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741 Cards in this Set

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execrable
utter detestable, odious, and abhorrent (like excrement)
exhort
to urge through strong appeals; persuade or caution earnestly
exigency
urgency or crisis calling for immediate attention/ action
exigent
urgent, pressing, requiring immediate action or attention (like an emergency)
existentialism
the philosophy of being, thinking, and subjective experience; concerning one's existence/identity
exonerate
to remove blame or free from charge
exorcise
to expel or dispossess someone of evil spirits (often religious); free from bad or malignant influences
expatiate
to speak or write at length; expand discourse through laying out excessive details
expatriate
<v> to send someone into exile; withdraw or remove oneself from citizenry/allegiance of a country; <n> someone who no longer resides or has citizenship in their home country
expiate
to atone for, make amends
explicate
to explain, translate/interpret, or clarify
expository
intended/with design to lay out, explain or expound upon
expunge
to remove, exempt or delete from record; purge or wipe out of existence
extant
still existing/remaining; not completely lost
extemporaneous
done spontaneously, improvised without rehearsal; makeshift or whimsically appropriate
extenuating
rendering an individual less culpable or offense less serious (e.g. outside circumstances outside one's control); giving leniency/levity to a situation
extirpate
to uproot; destroy, wipe out, or exterminate from the very root/source
extol
to praise enthusiastically, glorify reverently
extraneous
extra, not essential or necessary; excessive or irrelevant
extrapolation
predicting or projecting forward into hypothetical circumstances, based on observed patterns/trends
extricate
to disentangle; free through removal or excavation
extrinsic
concerned with outside influences/factors (rather than intrinsic ones); not inherent or essential
extrovert
one who is outgoing or gregarious; preoccupied with things and affairs going all around him/her; drawing energy from interaction with the outside (as opposed to introspection)
exultant
full of joy/glee from triumph or success
facetious
in jest; playful or humorous
facilitate
to support or be a conduit for; make easier
factotum
A PERSON WHO DOES ALL SORTS OF WORK; A HANDYMAN
fallacious
rooted in a misconception, false idea or faulty logic; misleading
fallacy
a misconception, false idea/erroneous belief or otherwise faulty reasoning
fallow
uncultivated, pertaining to land that has been plowed but not seeded; dormant or currently in a state of disuse/unfulfilled potential
fatuous
foolishly self-satisfied; silly and smug in an almost petty way (like a child who yoinked a cookie)
fauna
the animal segment of wildlife, pertaining to a region or time period
fawn
to flatter, praise or show excessive admiration/ affection, in the hopes of currying favor
fawning
currying favor through excessive flattery, praise or exaggerated displays of admiration/affection
felicitous
befitting of the occasion, suitably expressed, or well-chosen; always (almost impeccably) appropriate
feral
in a wild/untamed state, or having reverted to the wild; having uncivilized animalistic characteristics
fervent
heated with intensity of spirit, emotion or zeal; hot, glowing or feverish
fervor
warmth/heat from intensity of emotion, spirit, zeal or passion;
fetid
thickly foul/rotten smelling, or having an otherwise offensive odor
fetter
<v>to bind, shackle or otherwise confine; <n> something that restricts or restrains (e.g. a chain)
fiat
arbitrary, overriding decree/order derived from authority (e.g. fatwa)
fidelity
loyalty, faithfulness; in keeping with canon or exact correspondence
filibuster
<v>to use delaying/obstructive tactic for preventing legislation; prolonged, tortuous political speech intended for this purpose; <n> member of legislature who delivers such a speech
finesse
to use subtle manipulation or other cunning artifice, often to overcome brute force
fissure
crevice; a cleavage or split along a surface
flag
to droop, sag or flop down; trend downward or diminish in strength
fledgling
a young bird just learning to fly; beginner or novice
flora
plantlife in the wild, pertaining to a region or time period
florid
flowery, elaborately or excessively adorned/decorated; rosy or flushed reddish
flourish
<v> to thrive or grow vigorously, having a golden age; <n> an embellishment, refinement, or enhancement in presentation
flout
to express scorn, disdain or contempt towards something (especially rules/beliefs), with derision or diatribes
flux
flowing; continuous dynamic interchange or passage
foment
to incite or arouse; be the catalyzing agent for
forbearance
patience, leniency (e.g. permitting of late payments without strictly enforcing legal penalties)
forestall
to prevent or delay; block through preemptive measures
formidable
daunting, fearsome, threatening; inspiring awe or fear
forswear
to renounce or repudiate, especially officially under oath; deny or commit perjury under oath
