Reading...
Play button
Play button
Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
250 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
|
INDIFFERENT
|
NOT CARING ONE WAY OR THE OTHER
|
The old fisherman was completely indifferent to the pain and hunger he felt; his only concern was catching the enormous marlin he had hooked.
|
|
|
APATHY
|
LACK OF INTEREST OR CONCERN
|
Many citizens are apathetic about elections and don't bother to vote.
|
|
|
OBSCURE
|
HAZY, UNFAMILIAR; DIFFICULT TO UNDERSTAND; RELATIVELY UNKNOWN
|
Scott constantly makes references to obscure cult films, and no one ever gets his jokes.
|
|
|
AMBIGUOUS
|
UNCLEAR; VAGUE; HAVING SEVERAL POSSIBLE INTERPRETATIONS
|
When questioned by police, the suspect gave ambiguous answers.
|
|
|
IMPARTIAL
|
NOT IN FAVOR OF ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER, UNBIASED
|
The umpire had a hard time remaining impartial; his son was pitching for the home team, and this made it difficult to call the game fairly.
|
|
|
OBJECTIVE
|
PERTAINING TO SOMETHING REAL AND OBSERVABLE; UNINFLUENCED BY EMOTION OR BIAS; GOAL
|
Getting an A in all of her classes was her objective in ninth grade.
|
|
|
REVERE
|
TO RESPECT DEEPLY
|
Winston Churchill was revered as a great statesman.
|
|
|
DISCRIMINATE
|
SELECT CCAREFULLY; JUDICIOUS
|
The new law discriminates against foreigners.
|
|
|
DENOUNCE
|
CRITICIZE; CONDEMN
|
The president denounced the actions of his country's closest ally.
|
|
|
INNOVATE
|
TO INTRODUCE AS NEW; TO EFFECT A CHANGE
|
George innovates at every phase of his project.
|
|
|
SUBTLE
|
HARD TO SEE OR UNDERSTAND; ELUSIVE
|
The editor's changes were so subtle, even the author didn't notice.
|
|
|
RELEVANT
|
HAVING SIGNIFICANT AND DEMONSTRABLE BEARING UPON THE MATTER AT HAND
|
John's testamony about his love for baking was not relevant to the court case
|
|
|
CANDID
|
FREE FROM BIAS, PREJUDICE, OR MALICE
|
The reporter held a candid interview with the president of the United States.
|
|
|
DISCERN
|
TO COME TO KNOW OR RECOGNIZE MENTALLY; TO SEE OR UNDERSTAND; INSIGHTFUL
|
She has a discerning nature, which allows her to understand her clients on a deep level.
|
|
|
HYPOCRITICAL
|
BEING A HYPOCRITE; WHEN SOMEONE PRETENDS TO BELIEVE SOMETHING THAT THEY DO NOT REALLY BELIEVE OR THAT IS THE OPPOSITE OF WHAT THEY DO OR SAY AT ANOTHER TIME
|
It's hypocritical for states that run the lottery to tell people they shouldn't open a gambling operation.
|
|
|
DISDAIN
|
LACK OF RESPECT ACCOMPANIED BY A FEELING OF INTENSE DISLIKE
|
Michelle looked at the offering with disdain and turned away immediately.
|
|
|
ABSTRACT
|
THEORETICAL; NOT CONCRETE
|
Advanced algebra is too abstract for most people.
|
|
|
TEMPER
|
BRING INTO BALANCE; MODERATE
|
The boss had a bad temper, and all of the employees disliked him.
|
|
|
ENIGMA
|
MYSTERY; PUZZLE
|
The origin of Saturn's rings remains a puzzling enigma.
|
|
|
INEVITABLE
|
UNAVOIDABLE; SOMETHING CERTAIN
|
The divorce between Tom and Harriett was inevitable.
|
|
|
ECCENTRIC
|
DIFFERENT FROM MOST, ESPECIALLY IN PERSONALITY OR BEHAVIOR
|
Alice was eccentric, but everyone loved her odd ways.
|
|
|
PROVINCIAL
|
LIMITED OR RESTRICTED; PAROCHIAL
|
The Secretary General asked those who opposed the relief effort to drop their provincial views and consider the greater good.
|
|
|
FUTILE
|
HOPELESSLY INEFFECTIVE; USELESS; IN VAIN
|
You can flap your arms forever, but trying to fly is a futile effort.
|
|
|
DIVERSE
|
DIFFERENT; VARIOUS
|
Many colleges are looking for well-rounded applicants with diverse experiences.
|
|
|
REPRESS
|
CURB ACTIONS THAT SHOW FEELINGS; SUPRESS SOMETHING BY FORCE; BLOCK SOMETHING FROM YOUR MIND
|
He had to repress a laugh at the somber event.
|
|
|
ARTICULATE
|
ABLE TO SPEAK CLEARLY AND EFFECTIVELY
|
To be effective, a preacher must be articulate with his sermon.
|
|
|
SOLICIT
|
PLEAD FORSOMETHING; ASK SOMEBODY FOR SOMETHING
|
The glee club had to solicit money in order to go on club events.
|
|
|
REPROACH
|
CRITICISE SOMEBODY; DISCREDIT
|
The president reproached the general for his irresponsible behavior.
|
|
|
CONDESCEND
|
ACT IN A SUPERIOR WAY; MAKE CONCESSIONS FOR OTHERS
|
She condescended to travel with us.
|
|
|
ORTHODOX
|
FOLLOWING TRADITIONAL DOCTRINE; SOMEBODY WHO HAS TRADITIONAL BELIEFS
|
Michael was brought up strictly, and his behavior always adhered to orthodox principles.
