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383 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
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Tether (n)
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The limit of one's strength or resources
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At the end of my tether
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Gloat (int. vb)
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To observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight
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Gloat over an enemy's misfortune
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Incongruous (adj)
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Incompatible
Not comforming: Disagreeing Unsuitable |
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Crux (n)
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A puzzling or difficult problem
An essential point requiring resolution or resolving or outcome |
The crux of the problem
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Tut-tut (int. vb)
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To express disapproval or disbelief by or as if by uttering tut
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The civilian press corps tut-tutted over the officers' equivocation, ignorance and bigotry
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Quaint (adj)
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Marked by beauty or elegance
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figures of fun, quaint people
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Bilk (t.v)
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To block the free development
To cheat out of something valuable Defraud To slip away from |
fate bilks their hopes
bilks his creditors |
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Chasm (adj)
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A marked division, separation or difference
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Quixotic (adj)
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unrealistic
Foolishly impractical esp. in the pursuit of ideals Unpredictable |
as quixotic as a restoration of medieval knighthood
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Uxorious (adj)
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Excessively fond of or submissive to a wife
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Pir.ou.ette (n)
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A rapidly whirling about of the body esp a full turn on the toe or ball of one foot in ballet
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Proffer (t.vb)
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Present for acceptance
offer |
a proffered piece of fruit
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Weary (adj)
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Exhausted in strength, endurance, vigor, or freshness
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Frail (adj)
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Easily broken or destroyed
Physcally weak Fragile |
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Hurl (v)
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To throw down with violence
To throw forcefully To utter with vehemence |
Hurled insults at the police>
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Prurient (adj)
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Inordinate and unhealthy sexual interest or desire
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eluding the lubricious embraces of her employer
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Excoriate (t.vb)
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condemn: express strong disapproval of
To wear of the skin off |
We excoriate the racism in South Africa
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Canard (n)
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A false or unfounded report or story esp. fabricated
A groundless rumor or belief |
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Gaffe (n)
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A social or diplomatic blunder
A noticeable mistake |
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Lame duck (n)
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One that is weak or that falls behind in ability or achievement
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Pander (int. vb)
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To act as a pander esp to provide gratification for others' desires
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films that pander to the basest emotions
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Val.hal.la (n)
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A place of horror, glory, or happiness: heaven
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an academic's valhalla
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Milieu (n)
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The physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops
Environment |
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Draconian (adj)
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cruel
severe |
draconian one endorsed
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Angst (n)
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A feeling of anxiety, apprehension or insecurity
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There's no need for this angst
teenage angst |
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Hock (n)
Ha.ck |
Debt
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in hock to the bank
...US in deeper hock to china |
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Vigilante (n)
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A self-appointed doer of justice
A member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime |
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Pratfall (n)
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A fall on the buttocks
A humiliating mishap or blunder |
Bill Clinton's Sex behavior was a pratfall
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Invective (adj)
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of, relating to, or characteristerized by insult or abuse
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leans on this form of "humorous" invective much more
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Pungent (adj)
Latin: to prick, sting, to fight, fist |
Sharp and to the point
Causing a sharp or irritating sensation Having an intense flavor or odor |
a pungent chili
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intransigent
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characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude : UNCOMPROMISING
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<intransigent in their opposition> <an intransigent attitude>
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Parlance
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a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language
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the English phrase to kick the bucket means to die. A listener knowing the meaning of kick and bucket will not thereby be able to predict that the expression can mean to die.
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Grist
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matter of interest or value forming the basis of a story or analysis
something turned to advantage or use |
as the grist for current-events discussions
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Tenacious
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not easily pulled apart : COHESIVE
Persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired Tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance |
<The idea that women are somehow unsuited to science is widespread and tenacious>
<a tenacious metal> <tenacious negotiators> <a tenacious memory> |
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Judicious (adj)
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having, exercising, or characterized by sound judgment : DISCREET
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man as judicious
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Flighty (adj)
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lacking stability or steadiness
easily upset easily excited |
a flighty temper
women as flighty |
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Array (t.vb)
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Draw up or to arrange
Adorn |
array of biological processes
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Assert
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Stating confidently
Declare |
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Poised (v)
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stable
balance |
carried a water jar poised on her head
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Clamor
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insistent public expression (as of support or protest)
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clamor fromt he public finally broke the NCAA's resistance
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dawdle (verb)
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To spend time idly
To spend fruitlessly or lackadiasically |
dawdled the day away
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Eke.out (t.v)
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To make up for the deficiencies
Supplement |
eked out his income by getting a second job
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flout (v)
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treat with comtemptuous disregard
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flouting the rules
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lugging (v.t)
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to haul or drag (something) laboriously
To pull with difficulty |
Lugging a paunch
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Inanity
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Something fatuous or absurd
Lacking substance - shallowness |
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Boor
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a peasant
a coarse, rude person |
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Gorge
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canyon
a deep narrow passage w/steep rocky sides, enclosed on each side by mountains |
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Gilded
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to cover with or as if with a thin coating of gold
To give an often deceptively attractive or improved appearance to |
a gilded palace
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Exogenous
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outside factors
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Levity
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A light manner or attitude esp. when inappropriate
Inconstancy |
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Hooting (v)
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To utter the typical cry of an owl
To make a loud raucous cry esp. of comtempt or derision |
hoot the actor off the stage
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Gleeful (adj)
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Joy
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Gleefully hooting at strangers
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Feisty (adj)
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Full of nervous energy
Having or showing a lively aggressiiveness Spunky |
The movie's feisty heroine
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Shamble
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To walk awkwardly dragging feet
Shuffle |
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Hebephrenia (n)
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A form of schizophrenia characterized esp. by incoherence, delusions lacking an underlying theme, and affect that is usu. flat, inappropriate, or silly
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Loathe (t. v)
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Dislike
hate |
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Loath (adj)
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unwilling to do something contrary to one's ways of thinking
Reluntant |
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Swaddle (t. vb)
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Destrain
Restrict Envelop |
Marriage...swaddled him in a domesticity he came to loathe
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Crass (adj)
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barbaric, uncivilized, rough, rude
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My roommate's father's girlfriends behavior was crass.
