
|
to frighten with threats, violence, etc.; intimidate; overawe
|
|
|
reifies
|
to convert into or regard as a concrete thing
|
|
|
amok
|
run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
|
|
|
sui generis
|
of his, her, its, or their own kind; unique
|
|
|
fugacious
|
"fleeting; transitory: a sensational story with but a fugacious claim on the public's attention.
|
|
|
ephemeral
|
lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. 2. lasting but one day: an ephemeral flower.
|
|
|
sanguine
|
cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations. 2. reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion 3. bloody
|
|
|
florid
|
reddish; ruddy; rosy: a florid complexion. 2. flowery; excessively ornate; showy: florid writing
|
|
|
thespian
|
"pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.
|
|
|
asinine
|
"foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid: It is surprising that supposedly intelligent people can make such asinine statements.
|
|
|
allays
|
to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet.
|
|
|
anodyne
|
a medicine that relieves or allays pain
|
|
|
teeming
|
to abound or swarm; be prolific or fertile
|
|
|
prolific
|
producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful: a prolific pear tree
|
|
|
nimble
|
quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid: nimble feet.
|
|
|
wily
|
adjective, wil·i·er, wil·i·est. full of, marked by, or proceeding from wiles; crafty; cunning
|
|
|
wee
|
little; very small
|
|
|
rivulet
|
a small stream; streamlet; brook
|
|
|
bourn
|
noun Archaic . 1. a bound; limit. 2. destination; goal. 3. realm; domain
|
|
|
din
|
a loud discordant confused noise
|
|
|
tatter
|
a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag
|
|
|
ambisinister
|
clumsy or unskillful with both hands
|
|
|
puerile
|
adjective 1. of or pertaining to a child or to childhood. 2. childishly foolish; immature or trivial: a puerile piece of writing.
|
|
|
rubicon
|
"cross the Rubicon , pass the Rubicon to commit oneself irrevocably to some course of action
|
|
|
hyperbole
|
obvious and intentional exaggeration
|
|
|
corollary
|
an immediate consequence or easily drawn conclusion. 3. a natural consequence or result
|
|
|
nook
|
a corner, as in a room. 2. any secluded or obscure corner. 3. any small recess: a breakfast nook
|
|
|
intrepid
|
resolutely fearless; dauntless: an intrepid explorer.
|
|
|
rhapsodic
|
extravagantly enthusiastic; ecstatic
|
|
|
maenad
|
a frenzied or raging woman
|
|
|
peripatetic
|
" adj 1. itinerant 2. ( Brit ) employed in two or more educational establishments and travelling from one to another: a peripatetic football coach
|
|
|
incredulity
|
the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.
|
|
|
decrepitude
|
decrepit condition; dilapidated state; feebleness, especially from old age
|
|
|
obdurate
|
unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.
|
|
|
penumbra
|
a shadowy, indefinite, or marginal area
|
|
|
pusillanimity
|
noun the state or condition of being pusillanimous; timidity; cowardliness.
|
|
|
vacuous
|
without contents; empty: the vacuous air.
|
|
|
nominal
|
adj of, pertaining to, or constituting a name or names
|
|
|
purloin
|
to take dishonestly; steal; filch; pilfer
|
|
|
bricolage
|
1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
|
|
|
ersatz
|
serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial: an ersatz coffee made from grain.
|
|
|
entwined
|
to twine with, about, around, or together
|
|
|
obsolescence
|
becoming obsolete or out of date
|
|
|
mimetic
|
characterized by, exhibiting, or of the nature of imitation or mimicry: mimetic gestures
|
|
|
avant garde
|
noun1. the advance group in any field, especially in the visual, literary, or musical arts, whose works are characterized chiefly by unorthodox and experimental methods.
|
|
|
voluminous
|
adjective 1. forming, filling, or writing a large volume or many volumes: a voluminous edition
|
|
|
permute
|
to alter or change
|
|
|
surreal
|
having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic: surreal complexities of the bureaucracy
|
|
|
ineptitude
|
awkward, clumsy, or incompetent
|
|
|
de facto
|
in fact; in reality: Although his title was prime minister, he was de facto president of the country. Although the school was said to be open to all qualified students, it still practiced de facto segregation
|
|
|
post hoc
|
after this; afterward.
|
|
|
vanguard
|
"the foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard; van.
|
|
|
es⋅chew
|
[es-choo] –verb to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid: to eschew evil
|
|
|
as⋅sid⋅u⋅ous
|
[uh-sij-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. constant; unremitting: assiduous reading. 2. constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive: an assiduous student.
|
|
|
pe⋅cu⋅ni⋅ar⋅y
|
[pi-kyoo-nee-er-ee] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to money: pecuniary difficulties. 2. consisting of or given or exacted in money or monetary payments: pecuniary tributes.
|
|
|
a⋅part⋅heid
|
[uh-pahrt-heyt, -hahyt] –noun 1. (in the Republic of South Africa) a rigid policy of segregation of the nonwhite population. 2. any system or practice that separates people according to race, caste, etc.
|
|
|
fath⋅om
|
[fath-uhm] noun fath⋅om, verb –noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements.
|
|
|
lad⋅ing
|
[ley-ding] –noun 1. that with which something is laden; load; freight; cargo.
|
|
|
op⋅u⋅lence
|
[op-yuh-luhns] –noun 1. wealth, riches, or affluence. 2. abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty. 3. the state of being opulent.
|
|
|
pan⋅de⋅mo⋅ni⋅um
|
[pan-duh-moh-nee-uhm] –noun 1. wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. 2. a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.
|
|
|
shrewd
|
[shrood]–adjective, -er, -est. 1. astute or sharp in practical matters: a shrewd politician. 2. keen; piercing.
|
|
|
pan⋅jan⋅drum
|
[pan-jan-druhm] –noun a self-important or pretentious official.
|
|
|
vi⋅car⋅i⋅ous
|
[vahy-kair-ee-uhs, vi-] –adjective 1. performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another: vicarious punishment. 2. taking the place of another person or thing; acting or serving as a substitute.
|
|
|
e⋅vince
|
[i-vins] –verb (used with object), e⋅vinced, e⋅vinc⋅ing. 1. to show clearly; make evident or manifest; prove. 2. to reveal the possession of (a quality, trait, etc.).
|
|
|
af⋅flu⋅ence
|
[af-loo-uhns or, often, uh-floo-] –noun 1. abundance of money, property, and other material goods; riches; wealth. 2. an abundant supply, as of thoughts or words; profusion.
|
|
|
ven⋅er⋅ate
|
[ven-uh-reyt] –verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. to regard or treat with reverence; revere.
|
|
|
eu⋅nuch⋅ize
|
[yoo-nuh-kahyz] –verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing. to castrate; emasculate.
|
|
|
fran⋅gi⋅ble
|
[fran-juh-buhl] –adjective easily broken; breakable: Most frangible toys are not suitable for young children.
|
|
|
for⋅ti⋅fy
|
[fawr-tuh-fahy] –verb (used with object) 1. to protect or strengthen against attack; surround or provide with defensive military works.
|
|
|
mi⋅cro⋅cosm
|
[mahy-kruh-koz-uhm] –noun 1. a little world; a world in miniature (opposed to macrocosm ).
|
|
|
bi⋅be⋅lot
|
[bib-loh; Fr. beebuh-loh] –noun. a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity.
|
|
|
col⋅lage
|
[kuh-lahzh, koh- noun 3. an assemblage or occurrence of diverse elements or fragments in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition: The experimental play is a collage of sudden scene shifts, long monologues, musical interludes, and slapstick.
|
|
|
pro⋅ver⋅bi⋅al
|
[pruh-vur-bee-uhl] adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb: proverbial brevity.
|
|
|
neb⋅u⋅lous
|
[neb-yuh-luhs] adjective 1. hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused: a nebulous recollection of the meeting; a nebulous distinction between pride and conceit.
|
|
|
im⋅mac⋅u⋅late
|
[i-mak-yuh-lit] adjective 1. free from spot or stain; spotlessly clean: immaculate linen.
|
|
|
ve⋅rac⋅i⋅ty
|
[vuh-ras-i-tee] noun 1. habitual observance of truth in speech or statement; truthfulness: He was not noted for his veracity.
|
|
|
viper
|
a malignant or spiteful person. a false or treacherous person.
|
|
|
for⋅tu⋅i⋅tous
|
[fawr-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] adjective 1. happening or produced by chance; accidental: a fortuitous encounter.
|
|
|
no⋅to⋅ri⋅e⋅ty
|
[noh-tuh-rahy-i-tee] noun, plural -ties. 1. the state, quality, or character of being notorious or widely known: a craze for notoriety.
|
|
|
ep⋅i⋅logue
|
[ep-uh-lawg, -log] noun 1. a concluding part added to a literary work, as a novel. 2. a speech, usually in verse, delivered by one of the actors after the conclusion of a play.
|
|
|
ex⋅co⋅ri⋅ate
|
[ik-skawr-ee-eyt, -skohr-] verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. 1. to denounce or berate severely; flay verbally: He was excoriated for his mistakes.
|
|
|
ha⋅rangue
|
[huh-rang] noun 1. a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.
|
|
|
sur⋅rep⋅ti⋅tious
|
[sur-uhp-tish-uhs] adjective 1. obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine: a surreptitious glance.
|
|
|
at⋅el⋅ier
|
[at-l-yey, at-l-yey; Fr. atuh-lyey] noun, a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer.
|
|
|
las⋅civ⋅i⋅ous
|
[luh-siv-ee-uhs] adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man.
|
|
|
os⋅ten⋅ta⋅tious
|
[os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn-] adjective 1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
|
|
|
dis⋅po⋅si⋅tion
|
[dis-puh-zish-uhn] noun 1. the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude: a girl with a pleasant disposition.
|
|
|
vi⋅cis⋅si⋅tude
|
[vi-sis-i-tood, -tyood] noun 1. a change or variation occurring in the course of something. 2. interchange or alternation, as of states or things.
|
|
|
terse
|
[turs]–adjective ters⋅er, ters⋅est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
|
|
|
ethos
|
[ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs]–noun 1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period: In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued. 2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc. 3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
|
|
|
fathom
|
[fath-uhm]–noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements. Abbreviation: fath –verb (used with object) 2. to measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound. 3. to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
|
|
|
tempest
|
[tem-pist]–noun 1. a violent windstorm, esp. one with rain, hail, or snow. 2. a violent commotion, disturbance, or tumult. –verb (used with object) 3. to affect by or as by a tempest; disturb violently. -Idiom 4. tempest in a teacup. teacup (def. 3).
|
|
|
aubade
|
[oh-bad, oh-bahd; Fr. oh-bad]-noun, a piece sung or played outdoors at dawn, usually as a compliment to someone.
|
|
|
synergism
|
[sin-er-jiz-uhm, si-nur-jiz-]–noun 1. the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc. 2. the joint action of agents, as drugs, that when taken together increase each other's effectiveness (contrasted with antagonism ). 3. Theology. the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration.
|
|
|
sermonette
|
[sur-muh-net]–noun a brief sermon or homily: five-minute radio sermonettes.
|
|
|
plenipotentiary
|
[plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree]–noun 1. a person, esp. a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another. –adjective 2. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent. 3. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission. 4. absolute or full, as power.
|
|
|
hallow
|
[hal-oh]–verb (used with object) 1. to make holy; sanctify; consecrate. 2. to honor as holy; consider sacred; venerate: to hallow a battlefield.
|
|
|
prevaricate
|
[pri-var-i-keyt]–verb (used without object), -cat⋅ed, -cat⋅ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
|
|
|
coopt
|
[koh-opt]–verb (used with object) 1. to elect into a body by the votes of the existing members. 2. to assimilate, take, or win over into a larger or established group: The fledgling Labor party was coopted by the Socialist party. BREAK 3. to appropriate as one's own; preempt: The dissidents have coopted the title of her novel for their slogan.
|
|
|
perambulate
|
[per-am-byuh-leyt]–verb (used with object) 1. to walk through, about, or over; travel through; traverse. 2. to traverse in order to examine or inspect. BREAK –verb (used without object) BREAK 3. to walk or travel about; stroll.
|
|
|
indigenous
|
[in-dij-uh-nuhs]–adjective 1. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often fol. by to): the plants indigenous to Canada; the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. 2. innate; inherent; natural (usually fol. by to): feelings indigenous to human beings.
|
|
|
amid
|
[uh-mid]–preposition 1. in the middle of; surrounded by; among: to stand weeping amid the ruins. 2. during; in or throughout the course of.
|
|
|
tantamount
|
[tan-tuh-mount]–adjective equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or signification: His angry speech was tantamount to a declaration of war.
|
|
|
gesticulate
|
[je-stik-yuh-leyt]–verb (used without object) 1. to make or use gestures, esp. in an animated or excited manner with or instead of speech. –verb (used with object) 2. to express by gesturing.
|
|
|
lament
|
[luh-ment]–verb (used with object) 1. to feel or express sorrow or regret for: to lament his absence. 2. to mourn for or over.
|
|
|
lascivious
|
[luh-siv-ee-uhs]–adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man. 2. arousing sexual desire: lascivious photographs.
|
|
|
enjoin
|
[en-join]–verb (used with object) 1. to prescribe (a course of action) with authority or emphasis: The doctor enjoined a strict diet.
|
|
|
pretentious
|
[pri-ten-shuhs] –adjective 1. full of pretense or pretension. 2. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance. 3. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
|
|
|
quixotic
|
extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable. 3.impulsive and often rashly unpredictable.
|
|
|
hellenization
|
"verb (used without object) 2. to adopt Greek ideas or customs.
|
|
|
precarious
|
dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood. 2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.
|
|
|
par·a·gon
|
noun a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.
|
|
|
cur·mudg·eon
|
"noun a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.
|
|
|
gas·tron·o·my
|
noun the art or science of good eating. a style of cooking or eating.
|
|
|
Es·sene
|
"noun. Judaism. a member of a Palestinian sect, characterized by asceticism, celibacy, and joint holding of property, that flourished from the 2nd century b.c. to the 2nd century a.d.
|
|
|
vict·ual
|
"noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings.
|
|
|
har·lot
|
"[hahr-luht] –noun a prostitute; whore.
|
|
|
tar·a·did·dle
|
"[tar-uh-did-l] –nounInformal. 1. a small lie; fib. 2. pretentious nonsense.
|
|
|
vi·ti·ate
|
[vish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. 1. to impair the quality of; make faulty; spoil. 2. to impair or weaken the effectiveness of.
|
|
|
ap·pro·ba·tion
|
[ap-ruh-bey-shuhn] –noun 1. approval; commendation. 2. official approval or sanction.
|
|
|
syn·tag·mat·ic"
|
"[sin-tag-mat-ik] –adjectiveLinguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that occur sequentially in the chain of speech or writing, as the relationship between the sun and is shining or the and sun in the sentence The sun is shining.
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par·a·dig·mat·ic"
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"[par-uh-dig-mat-ik] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to a paradigm. 2. Linguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that can substitute for each other in a given context, as the relationship of sun in The sun is shining to other nouns, as moon, star, or light, that could substitute for it in that sentence, or of is shining to was shining, shone, will shine, etc., as well as to is rising, is setting, etc. Compare syntagmatic.
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qui·es·cent
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kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy-] –adjective being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless:
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con·cil·i·ate
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1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
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las·si·tude
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[las-i-tood, -tyood] –noun1. weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor.
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quat·rain
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"[kwo-treyn] –noun a stanza or poem of four lines, usually with alternate rhymes.
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ap·pel·la·tion
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[ap-uh-ley-shuhn] –noun 1.a name, title, or designation.
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pu·er·pe·ri·um
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"[pyoo-er-peer-ee-uhm] –nounObstretrics. the four-week period following childbirth.
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aux·il·ia·ry
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" [awg-zil-yuh-ree, -zil-uh-] –adjective 1. additional; supplementary; reserve: an auxiliary police force. 4. giving support; serving as an aid; helpful: The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other. Passion is auxiliary to art.
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nu·mi·nous
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[noo-muh-nuhs, nyoo-] –adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or like a numen; spiritual or supernatural. 2. surpassing comprehension or understanding; mysterious: that element in artistic expression that remains numinous.
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con·cede
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[kuhn-seed] –verb (used with object) 1. to acknowledge as true, just, or proper; admit: He finally conceded that she was right.
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dyschezia
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(dĭs-kē'zē-ə, -zhə) n.The inability to defecate without pain or difficulty.
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di·chot·o·my
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[dahy-kot-uh-mee] –noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
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ra·ti·oc·i·na·tion
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"[rash-ee-os-uh-ney-shuhn, -oh-suh-, rat-ee-] –noun the process of logical reasoning.
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e·gress
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[n. ee-gres; v. ih-gres] –noun 1.the act or an instance of going, esp. from an enclosed place. 2. a means or place of going out; an exit.
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de·ba·cle
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"[dey-bah-kuhl, -bak-uhl, duh-] –noun 1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.
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li·ai·son
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noun 1. the contact or connection maintained by communications between units of the armed forces or of any other organization in order to ensure concerted action, cooperation, etc.
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fat·u·ous
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[fach-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly.
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fe·lic·i·tate
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[fi-lis-i-teyt] –verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate.
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vo·cif·er·ous
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[voh-sif-er-uhs] –adjective 1. crying out noisily; clamorous.
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lo·chi·a
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"[loh-kee-uh, lok-ee-uh] –noun,plural-chi·a. Medicine/Medical. the liquid discharge from the uterus after childbirth.
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pur·port
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"verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official.
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rep·ro·bate
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"noun1. a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person: a drunken reprobate. 2. a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation.
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cou·ture
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noun 1. the occupation of a couturier; dressmaking and designing. 2. fashion designers or couturiers collectively.
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pros·o·dy
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"3.Linguistics. the stress and intonation patterns of an utterance.
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in·to·na·tion
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noun 1. the pattern or melody of pitch changes in connected speech, esp. the pitch pattern of a sentence, which distinguishes kinds of sentences or speakers of different language cultures.
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lit·ur·gy
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noun,plural-gies. 1. a form of public worship; ritual.
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a·grar·i·an
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[uh-grair-ee-uhn] –adjective 1.relating to land, land tenure, or the division of landed property: agrarian laws.
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ger·und
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[jer-uhnd] –nounGrammar. 1. (in certain languages, as Latin) a form regularly derived from a verb and functioning as a noun, having in Latin all case forms but the nominative, as Latin dicendī gen., dicendō, dat., abl., etc., “saying.”
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pro·vi·sion·al
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[pruh-vizh-uh-nl] –adjective Also, pro·vi·sion·ar·y 1. providing or serving for the time being only; existing only until permanently or properly replaced; temporary: a provisional government.
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domicile
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[dom-uh-sahyl, -suhl, doh-muh-] –noun 1. a place of residence; abode; house or home.
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rus·ti·cate
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"[ruhs-ti-keyt] –verb (used without object) 1. to go to the country. 2. to stay or sojourn in the country.
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portico
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a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch.
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mu·nif·i·cent
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"[myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] –adjective 1. extremely liberal in giving; very generous. 2. characterized by great generosity: a munificent bequest.
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Di·as·po·ra
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[dahy-as-per-uh] –noun 1. the scattering of the Jews to countries outside of Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. 2. (often lowercase) the body of Jews living in countries outside Palestine or modern Israel.
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ob·fus·cate
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[ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt] –verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
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in·can·ta·tion
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[in-kan-tey-shuhn] –noun 1. the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power. 2. the formula employed; a spell or charm.
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mag·nan·i·mous
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adjective 1. generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies. 2. high-minded; noble: a just and magnanimous ruler.
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tem·po·rize
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verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
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quix·ot·ic
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adjective 1. (sometimes initial capital letter) resembling or befitting Don Quixote. 2. extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
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chasm
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noun 1. a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge. 2. a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
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blithe
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adjective,blith·er, blith·est. 1. joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful: Everyone loved her for her blithe spirit.
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con·cil·i·ate"
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[kuhn-sil-ee-eyt] verb (used with object) 1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
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ex·as·per·ate
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[v. ig-zas-puh-reyt; adj. ig-zas-per-it] –verb (used with object) 1. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely: He was exasperated by the senseless delays.
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os·ten·si·ble
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"[o-sten-suh-buhl] –adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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pro·pi·ti·ate
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"[pruh-pish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object)-at·ed, -at·ing. to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
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ce·ler·i·ty
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"[suh-ler-i-tee] –noun swiftness; speed.
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ar·du·ous
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[ahr-joo-uhs] adjective 1. requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult: an arduous undertaking. 2. requiring or using much energy and vigor; strenuous: making an arduous effort.
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ad·age
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"[ad-ij] –noun A traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb.
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cher·ub
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1. a celestial being. Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1, 10. 2. Theology. a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.
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pon·tif·i·cate
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(pŏn-tĭf'ĭ-kĭt, -kāt') n. The office or term of office of a pontiff. 1. To express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way. 2. To administer the office of a pontiff.
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in·ex·o·ra·ble
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"[in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] –adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
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cal·cu·lus
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. 1. Mathematics. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
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pos·ter·i·ty
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"[po-ster-i-tee] –noun 1. succeeding or future generations collectively: Judgment of this age must be left to posterity. 2. all descendants of one person: His fortune was gradually dissipated by his posterity.
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in·ter·loc·u·tor
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[in-ter-lok-yuh-ter] –noun 1. a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue. 2. the man in the middle of the line of performers in a minstrel troupe, who acts as the announcer and banters with the end men.
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va·lence
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"[vey-luhns] –noun 1.Chemistry. a.the quality that determines the number of atoms or groups with which any single atom or group will unite chemically. b.the relative combining capacity of an atom or group compared with that of the standard hydrogen atom. The chloride ion, Cl–, with a valence of one, has the capacity to unite with one atom of hydrogen or its equivalent, as in HCl or NaCl.
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aug·ment
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"verb (used with object) 1. to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase: His salary is augmented by a small inheritance. 2. a.to raise (the upper note of an interval or chord) by a half step. B.to double the note values of (a theme): In the fugue's development the subject is augmented.
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ex·e·ge·sis
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"[ek-si-jee-sis] –noun,plural-ses /-siz/ Show Spelled[-seez] critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.
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pro·lix"
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"adjective 1.extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy. 2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length.
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re·cid·i·vism
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"[ri-sid-uh-viz-uhm] –noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime. 2. Psychiatry. the chronic tendency toward repetition of criminal or antisocial behavior patterns.
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chi·me·ra
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[ki-meer-uh, kahy-] –noun,plural-ras. 1. (often initial capital letter) a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. 2. any similarly grotesque monster having disparate parts, esp. as depicted in decorative art.
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terse
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"[turs] –adjectiveters·er, ters·est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
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per·sev·er·ate
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"[per-sev-uh-reyt] –verb (used without object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to repeat something insistently or redundantly: to perseverate in reminding children of their responsibilities.
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in·ef·fa·ble
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[in-ef-uh-buhl] adjective 1. incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy.
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co·i·tus
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"[koh-i-tuhs] –noun sexual intercourse, esp. between a man and a woman.
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dys·pa·reu·ni·a
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"[dis-puh-roo-nee-uh] nounMedicine/Medical. BREAK painful coitus.
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syn·ech·i·a
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"noun,pluralsyn·ech·i·ae Show Spelled[si-nek-ee-ee, -nee-kee-ee, sin-i-kahy-ee] Medicine/Medical, Pathology. any adhesion of parts of the body, as of the iris to the cornea.
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e·nig·ma
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[uh-nig-muh] –noun,plural-mas, -ma·ta /-mətə/ Show Spelled[-muh-tuh] 1. a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation: His disappearance is an enigma that has given rise to much speculation. 2. a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears.
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veneer
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a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance: a cruel person with a veneer of kindliness.
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lu·na·cy
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[loo-nuh-see] noun,plural-cies. 1. insanity; mental disorder. 2. intermittent insanity, formerly believed to be related to phases of the moon.
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Eu·cha·rist
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[yoo-kuh-rist] –noun 1. the sacrament of Holy Communion; the sacrifice of the Mass; the Lord's 2. the consecrated elements of the Holy Communion, esp. the bread.
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her·me·neu·tic
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"[hur-muh-noo-tik, -nyoo-] –adjective of or pertaining to hermeneutics; interpretative; explanatory.
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con·sum·mate
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verb (used with object) 1. to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill. 2. to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract: The company consummated its deal to buy a smaller firm.
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anon
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"adverb 1. in a short time; soon. 2.at another time. 3. Archaic. at once; immediately.
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asseverate
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"verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to declare earnestly or solemnly; affirm positively; aver.
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er·u·dite
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[er-yoo-dahyt, er-oo-] –adjective characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly: an erudite professor; an erudite commentary.
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eu·phe·mism
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[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm] noun 1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. 2. the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
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coo day tah
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removal of a head of state from power (overthrow). Unlike a revolution, which usually takes large numbers of people to take over, a coup can be done by a small number of people. Even one person can cause a coup if they
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anthropomorhphic
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ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, esp. to a deity
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a·poth·e·o·sis
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[uh-poth-ee-oh-sis, ap-uh-thee-uh-sis] noun 1. the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god.
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on·tol·o·gy
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[on-tol-uh-jee] –noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
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in·tran·si·gent
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"[in-tran-si-juhnt] –adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible.
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sol·e·cism
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[sol-uh-siz-uhm, soh-luh-] –noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.
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pa·rish·ion·er
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"[puh-rish-uh-ner] –noun one of the community or inhabitants of a parish.
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he·gem·o·ny
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[hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] –noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation.
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in·ter·loc·u·to·ry
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adjective 1. of the nature of, pertaining to, or occurring in conversation: interlocutory instruction.
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ped·ant·ry
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[ped-n-tree] –noun,plural-ries. 1. the character, qualities, practices, etc., of a pedant, esp. undue display of learning.
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i·dyll
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[ahyd-l] –noun BREAK 1. a poem or prose composition, usually describing pastoral scenes or events or any charmingly simple episode, appealing incident, or the like.
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pro·le·tar·i·an·ism
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"[proh-li-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] –noun the practices, attitudes, or social status of a proletarian.
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an·ar·chy
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noun 1. a state of society without government or law. 2. political and social disorder due to the absence of governmental control: The death of the king was followed by a year of anarchy.
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hi·a·tus
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[hahy-ey-tuhs] –noun,plural-tus·es, -tus. 1. a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
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fe·al·ty
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"noun,plural-ties. 1. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal.
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an·a·sar·ca
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"[an-uh-sahr-kuh] –nounPathology. a pronounced, generalized edema.
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Bo·he·mi·an
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a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.
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tem·po·rize
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verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
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suc·cor
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noun 1. help; relief; aid; assistance.
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ar·ca·num
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"noun,plural-na 1. Often, arcana. a secret; mystery. 2. a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover. 3. a secret and powerful remedy.
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co·pi·ous
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adjective 1. large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful: copious amounts of food.
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ca·dence
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nounAlso, cadency. 1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words: the cadence of language.
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in·vec·tive
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noun 1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach. 2. a railing accusation; vituperation.
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syn·tax
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Linguistics. a.the study of the rules for the formation of grammatical sentences in a language.
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per·func·to·ry"
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"adjective 1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy. 2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
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ped·a·go·gy
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"noun,plural-gies. 1. the function or work of a teacher; teaching. 2. the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.
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al·le·go·ry"
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noun,plural-ries. 1. a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another.
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in·cu·bus
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noun,plural-bi 1. an imaginary demon or evil spirit supposed to descend upon sleeping persons, esp. one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep.Compare succubus (def. 1). 2.a nightmare.
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vacillation
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2.a state of indecision or irresolution. 3. unsteady movement; fluctuation.
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mu·lat·to
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noun 1. the offspring of one white parent and one black parent: not in technical use.
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com·mu·nal
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adjective 1.used or shared in common by everyone in a group: a communal jug of wine.
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pla·cate"
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"verb to appease or pacify, esp. by concessions or conciliatory gestures: to placate an outraged citizenry.
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so·dal·i·ty
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noun,plural-ties. 1.fellowship; comradeship. 2. an association or society.
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lo·qua·cious
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adjective 1. talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous: a loquacious dinner guest.
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la·nu·go
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"noun,plural-gos. Biology. a coat of delicate, downy hairs, esp. that with which the human fetus or a newborn infant is covered.
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pu·ni·tive"
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"adjective serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment: punitive laws; punitive action.
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per·e·gri·na·tion
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"noun 1. travel from one place to another, esp. on foot. 2. a course of travel; journey.
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par·si·mo·ni·ous
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"[pahr-suh-moh-nee-uhs] –adjective characterized by or showing parsimony; frugal or stingy.
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er·u·di·tion
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"[er-yoo-dish-uhn, er-oo-] –noun knowledge acquired by study, research, etc.; learning; scholarship.
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aus·tere
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[aw-steer] –adjective 1. severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. 2. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent.
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ra·pa·cious
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adjective 1. given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed. 2. inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate: a rapacious disposition.
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con·fab·u·late
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"verb (used without object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to converse informally; chat. 2. Psychiatry. to engage in confabulation.
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aph·o·rism
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–noun a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”
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col·lude
|
verb (used without object),-lud·ed, -lud·ing. 1. to act together through a secret understanding, esp. with evil or harmful intent.
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anedotal
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based on personal observation, case study reports, or random investigations rather than systematic scientific evaluation: anecdotal evidence.
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in·dig·nant
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"adjective feeling, characterized by, or expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base: indignant remarks; an indignant expression on his face.
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litigious
|
inclined to dispute or disagree; argumentative.
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grim·ace
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"noun 1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
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latitudinous
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"adjective having latitude, scope, range, breadth, etc., esp. of ideas, interests, interpretations, or the like: a Renaissance man of latitudinous outlook.
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in·noc·u·ous
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(ĭ-nŏk'yōō-əs) adj. 1. Having no adverse effect; harmless. 2.Not likely to offend or provoke to strong emotion; insipid.
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re·pub·lic
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noun 1. a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them.
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feist·y
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adjective,feist·i·er, feist·i·est. 1.full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; spunky; plucky: The champion is faced with a feisty challenger.
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ar·che·type
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noun 1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
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labile
|
apt or likely to change.
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ego-dystonic/ego-syntonic
|
behavior that do or don't line up with belief
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provocation
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act of provoking
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in·cho·ate
|
adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient.
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ad·u·late
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"verb (used with object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. to show excessive admiration or devotion to; flatter or admire servilely.
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proclivity
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"noun,plural-ties. natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition: a proclivity to meticulousness.
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clo·nus
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"noun,plural-nus·es. Pathology. a rapid succession of flexions and extensions of a group of muscles, usually signifying an affection of the brain or spinal cord.
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mor·ti·fy
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verb (used with object) 1.to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one's pride or self-respect.
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bliss
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noun supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss. 2. Theology. the joy of heaven.
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tra·duce
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"verb (used with object),-duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.
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cog·ni·zant
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adjective 1. having cognizance; aware (usually fol. by of): He was cognizant of the difficulty
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an·cil·lar·y"
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"adjective 1. subordinate; subsidiary. 2. auxiliary; assisting.
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per·ni·cious
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adjective 1. causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful: pernicious teachings; a pernicious lie.
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in·a·ni·tion
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"noun 1. exhaustion from lack of nourishment; starvation. 2. lack of vigor; lethargy.
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a·lac·ri·ty
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"noun 1. cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity. BREAK 2. liveliness; briskness.
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tor·rent
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noun 1. a stream of water flowing with great rapidity and violence. 2. a rushing, violent, or abundant and unceasing stream of anything: a torrent of lava.
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missive
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"noun 1. a written message; letter.
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va·grant
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noun 1. a person who wanders about idly and has no permanent home or employment; vagabond; tramp.
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trep·i·da·tion
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"noun 1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation. 2. trembling or quivering movement; tremor.
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dep·re·cate
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verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1 .to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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dem·i·god
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"noun 1. a mythological being who is partly divine and partly human; an inferior deity. 2. a deified mortal.
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gar·ru·lous
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"[gar-uh-luhs, gar-yuh-] –adjective 1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters. 2. wordy or diffuse: a garrulous and boring speech.
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for·mi·da·ble
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adjective 1. causing fear, apprehension, or dread: a formidable opponent. 2. of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty, etc.; intimidating: a formidable problem.
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on·tol·o·gy
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"[on-tol-uh-jee] noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such. 2. (loosely) metaphysics.
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in·tran·si·gent"
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"adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible. –noun 2. a person who refuses to agree or compromise, as in politics.
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sol·e·cism
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"noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was. 2.a breach of good manners or etiquette. 3. any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.
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he·gem·o·ny
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hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] BREAK noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation. 2. leadership; predominance.
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par·ish
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[par-ish] noun 1. an ecclesiastical district having its own church and member of the clergy. 2. a local church with its field of activity.
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Ontology
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1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
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Arcanum
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a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover.
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Solace
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comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
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Zealot
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1. an excessively zealous person; fanatic. 2. a member of a radical, warlike, ardently patriotic group of Jews in Judea, particularly prominent from a.d. 69 to 81, advocating the violent overthrow of Roman rule and vigorously resisting the efforts of the Romans and their supporters to heathenize the Jews.
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qui·e·tus
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noun,plural-tus·es. 1. a finishing stroke; anything that effectually ends or settles: Having given a quietus to the argument, she left. 2. discharge or release from life. 3. a period of retirement or inactivity.
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sat·ire
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noun 1.the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. 2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
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pre·var·i·cate
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verb (used without object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
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fro·ward
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adjective willfully contrary; not easily managed: to be worried about one's froward, intractable child.
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par·ox·ysm
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[par-uhk-siz-uhm] –noun 1. any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion: paroxysms of rage. 2. Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
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a·poth·e·car·y
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noun,plural-car·ies. 1. a druggist; a pharmacist.
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aux·il·ia·ry
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adjective 1. Additional; supplementary; reserve
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marred
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verb (used with object),marred, mar·ring. 1.to damage or spoil to a certain extent; render less perfect, attractive, useful, etc.; impair or spoil: That billboard mars the view. The holiday was marred by bad weather. 2. to disfigure, deface, or scar: The scratch marred the table.
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di·chot·o·my
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noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
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as·phyx·i·a
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nounPathology. the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.
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so·lic·i·tous
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adjective 1.anxious or concerned (usually fol. by about, for, etc., or a clause): solicitous about a person's health.
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in·ane
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adjective 1.lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void.
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e·gre·gious
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[ih-gree-juhs, -jee-uhs] –adjective 1.extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant: an egregious mistake; an egregious liar.
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sche·ma
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noun,pluralsche·ma·ta /ˈskimətə or, sometimes, skiˈmɑtə, skɪ-/ Show Spelled[skee-muh-tuh or, sometimes, skee-mah-tuh, ski-] sche·mas. 1. a diagram, plan, or scheme. 2. an underlying organizational pattern or structure; conceptual framework.
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in·ju·di·cious
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[in-joo-dish-uhs] –adjective not judicious; showing lack of judgment; unwise; imprudent; indiscreet: an injudicious decision.
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con·ceit
|
"noun 1. an excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability, importance, wit 2. a fancy; whim; fanciful notion. 3. an elaborate, fanciful metaphor, esp. of a strained or far-fetched nature.
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fe·al·ty
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noun,plural-ties. 1. History/Historical. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal. 2.fidelity; faithfulness.
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Pab·lum
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1.Trademark. a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants. –noun 2. (lowercase) trite, naive, or simplistic ideas or writings; intellectual pap.
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a·byss
|
noun 1. a deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or cavity; vast chasm. 2. anything profound, unfathomable, or infinite: the abyss of time. 3. (in ancient cosmogony) a.the primal chaos before Creation. b. the infernal regions; hell. c.a subterranean ocean.
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prov·en·der
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noun 1. dry food, as hay or oats, for livestock or other domestic animals; fodder. 2. food; provisions.
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grav·id
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adjective pregnant.
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neb·u·la
|
[neb-yuh-luh] –noun,plural-lae /-ˌli, -ˌlaɪ/ Show Spelled[-lee, -lahy] Show IPA, -las. 1. Astronomy. a. Also called diffuse nebula. a cloud of interstellar gas and dust. Compare dark nebula, emission nebula, reflection nebula. b. (formerly) any celestial object that appears nebulous, hazy, or fuzzy, and extended in a telescope view. 2. Pathology. a.a faint opacity in the cornea. b.cloudiness in the urine. 3.any liquid medication prepared for use as a spray.
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a·per·i·tive
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[uh-per-i-tiv] –adjective 1.aperient. 2. having a stimulating effect on the appetite. –noun 3.an aperient. 4. an appetite stimulant.
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benison
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[ben-uh-zuhn, -suhn] –noun benediction.
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an·tiq·ui·ty
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[an-tik-wi-tee] –noun,plural-ties. 1. the quality of being ancient; ancientness: a bowl of great antiquity. 2. ancient times; former ages: the splendor of antiquity. 3. the period of history before the Middle Ages. 4. the peoples, nations, tribes, or cultures of ancient times. 5. Usually, antiquities. something belonging to or remaining from ancient times, as monuments, relics, or customs
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pomp·ous
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"[pom-puhs] -Adjective 1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official. 2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech. 3. characterized by pomp, stately splendor, or magnificence.
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ed·i·fice
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[ed-uh-fis] –noun 1. a building, esp. one of large size or imposing appearance. 2. any large, complex system or organization.