|
|
|
INDOLENCE
|
LAZY
|
Martha was a hard worker and could not tolerate indolence in her children.
|
|
|
CONGENIAL
|
AGREEABLE; SIMILIAR; FRIENDLY
|
Her congenial nature makes her well-loved in the town.
|
|
|
PRECLUDE
|
PREVENT; MAKE IMPOSSIBLE
|
The still flooded streets precluded the parade from going on as scheduled.
|
|
|
APPREHENSIVE
|
FEARFUL; AWARE
|
Jane was apprehensive for her life.
|
|
|
ELABORATE
|
EXPAND AND EXPLANATION TO INCLUDE MORE DETAILS
|
She elaborated on the main idea of her report.
|
|
|
ARROGANT
|
ACTING SUPERIOR, OBNOXIOUS, SMUG, OR RUDE
|
The trick is to be self-confident without being arogant.
|
|
|
ELUSIVE
|
HARD TO CATCH OR UNDERSTAND; EVASIVE
|
There was an elusive odor in the kitchen.
|
|
|
EFFACE
|
ERASE
|
All signs of poverty and suffering were effaced before the queen's visit.
|
|
|
TACITURN
|
QUIET
|
Anne was worried her taciturn boyfriend wouldn't fit in with her talkative family.
|
|
|
AMELIORATE
|
IMPROVE
|
Much aid is badly needed to ameliorate the effects of the suname.
|
|
|
ACQUIESCE
|
RELUCTANTLY, AGREEABLE; COMPLIANT
|
Some employers insist on acquiescence from both the critics and the general public.
|
|
|
ATROPHY
|
WASTE AWAY; WITHER
|
Within a week after the accident, his muscles had begun to atrophy.
|
|
|
DUBIOUS
|
DOUBTFUL; QUESTIONABLE
|
The facts are dubious, but the theory is challenging in its premise.
|
|
|
FLAGRANT
|
OPENLY AND OBVIOUSLY EVIL; GLARING; CONSPICUOUS
|
The attack was a flagrant violation of the treaty.
|
|
|
CONCISE
|
SHORT AND TO THE POINT
|
Phil read the concise note from his wife; "Leave Now."
|
|
|
IMMUTABLE
|
UNABLE TO CHANGE
|
The speed of light seems to be an immutable law of nature.
|
|
|
STATIC
|
UNCHANGING; MOTIONLESS
|
Traffic was static for almost an hour.
|
|
|
CREDULOUS
|
GULLIBLE; CAUSED BY READINESS TO BELIEVE
|
Joe was so credulous he believed everything he read.
|
|
|
BLASPHEMY
|
DISRESPECT TOWARD GOD OR SOMETHING SACRED
|
John was accused of blasphemy when he spoke evil of God.
|
|
|
COALESCE
|
UNITE; GROW TOGETHER
|
Astronomers believe stars coalesce from huge clouds of gas.
|
|
|
LAX
|
NOT STRICT; NOT TENSE
|
The mother was lax with her son's education.
|
|
|
CRYPTIC
|
HIDDEN; SECRET; MYSTERIOUS
|
The directions on the map are cryptic, which may be why nobody has found the treasure.
|
|
|
LEVITY
|
LIGHTNESS; PLAYFULNESS; JOCULARITY
|
Even the most serious films usually have moments of levity.
|
|
|
AMBIVALENT
|
INDECISION; FEELING OF BEING PULLED IN TWO DIRECTIONS
|
The house had been in the family for generations, so they were ambivalent about selling it.
|
|
|
INNATE
|
HAVING A QUALITY THAT ARISES FROM WITHIN, RATHER THAN LEARNED OR ACQUIRED FROM THE OUTSIDE
|
Elephants have an innate tendency to stick together and help each other.
|
|
|
SYCOPHANT
|
SOMEONE WHO FLATTERS IN ORDER TO GAIN FAVOR; WIMPY FOLLOWER
|
Some political leaders surround themselves with sycophants who just agree with everything.
|
|
|
AMIABLE
|
FRIENDLY AND PLEASANT
|
The last time we came to this restaurant the waiter was very amiable, but this time he's quite rude.
|
|
|
ESOTERIC
|
KNOWN TO, OR UNDERSTOOD BY, A LIMITED GROUP OF PEOPLE
|
The book was filled with esoteric information about a long-lost tribe.
|
|
|
EXTRANEOUS
|
UNNECESSARY; IRRELEVANT
|
A good editor will eliminate extraneous words and phrases.
|
|
|
TEDIOUS
|
LONG AND DRAWN-OUT; TIRESOME; BORING
|
The accountants job was very tedious.
|
|
|
CAUSTIC
|
BURNING, EITHER WITH CHEMICALS OR SARCASM
|
The teaher's caustic critism embarrassed his students.
|
|
|
INADVERTENT
|
UNINTENTIONAL
|
The newspaper inadvertently switched the names under the picture.
|
|
|
EXHAUSTIVE
|
COMPLETE; THOROUGH
|
Detective Murphy conducted an exhaustive investigation in order to uncover the truth.
|
|
|
INCONGRUOUS
|
OUT OF PLACE
|
A tuxedo would be incongruous at the beach.
|
|
|
BELITTLE
|
TO MAKE SEEM LESS SIGNIFICANT
|
I don't want to belittle her achievement.
|
|
|
UNPRECEDENTED
|
THE FIRST OF ITS KIND
|
Sandra Day O' Connor's appointment to the Supreme Court was unprecedented.