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Insoucience
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Lightheated inconcern
Nochalanche |
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Estrange (t.v)
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To arouse esp. mutual enmity or indifference in where there had formerly been love, affection or friendliness
Alienate |
Millions of Americans have become so estrange fromt the political process
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Gerrymander (t.v)
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To divide (a territorial unit)into election districts to give one polical party an electoral majority in a large # of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
To divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group |
Big $ & gerrymandering have placed gov't out of the reach of most Americans
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Disillusion (t.v)
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to free from illusion
to cause to lose naive faith and trust |
black voter, disillusioned by voter suppression efforts
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Hedge (v)
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To protect oneself from loosing or failing by a counterbalancing action (hedging a bet)
To enclose or protect with |
Republicans...are hedging their bets by pumping up campaign donations to Democratic candidates
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Inbecile (n)
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Fool, idiot
Usu. offensive: a person affected with moderate metal retardation |
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Grim (adj)
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Fierce in disposition or action (savage)
unflinching, unyielding |
grim determination
grim forecasts |
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Culprit (n)
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The source or cause of a problem
One accused of or charged with a crime |
...was the main culprit
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Lam (v) Thrash
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To beat soundly with or as if with a stick or whip
To defeat decisively or severely |
Thrashed the visiting team
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Expletive (n)
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A syllable, word, or phrase inserted to fill a vacancy without adding to the sense
An exclamatory word or phrase esp. one that is obscene or profane One that serves to fill out or as is filling |
Insert expletive here
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Froth (n)
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Bubbles form in or on a liquid
Something resembling froth (as in being unsubstantial, worthless, or light and airy |
There's little froth in this market
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Carnage (n)
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The flesh of slain animals or men
Great and usu. bloody slaughter or injury (as in a battle) |
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adduce
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to offer as example, reason, or proof in discussion or analysis
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inchoate (adj)
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Incoherent
Being only partly in existance or operation esp. imperfectly formed or formulated |
...inchoate suspicions that all is not well with the nation
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Gangland (n)
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The world of organized crime
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a gangland killing
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Revulsion (n)
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Extreme disgust
Loathing |
American's revulsion against the action of the President in Iraq
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Hegemony (n)
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A leadership or dominance esp. that of one state or nation over the other
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Iran do not relish it bid on nuclear hegemony
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Theocraty (n)
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Government by a person or persons claiming divine authority
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A theocratic President in Iran
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Fraught (adj)
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Filled or loaded (with)
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a life fraught with hardship
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Febrile (adj)
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Fever (feverish)
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Febrile argument
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Apocalypse (n)
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A revelation of a violent struggle in which evil will be destroyed
Disastrous event esp. the end of the world |
End of the world is an apocalypse
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Thwart (t.v)
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Run counter to so as to effectively oppose or battle
Oppose successfully |
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Cordon (n)
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A line of troops or of military posts enclosing an area to prevent passage
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a cordon of police
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Abscond (v)
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To free from a confining situation
Escape |
the burglar was trying to abscond with the jewels when he trumbled down the stairs
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Repudiate (t.vb)
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Decline
Disown |
Repudiate a debt
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Mar (v)
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Taint
Damage |
Mar a politician't reputation with scurrilous rumors
Marred by widespread alligations |
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Debase (t.v)
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Lower in status, esteem, quality or character
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...politics to be debased by money and violence...
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Despotism (n)
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Rule by or as if by absolute power or authority
Tyranny |
Steer the country back towards despotism
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Boisterous (adj)
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Rough and stormy: violent
Loud, noisy, unrestrained and undisciplined |
It has been seven boisterous years since Nigeria...
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Euphoria (n)
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A feeling of elation or well-being
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Suffused with euphoria of new freedoms
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Suffuse (v)
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To spread throughout
Permeate Infuse |
A living room suffused with warm sunlight
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Graft (n)
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The acquisition of gain (as money) in dishonest or questionable ways
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political culture of graft
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Ostensible (adj)
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Open to view
Being such in appearance Apparent |
...Ostensibly became a democracy
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Subvert (t.v)
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To overturn or overthrow from the foundation
Ruin To pervert or corrupt by an undermining of morals, allegiance or faith |
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Rollick (int. vb)
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To move or behave in a carefree joyous manner
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Pliant (adj)
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Easily influence
Suitable for varied uses |
...pliant Mr. Bush has decided to go along
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Strident (adj)
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Characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound
Commanding attention by a loud or abtrusive quality |
<a srident voice>
<strident slogans> |
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Maraud (v)
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To roam about and raid in search of plunder
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marauding rebels overran the countryside
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Randy (adj)
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Lustful
Having a course manner |
Randy congressmen
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Convulsed (v)
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To shake or agitate violently esp. to shake with or as if with irregular spasms
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convulsed by hatred
was convulsed with laughter |
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Palpable (adj)
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Capable of being held or touched ie tangible
Easily perceptible: noticeable |
A palpable difference
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Scion
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A descendent or heir
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Bush scion
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Entrance (t.v)
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To carry away with delight, wonder, or rapture
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We were entranced by the view
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Paragon (n)
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A model of excellence or perfection
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A paragon of unity, Tren Lott
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Panacea (n)
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A remedy for all ills or difficulties
Cureall |
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Balk (v)
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To stop short
Refuse to proceed Refuse abruptly |
Congress balked at putting up the $
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Seethe (v)
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Boil
To suffer violent internal excitement |
Seethe with jealousy
Students were seething |
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Melee (n)
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A confused struggled; esp, a hand-to-hand fight among several people
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Prance (v)
