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2307 Cards in this Set

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Dilapidate(v)
to fall into disrepair or ruin. To become partly ruined, or decayed, especially through neglect.
(The hotel we stayed in was really dilapidated)
Synonyms: ruinous, shabby
Tizzy(n)
a state of nervous excitement or agitation, a highly excited and distracted state of mind.
(She got herself in a real tizzy because she couldn't find her car keys and she thought they'd been stolen.)
Synonyms: fume, chaos.
Agitate(v)
to make someone feel anxious and not calm.(I didn't want to agitate her by telling her)
to shake a liquid. (Pour the powder into the solution and agitate it until the powder has dissolved.)
to argue energetically, especially in public.(The unions continue to agitate for higher pay)
Hokey(adj)
too emotional or artificial and therefore difficult to believe. (The ending of the movie was awful hokey)
Synonyms: corny, sentimental, hackneyed, mawkish, banal
Attrition(n)
the gradual weakening and destroying of something, especially the strength or confidence of an enemy by repeatedly attacking it.(Terrorist groups and the government have been engaged in a costly war of attrition since 1968.)
Synonyms: weakening, attenuation.
Atone(v)
reparation for a wrong or injury, expiation for sin. Make up for misdeed, to do something that shows that you are sorry for something bad you did.(He said that young hooligans should do community service as atonement for their crimes.)
Synonyms: expiate
Discern(v)
perceive or recognize, distinguish with difficulty by sight or with the other senses. See or notice something unclear.(It is difficult to discern any pattern in these figures)
Inextricable(adj)
so intricate or entangled as to make escape impossible, impossible to get free from, impossible to escape from. ALSO extremely complex, hopelessly involved or compled.(In the case of King Arthur, legend and truth are often inextricable)
Synonyms: perplexing, tangle
Aplomb(n)
self-confidence or assurance when in a demanding situation. Great coldness and composure under strain. Confidence, skill and poise, especially in difficult or challenging circumstances.(Rosalind conducted the meeting with her usual aplomb)
Synonyms: coolness, self-possesion
Poise(n)
calm confidence in a person's way of behaving, or a quality of grace and balance in the way a person holds or moves their body.(He looked embarrassed for a moment, then quickly regained his poise.)
Disparity(n)
a great difference, a lack of equality between people or things. Unlikeness, dissimilarity or incongruity.(The growing disparity between rich and poor)
Synonyms: dissimilarity, discrepancy, inequality
Adversity(n)
a difficult or unlucky situation or event. Misfortune, hardship. Adversity applies to a state of grave or persistent misfortune.(She was always cheerful in adversity)
Synonyms: calamity, misery, misfortune.
Loquacious(adj)
Given to fluent or excessive talk, tending to talk much or freely. It describes someone who talks a lot or is full of trivial conversation.
Synonyms: verbose, talkative,
Ignoramus(n)
An offensive term that deliberately insults somebody's level of intelligence or education. A person who knows nothing. A totally ignorant person.(I am a complete ignoramus where computers are concerned)
Synonyms: blockhead, fool, dunce, imbecile.
Deleterious(adj)
Causing harm or damage, having a harmful effect on somebody or something. Harmful in a subtle or unexpected way.(These drugs have a proven deleterious effect on the nervous system.)
Synonyms: detrimental
Vacillate(v)
alternate or waver between different opinions or actions; be indecisive.(I had for a time vacillated between teaching and journalism, Her mood vacillated between hope and despair)
Synonyms: oscillate, fluctuate
Irresolute(adj)
not able or willing to take decisions or actions.(an irresolute reply)
Synonyms: indecisive, fickle
Modicum(n)
a small quantity of a particular thing, something considered desirable or valuable. A small portion, a limited quantity, a small amount of something good such as truth or honesty.(Anyone with a modicum of common sense could have seen that the plan wouldn't work)
Synonyms: little
Gaffe(n)
an unintentional act or remark causing embarrassment to its originator, a blunder, a social mistake.(Was that a bit of a gaffe then, starting to eat before everyone else had been served?)