fortuitous
fortunate or lucky; happening by chance or coincidence
flounder
to struggle clumsily in attempt to stay afloat; sink, drown/collapse, or otherwise failing
fracas
commotion or ruckus, especially related to loud quarrels, fights or large brawls
fractious
given to conflict/quarrel; irate, unruly or rebellious
fresco
<adj> fresh; <n> refers to a painting done on plaster
frieze
ORNAMENTAL BAND ON A WALL
froward
stubborn, obstinate, disobedient and unyielding; contrarian in resistance, contumacious
frugality
tendency toward spending little or saving money; thrift
fulminate
to attack loudly or publicly denounce; explode
fulsome
grossly/disgustingly excessive, in sickening quantity; tastelessly lavish, overwhelming on the whole
furtive
subtle, stealthy or surreptitious; done on the sly
fusion
fusing/melding together into one; synthesis
futile
useless or hopeless; ineffective and fruitless
gainsay
to contradict, dispute or deny in opposition; raise an objection
gambol
to frolic; skip around or leap about playfully
garrulous
talkative, annoyingly chatty; wordy, full of idle talk or extraneous trivia
gauche
coarse, inelegant, inappropriately/awkwardly expressed; lacking sensitivity, sensibilities or tact
geniality
friendliness/amiability and cordiality, with a cheerful demeanor; kindness and hospitality
germane
relevant or pertinent to the subject at hand; appropriate, applicable or helpful to the situation
gerrymander
TO DIVIDE AN AREA INTO VOTING DISTRICTS IN A WAY THAT FAVORS A POLITICAL PARTY
glib
casual, nonchalant, easy, superficial; automatic, requiring little sincere attention or depth of thought
goad
to prod, egg on; provoking or urging on to elicit a response
gossamer
sheer or fine-textured; lightly constructed (and often flimsy); like cobwebs
gouge
to tear, dig or scoop out; using extortion to take excessive money (e.g. overcharging)
grandiloquence
pompous, bombastic and grandiose speech or expression
grandiloquent
pompous, bombastic or grandiose in presentation, usually pertaining to speech or writing
gregarious
sociable, outgoing, enjoying the company of other people; habitually living in groups or social settings
grouse
to complain or grumble, often in a yammering way
guile
cunning deception or trickery; artifice
guileless
straightforward, honest/earnest, without tricks; artless
guise
outward or ostensible appearance/presentation; pretense
gullible
believing too easily, readily deceived
gustatory
related to taste (e.g. of food), the sense/faculty of taste or palate
hackneyed
rendered trite or commonplace by overuse; tired or cliched
halcyon
idyllic state of calmness and peace; a golden age of prosperity
hallowed
made holy or sacred; venerated
harangue
<v> to subject to lengthy, condemning speech/criticism (usually self-righteous and scorning); <n> condescending self-righteous tirade or diatribe
harrowing
highly distressing, disturbing or otherwise wearying; terrifying and grievous
hedonism
given to the pursuit of pleasure, especially of the carnal senses; philosophical principle defining individual happiness and extracting pleasure as the highest calling
hegemony
the established dominance/order of one faction or ideology over others (especially international politics)
herbivorous
vegetarian, feeding mainly on plants; of an animal that lives off of vegetation
heretical
violating accepted dogma or convention with heresy; having deviant or unorthodox tendencies/morality
hermetic
airtight, insulated or otherwise throughly isolated/sealed off; magical or occult
HETERODOX
UNORTHODOX; NOT WIDELY ACCEPTED
HEURISTIC
RELATING TO A SPECULATIVE FORMULATION GUIDING THE INVESTIGATION OR SOLUTION OF A PROBLEM; EDUCATIONAL METHOD IN WHICH STUDENTS LEARN FROM THEIR OWN INVESTIGATIONS
HIEROGLYPHICS
A SYSTEM OF WRITING IN WHICH PICTORIAL SYMBOLS REPRESENT MEANING OR SOUNDS; WRITING OR SYMBOLS THAT ARE DIFFICULT TO DECIPHER; THE SYMBOLS USED IN ADVANCED MATHEMATICS
HIRSUTE
COVERED WITH HAIR
HISTRIONIC
RELATING TO EXAGGERATED EMOTIONAL BEHAVIOR CALCULATED FOR EFFECT; THEATRICAL ARTS OR PERFORMANCES
HOMEOSTASIS
AUTOMATIC MAINTENANCE BY AN ORGANISM OF NORMAL TEMPERATURE, CHEMICAL BALANCE, ETC. WITHIN ITSELF
HOMILY
SERMON; TEDIOUS MORALIZING LECTURE; PLATITUDE
HOMOGENEOUS
COMPOSED OF IDENTICAL PARTS; UNIFORM IN COMPOSITION
hubris
n. overbearing presumption or pride; arrogance
hyperbole
n. an exaggerated statement, often used as a figure of speech (adj. hyperbolic)
HYPERBOLE
PURPOSEFUL EXAGGERATION FOR EFFECT
iconoclast
a person who criticizes popular beliefs or established customs and ideas
ICONOCLASTIC
ATTACKING CHERISHED TRADITION
idolatrous
adj. given to intense or excessive devotion to something (n. idolatry)
IDOLATRY
IDOL WORSHIP; BLIND OR EXCESSIVE DEVOTION
IGNEOUS
PRODUCED BY FIRE; VOLCANIC
IMBROGLIO
COMPLICATED SITUATION; AN ENTANGLEMENT
imminent
adj. about to happen; impending
immutable
adj. not capable of change
IMMUTABLE
UNCHANGEABLE
IMPAIR
TO DAMAGE; INJURE
impassive
adj. revealing no emotion
IMPASSIVE
SHOWING NO EMOTION
impecunious
adj. lacking funds; without money
IMPECUNIOUS
POOR; HAVING NO MONEY