|
|
|
DIGRESS
|
TO MOVE AWAY FROM THE MAIN TOPIC WHEN WRITING OR SPEAKING; TO GO OFF ON A TANGENT
|
In writing, if you digress from the main point for too long, you may lose your reader.
|
|
|
APPEASE
|
CALM; PACIFY
|
Management tried to appease the strikers with a small salary increase.
|
|
|
FRIVOLOUS
|
NOT WORTH TAKING SERIOUSLY; SILLY
|
Jane was a frivolous young woman, she didn't take anything seriously.
|
|
|
BENEVOLENT
|
KIND HEARTED; GOOD-NATURED; GENEROUS
|
Miserable and greedy for most of his life, the man became benevolent during his last years.
|
|
|
PIOUS
|
EXHIBITING RELIGIOUS DEVOTION
|
He never went to church or temple, but he was pious all the same.
|
|
|
CONCILIATE
|
BRING DISPUTING SIDES TOGETHER; GET SOMEBODY'S SUPPORT OR FRIENDSHIP BACK
|
She managed to conciliate the angry customer.
|
|
|
RESIGNATION
|
GIVE IN; RELINQUISH
|
John handed in his resignation after an argument with his boss.
|
|
|
RESOLUTION
|
PROCESS OF RESOLVING; DECISION; DETERMINATION;
|
She made a New Years Resolution to read more books.
|
|
|
SERVILE
|
LIKE A SLAVE; SUBSERVIENT; SUBMISSIVE
|
He had no authority; his role was a strictly servile one.
|
|
|
ACUTE
|
SHARP OR SEVERE; KEENLY PERCEPTIVE; OF GREAT IMPORTANCE
|
This artist has such an acute sense of detail that some would mistake her paintings for photographs
|
|
|
RETICENT
|
QUIET; UNCOMMUICATIVE
|
He was normally a talkative boy, so his reticence seemed to signal a problem.
|
|
|
ANARCHY
|
A LACK OF ORDER; CHAOS
|
Without laws and rules, there would be anarchy everywhere.
|
|
|
VIRULENT
|
POISONOUS OR DESTRUCTIVE; FILLED WITH HATE OR ANGER; HARSH
|
An extremely virulent strain of flu virus swept across the country.
|
|
|
SCRUTINIZE
|
OBSERVE SOMEBODY OR SOMETHING CLOSELY
|
He scrutinized his likeness in the mirror.
|
|
|
DISCORD
|
DISAGREEMENT; DISSONANCE
|
A certain amount of discord is expected within every family.
|
|
|
REPUDIATE
|
DISOWN; REJECT
|
Pam repudiated her membership and any connection with the organization.
|
|
|
DILIGENT
|
PERSISTENT AND HARD-WORKING
|
She was a very diligent worker, and built her small business into a big company.
|
|
|
SUPERFICIAL
|
NOT PROFOUND OR DEEP; SHALLOW
|
Victor attended a college with a Great Books program but was simply too superficial to appreciate any of them.
|
|
|
CONTEMPT
|
ATTITUDE OF UTTER DISGUST OR HATRED
|
Alex showed contempt to the police officer who arrested him.
|
|
|
LUCID
|
EASY TO UNDERSTAND; TRANSPARENT; CLEAR -THINKING
|
Jerome was surprisingly lucid for someone who had just fallen on his head.
|
|
|
AESTHETIC
|
APPEALING TO ALL THE SENSES; ARTISTIC; PERTAINING TO BEAUTY
|
Decadent sensualists faced the coming of the twentieth century with a blend of aesthetic refinement and high living.
|
|
|
PRODIGAL
|
WASTEFUL, ESPECIALLY OF MONEY; EXTRAVAGANT
|
Sal earned enough, but his prodigal nature caused him to live beyond his means.
|
|
|
AUGMENT
|
MAKING LARGER; INCREASE
|
Phyllis decided to augment her income by taking a second job.
|
|
|
ASSESS
|
JUDGE SOMETHING; DETERMINE AMOUNT;
|
There was not enough information to assess whether the event occurred.
|
|
|
complacent
|
self-satisfied; unconcerned
|
Facing a less-talented opponent, it's easy to grow complacent and blow a big game.
|
|
|
ELOQUENT
|
SPEAKING OR SPOKEN BEAUTIFULLY AND FORCEFULLY; EXPRESSING EMOTION CLEARLY
|
The president was an eloquent speaker.
|
|
|
GUILE
|
CUNNING AND DECEITFULNESS
|
The enemy allowed us to collect our wounded and dead from the battlefield, laying down their weapons to show that they acted out of mercy rather than guile.
|
|
|
TRIVIAL
|
HAVING LITTLE VALUE; COMMONPLACE
|
Joe and Don always had trivial conversations after lunch.
|
|
|
SQUANDER
|
USE SOMETHING WASTEFULLY; EXTRAVAGANCE; EXTRAVAGENT SPENDING
|
Whenever John gets some extra money, he likes to squander it on videos.
|
|
|
INCESSANT
|
CONTINUOUS; ENDLESS
|
The incessant buzzing of mosquitoes drove us crazy.
|
|
|
LAUD
|
PRAISE; WORSHIP; EXTOL
|
The review was completely laudatory--it didn't contain a single negative comment.
|
|
|
DETER
|
RESTRAIN FROM TAKING ACTION
|
New measures in the airport are designed to deter a terrorist attack.
