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208 Cards in this Set
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stentorian
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Pronunciation:
\sten-ˈtȯr-ē-ən\ Function: adjective extremely loud <stentorian tones> |
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prandial
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of or relating to a meal
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edifice
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building; especially : a large or massive structure
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frisson
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a brief moment of emotional excitement ("A frisson swept through the crowd" NY on Olympic torch)
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welter
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a chaotic mass or jumble ("The welter of laws pertaining to medical marijuana in California...")
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penurious
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1 : marked by or suffering from penury
2 : given to or marked by extreme stinting frugality |
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penury
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1: a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money); especially : severe poverty
2: extreme and often niggardly frugality |
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hogback
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a ridge of land formed by the outcropping edges of tilted strata; broadly : a ridge with a sharp summit and steeply sloping sides
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warren
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a: a crowded tenement or district b: a maze of passageways or small rooms
("More than a hundred devadases worked in a small warren of streets...") |
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canard
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\kə-ˈnärd also -ˈnär\
a false or unfounded report or story; especially : a fabricated report b: a groundless rumor or belief(NY: "...read one headline, above an article that repeated the divorce canard") |
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integument
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something that covers or encloses; especially : an enveloping layer (as a skin, membrane, or cuticle) of an organism or one of its parts
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lamina
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a thin plate or scale
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sophistry
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subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation
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calumniate
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to utter maliciously false statements, charges, or imputations about
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supererogatory
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1 : observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required 2 : exceeding what is needed : superfluous <supererogatory meetings>
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tractable
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1 : capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled : docile <a tractable horse> 2 : easily handled, managed, or wrought : malleable
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decant
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1 : to draw off (a liquid) without disturbing the sediment or the lower liquid layers 2 : to pour from one vessel into another 3 : to pour out, transfer, or unload as if by pouring
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demur
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\di-ˈmər\
to take exception : object —often used with to or at |
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prate
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to talk long and idly
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extrinsic
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1 a: not forming part of or belonging to a thing : extraneous b: originating from or on the outside; especially : originating outside a part and acting upon the part as a whole <extrinsic muscles of the tongue>2: external
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voluble
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1 : easily rolling or turning : rotating 2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : glib, fluent
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jocund
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marked by or suggestive of high spirits and lively mirthfulness <a poet could not but be gay, in such a jocund company — William Wordsworth>
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comely
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1 : pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion 2 : having a pleasing appearance : not homely or plain
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inflammable
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1 : flammable 2 : easily inflamed, excited, or angered : irascible
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irascible
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marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger
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inchoate
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\in-ˈkō-ət, ˈin-kə-ˌwāt\
being only partly in existence or operation : incipient; especially : imperfectly formed or formulated : formless, incoherent <misty, inchoate suspicions that all is not well with the nation — J. M. Perry> |
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diffident
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1: hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence2archaic : distrustful3: reserved, unassertive
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buccal
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\ˈbə-kəl\
1 : of, relating to, near, involving, or supplying a cheek <the buccal surface of a tooth> <the buccal branch of the facial nerve> 2 : of, relating to, involving, or lying in the mouth <the buccal cavity> |
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truss
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1 a: to secure tightly : bind b: to arrange for cooking by binding close the wings or legs of (a fowl)2: to support, strengthen, or stiffen by or as if by a truss
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glossolalia
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speaking in tongues
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insouciance
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lighthearted unconcern : nonchalance
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urbane
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notably polite or polished in manner
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spurious
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1: of illegitimate birth : bastard2: outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : false <the spurious eminence of the pop celebrity>3 a: of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : forged b: of a deceitful nature or quality <spurious excuses>