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To dance about
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Thrall
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Servitude
One held in bondage, as a serf or slave |
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viscissitudes
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a favorable or unfavorable event or situation that occurs by chance : a fluctuation of state or condition
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the vicissitudes of daily life
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Kowtow (int.vb)
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To show obsequitous deference
To kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship or deep respect |
Kowtows to the boss
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Obsequious (adj)
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bootlicking: attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner |
"obsequious waitress"
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Ascendency (n)
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governing or controlling influence
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Mr. Warren who is in ascendance
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Hyperbole (n)
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Extravagant exaggeration
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Mile-high ice cream cones
21st century slavery may sould like hyperbole |
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Insularity
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isolation
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"the insulation of England was preserved by the English Channel"
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Enshrine
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To cherish as sacred
To enclose in or as if in a shrine |
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Debacles
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A great disaster
A sudden, disastrous collapse, downfall or defeat |
Iraq is a debacle
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Slink
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To go or move stealthily or furtively (as in fear or shame)steal
To give premature birth to |
I saw a cougar slinking toward its prey
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Alas
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Used to express unhappiness, pity or concern
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Incorrigible (adj)
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Incapable of being corrected
Non reformable Not manageable |
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Puerile (adj)
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Juvenile, childish, sily
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Puerile remarks
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Jejune (adj)
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Dull
Devoid of significance or interest |
Professors jejune lectures often left students dozing in the audithorium
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Mellifluous (adj)
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Having a smooth rich flow
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Chaste (adj)
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clean
spotless pure in thought and act celibate |
they maintained a chaste relations
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Caprice (n)
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a sudden desire;
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"he bought it on an impulse"
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Ricochet (n)
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A glancing rebound
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Auspice (n)
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Kindly patronage and guidance
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Squabble (n)
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A noisy altercation or quarrel usu over petty matters
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Expedient (adj)
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serving to promote your interest
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was merciful only when mercy was expedient
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Fecund (adj)
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fruitful in offspring or vegetation
intellectually productive or inventive to a marked degree |
a fecund imagination
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Candor
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unreserved, honest, or sincere expression : FORTHRIGHTNESS
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The candor with which he acknowledged a weakness in his own case -- Aldous Huxley
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Reticent
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Inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : RESERVED
Restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance |
<the room has an aspect of reticent dignity -- A. N. Whitehead>
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Axiomatic (adj)
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taken for granted : SELF-EVIDENT
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an axiomatic truth
Their innocence is axiomatic |
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Acrimony
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harsh or biting sharpness especially of words, manner, or disposition
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Staid
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marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint : SOBER, GRAVE
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staid atmosphere
She became increasingly staid as she grew older |
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Peri.pa.tet.ic (adj)
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of, relating to, or given to walking b : moving or traveling from place to place
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Peripatetic career
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Rapacious (adj)
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1 : excessively grasping or covetous
2 : living on prey |
<a rapacious appetite>
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Ka•lei•do•scope (n)
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1 : an instrument containing loose bits of colored material (as glass or plastic) between two flat plates and two plane mirrors so placed that changes of position of the bits of material are reflected in an endless variety of patterns
2 : something resembling a kaleidoscope: as a : a variegated changing pattern or scene |
<the lake a kaleidoscope of changing colors -- Robert Gibbings>
<a... kaleidoscope of shifting values, information, fashions -- Frank McLaughlin> |
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Pugnacious (adj)
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having a quarrelsome or combative nature : TRUCULENT
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Anathema (n)
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a detested person
1 a : one that is cursed by ecclesiastical authority b : someone or something intensely disliked or loathed -- usually used as a predicate nominative 2 a : a ban or curse solemnly pronounced by ecclesiastical authority and accompanied by excommunication |
<this notion was anathema to most of his countrymen
he is an anathema to me |
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Petulant (adj)
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cranky: easily irritated or annoyed
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an incorrigibly fractious young man
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Mea Culpa
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An expresssion from Catholic ritual that assigns blame to oneself
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“I gave you the wrong directions to my house—mea culpa.”
From Latin, meaning “my fault” or “my blame.” |
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Loquacious (adj)
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full of excessive talk : WORDY
given to fluent or excessive talk : GARRULOUS |
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Demagogue (n)
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1 : a leader who makes use of popular prejudices and false claims and promises in order to gain power
2 : a leader championing the cause of the common people in ancient times |
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Egregious (adj)
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CONSPICUOUS; especially : conspicuously bad : FLAGRANT
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<an egregious mistake>
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Oft-detoured
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Often
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Damnation
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eternal punishment
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Irate
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strongly angry
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Contention
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assertion or claim
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ten•et (n)
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An opinion, doctrine, or principle held as being true by a person or especially by an organization
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Askance (adv)
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with a side-glance
with disapproval or distrust : SCORNFULLY |
<they eyed the stranger askance>
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Leery (adj)
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SUSPICIOUS, WARY -- often used with of
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<leery of strangers>
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Adroit (adj)
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having or showing skill, cleverness, or resourcefulness in handling situations
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<an adroit leader>
<adroit maneuvers> |
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Abstruse (adj)
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difficult to comprehend : RECONDITE
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<the abstruse calculations of mathematicians>
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Highfalutin (adj)
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1 : PRETENTIOUS, FANCY
2 : expressed in or marked by the use of high-flown bombastic language : POMPOUS |
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Pip-squeak (n)
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one that is small or insignificant
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Bromidic (adj)
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lacking in originality : TRITE
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Liberalism (n)