Synonyms: blunder
Susceptible(adj)
Easily affected or influenced. Liable to being affected by something. Emotional; easily affected emotionally. Capable or permitting of something.(Among particularly susceptible children, the disease can develop very fast)
Synonyms:affected, disposed
Prolix(adj)
tediously prolonged or tending to speak or write at great length. Marked by or using an excess of words.(The author's prolix style has done nothing to encourage sales of the book)
Synonyms: verbose, lengthy, tedious.
Gullible(adj)
easily deceived or tricked, and too willing to believe everything that other people say.(There are any number of miracle cures on the market for people gullible enough to buy them)
Synonyms: naive, credulous
Perpetual(adj)
lasting forever, lasting for all time, occuring repeatedly, occuring over and over.(They lived in perpetual fear of being discovered and arrested, She's perpetually asking me for money)
Synonyms: incessant
Disparage(v)
criticize, to refer disapprovingly or contemptuously to somebody or something, regard or represent as being of little worth.(The actor's work for charity has recently been disparaged in the press as an attempt to get publicity)
Synonyms: criticize, defame
Mesmerize(v)
hold the attention of someone to the exclusion of all else. To absorb somebody's attention, to fascinate somebody, capture the whole attention.(I was completely mesmerized by the performance)
Synonyms:enthrall, captivate, fascinate
Expeditious(adj)
speedy, or carried out promptly and efficiently, having or showing the ability to respond without delay or hesitation. To cause to be done more quickly.(The bank was expeditious in replying to my letter)
Synonyms: prompt, speedy
Rigidity(n)
unable to bend or be forced out of shape. Not flexible. The state of being demanding (asi in discipline).(I was rigid with fear, We were disappointed that they insisted on such a rigid interpretation of the rules)
Synonyms: implacability, inflexibility, intransigent.
Consecrate(v)
Make or declare sacred or holy, dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose. To devote or dedicate something to a particular purpose.(The new cathedral was completed and consecrated in 1962)
Punitive(adj)
inflicting or intended as punishment, relating to, done as, or imposed as a punishment.(Any misbehavior was immediately met with a punitive response. ALSO of a tax, cost, or other charge: extremely high.(The President has threatened to impose punitive import duties)
Synonyms: harsh, disciplinary
Dogmatic(adj)
inclined to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true. To dogmatise means to represents as an incontrovertible truth. Prone to expressing strongly held believes and opinions.
Synonyms: opinionated, stubborn
Inimical(adj)
tending to obstruct or harm, unfriendly, hostile, being adverse often by reason of hostility or malevolence. Unfavorable to something.(Excessive managerial control is inimical to creative expression)
Synonyms: harmful, adverse
Reticent(adj)
Not revealing one's thoughts or feelings readily, reluctant to draw attention to yourself, cool and formal in manner. Unwilling to do something.(He is very reticent about his past, Most of the students were reticent about answering questions.)
Synonyms: reserved
Shrill(adj)
having a loud and high sound that is unpleasant or painful to listen to.(She had a shrill high-pitched voice)
Synonyms: cacophonous
Commence(v)
to begin something
(We will commence building work in August of next year, Shall we let the meeting commence, gentlemen?)
Synonyms: start
Anathema(n)
something or someone that one vehemently dislikes, something which is greatly disliked, or disapproved. OR one that is cursed or damned.(Credit controls are anathema to the government. For older employees, the new system is an anathema)
Synonyms: abomination, abhorrent.
Plausible(adj)
Seeming reasonable or probable, superficially fair, reasonable, or valuable but often specious, appearing worthy of belief, likely to be true or able to be believed.(A plausible explanation/excuse. A plausible salesman)
Synonyms: believable, probable
Obscure(adj)
Not discovered or known, not clearly expressed or easily understood, hard to make out, indistinct, vague.(The law is too obscure to interpret correctly. An obscure island in the Pacific)
Synonyms: unclear, ambiguous, abstruse.
Impediment(n)
A hindrance or obstruction in doing something. TO impede means to slow down or cause problems for the advancement or completion of something. Also speech impediment; a defect in a person's speech such as a lisp or stammer.(Although he's shy, it certainly hasn't impeded his career in any way.)