IMPEDE
TO HINDER; BLOCK
IMPERMEABLE
IMPOSSIBLE TO PENETRATE
imperturbable
adj. marked by extreme clam, impassivity, and steadiness
IMPERTURBABLE
NOT EASILY DISTURBED
IMPERVIOUS
IMPOSSIBLE TO PENETRATE; INCAPABLE OF BEING AFFECTED
impetuous
adj. hastily or rashly energetic; impulsive and vehement
IMPINGE
TO STRIKE; ENCROACH
implacable
adj. not capable of being appeased or significantly changed
IMPLACABLE
INFLEXIBLE; INCAPABLE OF BEING PLEASED
IMPLAUSIBLE
UNLIKELY; UNBELIEVABLE
IMPLICIT
IMPLIED; UNDERSTOOD BUT NOT STATED
IMPLODE
COLLAPSE INWARD VIOLENTLY
IMPRECATION
CURSE
impunity
n. immunity from punishment or penalty
IMPUTE
TO RELATE TO A PARTICULAR CAUSE OR SOURCE; ATTRIBUTE THE FAULT TO; ASSIGN AS A CHARACTERISTIC
INADVERTENTLY
CARELESSLY; UNINTENTIONALLY
INCARNATE
HAVING BODILY FORM
inchoate
adj. in an initial stage; not fully formed
INCHOATE
IMPERFECTLY FORMED OR FORMULATED
incipient
adj. beginning to come into being or to become apparent
INCONGRUITY
STATE OF NOT FITTING
INCONSEQUENTIAL
INSIGNIFICANT; UNIMPORTANT
INCORPORATE
INTRODUCE SOMETHING INTO ANOTHER THING ALREADY IN EXISTENCE; COMBINE
INCURSION
SUDDEN INVASION
INDETERMINATE
UNCERTAIN; INDEFINITE
indifferent
adj. having no interest or concern; showing no bias or prejudice
INDIGENCE
POVERTY
INDOLENT
HABITUALLY LAZY; IDLE
INELUCTABLE
NOT TO BE AVOIDED OR ESCAPED; INEVITABLE
inert
adj. unmoving; lethargic; sluggish
INERT
UNABLE TO MOVE; SLUGGISH
INERTIA
DISINCLINATION TO ACTION OR CHANGE
infelicitous
adj. unfortunate; inappropriate
ingenuous
adj. artless; frank and candid; lacking in sophistication
INGENUOUS
NAIVE AND TRUSTING; LACKING SOPHISTICATION
INHERENT
FIRMLY ESTABLISHED BY NATURE OR HABIT
inimical
adj. damaging; harmful; injurious
innocuous
adj. harmless; causing no damage
INNOCUOUS
HARMLESS
INSENSIBLE
UNCONSCIOUS; UNRESPONSIVE
INSINUATE
TO SUGGEST; SAY INDIRECTLY; IMPLY
insipid
adj. without taste or flavor; lacking in spirit; bland
INSIPID
LACKING IN FLAVOR; DULL
INSOUCIANT
INDIFFERENT; LACKING CONCERN OR CARE
INSULARITY
NARROW-MINDEDNESS; ISOLATION
INSUPERABLE
INSURMOUNTABLE; UNCONQUERABLE
INTANGIBLE
NOT MATERIAL
INTERDICT
TO FORBID; PROHIBIT; TO CONFRONT AND HALT THE ACTIVITIES, ADVANCE, OR ENTRY OF
INTERNECINE
DEADLY TO BOTH SIDES
INTERPOLATE
TO INSERT; CHANGE BY ADDING NEW WORDS OR MATERIAL
INTERREGNUM
INTERVAL BETWEEN REIGNS; GAP IN CONTINUITY
INTIMATE
MARKED BY CLOSE ACQUAINTANCE
intractable
adj. not easily managed or directed; stubborn; obstinate
INTRACTABLE
NOT EASILY MANAGED
INTRANSIGENCE
STUBBORNNESS; REFUSAL TO COMPROMISE
intransigent
adj. refusing to compromise (n. intransigence)
intrepid
adj. steadfast and courageous
INTROSPECTIVE
CONTEMPLATING ONE'S OWN THOUGHTS AND FEELINGS
INUNDATE
TO COVER WITH WATER; OVERWHELM
inured
adj. accustomed to accepting something undesirable
INURED
HARDENED; ACCUSTOMED; USED TO
INVECTIVE
VERBAL ABUSE
INVEIGH
TO DISAPPROVE; PROTEST VEHEMENTLY
INVEIGLE
TO WIN OVER BY FLATTERY OR COAXING
inveigle
v. obtain by deception or flattery
INVETERATE
CONFIRMED; LONG-STANDING; DEEPLY ROOTED
INVIDIOUS
LIKELY TO PROVOKE ILL WILL; OFFENSIVE
irascible
adj. easily angered; prone to temperamental outbursts
IRASCIBLE
EASILY ANGERED
IRRESOLUTE
UNSURE OF HOW TO ACT; WEAK
ITINERANT
WANDERING FROM PLACE TO PLACE; UNSETTLED
ITINERARY
ROUTE OF A TRAVELER'S JOURNEY
JAUNDICED
HAVING A YELLOWISH DISCOLORATION OF THE SKIN; AFFECTED BY ENVY, RESENTMENT, OR HOSTILITY
JIBE
TO BE IN AGREEMENT
JOCOSE
FOND OF JOKING; JOCULAR; PLAYFUL
JUGGERNAUT
HUGE FORCE DESTROYING EVERYTHING IN ITS PATH
JUNTA
GROUP OF PEOPLE UNITED IN POLITIC INTRIGUE
JUXTAPOSE
PLACE SIDE BY SIDE
KUDOS
FAME; GLORY; GONOR
LABILE
LIKELY TO CHANGE
laconic
adj. using few words; terse
LACONIC
USING FEW WORDS
LAMBASTE
TO THRASH VERBALLY OR PHYSICALLY
LASCIVIOUS
LUSTFUL
LASSITUDE
LETHARGY; SLUGGISHNESS
LATENT
PRESENT BUT HIDDEN; POTENTIAL
LAUD
TO PRAISE
laud
v. praise highly (adj. laudatory)
LETHARGIC
INACTIVE
LEVEE
AN EMBANKMENT THAT PREVENTS A RIVER FROM OVERFLOWING
LEVITY
LIGHT MANNER OR ATTITUDE
LIBERAL
TOLERANT; BROAD-MINDED; GENEROUS; LAVISH
LIBERTINE
ONE WITHOUT MORAL RESTRAINT
LIBIDO
SEXUAL DESIRE
LILLIPUTIAN
EXTREMELY SMALL
LIMN
TO DRAW; DESCRIBE
LIMPID
CLEAR; TRANSPARENT
LINGUISTIC
PERTAINING TO LANGUAGE
LITANY
LENGTHY RECITATION; REPETITIVE CHANT
LITERATI
SCHOLARLY OR LEARNED PERSONS
LITIGATION
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
LOG
RECORD OF A VOYAGE; RECORD OF DAILY ACTIVITIES
loquacious
adj. extremely talkative (n. loquacity)
LOQUACIOUS
TALKATIVE
lucid
adj. clear; easily understood
LUCID
BRIGHT; CLEAR; INTELLIGIBLE
LUCRE
MONEY OR PROFITS
luminous
adj. characterized by brightness and the emission of light
LUMINOUS
BRIGHT; BRILLIANT; GLOWING
LUSTROUS
SHINING
MACHIAVELLIAN
CRAFTY; DOUBLE-DEALING
MACHINATIONS
PLOTS OR SCHEMES
MAELSTROM
WHIRLPOOL; TURMOIL
MAGNANIMITY
GENEROSITY; NOBILITY
magnanimity
n. the quality of being generously noble in mind and heart, esp. in forgiving (adj. magnanimous)
malevolent
adj. having or showing often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred (n. malevolence)
MALIGN
TO SPEAK EVIL OF
MALINGER