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as·cer·tain
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"[as-er-teyn] –verb (used with object) 1. to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine: to ascertain the facts. 2. Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
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mon·o·lith
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[mon-uh-lith] –noun 1.an obelisk, column, large statue, etc., formed of a single block of stone. 2. a single block or piece of stone of considerable size, esp. when used in architecture or sculpture. 3. something having a uniform, massive, redoubtable, or inflexible quality or character.
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te·nac·i·ty
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[tuh-nas-i-tee] –noun the quality or property of being tenacious.
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dudg·eon
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[duhj-uhn] –noun a feeling of offense or resentment; anger: We left in high dudgeon.
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en·thrall
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"[en-thrawl] –verb (used with object) 1. to captivate or charm: a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences. 2. to put or hold in slavery; subjugate: to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.
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te·na·cious
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[tuh-ney-shuhs] –adjective 1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often fol. by of): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits. 2. highly retentive: a tenacious memory. 3. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate. 4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous. 5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.
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exiguous
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"–adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
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punctilious
|
[puhngk-til-ee-uhs] adjective extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.
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disputatious
|
–adjective fond of or given to disputation; argumentative; contentious: disputatious litigants.
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convent
|
" –noun 1. a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior. 2. a society or association of monks, friars, or nuns: now usually used of a society of nuns. 3. the building or buildings occupied by such a society; a monastery or nunnery.
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bricolage
|
" 1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
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idiosyncratic
|
"noun, plural -sies. 1. a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual. 2. the physical constitution peculiar to an individual.
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privation
|
"–noun 1. lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life: His life of privation began to affect his health. 2. an instance of this. 3. the act of depriving.
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allay
|
–verb (used with object), -layed, -lay·ing. 1. to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet. 2. to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate: to allay pain.
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procession
|
"noun 1. the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession or in a formal and ceremonious manner, as a line of people, animals, vehicles, etc. 2. the line or body of persons or things moving along in such a manner.
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auspicious
|
adjective BREAK 1. promising success; propitious; opportune; favorable: an auspicious occasion. BREAK 2. favored by fortune; prosperous; fortunate.
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auspice
|
noun,1. Usually, auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship: under the auspices of the Department of Education. 2. Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
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mana
|
–nounAnthropology. a generalized, supernatural force or power, which may be concentrated in objects or persons.
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alogical
|
–adjective beyond the scope of logic or logical reasoning: alogical philosophical speculations.
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tautologous
|
noun, plural -gies. 1. needless repetition of an idea, esp. in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness, as in “widow woman.” 2. an instance of such repetition
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circumlocutory
|
"–noun 1. a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. 2. a roundabout expression.
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bombastic
|
"adjective (of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.
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verbose
|
"adjective characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.
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alexithymia
|
–nounPsychiatry. difficulty in experiencing, expressing, and describing emotional responses
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squalor
|
"–noun the condition of being squalid; filth and misery.
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jurisprudence
|
"–noun 1. the science or philosophy of law. 2. a body or system of laws.
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pillory
|
verb (used with object) 2. to set in the pillory. 3. to expose to public derision, ridicule, or abuse: The candidate mercilessly pilloried his opponent
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salutary
|
"–adjective 1. favorable to or promoting health; healthful. 2. promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome.
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earnest
|
–adjective 1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous: an earnest worker. 2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty. 3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention. –noun 4. full seriousness, as of intention or purpose: to speak in earnest.
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heed
|
"verb (used with object) and noun 1. to give careful attention to: He did not heed the warning.
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clarion
|
"adjective 1. clear and shrill: the clarion call of a battle trumpet.
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trenchant
|
–adjective 1. incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit. 2. vigorous; effective; energetic: a trenchant policy of political reform. 3. clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct.
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raucous
|
–adjective 1. harsh; strident; grating: raucous voices; raucous laughter. 2. rowdy; disorderly: a raucous party.
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compendium
|
"–noun, plural -di·ums 1. a brief treatment or account of a subject, esp. an extensive subject; concise treatise: a compendium of medicine. 2. a summary, epitome, or abridgment.
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succumb
|
verb (used without object) 1. to give way to superior force; yield: to succumb to despair
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brothel
|
–noun a house of prostitution
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putrid
|
–adjective 1. in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
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putrescent
|
–adjective 1. becoming putrid; undergoing putrefaction. 2. of or pertaining to putrefaction.
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confaternity
|
"–noun, plural -ties. 1. a lay brotherhood devoted to some purpose, esp. to religious or charitable service. 2. a society or organization, esp. of men, united for some purpose or in some profession.
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benefaction
|
"noun 1. an act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed: He is known throughout the region for his many benefactions. 2. the benefit conferred; charitable donation: to solicit benefactions for earthquake victims.
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conversely
|
"–adjective 1. opposite or contrary in direction, action, sequence, etc.; turned around. –noun 2. something opposite or contrary.
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trite
|
"adjective, trit·er, trit·est. 1. lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale: the trite phrases in his letter. 2. characterized by hackneyed expressions, ideas, etc.: The commencement address was trite and endlessly long.
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platitude
|
–noun 1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. 2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory.
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preamble
|
noun 1. an introductory statement; preface; introduction. 2. the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows. 3. a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance: His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime
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parochial
|
"adjective 1. of or pertaining to a parish or parishes. 2. of or pertaining to parochial schools or the education they provide.
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recrudescence
|
–noun breaking out afresh or into renewed activity; revival or reappearance in active existence.
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opprobrious
|
–adjective 1. conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker: opprobrious invectives. 2. outrageously disgraceful or shameful: opprobrious conduct
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adroit
|
–adjective 1. expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body. 2. cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious: an adroit debater
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harried
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks; worry: He was harried by constant doubts. 2. to ravage, as in war; devastate: The troops harried the countryside.
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contumelious
|
–noun, plural -lies. 1. insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment. 2. a humiliating insult.
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supercilious
|
–adjective haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression
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contemptuous
|
–adjective showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful
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prowess
|
–noun 1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker
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mussitate
|
–verb (used without object), -tat·ed, -tat·ing. Obsolete . to mutter; mumble
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importunate
|
–adjective 1. urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so. 2. pertinacious, as solicitations or demands
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luciferous
|
adjective 1. bringing or providing light. 2. providing insight or enlightenment.
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lucifugous
|
" adj avoiding light
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nihilism
|
–noun 1. total rejection of established laws and institutions. 2. anarchy, terrorism, or other revolutionary activity.
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gaiety
|
"noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being gay or cheerful; gay spirits. 2. Often, gaieties. merrymaking or festivity: the gaieties of the New Year season.
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merriment
|
noun 1. cheerful or joyful gaiety; mirth; hilarity; laughter. 2. Obsolete . a cause of mirth; a jest, entertainment,
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congeal
|
verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid
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malady
|
noun, plural -dies. 1. any disorder or disease of the body, esp. one that is chronic or deepseated. 2. any undesirable or disordered condition: social maladies; a malady of the spirit.
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recidivist
|
noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime.
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massagist
|
Slang . to treat with special care and attention; coddle or pamper: The store massages its regular customers with gifts and private sales. 5. Informal . a. to manipulate, maneuver, or handle skillfully: to massage a bill through the Senate
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ameliorate
|
"–verb (used with object), verb (used without object), -rat·ed, -rat·ing. to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate.
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diaphanous
|
"adjective 1. very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent. 2. delicately hazy.
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booty
|
–noun, plural -ties. 1. spoil taken from an enemy in war; plunder; pillage. 2. something that is seized by violence and robbery.
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techie
|
noun Informal . 1. a technical expert, student, or enthusiast, esp. in the field of electronics. 2. a technician, as for a stage crew.
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injunction
|
noun 1. Law . a judicial process or order requiring the person or persons to whom it is directed to do a particular act or to refrain from doing a particular act. 2. an act or instance of enjoining.
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itinerant
|
adjective 1. traveling from place to place, esp. on a circuit, as a minister, judge, or sales representative; itinerating; journeying. 2. characterized by such traveling: itinerant preaching
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ambrosian
|
adjective 1. exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant. 2. worthy of the gods; divine
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imago
|
" an adult sexually mature insect produced after metamorphosis 2. psychoanal an idealized image of another person, usually a parent, acquired in childhood and carried in the unconscious in later life
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|
cartesian
|
–adjective 1. of or pertaining to Descartes, his mathematical methods, or his philosophy, esp. with regard to its emphasis on logical analysis and its mechanistic interpretation of physical nature
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emend
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to edit or change (a text). 2. to free from faults or errors; correct.
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|
dilapidated
|
adjective reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.
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extravagant
|
–adjective BREAK 1. spending much more than is necessary or wise; wasteful: an extravagant shopper. BREAK 2. excessively high: extravagant expenses; extravagant prices
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errant
|
–adjective 1. deviating from the regular or proper course; erring; straying. 2. journeying or traveling, as a medieval knight in quest of adventure; roving adventurously
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equanimity
|
–noun mental or emotional stability or composure, esp. under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.
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undulate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement: The flag undulates in the breeze. 2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions
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repungance
|
noun 1. the state of being repugnant. 2. strong distaste, aversion, or objection; antipathy. 3. contradictoriness or inconsistency
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abhorrence
|
noun 1. a feeling of extreme repugnance or aversion; utter loathing; abomination. 2. something or someone extremely repugnant or loathsome.
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jactation
|
–noun 1. boasting; bragging. 2. Pathology . a restless tossing of the body
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|
conglomerate
|
"noun 1. anything composed of heterogeneous materials or elements. 2. a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated industries, usually as a result of merger or acquisition.
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endearing
|
–adjective 1. tending to make dear or beloved. 2. manifesting or evoking affection: an endearing smile.
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spurious
|
"adjective 1. not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit. 2. Biology . (of two or more parts, plants, etc.) having a similar appearance but a different structure.
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anecdote
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"noun a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.
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tittle
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noun 1. a dot or other small mark in writing or printing, used as a diacritic, punctuation, etc. 2. a very small part or quantity; a particle, jot, or whit: He said he didn't care a tittle.
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hugh
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noun a male given name: from a Germanic word meaning “heart, mind.”
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remoulade
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–noun a cold sauce made with mayonnaise and various condiments and herbs, as chopped pickles, capers, mustard, parsley, chervil, and tarragon.
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quandary
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noun, plural -ries. a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
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connate
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adjective 1. existing in a person or thing from birth or origin; inborn: a connate sense of right and wrong. 2. associated in birth or origin. 3. allied or agreeing in nature; cognate.
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echinate
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adjective bristly; prickly.
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cachinnate
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verb (used without object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing. to laugh loudly or immoderately
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remised
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verb (used with object), -mised, -mis·ing. Law . to give up a claim to; surrender by deed.
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purlieus
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–noun 1. purlieus, environs or neighborhood. 2. a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds. 3. a person's haunt or resort. 4. an outlying district or region, as of a town or city.
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conjure
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"–verb (used with object) 1. to affect or influence by or as if by invocation or spell. 2. to effect, produce, bring, etc., by or as by magic: to conjure a miracle. 3. to call upon or command (a devil or spirit) by invocation or spell.
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tumescence
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adjective 1. swelling; slightly tumid. 2. exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming. 3. pompous and pretentious, esp. in the use of language; bombastic.
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fallacious
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"–adjective 1. containing a fallacy; logically unsound: fallacious arguments. 2. deceptive; misleading: fallacious testimony.
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variance
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noun 1. the state, quality, or fact of being variable, divergent, different, or anomalous. 2. an instance of varying; difference; discrepancy.
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quarantine
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–noun 1. a strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
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equable
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–adjective 1. free from many changes or variations; uniform: an equable climate; an equable temperament. 2. uniform in operation or effect, as laws.
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insouciance
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–noun the quality of being insouciant; lack of care or concern; indifference
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distrain
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–verb (used with object) 1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim. 2. to levy a distress upon.
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impeccable
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–adjective 1. faultless; flawless; irreproachable: impeccable manners. 2. not liable to sin; incapable of sin
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monastic
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adjective of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living. noun 4. a member of a monastic community or order, esp. a monk
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hue
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"–noun 1. a gradation or variety of a color; tint: pale hues. 2. the property of light by which the color of an object is classified as red, blue, green, or yellow in reference to the spectrum.
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inception
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"–noun 1. beginning; start; commencement.
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sophistry
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noun, plural -ries. 1. a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning. 2. a false argument; sophism
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casuistry
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"— n , pl -ries 1. philosophy the resolution of particular moral dilemmas, esp those arising from conflicting general moral rules, by careful distinction of the cases to which these rules apply 2. reasoning that is specious, misleading, or oversubtle
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resurgence
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–adjective rising or tending to rise again; reviving; renascent
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carousal
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–noun a noisy or drunken feast or social gathering; revelry
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creed
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noun 1. any system, doctrine, or formula of religious belief, as of a denomination. 2. any system or codification of belief or of opinion.
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impedimenta
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plural noun baggage or other things that retard one's progress, as supplies carried by an army: the impedimenta of the weekend skier.
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suffusion
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"verb (used with object), -fused, -fus·ing. to overspread with or as with a liquid, color, etcpervade, diffuse, bathe, flood.
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squelch
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–verb (used with object) 1. to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash. 2. to put down, suppress, or silence, as with a crushing retort or argument.
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vespertine
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"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or occurring in the evening: vespertine stillness. 2. Botany . opening or expanding in the evening, as certain flowers.
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vituperate
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—Synonyms censure, vilify, berate
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agnosia
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"n loss or diminution of the ability to recognize familiar objects or stimuli usually as a result of brain damage see visual agnosia
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proffer
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Synonyms proffering 1. volunteer, propose, sugges tverb (used with object) 1. to put before a person for acceptance
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janus
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" n the Roman god of doorways, passages, and bridges. In art he is depicted with two heads facing opposite ways
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inerrant
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adjective free from error; infallible
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hunky dory
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"fine; okay. : As a matter of fact, everything is just hunky-dory.
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commensurate
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"–adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 3. proportionate; adequate.
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assent
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verb (used without object) 1. to agree or concur; subscribe to (often fol. by to ): to assent to a statement
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exculpatory
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adjective tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt.
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quixotical
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extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
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latitude
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scope for freedom of action, thought, etc; freedom from restriction: his parents gave him a great deal of latitude
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consternate
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" vb ( tr; usually passive ) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion
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haptic
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Function: adj 1 : relating to or based on the sense of touch haptic mode of perception — Colin Gordon > 2 : characterized by a predilection for the sense of touch haptic person>
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insurgent
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" rebellious, revolutionary, mutinous.
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grotesque
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odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre
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heliolatry
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–noun worship of the sun.
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amok
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" n 1. a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays adj 2. run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
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remiss
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–adjective 1. negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc.: He's terribly remiss in his work. 2. characterized by negligence or carelessness. 3. lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish
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oleaginous
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"— adj resembling or having the properties of oil 2. containing or producing oil
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traducer
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verb (used with object), -duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character
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threnody
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noun, plural -dies. a poem, speech, or song of lamentation, esp. for the dead; dirge; funeral song.
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rectitude.
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"noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives. 2. correctness: rectitude of judgment.
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dowries
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–noun, plural -ries. 1. Also, dower. the money, goods, or estate that a wife brings to her husband at marriage.
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misogynist
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–noun hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
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emissaries
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noun 1. a representative sent on a mission or errand: emissaries to negotiate a peace. 2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
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syncopate
|
–verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. BREAK 1. Music a. to place (the accents) on beats that are normally unaccented
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intimation
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verb (used with object), -mat·ed, -mat·ing BREAK 1. to indicate or make known indirectly; hint; imply; suggest
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ingenuity
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noun, plural -ties 1. the quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; inventiveness: a designer of great ingenuity
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plucky
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adjective, pluck·i·er, pluck·i·est. having or showing pluck or courage; brave: The drowning swimmer was rescued by a plucky schoolboy.
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waive
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"verb (used with object), waived, waiv·ing. 1. to refrain from claiming or insisting on; give up; forgo: to waive one's right; to waive one's rank; to waive honors.
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eidetic
|
"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or constituting visual imagery vividly experienced and readily reproducible with great accuracy and in great detail.
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equity
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"–noun,plural-ties 1.the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality: the equity of Solomon. 2.something that is fair and just.
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praxis
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noun practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of knowledge or skills 2. convention, habit, or custom.
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envisage
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–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag·ing to contemplate; visualize: He envisages an era of great scientific discoveries
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taradiddle
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noun Informal 1. a small lie; fib 2. pretentious nonsense
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purport
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verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official. 2. to convey to the mind as the meaning or thing intended; express or imply.
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leniency
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noun, plural -cies. 1. the quality or state of being lenient. 2. a lenient act
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pathetic
|
adjective 1. causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable: a pathetic letter; a pathetic sight. 2. affecting or moving the feelings
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querulous
|
"–adjective 1. full of complaints; complaining. 2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
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demagogue
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"noun 1. a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people. verb 3. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
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superfluous
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adjective 1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2. unnecessary or needless
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loquacity
|
"–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being loquacious; talkativeness; garrulity.
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inexorable
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"–adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
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obstinate
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" adj 1. adhering fixedly to a particular opinion, attitude, course of action, etc 2. self-willed or headstrong
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pertinacious
|
–adjective 1. holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute. 2. stubborn or obstinate
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resolute
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"adjective 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.
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machismo
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adjective BREAK 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. BREAK 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc
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bastion
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"noun 1. Fortification . a projecting portion of a rampart or fortification that forms an irregular pentagon attached at the base to the main work. 2. a fortified place.
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quintessential
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noun 1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance. 2. the most perfect embodiment of something
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vis a vis
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adverb 1. face to face: They SAT vis-à-vis at the table. –adjective 2. face-to-face: a vis-à-vis encounter.
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suasion
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noun 1. the act of advising, urging, or attempting to persuade; persuasion. 2. an instance of this; a persuasive effort.
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epitaph
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noun 1. a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary monument about the person buried at that site. 2. a brief poem or other writing in praise of a deceased person.
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matriculate
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"verb (used with object) 1. to enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree.
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peonage
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noun 1. the condition or service of a peon. 2. the practice of holding persons in servitude or partial slavery, as to work off a debt or to serve a penal sentence.
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cogent
|
adjective 1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling. 2. to the point; relevant; pertinent
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obfuscate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
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muliebrity
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"noun 1. womanly nature or qualities. 2. womanhood.
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repute
|
noun 1. estimation in the view of others; reputation: persons of good repute. 2. favorable reputation; good name; public respect
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chevron
|
noun 1. a badge consisting of stripes meeting at an angle, worn on the sleeve by noncommissioned officers, police officers, etc., as an indication of rank, service, or the like. 2. an ornament in this form, as on a molding
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probity
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noun integrity and uprightness; honesty
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perpend
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noun a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall
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proselytize
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verb to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
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vamoose
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verb (used without object) 1. to leave hurriedly or quickly; decamp.
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foraging
|
noun 1. the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.
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hysteria
|
–noun 1. an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrationality, laughter, weeping, etc
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lurch
|
"–noun 1. an act or instance of swaying abruptly. 2. a sudden tip or roll to one side, as of a ship or a staggering person.
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loath
|
adjective unwilling; reluctant; disinclined; averse: to be loath to admit a mistake.
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aberrant
|
–adjective 1. departing from the right, normal, or usual course. 2. deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional; abnormal
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inundation
|
verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing. 1. to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge. 2. to overwhelm: inundated with letters of protest
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primeval
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–adjective of or pertaining to the first age or ages, esp. of the world: primeval forms of life
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metonymy
|
–noun Rhetoric a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part, as “scepter” for “sovereignty,” or “the bottle” for “strong drink,” or “count heads (or noses)” for “count people.”
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sesquipedalianism
|
given to using long words. 2. (of a word) containing many syllables
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idiom
|
noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics. 2. a language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to a people
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doula
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noun a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth.
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exonerate
|
"noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics.
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valetudinarian
|
noun 1. an invalid. 2. a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments. –adjective 3. in poor health; sickly; invalid. 4. excessively concerned about one's poor health or ailments
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aesthetics
|
noun ( used with a singular verb ) 1. the branch of philosophy dealing with such notions as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc., as applicable to the fine arts, with a view to establishing the meaning and validity of critical judgments concerning works of art, and the principles underlying or justifying such judgments.
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askesis
|
–noun, plural strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.
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moil
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"verb (used without object) 1. to work hard; drudge. 2. to whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy. –verb (used with object) –noun 4. hard work or drudgery.
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innominate
|
adjective having no name; nameless; anonymous.
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nidus
|
"noun, plural 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs.
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efficacious
|
adjective capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.: The medicine is efficacious in stopping a cough.
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vapid
|
adjective 1. lacking or having lost life, sharpness, or flavor; insipid; flat: vapid tea. 2. without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious: a vapid party; vapid conversation.
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auscultated
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to examine by auscultation
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disport
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to divert or amuse (oneself). 2. to display (oneself) in a sportive manner: The picnickers disported themselves merrily on the beach.
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solipsist/solipsismal
|
–noun 1. Philosophy . the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist. 2. extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption
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oneiric
|
adjective of or pertaining to dreams.
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inculcation
|
verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually fol. by upon or in ): to inculcate virtue in the young. 2. to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually fol. by with ): Socrates inculcated his pupils with the love of truth.
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dishabille
|
noun 1. the state of being dressed in a careless, disheveled, or disorderly style or manner; undress. 2. a garment worn in undress
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impervious
|
"adjective 1. not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable: The coat is impervious to rain. 2. incapable of being injured or impaired: impervious to wear and tear.
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esthetic
|
adjective 1. pertaining to a sense of the beautiful or to the science of aesthetics. 2. having a sense of the beautiful; characterized by a love of beauty. 3. pertaining to, involving, or concerned with pure emotion and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality. –noun 4. a philosophical theory or idea of what is aesthetically valid at a given time and place: the clean lines, bare surfaces, and sense of space that bespeak the machine-age aesthetic
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interlard
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to diversify by adding or interjecting something unique, striking, or contrasting (usually fol. by with ): to interlard one's speech with oaths. 2. (of things) to be intermixed in
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deference
|
"noun 1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
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manus
|
–noun, plural -nus 1. Anatomy, Zoology . the distal segment of the forelimb of a vertebrate, including the carpus and the forefoot or hand. 2. Roman Law . power over persons, as that of the husband over the wife
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manumit
|
–verb (used with object), -mit·ted, -mit·ting. to release from slavery or servitude.
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extirpation
|
verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. 1. to remove or destroy totally; do away with; exterminate. 2. to pull up by or as if by the roots; root up: to extirpate an unwanted hair
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occult
|
adjective 1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies. 2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
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prose
|
"–noun 1. the ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure, as distinguished from poetry or verse. 2. matter-of-fact, commonplace, or dull expression, quality, discourse, etc.
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bedizen
|
–verb (used with object) to dress or adorn in a showy, gaudy, or tasteless manner.
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sybaritic
|
adjective 1. ( usually lowercase ) pertaining to or characteristic of a sybarite; characterized by or loving luxury or sensuous pleasure: to wallow in sybaritic splendor. 2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Sybaris or its inhabitants.
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farcical
|
adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of farce. 2. resembling farce; ludicrous; absurd.
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incendiarism
|
–noun 1. the act or practice of an arsonist; malicious burning. 2. inflammatory behavior; agitation
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conflagration
|
–noun a destructive fire, usually an extensive one
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superlative
|
–adjective 1. of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme: superlative wisdom. BREAK 2. Grammar . of, pertaining to, or noting the highest degree of the comparison of adjectives and adverbs, as smallest, best, and most carefully, the superlative forms of small, good,
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victual
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–noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings
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acclamation
|
–noun 1. a loud shout or other demonstration of welcome, goodwill, or approval. 2. act of acclaiming
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precedence
|
"–noun 1. act or fact of preceding. 2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority. 3. the fact of preceding in time; antedating.
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prognosticate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy. 2. to foretoken; presage: birds prognosticating spring
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popinjay
|
"noun 1. a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter; coxcomb; fop.
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embarkation
|
–noun the act, process, or an instance of embarking
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unprecedent
|
adjective without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled: an unprecedented event.
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tumult
|
–noun 1. violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar: The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech
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oddities
|
"–noun 1. an odd or remarkably unusual person, thing, or event. 2. the quality of being odd; singularity, strangeness, or eccentricity.
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denigrate
|
"–verb (used with object), -grat·ed, -grat·ing. 1. to speak damagingly of; criticize in a derogatory manner; sully; defame: to denigrate someone's character. 2. to treat or represent as lacking in value or importance; belittle; disparage: to denigrate someone's contributions to a project.
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portentous
|
–adjective 1. of the nature of a portent; momentous. 2. ominously significant or indicative: a portentous defeat. 3. marvelous; amazing; prodigious.
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prelude
|
"–noun 1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance. 2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
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exigent
|
–adjective 1. requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing. 2. requiring a great deal, or more than is reasonable
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exiguous
|
adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
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caustic
|
–adjective 1. capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. 2. severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark
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chock
|
–noun 1. a wedge or block of wood, metal, or the like, for filling in a space, holding an object steady, etc
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whet
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction. 2. to make keen or eager; stimulate: to whet the appetite; to whet the curiosity.
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fatidic
|
–adjective prophetic
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deprecate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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tempestuous
|
"adjective 1. characterized by or subject to tempests: the tempestuous ocean. 2. of the nature of or resembling a tempest: a tempestuous wind.
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axiomatic
|
"adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of an axiom; self-evident; obvious; requiring no proof. 2. aphoristic.
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fatuous
|
"adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly. 2. unreal; illusory.
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inane
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–adjective 1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void
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felicitate
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–verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate
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convivial
|
adjective 1. friendly; agreeable: a convivial atmosphere. 2. fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company; jovial. 3. of or befitting a feast; festive.
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throes
|
"noun 1. a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm. 2.a sharp attack of emotion. 3. throes, a. any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle. b. the agony of death. c. the pains of childbirth.
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billet
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noun 1. lodging for a soldier, student, etc., as in a private home or nonmilitary public building.
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reverberant
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adjective reverberating; reechoing: the reverberant booms of cannon.
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epitome
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noun 1. a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class: He is the epitome of goodness. 2. a condensed account, esp. of a literary work; abstract.
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mollify
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verb 1. to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease. 2. to mitigate or reduce; soften: to mollify one's demands.
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affront
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"noun 1. a personally offensive act or word; deliberate act or display of disrespect; intentional slight; insult: an affront to the king. 2. an offense to one's dignity or self-respect. verb 3. to offend by an open manifestation of disrespect or insolence: His speech affronted all of us. 4. to make ashamed or confused; embarrass. 5.Archaic . to front; face; look on. 6.Obsolete . to meet or encounter face to face; confront.
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peter
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verb 1. to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing: The hot water always peters out in the middle of my shower. 2. to tire; exhaust (usually used as a past participle): I'm petered out after that walk.
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relic
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noun 1. a surviving memorial of something past.
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incipient
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adjective beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.
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inchoate
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adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient. 3. not organized; lacking order: an inchoate mass of ideas on the subject.
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polity
|
noun 1. a particular form or system of government: civil polity; ecclesiastical polity. 2. the condition of being constituted as a state or other organized community or body: The polity of ancient Athens became a standard for later governments. 3. government or administrative regulation: The colonists demanded independence in matters of internal polity. 4. a state or other organized community or body.
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squalid
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adjective 1. foul and repulsive, as from lack of care or cleanliness; neglected and filthy. 2. wretched; miserable; degraded; sordid.
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exemplar
|
noun 1.a model or pattern to be copied or imitated: Washington is the exemplar of patriotic virtue. 2. a typical example or instance. 3. an original or archetype: Plato thought nature but a copy of ideal exemplars. 4. a copy of a book or text.
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thwart
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose. 2. to frustrate or baffle (a plan, purpose, etc.). noun 3. a seat across a boat, esp. one used by a rower. 4. a transverse member spreading the gunwales of a canoe or the like. adjective 5. passing or lying crosswise or across; cross; transverse. 6. perverse; obstinate.
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perusal
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noun 1. a reading: a perusal of the current books. 2. the act of perusing; survey; scrutiny: A more careful perusal yields this conclusion.
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atomistic
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"noun 1. Also called atomic theory. Philosophy . the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter. 2. Psychology . a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
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apposite
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adjective suitable; well-adapted; pertinent; relevant; apt: an apposite answer.
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abeyance
|
noun 1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while. 2. Law . a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance.
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promulgate
|
verb 1. to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.). 2. to set forth or teach publicly (a creed, doctrine, etc.).
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ennui
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noun a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom: The endless lecture produced an unbearable ennui.
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innards
|
noun ( used with a plural verb ) 1. the internal parts of the body; entrails or viscera. 2. the internal mechanism, parts, structure, etc., of something; the interior of something: an engine's innards.
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infinitesimal
|
"adjective 1. indefinitely or exceedingly small; minute: infinitesimal vessels in the circulatory system. 2. immeasurably small; less than an assignable quantity: to an infinitesimal degree. 3. of, pertaining to, or involving infinitesimals. noun 4. an infinitesimal quantity.
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moribund
|
"adjective 1.in a dying state; near death. 2. on the verge of extinction or termination. 3. not progressing or advancing; stagnant: a moribund political party.
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multifarious
|
adjective 1.having many different parts, elements, forms, etc. 2.numerous and varied; greatly diverse or manifold: multifarious activities.
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malediction
|
noun 1. a curse; imprecation. 2. the utterance of a curse. 3. slander.
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contrived
|
"adjective obviously planned or forced; artificial; strained: a contrived story.
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commensurate
|
adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 2. corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree: Your paycheck should be commensurate with the amount of time worked. 3. proportionate; adequate. 4. having a common measure; commensurable.
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coquettish
|
"noun 1. a woman who flirts lightheartedly with men to win their admiration and affection; flirt. verb (used without object) 2. to coquet.
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peccant
|
adjective 1.sinning; guilty of a moral offense. 2.violating a rule, principle, or established practice; faulty; wrong.
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opprobrium
|
noun 1.the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy. 2.a cause or object of such disgrace or reproach.
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desiderata
|
noun something wanted or needed.
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lambasted
|
verb (used with object), -bast·ed, -bast·ing. Informal . 1.to beat or whip severely. 2.to reprimand or berate harshly; censure; excoriate.
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diathesis
|
noun, plural -ses /-ˌsiz/ Show Spelled[-seez] Show IPA. Pathology . a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or affection.
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debauch
|
verb (used with object) 1.to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce. 2.to corrupt or pervert; sully: His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money. 3.Archaic . to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.
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breath
|
noun 1.the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. 2.respiration, esp. as necessary to life. 3.life; vitality.
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despotism
|
noun 1.the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority. 2.absolute power or control; tyranny. 3.an absolute or autocratic government.
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nepotism
|
noun patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics:
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votary
|
noun Also, vo·ta·rist. 1.a person who is bound by solemn religious vows, as a monk or a nun. 2.an adherent of a religion or cult; a worshiper of a particular deity or sacred personage. 3.a person who is devoted or addicted to some subject or pursuit: a votary of jazz.
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voluptuous
|
adjective 1.full of, characterized by, or ministering to indulgence in luxury, pleasure, and sensuous enjoyment: a voluptuous life. 2.derived from gratification of the senses: voluptuous pleasure. 3.directed toward or concerned with sensuous enjoyment or sensual pleasure: voluptuous desires.
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invigorate
|
verb (used with object), -at·ed, -at·ing. to give vigor to; fill with life and energy; energize.
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ruse
|
noun a trick, stratagem, or artifice.
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illustrious
|
adjective 1.highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2.glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements. 3.Obsolete . luminous; bright.
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ghastly
|
adjective 1.shockingly frightful or dreadful; horrible: a ghastly murder. 2.resembling a ghost, esp. in being very pale: a ghastly look to his face. 3.terrible; very bad: a ghastly error.
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incorrigible
|
adjective 1.not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform: incorrigible behavior; an incorrigible liar. 2.impervious to constraints or punishment; willful; unruly; uncontrollable: an incorrigible child; incorrigible hair. 3.firmly fixed; not easily changed: an incorrigible habit.
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meddle
|
verb (used without object), -dled, -dling. to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly: Stop meddling in my personal life!
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discursive
|
djective 1.passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. 2.proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.
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respite
|
noun 1. a delay or cessation for a time, esp. of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite. 2.temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
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rigmarole
|
noun 1.an elaborate or complicated procedure: to go through the rigmarole of a formal dinner. 2.confused, incoherent, foolish, or meaningless talk.
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salacious
|
adjective 1.lustful or lecherous. 2.(of writings, pictures, etc.) obscene; grossly indecent.
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ignominy
|
noun, plural -min·ies for 1.disgrace; dishonor; public contempt. 2.shameful or dishonorable quality or conduct or an instance of this.
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amorous
|
adjective 1.inclined or disposed to love, esp. sexual love: an amorous disposition. 2.showing or expressing love: an amorous letter. 3.of or pertaining to love: amorous poetry.
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ineffable
|
adjective 1.incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy. 2.not to be spoken because of its sacredness; unutterable: the ineffable name of the deity.
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jovial
|
adjective 1.endowed with or characterized by a hearty, joyous humor or a spirit of good-fellowship: a wonderfully jovial host. 2.( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the god Jove, or Jupiter.
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insipid
|
adjective 1. without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities; vapid: an insipid personality. 2. without sufficient taste to be pleasing, as food or drink; bland: a rather insipid soup.
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nidus
|
noun, plural -di 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs. 2. a place or point in an organism where a germ or other organism can develop or breed.
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ostensible
|
adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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myriad
|
noun 1. a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things. 2. ten thousand. –adjective 3. of an indefinitely great number; innumerable: the myriad stars of a summer night
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moue
|
noun a pouting grimace.
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imperilled
|
verb to put in peril or danger; endanger
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cavil
|
–verb 1. to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually fol. by at or about ): He finds something to cavil at in everything I say.
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quibble
|
"noun 1. an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
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demotic
|
"adjective BREAK 1. of or pertaining to the ordinary, everyday, current form of a language; vernacular: a poet with a keen ear for demotic rhythms. BREAK 2. of or pertaining to the common people; popular.
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provocateur
|
"noun 1. a person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or the like; agitator.
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erasure
|
–noun BREAK 1. an act or instance of erasing. BREAK 2. a place where something has been erased; a spot or mark left after erasing: You can't sign a contract with so many erasures in it.
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educe
|
"verb (used with object), e·duced, e·duc·ing. BREAK 1. to draw forth or bring out, as something potential or latent; elicit; develop.
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derision
|
noun BREAK 1. ridicule; mockery: The inept performance elicited derision from the audience. BREAK 2. an object of ridicule.
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propinquity
|
"noun BREAK 1. nearness in place; proximity. BREAK 2. nearness of relation; kinship. BREAK 3. affinity of nature; similarity.
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attrition
|
"–noun BREAK 1. a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Our club has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away. BREAK 2. a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment: The enemy surrounded the town and conducted a war of attrition.
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modicum
|
noun a moderate or small amount: He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.
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simulacra
|
noun 1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance. BREAK 2. an effigy, image, or representation: a simulacrum of Aphrodite.
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introjection
|
noun Psychoanalysis . BREAK an unconscious psychic process by which a person incorporates into his or her own psychic apparatus the characteristics of another person or object
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martient
|
–noun BREAK 1. a strict disciplinarian, esp. a military one. BREAK 2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules
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consanguineous
|
adjective having the same ancestry or descent; related by blood.
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heuristic
|
–adjective 1. serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation.2. encouraging a person to learn, discover, understand, or solve problems on his or her own, as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error: a heuristic teaching method.
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crude
|
adjective 1.in a raw or unprepared state; unrefined or natural: crude sugar. 2.lacking in intellectual subtlety, perceptivity, etc.; rudimentary; undeveloped
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hardy
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specious
|
–adjective 1.apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible: specious arguments. 2.pleasing to the eye but deceptive
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casuistry
|
"specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, esp. in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.
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saccharine
|
of the nature of or resembling that of sugar: a powdery substance with a saccharine taste
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effeminate
|
"adjective 1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy. 2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury.
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reticent
|
adjective 1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved. 2. reluctant or restrained.
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taciturnity
|
"noun 1. the state or quality of being reserved or reticent in conversation.
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enspirit
|
"verb (used with object) to infuse spirit or life into; enliven.
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nimbus
|
a cloud, aura, atmosphere, etc., surrounding a person or thing: The candidate was encompassed with a nimbus of fame. 2. halo
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congeal
|
verb used with object, verb used without object1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup
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simpatico
|
congenial or like-minded; likable: I find our new neighbor simpatico in every respect
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cavort
|
verb (used without object) 1. to prance or caper about. 2. to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry
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careen
|
verb (used without object) 1. (of a vehicle) to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion: The car careened around the corner
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exultation
|
noun the act of exulting; lively or triumphant joy, as over success or victory
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stupefy
|
verb 1. to put into a state of little or no sensibility; benumb the faculties of; put into a stupor
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es⋅chew
|
[es-choo] –verb to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid: to eschew evil
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personage
|
noun 1. a person of distinction or importance
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|
as⋅sid⋅u⋅ous
|
[uh-sij-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. constant; unremitting: assiduous reading. 2. constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive: an assiduous student.
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implore
|
verb 1. to beg urgently or piteously, as for aid or mercy; beseech; entreat: They implored him to go
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pe⋅cu⋅ni⋅ar⋅y
|
[pi-kyoo-nee-er-ee] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to money: pecuniary difficulties. 2. consisting of or given or exacted in money or monetary payments: pecuniary tributes.