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imperious
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1 a: befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant <an imperious manner> b: marked by arrogant assurance : domineering2: intensely compelling : urgent <the imperious problems of the new age — J. F. Kennedy>
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probative
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1 : serving to test or try : exploratory 2 : serving to prove : substantiating
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extemporaneous
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composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment : impromptu <an extemporaneous comment> (2): carefully prepared but delivered without notes or text
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blithe
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1 : of a happy lighthearted character or disposition 2 : lacking due thought or consideration : casual, heedless <blithe unconcern>
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arthropod
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any of a phylum (Arthropoda) of invertebrate animals (as insects, arachnids, and crustaceans) that have a segmented body and jointed appendages, a usually chitinous exoskeleton molted at intervals, and a dorsal anterior brain connected to a ventral chain of ganglia
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remit
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1 a: to lay aside (a mood or disposition) partly or wholly b: to desist from (an activity) c: to let (as attention or diligence) slacken : relax
2 a: to release from the guilt or penalty of <remit sins> b: to refrain from exacting <remit a tax> c: to cancel or refrain from inflicting <remit the penalty> d: to give relief from (suffering) 3: to submit or refer for consideration, judgment, decision, or action; specifically : remand 4: to restore or consign to a former status or condition 5: postpone, defer 6: to send (money) to a person or place especially in payment of a demand, account, or draft intransitive verb 1 a: to abate in force or intensity : moderate b: to abate symptoms (as of a disease) for a period 2: to send money (as in payment) |
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denouement
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1 : the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
2 : the outcome of a complex sequence of events |
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denature
dē-ˈnā-chər\ |
1: dehumanize
2: to deprive of natural qualities : change the nature of: as a: to make (alcohol) unfit for drinking (as by adding an obnoxious substance) without impairing usefulness for other purposes b: to modify the molecular structure of (as a protein or DNA) especially by heat, acid, alkali, or ultraviolet radiation so as to destroy or diminish some of the original properties and especially the specific biological activity intransitive verb |
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ochlocracy
\ä-ˈklä-krə-sē\ |
government by the mob : mob rule
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plutocracy
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1 : government by the wealthy
2 : a controlling class of the wealthy |
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parietal
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1 a: of or relating to the walls of a part or cavity b: of, relating to, or forming the upper posterior wall of the head
2: attached to the main wall rather than the axis or a cross wall of a plant ovary —used of an ovule or a placenta 3: of or relating to college living or its regulation; especially : of or relating to parietals |
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protean
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1 : of or resembling Proteus in having a varied nature or ability to assume different forms
2 : displaying great diversity or variety : versatile |
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prosaic
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1 a: characteristic of prose as distinguished from poetry : factual b: dull, unimaginative <prosaic advice>
2: everyday, ordinary <heroic characters wasted in prosaic lives — Kirkus Reviews> |
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stalwart
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: marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit <stalwart common sense>
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sedulous
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1 : involving or accomplished with careful perseverance <sedulous craftsmanship>
2 : diligent in application or pursuit <a sedulous student> |
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husband
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a: to manage prudently and economically b: to use sparingly : conserve
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dispatch
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a: a message sent with speed; especially : an important official message sent by a diplomatic, military, or naval officer b: a news item filed by a correspondent
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signal
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distinguished from the ordinary : notable <a signal achievement>
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asseverate
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to affirm or declare positively or earnestly <he always asseverated that he did not know — G. K. Chesterton>
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fractious
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1 : tending to be troublesome : unruly <a fractious crowd>
2 : quarrelsome, irritable |
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clement
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1 : inclined to be merciful : lenient <a clement judge>
2 : mild <clement weather for this time of year> |
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sere
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being dried and withered
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laggard
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one that lags or lingers
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wastrel
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1 : vagabond, waif
2 : one who expends resources foolishly and self-indulgently : profligate |
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panegyric
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eulogistic oration or writing; also : formal or elaborate praise
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blandishment
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something that tends to coax or cajole : allurement —often used in plural
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eulogy
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1 : a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased <she delivered the eulogy at his funeral>
2 : high praise |
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elegy