TO FEIGN ILLNESS TO ESCAPE DUTY
malleable
adj. capable of being shaped or formed; tractable; pliable
MALLEABLE
CAPABLE OF BEING SHAPED BY POUNDING; IMPRESSIONABLE
martial
adj. associated with war and the armed forces
MAVERICK
DISSENTER
maverick
n. an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party
MEGALOMANIA
DELUSIONS OF POWER OR IMPORTANCE
MENAGERIE
A VARIETY OF ANIMALS KEPT TOGETHER
MENDACIOUS
DISHONEST
mendacity
n. the condition of being untruthful; dishonesty (adj. mendacious)
MENDICANT
BEGGAR
mercurial
adj. characterized by rapid and unpredictable change in mood
MERETRICIOUS
GAUDY; PLAUSIBLE BUT FALSE; SPECIOUS
MESMERIZE
TO HYPNOTIZE
METAMORPHOSIS
CHANGE; TRANSFORMATION
METAPHYSICS
A BRANCH OF PHILOSOPHY THAT INVESTIGATES THE ULTIMATE NATURE OF REALITY
METEOROLOGICAL
CONCERNED WITH THE WEATHER
meticulous
adj. characterized by extreme case and precision; attentive to detail
METICULOUS
VERY CAREFUL; FASTIDIOUS
METTLE
COURAGE; ENDURANCE
METTLESOME
FULL OF COURAGE AND FORTITUDE; SPIRITED
MICROCOSM
A SMALL SYSTEM HAVING ANALOGIES TO A LARGER SYSTEM; SMALL WORLD
MILITATE
TO WORK AGAINST
MINATORY
THREATENING; MENACING
MINUSCULE
VERY SMALL
MINUTIA
PETTY DETAILS
misanthrope
n. one who hates all other humans (adj. misanthropic)
MISANTHROPE
ONE WHO HATES HUMANITY
MISCELLANY
MIXTURE OF WRITINGS ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS
MISCREANT
VILLAIN; CRIMINAL
MISOGYNIST
ONE WHO HATES WOMEN
MITIGATE
TO CAUSE TO BECOME LESS HARSH; SEVERE, OR PAINFUL; ALLEVIATE
mitigate
v. make or become less severe or intense; moderate
MNEMONIC
ADJ. RELATED TO MEMORY; ASSISTING MEMORY

N. A SYSTEM THAT DEVELOPS AND IMPROVES THE MEMORY
MODICUM
LIMITED QUANTITY
MOLLIFY
SOOTHE
mollify
v. calm or soothe; reduce in emotional intensity
MONOLITHIC
SOLID AND UNIFORM; CONSTITUTING A SINGLE, UNIFIED WHOLE
morose
adj. unhappy, bad-tempered and not talking very much
MOROSE
ILL-HUMORED; SULLEN
MOTLEY
MANY COLORED; MADE UP OF MANY PARTS
MULTIFARIOUS
DIVERSE
multifarious
of many different kinds; having great variety
mundane
adj. of the world; typical of or concerned with the ordinary
MUNDANE
WORLDLY AS OPPOSED TO SPIRITUAL; CONCERNED WITH THE ORDINARY
nascent
adj. coming into being; in early developmental stages
nebulous
adj. vague; cloudy; lacking clearly defined form
NECROMANCY
BLACK MAGIC
NEGATE
TO CANCEL OUT; NULLIFY
neologism
n. a new word, expression, or usage; the creation or use of new words or senses
NEOLOGISM
NEW WORD OR EXPRESSION
neophyte
n. a recent convert; a beginner; novice
NEOPHYTE
NOVICE; BEGINNER
NEXUS
A MEANS OF CONNECTION; A CONNECTED GROUP OR SERIES; A CENTER
NONPLUSSED
BEWILDERED
NOSTALGIA
SENTIMENTAL LONGING FOR A PAST TIME
NOSTRUM
MEDICINE OR REMEDY OF DOUBTFUL EFFECTIVENESS; SUPPOSED CURE
noxious
adj. harmful; injurious
NUGATORY
TRIFLING; INVALID
obdurate
adj. unyielding; hardhearted; intractable
OBDURATE
STUBBORN
obfuscate
deliberately obscure; make confusing
obsequious
adj. exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
OBSEQUIOUS
OVERLY SUBMISSIVE
OBSEQUY
FUNERAL CEREMONY (OFTEN USED IN THE PLURAL, OBSEQUIES)
obstinate
adj. stubborn; hardheaded; uncompromising
obtuse
adj. lacking sharpness of intellect; not clear or precise in thought or expression
OBVIATE
TO MAKE UNNECESSARY; TO ANTICIPATE AND PREVENT
obviate
v. anticipate and make unnecessary
OCCLUDE
TO SHUT; BLOCK
occlude
v. obstruct or block
OCCULT
RELATING TO PRACTICES CONNECTED WITH SUPERNATURAL PHENOMENA
odious
adj. evoking intense aversion or dislike
ODYSSEY
A LONG ADVENTUROUS VOYAGE; A QUEST
OFFICIOUS
TOO HELPFUL; MEDDLESOME
OLFACTORY
CONCERNING THE SENSE OF SMELL
OLIGARCHY
FORM OF GOVERNMENT IN WHICH POWER BELONGS TO ONLY A FEW LEADERS
onerous
adj. troubling; burdensome
ONEROUS
BURDENSOME
ONOMATOPOEIA
FORMATION OR USE OF WORDS THAT IMITATE SOUNDS OF THE ACTIONS THEY REFER TO
opaque
adj. impenetrable by light; not reflecting light
OPPROBRIUM
DISGRACE; CONTEMPT
opprobrium
n. disgrace; contempt; scorn
ORNITHOLOGIST
SCIENTIST WHO STUDIES BIRDS
OSCILLATE
TO MOVE BACK AND FORTH
oscillation
n. the act or state of swinging back and forth with a steady, uninterrupted rhythm (v. oscillate)
ostentatious
adj. characterized by or given to pretentious display; showy
OSTENTATIOUS
SHOWY; TRYING TO ATTRACT ATTENTION; PRETENTIOUS
OVERWEENING
PRESUMPTUOUS; ARROGANT; OVERBEARING
paean
n. a song or hymn of praise and thanksgiving
PAEAN
SONG OF JOY OR TRIUMPH; A FERVENT EXPRESSION OF JOY
PALEONTOLOGY
STUDY OF PAST GEOLOGICAL ERAS THROUGH FOSSIL REMAINS
PALLID
LACKING COLOR OR LIVELINESS
PANEGYRIC
ELABORATE PRAISE; FORMAL HYMN OF PRAISE
PARAGON
MODEL OF EXCELLENCE OR PERFECTION
parody
n. a humorous imitation intended for ridicule or comic effect, esp. in literature and art
PARTISAN
ONE-SIDED; COMMITTED TO A PARTY, GROUP. OR CAUSE; PREJUDICED
PATHOLOGICAL
DEPARTING FROM NORMAL CONDITION
PATHOS
A QUALITY THAT CAUSES A FEELING OF PITY OR SORROW
PATOIS
A REGIONAL DIALECT; NONSTANDARD SPEECH; JARGON
PAUCITY
SCARCITY
pedagogy
n. the profession or principles of teaching, or instructing
PEDANT
UNINSPIRED, BORING ACADEMIC
pedantic