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A movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party: a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard c : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties d capitalized : the principles and policies of a Liberal party
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beset (t.v)
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TROUBLE, HARASS
to set upon : ASSAIL Surround |
<inflation besets the economy>
<the settlers were beset by savages> |
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Faction (n)
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one held together by common interests, views, or purposes
1 : a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking : CLIQUE 2 : party spirit especially when marked by dissension |
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ostentatious (adj)
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intended to attract notice and impress others
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"The Ashanti's are ostentatious"
"an ostentatious sable coat" |
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stultify (t. v)
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1 : to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical
2 a : to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective : NEGATE b : to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on |
Their behavior stultified the boss's hard work
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brusque (adj)
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1 : markedly short and abrupt
2: Blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness |
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cauldron (n)
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1 : a large kettle or boiler
2 : something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation |
<a cauldron of intense emotions>
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Futile (adj)
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1 : serving no useful purpose : completely ineffective
2 : occupied with trifles : FRIVOLOUS |
<efforts to convince him were futile>
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dilapidate (v)
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to bring into a condition of decay or partial ruin
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<furniture is dilapidated by use -- Janet Flanner>
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pacify (t.v)
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1 a : to allay the anger or agitation of : SOOTHE
2 a : to restore to a tranquil state : SETTLE b : to reduce to a submissive state : SUBDUE |
<pacify a crying child>
<made an attempt to pacify the commotion> <forces moved in to pacify the country> |
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con•sig•li•e•re (n)
|
COUNSELOR, ADVISER
|
<consigliere of a Mafia family>
|
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de•noue•ment (n)
|
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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def•er•ence (n)
in deference to |
Respect and esteem due a superior or an elder; also : affected or ingratiating regard for another's wishes: HONOR
in consideration of |
<returned early in deference to her parents' wishes>
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re•pug•nant (adj)
|
INCOMPATIBLE, INCONSISTENT
Exciting distaste or aversion |
<repugnant language>
<a morally repugnant practice> |
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rapt (adj)
|
1 : lifted up and carried away
2 : transported with emotion : ENRAPTURED 3 : wholly absorbed : ENGROSSED |
he raptly followed each command
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il•lic•it (adj)
|
UNLAWFUL
|
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avert (t.v)
|
1 : to turn away or aside (as the eyes) in avoidance
2 : to see coming and ward off : AVOID |
<avert disaster>
|
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ep•i•thet (n)
|
1 a : a characterizing word or phrase accompanying or occurring in place of the name of a person or thing b : a disparaging or abusive word or phrase c : the part of a taxonomic name identifying a subordinate unit within a genus
|
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feck•less (adj)
|
1 : WEAK, INEFFECTIVE
2 : WORTHLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE |
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proxy (n)
|
1 : the agency, function, or office of a deputy who acts as a substitute for another
2 a : authority or power to act for another b : a document giving such authority; specifically : a power of attorney authorizing a specified person to vote corporate stock 3 : a person authorized to act for another : PROCURATOR |
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tee•ter (int. v)
|
to move unsteadily : WOBBLE b : WAVER, VACILLATE
|
<teetered on the brink of bankruptcy>
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grass•roots (adj)
|
1 : BASIC, FUNDAMENTAL
2 : being, originating, or operating in or at the grass roots 3 : not adapted from or added to an existing facility or operation : totally new |
<the grassroots factor in deciding to buy a house>
<a grassroots organization> <grassroots political support> |
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czar (n)
|
one having great power or authority
|
<a banking czar>
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scorn (t.v)
|
to treat with scorn : reject or dismiss as contemptible or unworthy
to show disdain or derision |
<scorned local traditions> <scorned to reply to the charge>
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je.re.mi•ad (n)
|
a prolonged lamentation or complaint; also : a cautionary or angry harangue
|
their jeremiads against gay marriage
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fer•vor (n)
fur.vor |
1 : intensity of feeling or expression
2 : intense heat |
<booing and cheering with almost equal fervor -- Alan Rich>
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ba•zaar (n)
|
1 : a market (as in the Middle East) consisting of rows of shops or stalls selling miscellaneous goods
2 a : a place for the sale of goods b : DEPARTMENT STORE 3 : a fair for the sale of articles especially for charitable purposes |
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in•ex•pli•ca•ble (adj)
|
incapable of being explained, interpreted, or accounted for
|
<an inexplicable disappearance>
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af•fec•ta•tion (n)
|
1 a : the act of taking on or displaying an attitude or mode of behavior not natural to oneself or not genuinely felt b : speech or conduct not natural to oneself : ARTIFICIALITY
|
Experience, like affectations, can be dangerous
|
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sab•o•tage (n)
|
1 : destruction of an employer's property (as tools or materials) or the hindering of manufacturing by discontented workers
2 : destructive or obstructive action carried on by a civilian or enemy agent to hinder a nation's war effort 3 a : an act or process tending to hamper or hurt b : deliberate subversion |
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brass (n)
|
brazen self-assurance : GALL
High-ranking members of the military b : persons in high positions (as in a business or the government) |
military brass
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swag•ger (int. v)
|
1 : to conduct oneself in an arrogant or superciliously pompous manner; especially : to walk with an air of overbearing self-confidence
2 : BOAST, BRAG |
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jit•ter (n)
|
1 plural : a sense of panic or extreme nervousness
2 : the state of mind or the movement of one that jitters |
<had a bad case of the jitters before his performance>
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cor•rode (v)
|
to weaken or destroy gradually : UNDERMINE
|
<manners and miserliness that corrode the human spirit -- Bernard De Voto>
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pre•text (n)
|
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
|
under the pretext of friendship he betrayed them
|
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emas•cu•late (t.v)
|
1 : to deprive of strength, vigor, or spirit : WEAKEN
2 : to deprive of virility or procreative power : CASTRATE 3 : to remove the androecium of (a flower) in the process of artificial cross-pollination |
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men•ace (n)
|
1 : a show of intention to inflict harm : THREAT
2 a : one that represents a threat : DANGER b : a person who causes annoyance |
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sy•co•phant (n)
|
one who seeks to please people in positions of authority or influence in order to gain power themselves
|
Ass-kisser
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con•fla•gra•tion (n)
|
1 : FIRE; especially : a large disastrous fire
2 : CONFLICT, WAR |
blissfully unaware of the conflagration to come.
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bliss (n)
|
1 : complete happiness
2 : PARADISE, HEAVEN |
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man•gle (t.v)
|
1 : to injure with deep disfiguring wounds by cutting, tearing, or crushing
2 : to spoil, injure, or make incoherent especially through ineptitude |
<people...mangled by sharks -- V. G. Heiser>
<a story mangled beyond recognition> |
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quip (n)
|
1 a : a clever usually taunting remark : GIBE b : a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
2 : something strange, droll, curious, or eccentric : ODDITY |
Mr. Kerry’s mangled gibe at the president.
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injurious (adj)
|
1 : inflicting or tending to inflict injury : DETRIMENTAL
2 : ABUSIVE, DEFAMATORY |
<injurious to health>
<speak not injurious words -- George Washington> |
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tatter (n)
|
1 : a part torn and left hanging : SHRED
2 plural : tattered clothing : RAGS |
It means our democracy is in tatters
|
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pry (int. v)
|
to look closely or inquisitively; also : to make a nosy or presumptuous inquiry
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in•dig•na•tion (n)
|
Anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean
|
The more they talk, the more they reinforce one another’s indignation.
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ran•cor (n)
|
bitter deep-seated ill will
|
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fis•sure (n)
|
: a separation or disagreement in thought or viewpoint : SCHISM
|
<fissures in a political party>
given the fissures in Iraqi society |
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bi•par•ti•san (adj)
|
Of, relating to, or involving members of two parties
|
<a bipartisan commission>
<bipartisan support for the bill> |
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abys•mal (adj)
|
1 a : having immense or fathomless extension downward, backward, or inward
b : immeasurably great : PROFOUND c : immeasurably low or wretched |
the abysmal way the Republican majority has run Congress.