Synonyms: inhibition, hindrance
Inertia(n)
a tendency to do nothing or to remain unchanged, Apathy, inability or unwillingness to move or act.(He had to overcome his inertial and get back to work)
Synonyms: apathy
Erudite(adj)
having or showing great knowledge or learning. Very knowledgeable through study.(He's the author of an erudite book on Scottish history)
Synonyms: knowledgeable
Bowdlerize(v)
to remove indecent or offensive material from a text. To remove words or parts of a book, play or film that are considered to be unsuitable or offensive.
Synonyms: edit
Succinct(adj)
Briefly and clearly expressed. Clear and short. To the point, having characteristics of both brevity and clarity.(Keep your letter succinct and to the point)
Synonyms: concise
Awry(adj)
Not in the proper position, but turned and twisted to one side. Out of the normal position. Away from the appropriate, planned, or expected course, amiss. Not in keeping with plans or expectations.
(Anything that goes awry in the office is blamed on Pete. She rushed in, her face red and sweaty and her hat awry)
Synonyms: askew, amiss
Exude(v)
to discharge or release something such as a liquid or an odor. Produced from the inside and spread out slowly. To display an emotion, quality strongly and openly, to show a particular quality clearly usually through general behavior and body language.(She just exudes confidence)
Synonyms: exhibit, display.
Spur(v)
To urge (a horse) forward by digging one's spurs into its sides. To give an incentive or encouragement to someone. To cause or promote the development of something.(Rising consumer sales have the effect of spurring the economy to faster growth. Spurred on by her early succcess, she went on to write four more novels in rapid succession.)
Synonyms: impulse, motivate
Iffy(adj)
Full of unceratinty, doubtful, something that is iffy is of doubtful quality or legality. Uncertain or unlikely to happen. Undecided or unsure about something.(The milk smells a bit iffy. Simon's kind of iffy about going to Columbia)
Synonyms: uncertain
Indelible(adj)
not able to be forgotten or removed. Impossible to remove or alter. Permanent, lasting, unfading.(I have an indelible memory of that meeting with Anastasia)
Synonyms:inerasable
Accomplice(n)
A person who helps another commit a crime. One associated with another especially in wrongdoing.
Synonyms: abbetor.
Backhanded(adj)
made with the back of the hand facing in the direction of movement. Indirect, ambiguous or insincere. With a doubtful or double meaning(backhanded compliment)
Convulsion(n)
a violent shaking of the body or limbs caused by uncontrollable muscle contractions, which can be a symptom of brain disorders and other conditions. An extreme disturbance or disruption. A violent or political upheaval. Uncontrollable laughter.(She went into convulsions and had to be rushed to hospital)
Synonyms: seizure, upheaval, contraction.
Euphoria(n)
A feeling or state of intense excitement and happiness. A feeling of great joy or confidence. Elation(They were in a state of euphoria for days after they won the prize)
Synonyms: elation, joy, happiness
Inexorable(adj)
impossible to stop or prevent. Or, of a person, impossible to persuade or diverted from a course.(the inexorable progress of science. These events led inexorably to war)
Synonyms: adamant
Convey(v)
Communicate or express something(an idea, impression or feeling). Transfer or transmit something along a wire, pipe, tube or other carrier. Take somebody somewhere.(I tried to convey in my speech how grateful we all were for his help. The goods are usually conveyed by sea.)
Synonyms: transmit, express
Chasm(n)
deep hole in the earth, a deep crack or hole in the ground. A wide difference in feelings, ideas or interests. Gap or break in the progress or continuity of something.
(They leaned over the rails and peered down into the dizzying chasm below. There is still a vast economic chasm between developed and developing countries)
Synonyms: gap, abyss
Foil(v)
To prevent someone or something from being successful(The prisoners' attempt to escape was foiled at the last minute when police received a tip-off).Something or someone that makes another's good or bad qualities more noticable(The older, cynical character in the play is the perfect foil for the innocent William)
Synonyms: thwart, hinder
Antonyms: help, aid, expedite
Habor(n,v)
a safe, protected area, a port for ships, to provide shelter to a person or to a ship, to hold in or think privately about(I hope Paul harbors no anger against me for my long delay in responding to his e-mail. I could tell that all of the ladies harbored a little animosity toward the prettiest girl at the party.)