|
|
|
REDUNDANT
|
NEEDLESSLY REPETITIVE; EXCEEDING THE REQUIREMENTS
|
Since perfect is an absolute state, saying that something is "more perfect" is redundant.
|
|
|
INFAMOUS
|
NOTORIOUS; ABOMINABLE
|
The outlaws Bonnie and Clyde were among the hotel's more infamous past clients.
|
|
|
PROVOCATIVE
|
TENDING TO PROVOKE, EXCITE, OR STIMULATE; EXCITING SEXUAL DESIRE
|
The provocative Irish tunes compeled the listeners to dance.
|
|
|
DEPRAVITY
|
CORRUPTION; MORAL CORRUPTION; PERVERSION; EVIL
|
The reporter wrote his columnn on the brothels; opium parlors, and depravity of some countries.
|
|
|
GRAVITY
|
EXTREME IMPORTANCE OR SERIOUSNESS; THE FORCE THAT ATTRACTS BODY TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE EARTH, OR TOWARD ANY OTHER PHYSICAL BODY HAVING MASS
|
Because of the gravity of the situation, the rescue workers worked a double shift.
|
|
|
BANAL
|
BORING; TRITE; INSIPID
|
The script was filled with banal and predictable scenes.
|
|
|
EXTOL
|
PRAISE
|
The writter was extolled for her creativity.
|
|
|
EUPHONY
|
PLEASANT SOUND, ESPECIALLY IN SPEECH OR PRONUNCIATION
|
He fell asleep to the euphony of the wind chimes.
|
|
|
DERIDE
|
MAKE FUN OF; RIDICULE
|
Lester was derided everyday at work for his unusual taste in clothes.
|
|
|
INSIPID
|
DULL; FLAT; WITHOUT SPARKLE OR FLAVOR
|
Amy was surprised that her husband could enjoy such a boring, insipid movie.
|
|
|
AUSTERE
|
STERN; PLAIN; WITHOUT LUXURIES
|
The dentist's austere waiting room made children even more nervous.
|
|
|
EXPEDITE
|
SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF SOMETHING; DEAL WITH QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY
|
Whenever things are moving slowly at the bureau, I call up Watson, who expedites my requests for me.
|
|
|
HERESY
|
AN OPINION EXPRESSED IN DEFIANCE OF GENERALLY ACCEPTED IDEAS
|
In centuries passed, people were burned at the stake for heresy.
|
|
|
NOVEL
|
LONG STORY; LITERARY GENRE
|
Corey liked to read mystery novels before going to bed.
|
|
|
PHILANTHROPY
|
CHARITABLE WORK; GENEROSITY
|
Acme Inc. is a philanthropy company, they give to all worthy organizations.
|
|
|
TENTATIVE
|
NOT FULLY DEVELOPED OR DEFINITELY PLANNED; PROVISIONAL
|
We made tentative plans to go camping, as long as it didn't rain.
|
|
|
DEFERENCE
|
THE ACT OF YIELDING TO SOMEONE ELSE OUT OF RESPECT
|
In deference to his boss, Milton refused to take credit for the discovery.
|
|
|
VACILLATE
|
MOVE BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN CHOICES, UNABLE TO DECIDE
|
Ted vacillated so long about what to order that the restaurant closed.
|
|
|
FERVOR
|
STRONG PASSION
|
After the woman's claim of a miraculous cure, the town was swept up by religious fervor.
|
|
|
DISPASSIONATE
|
NOT EMOTIONALLY INVOLVED; OBJECTIVE
|
Sure, r. Peabody claimed to be a dispassionate judge, but how could anyone explain his daughter winning all seven awards.
|
|
|
PRAGMATIC
|
PRACTICAL
|
Although Leslie always has a bright outlook on the future, she is pragmatic when it comes to finance.
|
|
|
RIGOR
|
SEVERITY OR HARSHNESS; HARDSHIP
|
Soldiers endure the rigors of life on the battlefront.
|
|
|
solemn
|
serious; somber; grave
|
A funeral director must be solemn and friendly at the same time.
|
|
|
ALLEVIATE
|
LESSEN SOMETHING; TO MAKE SOMETHING SUCH AS PAIN OR HARDSHIP MORE BEARABLE OR LESS SEVERE
|
The mother of the feverish girl hoped that aspirin and cold cloths would alleviate her temperature.
|
|
|
NEGLIGENCE
|
CARELESS IN A SITUATION THAT COULD RESULT IN HARM; NEGLECTFUL
|
His negligence to help the accident victim right away, resulted in serious complications.
|
|
|
CONSPICUOUS
|
EASILY VISIBLE; ATTRACTING ATTENTION
|
The building's most conspicuous feature is its dome-shaped roof.
|
|
|
ADVOCATE
|
SUPPORT; PLEAD FOR; SPEAK ON BEHALF OF
|
Lawyers advocate for their clients.
|
|
|
ASCETIC
|
SELF-DENIAL OF LIFE'S PLEASURES
|
The ascetic monks that lived in ST. George's often locked themselves in closets for days at a time.
|
|
|
PROFOUND
|
PENETRATING BEYOND THE SUPERFICIAL; FILLED WITH WISDOM AND INSIGHT; DEEP
|
Tina came through the ordeal with a new and profound understanding of life.
|
|
|
IRONIC
|
DELIBERATELY STATING OPPOSITE OF THE TRUTH, USUALLY WITH THE INTENTION OR RESULT OF BEING AMUSING; INVOLVING A SURPRISING OR APPARENTLY CONTRADICTORY FACT
|
His madness was an ironic fate for such a clear thinker.