<an abysmal cliff> <abysmal ignorance> <abysmal living conditions of the poor> |
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man•ful (adj)
|
having or showing courage and resolution
|
David Hogberg manfully tries to look on the sunny side of defeat anyway.
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Dix•ie•crat (n)
|
A dissident Southern Democrat; specifically : a supporter of a 1948 presidential ticket opposing the civil rights stand of the Democrats
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botch (t.v)
|
1 : to foul up hopelessly -- often used with up
2 : to put together in a makeshift way |
botch every aspect of that war
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swathe (t.v)
|
1 : to bind, wrap, or swaddle with or as if with a bandage
2 : ENVELOP |
his eye sockets swathed in bandages soaked in blood and pus
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up•end (v)
|
1 : to set or stand on end; also : OVERTURN
2 a : to affect to the point of being upset or flurried |
to prevent the cancer of genocide from completely upending these two countries.
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eu•phe•mism (n)
|
: the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant; also : the expression so substituted
|
their most common call was for a “phased redeployment” — a euphemism for withdrawal
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de•spon•dent (adj)
|
feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or depression
|
<despondent about his health>
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|
pop•u•list (n)
|
1 : a member of a political party claiming to represent the common people; especially often capitalized : a member of a United States political party formed in 1891 primarily to represent agrarian interests and to advocate the free coinage of silver and government control of monopolies
2 : a believer in the rights, wisdom, or virtues of the common people |
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Cloture (n)
|
: the closing or limitation of debate in a legislative body especially by calling for a vote
|
voted for cloture
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|
troupe (n)
|
COMPANY, TROOP; especially : a group of theatrical performers
|
if the new troupe will make us laugh, cheer, or cry
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short shrift (n)
|
1 : barely adequate time for confession before execution
2 a : little or no attention or consideration |
<gave the problem short shrift>
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|
|
den•i•grate (t.v)
|
1 : to attack the reputation of : DEFAME
2 : to deny the importance or validity of : BELITTLE |
<denigrate one's opponents>
<denigrate their achievements> |
|
|
pique (pek)(t.v)
|
1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : IRRITATE
2 a : to excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff b : PRIDE |
<what piques linguistic conservatives -- T. H. Middleton>
<sly remarks to pique their curiosity> <he piques himself on his skill as a cook> |
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|
ran•kle (v)
|
1 : to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
2 : to feel anger and irritation |
men need their own health bureau or that they must advocate for their rights like a victimized minority rankles some women’s health advocates
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la•ment (v)
|
1 : to express sorrow, mourning, or regret for often demonstratively : MOURN
2 : to regret strongly |
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hob•ble (v)
|
1 : to cause to limp : make lame : CRIPPLE
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|
sto•i•cism (n)
|
indifference to pleasure or pain
|
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|
laud•able (adj)
|
Applaudable
: worthy of praise : COMMENDABLE |
laudable motives of improving housing conditions
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|
|
in•cen•di•ary (n)
|
1 a : a person who commits arson : ARSONIST b : an incendiary agent (as a bomb)
2 : a person who excites factions, quarrels, or sedition : AGITATOR |
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|
|
ravenous (adj)
|
having a huge appetite
|
main reason is China’s ravenous appetite for coal
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|
|
grope (v)
|
to search for something blindly or uncertainly
|
<groped for her car keys> <groping for the right answer>
|
|
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pi•ous (adj)
|
1 a : marked by or showing reverence for deity and devotion to divine worship
2 : showing loyal reverence for a person or thing : DUTIFUL 3 : deserving commendation : WORTHY |
<a pious effort>
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|
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fo•ment (t.v)
|
to promote the growth or development of : ROUSE, INCITE
|
<foment a rebellion>
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|
|
con•stel•la•tion (n)
|
1 : an assemblage, collection, or group of usually related persons, qualities, or things
2 : PATTERN, ARRANGEMENT |
<a constellation of symptoms>
<taking advantage of the shifting constellation of power throughout the known world -- H. D. Lasswell> |
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in·de·fat·i·ga·ble (adj)
|
Incapable of being fatigued : UNTIRING
|
<an indefatigable worker>
|
|
|
Chagrin (n)
|
Disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
|
<he seemed chagrined that he was unable to fulfill one part of his ambitious design>
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Paean (n)
|
: a joyous song or hymn of praise, tribute, thanksgiving, or triumph
2 : a work that praises or honors its subject : ENCOMIUM, TRIBUTE |
paean to God
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|
Supplant (t. v)
|
1 : to supersede (another) especially by force or treachery
2.Replace |
I supplanted the previous worker
|
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|
On.e.rous (adj)
|
1 : involving, imposing, or constituting a burden : TROUBLESOME
2 : having legal obligations that outweigh the advantages |
<an onerous task>
<an onerous contract> |
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|
Deplore (v)
|
1 to feel or express sorrow for
2 to feel sorry or dissatisfied about |
<a statement from the bishops deploring the loss of life in the war overseas>
<deplored the fact that his guests were seeing his apartment at its messiest> |
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|
Dictum (n)
|
1 : a noteworthy statement: as a : a formal pronouncement of a principle, proposition, or opinion b : an observation intended or regarded as authoritative
2 : a judge's expression of opinion on a point other than the precise issue involved in determining a case |
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Ire (n)
|
intense and usually openly displayed anger
|
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|
Comity (n)
|
1 a : friendly social atmosphere : social harmony
b : a loose widespread community based on common social institutions 2 : avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination |
<group activities promoting comity>
<the comity of civilization> |
|
|
Maverick (n)
|
1 : an unbranded range animal; especially : a motherless calf
2 : an independent individual who does not go along with a group or party |
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Kismet (n)
|
Fate
|
Could it have been kismet?