Synonyms: hold, shelter, anchorage
Antonyms: expose
Impair(v)
to worsen something or to make it less effective(Everyone knows that too much alcohol can impair a person's driving ability. Without glasses, his vision is seriously impaired)
Synonyms: weaken, deteriorate, diminish
Antonyms:improve
Oasis(n)
a fertile spot in a desert or barren place, a place of shelter or sanctuary(Her place was an oasis of peace and sanity amid the surrounding chaos)
Synonyms: refuge, sanctuary, haven
Antonyms: prison
Fidelity(n)
honest or lasting support, or loyalty, especially to a sexual partner.(How important do you think sexual fidelity is in a marriage?), when you copy the detail and quality of an original, such as picture, sound or story.(The best ink-jet printers can reproduce photographs with amazing fidelity)
Synonyms: allegance, faithfulness
Antonyms: infidelity, disloyalty, inaccuracy
Extrovert(adj)
a gregarious and uninhibited person who thrives and gets their energy from socializing.(Most sales people are extrovert)
Synonyms: sociable person
Antonyms: introvert
Galvanize(v)
to stimulate a person or group into action, to stimulate a part of the body with an electric shock, to coat iron or steel with zinc for protection.(The prospect of his mother coming to stay galvanized him into action and he immediately set about cleaning the house)
Synonyms: stimulate, provoke
Antonyms: quiet, still
Ineluctable(adj)
describes something impossible to avoid or escape.(What goes up must come down describes the ineluctable law of gravity. One often hears that the only things in life that are ineluctable are death and taxes)
Synonyms: inescapable, unavoidable, inevitable, destined, imminent
Antonyms: avoidable, escapable, uncertain.
Nondescript(adj)
lacking distinctive of interesting characteristic, dull, uninteresting, or without any distinguishing characteristics.(The meteorological bureau is in a nondescript building on the outskirts of town)
Synonyms: dull, drab, unremarkable, indistinguishable, ordinary
Antonyms: vivid, unique, interesting
Peripheral(n)
On the ohter edges of something, related to an issue, but not of major importance to it.(Whenever John is watching his favorite show Lost, everything else is of peripheral interest. He's planning on building a guest house on the periphery of his property)
Synonyms: outer, marginal, irrelevant, insignificant
Antonyms: central, significant, inner
Prostrate(adj)
lying down, often on one's face, either out of respect and submissiveness, lying down in a horizontal position due to illness or lack of energy, physically exhausted or emotionally overwhelmed.(After a long day of yard work, I was prostrate on the couch for several hours. My sick grandma was prostrate in her hospital bed. When the emperor walked in, all of his servants fell down to the ground prostrate.)
Synonyms: exhausted, prone, reclining.
Antonyms: upright, standing
Redolent(adj)
exuding a fragrance with qualities that remind you of something else, suggesting or reminiscent of another time or place, suggesting suggestive or reminiscent of something, having particular smell.(Angela's perfume is redolent of our time together in Paris. The desert air is much more redolent after the rain. The studio of the yoga teacher was redolent with the smell of incense.)
Synonyms: reminiscent, aromatic, evocative
Saccharine(adj)
excessively sweet or sentimental, too pleasant or charming, with too much feeling to be believed.(I don't trust her, with her saccharine smiles. saccharine love songs)
Synonyms: ingratiating, sweet, sugary, oversentimental, cloying
Antonyms: sour, bitter
Preen(v)
to spend time making yourself look attractive.(Roald always spends ages preening himself before he goes out). to feel very proud or satisfied with yourself because of an action or quality.(The government is publicly preening itself on the latest trade figures.)
Synonyms: groom, self-congratulating, primp, spruce
Hapless(adj)
without luck, unfortunate, having, prone to, or marked by bad luck. (The hapless wanderer could find no resting place and suffered another night in the bitter cold. Many children are hapless victims of this war)
Synonyms: unlucky, unfortunate
Antonyms: lucky, fortunate
Expedite(v)
to hasten the action or speed up the progress of something; to cause something to be done or progress more quickly.(I am really getting desperate-come on guys-is there anyway that we can expedite this process so we can meet our deadline?)