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2 a: a song or poem expressing sorrow or lamentation especially for one who is dead b: something (as a speech) resembling such a song or poem
3 a: a pensive or reflective poem that is usually nostalgic or melancholy b: a short pensive musical composition |
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cygnet
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young swan
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cur
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1 : a mongrel or inferior dog
2 : a surly or cowardly fellow |
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libation
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1 a: an act of pouring a liquid as a sacrifice (as to a deity) b: a liquid (as wine) used in a libation
2 a: an act or instance of drinking often ceremoniously b: beverage; especially : a drink containing alcohol |
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ruth
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1 : compassion for the misery of another
2 : sorrow for one's own faults : remorse |
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lout
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an awkward brutish person
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poltroon
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a spiritless coward : craven
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cephalic
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of or relating to the head
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truss
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a: bracket 1 b: an assemblage of members (as beams) forming a rigid framework
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motley
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1 : variegated in color <a motley coat>
2 : composed of diverse often incongruous elements <a motley crowd> |
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compendious
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marked by brief expression of a comprehensive matter : concise and comprehensive
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chandler
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a maker or seller of tallow or wax candles and usually soap
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legerdemain
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slight of hand
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sumptuary
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1 : relating to personal expenditures and especially to prevent extravagance and luxury <conservative sumptuary tastes — John Cheever>
2 : designed to regulate extravagant expenditures or habits especially on moral or religious grounds <sumptuary laws> <sumptuary tax> |
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dross
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the scum that forms on the surface of molten metal
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greisen
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a crystalline rock consisting of quartz and mica that is common in Cornwall and Saxony
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scabrous
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1: difficult, knotty <a scabrous problem>
2: rough to the touch: as a: having small raised dots, scales, or points <a scabrous leaf> b: covered with raised, roughened, or unwholesome patches <scabrous paint> <scabrous skin> 3: dealing with suggestive, indecent, or scandalous themes : salacious |
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abandon (noun)
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a thorough yielding to natural impulses; especially : enthusiasm, exuberance <with reckless abandon>
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logy
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\ˈlō-gē\
marked by sluggishness and lack of vitality : groggy |
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chagrin
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disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
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cant
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1: to give a cant or oblique edge to : bevel
2: to set at an angle : tilt |
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collar (verb)
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b: arrest, grab c: to get control of : preempt <we can collar nearly the whole of this market — Roald Dahl>
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purblind
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1 aobsolete : wholly blind b: partly blind
2: lacking in vision, insight, or understanding : obtuse |
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equivocal
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1 a: subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to mislead or confuse <an equivocal statement> b: uncertain as an indication or sign <equivocal evidence>
2 a: of uncertain nature or classification <equivocal shapes> b: of uncertain disposition toward a person or thing : undecided <an equivocal attitude> c: of doubtful advantage, genuineness, or moral rectitude <equivocal behavior> |
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precipitate
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1 a: to throw violently : hurl <the quandaries into which the release of nuclear energy has precipitated mankind — A. B. Arons> b: to throw down
2: to bring about especially abruptly <precipitate a scandal that would end with his expulsion — John Cheever> 3 a: to cause to separate from solution or suspension b: to cause (vapor) to condense and fall or deposit intransitive verb 1 a: to fall headlong b: to fall or come suddenly into some condition 2: to move or act precipitately 3 a: to separate from solution or suspension b: to condense from a vapor and fall as rain or snow |
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assuage
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1 : to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : ease <unable to assuage their grief>
2 : pacify , quiet <vainly strove…to assuage an implacable foe — Edward Gibbon> 3 : to put an end to by satisfying : appease , quench <assuaging his thirst> |
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opaque
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1: exhibiting opacity : blocking the passage of radiant energy and especially light
2 a: hard to understand or explain <opaque prose> b: obtuse , thickheaded |
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prodigal
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1 : characterized by profuse or wasteful expenditure : lavish <a prodigal feast> <prodigal outlays for her clothes>
2 : recklessly spendthrift <the prodigal prince> 3 : yielding abundantly : luxuriant —often used with of<nature has been so prodigal of her bounty — H. T. Buckle> |
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fervid
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1 : very hot : burning
2 : marked by often extreme fervor <a fervid crusader> |
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pedant
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1obsolete : a male schoolteacher