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venal
|
adjective 1. willing to sell one's influence, esp. in return for a bribe; open to bribery; mercenary: a venal judge
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a⋅part⋅heid
|
[uh-pahrt-heyt, -hahyt] –noun 1. (in the Republic of South Africa) a rigid policy of segregation of the nonwhite population. 2. any system or practice that separates people according to race, caste, etc.
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|
fath⋅om
|
[fath-uhm] noun fath⋅om, verb –noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements.
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mercenary
|
adjective 1. working or acting merely for money or other reward; venal.
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lad⋅ing
|
[ley-ding] –noun 1. that with which something is laden; load; freight; cargo.
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pariah
|
noun 1. an outcast. 2. any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided
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|
op⋅u⋅lence
|
[op-yuh-luhns] –noun 1. wealth, riches, or affluence. 2. abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty. 3. the state of being opulent.
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libertine
|
–noun 1. a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake. 2. a freethinker in religious matters
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|
pan⋅de⋅mo⋅ni⋅um
|
[pan-duh-moh-nee-uhm] –noun 1. wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. 2. a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.
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embellish
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn. 2. to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
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shrewd
|
[shrood]–adjective, -er, -est. 1. astute or sharp in practical matters: a shrewd politician. 2. keen; piercing.
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epoch
|
"noun 1. a particular period of time marked by distinctive features, events, etc.: The treaty ushered in an epoch of peace and good will.
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pan⋅jan⋅drum
|
[pan-jan-druhm] –noun a self-important or pretentious official.
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constitute
|
"verb (used with object), -tut·ed, -tut·ing. 1. to compose; form: mortar constituted of lime and sand. 2. to appoint to an office or function; make or create: He was constituted treasurer.
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|
vi⋅car⋅i⋅ous
|
[vahy-kair-ee-uhs, vi-] –adjective 1. performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another: vicarious punishment. 2. taking the place of another person or thing; acting or serving as a substitute.
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armamentarium
|
noun the aggregate of equipment, methods, and techniques available to one for carrying out one's duties: The stethoscope is still an essential part of the physician's armamentarium
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|
e⋅vince
|
[i-vins] –verb (used with object), e⋅vinced, e⋅vinc⋅ing. 1. to show clearly; make evident or manifest; prove. 2. to reveal the possession of (a quality, trait, etc.).
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|
issuance
|
–noun 1. the act of issuing
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|
af⋅flu⋅ence
|
[af-loo-uhns or, often, uh-floo-] –noun 1. abundance of money, property, and other material goods; riches; wealth. 2. an abundant supply, as of thoughts or words; profusion.
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|
turpitude
|
noun 1. vile, shameful, or base character; depravity
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|
ven⋅er⋅ate
|
[ven-uh-reyt] –verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. to regard or treat with reverence; revere.
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|
es⋅chew
|
[es-choo] –verb to abstain or keep away from; shun; avoid: to eschew evil
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|
|
precipice
|
noun 1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face. 2. a situation of great peril: on the precipice of war
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|
eu⋅nuch⋅ize
|
[yoo-nuh-kahyz] –verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing. to castrate; emasculate.
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|
|
as⋅sid⋅u⋅ous
|
[uh-sij-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. constant; unremitting: assiduous reading. 2. constant in application or effort; working diligently at a task; persevering; industrious; attentive: an assiduous student.
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|
|
veritably
|
adjective 1. being truly or very much so: a veritable triumph
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|
fran⋅gi⋅ble
|
[fran-juh-buhl] –adjective easily broken; breakable: Most frangible toys are not suitable for young children.
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|
|
pe⋅cu⋅ni⋅ar⋅y
|
[pi-kyoo-nee-er-ee] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to money: pecuniary difficulties. 2. consisting of or given or exacted in money or monetary payments: pecuniary tributes.
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|
mores
|
noun Sociology . folkways of central importance accepted without question and embodying the fundamental moral views of a group
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|
for⋅ti⋅fy
|
[fawr-tuh-fahy] –verb (used with object) 1. to protect or strengthen against attack; surround or provide with defensive military works.
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|
|
a⋅part⋅heid
|
[uh-pahrt-heyt, -hahyt] –noun 1. (in the Republic of South Africa) a rigid policy of segregation of the nonwhite population. 2. any system or practice that separates people according to race, caste, etc.
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|
|
elucidation
|
verb (used with object) 1. to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior
|
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|
mi⋅cro⋅cosm
|
[mahy-kruh-koz-uhm] –noun 1. a little world; a world in miniature (opposed to macrocosm ).
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|
fath⋅om
|
[fath-uhm] noun fath⋅om, verb –noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements.
|
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|
antipathy
|
noun1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion
|
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|
bi⋅be⋅lot
|
[bib-loh; Fr. beebuh-loh] –noun. a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity.
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|
|
lad⋅ing
|
[ley-ding] –noun 1. that with which something is laden; load; freight; cargo.
|
|
|
generativist
|
"adjective 1. capable of producing or creating. 2. pertaining to the production of offspring.
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|
|
col⋅lage
|
[kuh-lahzh, koh- noun 3. an assemblage or occurrence of diverse elements or fragments in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition: The experimental play is a collage of sudden scene shifts, long monologues, musical interludes, and slapstick.
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|
|
op⋅u⋅lence
|
[op-yuh-luhns] –noun 1. wealth, riches, or affluence. 2. abundance, as of resources or goods; plenty. 3. the state of being opulent.
|
|
|
effrontery
|
noun, plural -ter·ies. 1. shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity: She had the effrontery to ask for two free samples. 2. an act or instance of this
|
|
|
pro⋅ver⋅bi⋅al
|
[pruh-vur-bee-uhl] adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb: proverbial brevity.
|
|
|
pan⋅de⋅mo⋅ni⋅um
|
[pan-duh-moh-nee-uhm] –noun 1. wild uproar or unrestrained disorder; tumult or chaos. 2. a place or scene of riotous uproar or utter chaos.
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|
|
impudent
|
impertient
|
|
|
neb⋅u⋅lous
|
[neb-yuh-luhs] adjective 1. hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused: a nebulous recollection of the meeting; a nebulous distinction between pride and conceit.
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|
|
shrewd
|
[shrood]–adjective, -er, -est. 1. astute or sharp in practical matters: a shrewd politician. 2. keen; piercing.
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|
petulant
|
"moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.
|
|
|
im⋅mac⋅u⋅late
|
[i-mak-yuh-lit] adjective 1. free from spot or stain; spotlessly clean: immaculate linen.
|
|
|
pan⋅jan⋅drum
|
[pan-jan-druhm] –noun a self-important or pretentious official.
|
|
|
fretful
|
verb (used without object) 1. to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like: Fretting about the lost ring isn't going to help
|
|
|
vi⋅car⋅i⋅ous
|
[vahy-kair-ee-uhs, vi-] –adjective 1. performed, exercised, received, or suffered in place of another: vicarious punishment. 2. taking the place of another person or thing; acting or serving as a substitute.
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|
|
ve⋅rac⋅i⋅ty
|
[vuh-ras-i-tee] noun 1. habitual observance of truth in speech or statement; truthfulness: He was not noted for his veracity.
|
|
|
peevish
|
adjective 1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent: a peevish youngster
|
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|
viper
|
a malignant or spiteful person. a false or treacherous person.
|
|
|
e⋅vince
|
[i-vins] –verb (used with object), e⋅vinced, e⋅vinc⋅ing. 1. to show clearly; make evident or manifest; prove. 2. to reveal the possession of (a quality, trait, etc.).
|
|
|
amicable
|
adjective characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable: an amicable settlement.
|
|
|
for⋅tu⋅i⋅tous
|
[fawr-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] adjective 1. happening or produced by chance; accidental: a fortuitous encounter.
|
|
|
af⋅flu⋅ence
|
[af-loo-uhns or, often, uh-floo-] –noun 1. abundance of money, property, and other material goods; riches; wealth. 2. an abundant supply, as of thoughts or words; profusion.
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|
carping
|
adjective 1. characterized by fussy or petulant faultfinding; querulous: carping criticism
|
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|
ven⋅er⋅ate
|
[ven-uh-reyt] –verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. to regard or treat with reverence; revere.
|
|
|
no⋅to⋅ri⋅e⋅ty
|
[noh-tuh-rahy-i-tee] noun, plural -ties. 1. the state, quality, or character of being notorious or widely known: a craze for notoriety.
|
|
|
emblem
|
noun 1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol: The olive branch is an emblem of peace
|
|
|
eu⋅nuch⋅ize
|
[yoo-nuh-kahyz] –verb (used with object), -ized, -iz⋅ing. to castrate; emasculate.
|
|
|
ep⋅i⋅logue
|
[ep-uh-lawg, -log] noun 1. a concluding part added to a literary work, as a novel. 2. a speech, usually in verse, delivered by one of the actors after the conclusion of a play.
|
|
|
cogitate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem
|
|
|
ex⋅co⋅ri⋅ate
|
[ik-skawr-ee-eyt, -skohr-] verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. 1. to denounce or berate severely; flay verbally: He was excoriated for his mistakes.
|
|
|
fran⋅gi⋅ble
|
[fran-juh-buhl] –adjective easily broken; breakable: Most frangible toys are not suitable for young children.
|
|
|
doling
|
noun 1. a portion or allotment of money, food, etc., esp. as given at regular intervals by a charity or for maintenance.
|
|
|
for⋅ti⋅fy
|
[fawr-tuh-fahy] –verb (used with object) 1. to protect or strengthen against attack; surround or provide with defensive military works.
|
|
|
ha⋅rangue
|
[huh-rang] noun 1. a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.
|
|
|
adept
|
adjective 1. very skilled; proficient; expert: an adept juggler
|
|
|
mi⋅cro⋅cosm
|
[mahy-kruh-koz-uhm] –noun 1. a little world; a world in miniature (opposed to macrocosm ).
|
|
|
sur⋅rep⋅ti⋅tious
|
[sur-uhp-tish-uhs] adjective 1. obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine: a surreptitious glance.
|
|
|
deft
|
adjective dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever: deft hands; a deft mechanic.
|
|
|
bi⋅be⋅lot
|
[bib-loh; Fr. beebuh-loh] –noun. a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity.
|
|
|
at⋅el⋅ier
|
[at-l-yey, at-l-yey; Fr. atuh-lyey] noun, a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer.
|
|
|
erstwhile
|
adjective former; of times past: erstwhile friends
|
|
|
col⋅lage
|
[kuh-lahzh, koh- noun 3. an assemblage or occurrence of diverse elements or fragments in unlikely or unexpected juxtaposition: The experimental play is a collage of sudden scene shifts, long monologues, musical interludes, and slapstick.
|
|
|
las⋅civ⋅i⋅ous
|
[luh-siv-ee-uhs] adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man.
|
|
|
abject
|
adjective utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched: abject poverty.
|
|
|
pro⋅ver⋅bi⋅al
|
[pruh-vur-bee-uhl] adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a proverb: proverbial brevity.
|
|
|
os⋅ten⋅ta⋅tious
|
[os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn-] adjective 1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
|
|
|
self-effacing
|
humility
|
|
|
neb⋅u⋅lous
|
[neb-yuh-luhs] adjective 1. hazy, vague, indistinct, or confused: a nebulous recollection of the meeting; a nebulous distinction between pride and conceit.
|
|
|
dis⋅po⋅si⋅tion
|
[dis-puh-zish-uhn] noun 1. the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude: a girl with a pleasant disposition.
|
|
|
unctuous
|
adjective characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
|
|
|
im⋅mac⋅u⋅late
|
[i-mak-yuh-lit] adjective 1. free from spot or stain; spotlessly clean: immaculate linen.
|
|
|
vi⋅cis⋅si⋅tude
|
[vi-sis-i-tood, -tyood] noun 1. a change or variation occurring in the course of something. 2. interchange or alternation, as of states or things.
|
|
|
anonymity
|
the state or quality of being anonymous
|
|
|
ve⋅rac⋅i⋅ty
|
[vuh-ras-i-tee] noun 1. habitual observance of truth in speech or statement; truthfulness: He was not noted for his veracity.
|
|
|
terse
|
[turs]–adjective ters⋅er, ters⋅est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
|
|
|
dalliance
|
amorous toying; flirtation.
|
|
|
viper
|
a malignant or spiteful person. a false or treacherous person.
|
|
|
ethos
|
[ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs]–noun 1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period: In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued. 2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc. 3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
|
|
|
abrogate
|
verb (used with object) to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal: to abrogate a law
|
|
|
for⋅tu⋅i⋅tous
|
[fawr-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] adjective 1. happening or produced by chance; accidental: a fortuitous encounter.
|
|
|
fathom
|
[fath-uhm]–noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements. Abbreviation: fath –verb (used with object) 2. to measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound. 3. to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
|
|
|
antithesis
|
opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong
|
|
|
tempest
|
[tem-pist]–noun 1. a violent windstorm, esp. one with rain, hail, or snow. 2. a violent commotion, disturbance, or tumult. –verb (used with object) 3. to affect by or as by a tempest; disturb violently. -Idiom 4. tempest in a teacup. teacup (def. 3).
|
|
|
no⋅to⋅ri⋅e⋅ty
|
[noh-tuh-rahy-i-tee] noun, plural -ties. 1. the state, quality, or character of being notorious or widely known: a craze for notoriety.
|
|
|
titillate
|
"verb (used with object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to excite or arouse agreeably: to titillate the fancy.
|
|
|
ep⋅i⋅logue
|
[ep-uh-lawg, -log] noun 1. a concluding part added to a literary work, as a novel. 2. a speech, usually in verse, delivered by one of the actors after the conclusion of a play.
|
|
|
aubade
|
[oh-bad, oh-bahd; Fr. oh-bad]-noun, a piece sung or played outdoors at dawn, usually as a compliment to someone.
|
|
|
proffer
|
to put before a person for acceptance; offer.
|
|
|
ex⋅co⋅ri⋅ate
|
[ik-skawr-ee-eyt, -skohr-] verb (used with object), -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing. 1. to denounce or berate severely; flay verbally: He was excoriated for his mistakes.
|
|
|
synergism
|
[sin-er-jiz-uhm, si-nur-jiz-]–noun 1. the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc. 2. the joint action of agents, as drugs, that when taken together increase each other's effectiveness (contrasted with antagonism ). 3. Theology. the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration.
|
|
|
coterie
|
[koh-tuh-ree] –noun a group of people who associate closely
|
|
|
sermonette
|
[sur-muh-net]–noun a brief sermon or homily: five-minute radio sermonettes.
|
|
|
ha⋅rangue
|
[huh-rang] noun 1. a scolding or a long or intense verbal attack; diatribe.
|
|
|
delude
|
verb (used with object) 1. to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive: His conceit deluded him into believing he was important
|
|
|
plenipotentiary
|
[plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree]–noun 1. a person, esp. a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another. –adjective 2. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent. 3. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission. 4. absolute or full, as power.
|
|
|
sur⋅rep⋅ti⋅tious
|
[sur-uhp-tish-uhs] adjective 1. obtained, done, made, etc., by stealth; secret or unauthorized; clandestine: a surreptitious glance.
|
|
|
vitriol
|
something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism
|
|
|
at⋅el⋅ier
|
[at-l-yey, at-l-yey; Fr. atuh-lyey] noun, a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer.
|
|
|
hallow
|
[hal-oh]–verb (used with object) 1. to make holy; sanctify; consecrate. 2. to honor as holy; consider sacred; venerate: to hallow a battlefield.
|
|
|
car-i-ca-ture
|
any imitation or copy so distorted or inferior as to be ludicrous.
|
|
|
las⋅civ⋅i⋅ous
|
[luh-siv-ee-uhs] adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man.
|
|
|
prevaricate
|
[pri-var-i-keyt]–verb (used without object), -cat⋅ed, -cat⋅ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
|
|
|
chauvinistic
|
"shoh-vuh-niz-uhm] noun 1. zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory. 2. biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.
|
|
|
coopt
|
[koh-opt]–verb (used with object) 1. to elect into a body by the votes of the existing members. 2. to assimilate, take, or win over into a larger or established group: The fledgling Labor party was coopted by the Socialist party. BREAK 3. to appropriate as one's own; preempt: The dissidents have coopted the title of her novel for their slogan.
|
|
|
os⋅ten⋅ta⋅tious
|
[os-ten-tey-shuhs, -tuhn-] adjective 1. characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others: an ostentatious dresser.
|
|
|
mellifluous
|
[muh-lif-loo-uhs] adjective 1. sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding: a mellifluous voice; mellifluous tones
|
|
|
perambulate
|
[per-am-byuh-leyt]–verb (used with object) 1. to walk through, about, or over; travel through; traverse. 2. to traverse in order to examine or inspect. BREAK –verb (used without object) BREAK 3. to walk or travel about; stroll.
|
|
|
dis⋅po⋅si⋅tion
|
[dis-puh-zish-uhn] noun 1. the predominant or prevailing tendency of one's spirits; natural mental and emotional outlook or mood; characteristic attitude: a girl with a pleasant disposition.
|
|
|
sangfroid
|
sahn-frwa] –noun coolness of mind; calmness; composure: They committed the robbery with complete sang-froid
|
|
|
vi⋅cis⋅si⋅tude
|
[vi-sis-i-tood, -tyood] noun 1. a change or variation occurring in the course of something. 2. interchange or alternation, as of states or things.
|
|
|
indigenous
|
[in-dij-uh-nuhs]–adjective 1. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often fol. by to): the plants indigenous to Canada; the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. 2. innate; inherent; natural (usually fol. by to): feelings indigenous to human beings.
|
|
|
vestige
|
noun 1. a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence: A few columns were the last vestiges of a Greek temple
|
|
|
terse
|
[turs]–adjective ters⋅er, ters⋅est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
|
|
|
amid
|
[uh-mid]–preposition 1. in the middle of; surrounded by; among: to stand weeping amid the ruins. 2. during; in or throughout the course of.
|
|
|
miscreant
|
mis-kree-uhnt adjective 1. depraved, villainous, or base
|
|
|
ethos
|
[ee-thos, ee-thohs, eth-os, -ohs]–noun 1. Sociology. the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period: In the Greek ethos the individual was highly valued. 2. the character or disposition of a community, group, person, etc. 3. the moral element in dramatic literature that determines a character's action rather than his or her thought or emotion.
|
|
|
tantamount
|
[tan-tuh-mount]–adjective equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or signification: His angry speech was tantamount to a declaration of war.
|
|
|
endow
|
to provide with a permanent fund or source of income: to endow a college
|
|
|
fathom
|
[fath-uhm]–noun 1. a unit of length equal to six feet (1.8 meters): used chiefly in nautical measurements. Abbreviation: fath –verb (used with object) 2. to measure the depth of by means of a sounding line; sound. 3. to penetrate to the truth of; comprehend; understand: to fathom someone's motives.
|
|
|
gesticulate
|
[je-stik-yuh-leyt]–verb (used without object) 1. to make or use gestures, esp. in an animated or excited manner with or instead of speech. –verb (used with object) 2. to express by gesturing.
|
|
|
askew
|
adverb 1. to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry: to wear one's hat askew; to hang a picture askew
|
|
|
tempest
|
[tem-pist]–noun 1. a violent windstorm, esp. one with rain, hail, or snow. 2. a violent commotion, disturbance, or tumult. –verb (used with object) 3. to affect by or as by a tempest; disturb violently. -Idiom 4. tempest in a teacup. teacup (def. 3).
|
|
|
lament
|
[luh-ment]–verb (used with object) 1. to feel or express sorrow or regret for: to lament his absence. 2. to mourn for or over.
|
|
|
awry
|
uh-rahy adverb, adjective 1. with a turn or twist to one side; askew: to glance or look awry.
|
|
|
lascivious
|
[luh-siv-ee-uhs]–adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man. 2. arousing sexual desire: lascivious photographs.
|
|
|
aubade
|
[oh-bad, oh-bahd; Fr. oh-bad]-noun, a piece sung or played outdoors at dawn, usually as a compliment to someone.
|
|
|
atavist
|
noun 1. Biology a. the reappearance in an individual of characteristics of some remote ancestor that have been absent in intervening generations. 2. reversion to an earlier type; throwback
|
|
|
enjoin
|
[en-join]–verb (used with object) 1. to prescribe (a course of action) with authority or emphasis: The doctor enjoined a strict diet.
|
|
|
synergism
|
[sin-er-jiz-uhm, si-nur-jiz-]–noun 1. the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect that is greater than the sum of the individual elements, contributions, etc. 2. the joint action of agents, as drugs, that when taken together increase each other's effectiveness (contrasted with antagonism ). 3. Theology. the doctrine that the human will cooperates with the Holy Ghost in the work of regeneration.
|
|
|
pantomime
|
noun 1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech
|
|
|
pretentious
|
[pri-ten-shuhs] –adjective 1. full of pretense or pretension. 2. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance. 3. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
|
|
|
sermonette
|
[sur-muh-net]–noun a brief sermon or homily: five-minute radio sermonettes.
|
|
|
mutiny
|
–noun 1. revolt or rebellion against constituted authority, esp. by sailors against their officers
|
|
|
quixotic
|
extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable. 3.impulsive and often rashly unpredictable.
|
|
|
eclectic
|
adjective 1. selecting or choosing from various sources. 2. made up of what is selected from different sources
|
|
|
plenipotentiary
|
[plen-uh-puh-ten-shee-er-ee, -shuh-ree]–noun 1. a person, esp. a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another. –adjective 2. invested with full power or authority, as a diplomatic agent. 3. conferring or bestowing full power, as a commission. 4. absolute or full, as power.
|
|
|
hellenization
|
"verb (used without object) 2. to adopt Greek ideas or customs.
|
|
|
hallow
|
[hal-oh]–verb (used with object) 1. to make holy; sanctify; consecrate. 2. to honor as holy; consider sacred; venerate: to hallow a battlefield.
|
|
|
perilous
|
"adjective involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous: a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.
|
|
|
precarious
|
dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood. 2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.
|
|
|
prevaricate
|
[pri-var-i-keyt]–verb (used without object), -cat⋅ed, -cat⋅ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
|
|
|
parlously
|
pahr-luhs] –adjective 1. perilous; dangerous
|
|
|
par·a·gon
|
noun a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.
|
|
|
contumacious
|
kon-too-mey-shuhs adjective stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient
|
|
|
coopt
|
[koh-opt]–verb (used with object) 1. to elect into a body by the votes of the existing members. 2. to assimilate, take, or win over into a larger or established group: The fledgling Labor party was coopted by the Socialist party. BREAK 3. to appropriate as one's own; preempt: The dissidents have coopted the title of her novel for their slogan.
|
|
|
cur·mudg·eon
|
"noun a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.
|
|
|
perambulate
|
[per-am-byuh-leyt]–verb (used with object) 1. to walk through, about, or over; travel through; traverse. 2. to traverse in order to examine or inspect. BREAK –verb (used without object) BREAK 3. to walk or travel about; stroll.
|
|
|
arboreal
|
ahr-bawr-ee-uhl, -bohr-] adjective of or pertaining to trees; treelike
|
|
|
gas·tron·o·my
|
noun the art or science of good eating. a style of cooking or eating.
|
|
|
devolve
|
verb (used with object) 1. to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
|
|
|
indigenous
|
[in-dij-uh-nuhs]–adjective 1. originating in and characteristic of a particular region or country; native (often fol. by to): the plants indigenous to Canada; the indigenous peoples of southern Africa. 2. innate; inherent; natural (usually fol. by to): feelings indigenous to human beings.
|
|
|
Es·sene
|
"noun. Judaism. a member of a Palestinian sect, characterized by asceticism, celibacy, and joint holding of property, that flourished from the 2nd century b.c. to the 2nd century a.d.
|
|
|
earmark
|
any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic: The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics 2. verb (used with object) to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.: to earmark goods for export
|
|
|
amid
|
[uh-mid]–preposition 1. in the middle of; surrounded by; among: to stand weeping amid the ruins. 2. during; in or throughout the course of.
|
|
|
vict·ual
|
"noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings.
|
|
|
tantamount
|
[tan-tuh-mount]–adjective equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or signification: His angry speech was tantamount to a declaration of war.
|
|
|
olio
|
a dish of many ingredients
|
|
|
har·lot
|
"[hahr-luht] –noun a prostitute; whore.
|
|
|
umbrage
|
noun 1. offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness
|
|
|
gesticulate
|
[je-stik-yuh-leyt]–verb (used without object) 1. to make or use gestures, esp. in an animated or excited manner with or instead of speech. –verb (used with object) 2. to express by gesturing.
|
|
|
tar·a·did·dle
|
"[tar-uh-did-l] –nounInformal. 1. a small lie; fib. 2. pretentious nonsense.
|
|
|
rectitude
|
noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives
|
|
|
lament
|
[luh-ment]–verb (used with object) 1. to feel or express sorrow or regret for: to lament his absence. 2. to mourn for or over.
|
|
|
vi·ti·ate
|
[vish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. 1. to impair the quality of; make faulty; spoil. 2. to impair or weaken the effectiveness of.
|
|
|
emblazon
|
to depict, as on an escutcheon in heraldry. 2. to decorate with brilliant colors
|
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|
lascivious
|
[luh-siv-ee-uhs]–adjective 1. inclined to lustfulness; wanton; lewd: a lascivious, girl-chasing old man. 2. arousing sexual desire: lascivious photographs.
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|
ap·pro·ba·tion
|
[ap-ruh-bey-shuhn] –noun 1. approval; commendation. 2. official approval or sanction.
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|
capitulate
|
verb (used without object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms. 2. to give up resistance: He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way
|
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|
enjoin
|
[en-join]–verb (used with object) 1. to prescribe (a course of action) with authority or emphasis: The doctor enjoined a strict diet.
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|
syn·tag·mat·ic"
|
"[sin-tag-mat-ik] –adjectiveLinguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that occur sequentially in the chain of speech or writing, as the relationship between the sun and is shining or the and sun in the sentence The sun is shining.
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|
quandary
|
a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
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|
pretentious
|
[pri-ten-shuhs] –adjective 1. full of pretense or pretension. 2. characterized by assumption of dignity or importance. 3. making an exaggerated outward show; ostentatious.
|
|
|
par·a·dig·mat·ic"
|
"[par-uh-dig-mat-ik] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to a paradigm. 2. Linguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that can substitute for each other in a given context, as the relationship of sun in The sun is shining to other nouns, as moon, star, or light, that could substitute for it in that sentence, or of is shining to was shining, shone, will shine, etc., as well as to is rising, is setting, etc. Compare syntagmatic.
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|
indubitable
|
that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable.
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|
quixotic
|
extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable. 3.impulsive and often rashly unpredictable.
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|
|
qui·es·cent
|
kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy-] –adjective being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless:
|
|
|
reveries
|
"noun 1. a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing: lost in reverie.
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|
|
hellenization
|
"verb (used without object) 2. to adopt Greek ideas or customs.
|
|
|
con·cil·i·ate
|
1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
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|
|
perennial
|
adjective 1. lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring: her perennial beauty
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|
precarious
|
dependent on circumstances beyond one's control; uncertain; unstable; insecure: a precarious livelihood. 2. dependent on the will or pleasure of another; liable to be withdrawn or lost at the will of another: He held a precarious tenure under an arbitrary administration.
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|
las·si·tude
|
[las-i-tood, -tyood] –noun1. weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor.
|
|
|
par·a·gon
|
noun a model or pattern of excellence or of a particular excellence.
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|
parcel
|
"noun 1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.
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|
|
quat·rain
|
"[kwo-treyn] –noun a stanza or poem of four lines, usually with alternate rhymes.
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|
deleterious
|
adjective 1. injurious to health: deleterious gases
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|
cur·mudg·eon
|
"noun a bad-tempered, difficult, cantankerous person.
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|
|
ap·pel·la·tion
|
[ap-uh-ley-shuhn] –noun 1.a name, title, or designation.
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|
militating
|
to have a substantial effect; weigh heavily: His prison record militated against him.
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|
gas·tron·o·my
|
noun the art or science of good eating. a style of cooking or eating.
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|
pu·er·pe·ri·um
|
"[pyoo-er-peer-ee-uhm] –nounObstretrics. the four-week period following childbirth.
|
|
|
peremptory
|
adjective 1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative: a peremptory command
|
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|
Es·sene
|
"noun. Judaism. a member of a Palestinian sect, characterized by asceticism, celibacy, and joint holding of property, that flourished from the 2nd century b.c. to the 2nd century a.d.
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|
|
aux·il·ia·ry
|
" [awg-zil-yuh-ree, -zil-uh-] –adjective 1. additional; supplementary; reserve: an auxiliary police force. 4. giving support; serving as an aid; helpful: The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other. Passion is auxiliary to art.
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|
|
ambient
|
of the surrounding area or environment: The tape recorder picked up too many ambient noises. The temperature in the display case was 20° lower than the ambient temperature
|
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|
vict·ual
|
"noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings.
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|
|
nu·mi·nous
|
[noo-muh-nuhs, nyoo-] –adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or like a numen; spiritual or supernatural. 2. surpassing comprehension or understanding; mysterious: that element in artistic expression that remains numinous.
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|
|
quagmire
|
noun 1. an area of miry or boggy ground whose surface yields under the tread; a bog
|
|
|
har·lot
|
"[hahr-luht] –noun a prostitute; whore.
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|
con·cede
|
[kuhn-seed] –verb (used with object) 1. to acknowledge as true, just, or proper; admit: He finally conceded that she was right.
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|
|
onerous
|
adjective 1. burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship: onerous duties
|
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|
tar·a·did·dle
|
"[tar-uh-did-l] –nounInformal. 1. a small lie; fib. 2. pretentious nonsense.
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|
|
dyschezia
|
(dĭs-kē'zē-ə, -zhə) n.The inability to defecate without pain or difficulty.
|
|
|
risible
|
adjective 1. causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.
|
|
|
vi·ti·ate
|
[vish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. 1. to impair the quality of; make faulty; spoil. 2. to impair or weaken the effectiveness of.
|
|
|
di·chot·o·my
|
[dahy-kot-uh-mee] –noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
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|
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presage
|
1. a presentiment or foreboding
|
|
|
ap·pro·ba·tion
|
[ap-ruh-bey-shuhn] –noun 1. approval; commendation. 2. official approval or sanction.
|
|
|
ra·ti·oc·i·na·tion
|
"[rash-ee-os-uh-ney-shuhn, -oh-suh-, rat-ee-] –noun the process of logical reasoning.
|
|
|
vagaries
|
noun, plural -gar·ies. 1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance: the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene
|
|
|
syn·tag·mat·ic"
|
"[sin-tag-mat-ik] –adjectiveLinguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that occur sequentially in the chain of speech or writing, as the relationship between the sun and is shining or the and sun in the sentence The sun is shining.
|
|
|
e·gress
|
[n. ee-gres; v. ih-gres] –noun 1.the act or an instance of going, esp. from an enclosed place. 2. a means or place of going out; an exit.
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|
|
copasetic
|
fine; completely satisfactory; OK
|
|
|
par·a·dig·mat·ic"
|
"[par-uh-dig-mat-ik] –adjective 1. of or pertaining to a paradigm. 2. Linguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that can substitute for each other in a given context, as the relationship of sun in The sun is shining to other nouns, as moon, star, or light, that could substitute for it in that sentence, or of is shining to was shining, shone, will shine, etc., as well as to is rising, is setting, etc. Compare syntagmatic.
|
|
|
de·ba·cle
|
"[dey-bah-kuhl, -bak-uhl, duh-] –noun 1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.
|
|
|
heirloom
|
a family possession handed down from generation to generation
|
|
|
qui·es·cent
|
kwee-es-uhnt, kwahy-] –adjective being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless:
|
|
|
li·ai·son
|
noun 1. the contact or connection maintained by communications between units of the armed forces or of any other organization in order to ensure concerted action, cooperation, etc.
|
|
|
con·cil·i·ate
|
1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
|
|
|
apparition
|
noun 1. a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, esp. a ghost; a specter or phantom; wraith: a ghostly apparition at midnight
|
|
|
fat·u·ous
|
[fach-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly.
|
|
|
enumerate
|
to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list: Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis
|
|
|
las·si·tude
|
[las-i-tood, -tyood] –noun1. weariness of body or mind from strain, oppressive climate, etc.; lack of energy; listlessness; languor.
|
|
|
fe·lic·i·tate
|
[fi-lis-i-teyt] –verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate.
|
|
|
quat·rain
|
"[kwo-treyn] –noun a stanza or poem of four lines, usually with alternate rhymes.
|
|
|
barrage
|
"an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or criticisms: a barrage of questions.
|
|
|
vo·cif·er·ous
|
[voh-sif-er-uhs] –adjective 1. crying out noisily; clamorous.
|
|
|
ap·pel·la·tion
|
[ap-uh-ley-shuhn] –noun 1.a name, title, or designation.
|
|
|
eerie
|
adjective 1. uncanny, so as to inspire superstitious fear; weird: an eerie midnight howl
|
|
|
lo·chi·a
|
"[loh-kee-uh, lok-ee-uh] –noun,plural-chi·a. Medicine/Medical. the liquid discharge from the uterus after childbirth.
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|
|
charlatan
|
–noun a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack
|
|
|
pu·er·pe·ri·um
|
"[pyoo-er-peer-ee-uhm] –nounObstretrics. the four-week period following childbirth.
|
|
|
pur·port
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official.
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|
|
dilettante
|
"noun 1. a person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, esp. in a desultory or superficial way; dabbler.
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|
|
aux·il·ia·ry
|
" [awg-zil-yuh-ree, -zil-uh-] –adjective 1. additional; supplementary; reserve: an auxiliary police force. 4. giving support; serving as an aid; helpful: The mind and emotions are auxiliary to each other. Passion is auxiliary to art.
|
|
|
rep·ro·bate
|
"noun1. a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person: a drunken reprobate. 2. a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation.
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|
|
avid
|
adjective 1. enthusiastic; ardent; dedicated; keen: an avid moviegoer.
|
|
|
nu·mi·nous
|
[noo-muh-nuhs, nyoo-] –adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or like a numen; spiritual or supernatural. 2. surpassing comprehension or understanding; mysterious: that element in artistic expression that remains numinous.
|
|
|
cou·ture
|
noun 1. the occupation of a couturier; dressmaking and designing. 2. fashion designers or couturiers collectively.
|
|
|
con·cede
|
[kuhn-seed] –verb (used with object) 1. to acknowledge as true, just, or proper; admit: He finally conceded that she was right.
|
|
|
revile
|
verb (used with object) 1. to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively.
|
|
|
pros·o·dy
|
"3.Linguistics. the stress and intonation patterns of an utterance.
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|
|
bereft
|
–adjective 2. deprived: They are bereft of their senses. He is bereft of all happiness
|
|
|
dyschezia
|
(dĭs-kē'zē-ə, -zhə) n.The inability to defecate without pain or difficulty.
|
|
|
in·to·na·tion
|
noun 1. the pattern or melody of pitch changes in connected speech, esp. the pitch pattern of a sentence, which distinguishes kinds of sentences or speakers of different language cultures.
|
|
|
obsequious
|
uhb-see-kwee-uhs] –adjective 1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow
|
|
|
di·chot·o·my
|
[dahy-kot-uh-mee] –noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
|
|
|
lit·ur·gy
|
noun,plural-gies. 1. a form of public worship; ritual.
|
|
|
ra·ti·oc·i·na·tion
|
"[rash-ee-os-uh-ney-shuhn, -oh-suh-, rat-ee-] –noun the process of logical reasoning.
|
|
|
complaisance
|
the quality of being complaisant
|
|
|
a·grar·i·an
|
[uh-grair-ee-uhn] –adjective 1.relating to land, land tenure, or the division of landed property: agrarian laws.
|
|
|
e·gress
|
[n. ee-gres; v. ih-gres] –noun 1.the act or an instance of going, esp. from an enclosed place. 2. a means or place of going out; an exit.
|
|
|
sine qua non
|
an indispensable condition, element, or factor; something essential: Her presence was the sine qua non of every social event
|
|
|
ger·und
|
[jer-uhnd] –nounGrammar. 1. (in certain languages, as Latin) a form regularly derived from a verb and functioning as a noun, having in Latin all case forms but the nominative, as Latin dicendī gen., dicendō, dat., abl., etc., “saying.”
|
|
|
heinous
|
hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible: a heinous offense
|
|
|
de·ba·cle
|
"[dey-bah-kuhl, -bak-uhl, duh-] –noun 1. a general breakup or dispersion; sudden downfall or rout: The revolution ended in a debacle.
|
|
|
pro·vi·sion·al
|
[pruh-vizh-uh-nl] –adjective Also, pro·vi·sion·ar·y 1. providing or serving for the time being only; existing only until permanently or properly replaced; temporary: a provisional government.
|
|
|
indelible
|
"making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or the like: indelible ink.
|
|
|
li·ai·son
|
noun 1. the contact or connection maintained by communications between units of the armed forces or of any other organization in order to ensure concerted action, cooperation, etc.
|
|
|
domicile
|
[dom-uh-sahyl, -suhl, doh-muh-] –noun 1. a place of residence; abode; house or home.
|
|
|
fat·u·ous
|
[fach-oo-uhs] –adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly.
|
|
|
gra·tu·i·tous
|
[gruh-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] –adjective 1. given, done, bestowed, or obtained without charge or payment; free; voluntary. 2. being without apparent reason, cause, or justification: a gratuitous insult. 3. Law. given without receiving any return value.
|
|
|
rus·ti·cate
|
"[ruhs-ti-keyt] –verb (used without object) 1. to go to the country. 2. to stay or sojourn in the country.
|
|
|
fe·lic·i·tate
|
[fi-lis-i-teyt] –verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate.
|
|
|
par·a·digm
|
"[par-uh-dahym, -dim] –noun 1. Grammar. a. a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, esp. the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem or theme. b. a display in fixed arrangement of such a set, as boy, boy's, boys, boys'. 2. an example serving as a model; pattern.