Synonyms: hasten, accelerate, facilitate, advance
Antonyms: stifle
Repulse(v)
to drive back or repel, to cause aversion or disgust, to reject an approach.(Since Joanne is a vegetarian, she feels repulsion when she sees other people eating meet. The latest movie contains repulsive scenes.)
Synonyms: repel, reject, rebuff, refuse.
Antonyms: welcome, captivate
Spurious(adj)
not valid or genuine, different than what is claimed and intended to deceive, based on false reasoning or information that is not true, and therefore not to be trusted.(Some of the arguments against the case of global warming are questionable and others downright spurious)
Synonyms: counterfeit, phony, fake, illegitimate, deceptive
Antonyms: authentic, genuine
Potable(adj)
suitable for drinking, (noun) a liquid, especially alcohol, that is suitable for drinking.(After the earthquake, the tap water was not potable. The wine was too old to be potable anymore)
Synonyms: drinkable, uncontaminated, useable
Antonyms: impotable, polluted, unclean.
Resourceful(adj)
able to deal effectively with different situations, having the necessary resources to adapt to different situations and effectively solve problems.(Children can be very resourceful at creating new games when left to their own imagination)
Synonyms: adroit, enterprising, inventive
Antonyms: dim-witted
Ineffable(adj)
not able to be described in words, causing so much emotion, especially pleasure, that it cannot be described.(After her team won the championship, she experienced ineffable happiness, David Attenborough's Planet Earth shows the ineffable beauty of our planet)
Synonyms: indescribable, inexpressible.
Antonyms: describable, expressible
Loll(v)
to lie, sit or hang down in a relaxed informal or uncontrolled way.(I spent most of the weekend lolling about on the beach. A dog with its tongue lolling out.)
Synonyms: lounge, sprawl, loaf, loiter, languish.
Antonyms: stand, move
Vivid(adj)
bright or intense in color; brightly colored or producing clear, powerful, and detailed images in the mind, very clear and fresh when perceived by the eye or the mind, capable of evoking strong and distinct images.(Lise recounted the events of her childhood with vivid detail. Marc's vivid imagination will serve him well in a creative field)
Synonyms: bright, colorful, dazzling.
Antonyms: dull, muddy
inane(adj)
not important or relevant, silly, insubstantial or empty.(Joanne loves to watch those inane reality shows every night. At the party, I somehow got trapped in an inane conversation about the weather)
Synonyms: stupid, ridiculous, insubstantial, illogical
Antonyms: logical, reasonable, important
Implacable(adj)
impossible to comfort, calm, or satisfy, unable to be changed, satisfied, or stopped, describes(someone who has) strong opinions or feelings which are impossible to change.(Unfortunately I could not reach a compromise with the implacable client)
Synonyms: relentless, inexorable
Antonyms: placable, flexible
Harmonious(adj)
musically pleasing, blending or combining well, sharing mutual opinions, beliefs, actions, or friendship.(He finds the harmonious sounds of the symphony very relaxing. The two friends maintained a harmonious relationship.)
Synonyms: harmonic, concordant
Antonyms: discordant, dissonant
Genteel(adj)
refined and polite in manner and of higher class; polite and correct in manner, or trying to be polite and correct in order to be of a high social class.(The mansion had an atmosphere of genteel elegance and decay. He took elocution lessons to try to make his accent sound more genteel.)
Synonyms: elegant, refined, pretentious
Antonyms: unrefined, impolite, natural
Rabble(n)
a mob of people; a large noisy uncontrolled group of people, lowest class of people. (Rabble-rouser)(Paul thought of himself as a peacemaker, but the police labeled him a rabble-rouser. The minister was threatened by an angry, disorderly rabble formed outside the government building)
Synonyms: mob, crowd
Antonyms: royalty, high-society
Flamboyant(adj)
obviously elaborate and brightly colored, with the intention to be noticed; very confident in behavior, or intended to be noticed, especially by being brightly coloured, showy in apprearance. (His clothes were rather flamboyant for such a serious occasion. Flamboyant gesture)
Synonyms: showy, resplendent
Antonyms: dull, humble
Emanate(v)
to come from or out of, to send out or give out something, to express a quality or through the way that you look and behave. (The smell of Lisa's perfume emanates from her bedroom even when she isn't home. Most of the voters voted for the young leader because charisma just emanated from him.)