2 a: one who makes a show of knowledge b: one who is unimaginative or who unduly emphasizes minutiae in the presentation or use of knowledge c: a formalist or precisionist in teaching |
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engender
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1 : beget , procreate
2 : to cause to exist or to develop : produce <policies that have engendered controversy> intransitive verb : to assume form : originate |
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corroborate
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to support with evidence or authority : make more certain
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laconic
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using or involving the use of a minimum of words : concise to the point of seeming rude or mysterious
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propriety
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the quality or state of being proper : appropriateness
4 a: conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech b: fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior especially between the sexes cplural : the customs and manners of polite society |
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enervate
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1 : to reduce the mental or moral vigor of
2 : to lessen the vitality or strength of |
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innervate
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to supply with nerves
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eulogy
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1 : a commendatory oration or writing especially in honor of one deceased <she delivered the eulogy at his funeral>
2 : high praise |
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obdurate
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1 a: stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing b: hardened in feelings
2: resistant to persuasion or softening influences |
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bolster
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1 : to support with or as if with a bolster : reinforce
2 : to give a boost to <news that bolstered his spirits> |
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garrulous
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1 : given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative
2 : wordy 1 <garrulous speeches> |
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prevaricate
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to deviate from the truth : equivocate
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decamp
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1 : to break up a camp
2 : to depart suddenly : abscond |
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forbear
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1obsolete : to do without
2: to hold oneself back from especially with an effort <forbore mentioning the incident> 3obsolete : to leave alone : shun <forbear his presence — Shakespeare> intransitive verb 1: hold back , abstain <have forborne from taking part in any controversy — Abraham Lincoln> 2: to control oneself when provoked : be patient |
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apotheosis
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1 : elevation to divine status : deification
2 : the perfect example : quintessence <this is the literary apotheosis of the shaggy dog story — Thomas Sutcliffe> |
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palliate
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1: to reduce the violence of (a disease) ; also : to ease (symptoms) without curing the underlying disease
2: to cover by excuses and apologies 3: to moderate the intensity of <trying to palliate the boredom> |
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admix
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to mix in
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amend
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1: to put right ; especially : to make emendations in (as a text)
2 a: to change or modify for the better : improve <amend the situation> b: to alter especially in phraseology ; especially : to alter formally by modification, deletion, or addition <amend a constitution> intransitive verb : to reform oneself |
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preternatural
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1: existing outside of nature
2: exceeding what is natural or regular : extraordinary <wits trained to preternatural acuteness by the debates — G. L. Dickinson> 3: inexplicable by ordinary means ; especially : psychic <preternatural phenomena> |
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animus
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1 : basic attitude or governing spirit : disposition , intention
2 : a usually prejudiced and often spiteful or malevolent ill will 3 : an inner masculine part of the female personality in the analytic psychology of C. G. Jung — compare anima |
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lassitude
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1 : a condition of weariness or debility : fatigue
2 : a condition of listlessness : languor |
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sensibility
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having or expressing little or no sensibility : unemotional
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adjudge
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1 a: to decide or rule upon as a judge : adjudicate b: to pronounce judicially : rule
2archaic : sentence , condemn 3: to hold or pronounce to be : deem <adjudge the book a success> 4: to award or grant judicially in a case of controversy |
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fusty
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1British : impaired by age or dampness : moldy
2: saturated with dust and stale odors : musty 3: rigidly old-fashioned or reactionary |
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propitiate
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to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : appease
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unnerve
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1 : to deprive of courage, strength, or steadiness
2 : to cause to become nervous : upset |
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rarefy
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1 : to make rare, thin, porous, or less dense : to expand without the addition of matter
2 : to make more spiritual, refined, or abstruse |
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abstruse
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difficult to comprehend : recondite <the abstruse calculations of mathematicians>
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doughty
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marked by fearless resolution : valiant <a doughty warrior>
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mettle
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1 a: vigor and strength of spirit or temperament b: staying quality : stamina <equipment that proved its mettle>