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|
|
portico
|
a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch.
|
|
|
vo·cif·er·ous
|
[voh-sif-er-uhs] –adjective 1. crying out noisily; clamorous.
|
|
|
adrift
|
|
|
|
mu·nif·i·cent
|
"[myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] –adjective 1. extremely liberal in giving; very generous. 2. characterized by great generosity: a munificent bequest.
|
|
|
esoteric
|
mysterious or secret
|
|
|
lo·chi·a
|
"[loh-kee-uh, lok-ee-uh] –noun,plural-chi·a. Medicine/Medical. the liquid discharge from the uterus after childbirth.
|
|
|
Di·as·po·ra
|
[dahy-as-per-uh] –noun 1. the scattering of the Jews to countries outside of Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. 2. (often lowercase) the body of Jews living in countries outside Palestine or modern Israel.
|
|
|
edict
|
proclamation have the force of law
|
|
|
pur·port
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official.
|
|
|
ob·fus·cate
|
[ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt] –verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
|
|
|
tirade
|
protracted speech marked by intemperate or harshly conscious language
|
|
|
rep·ro·bate
|
"noun1. a depraved, unprincipled, or wicked person: a drunken reprobate. 2. a person rejected by God and beyond hope of salvation.
|
|
|
in·can·ta·tion
|
[in-kan-tey-shuhn] –noun 1. the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power. 2. the formula employed; a spell or charm.
|
|
|
conspicuous
|
obvious to the eye or mind
|
|
|
cou·ture
|
noun 1. the occupation of a couturier; dressmaking and designing. 2. fashion designers or couturiers collectively.
|
|
|
mag·nan·i·mous
|
adjective 1. generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies. 2. high-minded; noble: a just and magnanimous ruler.
|
|
|
dissonance
|
inconsistency b/w belief and action
|
|
|
pros·o·dy
|
"3.Linguistics. the stress and intonation patterns of an utterance.
|
|
|
tem·po·rize
|
verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
|
|
|
extort
|
obtain from a person by force
|
|
|
in·to·na·tion
|
noun 1. the pattern or melody of pitch changes in connected speech, esp. the pitch pattern of a sentence, which distinguishes kinds of sentences or speakers of different language cultures.
|
|
|
quix·ot·ic
|
adjective 1. (sometimes initial capital letter) resembling or befitting Don Quixote. 2. extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
|
|
|
lit·ur·gy
|
noun,plural-gies. 1. a form of public worship; ritual.
|
|
|
maraud
|
to roam abort and raid in search of plunder
|
|
|
chasm
|
noun 1. a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge. 2. a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
|
|
|
cordial
|
warmly welcome
|
|
|
a·grar·i·an
|
[uh-grair-ee-uhn] –adjective 1.relating to land, land tenure, or the division of landed property: agrarian laws.
|
|
|
blithe
|
adjective,blith·er, blith·est. 1. joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful: Everyone loved her for her blithe spirit.
|
|
|
cryptic
|
secret conceal mysterious
|
|
|
ger·und
|
[jer-uhnd] –nounGrammar. 1. (in certain languages, as Latin) a form regularly derived from a verb and functioning as a noun, having in Latin all case forms but the nominative, as Latin dicendī gen., dicendō, dat., abl., etc., “saying.”
|
|
|
con·cil·i·ate"
|
[kuhn-sil-ee-eyt] verb (used with object) 1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
|
|
|
primitive
|
character tic of earlier stage of development
|
|
|
pro·vi·sion·al
|
[pruh-vizh-uh-nl] –adjective Also, pro·vi·sion·ar·y 1. providing or serving for the time being only; existing only until permanently or properly replaced; temporary: a provisional government.
|
|
|
ex·as·per·ate
|
[v. ig-zas-puh-reyt; adj. ig-zas-per-it] –verb (used with object) 1. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely: He was exasperated by the senseless delays.
|
|
|
domicile
|
[dom-uh-sahyl, -suhl, doh-muh-] –noun 1. a place of residence; abode; house or home.
|
|
|
dubious
|
uncertain or questionable
|
|
|
os·ten·si·ble
|
"[o-sten-suh-buhl] –adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
|
|
|
sequester
|
to seize
|
|
|
rus·ti·cate
|
"[ruhs-ti-keyt] –verb (used without object) 1. to go to the country. 2. to stay or sojourn in the country.
|
|
|
pro·pi·ti·ate
|
"[pruh-pish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object)-at·ed, -at·ing. to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
|
|
|
colassal
|
exceptional or astonishing degree
|
|
|
portico
|
a structure consisting of a roof supported by columns or piers, usually attached to a building as a porch.
|
|
|
ce·ler·i·ty
|
"[suh-ler-i-tee] –noun swiftness; speed.
|
|
|
mu·nif·i·cent
|
"[myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] –adjective 1. extremely liberal in giving; very generous. 2. characterized by great generosity: a munificent bequest.
|
|
|
chide
|
to speak out in anger or displeased rebuke
|
|
|
ar·du·ous
|
[ahr-joo-uhs] adjective 1. requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult: an arduous undertaking. 2. requiring or using much energy and vigor; strenuous: making an arduous effort.
|
|
|
convalesce
|
recover healthy strength gradually after sickness or weakness
|
|
|
Di·as·po·ra
|
[dahy-as-per-uh] –noun 1. the scattering of the Jews to countries outside of Palestine after the Babylonian captivity. 2. (often lowercase) the body of Jews living in countries outside Palestine or modern Israel.
|
|
|
ad·age
|
"[ad-ij] –noun A traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb.
|
|
|
penance
|
show sorrow or repentance for sin
|
|
|
ob·fus·cate
|
[ob-fuh-skeyt, ob-fuhs-keyt] –verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
|
|
|
cher·ub
|
1. a celestial being. Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1, 10. 2. Theology. a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.
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|
futility
|
useless
|
|
|
in·can·ta·tion
|
[in-kan-tey-shuhn] –noun 1. the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power. 2. the formula employed; a spell or charm.
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|
|
pon·tif·i·cate
|
(pŏn-tĭf'ĭ-kĭt, -kāt') n. The office or term of office of a pontiff. 1. To express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way. 2. To administer the office of a pontiff.
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|
|
didactic
|
designed or intended to teach
|
|
|
mag·nan·i·mous
|
adjective 1. generous in forgiving an insult or injury; free from petty resentfulness or vindictiveness: to be magnanimous toward one's enemies. 2. high-minded; noble: a just and magnanimous ruler.
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|
in·ex·o·ra·ble
|
"[in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] –adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
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|
imminent
|
hanging threateningly over ones head
|
|
|
tem·po·rize
|
verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
|
|
|
cal·cu·lus
|
. 1. Mathematics. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
|
|
|
cosmic
|
relating to the universe
|
|
|
quix·ot·ic
|
adjective 1. (sometimes initial capital letter) resembling or befitting Don Quixote. 2. extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
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|
pos·ter·i·ty
|
"[po-ster-i-tee] –noun 1. succeeding or future generations collectively: Judgment of this age must be left to posterity. 2. all descendants of one person: His fortune was gradually dissipated by his posterity.
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|
|
immutable
|
no change
|
|
|
chasm
|
noun 1. a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge. 2. a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
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|
in·ter·loc·u·tor
|
[in-ter-lok-yuh-ter] –noun 1. a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue. 2. the man in the middle of the line of performers in a minstrel troupe, who acts as the announcer and banters with the end men.
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fulminant
|
coming on suddenly or w/ great severity
|
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|
blithe
|
adjective,blith·er, blith·est. 1. joyous, merry, or gay in disposition; glad; cheerful: Everyone loved her for her blithe spirit.
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|
|
va·lence
|
"[vey-luhns] –noun 1.Chemistry. a.the quality that determines the number of atoms or groups with which any single atom or group will unite chemically. b.the relative combining capacity of an atom or group compared with that of the standard hydrogen atom. The chloride ion, Cl–, with a valence of one, has the capacity to unite with one atom of hydrogen or its equivalent, as in HCl or NaCl.
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|
|
propriety
|
conforming socital norms
|
|
|
con·cil·i·ate"
|
[kuhn-sil-ee-eyt] verb (used with object) 1. to overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over: to conciliate an angry competitor.
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|
aug·ment
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase: His salary is augmented by a small inheritance. 2. a.to raise (the upper note of an interval or chord) by a half step. B.to double the note values of (a theme): In the fugue's development the subject is augmented.
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|
plaudif
|
act of applause
|
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|
ex·as·per·ate
|
[v. ig-zas-puh-reyt; adj. ig-zas-per-it] –verb (used with object) 1. to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely: He was exasperated by the senseless delays.
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|
|
ex·e·ge·sis
|
"[ek-si-jee-sis] –noun,plural-ses /-siz/ Show Spelled[-seez] critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.
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|
|
predilection
|
established preference
|
|
|
os·ten·si·ble
|
"[o-sten-suh-buhl] –adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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|
pro·lix"
|
"adjective 1.extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy. 2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length.
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|
pro·pi·ti·ate
|
"[pruh-pish-ee-eyt] –verb (used with object)-at·ed, -at·ing. to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
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|
|
repudiate
|
refusal to accept
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|
|
re·cid·i·vism
|
"[ri-sid-uh-viz-uhm] –noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime. 2. Psychiatry. the chronic tendency toward repetition of criminal or antisocial behavior patterns.
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|
abate
|
put and end to
|
|
|
ce·ler·i·ty
|
"[suh-ler-i-tee] –noun swiftness; speed.
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|
|
chi·me·ra
|
[ki-meer-uh, kahy-] –noun,plural-ras. 1. (often initial capital letter) a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. 2. any similarly grotesque monster having disparate parts, esp. as depicted in decorative art.
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|
|
ar·du·ous
|
[ahr-joo-uhs] adjective 1. requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult: an arduous undertaking. 2. requiring or using much energy and vigor; strenuous: making an arduous effort.
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|
orator
|
one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker
|
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|
terse
|
"[turs] –adjectiveters·er, ters·est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
|
|
|
rhetoric
|
art of speaking or writing effectively
|
|
|
ad·age
|
"[ad-ij] –noun A traditional saying expressing a common experience or observation; proverb.
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|
|
per·sev·er·ate
|
"[per-sev-uh-reyt] –verb (used without object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to repeat something insistently or redundantly: to perseverate in reminding children of their responsibilities.
|
|
|
nadir
|
lowest point
|
|
|
cher·ub
|
1. a celestial being. Gen. 3:24; Ezek. 1, 10. 2. Theology. a member of the second order of angels, often represented as a beautiful rosy-cheeked child with wings.
|
|
|
in·ef·fa·ble
|
[in-ef-uh-buhl] adjective 1. incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy.
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|
|
epithet
|
characterizing often abusive word or phrase
|
|
|
pon·tif·i·cate
|
(pŏn-tĭf'ĭ-kĭt, -kāt') n. The office or term of office of a pontiff. 1. To express opinions or judgments in a dogmatic way. 2. To administer the office of a pontiff.
|
|
|
co·i·tus
|
"[koh-i-tuhs] –noun sexual intercourse, esp. between a man and a woman.
|
|
|
equivocal
|
ambiguous or uncertain
|
|
|
in·ex·o·ra·ble
|
"[in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] –adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
|
|
|
dys·pa·reu·ni·a
|
"[dis-puh-roo-nee-uh] nounMedicine/Medical. BREAK painful coitus.
|
|
|
unequivocal
|
w/o doubt
|
|
|
cal·cu·lus
|
. 1. Mathematics. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
|
|
|
syn·ech·i·a
|
"noun,pluralsyn·ech·i·ae Show Spelled[si-nek-ee-ee, -nee-kee-ee, sin-i-kahy-ee] Medicine/Medical, Pathology. any adhesion of parts of the body, as of the iris to the cornea.
|
|
|
conflate
|
bring together or join
|
|
|
pos·ter·i·ty
|
"[po-ster-i-tee] –noun 1. succeeding or future generations collectively: Judgment of this age must be left to posterity. 2. all descendants of one person: His fortune was gradually dissipated by his posterity.
|
|
|
e·nig·ma
|
[uh-nig-muh] –noun,plural-mas, -ma·ta /-mətə/ Show Spelled[-muh-tuh] 1. a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation: His disappearance is an enigma that has given rise to much speculation. 2. a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears.
|
|
|
refractory
|
resistant
|
|
|
in·ter·loc·u·tor
|
[in-ter-lok-yuh-ter] –noun 1. a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue. 2. the man in the middle of the line of performers in a minstrel troupe, who acts as the announcer and banters with the end men.
|
|
|
veneer
|
a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance: a cruel person with a veneer of kindliness.
|
|
|
lingo
|
strange or incomprehensible language or speech
|
|
|
va·lence
|
"[vey-luhns] –noun 1.Chemistry. a.the quality that determines the number of atoms or groups with which any single atom or group will unite chemically. b.the relative combining capacity of an atom or group compared with that of the standard hydrogen atom. The chloride ion, Cl–, with a valence of one, has the capacity to unite with one atom of hydrogen or its equivalent, as in HCl or NaCl.
|
|
|
lu·na·cy
|
[loo-nuh-see] noun,plural-cies. 1. insanity; mental disorder. 2. intermittent insanity, formerly believed to be related to phases of the moon.
|
|
|
contemporary
|
occurring or existing at the same time or of same age
|
|
|
aug·ment
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to make larger; enlarge in size, number, strength, or extent; increase: His salary is augmented by a small inheritance. 2. a.to raise (the upper note of an interval or chord) by a half step. B.to double the note values of (a theme): In the fugue's development the subject is augmented.
|
|
|
Eu·cha·rist
|
[yoo-kuh-rist] –noun 1. the sacrament of Holy Communion; the sacrifice of the Mass; the Lord's 2. the consecrated elements of the Holy Communion, esp. the bread.
|
|
|
ex·e·ge·sis
|
"[ek-si-jee-sis] –noun,plural-ses /-siz/ Show Spelled[-seez] critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible.
|
|
|
innuendoes
|
insinuation
|
|
|
her·me·neu·tic
|
"[hur-muh-noo-tik, -nyoo-] –adjective of or pertaining to hermeneutics; interpretative; explanatory.
|
|
|
salient
|
moving by leaps or springs
|
|
|
pro·lix"
|
"adjective 1.extended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy. 2. (of a person) given to speaking or writing at great or tedious length.
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|
|
con·sum·mate
|
verb (used with object) 1. to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill. 2. to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract: The company consummated its deal to buy a smaller firm.
|
|
|
deficon
|
5 levels of US military ready to respond to perceived threat
|
|
|
re·cid·i·vism
|
"[ri-sid-uh-viz-uhm] –noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime. 2. Psychiatry. the chronic tendency toward repetition of criminal or antisocial behavior patterns.
|
|
|
anon
|
"adverb 1. in a short time; soon. 2.at another time. 3. Archaic. at once; immediately.
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|
|
chi·me·ra
|
[ki-meer-uh, kahy-] –noun,plural-ras. 1. (often initial capital letter) a mythological, fire-breathing monster, commonly represented with a lion's head, a goat's body, and a serpent's tail. 2. any similarly grotesque monster having disparate parts, esp. as depicted in decorative art.
|
|
|
emulate
|
strive to equal or excel
|
|
|
asseverate
|
"verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to declare earnestly or solemnly; affirm positively; aver.
|
|
|
terse
|
"[turs] –adjectiveters·er, ters·est. 1. neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language. 2. abruptly concise; curt; brusque.
|
|
|
avert
|
avoid
|
|
|
er·u·dite
|
[er-yoo-dahyt, er-oo-] –adjective characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly: an erudite professor; an erudite commentary.
|
|
|
propaganda
|
spreading of idea info or rumor for purpose of helping or injuring an institution or person
|
|
|
per·sev·er·ate
|
"[per-sev-uh-reyt] –verb (used without object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to repeat something insistently or redundantly: to perseverate in reminding children of their responsibilities.
|
|
|
eu·phe·mism
|
[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm] noun 1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. 2. the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
|
|
|
exasperation
|
thoroughly annoy
|
|
|
in·ef·fa·ble
|
[in-ef-uh-buhl] adjective 1. incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy.
|
|
|
coo day tah
|
removal of a head of state from power (overthrow). Unlike a revolution, which usually takes large numbers of people to take over, a coup can be done by a small number of people. Even one person can cause a coup if they
|
|
|
co·i·tus
|
"[koh-i-tuhs] –noun sexual intercourse, esp. between a man and a woman.
|
|
|
paean
|
song of praise
|
|
|
anthropomorhphic
|
ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, esp. to a deity
|
|
|
plunder
|
take fy force
|
|
|
dys·pa·reu·ni·a
|
"[dis-puh-roo-nee-uh] nounMedicine/Medical. BREAK painful coitus.
|
|
|
a·poth·e·o·sis
|
[uh-poth-ee-oh-sis, ap-uh-thee-uh-sis] noun 1. the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god.
|
|
|
exuberance
|
joyously unrestrained
|
|
|
syn·ech·i·a
|
"noun,pluralsyn·ech·i·ae Show Spelled[si-nek-ee-ee, -nee-kee-ee, sin-i-kahy-ee] Medicine/Medical, Pathology. any adhesion of parts of the body, as of the iris to the cornea.
|
|
|
on·tol·o·gy
|
[on-tol-uh-jee] –noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
|
|
|
e·nig·ma
|
[uh-nig-muh] –noun,plural-mas, -ma·ta /-mətə/ Show Spelled[-muh-tuh] 1. a puzzling or inexplicable occurrence or situation: His disappearance is an enigma that has given rise to much speculation. 2. a person of puzzling or contradictory character: To me he has always been an enigma, one minute completely insensitive, the next moved to tears.
|
|
|
profligacy
|
shamelessly immoral
|
|
|
in·tran·si·gent
|
"[in-tran-si-juhnt] –adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible.
|
|
|
veneer
|
a superficially valuable or pleasing appearance: a cruel person with a veneer of kindliness.
|
|
|
nostalgia
|
state of being homesick
|
|
|
sol·e·cism
|
[sol-uh-siz-uhm, soh-luh-] –noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.
|
|
|
lu·na·cy
|
[loo-nuh-see] noun,plural-cies. 1. insanity; mental disorder. 2. intermittent insanity, formerly believed to be related to phases of the moon.
|
|
|
fastidious
|
difficult to please
|
|
|
pa·rish·ion·er
|
"[puh-rish-uh-ner] –noun one of the community or inhabitants of a parish.
|
|
|
Eu·cha·rist
|
[yoo-kuh-rist] –noun 1. the sacrament of Holy Communion; the sacrifice of the Mass; the Lord's 2. the consecrated elements of the Holy Communion, esp. the bread.
|
|
|
tyranny
|
oppressive power
|
|
|
he·gem·o·ny
|
[hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] –noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation.
|
|
|
her·me·neu·tic
|
"[hur-muh-noo-tik, -nyoo-] –adjective of or pertaining to hermeneutics; interpretative; explanatory.
|
|
|
intuit
|
quick and ready insight
|
|
|
in·ter·loc·u·to·ry
|
adjective 1. of the nature of, pertaining to, or occurring in conversation: interlocutory instruction.
|
|
|
con·sum·mate
|
verb (used with object) 1. to bring to a state of perfection; fulfill. 2. to complete (an arrangement, agreement, or the like) by a pledge or the signing of a contract: The company consummated its deal to buy a smaller firm.
|
|
|
underscore
|
make evident w/ emphasis
|
|
|
ped·ant·ry
|
[ped-n-tree] –noun,plural-ries. 1. the character, qualities, practices, etc., of a pedant, esp. undue display of learning.
|
|
|
anon
|
"adverb 1. in a short time; soon. 2.at another time. 3. Archaic. at once; immediately.
|
|
|
motif
|
dominant idea or central theme
|
|
|
i·dyll
|
[ahyd-l] –noun BREAK 1. a poem or prose composition, usually describing pastoral scenes or events or any charmingly simple episode, appealing incident, or the like.
|
|
|
asseverate
|
"verb (used with object),-at·ed, -at·ing. to declare earnestly or solemnly; affirm positively; aver.
|
|
|
lucid
|
mentally sound
|
|
|
pro·le·tar·i·an·ism
|
"[proh-li-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] –noun the practices, attitudes, or social status of a proletarian.
|
|
|
er·u·dite
|
[er-yoo-dahyt, er-oo-] –adjective characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly: an erudite professor; an erudite commentary.
|
|
|
apathy
|
lack of emotion or interest
|
|
|
an·ar·chy
|
noun 1. a state of society without government or law. 2. political and social disorder due to the absence of governmental control: The death of the king was followed by a year of anarchy.
|
|
|
eu·phe·mism
|
[yoo-fuh-miz-uhm] noun 1. the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt. 2. the expression so substituted: “To pass away” is a euphemism for “to die.”
|
|
|
subvert
|
overthrow or ruin
|
|
|
aloof
|
indifferent or reserved
|
|
|
coo day tah
|
removal of a head of state from power (overthrow). Unlike a revolution, which usually takes large numbers of people to take over, a coup can be done by a small number of people. Even one person can cause a coup if they
|
|
|
hi·a·tus
|
[hahy-ey-tuhs] –noun,plural-tus·es, -tus. 1. a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
|
|
|
fe·al·ty
|
"noun,plural-ties. 1. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal.
|
|
|
anthropomorhphic
|
ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, esp. to a deity
|
|
|
renaissance
|
rebirth or revival
|
|
|
an·a·sar·ca
|
"[an-uh-sahr-kuh] –nounPathology. a pronounced, generalized edema.
|
|
|
euphoria
|
elation filled w/ joy
|
|
|
a·poth·e·o·sis
|
[uh-poth-ee-oh-sis, ap-uh-thee-uh-sis] noun 1. the elevation or exaltation of a person to the rank of a god.
|
|
|
Bo·he·mi·an
|
a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.
|
|
|
diction
|
choice of words w/ regard to correctness clearness or effectiveness
|
|
|
on·tol·o·gy
|
[on-tol-uh-jee] –noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
|
|
|
tem·po·rize
|
verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
|
|
|
relegate
|
move to less prominent position
|
|
|
in·tran·si·gent
|
"[in-tran-si-juhnt] –adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible.
|
|
|
suc·cor
|
noun 1. help; relief; aid; assistance.
|
|
|
invoke
|
petition for help or support
|
|
|
sol·e·cism
|
[sol-uh-siz-uhm, soh-luh-] –noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was.
|
|
|
ar·ca·num
|
"noun,plural-na 1. Often, arcana. a secret; mystery. 2. a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover. 3. a secret and powerful remedy.
|
|
|
martyr
|
person who sacrifice something of great value (life) for the sake of principle
|
|
|
pa·rish·ion·er
|
"[puh-rish-uh-ner] –noun one of the community or inhabitants of a parish.
|
|
|
co·pi·ous
|
adjective 1. large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful: copious amounts of food.
|
|
|
assail
|
attack violently w/ blows or words
|
|
|
he·gem·o·ny
|
[hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] –noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation.
|
|
|
ca·dence
|
nounAlso, cadency. 1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words: the cadence of language.
|
|
|
hubris
|
exaggerated pride or self confidence
|
|
|
in·ter·loc·u·to·ry
|
adjective 1. of the nature of, pertaining to, or occurring in conversation: interlocutory instruction.
|
|
|
in·vec·tive
|
noun 1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach. 2. a railing accusation; vituperation.
|
|
|
morass
|
situation that traps confuses or impedes
|
|
|
ped·ant·ry
|
[ped-n-tree] –noun,plural-ries. 1. the character, qualities, practices, etc., of a pedant, esp. undue display of learning.
|
|
|
syn·tax
|
Linguistics. a.the study of the rules for the formation of grammatical sentences in a language.
|
|
|
i·dyll
|
[ahyd-l] –noun BREAK 1. a poem or prose composition, usually describing pastoral scenes or events or any charmingly simple episode, appealing incident, or the like.
|
|
|
hasten
|
urge on
|
|
|
per·func·to·ry"
|
"adjective 1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy. 2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
|
|
|
ascertain
|
make certain exact or precise
|
|
|
pro·le·tar·i·an·ism
|
"[proh-li-tair-ee-uh-niz-uhm] –noun the practices, attitudes, or social status of a proletarian.
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ped·a·go·gy
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"noun,plural-gies. 1. the function or work of a teacher; teaching. 2. the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.
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palliative
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reduce the violence of disease
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an·ar·chy
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noun 1. a state of society without government or law. 2. political and social disorder due to the absence of governmental control: The death of the king was followed by a year of anarchy.
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al·le·go·ry"
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noun,plural-ries. 1. a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another.
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shama
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priest that use magic for purpose of healing the sick
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hi·a·tus
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[hahy-ey-tuhs] –noun,plural-tus·es, -tus. 1. a break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, action, etc.
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in·cu·bus
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noun,plural-bi 1. an imaginary demon or evil spirit supposed to descend upon sleeping persons, esp. one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep.Compare succubus (def. 1). 2.a nightmare.
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beneficence
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quality of doing good
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fe·al·ty
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"noun,plural-ties. 1. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal.
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vacillation
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2.a state of indecision or irresolution. 3. unsteady movement; fluctuation.
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an·a·sar·ca
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"[an-uh-sahr-kuh] –nounPathology. a pronounced, generalized edema.
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pragmatism
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practical approach to problems and affairs
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mu·lat·to
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noun 1. the offspring of one white parent and one black parent: not in technical use.
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regime
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rule of management or form of government
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Bo·he·mi·an
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a person, as an artist or writer, who lives and acts free of regard for conventional rules and practices.
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com·mu·nal
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adjective 1.used or shared in common by everyone in a group: a communal jug of wine.
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tem·po·rize
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verb (used without object),-rized, -riz·ing. 1. to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting. 2. to comply with the time or occasion; yield temporarily or ostensibly to prevailing opinion or circumstances.
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cynosure
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center of attraction
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pla·cate"
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"verb to appease or pacify, esp. by concessions or conciliatory gestures: to placate an outraged citizenry.
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narcissism
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pathological self love
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suc·cor
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noun 1. help; relief; aid; assistance.
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so·dal·i·ty
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noun,plural-ties. 1.fellowship; comradeship. 2. an association or society.
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laudable
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worthy of praise
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ar·ca·num
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"noun,plural-na 1. Often, arcana. a secret; mystery. 2. a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover. 3. a secret and powerful remedy.
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lo·qua·cious
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adjective 1. talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous: a loquacious dinner guest.
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mitigate
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lessen harm
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co·pi·ous
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adjective 1. large in quantity or number; abundant; plentiful: copious amounts of food.
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la·nu·go
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"noun,plural-gos. Biology. a coat of delicate, downy hairs, esp. that with which the human fetus or a newborn infant is covered.
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ca·dence
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nounAlso, cadency. 1. rhythmic flow of a sequence of sounds or words: the cadence of language.
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acquiesce
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to accept comply or submit
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pu·ni·tive"
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"adjective serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment: punitive laws; punitive action.
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enunciate
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make a definite or systematic statement or articulate sounds
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in·vec·tive
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noun 1. vehement or violent denunciation, censure, or reproach. 2. a railing accusation; vituperation.
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syn·tax
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Linguistics. a.the study of the rules for the formation of grammatical sentences in a language.
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per·e·gri·na·tion
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"noun 1. travel from one place to another, esp. on foot. 2. a course of travel; journey.
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codify
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reduce to a code
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per·func·to·ry"
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"adjective 1. performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial: perfunctory courtesy. 2. lacking interest, care, or enthusiasm; indifferent or apathetic: In his lectures he reveals himself to be merely a perfunctory speaker.
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par·si·mo·ni·ous
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"[pahr-suh-moh-nee-uhs] –adjective characterized by or showing parsimony; frugal or stingy.
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prodigy
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extraordinary person or thing
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ped·a·go·gy
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"noun,plural-gies. 1. the function or work of a teacher; teaching. 2. the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.
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foreboding
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premonition of disaster
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er·u·di·tion
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"[er-yoo-dish-uhn, er-oo-] –noun knowledge acquired by study, research, etc.; learning; scholarship.
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al·le·go·ry"
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noun,plural-ries. 1. a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another.
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aus·tere
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[aw-steer] –adjective 1. severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. 2. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent.
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emulate
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try to equal or excel
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in·cu·bus
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noun,plural-bi 1. an imaginary demon or evil spirit supposed to descend upon sleeping persons, esp. one fabled to have sexual intercourse with women during their sleep.Compare succubus (def. 1). 2.a nightmare.
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ra·pa·cious
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adjective 1. given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed. 2. inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate: a rapacious disposition.
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hedonistic
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way of life devoted to pleasure
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vacillation
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2.a state of indecision or irresolution. 3. unsteady movement; fluctuation.
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paradox
|
statement or phrase that is contradictory
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con·fab·u·late
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"verb (used without object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to converse informally; chat. 2. Psychiatry. to engage in confabulation.
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mu·lat·to
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noun 1. the offspring of one white parent and one black parent: not in technical use.
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platonic
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friendly nonsexual relationship
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aph·o·rism
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–noun a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”
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com·mu·nal
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adjective 1.used or shared in common by everyone in a group: a communal jug of wine.
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enigma
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puzzle or mystery
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col·lude
|
verb (used without object),-lud·ed, -lud·ing. 1. to act together through a secret understanding, esp. with evil or harmful intent.
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pla·cate"
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"verb to appease or pacify, esp. by concessions or conciliatory gestures: to placate an outraged citizenry.
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ambivalence
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simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feeling
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anedotal
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based on personal observation, case study reports, or random investigations rather than systematic scientific evaluation: anecdotal evidence.
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so·dal·i·ty
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noun,plural-ties. 1.fellowship; comradeship. 2. an association or society.
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panoramic
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view in all direction
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in·dig·nant
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"adjective feeling, characterized by, or expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base: indignant remarks; an indignant expression on his face.
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lo·qua·cious
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adjective 1. talking or tending to talk much or freely; talkative; chattering; babbling; garrulous: a loquacious dinner guest.
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litigious
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inclined to dispute or disagree; argumentative.
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stupor
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extreme apathy condition of dull sense or sensibility
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la·nu·go
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"noun,plural-gos. Biology. a coat of delicate, downy hairs, esp. that with which the human fetus or a newborn infant is covered.
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prodrome
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premonitory symptoms of disease
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grim·ace
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"noun 1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
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pu·ni·tive"
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"adjective serving for, concerned with, or inflicting punishment: punitive laws; punitive action.
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egregious
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notably bad
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latitudinous
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"adjective having latitude, scope, range, breadth, etc., esp. of ideas, interests, interpretations, or the like: a Renaissance man of latitudinous outlook.
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per·e·gri·na·tion
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"noun 1. travel from one place to another, esp. on foot. 2. a course of travel; journey.
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dissuade
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advise against something
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in·noc·u·ous
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(ĭ-nŏk'yōō-əs) adj. 1. Having no adverse effect; harmless. 2.Not likely to offend or provoke to strong emotion; insipid.
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par·si·mo·ni·ous
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"[pahr-suh-moh-nee-uhs] –adjective characterized by or showing parsimony; frugal or stingy.
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sentient
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responsive to or conscious of sense impression
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re·pub·lic
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noun 1. a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them.
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amalgam
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mixture of different elements
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feist·y
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adjective,feist·i·er, feist·i·est. 1.full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; spunky; plucky: The champion is faced with a feisty challenger.
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er·u·di·tion
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"[er-yoo-dish-uhn, er-oo-] –noun knowledge acquired by study, research, etc.; learning; scholarship.
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ar·che·type
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noun 1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
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engender
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procreate or develop
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aus·tere
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[aw-steer] –adjective 1. severe in manner or appearance; uncompromising; strict; forbidding: an austere teacher. 2. rigorously self-disciplined and severely moral; ascetic; abstinent: the austere quality of life in the convent.
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colloquial
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informal conversation
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labile
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apt or likely to change.
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ra·pa·cious
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adjective 1. given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed. 2. inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate: a rapacious disposition.
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vernacular
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using a language or dialect native to a region or country
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ego-dystonic/ego-syntonic
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behavior that do or don't line up with belief
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con·fab·u·late
|
"verb (used without object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to converse informally; chat. 2. Psychiatry. to engage in confabulation.
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provocation
|
act of provoking
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relegate
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send into exile
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aph·o·rism
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–noun a terse saying embodying a general truth, or astute observation, as “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely”
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cynic
|
attribute action to selfish motive
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in·cho·ate
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adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient.
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col·lude
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verb (used without object),-lud·ed, -lud·ing. 1. to act together through a secret understanding, esp. with evil or harmful intent.
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evocative
|
evoking an emotional response
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ad·u·late
|
"verb (used with object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. to show excessive admiration or devotion to; flatter or admire servilely.
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anedotal
|
based on personal observation, case study reports, or random investigations rather than systematic scientific evaluation: anecdotal evidence.
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vigil
|
act or period of watching or surveillance
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proclivity
|
"noun,plural-ties. natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition: a proclivity to meticulousness.
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in·dig·nant
|
"adjective feeling, characterized by, or expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting, or base: indignant remarks; an indignant expression on his face.
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aristocrat
|
upper class
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clo·nus
|
"noun,plural-nus·es. Pathology. a rapid succession of flexions and extensions of a group of muscles, usually signifying an affection of the brain or spinal cord.
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litigious
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inclined to dispute or disagree; argumentative.
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protégé
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one under the care and protection of an influential person
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mor·ti·fy
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verb (used with object) 1.to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one's pride or self-respect.
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grim·ace
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"noun 1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
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bliss
|
noun supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss. 2. Theology. the joy of heaven.
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coercion
|
forced to do something
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latitudinous
|
"adjective having latitude, scope, range, breadth, etc., esp. of ideas, interests, interpretations, or the like: a Renaissance man of latitudinous outlook.
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tra·duce
|
"verb (used with object),-duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.
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tranquility
|
quiet and undistorted
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in·noc·u·ous
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(ĭ-nŏk'yōō-əs) adj. 1. Having no adverse effect; harmless. 2.Not likely to offend or provoke to strong emotion; insipid.
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cog·ni·zant
|
adjective 1. having cognizance; aware (usually fol. by of): He was cognizant of the difficulty
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tenacity
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strong courage
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re·pub·lic
|
noun 1. a state in which the supreme power rests in the body of citizens entitled to vote and is exercised by representatives chosen directly or indirectly by them.
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an·cil·lar·y"
|
"adjective 1. subordinate; subsidiary. 2. auxiliary; assisting.
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prototype
|
original model on which something is patterned or individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
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feist·y
|
adjective,feist·i·er, feist·i·est. 1.full of animation, energy, or courage; spirited; spunky; plucky: The champion is faced with a feisty challenger.
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façade
|
principle face of building
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per·ni·cious
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adjective 1. causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful: pernicious teachings; a pernicious lie.
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ar·che·type
|
noun 1. the original pattern or model from which all things of the same kind are copied or on which they are based; a model or first form; prototype.
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in·a·ni·tion
|
"noun 1. exhaustion from lack of nourishment; starvation. 2. lack of vigor; lethargy.
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askance
|
w/ a side glance
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labile
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apt or likely to change.
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a·lac·ri·ty
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"noun 1. cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity. BREAK 2. liveliness; briskness.
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serene
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tranquil
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ego-dystonic/ego-syntonic
|
behavior that do or don't line up with belief
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utopia
|
place of ideal perfection
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tor·rent
|
noun 1. a stream of water flowing with great rapidity and violence. 2. a rushing, violent, or abundant and unceasing stream of anything: a torrent of lava.
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provocation
|
act of provoking
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futility
|
useless act or gesture
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missive
|
"noun 1. a written message; letter.
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in·cho·ate
|
adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient.
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va·grant
|
noun 1. a person who wanders about idly and has no permanent home or employment; vagabond; tramp.
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empirical based on observation
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ad·u·late
|
"verb (used with object),-lat·ed, -lat·ing. to show excessive admiration or devotion to; flatter or admire servilely.
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altruism
|
concern for others
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trep·i·da·tion
|
"noun 1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation. 2. trembling or quivering movement; tremor.
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proclivity
|
"noun,plural-ties. natural or habitual inclination or tendency; propensity; predisposition: a proclivity to meticulousness.
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tropism
|
invol response to a stimulus in that direction
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dep·re·cate
|
verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1 .to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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clo·nus
|
"noun,plural-nus·es. Pathology. a rapid succession of flexions and extensions of a group of muscles, usually signifying an affection of the brain or spinal cord.
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herald
|
convey news or proclaim
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dem·i·god
|
"noun 1. a mythological being who is partly divine and partly human; an inferior deity. 2. a deified mortal.
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mor·ti·fy
|
verb (used with object) 1.to humiliate or shame, as by injury to one's pride or self-respect.
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contagion
|
disease spread by contact
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gar·ru·lous
|
"[gar-uh-luhs, gar-yuh-] –adjective 1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters. 2. wordy or diffuse: a garrulous and boring speech.
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bliss
|
noun supreme happiness; utter joy or contentment: wedded bliss. 2. Theology. the joy of heaven.