|
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|
Lach.ry.mose (adj)
|
1 : given to tears or weeping : TEARFUL
2 : tending to cause tears : MOURNFUL |
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log·or·rhea (n)
|
excessive and often incoherent talkativeness or wordiness
|
|
|
|
obsequy (n)
|
a funeral or burial rite -- usually used in plural
|
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|
Teem (v)
|
To become filled to overflowing : ABOUND b : to be present in large quantity
EMPTY, POUR |
St. Louis were teeming with fresh face evangelicals
<teem molten metal into a mold> |
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Girth (n)
|
1 : a band or strap that encircles the body of an animal to fasten something (as a saddle) on its back
2 a : a measure around a body |
<a man of more than average girth>
<the girth of a tree> |
|
|
Dicey (adj)
|
RISKY, UNPREDICTABLE
|
Stem cell research might be morally dicey
<a dicey proposition> <dicey weather> |
|
|
Voluble (adj)
|
1 : easily rolling or turning : ROTATING
2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : GLIB, FLUENT |
The world's most voluble atheist
|
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|
benighted (adj)
|
lacking in education or the knowledge gained from books -- IGNORANT
|
<the poor benighted souls who do not know the joys of reading>
|
|
|
infantile (adj)
|
having or showing the annoying qualities (as silliness) associated with children
|
<the infantile humor that teenage boys are justly famous for>
|
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|
Parody (adj)
|
1 : a literary or musical work in which the style of an author or work is closely imitated for comic effect or in ridicule
2 : a feeble or ridiculous imitation |
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|
fab·u·list (n)
|
liar
|
He is a fabulist
|
|
|
dastardly (adj)
|
1 : COWARDLY
2 : characterized by underhandedness or treachery |
<a dastardly attack> <a dastardly villain>
|
|
|
treachery (n)
|
1 : violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence : TREASON
2 : an act of perfidy or treason |
|
|
|
mired (t.v)
|
entangle
|
Democrats mired us in Vietnam.
|
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|
bulwark (n)
|
1 a : a solid wall-like structure raised for defense : RAMPART b : BREAKWATER, SEAWALL
2 : a strong support or protection 3 : the side of a ship above the upper deck -- usually used in plural |
We invaded, thinking that we would get a pro-American bulwark...
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|
|
Crave (verb)
|
1 : to ask for earnestly : BEG, DEMAND
2 a : to want greatly : NEED b : to yearn for |
<crave a pardon for neglect>
<craves drugs> <crave a vanished youth> |
|
|
Prescience (n)
|
: foreknowledge of events: a : divine omniscience b : human anticipation of the course of events : FORESIGHT
|
She was not prescient enough to see
|
|
|
Parse (v)
|
1 a : to resolve (as a sentence) into component parts of speech and describe them grammatically b : to describe grammatically by stating the part of speech and explaining the inflection and syntactical relationships
2 : to examine in a minute way : analyze critically |
<having trouble parsing...explanations for dwindling market shares -- R. S. Anson>
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|
|
Perennial (adj)
|
1 : present at all seasons of the year
3 a : PERSISTENT, ENDURING b : continuing without interruption : CONSTANT, PERPETUAL c : regularly repeated or renewed : RECURRENT |
<perennial criticisms>
<perennial favorites> <death is a perennial literary theme> |
|
|
Sully (t.v)
|
to make soiled or tarnished : DEFILE
|
...sully Africa’s image
|
|
|
Duly (adv)
|
: in a due manner or time : PROPERLY
|
<a duly elected official> <duly noted>
|
|
|
obfuscate (v)
|
1 a : DARKEN b : to make obscure
2 : CONFUSE |
<obfuscate the issue>
<obfuscate the reader> |
|
|
sulfurous (adj)
|
of, relating to, or dealing with the fire of hell
|
three sulfurous possibilities loom
|
|
|
limn (t.v)
|
to outline in clear sharp detail
DESCRIBE |
limned in the intelligence report
|
|
|
Sordid (adj)
|
1 : marked by baseness or grossness : VILE 2 a : DIRTY, FILTHY b : WRETCHED, SQUALID
3 : meanly avaricious : COVETOUS 4 : of a dull or muddy color |
<sordid motives>
|
|
|
red herring (n)
|
something that distracts attention from the real issue
|
|
|
|
brandish (t.v)
|
1 : to shake or wave (as a weapon) menacingly
2 : to exhibit in an ostentatious or aggressive manner |
President Bush brandished that fearful “uranium from Africa” in his speech
|
|
|
boondoggle
|
wasteful or impractical project or activity often involving graft
|
|
|
|
impugn (t.vb)
|
1 attack as false or wrong
|
<impugned the defendant's character>
|
|
|
Traipse (v)
|
to go on foot : WALK
|
<traipsed over to the restaurant>
<traipse the countryside> |
|
|
Pariah (n)
|
one that is despised or rejected : OUTCAST
|
a pariah in his own party
|
|
|
Morass (n)
|
A situation that traps, confuses, or impedes
overwhelming or confusing mass or mixture |
<a legal morass>
<a morass of traffic jams -- Mary Roach> |
|
|
Devolve (v)
|
Pass on or delegate to another
|
<the responsibility for breadwinning has devolved increasingly upon women -- Barbara Ehrenreich>
<where order devolves into chaos -- Johns Hopkins Magazine> |
|
|
Posit (t.v)
|
To propose as an explanation : SUGGEST
To assume or affirm the existence of : POSTULATE |
<...posit the obvious>
|
|
|
succor (n)
|
1 : RELIEF; also : AID, HELP
2 : something that furnishes relief |
<take succor from it>
|
|
|
Poseur (n)
|
a person who pretends to be what he or she is not : an affected or insincere person
|
|
|
|
Augur (v)
|
To give promise of : PRESAGE
|
<higher pay augurs a better future>
|
|
|
burlesque (t.v)
|
to imitate in a humorous or derisive manner : MOCK
|
|
|
|
Carom (int.v)
|
rebound after hitting
|
<the car caromed off a tree>
<carom from city to city> <robs the virus of the chance to carom wildly |
|
|
overweening (adj)
|
1 : arrogant, presumptuous
2. excessive |
overweening greed
had a witty but overweening manner |
|
|
abject (adj)
|
1. expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit
2. showing hopelessness or resignation |
<given how abjectly Don Imus has apologized>
<abject surrender> <abject flattery> <an abject apology> |
|
|
Precarious (adj)
|
characterized by a lack of security or stability that threatens with danger
|
<precarious generalizations>
|
|
|
dubious (adj)
|
1 : giving rise to uncertainty: as a : of doubtful promise or outcome
b : questionable or suspect as to true nature or quality 2 : unsettled in opinion : DOUBTFUL |
<a dubious plan>
<the practice is of dubious legality> <I was dubious about the plan> |
|
|
Aggrieve (t.v)
|
1 : to give pain or trouble to : DISTRESS
2 : to inflict injury on |
|
|
|
infan.til.ism (n)
|
1 : retention of childish physical, mental, or emotional qualities in adult life; especially : failure to attain sexual maturity
2 : an act or expression that indicates lack of maturity |
|
|
|
blizzard (n)
|
1 : a long severe snowstorm
2 : an intensely strong cold wind filled with fine snow 3 : an overwhelming rush or deluge |
<a blizzard of mail around the holidays>
|
|
|
alterity (n)
|
: OTHERNESS; specifically : the quality or state of being radically alien to the conscious self or a particular cultural orientation
|
|
|
|
Chortle (n)
|
A snorting, joyful laugh or chuckle.