|
|
|
DOGMATIC
|
STUBBORN, BIASED; OPINIONATED; RIGID; AUTHORITATIVE; STICKING TO WIDELY-ACCEPTED BELIEFS, EVEN WHEN FACED WITH CONTRARY EVIDENCE; CLOSED-MINDED
|
The dogmatic statement had not yet been proven by science.
|
|
|
CONDONE
|
TO OVERLOOK, EXCUSE, OR PARDON
|
it's hard to condone such rude behavior.
|
|
|
DISSENT
|
TO DISAGREE, ESPECIALLY WITH THE MAJORITY, OR WITH AUTHORITY
|
Totalitarian forms of government do not tolerate much dissent among their citizens.
|
|
|
VOLUNTARY
|
OF FREE WILL; WITHOUT PAY; USING VOLUNTEERS
|
Mrs. Parks belonged to a voluntary organization on her days off.
|
|
|
DIDACTIC
|
CONTAINING A POLITICAL OR MORAL MESSAGE; TENDING TO GIVE INSTRUCTION OR ADVICE, EVEN WHEN IT IS NOT WELCOME OR NEEDED
|
Harlan found his superiors manner didactic because she insisted on providing a detailed explanation of even the simplest task.
|
|
|
DISPARITY
|
LACK OF EQUALITY BETWEEN PEOPLE OR THINGS; DISSIMILARITY
|
There is wide income disparity in some third world countries.
|
|
|
DISPARAGE
|
SAY NEGATIVE THINGS; BELITTLE
|
No one likes to hear disparaging remarks.
|
|
|
EPHEMERAL
|
TEMPORARY; SHORT-LIVED
|
My early morning memory of dreams is ephemeral: By lunchtime, I can't remember a thing.
|
|
|
COMPLY
|
TO OBEY OR TO CONFORM TO SOMETHING AS A RULE, LAW, REGULATION, OR WISH
|
The teacher told the students to comply with the assignment or get a zero.
|
|
|
PROSAIC
|
NOT HAVING ANY FETURES THAT ARE INTERESTING OR IMAGINATIVE; CHARACTERISTIC OF, RESEMBLING, OR CONSISTING OF PROSE
|
The academic's prosaic translation of Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" did little to inspire readers to the study of medieval literature.
|
|
|
PROFUSE
|
IN LARGE AMOUNTS OR QUANTITIES
|
The profusion of food on the cruise was overwhelming, and we stuffed ourselves.
|
|
|
EXPEDIENT
|
HELPFUL OR USEFUL IN A SITUATION, BUT SOMETIMES NOT MORALLY ACCEPTABLE; A MEANS TO AN END
|
It might be expedient not to pay him until the work is finished.
|
|
|
FASTIDIOUS
|
DIFFICULT TO PLEASE
|
The chief was so fastidious, no one could stand to work with him.
|
|
|
BELLIGERENT
|
HOSTILE OR AGGRESSIVE; TAKING PART IN WARFARE
|
The man became belligerant when the bartender wouldn't serve him another drink.
|
|
|
ASTUTE
|
CLEVER AND PERCEPTIVE
|
He was an astute investor.
|
|
|
LANGUID
|
WITHOUT ENERGY; SLUGGISH
|
He made a languid gesture.
|
|
|
CENSURE
|
TO CRITICIZE
|
The newspaper editorial censured the governor for her budget proposal.
|
|
|
STAGNANT
|
MOTIONLESS; UNCHANGING; DULL
|
Stagnant water gives mosquitoes a calm environment in which to thrive.
|
|
|
MITIGATE
|
MAKE LESS SEVERE; MOLLIFY
|
Her soft tone had a mitigating effect, and the argument ended.
|
|
|
REPREHENSIBLE
|
DESERVING OF CRITICISM; CULPABLE
|
Stealing is a reprehensible act.
|
|
|
ENGENDER
|
CREATE OR ARISE; HAVE OFFSPRING
|
Substandard pay and benefits have engendered resentment among the employees.
|
|
|
EXEMPLARY
|
DESERVING IMITATION; SERVING AS AN EXAMPLE
|
The child had exemplary conduct during the teacher's long speech.
|
|
|
NEUTRAL
|
TAKING NO SIDES; POSSESSING NO DISTINCTIVE QUALITY OR REVEALING NO ATTITUDE OR FEELING; WITHOUT HUE
|
She was careful to explain the problem in neutral terms.
|
|
|
RELEGATE
|
RFER TO AOTHER PERSON FOR DECISIONS OR JUDGMENT; ASSIGN TO A CLASS OR KIND
|
She likes to relegate difficult chores to her younger brother.
|
|
|
ANECDOTE
|
SOMEBODY'S ACCOUNT OF SOMETHING
|
His speech was filled with hilarious anecodotes of his adventures, but offered very little in the way of useful information.
|
|
|
SCANTY
|
SMALL IN QUANTITY; INSUFFICIENT
|
With such scanty evidence, the prosecution was forced to drop the charges.
|
|
|
FALLACIOUS
|
FALSE; MISLEADING
|
Many claims we believe to be true may, years later, turn out to be fallacious.
|
|
|
ACCLAIM
|
PRAISE; APPLAUD
|
Mark Twain was a highly-acclaimed author and lecturer.
|
|
|
UNIFORM
|
SIMILAR; CONSISTENT
|
Power tools are helpful when you need to cut a lot of lumber into uniform lengths.
|
|
|
INCOHERENT
|
LACKING CLARITY OR ORGANIZATION; UNABLE TO EXPRESS THINGS CLEARLY
|
The student gave an incoherent presentation because she was nervous.