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temperament
|
mode of emotional response
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for·mi·da·ble
|
adjective 1. causing fear, apprehension, or dread: a formidable opponent. 2. of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty, etc.; intimidating: a formidable problem.
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tra·duce
|
"verb (used with object),-duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.
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conundrum
|
intricate and difficult problem
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|
on·tol·o·gy
|
"[on-tol-uh-jee] noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such. 2. (loosely) metaphysics.
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cog·ni·zant
|
adjective 1. having cognizance; aware (usually fol. by of): He was cognizant of the difficulty
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beacon
|
lighthouse or signal for guidance
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in·tran·si·gent"
|
"adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible. –noun 2. a person who refuses to agree or compromise, as in politics.
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an·cil·lar·y"
|
"adjective 1. subordinate; subsidiary. 2. auxiliary; assisting.
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duplicitious
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sol·e·cism
|
"noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was. 2.a breach of good manners or etiquette. 3. any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.
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per·ni·cious
|
adjective 1. causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; injurious; hurtful: pernicious teachings; a pernicious lie.
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meld
|
to merge; blend
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he·gem·o·ny
|
hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] BREAK noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation. 2. leadership; predominance.
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in·a·ni·tion
|
"noun 1. exhaustion from lack of nourishment; starvation. 2. lack of vigor; lethargy.
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espies
|
verb to see at a distance; catch sight of
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par·ish
|
[par-ish] noun 1. an ecclesiastical district having its own church and member of the clergy. 2. a local church with its field of activity.
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a·lac·ri·ty
|
"noun 1. cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity. BREAK 2. liveliness; briskness.
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banalise
|
trivialize
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|
Ontology
|
1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
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tor·rent
|
noun 1. a stream of water flowing with great rapidity and violence. 2. a rushing, violent, or abundant and unceasing stream of anything: a torrent of lava.
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Arcanum
|
a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover.
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maudlin
|
adjective tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental: a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog
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missive
|
"noun 1. a written message; letter.
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kowtowing
|
prostrate
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|
Solace
|
comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
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va·grant
|
noun 1. a person who wanders about idly and has no permanent home or employment; vagabond; tramp.
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sullen
|
adjective showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve
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|
Zealot
|
1. an excessively zealous person; fanatic. 2. a member of a radical, warlike, ardently patriotic group of Jews in Judea, particularly prominent from a.d. 69 to 81, advocating the violent overthrow of Roman rule and vigorously resisting the efforts of the Romans and their supporters to heathenize the Jews.
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trep·i·da·tion
|
"noun 1. tremulous fear, alarm, or agitation; perturbation. 2. trembling or quivering movement; tremor.
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|
qui·e·tus
|
noun,plural-tus·es. 1. a finishing stroke; anything that effectually ends or settles: Having given a quietus to the argument, she left. 2. discharge or release from life. 3. a period of retirement or inactivity.
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|
catacomb
|
an underground cemetery
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|
|
dep·re·cate
|
verb (used with object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1 .to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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|
mausoleum
|
a large stately tomb
|
|
|
sat·ire
|
noun 1.the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. 2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
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|
dem·i·god
|
"noun 1. a mythological being who is partly divine and partly human; an inferior deity. 2. a deified mortal.
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|
conjecture
|
"the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.
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|
pre·var·i·cate
|
verb (used without object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
|
|
|
gar·ru·lous
|
"[gar-uh-luhs, gar-yuh-] –adjective 1. excessively talkative in a rambling, roundabout manner, esp. about trivial matters. 2. wordy or diffuse: a garrulous and boring speech.
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|
fro·ward
|
adjective willfully contrary; not easily managed: to be worried about one's froward, intractable child.
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|
centenarian
|
pertaining to or having lived 100 years
|
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|
for·mi·da·ble
|
adjective 1. causing fear, apprehension, or dread: a formidable opponent. 2. of discouraging or awesome strength, size, difficulty, etc.; intimidating: a formidable problem.
|
|
|
par·ox·ysm
|
[par-uhk-siz-uhm] –noun 1. any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion: paroxysms of rage. 2. Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
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|
|
desultory
|
"adj1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation. 2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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|
|
on·tol·o·gy
|
"[on-tol-uh-jee] noun 1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such. 2. (loosely) metaphysics.
|
|
|
a·poth·e·car·y
|
noun,plural-car·ies. 1. a druggist; a pharmacist.
|
|
|
maelstrom
|
–noun 1. a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool
|
|
|
in·tran·si·gent"
|
"adjective 1. refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible. –noun 2. a person who refuses to agree or compromise, as in politics.
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|
|
aux·il·ia·ry
|
adjective 1. Additional; supplementary; reserve
|
|
|
tenuous
|
"–adjective 1. thin or slender in form, as a thread. 2. lacking a sound basis, as reasoning; unsubstantiated; weak: a tenuous argument.
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|
|
sol·e·cism
|
"noun 1. a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage, as unflammable and they was. 2.a breach of good manners or etiquette. 3. any error, impropriety, or inconsistency.
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|
|
gadfly
|
noun, plural -flies. 1. any of various flies, as a stable fly or warble fly, that bite or annoy domestic animals
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|
|
marred
|
verb (used with object),marred, mar·ring. 1.to damage or spoil to a certain extent; render less perfect, attractive, useful, etc.; impair or spoil: That billboard mars the view. The holiday was marred by bad weather. 2. to disfigure, deface, or scar: The scratch marred the table.
|
|
|
he·gem·o·ny
|
hi-jem-uh-nee, hej-uh-moh-nee] BREAK noun,plural-nies. 1. leadership or predominant influence exercised by one nation over others, as in a confederation. 2. leadership; predominance.
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|
|
dithyrambic
|
any wildly enthusiastic speech or writing
|
|
|
di·chot·o·my
|
noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
|
|
|
par·ish
|
[par-ish] noun 1. an ecclesiastical district having its own church and member of the clergy. 2. a local church with its field of activity.
|
|
|
as·phyx·i·a
|
nounPathology. the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.
|
|
|
calumnies
|
–noun, plural -nies. 1. a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something: The speech was considered a calumny of the administration
|
|
|
Ontology
|
1. the branch of metaphysics that studies the nature of existence or being as such.
|
|
|
crass
|
"adjective, -er, -est. 1. without refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity; gross; obtuse; stupid: crass commercialism; a crass misrepresentation of the facts.
|
|
|
Arcanum
|
a supposed great secret of nature that the alchemists sought to discover.
|
|
|
so·lic·i·tous
|
adjective 1.anxious or concerned (usually fol. by about, for, etc., or a clause): solicitous about a person's health.
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|
|
satyr
|
a lascivious man; lecher
|
|
|
in·ane
|
adjective 1.lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void.
|
|
|
Solace
|
comfort in sorrow, misfortune, or trouble; alleviation of distress or discomfort.
|
|
|
purgative
|
adjective 1. purging or cleansing, especially by causing evacuation of the bowels. –noun 2. a purgative medicine or agent; cathartic
|
|
|
e·gre·gious
|
[ih-gree-juhs, -jee-uhs] –adjective 1.extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant: an egregious mistake; an egregious liar.
|
|
|
Zealot
|
1. an excessively zealous person; fanatic. 2. a member of a radical, warlike, ardently patriotic group of Jews in Judea, particularly prominent from a.d. 69 to 81, advocating the violent overthrow of Roman rule and vigorously resisting the efforts of the Romans and their supporters to heathenize the Jews.
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|
|
cathartic
|
the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music
|
|
|
sche·ma
|
noun,pluralsche·ma·ta /ˈskimətə or, sometimes, skiˈmɑtə, skɪ-/ Show Spelled[skee-muh-tuh or, sometimes, skee-mah-tuh, ski-] sche·mas. 1. a diagram, plan, or scheme. 2. an underlying organizational pattern or structure; conceptual framework.
|
|
|
qui·e·tus
|
noun,plural-tus·es. 1. a finishing stroke; anything that effectually ends or settles: Having given a quietus to the argument, she left. 2. discharge or release from life. 3. a period of retirement or inactivity.
|
|
|
quiddity
|
"the quality that makes a thing what it is; the essential nature of a thing.
|
|
|
in·ju·di·cious
|
[in-joo-dish-uhs] –adjective not judicious; showing lack of judgment; unwise; imprudent; indiscreet: an injudicious decision.
|
|
|
sat·ire
|
noun 1.the use of irony, sarcasm, ridicule, or the like, in exposing, denouncing, or deriding vice, folly, etc. 2. a literary composition, in verse or prose, in which human folly and vice are held up to scorn, derision, or ridicule.
|
|
|
imbued
|
to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions
|
|
|
con·ceit
|
"noun 1. an excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability, importance, wit 2. a fancy; whim; fanciful notion. 3. an elaborate, fanciful metaphor, esp. of a strained or far-fetched nature.
|
|
|
pre·var·i·cate
|
verb (used without object),-cat·ed, -cat·ing. to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
|
|
|
panoply
|
a wide-ranging and impressive array or display:
|
|
|
fe·al·ty
|
noun,plural-ties. 1. History/Historical. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal. 2.fidelity; faithfulness.
|
|
|
fro·ward
|
adjective willfully contrary; not easily managed: to be worried about one's froward, intractable child.
|
|
|
cowed
|
to frighten with threats, violence, etc.; intimidate; overawe
|
|
|
Pab·lum
|
1.Trademark. a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants. –noun 2. (lowercase) trite, naive, or simplistic ideas or writings; intellectual pap.
|
|
|
par·ox·ysm
|
[par-uhk-siz-uhm] –noun 1. any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion: paroxysms of rage. 2. Pathology. a severe attack or a sudden increase in intensity of a disease, usually recurring periodically.
|
|
|
reifies
|
to convert into or regard as a concrete thing
|
|
|
a·byss
|
noun 1. a deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or cavity; vast chasm. 2. anything profound, unfathomable, or infinite: the abyss of time. 3. (in ancient cosmogony) a.the primal chaos before Creation. b. the infernal regions; hell. c.a subterranean ocean.
|
|
|
a·poth·e·car·y
|
noun,plural-car·ies. 1. a druggist; a pharmacist.
|
|
|
amok
|
run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
|
|
|
prov·en·der
|
noun 1. dry food, as hay or oats, for livestock or other domestic animals; fodder. 2. food; provisions.
|
|
|
aux·il·ia·ry
|
adjective 1. Additional; supplementary; reserve
|
|
|
grav·id
|
adjective pregnant.
|
|
|
sui generis
|
of his, her, its, or their own kind; unique
|
|
|
marred
|
verb (used with object),marred, mar·ring. 1.to damage or spoil to a certain extent; render less perfect, attractive, useful, etc.; impair or spoil: That billboard mars the view. The holiday was marred by bad weather. 2. to disfigure, deface, or scar: The scratch marred the table.
|
|
|
fugacious
|
"fleeting; transitory: a sensational story with but a fugacious claim on the public's attention.
|
|
|
neb·u·la
|
[neb-yuh-luh] –noun,plural-lae /-ˌli, -ˌlaɪ/ Show Spelled[-lee, -lahy] Show IPA, -las. 1. Astronomy. a. Also called diffuse nebula. a cloud of interstellar gas and dust. Compare dark nebula, emission nebula, reflection nebula. b. (formerly) any celestial object that appears nebulous, hazy, or fuzzy, and extended in a telescope view. 2. Pathology. a.a faint opacity in the cornea. b.cloudiness in the urine. 3.any liquid medication prepared for use as a spray.
|
|
|
di·chot·o·my
|
noun,plural-mies. 1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs. 2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
|
|
|
ephemeral
|
lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. 2. lasting but one day: an ephemeral flower.
|
|
|
a·per·i·tive
|
[uh-per-i-tiv] –adjective 1.aperient. 2. having a stimulating effect on the appetite. –noun 3.an aperient. 4. an appetite stimulant.
|
|
|
as·phyx·i·a
|
nounPathology. the extreme condition caused by lack of oxygen and excess of carbon dioxide in the blood, produced by interference with respiration or insufficient oxygen in the air; suffocation.
|
|
|
sanguine
|
cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations. 2. reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion 3. bloody
|
|
|
benison
|
[ben-uh-zuhn, -suhn] –noun benediction.
|
|
|
so·lic·i·tous
|
adjective 1.anxious or concerned (usually fol. by about, for, etc., or a clause): solicitous about a person's health.
|
|
|
florid
|
reddish; ruddy; rosy: a florid complexion. 2. flowery; excessively ornate; showy: florid writing
|
|
|
an·tiq·ui·ty
|
[an-tik-wi-tee] –noun,plural-ties. 1. the quality of being ancient; ancientness: a bowl of great antiquity. 2. ancient times; former ages: the splendor of antiquity. 3. the period of history before the Middle Ages. 4. the peoples, nations, tribes, or cultures of ancient times. 5. Usually, antiquities. something belonging to or remaining from ancient times, as monuments, relics, or customs
|
|
|
in·ane
|
adjective 1.lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void.
|
|
|
thespian
|
"pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.
|
|
|
e·gre·gious
|
[ih-gree-juhs, -jee-uhs] –adjective 1.extraordinary in some bad way; glaring; flagrant: an egregious mistake; an egregious liar.
|
|
|
pomp·ous
|
"[pom-puhs] -Adjective 1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official. 2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech. 3. characterized by pomp, stately splendor, or magnificence.
|
|
|
asinine
|
"foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid: It is surprising that supposedly intelligent people can make such asinine statements.
|
|
|
ed·i·fice
|
[ed-uh-fis] –noun 1. a building, esp. one of large size or imposing appearance. 2. any large, complex system or organization.
|
|
|
sche·ma
|
noun,pluralsche·ma·ta /ˈskimətə or, sometimes, skiˈmɑtə, skɪ-/ Show Spelled[skee-muh-tuh or, sometimes, skee-mah-tuh, ski-] sche·mas. 1. a diagram, plan, or scheme. 2. an underlying organizational pattern or structure; conceptual framework.
|
|
|
allays
|
to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet.
|
|
|
as·cer·tain
|
"[as-er-teyn] –verb (used with object) 1. to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine: to ascertain the facts. 2. Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
|
|
|
in·ju·di·cious
|
[in-joo-dish-uhs] –adjective not judicious; showing lack of judgment; unwise; imprudent; indiscreet: an injudicious decision.
|
|
|
anodyne
|
a medicine that relieves or allays pain
|
|
|
con·ceit
|
"noun 1. an excessively favorable opinion of one's own ability, importance, wit 2. a fancy; whim; fanciful notion. 3. an elaborate, fanciful metaphor, esp. of a strained or far-fetched nature.
|
|
|
mon·o·lith
|
[mon-uh-lith] –noun 1.an obelisk, column, large statue, etc., formed of a single block of stone. 2. a single block or piece of stone of considerable size, esp. when used in architecture or sculpture. 3. something having a uniform, massive, redoubtable, or inflexible quality or character.
|
|
|
teeming
|
to abound or swarm; be prolific or fertile
|
|
|
te·nac·i·ty
|
[tuh-nas-i-tee] –noun the quality or property of being tenacious.
|
|
|
fe·al·ty
|
noun,plural-ties. 1. History/Historical. a.fidelity to a lord. b. the obligation or the engagement to be faithful to a lord, usually sworn to by a vassal. 2.fidelity; faithfulness.
|
|
|
prolific
|
producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful: a prolific pear tree
|
|
|
dudg·eon
|
[duhj-uhn] –noun a feeling of offense or resentment; anger: We left in high dudgeon.
|
|
|
Pab·lum
|
1.Trademark. a brand of soft, bland cereal for infants. –noun 2. (lowercase) trite, naive, or simplistic ideas or writings; intellectual pap.
|
|
|
nimble
|
quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid: nimble feet.
|
|
|
en·thrall
|
"[en-thrawl] –verb (used with object) 1. to captivate or charm: a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences. 2. to put or hold in slavery; subjugate: to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.
|
|
|
a·byss
|
noun 1. a deep, immeasurable space, gulf, or cavity; vast chasm. 2. anything profound, unfathomable, or infinite: the abyss of time. 3. (in ancient cosmogony) a.the primal chaos before Creation. b. the infernal regions; hell. c.a subterranean ocean.
|
|
|
wily
|
adjective, wil·i·er, wil·i·est. full of, marked by, or proceeding from wiles; crafty; cunning
|
|
|
prov·en·der
|
noun 1. dry food, as hay or oats, for livestock or other domestic animals; fodder. 2. food; provisions.
|
|
|
te·na·cious
|
[tuh-ney-shuhs] –adjective 1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often fol. by of): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits. 2. highly retentive: a tenacious memory. 3. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate. 4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous. 5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.
|
|
|
wee
|
little; very small
|
|
|
grav·id
|
adjective pregnant.
|
|
|
exiguous
|
"–adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
|
|
|
rivulet
|
a small stream; streamlet; brook
|
|
|
neb·u·la
|
[neb-yuh-luh] –noun,plural-lae /-ˌli, -ˌlaɪ/ Show Spelled[-lee, -lahy] Show IPA, -las. 1. Astronomy. a. Also called diffuse nebula. a cloud of interstellar gas and dust. Compare dark nebula, emission nebula, reflection nebula. b. (formerly) any celestial object that appears nebulous, hazy, or fuzzy, and extended in a telescope view. 2. Pathology. a.a faint opacity in the cornea. b.cloudiness in the urine. 3.any liquid medication prepared for use as a spray.
|
|
|
punctilious
|
[puhngk-til-ee-uhs] adjective extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.
|
|
|
bourn
|
noun Archaic . 1. a bound; limit. 2. destination; goal. 3. realm; domain
|
|
|
a·per·i·tive
|
[uh-per-i-tiv] –adjective 1.aperient. 2. having a stimulating effect on the appetite. –noun 3.an aperient. 4. an appetite stimulant.
|
|
|
disputatious
|
–adjective fond of or given to disputation; argumentative; contentious: disputatious litigants.
|
|
|
din
|
a loud discordant confused noise
|
|
|
benison
|
[ben-uh-zuhn, -suhn] –noun benediction.
|
|
|
convent
|
" –noun 1. a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior. 2. a society or association of monks, friars, or nuns: now usually used of a society of nuns. 3. the building or buildings occupied by such a society; a monastery or nunnery.
|
|
|
tatter
|
a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag
|
|
|
bricolage
|
" 1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
|
|
|
an·tiq·ui·ty
|
[an-tik-wi-tee] –noun,plural-ties. 1. the quality of being ancient; ancientness: a bowl of great antiquity. 2. ancient times; former ages: the splendor of antiquity. 3. the period of history before the Middle Ages. 4. the peoples, nations, tribes, or cultures of ancient times. 5. Usually, antiquities. something belonging to or remaining from ancient times, as monuments, relics, or customs
|
|
|
ambisinister
|
clumsy or unskillful with both hands
|
|
|
pomp·ous
|
"[pom-puhs] -Adjective 1. characterized by an ostentatious display of dignity or importance: a pompous minor official. 2. ostentatiously lofty or high-flown: a pompous speech. 3. characterized by pomp, stately splendor, or magnificence.
|
|
|
idiosyncratic
|
"noun, plural -sies. 1. a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual. 2. the physical constitution peculiar to an individual.
|
|
|
puerile
|
adjective 1. of or pertaining to a child or to childhood. 2. childishly foolish; immature or trivial: a puerile piece of writing.
|
|
|
ed·i·fice
|
[ed-uh-fis] –noun 1. a building, esp. one of large size or imposing appearance. 2. any large, complex system or organization.
|
|
|
privation
|
"–noun 1. lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life: His life of privation began to affect his health. 2. an instance of this. 3. the act of depriving.
|
|
|
rubicon
|
"cross the Rubicon , pass the Rubicon to commit oneself irrevocably to some course of action
|
|
|
as·cer·tain
|
"[as-er-teyn] –verb (used with object) 1. to find out definitely; learn with certainty or assurance; determine: to ascertain the facts. 2. Archaic. to make certain, clear, or definitely known.
|
|
|
allay
|
–verb (used with object), -layed, -lay·ing. 1. to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet. 2. to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate: to allay pain.
|
|
|
hyperbole
|
obvious and intentional exaggeration
|
|
|
mon·o·lith
|
[mon-uh-lith] –noun 1.an obelisk, column, large statue, etc., formed of a single block of stone. 2. a single block or piece of stone of considerable size, esp. when used in architecture or sculpture. 3. something having a uniform, massive, redoubtable, or inflexible quality or character.
|
|
|
procession
|
"noun 1. the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession or in a formal and ceremonious manner, as a line of people, animals, vehicles, etc. 2. the line or body of persons or things moving along in such a manner.
|
|
|
corollary
|
an immediate consequence or easily drawn conclusion. 3. a natural consequence or result
|
|
|
te·nac·i·ty
|
[tuh-nas-i-tee] –noun the quality or property of being tenacious.
|
|
|
auspicious
|
adjective BREAK 1. promising success; propitious; opportune; favorable: an auspicious occasion. BREAK 2. favored by fortune; prosperous; fortunate.
|
|
|
nook
|
a corner, as in a room. 2. any secluded or obscure corner. 3. any small recess: a breakfast nook
|
|
|
dudg·eon
|
[duhj-uhn] –noun a feeling of offense or resentment; anger: We left in high dudgeon.
|
|
|
auspice
|
noun,1. Usually, auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship: under the auspices of the Department of Education. 2. Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
|
|
|
intrepid
|
resolutely fearless; dauntless: an intrepid explorer.
|
|
|
mana
|
–nounAnthropology. a generalized, supernatural force or power, which may be concentrated in objects or persons.
|
|
|
en·thrall
|
"[en-thrawl] –verb (used with object) 1. to captivate or charm: a performer whose grace, skill, and virtuosity enthrall her audiences. 2. to put or hold in slavery; subjugate: to be enthralled by illusions and superstitions.
|
|
|
rhapsodic
|
extravagantly enthusiastic; ecstatic
|
|
|
te·na·cious
|
[tuh-ney-shuhs] –adjective 1. holding fast; characterized by keeping a firm hold (often fol. by of): a tenacious grip on my arm; tenacious of old habits. 2. highly retentive: a tenacious memory. 3. pertinacious, persistent, stubborn, or obstinate. 4. adhesive or sticky; viscous or glutinous. 5. holding together; cohesive; not easily pulled asunder; tough.
|
|
|
alogical
|
–adjective beyond the scope of logic or logical reasoning: alogical philosophical speculations.
|
|
|
maenad
|
a frenzied or raging woman
|
|
|
tautologous
|
noun, plural -gies. 1. needless repetition of an idea, esp. in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness, as in “widow woman.” 2. an instance of such repetition
|
|
|
exiguous
|
"–adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
|
|
|
peripatetic
|
" adj 1. itinerant 2. ( Brit ) employed in two or more educational establishments and travelling from one to another: a peripatetic football coach
|
|
|
punctilious
|
[puhngk-til-ee-uhs] adjective extremely attentive to punctilios; strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions.
|
|
|
circumlocutory
|
"–noun 1. a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. 2. a roundabout expression.
|
|
|
incredulity
|
the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.
|
|
|
bombastic
|
"adjective (of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.
|
|
|
disputatious
|
–adjective fond of or given to disputation; argumentative; contentious: disputatious litigants.
|
|
|
decrepitude
|
decrepit condition; dilapidated state; feebleness, especially from old age
|
|
|
convent
|
" –noun 1. a community of persons devoted to religious life under a superior. 2. a society or association of monks, friars, or nuns: now usually used of a society of nuns. 3. the building or buildings occupied by such a society; a monastery or nunnery.
|
|
|
verbose
|
"adjective characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.
|
|
|
obdurate
|
unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.
|
|
|
bricolage
|
" 1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
|
|
|
alexithymia
|
–nounPsychiatry. difficulty in experiencing, expressing, and describing emotional responses
|
|
|
penumbra
|
a shadowy, indefinite, or marginal area
|
|
|
squalor
|
"–noun the condition of being squalid; filth and misery.
|
|
|
idiosyncratic
|
"noun, plural -sies. 1. a characteristic, habit, mannerism, or the like, that is peculiar to an individual. 2. the physical constitution peculiar to an individual.
|
|
|
pusillanimity
|
noun the state or condition of being pusillanimous; timidity; cowardliness.
|
|
|
jurisprudence
|
"–noun 1. the science or philosophy of law. 2. a body or system of laws.
|
|
|
privation
|
"–noun 1. lack of the usual comforts or necessaries of life: His life of privation began to affect his health. 2. an instance of this. 3. the act of depriving.
|
|
|
vacuous
|
without contents; empty: the vacuous air.
|
|
|
allay
|
–verb (used with object), -layed, -lay·ing. 1. to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet. 2. to lessen or relieve; mitigate; alleviate: to allay pain.
|
|
|
pillory
|
verb (used with object) 2. to set in the pillory. 3. to expose to public derision, ridicule, or abuse: The candidate mercilessly pilloried his opponent
|
|
|
nominal
|
adj of, pertaining to, or constituting a name or names
|
|
|
procession
|
"noun 1. the act of moving along or proceeding in orderly succession or in a formal and ceremonious manner, as a line of people, animals, vehicles, etc. 2. the line or body of persons or things moving along in such a manner.
|
|
|
salutary
|
"–adjective 1. favorable to or promoting health; healthful. 2. promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome.
|
|
|
purloin
|
to take dishonestly; steal; filch; pilfer
|
|
|
auspicious
|
adjective BREAK 1. promising success; propitious; opportune; favorable: an auspicious occasion. BREAK 2. favored by fortune; prosperous; fortunate.
|
|
|
earnest
|
–adjective 1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous: an earnest worker. 2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty. 3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention. –noun 4. full seriousness, as of intention or purpose: to speak in earnest.
|
|
|
bricolage
|
1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
|
|
|
auspice
|
noun,1. Usually, auspices. patronage; support; sponsorship: under the auspices of the Department of Education. 2. Often, auspices. a favorable sign or propitious circumstance.
|
|
|
heed
|
"verb (used with object) and noun 1. to give careful attention to: He did not heed the warning.
|
|
|
ersatz
|
serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial: an ersatz coffee made from grain.
|
|
|
clarion
|
"adjective 1. clear and shrill: the clarion call of a battle trumpet.
|
|
|
mana
|
–nounAnthropology. a generalized, supernatural force or power, which may be concentrated in objects or persons.
|
|
|
entwined
|
to twine with, about, around, or together
|
|
|
alogical
|
–adjective beyond the scope of logic or logical reasoning: alogical philosophical speculations.
|
|
|
trenchant
|
–adjective 1. incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit. 2. vigorous; effective; energetic: a trenchant policy of political reform. 3. clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct.
|
|
|
obsolescence
|
becoming obsolete or out of date
|
|
|
raucous
|
–adjective 1. harsh; strident; grating: raucous voices; raucous laughter. 2. rowdy; disorderly: a raucous party.
|
|
|
tautologous
|
noun, plural -gies. 1. needless repetition of an idea, esp. in words other than those of the immediate context, without imparting additional force or clearness, as in “widow woman.” 2. an instance of such repetition
|
|
|
mimetic
|
characterized by, exhibiting, or of the nature of imitation or mimicry: mimetic gestures
|
|
|
circumlocutory
|
"–noun 1. a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea. 2. a roundabout expression.
|
|
|
compendium
|
"–noun, plural -di·ums 1. a brief treatment or account of a subject, esp. an extensive subject; concise treatise: a compendium of medicine. 2. a summary, epitome, or abridgment.
|
|
|
avant garde
|
noun1. the advance group in any field, especially in the visual, literary, or musical arts, whose works are characterized chiefly by unorthodox and experimental methods.
|
|
|
succumb
|
verb (used without object) 1. to give way to superior force; yield: to succumb to despair
|
|
|
bombastic
|
"adjective (of speech, writing, etc.) high-sounding; high-flown; inflated; pretentious.
|
|
|
voluminous
|
adjective 1. forming, filling, or writing a large volume or many volumes: a voluminous edition
|
|
|
brothel
|
–noun a house of prostitution
|
|
|
verbose
|
"adjective characterized by the use of many or too many words; wordy: a verbose report.
|
|
|
permute
|
to alter or change
|
|
|
putrid
|
–adjective 1. in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
|
|
|
alexithymia
|
–nounPsychiatry. difficulty in experiencing, expressing, and describing emotional responses
|
|
|
surreal
|
having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic: surreal complexities of the bureaucracy
|
|
|
squalor
|
"–noun the condition of being squalid; filth and misery.
|
|
|
putrescent
|
–adjective 1. becoming putrid; undergoing putrefaction. 2. of or pertaining to putrefaction.
|
|
|
ineptitude
|
awkward, clumsy, or incompetent
|
|
|
jurisprudence
|
"–noun 1. the science or philosophy of law. 2. a body or system of laws.
|
|
|
confaternity
|
"–noun, plural -ties. 1. a lay brotherhood devoted to some purpose, esp. to religious or charitable service. 2. a society or organization, esp. of men, united for some purpose or in some profession.
|
|
|
de facto
|
in fact; in reality: Although his title was prime minister, he was de facto president of the country. Although the school was said to be open to all qualified students, it still practiced de facto segregation
|
|
|
pillory
|
verb (used with object) 2. to set in the pillory. 3. to expose to public derision, ridicule, or abuse: The candidate mercilessly pilloried his opponent
|
|
|
benefaction
|
"noun 1. an act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed: He is known throughout the region for his many benefactions. 2. the benefit conferred; charitable donation: to solicit benefactions for earthquake victims.
|
|
|
post hoc
|
after this; afterward.
|
|
|
conversely
|
"–adjective 1. opposite or contrary in direction, action, sequence, etc.; turned around. –noun 2. something opposite or contrary.
|
|
|
salutary
|
"–adjective 1. favorable to or promoting health; healthful. 2. promoting or conducive to some beneficial purpose; wholesome.
|
|
|
vanguard
|
the foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard; van. 2. the forefront in any movement, field, activity, or the like
|
|
|
trite
|
"adjective, trit·er, trit·est. 1. lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale: the trite phrases in his letter. 2. characterized by hackneyed expressions, ideas, etc.: The commencement address was trite and endlessly long.
|
|
|
earnest
|
–adjective 1. serious in intention, purpose, or effort; sincerely zealous: an earnest worker. 2. showing depth and sincerity of feeling: earnest words; an earnest entreaty. 3. seriously important; demanding or receiving serious attention. –noun 4. full seriousness, as of intention or purpose: to speak in earnest.
|
|
|
heed
|
"verb (used with object) and noun 1. to give careful attention to: He did not heed the warning.
|
|
|
platitude
|
–noun 1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. 2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory.
|
|
|
preamble
|
noun 1. an introductory statement; preface; introduction. 2. the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows. 3. a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance: His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime
|
|
|
clarion
|
"adjective 1. clear and shrill: the clarion call of a battle trumpet.
|
|
|
parochial
|
"adjective 1. of or pertaining to a parish or parishes. 2. of or pertaining to parochial schools or the education they provide.
|
|
|
trenchant
|
–adjective 1. incisive or keen, as language or a person; caustic; cutting: trenchant wit. 2. vigorous; effective; energetic: a trenchant policy of political reform. 3. clearly or sharply defined; clear-cut; distinct.
|
|
|
recrudescence
|
–noun breaking out afresh or into renewed activity; revival or reappearance in active existence.
|
|
|
raucous
|
–adjective 1. harsh; strident; grating: raucous voices; raucous laughter. 2. rowdy; disorderly: a raucous party.
|
|
|
opprobrious
|
–adjective 1. conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker: opprobrious invectives. 2. outrageously disgraceful or shameful: opprobrious conduct
|
|
|
compendium
|
"–noun, plural -di·ums 1. a brief treatment or account of a subject, esp. an extensive subject; concise treatise: a compendium of medicine. 2. a summary, epitome, or abridgment.
|
|
|
adroit
|
–adjective 1. expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body. 2. cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious: an adroit debater
|
|
|
succumb
|
verb (used without object) 1. to give way to superior force; yield: to succumb to despair
|
|
|
harried
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks; worry: He was harried by constant doubts. 2. to ravage, as in war; devastate: The troops harried the countryside.
|
|
|
brothel
|
–noun a house of prostitution
|
|
|
contumelious
|
–noun, plural -lies. 1. insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment. 2. a humiliating insult.
|
|
|
putrid
|
–adjective 1. in a state of foul decay or decomposition, as animal or vegetable matter; rotten.
|
|
|
supercilious
|
–adjective haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression
|
|
|
putrescent
|
–adjective 1. becoming putrid; undergoing putrefaction. 2. of or pertaining to putrefaction.
|
|
|
contemptuous
|
–adjective showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful
|
|
|
confaternity
|
"–noun, plural -ties. 1. a lay brotherhood devoted to some purpose, esp. to religious or charitable service. 2. a society or organization, esp. of men, united for some purpose or in some profession.
|
|
|
prowess
|
–noun 1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker
|
|
|
benefaction
|
"noun 1. an act of conferring a benefit; the doing of good; a good deed: He is known throughout the region for his many benefactions. 2. the benefit conferred; charitable donation: to solicit benefactions for earthquake victims.
|
|
|
mussitate
|
–verb (used without object), -tat·ed, -tat·ing. Obsolete . to mutter; mumble
|
|
|
conversely
|
"–adjective 1. opposite or contrary in direction, action, sequence, etc.; turned around. –noun 2. something opposite or contrary.
|
|
|
importunate
|
–adjective 1. urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so. 2. pertinacious, as solicitations or demands
|
|
|
trite
|
"adjective, trit·er, trit·est. 1. lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale: the trite phrases in his letter. 2. characterized by hackneyed expressions, ideas, etc.: The commencement address was trite and endlessly long.
|
|
|
luciferous
|
adjective 1. bringing or providing light. 2. providing insight or enlightenment.
|
|
|
platitude
|
–noun 1. a flat, dull, or trite remark, esp. one uttered as if it were fresh or profound. 2. the quality or state of being flat, dull, or trite: the platitude of most political oratory.
|
|
|
lucifugous
|
" adj avoiding light
|
|
|
preamble
|
noun 1. an introductory statement; preface; introduction. 2. the introductory part of a statute, deed, or the like, stating the reasons and intent of what follows. 3. a preliminary or introductory fact or circumstance: His childhood in the slums was a preamble to a life of crime
|
|
|
nihilism
|
–noun 1. total rejection of established laws and institutions. 2. anarchy, terrorism, or other revolutionary activity.
|
|
|
parochial
|
"adjective 1. of or pertaining to a parish or parishes. 2. of or pertaining to parochial schools or the education they provide.
|
|
|
gaiety
|
"noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being gay or cheerful; gay spirits. 2. Often, gaieties. merrymaking or festivity: the gaieties of the New Year season.
|
|
|
recrudescence
|
–noun breaking out afresh or into renewed activity; revival or reappearance in active existence.
|
|
|
merriment
|
noun 1. cheerful or joyful gaiety; mirth; hilarity; laughter. 2. Obsolete . a cause of mirth; a jest, entertainment,
|
|
|
opprobrious
|
–adjective 1. conveying or expressing opprobrium, as language or a speaker: opprobrious invectives. 2. outrageously disgraceful or shameful: opprobrious conduct
|
|
|
congeal
|
verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid
|
|
|
adroit
|
–adjective 1. expert or nimble in the use of the hands or body. 2. cleverly skillful, resourceful, or ingenious: an adroit debater
|
|
|
malady
|
noun, plural -dies. 1. any disorder or disease of the body, esp. one that is chronic or deepseated. 2. any undesirable or disordered condition: social maladies; a malady of the spirit.
|
|
|
harried
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to harass, annoy, or prove a nuisance to by or as if by repeated attacks; worry: He was harried by constant doubts. 2. to ravage, as in war; devastate: The troops harried the countryside.
|
|
|
recidivist
|
noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime.
|
|
|
contumelious
|
–noun, plural -lies. 1. insulting display of contempt in words or actions; contemptuous or humiliating treatment. 2. a humiliating insult.
|
|
|
massagist
|
Slang . to treat with special care and attention; coddle or pamper: The store massages its regular customers with gifts and private sales. 5. Informal . a. to manipulate, maneuver, or handle skillfully: to massage a bill through the Senate
|
|
|
supercilious
|
–adjective haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression
|
|
|
ameliorate
|
"–verb (used with object), verb (used without object), -rat·ed, -rat·ing. to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate.
|
|
|
contemptuous
|
–adjective showing or expressing contempt or disdain; scornful
|
|
|
diaphanous
|
"adjective 1. very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent. 2. delicately hazy.
|
|
|
prowess
|
–noun 1. exceptional valor, bravery, or ability, esp. in combat or battle. 2. exceptional or superior ability, skill, or strength: his prowess as a public speaker
|
|
|
booty
|
–noun, plural -ties. 1. spoil taken from an enemy in war; plunder; pillage. 2. something that is seized by violence and robbery.
|
|
|
mussitate
|
–verb (used without object), -tat·ed, -tat·ing. Obsolete . to mutter; mumble
|
|
|
techie
|
noun Informal . 1. a technical expert, student, or enthusiast, esp. in the field of electronics. 2. a technician, as for a stage crew.
|
|
|
importunate
|
–adjective 1. urgent or persistent in solicitation, sometimes annoyingly so. 2. pertinacious, as solicitations or demands
|
|
|
injunction
|
noun 1. Law . a judicial process or order requiring the person or persons to whom it is directed to do a particular act or to refrain from doing a particular act. 2. an act or instance of enjoining.
|
|
|
luciferous
|
adjective 1. bringing or providing light. 2. providing insight or enlightenment.