Synonyms: emit, radiate, exude,
Antonyms: withhold
Quarantine(n,v)
isolation, especially in order to prevent an illness or disease from spreading, to isolate in order to prevent an illness or disease from spreading.(The horse had to spend several months in quarantine when it reached Britain)
Synonyms: detention, confinement, isolation, incarceration.
Antonyms: freedom, liberation
Maudlin(adj)
overly emotional, sentimental, and often tearful, feeling sad and having a lot of pity for yourself, especially after you have drunk a lot of alcohol.(Some people are angry drunks, while others become sappy and maudlin.)
Synonyms: tearful, sentimental, overemotional
Antonyms: serious
Repudiate(v)
to refuse to recognize the truth or validity of something, to reject something as untrue or unjust, to formally disapprove of something, to formally separate yourself from something or someone, to refuse to pay a debt.(He repudiated the allegation that he had tried to deceived them.)
Synonyms: reject, abjure, negate, abandon, renounce, abdicate, disdain, forsake
Antonyms: accept, embrace, adopt, recognize.
Precedent(n)
an action or decision from the past, that can be used as an example for future, similar circumstances, an established custom or practice, a law established by following previous legal decisions.(There are several precedents for promoting people who don't have formal qualifications. Some politicians fear that agreeing to the concession would set a dangerous precedent)
Synonyms: model, precursor, guideline, pattern, prototype
Antonyms: following, descendent
Fastidious(adj)
giving too much attention to small details and wanting everything to be correct and perfect.(He is very fastidious about how a suitcase should be packed), having a strong dislike of anything dirty or unpleasant. (They were too fastidious to eat in a fast-food restaurant)
Synonyms: meticulous, persnickety, finicky, squeamish
Antonyms: indifferent, uncritical, undemanding,
Ellipsis(n)
when words are left out of a sentence but the sentence can still be understood.(An example of ellipsis is "What percentage was left?" "Twenty" (= 20 percent))
Synonyms: omission
Antonyms: addition
Travesty(n)
something which fails to represent the values and qualities that it is intended to represent, in a way that is shocking or offensive.(Their production of MacBeth was quiet the worst I've ever seen - it was a travesty.)
Synonyms: distortion, parody, spoof, mockery, farce, sham
Antonyms: copy, accuracy
Hoard(v,n)
to collect large amounts of something and keep it in a safe, often secret, place. (During the siege people began hoarding food and supplies. We found a huge hoard of tinned food in the basement)
Synonyms: store, accumulate, stash, stockpile, amass
Antonyms: use, throw out
Renovate(v)
to repair and improve something, especially a building. (He renovates old houses and sells them at a profit)
Synonyms: restore, repair, recondition, remodel, rejuvenate, revive, overhaul
Antonyms: age, destroy
Static(adj)
staying in one place without moving, or not changing for a long time, noise on a radio or television caused by electricity in the air. (Oil prices have remained static for the last few months.)
Synonyms: changeless, motionless, immobile
Antonyms: moving, changing
Procure(v)
to obtain something, especially after an effort. (She's managed somehow to procure his telephone number)
Synonyms: acquire, bring about
Antonyms: lose, scatter, disperse
Ossify(v)
to be made into bone, to become rigid and inflexible.(Years of easy success had ossified the company's thinking and it never faced up to the challenge of the new technology.)
Synonyms: fossilize, solidify, petrify, stiffen
Antonyms: soften, liquefy
Virtuoso(adj, n)
a person who is extremely skilled at something, especially at playing an instrument or performing. (Famous mainly for his wonderful voice, Cole was also a virtuoso on the piano. The Times critics described her dancing as a virtuoso performance of quite dazzling accomplishment.)