|
chortled nonstop
|
|
|
gran·dil·o·quence (grăn-dĭl'ə-kwəns) pronunciation
n. |
Pompous or bombastic speech or expression.
|
|
|
|
pen·chant (pĕn'chənt) pronunciation
n. |
A definite liking; a strong inclination
|
I have penchant for Safeway's French bread
|
|
|
conjure (v)
|
To call or bring to mind; evoke
To influence or effect by or as if by magic: |
“Arizona conjures up an image of stark deserts for most Americans”
“a sight to store away, then conjure up someday when they were no longer together” |
|
|
Griot (n)
|
any of a class of musician-entertainers of western Africa whose performances include tribal histories and genealogies; broadly : STORYTELLER
|
|
|
|
sulky (adj)
|
given to or displaying a resentful silence and often irritability
|
<our teenage daughter turns sulky if we refuse to let her borrow the car>
<The woman objected sulkily> |
|
|
welter (n)
|
Text: 1 a state of noisy, confused activity
2 an unorganized collection or mixture of various things |
<there was a welter of pushing and shoving as people rushed to grab the best seats for the outdoor concert> -- see COMMOTION
<a welter of junk in the closet, most of which needed to be thrown out> |
|
|
ephemeral (adj)
|
1 : lasting one day only
2 : lasting a very short time |
<an ephemeral fever>
<the ephemeral pleasures of sex> |
|
|
cortege (n)
|
1 : a train of attendants
2 : PROCESSION; especially : a funeral procession |
the cortege set off through the streets of Dakar.
|
|
|
unctuous(adj)
|
revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality
Slippery, oily |
unctous smile
"an oily sycophantic press agent" |
|
|
effervesce (int. v)
|
1 : to bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes
2 : to show liveliness or exhilaration |
|
|
|
ensconce (t.v)
|
1 to establish or place comfortably or snugly
2 : ESTABLISH, SETTLE |
<the kids had contentedly ensconced themselves on the couch before the TV>
|
|
|
taciturn (adj)
|
: temperamentally disinclined to talk
synonym see SILENT |
Adja Awa Astou was a taciturn woman
|
|
|
Flair (n)
|
1 : a skill or instinctive ability to appreciate or make good use of something : TALENT
2 : a uniquely attractive quality : STYLE |
<a flair for color>
<fashionable dresses with a flair all their own> |
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quorum (n)
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1 : a select group
2 : the number (as a majority) of officers or members of a body that when duly assembled is legally competent to transact business |
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plutocracy (n)
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1 : government by the wealthy
2 : a controlling class of the wealthy |
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Augur(verb)
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Text: one who predicts future events or developments: prophet
2 : to give promise of : PRESAGE |
<higher pay augurs a better future>
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Hilarity (n)
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Text: a mood characterized by high spirits and amusement and often accompanied by laughter
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<hilarity is the last thing you expect to find at a funeral>
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coquette (n)
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flirt
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Propriety (n)
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1. the quality or state of being proper : APPROPRIATENESS
2. conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech b : fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior especially between the sexes c plural : the customs and manners of polite society |
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Predicate (t.v)
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1 a: affirm, declare
2 a: to assert to be a quality, attribute, or property — used with following of b: to make (a term) the predicate in a proposition |
<predicates intelligence of humans>
<the theory is predicated on recent findings> |
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paradigm (n)
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1: example, pattern; especially : an outstandingly clear or typical example or archetype
2: an example of a conjugation or declension showing a word in all its inflectional forms |
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deluge (n)
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1 a: an overflowing of the land by water b: a drenching rain
2: an overwhelming amount or number |
<received a deluge of offers>
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hitherto(ad)
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up to this time
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people have assumed hitherto
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Trammel (t.v)
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to prevent or impede the free play of : confine
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without the trammels of customary beliefs
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epistolary (adj)
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written in the form of a series of letters
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<an epistolary novel>
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Mordant (adj)
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biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : INCISIVE
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<a mordant wit>
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Perfunctory
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1 : characterized by routine or superficiality : MECHANICAL
2 : lacking in interest or enthusiasm |
<a perfunctory smile>
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Inure
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to accustom to accept something undesirable
to become of advantage |
<children inured to violence>
<policies that inure to the benefit of employees> |
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culpable
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Deserving blame
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<culpable negligence>
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Pelt (t.v)
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1 a : to strike with a succession of blows or missiles
b. to assail vigorously or persistently c. to beat or dash repeatedly against |
<pelted him with stones>
<pelted her with accusations> <hailstones pelting the roof> |
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Pernicious (adj)
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highly injurious or destructive : DEADLY
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cancer is pernicious
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Vilification
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he making of false statements that damage another's reputation -- see SLANDER
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<warned that the constant vilification of candidates for public office was undermining the people's faith in the political system>
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Rogue
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1 a mean, evil, or unprincipled person
2 an appealingly mischievous person |
<a rogue who had nothing but contempt for people who made their living honestly>
<the little rogue always seems to end up being forgiven for his pranks> |
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fester (v)
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1. To be or become an increasing source of irritation or poisoning; rankle
2. To be subject to or exist in a condition of decline |
bitterness that festered and grew.
allowed the once beautiful park to fester. |
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Nihilism (n)
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1. Rejection of all distinctions in moral or religious value and a willingness to repudiate all previous theories of morality or religious belief.