adj. the parading of learning; excessive attention to minutiae and formal rules
PEDANTIC
SHOWING OFF LEARNING
PELLUCID
TRANSPARENT; TRANSLUCENT; EASILY UNDERSTOOD
PENCHANT
INCLINATION
penurious
adj. penny-pinching; excessively thrifty; ungenerous
PENURTY
EXTREME POVERTY
penury
n. poverty; destitution
PEREGRINATION
A WANDERING FROM PLACE TO PLACE
PEREMPTORY
IMPERATIVE; LEAVING NO CHOICE
perennial
adj. recurrent though the year or many years; happening repeatedly
PERENNIAL
PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE YEARS; PERSISTENT
PERFIDIOUS
FAITHLESS; DISLOYAL; UNTRUSTWORTHY
perfidy
n. intentional breach of faith; treachery (adj. perfidious)
perfunctory
adj. cursory; done without care or interest
PERFUNCTORY
SUPERFICIAL; NOT THOROUGH; PERFORMED REALLY AS A DUTY
PERIGEE
POINT IN AN ORBIT THAT IS CLOSEST TO THE EARTH
PERMEABLE
PENETRABLE
pernicious
adj. extremely harmful; potentially causing death
perspicacious
adj. acutely perceptive; having keen discernment (n. perspicacity)
PERTURB
TO DISTURB GREATLY; MAKE UNEASY OR ANXIOUS; CAUSE A BODY TO DEVIATE FROM ITS REGULAR ORBIT
peruse
v. examine with great care (n. perusal)
pervade
v. permeate throughout (adj. pervasive)
pervasive
adj. having the tendency to permeate or spread throughout
PERVASIVE
SPREAD THROUGHOUT EVERY PART
PETULANT
RUDE; PEEVISH
phlegmatic
adj. calm; sluggish; unemotional
PHLEGMATIC
CALM IN TEMPERAMENT; SLUGGISH
PHOENIX
MYTHICAL, IMMORTAL BIRD THAT LIVES FOR 500 YEARS, BURNS ITSELF TO DEATH, AND RISES FROM THE ASHES; ANYTHING THAT IS RESTORED AFTER SUFFERING GREAT DESTRUCTION
PHYSIOGNOMY
FACIAL FEATURES
PIETY
DEVOUTNESS
pine
v. yearn intensely; languish; lose vigor
pious
adj. extremely reverent or devout; showing strong religious devotion (n. piety)
PIQUANT
APPEALINGLY STIMULATING; PLEASANTLY PUNGENT; ATTRATIVE
PIQUE
N. FLEETING FEELING OF HURT PRIDE

V. TO PROVOKE OR AROUSE
pirate
v. illegally use or reproduce
pith
n. the essential or central part
pithy
adj. precise and brief
PLACATE
TO LESSEN ANOTHER'S ANGER; TO PACIFY
placate
v. appease; clam by making concessions
PLACID
CALM
PLAINTIVE
MELANCHOLY; MOURNFUL
PLASTICITY
CONDITION OF BEING ABLE TO BE SHAPED OR FORMED; PLIABILITY
platitude
n. a superficial remark, esp. one offered as meaningful
PLATITUDE
STALE, OVERUSED EXPRESSION
PLATONIC
SPIRITUAL, WITHOUT SENSUAL DESIRE, OR THEORETICAL
PLATONIC
SPIRITUAL; WITHOUT SENSUAL DESIRE; THEORETICAL
PLETHORA
EXCESS; OVERABUNDANCE
plethora
n. an overabundance; a surplus
PLUMB
TO DETERMINE THE DEPTH; TO EXAMINE DEEPLY
PLUME
TO CONGRATULATE ONESELF IN A SELF-SATISFIED WAY
PLUMMET
TO FALL; PLUNGE
plummet
v. plunge or drop straight down
PLUTOCRACY
SOCIETY RULED BY THE WEALTHY
polemical
adj. controversial; argumentative
POROUS
FULL OF HOLES; PERMEABLE TO LIQUIDS
POSEUR
PERSON WHO AFFECTS AN ATTITUDE OR IDENTITY TO IMPRESS OTHERS
pragmatic
adj. practical rather than idealistic
PRAGMATIC
PRACTICAL
PRATE
TO TALK IDLY; CHATTER
PRATTLE
MEANINGLESS, FOOLISH TALK
prattle
v. babble meaninglessly; talk in an empty and idle manner
PREAMBLE
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT
PRECARIOUS
UNCERTAIN
PRECEPT
PRINCIPLE; LAW
precipitate
adj. acting with excessive haste or impulse, v. cause or happen before anticipated or required
PRECIPITATE
V. TO CAUSE TO HAPPEN; THROW DOWN FROM A HEIGHT

ADJ. RASH; HASTY SUDDEN
PRECURSOR
FORERUNNER; PREDECESSOR
precursor
n. one that precedes and indicates or announces another
predilection
n. a disposition in favor of something; preference
PREEMPT
TO SUPERSEDE; APPROPRIATE FOR ONESELF
preen
v. dress up; primp; groom oneself with elaborate care
PREHENSILE
CAPABLE OF GRASPING
PREMONITION
FOREWARNING; PRESENTIMENT
PRESAGE
TO FORETELL; INDICATE IN ADVANCE
prescience
n. foreknowledge of events; knowing of events prior to their occurring (adj. prescient)
presumptuous
adj. overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy); taking liberties
PRESUMPTUOUS
RUDE; IMPROPERLY BOLD
PRETERNATURAL
BEYOND THE NORMAL COURSE OF NATURE; SUPERNATURAL
PREVARICATE
TO QUIBBLE; EVADE THE TRUTH
prevaricate
v. deliberately avoid the truth; mislead
PRIMORDIAL
ORIGINAL; EXISTING FROM THE BEGINNING
pristine
adj. pure; uncorrupted; clean
PRISTINE
UNTOUCHED; UNCORRUPTED
PROBITY
HONESTY; HIGH-MINDEDNESS
probity
n. adherence to highest principles; complete and confirmed integrity; uprightness
PROBLEMATIC
POSING A PROBLEM; DOUBTFUL; UNSETTLED
proclivity
n. a natural predisposition or inclination
prodigal
adj. recklessly wasteful; extravagant; profuse; lavish
PRODIGAL
WASTEFUL; EXTRAVAGANT; LAVISH
prodigious
adj. abundant in size, force, or extent; extraordinary
profligate
adj. excessively wasteful; recklessly extravagant (n. profligacy)
PROFOUND
DEEP; NOT SUPERFICIAL
profuse
adj. given or coming forth abundantly; extravagant
PROHIBITIVE
SO HIGH AS TO PREVENT THE PURCHASE OR USE OF; PREVENTING; FORBIDDING
PROLIFERATE
TO INCREASE RAPIDLY
proliferate
v. grow or increase swiftly and abundantly
prolific
adj. producing large volumes or amounts; productive
PROPENSITY
INCLINATION; TENDENCY
propensity
n. a natural inclination or tendency, penchant
PROPITIATE
TO WIN OVER; APPEASE