2: quality of temperament or disposition <gentlemen of brave mettle — Shakespeare> |
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mettlesome
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full of mettle : spirited
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stalwart
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marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind, or spirit <stalwart common sense>
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venturesome, venturous
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1 : involving risk : hazardous <a venturesome journey>
2 : inclined to court or incur risk or danger : daring <a venturesome investor> |
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bromidic
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lacking in originality : trite
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hackneyed
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lacking in freshness or originality <hackneyed slogans>
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platitude
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1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid
2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark |
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fatuous
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complacently or inanely foolish : silly <a fatuous remark>
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jejune
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1 : lacking nutritive value <jejune diets>
2 : devoid of significance or interest : dull <jejune lectures> 3 : juvenile , puerile <jejune reflections on life and art> |
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shopworn
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1 : faded, soiled, or otherwise impaired by remaining too long in a store
2 : stale from excessive use or familiarity <shopworn clichés> 3 : worn-out <a shopworn veteran> |
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underpin
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1 : support , substantiate <underpin a thesis with evidence>
2 : to form part of, strengthen, or replace the foundation of <underpin a structure> <underpin a sagging building> |
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grandiloquent
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a lofty, extravagantly colorful, pompous, or bombastic style, manner, or quality especially in language
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magniloquent
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speaking in or characterized by a high-flown often bombastic style or manner <magniloquent boasts>
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orotund
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1 : marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound : sonorous <an orotund voice>
2 : pompous , bombastic <an orotund speech> |
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fustian
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1 a: a strong cotton and linen fabric b: a class of cotton fabrics usually having a pile face and twill weave
2: high-flown or affected writing or speech ; broadly : anything high-flown or affected in style |
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high-flown
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1 : exceedingly or excessively high or favorable
2 : having an excessively embellished or inflated character : pretentious <high–flown language> |
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din
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1: a loud continued noise ; especially : a welter of discordant sounds
2: a situation or condition resembling a din |
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declaim
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1: to speak rhetorically ; specifically : to recite something as an exercise in elocution
2: to speak pompously or bombastically : harangue transitive verb : to deliver rhetorically <an actor declaiming his lines> ; specifically : to recite in elocution |
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upbraid
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1 : to criticize severely : find fault with
2 : to reproach severely : scold vehemently |
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trenchant
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1: keen , sharp
2: vigorously effective and articulate <a trenchant analysis> ; also : caustic <trenchant remarks> 3 a: sharply perceptive : penetrating <a trenchant view of current conditions> b: clear-cut , distinct <the trenchant divisions between right and wrong — Edith Wharton> |
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subterfuge
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1 : deception by artifice or stratagem in order to conceal, escape, or evade
2 : a deceptive device or stratagem |
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pettifogger
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1 : a lawyer whose methods are petty, underhanded, or disreputable : shyster
2 : one given to quibbling over trifles |
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sedulous
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1 : involving or accomplished with careful perseverance <sedulous craftsmanship>
2 : diligent in application or pursuit <a sedulous student> |
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obeisance
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1 : a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow
2 : acknowledgment of another's superiority or importance : homage <makes obeisance to her mentors> |
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desultory
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1 : marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose <a dragged-out ordeal of…desultory shopping — Herman Wouk>
2 : not connected with the main subject 3 : disappointing in progress, performance, or quality <a desultory fifth place finish> <a desultory wine> |
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obloquy
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1 : a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language
2 : the condition of one that is discredited : bad repute |
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invective
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1 : an abusive expression or speech
2 : insulting or abusive language : vituperation |
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vituperation
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1 : sustained and bitter railing and condemnation : vituperative utterance
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jeremiad
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a prolonged lamentation or complaint ; also : a cautionary or angry harangue
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demure
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1 : reserved , modest
2 : affectedly modest, reserved, or serious : coy |
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demur
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1archaic : delay , hesitate
2: to file a demurrer 3: to take exception : object —often used with to or at |