|
|
|
INSTIGATE
|
TO CAUSE TO ACT; URGE; INCITE
|
The terrotists liked to instigate riots in their city.
|
|
|
SAGE
|
WISE PERSON; WISE, SHOWING GREAT WISDOM, ESPECIALLY THAT GAINED FROM LONG EXPERIENCE OF LIFE
|
He always gave me sage advice, which I did my best to follow.
|
|
|
PREDECESSOR
|
AN EARLIER OCCUPANT OF A JOB, OFFICE, OR POSITION
|
She completely redecorated the office, removing all evidence of her predecessor.
|
|
|
JEOPARDY
|
THE THREAT OR POSSIBILITY OF DANGER
|
One drunk driver can put many lives in jeopardy.
|
|
|
TANGIBLE
|
ABLE TO BE TOUCHED; CAPABLE OF BEING UNDERSTOOD AND EVALUATED, AND THEREFORE REGARDED AS REAL
|
There is no tangible evidence to support this claim.
|
|
|
INDULGENT
|
GIVING IN; YIELDING; LENIENT
|
Joey had two indulgent grandparents.
|
|
|
REMORSE
|
A FEELING OF GUILT; REGRET; SELF-REPROACH
|
After the guilty verdict was read, the defendant showed no remorse for what he did.
|
|
|
PIVOTAL
|
VITALLY IMPORTANT
|
Getting her masters degree was a pivotal event in her education.
|
|
|
SCRUPULOUS
|
VERY THOROUGH; OR, DOING WHAT IS RIGHT AND ETHICAL
|
Rachel was scrupulous in her search, thoroughly examining every book on the subject.
|
|
|
REFUTE
|
PROVE WRONG BY SHOWING EVIDENCE; DENY
|
Military planners tried to refute allegations of poor strategy by showing bonb-damaged footage.
|
|
|
RESPITE
|
BRIEF INTERVAL OF REST; A TEMPORARY DELAY
|
Anne took a respite between algebra and science homework.
|
|
|
STOIC
|
A PERSON WHO SHOWS NO RESPONSE TO PLEASURE OR PAIN; SOMEONE WHO IS IMPASSIVE
|
Even during torture, he was a stoic and never responded.
|
|
|
VOLATILE
|
CAPABLE OF EVAPORATING, EXPLODING, OR CHANGING
|
The judge has a volatile temper, so the lawyers were on their best behavior.
|
|
|
PERIPHERAL
|
AT THE EDGE OR RELATING TO THE EDGE OF SOMETHING AS OPPOSED TO ITS CENTER; NOT SIGNIFICANT
|
Ivan lives in one of Russia's peripheral provinces.
|
|
|
HEDONISTIC
|
SEEKING OF PLEASURE; DEVOTION TO PLEASURE AND HAPPINESS AS A WAY OF LIFE; PHILOSOPHY OF PLEASURE
|
Some people like to live an unending hedonistic life.
|
|
|
IDIOM
|
FIXED EXPRESSION WITH NONLITERAL MEANING; NATURAL WAY OF USING LANGUAGE; A GROUP OF WORDS WHOSE MEANING CONSIDERED AS A UNIT IS DIFFERENT FROM THE MEANINGS OF EACH WORD CONSIDERED SEPERATELY
|
Mastering the use of idioms can be harder for a learner.
|
|
|
BENEFACTOR
|
FINANCIAL SUPPORTER; SOMEBODY WHO AIDS A CAUSE, INSTITUTION, OR PERSON
|
The poor family was given food and presents by an anonymous benefactor.
|
|
|
BREVITY
|
BRIEFNESS; USE OF FEW WORDS
|
Th audience loved the brevity of his acceptance speech.
|
|
|
APOCRYPHAL
|
PROBABLY NOT TRUE, BUT WIDELY BELIEVED TO BE TRUE
|
You wrote a good story but I think it's apocryphal.
|
|
|
VIRTUOSO
|
A HIGHLY-SKILLED PERSON
|
Andrae Boccelli gave a virtuoso performance in New York City last week.
|
|
|
SLANDER
|
NEGATIVE ORAL REMARKS ABOUT ANOTHER PERSON THAT ARE UNTRUE
|
You can't claim slander if the statements about you are true.
|
|
|
ANIMOSITY
|
A FEELING OF RESENTMENT, HOSTILITY, OR ENMITY
|
There was a lot of animosity between the former best friends after the accident.
|
|
|
DEPLETE
|
USE AVAILABLE SUPPLY; EMPTY SOMETHING
|
The epidemic became a medical emergency when supplies of the antibiotic were depleted.
|
|
|
AMITY
|
FRIENDLINESS
|
Two groups of friends had lived in perfect amity for many years until the recent trouble.
|
|
|
STRINGENT
|
RIGOROUS OR SEVERE; STRICTLY CONTROLLED OR ENFORCED
|
Mrs. Dobbs took stringent security measures after her house was burglarized.
|
|
|
VOLUMINOUS
|
LARGE; EXTREMELY LONG; PRODUCING A LARGE AMOUNT OF CREATIVE WORK
|
Mrs. Green wrote a voluminous report.
|
|
|
AUSPICIOUS
|
PROMISING WELL FOR FUTURE; MARKED BY LUCKY SIGNS OR GOOD OMENS, AND THEREFORE BY THE PROMISE OF SUCCESS OR HAPPINESS
|
The candidate had an auspicious biginning for his campaign.