PROPRIETY
CORRECT CONDUCT; FITNESS
prosaic
adj. dull; lacking in spirit or imagination
PROSCRIBE
V. TO CONDEMN; FORBID OUTLAW

ADJ. RELATING TO PROHIBITION
PROVIDENT
PROVIDING FOR FUTURE NEEDS; FRUGAL
PUISSANT
POWERFUL
PUNCTILIOUS
CAREFUL IN OBSERVING RULES OF BEHAVIOR OR CEREMONY
pungent
adj. characterized by a strong, sharp smell or taste
PUNGENT
STRONG OR SHARP IN SMELL OR TASTE; PENETRATING; CAUSTIC; TO THE POINT
PURPORT
V. TO PROFESS; SUPPOSE; CLAIM

N. MEANING INTENDED OR IMPLIED
PUSILLANIMOUS
COWARDLY
putrefy
rot; decay and give off a foul odor (adj. putrid)
quaff
v. drink deeply
QUAGMIRE
MARSH; DIFFICULT SITUATION
QUAIL
TO COWER; LOSE HEART
QUALIFIED
LIMITED; RESTRICTED
qualm
n. misgivings; reservations; causes for hesitancy
QUALM
SUDDEN FEELING OF FAINTNESS OR NAUSEA; UNEASY FEELING ABOUT THE RIGHTNESS OF ACTIONS
queries
n. questions; inquiries; doubts in the mind; reservations
querulous
adj. prone to complaining or grumbling; peevish
QUERY
TO QUESTION
QUIBBLE
TO ARGUE OVER INSIGNIFICANT AND IRRELEVANT DETAILS
quiescence
n. stillness; motionlessness; quality of being at rest (adj. quiescent)
QUIESCENT
INACTIVE; STILL
quixotic
adj. foolishly impractical; marked by lofty romantic ideals
QUORUM
NUMBER OF MEMBERS NECESSARY TO CONDUCT A MEETING
quotidian
adj. occurring or recurring daily; commonplace
RACONTEUR
WITTY, SKILLFUL STORYTELLER
RAIL
TO SCOLD WITH BITTER OR ABUSIVE LANGUAGE
RAIMENT
CLOTHING
RAMIFICATION
IMPLICATION; OUTGROWTH; CONSEQUENCE
rancorous
adj. characterized by bitter, long-lasting resentment (n. rancor)
RAREFIED
REFINED
rarefy
v. make or become thin, less dense, refine
RATIONALE
FUNDAMENTAL REASON
REBUS
PUZZLE IN WHICH PICTURES OR SYMBOLS REPRESENT WORDS
recalcitrant
adj. obstinately defiant of authority; difficult to manage
RECALCITRANT
RESISTING AUTHORITY OR CONTROL
RECANT
TO RETRACT A STATEMENT OR OPINION
recant
v. retract, esp. a previously held belief
RECLUSE
PERSON WHO LIVES IN SECLUSION AND OFTEN IN SOLITUDE
RECONDITE
ABSTRUSE; PROFOUND
recondite
adj. hidden; concealed; difficult to understand; obscure
redoubtable
adj. awe-inspiring; worthy of honor
REDOUBTABLE
FORMIDABLE; AROUSING FEAR; WORTHY OF RESPECT
REDUCTIONISTIC
ATTEMPTING TO EXPLAIN COMPLEX PHENOMENA BY SIMPLE PRINCIPLES
REFRACT
DEFLECT LIGHT OR SOUND
REFRACTORY
STUBBORN; UNMANAGEABLE; RESISTING ORDINARY METHODS OF TREATMENT
refulgent
adj. radiant; shiny; brilliant
REFULGENT
BRIGHTLY SHINING; RESPLENDENT
REFUTE
TO CONTRADICT; DISAPPROVE
refute
v. disprove; successfully argue against
REGALE
ENTERTAIN
RELEGATE
TO CONSIGN TO AN INFERIOR POSITION
relegate
v. forcibly assign, esp. to a lower place or position
REMONSTRATE
TO OBJECT OR PROTEST
RENEGE
TO GO BACK ON ONE'S WORD
renege
v. fail to honor a commitment; go back on a promise
REPARATION
AMENDS; COMPENSATION
REPINE
FRET; COMPLAIN
REPRISE
REPETITION, ESPECIALLY OF A PIECE OF MUSIC
REPROACH
TO FIND FAULT WITH; BLAME
REPROBATE
MORALLY UNPRINCIPLED PERSON
REPUDIATE
TO REJECT AS HAVING NO AUTHORITY
repudiate
v. refuse to have anything to do with; disown
RESCIND
TO CANCEL
rescind
v. invalidate; repeal; retract
RESOLUTION
DETERMINATION; RESOLVE
RESOLVE
DETERMINATION; FIRMNESS OF PURPOSE
reticent
adj. quiet; reserved; reluctant to express thoughts and feelings
RETICENT
NOT SPEAKING FREELY; RESERVED; RELUCTANT
reverent
adj. marked by, feeling, or expressing a feeling of profound awe and respect (n. reverence)
REVERENT
EXPRESSING DEEP RESPECT; WORSHIPFUL
rhetoric
n. the art or study of effective use of language for communication and persuasion
RIPOSTE
RETALIATORY ACTION OR RETORT
ROCOCO
EXCESSIVELY ORNATE; HIGHLY DECORATED; STYLE OF ARCHITECTURE IN EIGHTEENTH CENTURY EUROPE
RUBRIC
TITLE OR HEADING; CATEGORY; ESTABLISHED MODE OF PROCEDURE OR CONDUCT; PROTOCOL
RUE
TO REGRET
RUSE
TRICK; CRAFTY STRATAGEM; SUBTERFUGE
SAGE
WISE
SALACIOUS
LASCIVIOUS; LUSTFUL
salubrious
adj. promoting health or well-being
SALUBRIOUS
HEALTHFUL
SALUTARY
EXPECTING AN IMPROVEMENT; FAVORABLE TO HEALTH
sanction
n. / v. authoritative permission or approval; a penalty intended to enforce compliance; give permission or authority to
SANCTION
V. TO APPROVE; RATIFY; PERMIT

N. APPROVAL; RATIFICATION; PERMISSION; PENALIZE
SARDONIC
CYNICAL; SCORNFULLY MOCKING
SARTORIAL
PERTAINING TO TAILORS
SATIATE
TO SATISFY
satire
n. a way of criticizing a person, an idea or an institution in which you use humor to show their faults or weaknesses; a piece of writing that uses this type of criticism
SATURATE
TO SOAK THOROUGHLY; IMBUE THROUGHOUT
SATURNINE
GLOOMY
SATYR
A CREATURE THAT IS HALF-MAN, HALF-BEAST WITH THE HORNS AND LEGS OF A GOAT; IT IS A FOLLOWER OF DIONYSOS; A LECHER
SAVOR
TO ENJOY; HAVE A DISTINCTIVE FLAVOR OR SMELL
SCHEMATIC
RELATING TO OR IN THE FORM OF AN OUTLINE OR DIAGRAM
SECRETE
PRODUCE AND RELEASE SUBSTANCE INTO AN ORGANISM
SEDITION
BEHAVIOR PROMPTING REBELLION
sedulous
adj. diligent; persistent; hardworking
SEDULOUS
DILIGENT
SEISMIC
RELATING TO EARTHQUAKES; EARTHSHAKING
SENSUAL
RELATING TO THE SENSES; GRATIFYING THE PHYSICAL SENSES, ESPECIALLY SEXUAL APPETITES
SENSUOUS
RELATING TO THE SENSES; OPERATING THROUGH THE SENSES