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expatiate
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1 : to move about freely or at will : wander
2 : to speak or write at length or in detail <expatiating upon the value of the fabric — Thomas Hardy> |
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dilatory
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1 : tending or intended to cause delay <dilatory tactics>
2 : characterized by procrastination : tardy <dilatory in paying bills> |
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dirge
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1: a song or hymn of grief or lamentation ; especially : one intended to accompany funeral or memorial rites
2: a slow, solemn, and mournful piece of music |
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espy
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to catch sight of <among the several horses…she espied the white mustang — Zane Grey>
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descry
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1 a: to catch sight of <I descried a sail — Jonathan Swift> b: find out , discover
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peremptory
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1 a: putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay ; specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a peremptory mandamus> b: admitting of no contradiction
2: expressive of urgency or command <a peremptory call> 3 a: characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance <how insolent of late he is become, how proud, how peremptory — Shakespeare> b: indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty <a peremptory tone> <peremptory disregard of an objection> |
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cozen
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1 : to deceive, win over, or induce to do something by artful coaxing and wheedling or shrewd trickery
2 : to gain by cozening someone <cozened his supper out of the old couple> |
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humbug
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1 a: something designed to deceive and mislead b: a willfully false, deceptive, or insincere person
2: an attitude or spirit of pretense and deception 3: nonsense , drivel |
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circumlocution
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1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
2 : evasion in speech |
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pithy
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1 : consisting of or abounding in pith
2 : having substance and point : tersely cogent synonyms see concise |
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torpid
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1 a: having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling : dormant , numb b: sluggish in functioning or acting <a torpid frog> <a torpid mind>
2: lacking in energy or vigor : apathetic , dull |
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malinger
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to evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
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ductile
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1 : capable of being drawn out into wire or thread <ductile iron>
2 : easily led or influenced 3 : capable of being fashioned into a new form |
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conciliate
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1 : to gain (as goodwill) by pleasing acts
2 : to make compatible : reconcile 3 : appease |
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pertinacious
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1 a: adhering resolutely to an opinion, purpose, or design b: perversely persistent
2: stubbornly tenacious |
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occlude
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to stop up, to prevent the passage of
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opprobrium
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public disgrace
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ignominy
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1 : deep personal humiliation and disgrace
2 : disgraceful or dishonorable conduct, quality, or action |
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surfeit
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1 : an overabundant supply : excess
2 : an intemperate or immoderate indulgence in something (as food or drink) 3 : disgust caused by excess |
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spendthrift
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a person who spends improvidently or wastefully
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quiescent
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motionless
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cloy
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to surfeit with an excess usually of something originally pleasing
intransitive verb : to cause surfeit |
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prolix
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1 : unduly prolonged or drawn out : too long
2 : marked by or using an excess of words |
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to nettle
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1 : to strike or sting with or as if with nettles
2 : to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger |
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dither
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1 : shiver , tremble
2 : to act nervously or indecisively : vacillate |
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probity
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adherence to the highest principles and ideals : uprightness
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gainsay
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1 : to declare to be untrue or invalid
2 : contradict , oppose |
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libidinous, libidinal
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having or marked by lustful desires : lascivious
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bemuse
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1 : to make confused : puzzle , bewilder
2 : to occupy the attention of : distract , absorb 3 : to cause to have feelings of wry or tolerant amusement <seems truly bemuseed that people beyond his circle in Seattle would be interested in his ruminations — Ruth B. Smith> |
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ribald
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1 : crude , offensive <ribald language>
2 : characterized by or using coarse indecent humor |
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encomium
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glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise ; also : an expression of this
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stultify
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1archaic : to allege or prove to be of unsound mind and hence not responsible