|
|
|
FICKLE
|
LACKING LOYALITY; UNPREDICTABLE; CHANGING
|
Audiences are fickle, which is why many celebrities fade from view.
|
|
|
LETHARGIC
|
TIRED; SLUGGISH; DROWSY
|
He intended to mow the lawn, but was too lethargic and simply fell asleep.
|
|
|
HACKNEYED
|
UNORIGINAL; TRITE
|
Many love songs contain hackneyed phrases like "I want you, I need you" that have been represented to the point of meaninglessness.
|
|
|
AMASS
|
TO BRING A LARGE QUANTITY OF THINGS TOGETHER OVER TIME
|
Donald Trump amassed a fortune.
|
|
|
WILLFUL
|
DONE DELIVERATELY; STUBBORN
|
The teacher would not stand for willful disobedience in her classroom.
|
|
|
BASTION
|
STRONG SUPPORTER; FORTIFICATION
|
The northeast part of the state is a liberal bastion.
|
|
|
TREPIDATION
|
FEAR
|
Alone in the house at night for te first time, Ed was filled with trepidation.
|
|
|
DESECRATE
|
TO DAMAGE SOMETHING SACRED, OR DO SOMETHING THAT IS OFFENSIVE TO THE RELIGIOUS NATURE OF SOMETHING; DAMAGE SOMETHING REVERED
|
It is against the law to desecrate a cemetary.
|
|
|
FORTUITOUS
|
ACCIDENTAL OR UNPLANNED, HAPPENING BY CHANCE, ESPECIALLY GIVING RISE TO A FORTUNATE OUTCOME
|
I had a fortuitous encounter with my old roommate of thirty years ago, whom I hadn't seen since graduation.
|
|
|
VEHEMENT
|
STRONGLY EXPRESSED; POWERFUL
|
Mary had a vehement dislike for the boy who cheated in chemistry class.
|
|
|
ASSUAGE
|
TO SOOTHE; RELEIVE SOMETHING UNPLEASANT, TO PROVIDE ELIEF FROM SOMETHING DISTRESSING OR PAINFUL
|
Constant reassurance could not assuage their fears.
|
|
|
PRODIGIOUS
|
VERY LARGE
|
After a twenty-year career, her accomplishments were prodigious.
|
|
|
TORPID
|
SLUGGISH; DULL; LACKING ENTHUSIASM
|
Slleep-deprived and depressed, Gary slogged through each day in a torpid state.
|
|
|
FURTIVE
|
SECRETIVE; SHIFTY
|
The conspirators exchanged furtive glances.
|
|
|
SUPERCILIOUS
|
FULL OF CONTEMPT AND ARROGANCE
|
His mother eyed my clothes with a supercilious air.
|
|
|
PRUDENT
|
WISE; SHREWD; CAUTIOUS
|
Sometimes the most prudent thing to say is nothing at all.
|
|
|
VERBOSE
|
VERY TALKATIVE; LOQUACIOUS
|
The verbose woman at the next table was giving us a headache.
|
|
|
PEDESTRIAN
|
SOMEBODY WHO IS TRAVELING ON FOOT; DULL
|
Since John lost his drivers liscense for speeding, he is now a pedestrian.
|
|
|
INNOCUOUS
|
HARMLESS; INOFFENSIVE
|
The drink looked innocuous, but actually contained a deadly poison.
|
|
|
FANATIC
|
EXTREMEST; FAN OF SOMETHING
|
Many terrorists are fanatics to their cause.
|
|
|
ENHANCE
|
INTENSIFY; IMPROVE
|
A coat of paint can greatly enhance the appearance of a room.
|
|
|
RETRACT
|
WITHDRAW; TAKE BACK A PREVIOUS STATEMENT; RECANT
|
He retracted his earlier statement about his part in the crime.
|
|
|
PAUCITY
|
TOO FEW; SCARCITY
|
In many of the poorer nations of Africa, there is a dangerous paucity of food and medicine.
|
|
|
RESCIND
|
TAKE BACK; REMOVE; VOID
|
The governor had to rescind the man's death sentence.
|
|
|
ZEAL
|
ENTHUSIASM, ENERGETIC FOR A CAUSE OR IDEA
|
Mary did her job with zeal, and she was given a raise accordingly.
|
|
|
BENIGN
|
KINDLY, NOT LIFE-THREATENING; HARMLESS; FAVORABLE
|
John had a benign tumor.
|
|
|
COMPLIANT
|
FOLLOWING SOMEONE ELSE'S DEMANDS; CONFORMING; OBEYING
|
Employers who are domineering usually try to hire compliant people.
|
|
|
EMULATE
|
IMITATE
|
As young boy's, we tend to emulate our favorite baseball players.
|
|
|
INNUMERABLE
|
TOO MANY TO BE COUNTED
|
The man had innumerable difficulties before getting his project ready.
|
|
|
MEANDER
|
WANDER IN A CAREFREE MANNER; FOLLOW A WINDING COURSE; RAMBLE
|
Meandering through the woods without a destination was Nancy's favorite activity.
|
|
|
AUTHORITARIAN
|
HAVING COMPLETE CONTROL OVER MANY PEOPLE
|
Mary was the timid child of authoritarian parents.
|
|
|
BRAWN
|
STRONG MUSCLES; BODILY STRENGTH
|
Joe thought he could win the contest using his brain over Tom's brawn.
|
|
|
CONTRITE
|
SORRY; PENETENT
|
Genuinely contrite, Debbie confessed to eating all the doughnuts.
|
|
|
EXEMPLIFY
|
SHOW BY EXAMPLE
|
Harry's love for violent movies exemplifies his aggressive character.