SENTIENT
AWARE; CONSCIOUS; ABLE TO PERCEIVE
SERVILE
SUBMISSIVE; OBEDIENT
SEXTANT
NAVIGATION TOOL THAT DETERMINES LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE
SHARD
A PIECE OF BROKEN GLASS OR POTTERY
shard
n. a piece of broken pottery or glass
SIDEREAL
RELATING TO THE STARS
SIMIAN
APELIKE; RELATING TO APES
SIMILE
COMPARISON OF ONE THING WITH ANOTHER USING "LIKE" OR "AS"
SINECURE
WELL-PAYING JOB OR OFFICE THAT REQUIRES LITTLE OR NO WORK
SINGULAR
UNIQUE; EXTRAORDINARY; ODD
SINUOUS
WINDING; INTRICATE; COMPLEX
SKEPTIC
ONE WHO DOUBTS
SOBRIETY
SERIOUSNESS
SODDEN
THOROUGHLY SOAKED; SATURATED
solicitous
adj. concerned and attentive; eager
SOLICITOUS
CONCERNED; ATTENTIVE; EAGER
SOLILOQUY
LITERARY OR DRAMATIC SPEECH BY ONE CHARACTER, NOT ADDRESSED TO OTHERS
SOLVENT
ABLE TO MEET FINANCIAL OBLIGATION
solvent
adj. able to meet financial obligations; able to dissolve another substance
SOMATIC
RELATING TO OR AFFECTING THE BODY; CORPOREAL
soporific
adj. causing drowsiness; tending to induce sleep
SOPORIFIC
SLEEP PRODUCING
sordid
adj. characterized by filth, grime, or squalor; foul
SORDID
FILTHY; CONTEMPTIBLE AND CORRUPT
sparse
adj. thin; not dense; arranged at widely spaced intervals
specious
adj. seeming true, but actually being fallacious; misleadingly attractive; plausible but false
SPECIOUS
SEEMING TO BE LOGICAL AND SOUND, BUT NOT REALLY SO
SPECTRUM
BAND OF COLORS PRODUCED WHEN SUNLIGHT PASSES THROUGH A PRISM; A BROAD RANGE OF RELATED IDEAS OR OBJECTS
spendthrift
n. one who spends money wastefully
SPENDTHRIFT
N. PERSON WHO SPENDS MONEY RECKLESSLY

ADJ. WASTEFUL AND EXTRAVAGANT
sporadic
adj. occurring only occasionally, or in scattered instances
SPORADIC
IRREGULAR
spurious
adj. lacking authenticity or validity; false; counterfeit
squalid
adj. sordid; wretched and dirty as from neglect (n. squalor)
SQUALOR
FILTHY, WRETCHED CONDITION
squander
v. waste by spending or using irresponsibly
STACCATO
MARKED BY ABRUPT, CLEAR-CUT SOUNDS
STANCH
TO STOP OR CHECK THE FLOW OF
static
adj. not moving, active, or in motion; at rest
STENTORIAN
EXTREMELY LOUD
STIGMA
MARK OF DISGRACE OR INFERIORITY
STINT
V. TO BE SPARING

N. A PERIOD OF TIME SPENT DOING SOMETHING
STIPULATE
TO SPECIFY AS AN ESSENTIAL CONDITION
stoic
adj. indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain (stoicism)
STOLID
HAVING OR SHOWING LITTLE EMOTION
STRATIFIED
ARRANGED IN LAYERS
STRIATED
MARKED WITH THIN, NARROW GROOVES OR CHANNELS
STRICTURE
SOMETHING THAT RESTRAINS; NEGATIVE CRITICISM
STRIDENT
LOUD; HARSH; UNPLEASANTLY NOISY
STRUT
TO SWAGGER; DISPLAY TO IMPRESS OTHERS
STULTIFY
TO IMPAIR OR REDUCE TO USELESSNESS
STUPEFY
TO DULL THE SENSES OF; STUN; ASTONISH
stupefy
v. stun, baffle, or amaze
STYGIAN
DARK AND GLOOMY; HELLISH
stymie
v. block; thwart
subpoena
n. a court order requiring appearance and/or testimony
SUBPOENA
NOTICE ORDERING SOMEONE TO APPEAR IN COURT
SUBSIDE
TO SETTLE DOWN; GROW QUIET
SUBSTANTIATE
TO SUPPORT WITH PROOF OR EVIDENCE
SUBSTANTIVE
ESSENTIAL; PERTAINING TO THE SUBSTANCE
SUBSUME
TO INCLUDE; INCORPORATE
subtle
adj. not obvious; elusive; difficult to discern
SUBVERSIVE
INTENDED TO UNDERMINE OR OVERTHROW, ESPECIALLY AN ESTABLISHED GOVERNMENT
succinct
adj. brief; concise
SUCCOR
RELIEF; HELP IN TIME OF DISTRESS OR WANT
SUFFRAGE
THE RIGHT TO VOTE
SUNDRY
VARIOUS
superfluous
adj. exceeding what is sufficient or necessary
SUPERSEDE
TO REPLACE, ESPECIALLY TO DISPLACE AS INFERIOR OR ANTIQUATED
SUPINE
LYING ON THE BACK; MARKED BY LETHARGY
SUPPLANT
TO REPLACE; SUBSTITUTE
supplant
v. take the place of; supersede
SUPPLIANT
BESEECHING
SUPPLICANT
ONE WHO ASKS HUMBLY AND EARNESTLY
SUPPOSITION
THE ACT OF ASSUMING TO BE TRUE OR REAL
surfeit
n./v. an overabundant supply; excess; feed or supply to excess
SYLLOGISM
A FORM OF DEDUCTIVE REASONING THAT HAS A MAJOR PREMISE, A MINOR PREMISE, AND A CONCLUSION
SYLVAN
RELATED TO THE WOODS OR FOREST
synthesis
n. the combination of parts to make a whole (v. synthesize)
tacit
adj. implied; not explicitly stated
TACIT
SILENTLY UNDERSTOOD; IMPLIED
TALISMAN
CHARM TO BRING GOOD LUCK AND AVERT MISFORTUNE
TANGENTIAL
PERIPHERAL; DIGRESSING
TAUTOLOGY
UNNECESSARY REPETITION
TAXONOMY
SCIENCE OF CLASSIFICATION; IN BIOLOGY, THE PROCESS OF CLASSIFYING ORGANSIMS IN CATEGORIES
tenacity
n. the quality of adherence or persistence to something valued; persistent determination (adj. tenacious)
TENET
BELIEF; DOCTRINE
tenuous
adj. having little substance or strength; flimsy; weak
TENUOUS
WEAK; INSUBSTANTIAL
TERRESTRIAL
EARTHLY; COMMONPLACE
terse
adj. brief and concise in wording
THEOCRACY
GOVERNMENT BY PRIESTS REPRESENTING A GOD
THESPIAN
AN ACTOR OR ACTRESS
TIMBRE
THE CHARACTERISTIC QUALITY OF SOUND PRODUCED BY A PARTICULAR INSTRUMENT OR VOICE; TONE COLOR
TIRADE
LONG, VIOLENT SPEECH; VERBAL ASSAULT
tirade
n. a long and extremely critical speech; a harsh denunciation
TOADY
FLATTERER; HANGER-ON; YES-MAN
TOME
BOOK, USUALLY LARGE AND ACADEMIC
torpid
adj. lethargic; sluggish; dormant (n. torpor)
TORPOR
LETHARGY; DORMANCY; SLUGGISHNESS
TORQUE
A TURNING OR TWISTING FORCE; THE MOMENT OF A FORCE; THE MEASURE OF A FORCE'S TENDENCY TO PRODUCE TWISTING OR TURNING AND ROTATION AROUND AN AXIS