2: to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical 3 a: to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective : negate b: to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on |
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espouse
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1 : marry
2 : to take up and support as a cause : become attached to |
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munificent
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1 : very liberal in giving or bestowing : lavish
2 : characterized by great liberality or generosity |
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ancillary
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1 : subordinate , subsidiary <the main factory and its ancillary plants>
2 : auxiliary , supplementary <the need for ancillary evidence> |
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truculent
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1 : feeling or displaying ferocity : cruel , savage
2 : deadly , destructive 3 : scathingly harsh : vitriolic <truculent criticism> 4 : aggressively self-assertive : belligerent |
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churlish
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1 : of, resembling, or characteristic of a churl : vulgar
2 : marked by a lack of civility or graciousness : surly 3 : difficult to work with or deal with : intractable <churlish soil> |
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venal
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1: capable of being bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration : purchasable ; especially : open to corrupt influence and especially bribery : mercenary <a venal legislator>
2: originating in, characterized by, or associated with corrupt bribery <a venal arrangement with the police> |
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turgid
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1: being in a state of distension : swollen , tumid <turgid limbs> ; especially : exhibiting turgor
2: excessively embellished in style or language : bombastic , pompous <turgid prose> |
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expiate
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1obsolete : to put an end to
2 a: to extinguish the guilt incurred by b: to make amends for <permission to expiate their offences by their assiduous labours — Francis Bacon> |
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proselyte
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a new convert (as to a faith or cause)
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slake
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1archaic : subside , abate
2: to become slaked : crumble <lime may slake spontaneously in moist air> transitive verb 1archaic : to lessen the force of : moderate 2: satisfy , quench <slake your thirst> <will slake your curiosity> 3: to cause (as lime) to heat and crumble by treatment with water : hydrate |
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simper
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to smile in a silly manner
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raillery
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1 : good-natured ridicule : banter
2 : jest |
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peripatetic
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1capitalized : a follower of Aristotle or adherent of Aristotelianism
2: pedestrian , itinerant 3plural : movement or journeys hither and thither |
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elegiac
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of, relating to, or comprising elegy or an elegy ; especially : expressing sorrow often for something now past <an elegiac lament for departed youth>
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peregrinate
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intransitive verb
: to travel especially on foot : walk transitive verb : to walk or travel over : traverse |
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apothegm
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a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : aphorism
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sententious
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1 a: given to or abounding in aphoristic expression b: given to or abounding in excessive moralizing
2: terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression : pithy , epigrammatic |
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distaff
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the female branch or side of a family
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interstice
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1 a: a space that intervenes between things ; especially : one between closely spaced things <interstices of a wall> b: a gap or break in something generally continuous <the interstices of society> <passages of genuine literary merit in the interstices of the ludicrous…plots — Joyce Carol Oates>
2: a short space of time between events |
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scion
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2 a: descendant , child ; especially : a descendant of a wealthy, aristocratic, or influential family b: heir 1 <scion of a railroad empire>
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carom
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1 a: a shot in billiards in which the cue ball strikes each of two object balls b: a shot in pool in which an object ball strikes another ball before falling into a pocket — compare combination shot
2: a rebounding especially at an angle |
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recidivism
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a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior ; especially : relapse into criminal behavior
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bilious
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1 a: of or relating to bile b: marked by or suffering from liver dysfunction and especially excessive secretion of bile c: appearing as if affected by a bilious disorder
2: of or indicative of a peevish ill-natured disposition 3: sickeningly unpleasant <with clapboards painted red and bilious yellow — Sinclair Lewis> |
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dudgeon
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a fit or state of indignation —often used in the phrase in high dudgeon
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martinet
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1 : a strict disciplinarian
2 : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods |
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fey
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1 achiefly Scottish : fated to die : doomed b: marked by a foreboding of death or calamity
2 a: able to see into the future : visionary b: marked by an otherworldly air or attitude c: crazy , touched 3 a: excessively refined : precious b: quaintly unconventional : campy |
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optimum
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greatest degree attained or attainable under implied or specified conditions
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