|
|
|
itinerant
|
adjective 1. traveling from place to place, esp. on a circuit, as a minister, judge, or sales representative; itinerating; journeying. 2. characterized by such traveling: itinerant preaching
|
|
|
lucifugous
|
" adj avoiding light
|
|
|
ambrosian
|
adjective 1. exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant. 2. worthy of the gods; divine
|
|
|
nihilism
|
–noun 1. total rejection of established laws and institutions. 2. anarchy, terrorism, or other revolutionary activity.
|
|
|
imago
|
" an adult sexually mature insect produced after metamorphosis 2. psychoanal an idealized image of another person, usually a parent, acquired in childhood and carried in the unconscious in later life
|
|
|
gaiety
|
"noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being gay or cheerful; gay spirits. 2. Often, gaieties. merrymaking or festivity: the gaieties of the New Year season.
|
|
|
cartesian
|
–adjective 1. of or pertaining to Descartes, his mathematical methods, or his philosophy, esp. with regard to its emphasis on logical analysis and its mechanistic interpretation of physical nature
|
|
|
merriment
|
noun 1. cheerful or joyful gaiety; mirth; hilarity; laughter. 2. Obsolete . a cause of mirth; a jest, entertainment,
|
|
|
emend
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to edit or change (a text). 2. to free from faults or errors; correct.
|
|
|
congeal
|
verb (used with object), verb (used without object) 1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup. 2. to curdle; coagulate, as a fluid
|
|
|
dilapidated
|
adjective reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.
|
|
|
malady
|
noun, plural -dies. 1. any disorder or disease of the body, esp. one that is chronic or deepseated. 2. any undesirable or disordered condition: social maladies; a malady of the spirit.
|
|
|
extravagant
|
–adjective BREAK 1. spending much more than is necessary or wise; wasteful: an extravagant shopper. BREAK 2. excessively high: extravagant expenses; extravagant prices
|
|
|
recidivist
|
noun 1. repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime.
|
|
|
errant
|
–adjective 1. deviating from the regular or proper course; erring; straying. 2. journeying or traveling, as a medieval knight in quest of adventure; roving adventurously
|
|
|
massagist
|
Slang . to treat with special care and attention; coddle or pamper: The store massages its regular customers with gifts and private sales. 5. Informal . a. to manipulate, maneuver, or handle skillfully: to massage a bill through the Senate
|
|
|
equanimity
|
–noun mental or emotional stability or composure, esp. under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.
|
|
|
ameliorate
|
"–verb (used with object), verb (used without object), -rat·ed, -rat·ing. to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate.
|
|
|
undulate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement: The flag undulates in the breeze. 2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions
|
|
|
diaphanous
|
"adjective 1. very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent. 2. delicately hazy.
|
|
|
repungance
|
noun 1. the state of being repugnant. 2. strong distaste, aversion, or objection; antipathy. 3. contradictoriness or inconsistency
|
|
|
booty
|
–noun, plural -ties. 1. spoil taken from an enemy in war; plunder; pillage. 2. something that is seized by violence and robbery.
|
|
|
abhorrence
|
noun 1. a feeling of extreme repugnance or aversion; utter loathing; abomination. 2. something or someone extremely repugnant or loathsome.
|
|
|
techie
|
noun Informal . 1. a technical expert, student, or enthusiast, esp. in the field of electronics. 2. a technician, as for a stage crew.
|
|
|
jactation
|
–noun 1. boasting; bragging. 2. Pathology . a restless tossing of the body
|
|
|
injunction
|
noun 1. Law . a judicial process or order requiring the person or persons to whom it is directed to do a particular act or to refrain from doing a particular act. 2. an act or instance of enjoining.
|
|
|
itinerant
|
adjective 1. traveling from place to place, esp. on a circuit, as a minister, judge, or sales representative; itinerating; journeying. 2. characterized by such traveling: itinerant preaching
|
|
|
conglomerate
|
"noun 1. anything composed of heterogeneous materials or elements. 2. a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated industries, usually as a result of merger or acquisition.
|
|
|
ambrosian
|
adjective 1. exceptionally pleasing to taste or smell; especially delicious or fragrant. 2. worthy of the gods; divine
|
|
|
endearing
|
–adjective 1. tending to make dear or beloved. 2. manifesting or evoking affection: an endearing smile.
|
|
|
imago
|
" an adult sexually mature insect produced after metamorphosis 2. psychoanal an idealized image of another person, usually a parent, acquired in childhood and carried in the unconscious in later life
|
|
|
spurious
|
"adjective 1. not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit. 2. Biology . (of two or more parts, plants, etc.) having a similar appearance but a different structure.
|
|
|
cartesian
|
–adjective 1. of or pertaining to Descartes, his mathematical methods, or his philosophy, esp. with regard to its emphasis on logical analysis and its mechanistic interpretation of physical nature
|
|
|
anecdote
|
"noun a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.
|
|
|
emend
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to edit or change (a text). 2. to free from faults or errors; correct.
|
|
|
tittle
|
noun 1. a dot or other small mark in writing or printing, used as a diacritic, punctuation, etc. 2. a very small part or quantity; a particle, jot, or whit: He said he didn't care a tittle.
|
|
|
dilapidated
|
adjective reduced to or fallen into partial ruin or decay, as from age, wear, or neglect.
|
|
|
hugh
|
noun a male given name: from a Germanic word meaning “heart, mind.”
|
|
|
extravagant
|
–adjective BREAK 1. spending much more than is necessary or wise; wasteful: an extravagant shopper. BREAK 2. excessively high: extravagant expenses; extravagant prices
|
|
|
remoulade
|
–noun a cold sauce made with mayonnaise and various condiments and herbs, as chopped pickles, capers, mustard, parsley, chervil, and tarragon.
|
|
|
errant
|
–adjective 1. deviating from the regular or proper course; erring; straying. 2. journeying or traveling, as a medieval knight in quest of adventure; roving adventurously
|
|
|
quandary
|
noun, plural -ries. a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
|
|
|
equanimity
|
–noun mental or emotional stability or composure, esp. under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.
|
|
|
connate
|
adjective 1. existing in a person or thing from birth or origin; inborn: a connate sense of right and wrong. 2. associated in birth or origin. 3. allied or agreeing in nature; cognate.
|
|
|
undulate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising-and-falling or side-to-side alternation of movement: The flag undulates in the breeze. 2. to have a wavy form or surface; bend with successive curves in alternate directions
|
|
|
echinate
|
adjective bristly; prickly.
|
|
|
repungance
|
noun 1. the state of being repugnant. 2. strong distaste, aversion, or objection; antipathy. 3. contradictoriness or inconsistency
|
|
|
cachinnate
|
verb (used without object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing. to laugh loudly or immoderately
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|
abhorrence
|
noun 1. a feeling of extreme repugnance or aversion; utter loathing; abomination. 2. something or someone extremely repugnant or loathsome.
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remised
|
verb (used with object), -mised, -mis·ing. Law . to give up a claim to; surrender by deed.
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jactation
|
–noun 1. boasting; bragging. 2. Pathology . a restless tossing of the body
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purlieus
|
–noun 1. purlieus, environs or neighborhood. 2. a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds. 3. a person's haunt or resort. 4. an outlying district or region, as of a town or city.
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conglomerate
|
"noun 1. anything composed of heterogeneous materials or elements. 2. a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated industries, usually as a result of merger or acquisition.
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|
conjure
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to affect or influence by or as if by invocation or spell. 2. to effect, produce, bring, etc., by or as by magic: to conjure a miracle. 3. to call upon or command (a devil or spirit) by invocation or spell.
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endearing
|
–adjective 1. tending to make dear or beloved. 2. manifesting or evoking affection: an endearing smile.
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tumescence
|
adjective 1. swelling; slightly tumid. 2. exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming. 3. pompous and pretentious, esp. in the use of language; bombastic.
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spurious
|
"adjective 1. not genuine, authentic, or true; not from the claimed, pretended, or proper source; counterfeit. 2. Biology . (of two or more parts, plants, etc.) having a similar appearance but a different structure.
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fallacious
|
"–adjective 1. containing a fallacy; logically unsound: fallacious arguments. 2. deceptive; misleading: fallacious testimony.
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|
anecdote
|
"noun a short account of a particular incident or event of an interesting or amusing nature, often biographical.
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|
variance
|
noun 1. the state, quality, or fact of being variable, divergent, different, or anomalous. 2. an instance of varying; difference; discrepancy.
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|
tittle
|
noun 1. a dot or other small mark in writing or printing, used as a diacritic, punctuation, etc. 2. a very small part or quantity; a particle, jot, or whit: He said he didn't care a tittle.
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quarantine
|
–noun 1. a strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
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|
hugh
|
noun a male given name: from a Germanic word meaning “heart, mind.”
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equable
|
–adjective 1. free from many changes or variations; uniform: an equable climate; an equable temperament. 2. uniform in operation or effect, as laws.
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remoulade
|
–noun a cold sauce made with mayonnaise and various condiments and herbs, as chopped pickles, capers, mustard, parsley, chervil, and tarragon.
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|
insouciance
|
–noun the quality of being insouciant; lack of care or concern; indifference
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|
quandary
|
noun, plural -ries. a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
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distrain
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim. 2. to levy a distress upon.
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connate
|
adjective 1. existing in a person or thing from birth or origin; inborn: a connate sense of right and wrong. 2. associated in birth or origin. 3. allied or agreeing in nature; cognate.
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impeccable
|
–adjective 1. faultless; flawless; irreproachable: impeccable manners. 2. not liable to sin; incapable of sin
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|
echinate
|
adjective bristly; prickly.
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|
monastic
|
adjective of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living. noun 4. a member of a monastic community or order, esp. a monk
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|
cachinnate
|
verb (used without object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing. to laugh loudly or immoderately
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|
hue
|
"–noun 1. a gradation or variety of a color; tint: pale hues. 2. the property of light by which the color of an object is classified as red, blue, green, or yellow in reference to the spectrum.
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|
|
remised
|
verb (used with object), -mised, -mis·ing. Law . to give up a claim to; surrender by deed.
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|
inception
|
"–noun 1. beginning; start; commencement.
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|
purlieus
|
–noun 1. purlieus, environs or neighborhood. 2. a place where one may range at large; confines or bounds. 3. a person's haunt or resort. 4. an outlying district or region, as of a town or city.
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|
sophistry
|
noun, plural -ries. 1. a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning. 2. a false argument; sophism
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|
conjure
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to affect or influence by or as if by invocation or spell. 2. to effect, produce, bring, etc., by or as by magic: to conjure a miracle. 3. to call upon or command (a devil or spirit) by invocation or spell.
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|
|
casuistry
|
"— n , pl -ries 1. philosophy the resolution of particular moral dilemmas, esp those arising from conflicting general moral rules, by careful distinction of the cases to which these rules apply 2. reasoning that is specious, misleading, or oversubtle
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|
tumescence
|
adjective 1. swelling; slightly tumid. 2. exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming. 3. pompous and pretentious, esp. in the use of language; bombastic.
|
|
|
resurgence
|
–adjective rising or tending to rise again; reviving; renascent
|
|
|
fallacious
|
"–adjective 1. containing a fallacy; logically unsound: fallacious arguments. 2. deceptive; misleading: fallacious testimony.
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|
carousal
|
–noun a noisy or drunken feast or social gathering; revelry
|
|
|
variance
|
noun 1. the state, quality, or fact of being variable, divergent, different, or anomalous. 2. an instance of varying; difference; discrepancy.
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|
creed
|
noun 1. any system, doctrine, or formula of religious belief, as of a denomination. 2. any system or codification of belief or of opinion.
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|
quarantine
|
–noun 1. a strict isolation imposed to prevent the spread of disease.
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|
|
impedimenta
|
plural noun baggage or other things that retard one's progress, as supplies carried by an army: the impedimenta of the weekend skier.
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|
|
equable
|
–adjective 1. free from many changes or variations; uniform: an equable climate; an equable temperament. 2. uniform in operation or effect, as laws.
|
|
|
suffusion
|
"verb (used with object), -fused, -fus·ing. to overspread with or as with a liquid, color, etcpervade, diffuse, bathe, flood.
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|
|
insouciance
|
–noun the quality of being insouciant; lack of care or concern; indifference
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|
squelch
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash. 2. to put down, suppress, or silence, as with a crushing retort or argument.
|
|
|
distrain
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to constrain by seizing and holding goods, etc., in pledge for rent, damages, etc., or in order to obtain satisfaction of a claim. 2. to levy a distress upon.
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|
|
vespertine
|
"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or occurring in the evening: vespertine stillness. 2. Botany . opening or expanding in the evening, as certain flowers.
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|
|
impeccable
|
–adjective 1. faultless; flawless; irreproachable: impeccable manners. 2. not liable to sin; incapable of sin
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|
|
vituperate
|
—Synonyms censure, vilify, berate
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|
|
monastic
|
adjective of, pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living. noun 4. a member of a monastic community or order, esp. a monk
|
|
|
agnosia
|
"n loss or diminution of the ability to recognize familiar objects or stimuli usually as a result of brain damage see visual agnosia
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|
|
hue
|
"–noun 1. a gradation or variety of a color; tint: pale hues. 2. the property of light by which the color of an object is classified as red, blue, green, or yellow in reference to the spectrum.
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|
|
proffer
|
Synonyms proffering 1. volunteer, propose, sugges tverb (used with object) 1. to put before a person for acceptance
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|
inception
|
"–noun 1. beginning; start; commencement.
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|
|
janus
|
" n the Roman god of doorways, passages, and bridges. In art he is depicted with two heads facing opposite ways
|
|
|
sophistry
|
noun, plural -ries. 1. a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning. 2. a false argument; sophism
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|
|
inerrant
|
adjective free from error; infallible
|
|
|
casuistry
|
"— n , pl -ries 1. philosophy the resolution of particular moral dilemmas, esp those arising from conflicting general moral rules, by careful distinction of the cases to which these rules apply 2. reasoning that is specious, misleading, or oversubtle
|
|
|
hunky dory
|
"fine; okay. : As a matter of fact, everything is just hunky-dory.
|
|
|
resurgence
|
–adjective rising or tending to rise again; reviving; renascent
|
|
|
commensurate
|
"–adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 3. proportionate; adequate.
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|
|
carousal
|
–noun a noisy or drunken feast or social gathering; revelry
|
|
|
assent
|
verb (used without object) 1. to agree or concur; subscribe to (often fol. by to ): to assent to a statement
|
|
|
creed
|
noun 1. any system, doctrine, or formula of religious belief, as of a denomination. 2. any system or codification of belief or of opinion.
|
|
|
exculpatory
|
adjective tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt.
|
|
|
impedimenta
|
plural noun baggage or other things that retard one's progress, as supplies carried by an army: the impedimenta of the weekend skier.
|
|
|
quixotical
|
extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
|
|
|
suffusion
|
"verb (used with object), -fused, -fus·ing. to overspread with or as with a liquid, color, etcpervade, diffuse, bathe, flood.
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|
latitude
|
scope for freedom of action, thought, etc; freedom from restriction: his parents gave him a great deal of latitude
|
|
|
squelch
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to strike or press with crushing force; crush down; squash. 2. to put down, suppress, or silence, as with a crushing retort or argument.
|
|
|
consternate
|
" vb ( tr; usually passive ) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion
|
|
|
vespertine
|
"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or occurring in the evening: vespertine stillness. 2. Botany . opening or expanding in the evening, as certain flowers.
|
|
|
haptic
|
Function: adj 1 : relating to or based on the sense of touch haptic mode of perception — Colin Gordon > 2 : characterized by a predilection for the sense of touch haptic person>
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|
|
vituperate
|
—Synonyms censure, vilify, berate
|
|
|
insurgent
|
" rebellious, revolutionary, mutinous.
|
|
|
agnosia
|
"n loss or diminution of the ability to recognize familiar objects or stimuli usually as a result of brain damage see visual agnosia
|
|
|
grotesque
|
odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre
|
|
|
proffer
|
Synonyms proffering 1. volunteer, propose, sugges tverb (used with object) 1. to put before a person for acceptance
|
|
|
heliolatry
|
–noun worship of the sun.
|
|
|
janus
|
" n the Roman god of doorways, passages, and bridges. In art he is depicted with two heads facing opposite ways
|
|
|
amok
|
" n 1. a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays adj 2. run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
|
|
|
inerrant
|
adjective free from error; infallible
|
|
|
remiss
|
–adjective 1. negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc.: He's terribly remiss in his work. 2. characterized by negligence or carelessness. 3. lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish
|
|
|
hunky dory
|
"fine; okay. : As a matter of fact, everything is just hunky-dory.
|
|
|
oleaginous
|
"— adj resembling or having the properties of oil 2. containing or producing oil
|
|
|
commensurate
|
"–adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 3. proportionate; adequate.
|
|
|
traducer
|
verb (used with object), -duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character
|
|
|
assent
|
verb (used without object) 1. to agree or concur; subscribe to (often fol. by to ): to assent to a statement
|
|
|
threnody
|
noun, plural -dies. a poem, speech, or song of lamentation, esp. for the dead; dirge; funeral song.
|
|
|
exculpatory
|
adjective tending to clear from a charge of fault or guilt.
|
|
|
rectitude.
|
"noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives. 2. correctness: rectitude of judgment.
|
|
|
quixotical
|
extravagantly chivalrous or romantic; visionary, impractical, or impracticable.
|
|
|
dowries
|
–noun, plural -ries. 1. Also, dower. the money, goods, or estate that a wife brings to her husband at marriage.
|
|
|
latitude
|
scope for freedom of action, thought, etc; freedom from restriction: his parents gave him a great deal of latitude
|
|
|
misogynist
|
–noun hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
|
|
|
consternate
|
" vb ( tr; usually passive ) to fill with anxiety, dismay, dread, or confusion
|
|
|
emissaries
|
noun 1. a representative sent on a mission or errand: emissaries to negotiate a peace. 2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
|
|
|
haptic
|
Function: adj 1 : relating to or based on the sense of touch haptic mode of perception — Colin Gordon > 2 : characterized by a predilection for the sense of touch haptic person>
|
|
|
syncopate
|
–verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. BREAK 1. Music a. to place (the accents) on beats that are normally unaccented
|
|
|
insurgent
|
" rebellious, revolutionary, mutinous.
|
|
|
intimation
|
verb (used with object), -mat·ed, -mat·ing BREAK 1. to indicate or make known indirectly; hint; imply; suggest
|
|
|
grotesque
|
odd or unnatural in shape, appearance, or character; fantastically ugly or absurd; bizarre
|
|
|
ingenuity
|
noun, plural -ties 1. the quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; inventiveness: a designer of great ingenuity
|
|
|
heliolatry
|
–noun worship of the sun.
|
|
|
plucky
|
adjective, pluck·i·er, pluck·i·est. having or showing pluck or courage; brave: The drowning swimmer was rescued by a plucky schoolboy.
|
|
|
amok
|
" n 1. a state of murderous frenzy, originally observed among Malays adj 2. run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
|
|
|
waive
|
"verb (used with object), waived, waiv·ing. 1. to refrain from claiming or insisting on; give up; forgo: to waive one's right; to waive one's rank; to waive honors.
|
|
|
remiss
|
–adjective 1. negligent, careless, or slow in performing one's duty, business, etc.: He's terribly remiss in his work. 2. characterized by negligence or carelessness. 3. lacking force or energy; languid; sluggish
|
|
|
eidetic
|
"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or constituting visual imagery vividly experienced and readily reproducible with great accuracy and in great detail.
|
|
|
oleaginous
|
"— adj resembling or having the properties of oil 2. containing or producing oil
|
|
|
equity
|
"–noun,plural-ties 1.the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality: the equity of Solomon. 2.something that is fair and just.
|
|
|
traducer
|
verb (used with object), -duced, -duc·ing. to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character
|
|
|
praxis
|
noun practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of knowledge or skills 2. convention, habit, or custom.
|
|
|
threnody
|
noun, plural -dies. a poem, speech, or song of lamentation, esp. for the dead; dirge; funeral song.
|
|
|
envisage
|
–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag·ing to contemplate; visualize: He envisages an era of great scientific discoveries
|
|
|
rectitude.
|
"noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives. 2. correctness: rectitude of judgment.
|
|
|
taradiddle
|
noun Informal 1. a small lie; fib 2. pretentious nonsense
|
|
|
dowries
|
–noun, plural -ries. 1. Also, dower. the money, goods, or estate that a wife brings to her husband at marriage.
|
|
|
purport
|
verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official. 2. to convey to the mind as the meaning or thing intended; express or imply.
|
|
|
misogynist
|
–noun hatred, dislike, or mistrust of women
|
|
|
leniency
|
noun, plural -cies. 1. the quality or state of being lenient. 2. a lenient act
|
|
|
emissaries
|
noun 1. a representative sent on a mission or errand: emissaries to negotiate a peace. 2. an agent sent on a mission of a secret nature, as a spy.
|
|
|
pathetic
|
adjective 1. causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable: a pathetic letter; a pathetic sight. 2. affecting or moving the feelings
|
|
|
syncopate
|
–verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. BREAK 1. Music a. to place (the accents) on beats that are normally unaccented
|
|
|
querulous
|
"–adjective 1. full of complaints; complaining. 2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
|
|
|
intimation
|
verb (used with object), -mat·ed, -mat·ing BREAK 1. to indicate or make known indirectly; hint; imply; suggest
|
|
|
demagogue
|
"noun 1. a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people. verb 3. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
|
|
|
ingenuity
|
noun, plural -ties 1. the quality of being cleverly inventive or resourceful; inventiveness: a designer of great ingenuity
|
|
|
superfluous
|
adjective 1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2. unnecessary or needless
|
|
|
plucky
|
adjective, pluck·i·er, pluck·i·est. having or showing pluck or courage; brave: The drowning swimmer was rescued by a plucky schoolboy.
|
|
|
loquacity
|
"–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being loquacious; talkativeness; garrulity.
|
|
|
waive
|
"verb (used with object), waived, waiv·ing. 1. to refrain from claiming or insisting on; give up; forgo: to waive one's right; to waive one's rank; to waive honors.
|
|
|
inexorable
|
"–adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
|
|
|
eidetic
|
"adjective 1. of, pertaining to, or constituting visual imagery vividly experienced and readily reproducible with great accuracy and in great detail.
|
|
|
obstinate
|
" adj 1. adhering fixedly to a particular opinion, attitude, course of action, etc 2. self-willed or headstrong
|
|
|
equity
|
"–noun,plural-ties 1.the quality of being fair or impartial; fairness; impartiality: the equity of Solomon. 2.something that is fair and just.
|
|
|
pertinacious
|
–adjective 1. holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute. 2. stubborn or obstinate
|
|
|
praxis
|
noun practice, as distinguished from theory; application or use, as of knowledge or skills 2. convention, habit, or custom.
|
|
|
resolute
|
"adjective 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.
|
|
|
envisage
|
–verb (used with object), -aged, -ag·ing to contemplate; visualize: He envisages an era of great scientific discoveries
|
|
|
machismo
|
adjective BREAK 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. BREAK 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc
|
|
|
taradiddle
|
noun Informal 1. a small lie; fib 2. pretentious nonsense
|
|
|
bastion
|
"noun 1. Fortification . a projecting portion of a rampart or fortification that forms an irregular pentagon attached at the base to the main work. 2. a fortified place.
|
|
|
purport
|
verb (used with object) 1. to present, esp. deliberately, the appearance of being; profess or claim, often falsely: a document purporting to be official. 2. to convey to the mind as the meaning or thing intended; express or imply.
|
|
|
quintessential
|
noun 1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance. 2. the most perfect embodiment of something
|
|
|
leniency
|
noun, plural -cies. 1. the quality or state of being lenient. 2. a lenient act
|
|
|
vis a vis
|
adverb 1. face to face: They SAT vis-à-vis at the table. –adjective 2. face-to-face: a vis-à-vis encounter.
|
|
|
pathetic
|
adjective 1. causing or evoking pity, sympathetic sadness, sorrow, etc.; pitiful; pitiable: a pathetic letter; a pathetic sight. 2. affecting or moving the feelings
|
|
|
suasion
|
noun 1. the act of advising, urging, or attempting to persuade; persuasion. 2. an instance of this; a persuasive effort.
|
|
|
querulous
|
"–adjective 1. full of complaints; complaining. 2. characterized by or uttered in complaint; peevish: a querulous tone; constant querulous reminders of things to be done.
|
|
|
epitaph
|
noun 1. a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary monument about the person buried at that site. 2. a brief poem or other writing in praise of a deceased person.
|
|
|
demagogue
|
"noun 1. a person, esp. an orator or political leader, who gains power and popularity by arousing the emotions, passions, and prejudices of the people. verb 3. to treat or manipulate (a political issue) in the manner of a demagogue; obscure or distort with emotionalism, prejudice, etc.
|
|
|
matriculate
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree.
|
|
|
superfluous
|
adjective 1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive. 2. unnecessary or needless
|
|
|
peonage
|
noun 1. the condition or service of a peon. 2. the practice of holding persons in servitude or partial slavery, as to work off a debt or to serve a penal sentence.
|
|
|
loquacity
|
"–noun, plural -ties. 1. the state of being loquacious; talkativeness; garrulity.
|
|
|
cogent
|
adjective 1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling. 2. to the point; relevant; pertinent
|
|
|
inexorable
|
"–adjective 1. unyielding; unalterable: inexorable truth; inexorable justice. 2. not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties: an inexorable creditor.
|
|
|
obfuscate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
|
|
|
obstinate
|
" adj 1. adhering fixedly to a particular opinion, attitude, course of action, etc 2. self-willed or headstrong
|
|
|
muliebrity
|
"noun 1. womanly nature or qualities. 2. womanhood.
|
|
|
pertinacious
|
–adjective 1. holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute. 2. stubborn or obstinate
|
|
|
repute
|
noun 1. estimation in the view of others; reputation: persons of good repute. 2. favorable reputation; good name; public respect
|
|
|
resolute
|
"adjective 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc.
|
|
|
chevron
|
noun 1. a badge consisting of stripes meeting at an angle, worn on the sleeve by noncommissioned officers, police officers, etc., as an indication of rank, service, or the like. 2. an ornament in this form, as on a molding
|
|
|
machismo
|
adjective BREAK 1. firmly resolved or determined; set in purpose or opinion. BREAK 2. characterized by firmness and determination, as the temper, spirit, actions, etc
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|
probity
|
noun integrity and uprightness; honesty
|
|
|
bastion
|
"noun 1. Fortification . a projecting portion of a rampart or fortification that forms an irregular pentagon attached at the base to the main work. 2. a fortified place.
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|
|
perpend
|
noun a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall
|
|
|
quintessential
|
noun 1. the pure and concentrated essence of a substance. 2. the most perfect embodiment of something
|
|
|
proselytize
|
verb to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
|
|
|
vis a vis
|
adverb 1. face to face: They SAT vis-à-vis at the table. –adjective 2. face-to-face: a vis-à-vis encounter.
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|
|
vamoose
|
verb (used without object) 1. to leave hurriedly or quickly; decamp.
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|
suasion
|
noun 1. the act of advising, urging, or attempting to persuade; persuasion. 2. an instance of this; a persuasive effort.
|
|
|
foraging
|
noun 1. the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.
|
|
|
epitaph
|
noun 1. a commemorative inscription on a tomb or mortuary monument about the person buried at that site. 2. a brief poem or other writing in praise of a deceased person.
|
|
|
hysteria
|
–noun 1. an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrationality, laughter, weeping, etc
|
|
|
matriculate
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to enroll in a college or university as a candidate for a degree.
|
|
|
lurch
|
"–noun 1. an act or instance of swaying abruptly. 2. a sudden tip or roll to one side, as of a ship or a staggering person.
|
|
|
peonage
|
noun 1. the condition or service of a peon. 2. the practice of holding persons in servitude or partial slavery, as to work off a debt or to serve a penal sentence.
|
|
|
loath
|
adjective unwilling; reluctant; disinclined; averse: to be loath to admit a mistake.
|
|
|
cogent
|
adjective 1. convincing or believable by virtue of forcible, clear, or incisive presentation; telling. 2. to the point; relevant; pertinent
|
|
|
aberrant
|
–adjective 1. departing from the right, normal, or usual course. 2. deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional; abnormal
|
|
|
obfuscate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy. 2. to make obscure or unclear: to obfuscate a problem with extraneous information.
|
|
|
inundation
|
verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing. 1. to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge. 2. to overwhelm: inundated with letters of protest
|
|
|
muliebrity
|
"noun 1. womanly nature or qualities. 2. womanhood.
|
|
|
primeval
|
–adjective of or pertaining to the first age or ages, esp. of the world: primeval forms of life
|
|
|
repute
|
noun 1. estimation in the view of others; reputation: persons of good repute. 2. favorable reputation; good name; public respect
|
|
|
metonymy
|
–noun Rhetoric a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part, as “scepter” for “sovereignty,” or “the bottle” for “strong drink,” or “count heads (or noses)” for “count people.”
|
|
|
chevron
|
noun 1. a badge consisting of stripes meeting at an angle, worn on the sleeve by noncommissioned officers, police officers, etc., as an indication of rank, service, or the like. 2. an ornament in this form, as on a molding
|
|
|
sesquipedalianism
|
given to using long words. 2. (of a word) containing many syllables
|
|
|
probity
|
noun integrity and uprightness; honesty
|
|
|
idiom
|
noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics. 2. a language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to a people
|
|
|
perpend
|
noun a large stone passing through the entire thickness of a wall
|
|
|
doula
|
noun a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth.
|
|
|
proselytize
|
verb to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit.
|
|
|
exonerate
|
"noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics.
|
|
|
vamoose
|
verb (used without object) 1. to leave hurriedly or quickly; decamp.
|
|
|
valetudinarian
|
noun 1. an invalid. 2. a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments. –adjective 3. in poor health; sickly; invalid. 4. excessively concerned about one's poor health or ailments
|
|
|
foraging
|
noun 1. the acquisition of food by hunting, fishing, or the gathering of plant matter.
|
|
|
aesthetics
|
noun ( used with a singular verb ) 1. the branch of philosophy dealing with such notions as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc., as applicable to the fine arts, with a view to establishing the meaning and validity of critical judgments concerning works of art, and the principles underlying or justifying such judgments.
|
|
|
hysteria
|
–noun 1. an uncontrollable outburst of emotion or fear, often characterized by irrationality, laughter, weeping, etc
|
|
|
askesis
|
–noun, plural strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.
|
|
|
lurch
|
"–noun 1. an act or instance of swaying abruptly. 2. a sudden tip or roll to one side, as of a ship or a staggering person.
|
|
|
moil
|
"verb (used without object) 1. to work hard; drudge. 2. to whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy. –verb (used with object) –noun 4. hard work or drudgery.
|
|
|
loath
|
adjective unwilling; reluctant; disinclined; averse: to be loath to admit a mistake.
|
|
|
innominate
|
adjective having no name; nameless; anonymous.
|
|
|
aberrant
|
–adjective 1. departing from the right, normal, or usual course. 2. deviating from the ordinary, usual, or normal type; exceptional; abnormal
|
|
|
nidus
|
"noun, plural 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs.
|
|
|
inundation
|
verb (used with object), -dat·ed, -dat·ing. 1. to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge. 2. to overwhelm: inundated with letters of protest
|
|
|
efficacious
|
adjective capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.: The medicine is efficacious in stopping a cough.
|
|
|
primeval
|
–adjective of or pertaining to the first age or ages, esp. of the world: primeval forms of life
|
|
|
vapid
|
adjective 1. lacking or having lost life, sharpness, or flavor; insipid; flat: vapid tea. 2. without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious: a vapid party; vapid conversation.
|
|
|
metonymy
|
–noun Rhetoric a figure of speech that consists of the use of the name of one object or concept for that of another to which it is related, or of which it is a part, as “scepter” for “sovereignty,” or “the bottle” for “strong drink,” or “count heads (or noses)” for “count people.”
|
|
|
auscultated
|
to examine by auscultation
|
|
|
sesquipedalianism
|
given to using long words. 2. (of a word) containing many syllables
|
|
|
disport
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to divert or amuse (oneself). 2. to display (oneself) in a sportive manner: The picnickers disported themselves merrily on the beach.
|
|
|
idiom
|
noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics. 2. a language, dialect, or style of speaking peculiar to a people
|
|
|
solipsist/solipsismal
|
–noun 1. Philosophy . the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist. 2. extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption
|
|
|
doula
|
noun a woman who assists women during labor and after childbirth.
|
|
|
oneiric
|
adjective of or pertaining to dreams.
|
|
|
exonerate
|
"noun 1. an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its constituent elements, as kick the bucket or hang one's head, or from the general grammatical rules of a language, as the table round for the round table, and that is not a constituent of a larger expression of like characteristics.
|
|
|
inculcation
|
verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually fol. by upon or in ): to inculcate virtue in the young. 2. to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually fol. by with ): Socrates inculcated his pupils with the love of truth.
|
|
|
valetudinarian
|
noun 1. an invalid. 2. a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments. –adjective 3. in poor health; sickly; invalid. 4. excessively concerned about one's poor health or ailments
|
|
|
dishabille
|
noun 1. the state of being dressed in a careless, disheveled, or disorderly style or manner; undress. 2. a garment worn in undress
|
|
|
aesthetics
|
noun ( used with a singular verb ) 1. the branch of philosophy dealing with such notions as the beautiful, the ugly, the sublime, the comic, etc., as applicable to the fine arts, with a view to establishing the meaning and validity of critical judgments concerning works of art, and the principles underlying or justifying such judgments.
|
|
|
impervious
|
"adjective 1. not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable: The coat is impervious to rain. 2. incapable of being injured or impaired: impervious to wear and tear.
|
|
|
askesis
|
–noun, plural strict self-discipline or self-control, as for religious or meditative purposes.
|
|
|
esthetic
|
adjective 1. pertaining to a sense of the beautiful or to the science of aesthetics. 2. having a sense of the beautiful; characterized by a love of beauty. 3. pertaining to, involving, or concerned with pure emotion and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality. –noun 4. a philosophical theory or idea of what is aesthetically valid at a given time and place: the clean lines, bare surfaces, and sense of space that bespeak the machine-age aesthetic
|
|
|
interlard
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to diversify by adding or interjecting something unique, striking, or contrasting (usually fol. by with ): to interlard one's speech with oaths. 2. (of things) to be intermixed in
|
|
|
moil
|
"verb (used without object) 1. to work hard; drudge. 2. to whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy. –verb (used with object) –noun 4. hard work or drudgery.
|
|
|
innominate
|
adjective having no name; nameless; anonymous.
|
|
|
deference
|
"noun 1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
|
|
|
nidus
|
"noun, plural 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs.
|
|
|
manus
|
–noun, plural -nus 1. Anatomy, Zoology . the distal segment of the forelimb of a vertebrate, including the carpus and the forefoot or hand. 2. Roman Law . power over persons, as that of the husband over the wife
|
|
|
efficacious
|
adjective capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy, etc.: The medicine is efficacious in stopping a cough.
|
|
|
manumit
|
–verb (used with object), -mit·ted, -mit·ting. to release from slavery or servitude.
|
|
|
vapid
|
adjective 1. lacking or having lost life, sharpness, or flavor; insipid; flat: vapid tea. 2. without liveliness or spirit; dull or tedious: a vapid party; vapid conversation.
|
|
|
extirpation
|
verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. 1. to remove or destroy totally; do away with; exterminate. 2. to pull up by or as if by the roots; root up: to extirpate an unwanted hair
|
|
|
auscultated
|
to examine by auscultation
|
|
|
occult
|
adjective 1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies. 2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
|
|
|
disport
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to divert or amuse (oneself). 2. to display (oneself) in a sportive manner: The picnickers disported themselves merrily on the beach.
|
|
|
prose
|
"–noun 1. the ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure, as distinguished from poetry or verse. 2. matter-of-fact, commonplace, or dull expression, quality, discourse, etc.
|
|
|
solipsist/solipsismal
|
–noun 1. Philosophy . the theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist. 2. extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires, etc.; egoistic self-absorption
|
|
|
bedizen
|
–verb (used with object) to dress or adorn in a showy, gaudy, or tasteless manner.
|
|
|
oneiric
|
adjective of or pertaining to dreams.
|
|
|
sybaritic
|
adjective 1. ( usually lowercase ) pertaining to or characteristic of a sybarite; characterized by or loving luxury or sensuous pleasure: to wallow in sybaritic splendor. 2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Sybaris or its inhabitants.
|
|
|
inculcation
|
verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly (usually fol. by upon or in ): to inculcate virtue in the young. 2. to cause or influence (someone) to accept an idea or feeling (usually fol. by with ): Socrates inculcated his pupils with the love of truth.
|
|
|
farcical
|
adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of farce. 2. resembling farce; ludicrous; absurd.
|
|
|
dishabille
|
noun 1. the state of being dressed in a careless, disheveled, or disorderly style or manner; undress. 2. a garment worn in undress
|
|
|
incendiarism
|
–noun 1. the act or practice of an arsonist; malicious burning. 2. inflammatory behavior; agitation
|
|
|
impervious
|
"adjective 1. not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable: The coat is impervious to rain. 2. incapable of being injured or impaired: impervious to wear and tear.