|
|
|
FACILITATE
|
MAKE EASIER
|
You could facilitate the process by sharing your knowledge.
|
|
|
HYPOTHETICAL
|
NOT NECESSARILY REAL; BASED UPON SUPPOSITION
|
Joe used a hypothetical situation when trying to ger her point across to her parents.
|
|
|
RECALCITRANT
|
RESISTING AUTHORITY; DIFFICULT TO DEAL WITH OR OPERATE; STUBBORN OPPONENT
|
Michael struggled in front of the mirror with a recalcitrant tie.
|
|
|
AMBULATORY
|
RELATING OR EQUIPPED FOR WALKING; WALKING OR MOVING; NOT CONFINED TO BED; REVOCABLE
|
Mr. Sikes was an ambulatory patient.
|
|
|
DIFFIDENCE
|
LACKING SELF-CONFIDENCE AND RATHER SHY; RESERVED OR RESTRAINED IN BEHAVIOR
|
You shouldn't be so diffident about your achievements, you;ve done really well.
|
|
|
DRONE
|
MAKE LOW HUMMING SOUND; TALKING IN BORING VOICE
|
I could hear his voice droning in the background.
|
|
|
GULLIBLE
|
EASILY DECEIVED
|
dON'T BE SO GULLIBLE THAT YOU BELIEVE EVERTHING SOMEONE TELLS YOU.
|
|
|
MARRED
|
SPOILED; SCRATCHED; BLEMISHED
|
The new table arrived on time, but was marred by scratches and dents.
|
|
|
NULLIFY
|
REMOVE OR CANCEL ALL VALUE OR FORCE; NEGATE
|
The touchdown was nullified because the team had too many players on the field.
|
|
|
PARSIMONY
|
STINGINESS; EXCESSIVE; FRUGALITY
|
His parsimony made him an unpopular school board treasurer.
|
|
|
PROPRIETY
|
QUALITY OF BEING SOCIALLY APPROPRIATE; SOCIALLY CORRECT OR APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR
|
Caroline always conducted herself with the grace and propriety of a true southern belle.
|
|
|
REJUVENATE
|
MAKE SOMEBODY YOUNG AGAIN; RETURN SOMETHING TO ORIGINAL CONDITION
|
The week at the spa rejuvenated me.
|
|
|
SKEPTICAL
|
ONE WHO DOESN'T BELIEVE UNLESS HE'S SHOWN ABSOLUTE PROOF; DOUBTER
|
They all swore they saw a ghost, but the landlord rmained skeptical.
|
|
|
TENACIOUS
|
STRONG; PERSISTENT; DETERMINED TO HOLD ON
|
The defense lineman was small but tenacious, and he sacked the quarterback twice.
|
|
|
ANIMATED
|
TO MAKE SOMEBODY OR SOMETHING LIVELY; PRESENT SOMETHING USING ANIMATION TECHNIQUES
|
Leaves were animated by a stiff breeze.
|
|
|
AUTHENTIC
|
NOT FALSE OR COPIED; VALID
|
The crime was solved by an authentic account by an eyewitness.
|
|
|
BIASED
|
PREFERENCE
|
He gave a biased account of the baseball game.
|
|
|
BLITHE
|
MERRY; CAREFREE
|
She was loved for her blithe personality.
|
|
|
DEARTH
|
LACK; A SCARCITY OF SOMETHING
|
Joe wanted to write his report about the war, but the dearth of uncensored, firsthand information made his report incomplete.
|
|
|
DIVERT
|
CHANGE SOMETHING'S PATH; DRAW ATTENTION FROM SOMETHING
|
My attention was diverted by an argument between motorists.
|
|
|
ENTHRALL
|
COMPLETELY FASCINATED
|
Tonight's television interview with this famous singer will reveal the talent and grace that have enthralled millions.
|
|
|
HEED
|
NOTICE; PAY ATTENTION TO
|
It's wise to heed the warnings of a coming hurricane or tornado.
|
|
|
HINDER
|
GET IN WAY OF
|
A heavy snowfall hindered rescurers' attempts to reach the stranded climber.
|
|
|
IRASCIBLE
|
EASILY ANGERED
|
He's irascible in the morning, so don't talk to him before noon.
|
|
|
MERGER
|
COMBINING OF COMPANIES; A UNION
|
The merger between Lex Industries and Tod Industries sent the stocks soaring.
|
|
|
NOSTALGIC
|
WISHING FOR A RETURN TO THE WAY THINGS USED TO BE; LONGING FOR THE PAST; HOMESICK
|
Seeing the old pictures of her parents made Katie nostalgic.
|
|
|
PRETENTIOUS
|
SHOWY; MAKING RIDICULOUS CLAIMS; EXCESSIVELY
|
The house was pretentious, clearly designed and decorated to make visitors feel inferior.
|
|
|
SACCHARIN
|
OF OR LIKE SUGAR; VERY SWEET AND INGRATIATING
|
Rosemary had a saccharin smile.
|
|
|
STANZA
|
DIVISION OF POEM; A NUMBER OF LINES OF VERSE FORMING A SEPARATE UNIT WITHIN A POEM
|
She had to write a poem with four stanzas.
|
|
|
VENERATE
|
RESPECT GREATLY; REVERE
|
The football players venerate their coach and work hard to make him proud of them.
|
|
|
VILIFY
|
DEFAME; ATTACK SOMEONE'S REPUTATION
|
He was so vilified in the press that his reputation never recovered.
|