torque
n. a force that causes rotation
tortuous
adj. winding; twisting; excessively complicated
TORTUOUS
HAVING MANY TWISTS AND TURNS; HIGHLY COMPLEX
TOUT
TO PROMOTE OR PRAISE ENERGETICALLY
tout
v. publicly praise or promote
TRACTABLE
OBEDIENT; YIELDING
TRANSGRESSION
ACT OF TRESPASSING OR VIOLATING A LAW OR RULE
transient
adj. fleeting; passing quickly; brief
TRANSIENT
TEMPORARY; SHORT-LIVED; FLEETING
TRANSLUCENT
PARTIALLY TRANSPARENT
TRAVAIL
N. WORK, ESPECIALLY ARDUOUS WORK; TRIBULATION; ANGUISH

V. TO WORK STRENUOUSLY
TRAVESTY
PARODY; EXAGGERATED IMITATION; CARICATURE
TREATISE
ARTICLE TREATING A SUBJECT SYSTEMATICALLY AND THOROUGHLY
TREMULOUS
TREMBLING; QUIVERING; FRUGAL; TIMID
trenchant
adj. sharply perceptive; keen; penetrating
TREPIDATION
FEAR AND ANXIETY
TRUCULENCE
AGGRESSIVENESS; FEROCITY
truculent
adj. fierce and cruel; eager to fight
TRYST
AGREEMENT BETWEEN LOVERS TO MEET; RENDEZVOUS
TUMID
SWOLLEN; DISTENDED
TURBID
MUDDY; OPAQUE; IN A STATE OF GREAT CONFUSION
TURGID
SWOLLEN; BLOATED; POMPOUS
TUTELARY
SERVING AS A GUARDIAN OR PROTECTOR
ubiquitous
adj. existing everywhere at the same time; constantly encountered; widespread
UNCANNY
MYSTERIOUS; STRANGE
UNDULATING
MOVING IN WAVES
unfeigned
adj. genuine; not false or hypocritical
UNFEIGNED
NOT FALSE; NOT MADE UP; GENUINE
untenable
adj. indefensible; not viable; uninhabitable
UNTENABLE
INDEFENSIBLE
UNTOWARD
NOT FAVORABLE; TROUBLESOME; ADVERSE; UNRULY
urbane
adj. sophisticated; refined; elegant (n. urbanity)
USURY
PRACTICE OF LENDING MONEY AT EXORBITANT RATES
VACILLATE
TO WAVER; OSCILLATE
vacillate
v. waver indecisively between one course of action or opinion and another; waver
VACUOUS
EMPTY; VOID; LACKING INTELLIGENCE; PURPOSELESS
VALEDICTORY
PERTAINING TO A FAREWELL
VAPID
TASTELESS; DULL
variegated
adj. multicolored; characterized by a variety of patches of different color
VARIEGATED
VARIED; MARKED WITH DIFFERENT COLORS
VAUNT
TO BOAST; BRAG
VENAL
BRIBABLE; MERCENARY; CORRUPTIBLE
VENDETTA
PROLONGED FEUD MARKED BY BITTER HOSTILITY
VENERATE
V. TO ADORE; HONOR; RESPECT

ADJ. RESPECTED BECAUSE OF AGE, CHARACTER, OR POSITION
VERACIOUS
TRUTHFUL; ACCURATE
veracity
n. truthfulness; honesty
VERBOSE
WORDY
VERTIGO
DIZZINESS
VEXATION
IRRITATION; ANNOYANCE; CONFUSION; PUZZLEMENT
vexation
n. annoyance; irritation (v. vex)
VIABLE
PRACTICABLE; CAPABLE OF DEVELOPING
vigilant
adj. alertly watchful (n. vigilance)
vilify
v. defame; characterize harshly
VINDICTIVE
SPITEFUL; VENGEFUL; UNFORGIVING
VIRTUOSO
SOMEONE WITH MASTERLY SKILLS; EXPERT MUSICIAN
virulent
adj. extremely harmful or poisonous; bitterly hostile or antagonistic
VISAGE
COUNTENANCE; APPEARANCE; ASPECT
viscous
adj. thick; sticky (n. viscosity)
VISCOUS
THICK, SYRUPY, AND STICKY
VITIATE
TO IMPAIR THE QUALITY OF; CORRUPT MORALLY; MAKE INOPERATIVE
vituperate
v. use harsh condemnatory language; abuse or censure severely or abusively; berate
VITUPERATIVE
USING OR CONTAINING HARSH, ABUSIVE CENSURE
VIVISECTION
DISSECTION; SURGERY; OR PAINFUL EXPERIMENTS PERFORMED ON A LIVING ANIMAL FOR THE PURPOSE OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
VOGUE
PREVAILING FASHION OR PRACTICE
volatile
adj. readily changing to a vapor; changeable; fickle; explosive (n. volatility)
VOLATILE
TENDING TO VARY FREQUENTLY; FICKLE
voracious
adj. having an insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit; ravenous
VORTEX
WHIRLPOOL; WHIRLWIND; CENTER OF TURBULENCE
WARRANTED
ADJ. JUSTIFIED

V. TO ATTEST TO THE ACCURACY OR QUALITY; JUSTIFY; GRANT AUTHORIZATION
WARY
CAREFUL; CAUTIOUS
waver
v. move to and fro; sway; be unsettled in opinion
WELTER
TO WALLOW OR ROLL; TOSS ABOUT; BE IN TURMOIL
WHIMSICAL
FANCIFUL; UNPREDICTABLE
WHIMSY
PLAYFUL OR FANCIFUL IDEA
WISTFUL
VAGUELY LONGING; SADLY THOUGHTFUL
ZEALOT
ONE WHO IS FANATICALLY DEVOTED TO A CAUSE
ZEALOTRY
FANATICISM
zealous
adj. fervent; ardent; impassioned; devoted to a cause (cf. zealot)
fathom
understand or conceive of/ a measure of; six feet wide
feckless
without purpose, resolution, direction, or otherwise useless; lazy and incompetent
feign
to fake or deceive with fabricated act
feint
an action or movement performed deceptively, to distract from true intentions (e.g. a faked left thrust)
foil
to stop, prevent or otherwise frustrate (especially an adversaries' plan)
forage
to search or rummage for food/other necessities
forum
a public meeting place or convention; discussion board
garrison
<v>to establish military operations or occupy by forces; <n> place stationed by military forces
genre
a type or flavor characterized by mood, style, technique or presentation (usually associated with artistic classification)
gist
the major/essential point, take-away message or moral
gratuitous
freely/cheaply given, overabundant, obligatory; done senselessly or without reason
grievous
causing great grief or sorrow; serious in impact
harrow
to weary or otherwise cause great distress/disturbance; terrify or mortify
hierarchy
established order or other stratified organizational structure
heterogeneous
diverse, comprised of different mixed elements
hypothesis
aa