|
|
|
conflagration
|
–noun a destructive fire, usually an extensive one
|
|
|
esthetic
|
adjective 1. pertaining to a sense of the beautiful or to the science of aesthetics. 2. having a sense of the beautiful; characterized by a love of beauty. 3. pertaining to, involving, or concerned with pure emotion and sensation as opposed to pure intellectuality. –noun 4. a philosophical theory or idea of what is aesthetically valid at a given time and place: the clean lines, bare surfaces, and sense of space that bespeak the machine-age aesthetic
|
|
|
superlative
|
–adjective 1. of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme: superlative wisdom. BREAK 2. Grammar . of, pertaining to, or noting the highest degree of the comparison of adjectives and adverbs, as smallest, best, and most carefully, the superlative forms of small, good,
|
|
|
interlard
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to diversify by adding or interjecting something unique, striking, or contrasting (usually fol. by with ): to interlard one's speech with oaths. 2. (of things) to be intermixed in
|
|
|
victual
|
–noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings
|
|
|
deference
|
"noun 1. respectful submission or yielding to the judgment, opinion, will, etc., of another.
|
|
|
acclamation
|
–noun 1. a loud shout or other demonstration of welcome, goodwill, or approval. 2. act of acclaiming
|
|
|
manus
|
–noun, plural -nus 1. Anatomy, Zoology . the distal segment of the forelimb of a vertebrate, including the carpus and the forefoot or hand. 2. Roman Law . power over persons, as that of the husband over the wife
|
|
|
precedence
|
"–noun 1. act or fact of preceding. 2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority. 3. the fact of preceding in time; antedating.
|
|
|
manumit
|
–verb (used with object), -mit·ted, -mit·ting. to release from slavery or servitude.
|
|
|
prognosticate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy. 2. to foretoken; presage: birds prognosticating spring
|
|
|
extirpation
|
verb (used with object), -pat·ed, -pat·ing. 1. to remove or destroy totally; do away with; exterminate. 2. to pull up by or as if by the roots; root up: to extirpate an unwanted hair
|
|
|
popinjay
|
"noun 1. a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter; coxcomb; fop.
|
|
|
occult
|
adjective 1. of or pertaining to magic, astrology, or any system claiming use or knowledge of secret or supernatural powers or agencies. 2. beyond the range of ordinary knowledge or understanding; mysterious.
|
|
|
embarkation
|
–noun the act, process, or an instance of embarking
|
|
|
prose
|
"–noun 1. the ordinary form of spoken or written language, without metrical structure, as distinguished from poetry or verse. 2. matter-of-fact, commonplace, or dull expression, quality, discourse, etc.
|
|
|
unprecedent
|
adjective without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled: an unprecedented event.
|
|
|
bedizen
|
–verb (used with object) to dress or adorn in a showy, gaudy, or tasteless manner.
|
|
|
tumult
|
–noun 1. violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar: The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech
|
|
|
sybaritic
|
adjective 1. ( usually lowercase ) pertaining to or characteristic of a sybarite; characterized by or loving luxury or sensuous pleasure: to wallow in sybaritic splendor. 2. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Sybaris or its inhabitants.
|
|
|
oddities
|
"–noun 1. an odd or remarkably unusual person, thing, or event. 2. the quality of being odd; singularity, strangeness, or eccentricity.
|
|
|
farcical
|
adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of farce. 2. resembling farce; ludicrous; absurd.
|
|
|
denigrate
|
"–verb (used with object), -grat·ed, -grat·ing. 1. to speak damagingly of; criticize in a derogatory manner; sully; defame: to denigrate someone's character. 2. to treat or represent as lacking in value or importance; belittle; disparage: to denigrate someone's contributions to a project.
|
|
|
incendiarism
|
–noun 1. the act or practice of an arsonist; malicious burning. 2. inflammatory behavior; agitation
|
|
|
portentous
|
–adjective 1. of the nature of a portent; momentous. 2. ominously significant or indicative: a portentous defeat. 3. marvelous; amazing; prodigious.
|
|
|
conflagration
|
–noun a destructive fire, usually an extensive one
|
|
|
prelude
|
"–noun 1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance. 2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
|
|
|
superlative
|
–adjective 1. of the highest kind, quality, or order; surpassing all else or others; supreme; extreme: superlative wisdom. BREAK 2. Grammar . of, pertaining to, or noting the highest degree of the comparison of adjectives and adverbs, as smallest, best, and most carefully, the superlative forms of small, good,
|
|
|
exigent
|
–adjective 1. requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing. 2. requiring a great deal, or more than is reasonable
|
|
|
victual
|
–noun 1. victuals, food supplies; provisions. 2. food or provisions for human beings
|
|
|
exiguous
|
adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
|
|
|
acclamation
|
–noun 1. a loud shout or other demonstration of welcome, goodwill, or approval. 2. act of acclaiming
|
|
|
caustic
|
–adjective 1. capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. 2. severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark
|
|
|
precedence
|
"–noun 1. act or fact of preceding. 2. the right to precede in order, rank, or importance; priority. 3. the fact of preceding in time; antedating.
|
|
|
chock
|
–noun 1. a wedge or block of wood, metal, or the like, for filling in a space, holding an object steady, etc
|
|
|
prognosticate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to forecast or predict (something future) from present indications or signs; prophesy. 2. to foretoken; presage: birds prognosticating spring
|
|
|
whet
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction. 2. to make keen or eager; stimulate: to whet the appetite; to whet the curiosity.
|
|
|
popinjay
|
"noun 1. a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter; coxcomb; fop.
|
|
|
fatidic
|
–adjective prophetic
|
|
|
embarkation
|
–noun the act, process, or an instance of embarking
|
|
|
deprecate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
|
|
|
unprecedent
|
adjective without previous instance; never before known or experienced; unexampled or unparalleled: an unprecedented event.
|
|
|
tempestuous
|
"adjective 1. characterized by or subject to tempests: the tempestuous ocean. 2. of the nature of or resembling a tempest: a tempestuous wind.
|
|
|
tumult
|
–noun 1. violent and noisy commotion or disturbance of a crowd or mob; uproar: The tumult reached its height during the premier's speech
|
|
|
axiomatic
|
"adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of an axiom; self-evident; obvious; requiring no proof. 2. aphoristic.
|
|
|
oddities
|
"–noun 1. an odd or remarkably unusual person, thing, or event. 2. the quality of being odd; singularity, strangeness, or eccentricity.
|
|
|
fatuous
|
"adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly. 2. unreal; illusory.
|
|
|
denigrate
|
"–verb (used with object), -grat·ed, -grat·ing. 1. to speak damagingly of; criticize in a derogatory manner; sully; defame: to denigrate someone's character. 2. to treat or represent as lacking in value or importance; belittle; disparage: to denigrate someone's contributions to a project.
|
|
|
inane
|
–adjective 1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void
|
|
|
portentous
|
–adjective 1. of the nature of a portent; momentous. 2. ominously significant or indicative: a portentous defeat. 3. marvelous; amazing; prodigious.
|
|
|
felicitate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate
|
|
|
prelude
|
"–noun 1. a preliminary to an action, event, condition, or work of broader scope and higher importance. 2. any action, event, comment, etc. that precedes something else.
|
|
|
convivial
|
adjective 1. friendly; agreeable: a convivial atmosphere. 2. fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company; jovial. 3. of or befitting a feast; festive.
|
|
|
exigent
|
–adjective 1. requiring immediate action or aid; urgent; pressing. 2. requiring a great deal, or more than is reasonable
|
|
|
throes
|
"noun 1. a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm. 2.a sharp attack of emotion. 3. throes, a. any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle. b. the agony of death. c. the pains of childbirth.
|
|
|
exiguous
|
adjective scanty; meager; small; slender: exiguous income.
|
|
|
billet
|
noun 1. lodging for a soldier, student, etc., as in a private home or nonmilitary public building.
|
|
|
caustic
|
–adjective 1. capable of burning, corroding, or destroying living tissue. 2. severely critical or sarcastic: a caustic remark
|
|
|
reverberant
|
adjective reverberating; reechoing: the reverberant booms of cannon.
|
|
|
chock
|
–noun 1. a wedge or block of wood, metal, or the like, for filling in a space, holding an object steady, etc
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epitome
|
noun 1. a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class: He is the epitome of goodness. 2. a condensed account, esp. of a literary work; abstract.
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whet
|
"–verb (used with object) 1. to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction. 2. to make keen or eager; stimulate: to whet the appetite; to whet the curiosity.
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mollify
|
verb 1. to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease. 2. to mitigate or reduce; soften: to mollify one's demands.
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fatidic
|
–adjective prophetic
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affront
|
"noun 1. a personally offensive act or word; deliberate act or display of disrespect; intentional slight; insult: an affront to the king. 2. an offense to one's dignity or self-respect. verb 3. to offend by an open manifestation of disrespect or insolence: His speech affronted all of us. 4. to make ashamed or confused; embarrass. 5.Archaic . to front; face; look on. 6.Obsolete . to meet or encounter face to face; confront.
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deprecate
|
"–verb (used with object), -cat·ed, -cat·ing. 1. to express earnest disapproval of. 2. to urge reasons against; protest against (a scheme, purpose, etc.).
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peter
|
verb 1. to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing: The hot water always peters out in the middle of my shower. 2. to tire; exhaust (usually used as a past participle): I'm petered out after that walk.
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tempestuous
|
"adjective 1. characterized by or subject to tempests: the tempestuous ocean. 2. of the nature of or resembling a tempest: a tempestuous wind.
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relic
|
noun 1. a surviving memorial of something past.
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axiomatic
|
"adjective 1. pertaining to or of the nature of an axiom; self-evident; obvious; requiring no proof. 2. aphoristic.
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incipient
|
adjective beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.
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fatuous
|
"adjective 1. foolish or inane, esp. in an unconscious, complacent manner; silly. 2. unreal; illusory.
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inchoate
|
adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient. 3. not organized; lacking order: an inchoate mass of ideas on the subject.
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inane
|
–adjective 1. lacking sense, significance, or ideas; silly: inane questions. 2. empty; void
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polity
|
noun 1. a particular form or system of government: civil polity; ecclesiastical polity. 2. the condition of being constituted as a state or other organized community or body: The polity of ancient Athens became a standard for later governments. 3. government or administrative regulation: The colonists demanded independence in matters of internal polity. 4. a state or other organized community or body.
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felicitate
|
–verb (used with object) 1. to compliment upon a happy event; congratulate
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squalid
|
adjective 1. foul and repulsive, as from lack of care or cleanliness; neglected and filthy. 2. wretched; miserable; degraded; sordid.
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convivial
|
adjective 1. friendly; agreeable: a convivial atmosphere. 2. fond of feasting, drinking, and merry company; jovial. 3. of or befitting a feast; festive.
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exemplar
|
noun 1.a model or pattern to be copied or imitated: Washington is the exemplar of patriotic virtue. 2. a typical example or instance. 3. an original or archetype: Plato thought nature but a copy of ideal exemplars. 4. a copy of a book or text.
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throes
|
"noun 1. a violent spasm or pang; paroxysm. 2.a sharp attack of emotion. 3. throes, a. any violent convulsion or struggle: the throes of battle. b. the agony of death. c. the pains of childbirth.
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thwart
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose. 2. to frustrate or baffle (a plan, purpose, etc.). noun 3. a seat across a boat, esp. one used by a rower. 4. a transverse member spreading the gunwales of a canoe or the like. adjective 5. passing or lying crosswise or across; cross; transverse. 6. perverse; obstinate.
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billet
|
noun 1. lodging for a soldier, student, etc., as in a private home or nonmilitary public building.
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perusal
|
noun 1. a reading: a perusal of the current books. 2. the act of perusing; survey; scrutiny: A more careful perusal yields this conclusion.
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reverberant
|
adjective reverberating; reechoing: the reverberant booms of cannon.
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atomistic
|
"noun 1. Also called atomic theory. Philosophy . the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter. 2. Psychology . a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
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epitome
|
noun 1. a person or thing that is typical of or possesses to a high degree the features of a whole class: He is the epitome of goodness. 2. a condensed account, esp. of a literary work; abstract.
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apposite
|
adjective suitable; well-adapted; pertinent; relevant; apt: an apposite answer.
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mollify
|
verb 1. to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease. 2. to mitigate or reduce; soften: to mollify one's demands.
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abeyance
|
noun 1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while. 2. Law . a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance.
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affront
|
"noun 1. a personally offensive act or word; deliberate act or display of disrespect; intentional slight; insult: an affront to the king. 2. an offense to one's dignity or self-respect. verb 3. to offend by an open manifestation of disrespect or insolence: His speech affronted all of us. 4. to make ashamed or confused; embarrass. 5.Archaic . to front; face; look on. 6.Obsolete . to meet or encounter face to face; confront.
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promulgate
|
verb 1. to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.). 2. to set forth or teach publicly (a creed, doctrine, etc.).
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peter
|
verb 1. to diminish gradually and stop; dwindle to nothing: The hot water always peters out in the middle of my shower. 2. to tire; exhaust (usually used as a past participle): I'm petered out after that walk.
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ennui
|
noun a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom: The endless lecture produced an unbearable ennui.
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relic
|
noun 1. a surviving memorial of something past.
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innards
|
noun ( used with a plural verb ) 1. the internal parts of the body; entrails or viscera. 2. the internal mechanism, parts, structure, etc., of something; the interior of something: an engine's innards.
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incipient
|
adjective beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage: an incipient cold.
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infinitesimal
|
"adjective 1. indefinitely or exceedingly small; minute: infinitesimal vessels in the circulatory system. 2. immeasurably small; less than an assignable quantity: to an infinitesimal degree. 3. of, pertaining to, or involving infinitesimals. noun 4. an infinitesimal quantity.
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inchoate
|
adjective 1. not yet completed or fully developed; rudimentary. 2. just begun; incipient. 3. not organized; lacking order: an inchoate mass of ideas on the subject.
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moribund
|
"adjective 1.in a dying state; near death. 2. on the verge of extinction or termination. 3. not progressing or advancing; stagnant: a moribund political party.
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polity
|
noun 1. a particular form or system of government: civil polity; ecclesiastical polity. 2. the condition of being constituted as a state or other organized community or body: The polity of ancient Athens became a standard for later governments. 3. government or administrative regulation: The colonists demanded independence in matters of internal polity. 4. a state or other organized community or body.
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multifarious
|
adjective 1.having many different parts, elements, forms, etc. 2.numerous and varied; greatly diverse or manifold: multifarious activities.
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squalid
|
adjective 1. foul and repulsive, as from lack of care or cleanliness; neglected and filthy. 2. wretched; miserable; degraded; sordid.
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malediction
|
noun 1. a curse; imprecation. 2. the utterance of a curse. 3. slander.
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exemplar
|
noun 1.a model or pattern to be copied or imitated: Washington is the exemplar of patriotic virtue. 2. a typical example or instance. 3. an original or archetype: Plato thought nature but a copy of ideal exemplars. 4. a copy of a book or text.
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contrived
|
"adjective obviously planned or forced; artificial; strained: a contrived story.
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thwart
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to oppose successfully; prevent from accomplishing a purpose. 2. to frustrate or baffle (a plan, purpose, etc.). noun 3. a seat across a boat, esp. one used by a rower. 4. a transverse member spreading the gunwales of a canoe or the like. adjective 5. passing or lying crosswise or across; cross; transverse. 6. perverse; obstinate.
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commensurate
|
adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 2. corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree: Your paycheck should be commensurate with the amount of time worked. 3. proportionate; adequate. 4. having a common measure; commensurable.
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perusal
|
noun 1. a reading: a perusal of the current books. 2. the act of perusing; survey; scrutiny: A more careful perusal yields this conclusion.
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coquettish
|
"noun 1. a woman who flirts lightheartedly with men to win their admiration and affection; flirt. verb (used without object) 2. to coquet.
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|
atomistic
|
"noun 1. Also called atomic theory. Philosophy . the theory that minute, discrete, finite, and indivisible elements are the ultimate constituents of all matter. 2. Psychology . a method or theory that reduces all psychological phenomena to simple elements.
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peccant
|
adjective 1.sinning; guilty of a moral offense. 2.violating a rule, principle, or established practice; faulty; wrong.
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apposite
|
adjective suitable; well-adapted; pertinent; relevant; apt: an apposite answer.
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|
opprobrium
|
noun 1.the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy. 2.a cause or object of such disgrace or reproach.
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abeyance
|
noun 1. temporary inactivity, cessation, or suspension: Let's hold that problem in abeyance for a while. 2. Law . a state or condition of real property in which title is not as yet vested in a known titleholder: an estate in abeyance.
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desiderata
|
noun something wanted or needed.
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|
promulgate
|
verb 1. to make known by open declaration; publish; proclaim formally or put into operation (a law, decree of a court, etc.). 2. to set forth or teach publicly (a creed, doctrine, etc.).
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lambasted
|
verb (used with object), -bast·ed, -bast·ing. Informal . 1.to beat or whip severely. 2.to reprimand or berate harshly; censure; excoriate.
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ennui
|
noun a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom: The endless lecture produced an unbearable ennui.
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diathesis
|
noun, plural -ses /-ˌsiz/ Show Spelled[-seez] Show IPA. Pathology . a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or affection.
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innards
|
noun ( used with a plural verb ) 1. the internal parts of the body; entrails or viscera. 2. the internal mechanism, parts, structure, etc., of something; the interior of something: an engine's innards.
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debauch
|
verb (used with object) 1.to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce. 2.to corrupt or pervert; sully: His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money. 3.Archaic . to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.
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infinitesimal
|
"adjective 1. indefinitely or exceedingly small; minute: infinitesimal vessels in the circulatory system. 2. immeasurably small; less than an assignable quantity: to an infinitesimal degree. 3. of, pertaining to, or involving infinitesimals. noun 4. an infinitesimal quantity.
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breath
|
noun 1.the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. 2.respiration, esp. as necessary to life. 3.life; vitality.
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moribund
|
"adjective 1.in a dying state; near death. 2. on the verge of extinction or termination. 3. not progressing or advancing; stagnant: a moribund political party.
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despotism
|
noun 1.the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority. 2.absolute power or control; tyranny. 3.an absolute or autocratic government.
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|
multifarious
|
adjective 1.having many different parts, elements, forms, etc. 2.numerous and varied; greatly diverse or manifold: multifarious activities.
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nepotism
|
noun patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics:
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malediction
|
noun 1. a curse; imprecation. 2. the utterance of a curse. 3. slander.
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votary
|
noun Also, vo·ta·rist. 1.a person who is bound by solemn religious vows, as a monk or a nun. 2.an adherent of a religion or cult; a worshiper of a particular deity or sacred personage. 3.a person who is devoted or addicted to some subject or pursuit: a votary of jazz.
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|
contrived
|
"adjective obviously planned or forced; artificial; strained: a contrived story.
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|
voluptuous
|
adjective 1.full of, characterized by, or ministering to indulgence in luxury, pleasure, and sensuous enjoyment: a voluptuous life. 2.derived from gratification of the senses: voluptuous pleasure. 3.directed toward or concerned with sensuous enjoyment or sensual pleasure: voluptuous desires.
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|
commensurate
|
adjective 1. having the same measure; of equal extent or duration. 2. corresponding in amount, magnitude, or degree: Your paycheck should be commensurate with the amount of time worked. 3. proportionate; adequate. 4. having a common measure; commensurable.
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|
invigorate
|
verb (used with object), -at·ed, -at·ing. to give vigor to; fill with life and energy; energize.
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|
coquettish
|
"noun 1. a woman who flirts lightheartedly with men to win their admiration and affection; flirt. verb (used without object) 2. to coquet.
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|
ruse
|
noun a trick, stratagem, or artifice.
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|
peccant
|
adjective 1.sinning; guilty of a moral offense. 2.violating a rule, principle, or established practice; faulty; wrong.
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|
|
illustrious
|
adjective 1.highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2.glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements. 3.Obsolete . luminous; bright.
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|
opprobrium
|
noun 1.the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful; infamy. 2.a cause or object of such disgrace or reproach.
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|
ghastly
|
adjective 1.shockingly frightful or dreadful; horrible: a ghastly murder. 2.resembling a ghost, esp. in being very pale: a ghastly look to his face. 3.terrible; very bad: a ghastly error.
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|
desiderata
|
noun something wanted or needed.
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|
incorrigible
|
adjective 1.not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform: incorrigible behavior; an incorrigible liar. 2.impervious to constraints or punishment; willful; unruly; uncontrollable: an incorrigible child; incorrigible hair. 3.firmly fixed; not easily changed: an incorrigible habit.
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|
|
lambasted
|
verb (used with object), -bast·ed, -bast·ing. Informal . 1.to beat or whip severely. 2.to reprimand or berate harshly; censure; excoriate.
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|
|
meddle
|
verb (used without object), -dled, -dling. to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly: Stop meddling in my personal life!
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|
|
diathesis
|
noun, plural -ses /-ˌsiz/ Show Spelled[-seez] Show IPA. Pathology . a constitutional predisposition or tendency, as to a particular disease or affection.
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|
|
discursive
|
djective 1.passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. 2.proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.
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|
debauch
|
verb (used with object) 1.to corrupt by sensuality, intemperance, etc.; seduce. 2.to corrupt or pervert; sully: His honesty was debauched by the prospect of easy money. 3.Archaic . to lead away, as from allegiance or duty.
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|
|
respite
|
noun 1. a delay or cessation for a time, esp. of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite. 2.temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
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|
breath
|
noun 1.the air inhaled and exhaled in respiration. 2.respiration, esp. as necessary to life. 3.life; vitality.
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|
rigmarole
|
noun 1.an elaborate or complicated procedure: to go through the rigmarole of a formal dinner. 2.confused, incoherent, foolish, or meaningless talk.
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|
despotism
|
noun 1.the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority. 2.absolute power or control; tyranny. 3.an absolute or autocratic government.
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|
|
salacious
|
adjective 1.lustful or lecherous. 2.(of writings, pictures, etc.) obscene; grossly indecent.
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|
ignominy
|
noun, plural -min·ies for 1.disgrace; dishonor; public contempt. 2.shameful or dishonorable quality or conduct or an instance of this.
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|
nepotism
|
noun patronage bestowed or favoritism shown on the basis of family relationship, as in business and politics:
|
|
|
amorous
|
adjective 1.inclined or disposed to love, esp. sexual love: an amorous disposition. 2.showing or expressing love: an amorous letter. 3.of or pertaining to love: amorous poetry.
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|
votary
|
noun Also, vo·ta·rist. 1.a person who is bound by solemn religious vows, as a monk or a nun. 2.an adherent of a religion or cult; a worshiper of a particular deity or sacred personage. 3.a person who is devoted or addicted to some subject or pursuit: a votary of jazz.
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|
|
ineffable
|
adjective 1.incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy. 2.not to be spoken because of its sacredness; unutterable: the ineffable name of the deity.
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|
voluptuous
|
adjective 1.full of, characterized by, or ministering to indulgence in luxury, pleasure, and sensuous enjoyment: a voluptuous life. 2.derived from gratification of the senses: voluptuous pleasure. 3.directed toward or concerned with sensuous enjoyment or sensual pleasure: voluptuous desires.
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|
jovial
|
adjective 1.endowed with or characterized by a hearty, joyous humor or a spirit of good-fellowship: a wonderfully jovial host. 2.( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the god Jove, or Jupiter.
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|
invigorate
|
verb (used with object), -at·ed, -at·ing. to give vigor to; fill with life and energy; energize.
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|
insipid
|
adjective 1. without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities; vapid: an insipid personality. 2. without sufficient taste to be pleasing, as food or drink; bland: a rather insipid soup.
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ruse
|
noun a trick, stratagem, or artifice.
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|
nidus
|
noun, plural -di 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs. 2. a place or point in an organism where a germ or other organism can develop or breed.
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|
|
illustrious
|
adjective 1.highly distinguished; renowned; famous: an illustrious leader. 2.glorious, as deeds or works: many illustrious achievements. 3.Obsolete . luminous; bright.
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|
|
ostensible
|
adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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|
ghastly
|
adjective 1.shockingly frightful or dreadful; horrible: a ghastly murder. 2.resembling a ghost, esp. in being very pale: a ghastly look to his face. 3.terrible; very bad: a ghastly error.
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|
|
myriad
|
noun 1. a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things. 2. ten thousand. –adjective 3. of an indefinitely great number; innumerable: the myriad stars of a summer night
|
|
|
incorrigible
|
adjective 1.not corrigible; bad beyond correction or reform: incorrigible behavior; an incorrigible liar. 2.impervious to constraints or punishment; willful; unruly; uncontrollable: an incorrigible child; incorrigible hair. 3.firmly fixed; not easily changed: an incorrigible habit.
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|
|
moue
|
noun a pouting grimace.
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|
meddle
|
verb (used without object), -dled, -dling. to involve oneself in a matter without right or invitation; interfere officiously and unwantedly: Stop meddling in my personal life!
|
|
|
imperilled
|
verb to put in peril or danger; endanger
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|
|
discursive
|
djective 1.passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling. 2.proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.
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|
cavil
|
–verb 1. to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually fol. by at or about ): He finds something to cavil at in everything I say.
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|
respite
|
noun 1. a delay or cessation for a time, esp. of anything distressing or trying; an interval of relief: to toil without respite. 2.temporary suspension of the execution of a person condemned to death; reprieve.
|
|
|
quibble
|
"noun 1. an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
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|
|
rigmarole
|
noun 1.an elaborate or complicated procedure: to go through the rigmarole of a formal dinner. 2.confused, incoherent, foolish, or meaningless talk.
|
|
|
demotic
|
"adjective BREAK 1. of or pertaining to the ordinary, everyday, current form of a language; vernacular: a poet with a keen ear for demotic rhythms. BREAK 2. of or pertaining to the common people; popular.
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|
salacious
|
adjective 1.lustful or lecherous. 2.(of writings, pictures, etc.) obscene; grossly indecent.
|
|
|
provocateur
|
"noun 1. a person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or the like; agitator.
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|
|
ignominy
|
noun, plural -min·ies for 1.disgrace; dishonor; public contempt. 2.shameful or dishonorable quality or conduct or an instance of this.
|
|
|
erasure
|
–noun BREAK 1. an act or instance of erasing. BREAK 2. a place where something has been erased; a spot or mark left after erasing: You can't sign a contract with so many erasures in it.
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|
|
amorous
|
adjective 1.inclined or disposed to love, esp. sexual love: an amorous disposition. 2.showing or expressing love: an amorous letter. 3.of or pertaining to love: amorous poetry.
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|
|
educe
|
"verb (used with object), e·duced, e·duc·ing. BREAK 1. to draw forth or bring out, as something potential or latent; elicit; develop.
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|
|
ineffable
|
adjective 1.incapable of being expressed or described in words; inexpressible: ineffable joy. 2.not to be spoken because of its sacredness; unutterable: the ineffable name of the deity.
|
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|
derision
|
noun BREAK 1. ridicule; mockery: The inept performance elicited derision from the audience. BREAK 2. an object of ridicule.
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|
jovial
|
adjective 1.endowed with or characterized by a hearty, joyous humor or a spirit of good-fellowship: a wonderfully jovial host. 2.( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the god Jove, or Jupiter.
|
|
|
propinquity
|
"noun BREAK 1. nearness in place; proximity. BREAK 2. nearness of relation; kinship. BREAK 3. affinity of nature; similarity.
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|
insipid
|
adjective 1. without distinctive, interesting, or stimulating qualities; vapid: an insipid personality. 2. without sufficient taste to be pleasing, as food or drink; bland: a rather insipid soup.
|
|
|
attrition
|
"–noun BREAK 1. a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Our club has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away. BREAK 2. a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment: The enemy surrounded the town and conducted a war of attrition.
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|
nidus
|
noun, plural -di 1. a nest, esp. one in which insects, spiders, etc., deposit their eggs. 2. a place or point in an organism where a germ or other organism can develop or breed.
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|
|
modicum
|
noun a moderate or small amount: He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.
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|
ostensible
|
adjective 1. outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended: an ostensible cheerfulness concealing sadness. 2. apparent, evident, or conspicuous: the ostensible truth of their theories.
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|
simulacra
|
noun 1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance. BREAK 2. an effigy, image, or representation: a simulacrum of Aphrodite.
|
|
|
myriad
|
noun 1. a very great or indefinitely great number of persons or things. 2. ten thousand. –adjective 3. of an indefinitely great number; innumerable: the myriad stars of a summer night
|
|
|
introjection
|
noun Psychoanalysis . BREAK an unconscious psychic process by which a person incorporates into his or her own psychic apparatus the characteristics of another person or object
|
|
|
moue
|
noun a pouting grimace.
|
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|
martient
|
–noun BREAK 1. a strict disciplinarian, esp. a military one. BREAK 2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules
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imperilled
|
verb to put in peril or danger; endanger
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consanguineous
|
adjective having the same ancestry or descent; related by blood.
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cavil
|
–verb 1. to raise irritating and trivial objections; find fault with unnecessarily (usually fol. by at or about ): He finds something to cavil at in everything I say.
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heuristic
|
–adjective 1. serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation.2. encouraging a person to learn, discover, understand, or solve problems on his or her own, as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error: a heuristic teaching method.
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|
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quibble
|
"noun 1. an instance of the use of ambiguous, prevaricating, or irrelevant language or arguments to evade a point at issue.
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|
crude
|
adjective 1.in a raw or unprepared state; unrefined or natural: crude sugar. 2.lacking in intellectual subtlety, perceptivity, etc.; rudimentary; undeveloped
|
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|
demotic
|
"adjective BREAK 1. of or pertaining to the ordinary, everyday, current form of a language; vernacular: a poet with a keen ear for demotic rhythms. BREAK 2. of or pertaining to the common people; popular.
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hardy
|
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provocateur
|
"noun 1. a person who provokes trouble, causes dissension, or the like; agitator.
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specious
|
–adjective 1.apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible: specious arguments. 2.pleasing to the eye but deceptive
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erasure
|
–noun BREAK 1. an act or instance of erasing. BREAK 2. a place where something has been erased; a spot or mark left after erasing: You can't sign a contract with so many erasures in it.
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|
casuistry
|
"specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, esp. in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.
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|
educe
|
"verb (used with object), e·duced, e·duc·ing. BREAK 1. to draw forth or bring out, as something potential or latent; elicit; develop.
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|
saccharine
|
of the nature of or resembling that of sugar: a powdery substance with a saccharine taste
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|
derision
|
noun BREAK 1. ridicule; mockery: The inept performance elicited derision from the audience. BREAK 2. an object of ridicule.
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|
effeminate
|
"adjective 1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy. 2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury.
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propinquity
|
"noun BREAK 1. nearness in place; proximity. BREAK 2. nearness of relation; kinship. BREAK 3. affinity of nature; similarity.
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reticent
|
adjective 1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved. 2. reluctant or restrained.
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attrition
|
"–noun BREAK 1. a reduction or decrease in numbers, size, or strength: Our club has had a high rate of attrition because so many members have moved away. BREAK 2. a wearing down or weakening of resistance, esp. as a result of continuous pressure or harassment: The enemy surrounded the town and conducted a war of attrition.
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|
taciturnity
|
"noun 1. the state or quality of being reserved or reticent in conversation.
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|
modicum
|
noun a moderate or small amount: He hasn't even a modicum of common sense.
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|
enspirit
|
"verb (used with object) to infuse spirit or life into; enliven.
|
|
|
simulacra
|
noun 1. a slight, unreal, or superficial likeness or semblance. BREAK 2. an effigy, image, or representation: a simulacrum of Aphrodite.
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|
nimbus
|
a cloud, aura, atmosphere, etc., surrounding a person or thing: The candidate was encompassed with a nimbus of fame. 2. halo
|
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|
introjection
|
noun Psychoanalysis . BREAK an unconscious psychic process by which a person incorporates into his or her own psychic apparatus the characteristics of another person or object
|
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|
congeal
|
verb used with object, verb used without object1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup
|
|
|
martient
|
–noun BREAK 1. a strict disciplinarian, esp. a military one. BREAK 2. someone who stubbornly adheres to methods or rules
|
|
|
consanguineous
|
adjective having the same ancestry or descent; related by blood.
|
|
|
simpatico
|
congenial or like-minded; likable: I find our new neighbor simpatico in every respect
|
|
|
cavort
|
verb (used without object) 1. to prance or caper about. 2. to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry
|
|
|
heuristic
|
–adjective 1. serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation.2. encouraging a person to learn, discover, understand, or solve problems on his or her own, as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error: a heuristic teaching method.
|
|
|
careen
|
verb (used without object) 1. (of a vehicle) to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion: The car careened around the corner
|
|
|
crude
|
adjective 1.in a raw or unprepared state; unrefined or natural: crude sugar. 2.lacking in intellectual subtlety, perceptivity, etc.; rudimentary; undeveloped
|
|
|
exultation
|
noun the act of exulting; lively or triumphant joy, as over success or victory
|
|
|
hardy
|
|
|
|
stupefy
|
verb 1. to put into a state of little or no sensibility; benumb the faculties of; put into a stupor
|
|
|
specious
|
–adjective 1.apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible: specious arguments. 2.pleasing to the eye but deceptive
|
|
|
personage
|
noun 1. a person of distinction or importance
|
|
|
casuistry
|
"specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, esp. in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.
|
|
|
implore
|
verb 1. to beg urgently or piteously, as for aid or mercy; beseech; entreat: They implored him to go
|
|
|
saccharine
|
of the nature of or resembling that of sugar: a powdery substance with a saccharine taste
|
|
|
venal
|
adjective 1. willing to sell one's influence, esp. in return for a bribe; open to bribery; mercenary: a venal judge
|
|
|
effeminate
|
"adjective 1. (of a man or boy) having traits, tastes, habits, etc., traditionally considered feminine, as softness or delicacy. 2. characterized by excessive softness, delicacy, self-indulgence, etc.: effeminate luxury.
|
|
|
mercenary
|
adjective 1. working or acting merely for money or other reward; venal.
|
|
|
reticent
|
adjective 1. disposed to be silent or not to speak freely; reserved. 2. reluctant or restrained.
|
|
|
pariah
|
noun 1. an outcast. 2. any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided
|
|
|
taciturnity
|
"noun 1. the state or quality of being reserved or reticent in conversation.
|
|
|
libertine
|
–noun 1. a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake. 2. a freethinker in religious matters
|
|
|
enspirit
|
"verb (used with object) to infuse spirit or life into; enliven.
|
|
|
embellish
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn. 2. to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
|
|
|
nimbus
|
a cloud, aura, atmosphere, etc., surrounding a person or thing: The candidate was encompassed with a nimbus of fame. 2. halo
|
|
|
epoch
|
"noun 1. a particular period of time marked by distinctive features, events, etc.: The treaty ushered in an epoch of peace and good will.
|
|
|
congeal
|
verb used with object, verb used without object1. to change from a soft or fluid state to a rigid or solid state, as by cooling or freezing: The fat congealed on the top of the soup
|
|
|
constitute
|
"verb (used with object), -tut·ed, -tut·ing. 1. to compose; form: mortar constituted of lime and sand. 2. to appoint to an office or function; make or create: He was constituted treasurer.
|
|
|
simpatico
|
congenial or like-minded; likable: I find our new neighbor simpatico in every respect
|
|
|
armamentarium
|
noun the aggregate of equipment, methods, and techniques available to one for carrying out one's duties: The stethoscope is still an essential part of the physician's armamentarium
|
|
|
cavort
|
verb (used without object) 1. to prance or caper about. 2. to behave in a high-spirited, festive manner; make merry
|
|
|
issuance
|
–noun 1. the act of issuing
|
|
|
careen
|
verb (used without object) 1. (of a vehicle) to lean, sway, or tip to one side while in motion: The car careened around the corner
|
|
|
turpitude
|
noun 1. vile, shameful, or base character; depravity
|
|
|
exultation
|
noun the act of exulting; lively or triumphant joy, as over success or victory
|
|
|
precipice
|
noun 1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face. 2. a situation of great peril: on the precipice of war
|
|
|
stupefy
|
verb 1. to put into a state of little or no sensibility; benumb the faculties of; put into a stupor
|
|
|
veritably
|
adjective 1. being truly or very much so: a veritable triumph
|
|
|
personage
|
noun 1. a person of distinction or importance
|
|
|
mores
|
noun Sociology . folkways of central importance accepted without question and embodying the fundamental moral views of a group
|
|
|
implore
|
verb 1. to beg urgently or piteously, as for aid or mercy; beseech; entreat: They implored him to go
|
|
|
elucidation
|
verb (used with object) 1. to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior
|
|
|
venal
|
adjective 1. willing to sell one's influence, esp. in return for a bribe; open to bribery; mercenary: a venal judge
|
|
|
antipathy
|
noun1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion
|
|
|
mercenary
|
adjective 1. working or acting merely for money or other reward; venal.
|
|
|
generativist
|
"adjective 1. capable of producing or creating. 2. pertaining to the production of offspring.
|
|
|
pariah
|
noun 1. an outcast. 2. any person or animal that is generally despised or avoided
|
|
|
effrontery
|
noun, plural -ter·ies. 1. shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity: She had the effrontery to ask for two free samples. 2. an act or instance of this
|
|
|
libertine
|
–noun 1. a person who is morally or sexually unrestrained, esp. a dissolute man; a profligate; rake. 2. a freethinker in religious matters
|
|
|
impudent
|
impertient
|
|
|
embellish
|
"verb (used with object) 1. to beautify by or as if by ornamentation; ornament; adorn. 2. to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
|
|
|
petulant
|
"moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.
|
|
|
epoch
|
"noun 1. a particular period of time marked by distinctive features, events, etc.: The treaty ushered in an epoch of peace and good will.