2. The belief that destruction of existing political or social institutions is necessary for future improvement. |
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Vitiate (t.v)
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To corrupt morally; debase
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The Bush Administration's hubris has vitiated America's moral clout.
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Goon (n)
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A thug hired to intimidate or harm opponents
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Rabid (adj)
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uncontrollable
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"rabid thirst"
"a rabid iced-coffee drinker" |
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Spurious (adj)
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Lacking authenticity or validity in essence or origin; not genuine; false.
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Bought spurious necklace in Tiawana
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kerfuffle
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a disorderly outburst or tumult
disturbance, disruption, to-do, stir |
"they were amazed by the furious kerfuffle they had caused"
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Lambasting
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To scold sharply; berate
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Congressional Democrats rushed out statements lambasting the president’s move
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Serendipity
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Serendipity is finding something unexpected and useful while searching for something else entirely
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For instance, the discovery of the antibacterial properties of penicillin by Alexander Fleming is said to have been serendipitous, because he was merely cleaning up his laboratory when he discovered that the Penicillium mould had contaminated one of his old experiments.
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farce
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ridiculous or empty show b: mockery
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<the enforcement of this law became a farce>
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scabrous
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difficult
scandalous |
a scabrous situation
a scabrous novel. |
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inveterate (adj)
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Firmly and long established; deep-rooted
Persisting in an ingrained habit; habitual |
inveterate preferences
an inveterate liar |
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huckster (n)
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One who sells wares or provisions in the street; a peddler or hawker.
One who uses aggressive, showy, and sometimes devious methods to promote or sell a product. |
an inveterate huckster who could be counted on to wrap every actual fact in six layers of embellishment.
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phantasmagorical
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a scene that constantly changes
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temerity (n)
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Foolhardy disregard of danger; recklessness.
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Mr. Wilson concluded that Iraq had not done that and had the temerity to share those conclusions with the American public
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fulminate (v)
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To cause to explode
To issue a thunderous verbal attack or denunciation |
Republican commentators who fulminated when Paris Hilton got a few days knocked off her time in a county lockup were parroting Mr. Bush’s contention that a fine, probation and reputation damage were “harsh punishment” enough for Mr. Libby.
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ebullience
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the quality of lively or enthusiastic expression of thoughts or feelings
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But he was also full of a characteristic quality of delight, bordering on ebullience
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gregarious
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marked by or indicating a liking for companionship
sociable |
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Goad
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Something that incites especially a violent response
To stir to action or feeling |
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filibuster
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The use of obstructionist tactics, especially prolonged speechmaking, for the purpose of delaying legislative action.
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Republican minority maintained serial threats of filibuster to buy time for President Bush’s aimless policies.
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Folly (n)
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A lack of good sense, understanding, or foresight
An act or instance of foolishness |
regretted the follies of his youth
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blithe
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lacking due thought or consideration : CASUAL
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you will not blithely think you understand when you do not.
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placate
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to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE
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She managed to placate the angry customer
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Androcentric
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dominated by or emphasizing masculine interests or a masculine point of view
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Sampson's friends' tried to placate him with endrocentric consolation
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culpability
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blameworthy
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Sampson was also culpable
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Quell
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suppress or crush completely
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"quell my hunger"
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Feign
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To give a false appearance of
Pretend |
Dalila approaches Samson in the prison, she feigns contrition
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placate
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to soothe or mollify especially by concessions : APPEASE
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She managed to placate the angry customer
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Androcentric
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dominated by or emphasizing masculine interests or a masculine point of view
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Sampson's friends' tried to placate him with endrocentric consolation
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culpability
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blameworthy
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Sampson was also culpable
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Quell
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suppress or crush completely
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"quell my hunger"
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Feign
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To give a false appearance of
Pretend |
Dalila approaches Samson in the prison, she feigns contrition
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contrition
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A feeling of repentance for sin
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Dalila feigns contrition
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heretofore
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so far
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Ingratiate
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gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
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Dalila tried to ingratiate herself with Samson
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décolleté (dā'kôl-tā')
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Cut low at the neckline
Wearing a garment that is low-cut or strapless |
a décolleté dress
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rotund
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Chubby
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botch
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To make or perform clumsily
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I have made a miserable botch of this description
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Venerate
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To regard with respect, reverencE
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eviscerate
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To take away a vital or essential part of
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a compromise that eviscerated the proposed bill
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skulk
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To evade work or obligation
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The senators then hurriedly approved the White House bill, dumped it on the House and skulked off on vacation
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malfeasance
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wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official
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rambunctious
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Boisterous and disorderly
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modicum (n)
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A small, moderate, or token amount
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“England still expects a modicum of eccentricity in its artists” (Ian Jack).
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bollix (tv)
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To throw into confusion; botch or bungle
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managed to bollix up the whole project
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velleity (n)
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A mere wish or inclination
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lethargy
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A state of sluggishness, inactivity, and apathy
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glib (adj)
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Performed with a natural, offhand ease
Showing little thought, preparation, or concern |
a glib response to a complex question.
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clandestine (adj)
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secret
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Iran's clandestine nuclear weapon program
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dole (n)
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To dispense as charity.
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Stoke (adj)
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1. Exhilarated or excited.
2. Being or feeling high or intoxicated, especially from a drug. |
Shannon's father's girlfriend is always stoked
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Pincer (n)
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A maneuver in which an enemy force is attacked from two flanks and the front
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wielding
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handle, control, exercise
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There is a growing awareness in city after city that wielding a police department like a blunt instrument is counterproductive
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lull
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To cause to sleep or rest; soothe or calm
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“that honeyed charm that he used so effectively to lull his victims”
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incipient (adj)
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Beginning to exist or appear
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detecting incipient tumors
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smidgen (n)
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A very small quantity or portion
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“a smidgen of genius, a sliver of cutting truth”
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TORRENT (N)
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A heavy, uncontrolled outpouring
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a torrent of insults; torrents of mail
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EBB
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To fall away or back; decline or recede
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The unpopularity of George W. Bush has led many to believe global America-hating will ebb once he leaves office on Jan. 20, 2009
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Ruse
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A crafty stratagem
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a ruse concocted by American robber barons
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sobriquet
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1. An affectionate or humorous nickname.
2. An assumed name. |
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