|
|
|
fretful
|
verb (used without object) 1. to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like: Fretting about the lost ring isn't going to help
|
|
|
constitute
|
"verb (used with object), -tut·ed, -tut·ing. 1. to compose; form: mortar constituted of lime and sand. 2. to appoint to an office or function; make or create: He was constituted treasurer.
|
|
|
peevish
|
adjective 1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent: a peevish youngster
|
|
|
armamentarium
|
noun the aggregate of equipment, methods, and techniques available to one for carrying out one's duties: The stethoscope is still an essential part of the physician's armamentarium
|
|
|
amicable
|
adjective characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable: an amicable settlement.
|
|
|
issuance
|
–noun 1. the act of issuing
|
|
|
carping
|
adjective 1. characterized by fussy or petulant faultfinding; querulous: carping criticism
|
|
|
turpitude
|
noun 1. vile, shameful, or base character; depravity
|
|
|
emblem
|
noun 1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol: The olive branch is an emblem of peace
|
|
|
precipice
|
noun 1. a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face. 2. a situation of great peril: on the precipice of war
|
|
|
cogitate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem
|
|
|
veritably
|
adjective 1. being truly or very much so: a veritable triumph
|
|
|
doling
|
noun 1. a portion or allotment of money, food, etc., esp. as given at regular intervals by a charity or for maintenance.
|
|
|
mores
|
noun Sociology . folkways of central importance accepted without question and embodying the fundamental moral views of a group
|
|
|
adept
|
adjective 1. very skilled; proficient; expert: an adept juggler
|
|
|
elucidation
|
verb (used with object) 1. to make lucid or clear; throw light upon; explain: an explanation that elucidated his recent strange behavior
|
|
|
deft
|
adjective dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever: deft hands; a deft mechanic.
|
|
|
antipathy
|
noun1. a natural, basic, or habitual repugnance; aversion
|
|
|
erstwhile
|
adjective former; of times past: erstwhile friends
|
|
|
generativist
|
"adjective 1. capable of producing or creating. 2. pertaining to the production of offspring.
|
|
|
abject
|
adjective utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched: abject poverty.
|
|
|
effrontery
|
noun, plural -ter·ies. 1. shameless or impudent boldness; barefaced audacity: She had the effrontery to ask for two free samples. 2. an act or instance of this
|
|
|
self-effacing
|
humility
|
|
|
impudent
|
impertient
|
|
|
unctuous
|
adjective characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
|
|
|
petulant
|
"moved to or showing sudden, impatient irritation, esp. over some trifling annoyance: a petulant toss of the head.
|
|
|
anonymity
|
the state or quality of being anonymous
|
|
|
fretful
|
verb (used without object) 1. to feel or express worry, annoyance, discontent, or the like: Fretting about the lost ring isn't going to help
|
|
|
dalliance
|
amorous toying; flirtation.
|
|
|
peevish
|
adjective 1. cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent: a peevish youngster
|
|
|
abrogate
|
verb (used with object) to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal: to abrogate a law
|
|
|
amicable
|
adjective characterized by or showing goodwill; friendly; peaceable: an amicable settlement.
|
|
|
antithesis
|
opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong
|
|
|
carping
|
adjective 1. characterized by fussy or petulant faultfinding; querulous: carping criticism
|
|
|
titillate
|
"verb (used with object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to excite or arouse agreeably: to titillate the fancy.
|
|
|
emblem
|
noun 1. an object or its representation, symbolizing a quality, state, class of persons, etc.; symbol: The olive branch is an emblem of peace
|
|
|
proffer
|
to put before a person for acceptance; offer.
|
|
|
cogitate
|
–verb (used without object) 1. to think hard; ponder; meditate: to cogitate about a problem
|
|
|
coterie
|
[koh-tuh-ree] –noun a group of people who associate closely
|
|
|
doling
|
noun 1. a portion or allotment of money, food, etc., esp. as given at regular intervals by a charity or for maintenance.
|
|
|
delude
|
verb (used with object) 1. to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive: His conceit deluded him into believing he was important
|
|
|
adept
|
adjective 1. very skilled; proficient; expert: an adept juggler
|
|
|
vitriol
|
something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism
|
|
|
deft
|
adjective dexterous; nimble; skillful; clever: deft hands; a deft mechanic.
|
|
|
car-i-ca-ture
|
any imitation or copy so distorted or inferior as to be ludicrous.
|
|
|
erstwhile
|
adjective former; of times past: erstwhile friends
|
|
|
chauvinistic
|
"shoh-vuh-niz-uhm] noun 1. zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory. 2. biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.
|
|
|
abject
|
adjective utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched: abject poverty.
|
|
|
mellifluous
|
[muh-lif-loo-uhs] adjective 1. sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding: a mellifluous voice; mellifluous tones
|
|
|
self-effacing
|
humility
|
|
|
sangfroid
|
sahn-frwa] –noun coolness of mind; calmness; composure: They committed the robbery with complete sang-froid
|
|
|
unctuous
|
adjective characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, esp. in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.
|
|
|
vestige
|
noun 1. a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence: A few columns were the last vestiges of a Greek temple
|
|
|
anonymity
|
the state or quality of being anonymous
|
|
|
miscreant
|
mis-kree-uhnt adjective 1. depraved, villainous, or base
|
|
|
dalliance
|
amorous toying; flirtation.
|
|
|
endow
|
to provide with a permanent fund or source of income: to endow a college
|
|
|
abrogate
|
verb (used with object) to abolish by formal or official means; annul by an authoritative act; repeal: to abrogate a law
|
|
|
askew
|
adverb 1. to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry: to wear one's hat askew; to hang a picture askew
|
|
|
antithesis
|
opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong
|
|
|
awry
|
uh-rahy adverb, adjective 1. with a turn or twist to one side; askew: to glance or look awry.
|
|
|
titillate
|
"verb (used with object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to excite or arouse agreeably: to titillate the fancy.
|
|
|
atavist
|
noun 1. Biology a. the reappearance in an individual of characteristics of some remote ancestor that have been absent in intervening generations. 2. reversion to an earlier type; throwback
|
|
|
proffer
|
to put before a person for acceptance; offer.
|
|
|
pantomime
|
noun 1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech
|
|
|
coterie
|
[koh-tuh-ree] –noun a group of people who associate closely
|
|
|
mutiny
|
–noun 1. revolt or rebellion against constituted authority, esp. by sailors against their officers
|
|
|
delude
|
verb (used with object) 1. to mislead the mind or judgment of; deceive: His conceit deluded him into believing he was important
|
|
|
eclectic
|
adjective 1. selecting or choosing from various sources. 2. made up of what is selected from different sources
|
|
|
vitriol
|
something highly caustic or severe in effect, as criticism
|
|
|
perilous
|
"adjective involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous: a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.
|
|
|
car-i-ca-ture
|
any imitation or copy so distorted or inferior as to be ludicrous.
|
|
|
parlously
|
pahr-luhs] –adjective 1. perilous; dangerous
|
|
|
chauvinistic
|
"shoh-vuh-niz-uhm] noun 1. zealous and aggressive patriotism or blind enthusiasm for military glory. 2. biased devotion to any group, attitude, or cause.
|
|
|
contumacious
|
kon-too-mey-shuhs adjective stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient
|
|
|
mellifluous
|
[muh-lif-loo-uhs] adjective 1. sweetly or smoothly flowing; sweet-sounding: a mellifluous voice; mellifluous tones
|
|
|
arboreal
|
ahr-bawr-ee-uhl, -bohr-] adjective of or pertaining to trees; treelike
|
|
|
sangfroid
|
sahn-frwa] –noun coolness of mind; calmness; composure: They committed the robbery with complete sang-froid
|
|
|
devolve
|
verb (used with object) 1. to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
|
|
|
vestige
|
noun 1. a mark, trace, or visible evidence of something that is no longer present or in existence: A few columns were the last vestiges of a Greek temple
|
|
|
earmark
|
any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic: The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics 2. verb (used with object) to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.: to earmark goods for export
|
|
|
miscreant
|
mis-kree-uhnt adjective 1. depraved, villainous, or base
|
|
|
olio
|
a dish of many ingredients
|
|
|
endow
|
to provide with a permanent fund or source of income: to endow a college
|
|
|
umbrage
|
noun 1. offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness
|
|
|
askew
|
adverb 1. to one side; out of line; in a crooked position; awry: to wear one's hat askew; to hang a picture askew
|
|
|
rectitude
|
noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives
|
|
|
awry
|
uh-rahy adverb, adjective 1. with a turn or twist to one side; askew: to glance or look awry.
|
|
|
emblazon
|
to depict, as on an escutcheon in heraldry. 2. to decorate with brilliant colors
|
|
|
atavist
|
noun 1. Biology a. the reappearance in an individual of characteristics of some remote ancestor that have been absent in intervening generations. 2. reversion to an earlier type; throwback
|
|
|
capitulate
|
verb (used without object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms. 2. to give up resistance: He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way
|
|
|
pantomime
|
noun 1. the art or technique of conveying emotions, actions, feelings, etc., by gestures without speech
|
|
|
quandary
|
a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
|
|
|
indubitable
|
that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable.
|
|
|
mutiny
|
–noun 1. revolt or rebellion against constituted authority, esp. by sailors against their officers
|
|
|
reveries
|
"noun 1. a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing: lost in reverie.
|
|
|
eclectic
|
adjective 1. selecting or choosing from various sources. 2. made up of what is selected from different sources
|
|
|
perennial
|
adjective 1. lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring: her perennial beauty
|
|
|
perilous
|
"adjective involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous: a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.
|
|
|
parcel
|
"noun 1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.
|
|
|
parlously
|
pahr-luhs] –adjective 1. perilous; dangerous
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deleterious
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adjective 1. injurious to health: deleterious gases
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contumacious
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kon-too-mey-shuhs adjective stubbornly perverse or rebellious; willfully and obstinately disobedient
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militating
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to have a substantial effect; weigh heavily: His prison record militated against him.
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arboreal
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ahr-bawr-ee-uhl, -bohr-] adjective of or pertaining to trees; treelike
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peremptory
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adjective 1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative: a peremptory command
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devolve
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verb (used with object) 1. to transfer or delegate (a duty, responsibility, etc.) to or upon another; pass on.
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ambient
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of the surrounding area or environment: The tape recorder picked up too many ambient noises. The temperature in the display case was 20° lower than the ambient temperature
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earmark
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any identifying or distinguishing mark or characteristic: The mayor's statement had all the earmarks of dirty politics 2. verb (used with object) to set aside for a specific purpose, use, recipient, etc.: to earmark goods for export
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quagmire
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noun 1. an area of miry or boggy ground whose surface yields under the tread; a bog
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olio
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a dish of many ingredients
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onerous
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adjective 1. burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship: onerous duties
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umbrage
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noun 1. offense; annoyance; displeasure: to feel umbrage at a social snub; to give umbrage to someone; to take umbrage at someone's rudeness
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risible
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adjective 1. causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.
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rectitude
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noun 1. rightness of principle or conduct; moral virtue: the rectitude of her motives
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presage
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1. a presentiment or foreboding
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emblazon
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to depict, as on an escutcheon in heraldry. 2. to decorate with brilliant colors
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vagaries
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noun, plural -gar·ies. 1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance: the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene
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capitulate
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verb (used without object), -lat·ed, -lat·ing. 1. to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms. 2. to give up resistance: He finally capitulated and agreed to do the job my way
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copasetic
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fine; completely satisfactory; OK
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quandary
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a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
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heirloom
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a family possession handed down from generation to generation
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indubitable
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that cannot be doubted; patently evident or certain; unquestionable.
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apparition
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noun 1. a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, esp. a ghost; a specter or phantom; wraith: a ghostly apparition at midnight
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reveries
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"noun 1. a state of dreamy meditation or fanciful musing: lost in reverie.
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enumerate
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to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list: Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis
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perennial
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adjective 1. lasting for an indefinitely long time; enduring: her perennial beauty
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barrage
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"an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or criticisms: a barrage of questions.
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parcel
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"noun 1. an object, article, container, or quantity of something wrapped or packed up; small package; bundle.
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eerie
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adjective 1. uncanny, so as to inspire superstitious fear; weird: an eerie midnight howl
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deleterious
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adjective 1. injurious to health: deleterious gases
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charlatan
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–noun a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack
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militating
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to have a substantial effect; weigh heavily: His prison record militated against him.
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dilettante
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"noun 1. a person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, esp. in a desultory or superficial way; dabbler.
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peremptory
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adjective 1. leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative: a peremptory command
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avid
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adjective 1. enthusiastic; ardent; dedicated; keen: an avid moviegoer.
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ambient
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of the surrounding area or environment: The tape recorder picked up too many ambient noises. The temperature in the display case was 20° lower than the ambient temperature
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revile
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verb (used with object) 1. to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively.
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quagmire
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noun 1. an area of miry or boggy ground whose surface yields under the tread; a bog
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bereft
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–adjective 2. deprived: They are bereft of their senses. He is bereft of all happiness
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onerous
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adjective 1. burdensome, oppressive, or troublesome; causing hardship: onerous duties
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obsequious
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uhb-see-kwee-uhs] –adjective 1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow
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risible
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adjective 1. causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous.
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complaisance
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the quality of being complaisant
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presage
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1. a presentiment or foreboding
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sine qua non
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an indispensable condition, element, or factor; something essential: Her presence was the sine qua non of every social event
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vagaries
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noun, plural -gar·ies. 1. an unpredictable or erratic action, occurrence, course, or instance: the vagaries of weather; the vagaries of the economic scene
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heinous
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hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible: a heinous offense
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copasetic
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fine; completely satisfactory; OK
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indelible
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"making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or the like: indelible ink.
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heirloom
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a family possession handed down from generation to generation
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gra·tu·i·tous
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[gruh-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] –adjective 1. given, done, bestowed, or obtained without charge or payment; free; voluntary. 2. being without apparent reason, cause, or justification: a gratuitous insult. 3. Law. given without receiving any return value.
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apparition
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noun 1. a supernatural appearance of a person or thing, esp. a ghost; a specter or phantom; wraith: a ghostly apparition at midnight
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par·a·digm
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"[par-uh-dahym, -dim] –noun 1. Grammar. a. a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, esp. the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem or theme. b. a display in fixed arrangement of such a set, as boy, boy's, boys, boys'. 2. an example serving as a model; pattern.
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enumerate
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to mention separately as if in counting; name one by one; specify, as in a list: Let me enumerate the many flaws in your hypothesis
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adrift
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barrage
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"an overwhelming quantity or explosion, as of words, blows, or criticisms: a barrage of questions.
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esoteric
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mysterious or secret
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eerie
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adjective 1. uncanny, so as to inspire superstitious fear; weird: an eerie midnight howl
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edict
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proclamation have the force of law
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charlatan
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–noun a person who pretends or claims to have more knowledge or skill than he or she possesses; quack
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tirade
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protracted speech marked by intemperate or harshly conscious language
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dilettante
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"noun 1. a person who takes up an art, activity, or subject merely for amusement, esp. in a desultory or superficial way; dabbler.
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conspicuous
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obvious to the eye or mind
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avid
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adjective 1. enthusiastic; ardent; dedicated; keen: an avid moviegoer.
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dissonance
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inconsistency b/w belief and action
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revile
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verb (used with object) 1. to assail with contemptuous or opprobrious language; address or speak of abusively.
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extort
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obtain from a person by force
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bereft
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–adjective 2. deprived: They are bereft of their senses. He is bereft of all happiness
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maraud
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to roam abort and raid in search of plunder
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obsequious
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uhb-see-kwee-uhs] –adjective 1. characterized by or showing servile complaisance or deference; fawning: an obsequious bow
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cordial
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warmly welcome
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complaisance
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the quality of being complaisant
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cryptic
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secret conceal mysterious
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sine qua non
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an indispensable condition, element, or factor; something essential: Her presence was the sine qua non of every social event
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primitive
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character tic of earlier stage of development
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heinous
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hateful; odious; abominable; totally reprehensible: a heinous offense
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dubious
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uncertain or questionable
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indelible
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"making marks that cannot be erased, removed, or the like: indelible ink.
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sequester
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to seize
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gra·tu·i·tous
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[gruh-too-i-tuhs, -tyoo-] –adjective 1. given, done, bestowed, or obtained without charge or payment; free; voluntary. 2. being without apparent reason, cause, or justification: a gratuitous insult. 3. Law. given without receiving any return value.
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colassal
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exceptional or astonishing degree
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par·a·digm
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"[par-uh-dahym, -dim] –noun 1. Grammar. a. a set of forms all of which contain a particular element, esp. the set of all inflected forms based on a single stem or theme. b. a display in fixed arrangement of such a set, as boy, boy's, boys, boys'. 2. an example serving as a model; pattern.
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chide
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to speak out in anger or displeased rebuke
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adrift
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convalesce
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recover healthy strength gradually after sickness or weakness
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esoteric
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mysterious or secret
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penance
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show sorrow or repentance for sin
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edict
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proclamation have the force of law
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futility
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useless
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tirade
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protracted speech marked by intemperate or harshly conscious language
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didactic
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designed or intended to teach
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conspicuous
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obvious to the eye or mind
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imminent
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hanging threateningly over ones head
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cosmic
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relating to the universe
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dissonance
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inconsistency b/w belief and action
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extort
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obtain from a person by force
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immutable
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no change
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maraud
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to roam abort and raid in search of plunder
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fulminant
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coming on suddenly or w/ great severity
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cordial
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warmly welcome
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propriety
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conforming socital norms
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cryptic
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secret conceal mysterious
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plaudif
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act of applause
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primitive
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character tic of earlier stage of development
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predilection
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established preference
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dubious
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uncertain or questionable
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repudiate
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refusal to accept
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sequester
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to seize
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abate
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put and end to
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colassal
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exceptional or astonishing degree
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orator
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one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker
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chide
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to speak out in anger or displeased rebuke
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rhetoric
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art of speaking or writing effectively
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convalesce
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recover healthy strength gradually after sickness or weakness
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nadir
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lowest point
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penance
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show sorrow or repentance for sin
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epithet
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characterizing often abusive word or phrase
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futility
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useless
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equivocal
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ambiguous or uncertain
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didactic
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designed or intended to teach
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unequivocal
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w/o doubt
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imminent
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hanging threateningly over ones head
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conflate
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bring together or join
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cosmic
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relating to the universe
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refractory
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resistant
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immutable
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no change
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lingo
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strange or incomprehensible language or speech
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fulminant
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coming on suddenly or w/ great severity
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contemporary
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occurring or existing at the same time or of same age
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propriety
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conforming socital norms
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innuendoes
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insinuation
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plaudif
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act of applause
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salient
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moving by leaps or springs
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predilection
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established preference
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deficon
|
5 levels of US military ready to respond to perceived threat
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repudiate
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refusal to accept
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emulate
|
strive to equal or excel
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abate
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put and end to
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avert
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avoid
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orator
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one distinguished for skill and power as a public speaker
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propaganda
|
spreading of idea info or rumor for purpose of helping or injuring an institution or person
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rhetoric
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art of speaking or writing effectively
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exasperation
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thoroughly annoy
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nadir
|
lowest point
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paean
|
song of praise
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epithet
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characterizing often abusive word or phrase
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plunder
|
take fy force
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equivocal
|
ambiguous or uncertain
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exuberance
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joyously unrestrained
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unequivocal
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w/o doubt
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profligacy
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shamelessly immoral
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conflate
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bring together or join
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nostalgia
|
state of being homesick
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refractory
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resistant
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fastidious
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difficult to please
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lingo
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strange or incomprehensible language or speech
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tyranny
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oppressive power
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contemporary
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occurring or existing at the same time or of same age
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intuit
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quick and ready insight
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innuendoes
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insinuation
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underscore
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make evident w/ emphasis
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salient
|
moving by leaps or springs
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motif
|
dominant idea or central theme
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deficon
|
5 levels of US military ready to respond to perceived threat
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lucid
|
mentally sound
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emulate
|
strive to equal or excel
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apathy
|
lack of emotion or interest
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avert
|
avoid
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subvert
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overthrow or ruin
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propaganda
|
spreading of idea info or rumor for purpose of helping or injuring an institution or person
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aloof
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indifferent or reserved
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exasperation
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thoroughly annoy
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renaissance
|
rebirth or revival
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paean
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song of praise
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euphoria
|
elation filled w/ joy
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plunder
|
take fy force
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diction
|
choice of words w/ regard to correctness clearness or effectiveness
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exuberance
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joyously unrestrained
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relegate
|
move to less prominent position
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profligacy
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shamelessly immoral
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invoke
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petition for help or support
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nostalgia
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state of being homesick
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martyr
|
person who sacrifice something of great value (life) for the sake of principle
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fastidious
|
difficult to please
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assail
|
attack violently w/ blows or words
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tyranny
|
oppressive power
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hubris
|
exaggerated pride or self confidence
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intuit
|
quick and ready insight
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morass
|
situation that traps confuses or impedes
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underscore
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make evident w/ emphasis
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hasten
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urge on
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motif
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dominant idea or central theme
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ascertain
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make certain exact or precise
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lucid
|
mentally sound
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palliative
|
reduce the violence of disease
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apathy
|
lack of emotion or interest
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shama
|
priest that use magic for purpose of healing the sick
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subvert
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overthrow or ruin
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beneficence
|
quality of doing good
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aloof
|
indifferent or reserved
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pragmatism
|
practical approach to problems and affairs
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renaissance
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rebirth or revival
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regime
|
rule of management or form of government
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euphoria
|
elation filled w/ joy
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cynosure
|
center of attraction
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diction
|
choice of words w/ regard to correctness clearness or effectiveness
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narcissism
|
pathological self love
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relegate
|
move to less prominent position
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|
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laudable
|
worthy of praise
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invoke
|
petition for help or support
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|
|
mitigate
|
lessen harm
|
|
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martyr
|
person who sacrifice something of great value (life) for the sake of principle
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acquiesce
|
to accept comply or submit
|
|
|
assail
|
attack violently w/ blows or words
|
|
|
enunciate
|
make a definite or systematic statement or articulate sounds
|
|
|
hubris
|
exaggerated pride or self confidence
|
|
|
codify
|
reduce to a code
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|
|
morass
|
situation that traps confuses or impedes
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prodigy
|
extraordinary person or thing
|
|
|
hasten
|
urge on
|
|
|
foreboding
|
premonition of disaster
|
|
|
ascertain
|
make certain exact or precise
|
|
|
emulate
|
try to equal or excel
|
|
|
palliative
|
reduce the violence of disease
|
|
|
hedonistic
|
way of life devoted to pleasure
|
|
|
shama
|
priest that use magic for purpose of healing the sick
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|
|
paradox
|
statement or phrase that is contradictory
|
|
|
beneficence
|
quality of doing good
|
|
|
platonic
|
friendly nonsexual relationship
|
|
|
pragmatism
|
practical approach to problems and affairs
|
|
|
enigma
|
puzzle or mystery
|
|
|
regime
|
rule of management or form of government
|
|
|
ambivalence
|
simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feeling
|
|
|
cynosure
|
center of attraction
|
|
|
panoramic
|
view in all direction
|
|
|
narcissism
|
pathological self love
|
|
|
stupor
|
extreme apathy condition of dull sense or sensibility
|
|
|
laudable
|
worthy of praise
|
|
|
prodrome
|
premonitory symptoms of disease
|
|
|
mitigate
|
lessen harm
|
|
|
egregious
|
notably bad
|
|
|
acquiesce
|
to accept comply or submit
|
|
|
dissuade
|
advise against something
|
|
|
enunciate
|
make a definite or systematic statement or articulate sounds
|
|
|
sentient
|
responsive to or conscious of sense impression
|
|
|
codify
|
reduce to a code
|
|
|
amalgam
|
mixture of different elements
|
|
|
prodigy
|
extraordinary person or thing
|
|
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engender
|
procreate or develop
|
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|
foreboding
|
premonition of disaster
|
|
|
colloquial
|
informal conversation
|
|
|
emulate
|
try to equal or excel
|
|
|
vernacular
|
using a language or dialect native to a region or country
|
|
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hedonistic
|
way of life devoted to pleasure
|
|
|
relegate
|
send into exile
|
|
|
paradox
|
statement or phrase that is contradictory
|
|
|
cynic
|
attribute action to selfish motive
|
|
|
platonic
|
friendly nonsexual relationship
|
|
|
evocative
|
evoking an emotional response
|
|
|
enigma
|
puzzle or mystery
|
|
|
vigil
|
act or period of watching or surveillance
|
|
|
ambivalence
|
simultaneous and contradictory attitudes or feeling
|
|
|
aristocrat
|
upper class
|
|
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panoramic
|
view in all direction
|
|
|
protégé
|
one under the care and protection of an influential person
|
|
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stupor
|
extreme apathy condition of dull sense or sensibility
|
|
|
coercion
|
forced to do something
|
|
|
prodrome
|
premonitory symptoms of disease
|
|
|
tranquility
|
quiet and undistorted
|
|
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egregious
|
notably bad
|
|
|
tenacity
|
strong courage
|
|
|
dissuade
|
advise against something
|
|
|
prototype
|
original model on which something is patterned or individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
|
|
|
sentient
|
responsive to or conscious of sense impression
|
|
|
façade
|
principle face of building
|
|
|
amalgam
|
mixture of different elements
|
|
|
askance
|
w/ a side glance
|
|
|
engender
|
procreate or develop
|
|
|
serene
|
tranquil
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colloquial
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informal conversation
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utopia
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place of ideal perfection
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vernacular
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using a language or dialect native to a region or country
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futility
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useless act or gesture
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relegate
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send into exile
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empirical based on observation
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cynic
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attribute action to selfish motive
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altruism
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concern for others
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evocative
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evoking an emotional response
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tropism
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invol response to a stimulus in that direction
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vigil
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act or period of watching or surveillance
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herald
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convey news or proclaim
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aristocrat
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upper class
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contagion
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disease spread by contact
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protégé
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one under the care and protection of an influential person
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temperament
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mode of emotional response
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coercion
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forced to do something
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conundrum
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intricate and difficult problem
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tranquility
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quiet and undistorted
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beacon
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lighthouse or signal for guidance
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tenacity
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strong courage
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duplicitious
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prototype
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original model on which something is patterned or individual that exhibits the essential features of a later type
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meld
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to merge; blend
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façade
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principle face of building
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espies
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verb to see at a distance; catch sight of
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askance
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w/ a side glance
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banalise
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trivialize
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serene
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tranquil
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maudlin
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adjective tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental: a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog
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utopia
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place of ideal perfection
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kowtowing
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prostrate
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futility
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useless act or gesture
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sullen
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adjective showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve
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empirical based on observation
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catacomb
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an underground cemetery
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altruism
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concern for others
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mausoleum
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a large stately tomb
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tropism
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invol response to a stimulus in that direction
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conjecture
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"the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.
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herald
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convey news or proclaim
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centenarian
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pertaining to or having lived 100 years
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contagion
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disease spread by contact
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desultory
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"adj1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation. 2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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temperament
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mode of emotional response
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maelstrom
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–noun 1. a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool
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conundrum
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intricate and difficult problem
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tenuous
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"–adjective 1. thin or slender in form, as a thread. 2. lacking a sound basis, as reasoning; unsubstantiated; weak: a tenuous argument.
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beacon
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lighthouse or signal for guidance
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gadfly
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noun, plural -flies. 1. any of various flies, as a stable fly or warble fly, that bite or annoy domestic animals
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duplicitious
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dithyrambic
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any wildly enthusiastic speech or writing
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meld
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to merge; blend
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calumnies
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–noun, plural -nies. 1. a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something: The speech was considered a calumny of the administration
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espies
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verb to see at a distance; catch sight of
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crass
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"adjective, -er, -est. 1. without refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity; gross; obtuse; stupid: crass commercialism; a crass misrepresentation of the facts.
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banalise
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trivialize
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satyr
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a lascivious man; lecher
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maudlin
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adjective tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental: a maudlin story of a little orphan and her lost dog
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purgative
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adjective 1. purging or cleansing, especially by causing evacuation of the bowels. –noun 2. a purgative medicine or agent; cathartic
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kowtowing
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prostrate
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cathartic
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the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music
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sullen
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adjective showing irritation or ill humor by a gloomy silence or reserve
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quiddity
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"the quality that makes a thing what it is; the essential nature of a thing.
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catacomb
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an underground cemetery
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imbued
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to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions
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mausoleum
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a large stately tomb
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panoply
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a wide-ranging and impressive array or display:
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conjecture
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"the formation or expression of an opinion or theory without sufficient evidence for proof.
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cowed
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to frighten with threats, violence, etc.; intimidate; overawe
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centenarian
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pertaining to or having lived 100 years
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reifies
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to convert into or regard as a concrete thing
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desultory
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"adj1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation. 2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
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amok
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run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
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maelstrom
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–noun 1. a large, powerful, or violent whirlpool
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sui generis
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of his, her, its, or their own kind; unique
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tenuous
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"–adjective 1. thin or slender in form, as a thread. 2. lacking a sound basis, as reasoning; unsubstantiated; weak: a tenuous argument.
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fugacious
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"fleeting; transitory: a sensational story with but a fugacious claim on the public's attention.
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gadfly
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noun, plural -flies. 1. any of various flies, as a stable fly or warble fly, that bite or annoy domestic animals
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ephemeral
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lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. 2. lasting but one day: an ephemeral flower.
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dithyrambic
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any wildly enthusiastic speech or writing
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sanguine
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cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations. 2. reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion 3. bloody
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calumnies
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–noun, plural -nies. 1. a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something: The speech was considered a calumny of the administration
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florid
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reddish; ruddy; rosy: a florid complexion. 2. flowery; excessively ornate; showy: florid writing
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crass
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"adjective, -er, -est. 1. without refinement, delicacy, or sensitivity; gross; obtuse; stupid: crass commercialism; a crass misrepresentation of the facts.
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thespian
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"pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.
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satyr
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a lascivious man; lecher
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asinine
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"foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid: It is surprising that supposedly intelligent people can make such asinine statements.
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purgative
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adjective 1. purging or cleansing, especially by causing evacuation of the bowels. –noun 2. a purgative medicine or agent; cathartic
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allays
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to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet.
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cathartic
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the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions, especially through certain kinds of art, as tragedy or music
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anodyne
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a medicine that relieves or allays pain
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quiddity
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"the quality that makes a thing what it is; the essential nature of a thing.
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teeming
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to abound or swarm; be prolific or fertile
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imbued
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to impregnate or inspire, as with feelings, opinions
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prolific
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producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful: a prolific pear tree
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panoply
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a wide-ranging and impressive array or display:
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nimble
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quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid: nimble feet.
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cowed
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to frighten with threats, violence, etc.; intimidate; overawe
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wily
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adjective, wil·i·er, wil·i·est. full of, marked by, or proceeding from wiles; crafty; cunning
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reifies
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to convert into or regard as a concrete thing
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wee
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little; very small
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amok
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run amok to run about with or as if with a frenzied desire to kill
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rivulet
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a small stream; streamlet; brook
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sui generis
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of his, her, its, or their own kind; unique
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bourn
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noun Archaic . 1. a bound; limit. 2. destination; goal. 3. realm; domain
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fugacious
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"fleeting; transitory: a sensational story with but a fugacious claim on the public's attention.
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din
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a loud discordant confused noise
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ephemeral
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lasting a very short time; short-lived; transitory: the ephemeral joys of childhood. 2. lasting but one day: an ephemeral flower.
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tatter
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a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag
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sanguine
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cheerfully optimistic, hopeful, or confident: a sanguine disposition; sanguine expectations. 2. reddish; ruddy: a sanguine complexion 3. bloody
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ambisinister
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clumsy or unskillful with both hands
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florid
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reddish; ruddy; rosy: a florid complexion. 2. flowery; excessively ornate; showy: florid writing
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puerile
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adjective 1. of or pertaining to a child or to childhood. 2. childishly foolish; immature or trivial: a puerile piece of writing.
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thespian
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"pertaining to tragedy or to the dramatic art in general.
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rubicon
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"cross the Rubicon , pass the Rubicon to commit oneself irrevocably to some course of action
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asinine
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"foolish, unintelligent, or silly; stupid: It is surprising that supposedly intelligent people can make such asinine statements.
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hyperbole
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obvious and intentional exaggeration
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allays
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to put (fear, doubt, suspicion, anger, etc.) to rest; calm; quiet.
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corollary
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an immediate consequence or easily drawn conclusion. 3. a natural consequence or result
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anodyne
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a medicine that relieves or allays pain
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nook
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a corner, as in a room. 2. any secluded or obscure corner. 3. any small recess: a breakfast nook
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teeming
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to abound or swarm; be prolific or fertile
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intrepid
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resolutely fearless; dauntless: an intrepid explorer.
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prolific
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producing offspring, young, fruit, etc., abundantly; highly fruitful: a prolific pear tree
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rhapsodic
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extravagantly enthusiastic; ecstatic
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nimble
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quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid: nimble feet.
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maenad
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a frenzied or raging woman
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wily
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adjective, wil·i·er, wil·i·est. full of, marked by, or proceeding from wiles; crafty; cunning
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peripatetic
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" adj 1. itinerant 2. ( Brit ) employed in two or more educational establishments and travelling from one to another: a peripatetic football coach
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wee
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little; very small
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incredulity
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the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.
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rivulet
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a small stream; streamlet; brook
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decrepitude
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decrepit condition; dilapidated state; feebleness, especially from old age
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bourn
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noun Archaic . 1. a bound; limit. 2. destination; goal. 3. realm; domain
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obdurate
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unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.
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din
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a loud discordant confused noise
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penumbra
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a shadowy, indefinite, or marginal area
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tatter
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a torn piece hanging loose from the main part, as of a garment or flag
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pusillanimity
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noun the state or condition of being pusillanimous; timidity; cowardliness.
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ambisinister
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clumsy or unskillful with both hands
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vacuous
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without contents; empty: the vacuous air.
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puerile
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adjective 1. of or pertaining to a child or to childhood. 2. childishly foolish; immature or trivial: a puerile piece of writing.
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nominal
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adj of, pertaining to, or constituting a name or names
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rubicon
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"cross the Rubicon , pass the Rubicon to commit oneself irrevocably to some course of action
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purloin
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to take dishonestly; steal; filch; pilfer
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hyperbole
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obvious and intentional exaggeration
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bricolage
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1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
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corollary
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an immediate consequence or easily drawn conclusion. 3. a natural consequence or result
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ersatz
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serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial: an ersatz coffee made from grain.
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nook
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a corner, as in a room. 2. any secluded or obscure corner. 3. any small recess: a breakfast nook
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entwined
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to twine with, about, around, or together
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intrepid
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resolutely fearless; dauntless: an intrepid explorer.
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obsolescence
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becoming obsolete or out of date
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rhapsodic
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extravagantly enthusiastic; ecstatic
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mimetic
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characterized by, exhibiting, or of the nature of imitation or mimicry: mimetic gestures
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maenad
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a frenzied or raging woman
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avant garde
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noun1. the advance group in any field, especially in the visual, literary, or musical arts, whose works are characterized chiefly by unorthodox and experimental methods.
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peripatetic
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" adj 1. itinerant 2. ( Brit ) employed in two or more educational establishments and travelling from one to another: a peripatetic football coach
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voluminous
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adjective 1. forming, filling, or writing a large volume or many volumes: a voluminous edition
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incredulity
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the quality or state of being incredulous; inability or unwillingness to believe.
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permute
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to alter or change
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decrepitude
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decrepit condition; dilapidated state; feebleness, especially from old age
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surreal
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having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic: surreal complexities of the bureaucracy
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obdurate
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unmoved by persuasion, pity, or tender feelings; stubborn; unyielding.
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ineptitude
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awkward, clumsy, or incompetent
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penumbra
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a shadowy, indefinite, or marginal area
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de facto
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in fact; in reality: Although his title was prime minister, he was de facto president of the country. Although the school was said to be open to all qualified students, it still practiced de facto segregation
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pusillanimity
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noun the state or condition of being pusillanimous; timidity; cowardliness.
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post hoc
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after this; afterward.
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vacuous
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without contents; empty: the vacuous air.
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vanguard
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the foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard; van. 2. the forefront in any movement, field, activity, or the like
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nominal
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adj of, pertaining to, or constituting a name or names
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purloin
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to take dishonestly; steal; filch; pilfer
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bricolage
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1. a construction made of whatever materials are at hand; something created from a variety of available things. 2. (in literature) a piece created from diverse resources.
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ersatz
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serving as a substitute; synthetic; artificial: an ersatz coffee made from grain.
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entwined
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to twine with, about, around, or together
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obsolescence
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becoming obsolete or out of date
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mimetic
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characterized by, exhibiting, or of the nature of imitation or mimicry: mimetic gestures
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avant garde
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noun1. the advance group in any field, especially in the visual, literary, or musical arts, whose works are characterized chiefly by unorthodox and experimental methods.
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voluminous
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adjective 1. forming, filling, or writing a large volume or many volumes: a voluminous edition
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permute
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to alter or change
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surreal
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having the disorienting, hallucinatory quality of a dream; unreal; fantastic: surreal complexities of the bureaucracy
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ineptitude
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awkward, clumsy, or incompetent
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de facto
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in fact; in reality: Although his title was prime minister, he was de facto president of the country. Although the school was said to be open to all qualified students, it still practiced de facto segregation
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post hoc
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after this; afterward.
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vanguard
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the foremost division or the front part of an army; advance guard; van. 2. the forefront in any movement, field, activity, or the like
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