Synonyms: genius, maestro, prodigy
Antonyms: amateur, average, common
Inept(adj)
characterized by a lack of perceptiveness, judgment, or fitness, generally incompetent, unsuitable or out of place.(He was always rather inept at sport. Dick was socially inept and uncomfortable in the presence of women)
Synonyms: incompetent, foolish, ineffective, clumsy, awkward, unfit, inappropriate
Antonyms: competent, adroit, effective, graceful, adept
Maladroit(adj)
inefficient or ineffective; clumsy, not adroit or adept, lacking tact and being insensitive in speech or behavior. Awkward in movement or unskilled in behavior or action.(Phil's maladroit at the office party was just one of many reasons why he was passed over for the promotion. Phil is not used to going to parties, so he is often maladroit in social situations)
Synonyms: inept, clumsy, awkward, inelegant, tactless
Antonyms: adroit, adept, skillful, graceful
Nuance(n)
a subtle difference, distinction or variation in something, a subtle quality
(If you don't understand the nuances of the author's language, you may not fully appreciate his book)
Synonyms: subtlety, hint, trace
Imperturbable(adj)
not easily perturbed or upset--calm and steady, always staying calm and controlled, even in difficult situations that would cause anxiety to others.(Staying calm and controlled despite problems or difficulties)
Synonyms: calm, cool, even, unflappable, impassive.
Antonyms: agitated, upset, perturbed.
Labyrinth(n)
a complex network of pathways through which it is difficult to navigate, something really intricate. (With all the construction detours, she felt like she was driving through a labyrinth. Navigating his crazy work and social schedule has become quite a labyrinth)
Synonyms: maze, complexity, puzzle, riddle, tangle
Antonyms: simplicity, ease, clarity
Elicit(v)
to draw out, to call forth, to obtain or produce something, especially information or a reaction. (They were able to elicit the support of the public. She tried to elicit sympathy by breaking down in tears during the meeting)
Synonyms: evoke, draw out, extract, obtain, educe
Antonyms: suppress, cover, hide
Forthright(adj)
honest, direct, and not evasive in expressing one's thoughts or feeling. (Marc's forthright manner can be mistaken for rudeness. Lisa admires his forthright way of dealing with people)
Synonyms: direct, frank, straightforward, candid, sincere
Antonyms: indirect, insincere, dishonest, deceitful
Paradigm(n)
a model or a representative example, a very clear or typical example used as a model.(The move from Newtonian physics to Einstein's relativism represented a major paradigm shift in physics.)
Synonyms: model, prototype, pattern, example, archetype
Antonyms: anomaly
Officious(adj)
meddlesome and interfering: characteristic of somebody who is eager to give unwanted help or advice, unofficial or informal, especially in political or diplomatic dealings, interfering and being in the way.(The ministers met in an officious setting, keeping things casual, since it was Sunday. Joanne said she wanted to help Marc prepare the meal, but she just made an officious nuisance of herself)
Synonyms: meddlesome, interfering, self-important, unofficial, informal
Antonyms: shy, helpful
Remiss(adj)
careless or negligent about an expected duty, not doing a duty well enough.(You have been remiss in your duties. It was remiss of me to forget to give you the message)
Synonyms: heedless, negligent, careless
Antonyms: responsible, dutiful, diligent, attentive
Posterity(n)
generations to come in the future, all of a person's descendants. (The President's most fundamental duty is to create and preserve freedom for us and our posterity)
Synonyms: offspring, future generations, descendants, progeny
Antonyms: ancestors
Mundane(adj)
ordinary or commonplace, relating to or of the world. ( Mundane matters such as paying bills and shopping for food do not interest her.)
Synonyms: ordinary, commonplace, banal, dull, earthly
Antonyms: unusual, rare, extraordinary, heavenly
Egocentric(adj)
selfish, self-centered, and concerned only with personal needs rather than the needs of others
Synonyms: selfish, self-centered, egotistic
Antonyms: selfless
Palatial(adj)
luxurious and grand, like a palace. This adjective describes a house that is very large and splendid. (The Karel V hotel is known for its palatial elegance. The palatial, 130-room mansion is the most expensive home in the city)
Synonyms: grand, deluxe, impressive, regal, rich, luxurious, plush, opulent.
Odious(adj)
provoking hatred, contempt, disgust
(The man committed an odious crime for which he should be severely punished. There are few things as odious to him as racism)
Synonyms: hateful, contemptible, detestable, loathsome, repulsive
Antonyms: lovable
Garish(adj)
gaudy, flashy, showy, or brightly and vividly colored.
(Frank arrived in a garish, electric blue, 24-person limousine.)
Synonyms: gaudy, tawdry, showy, flashy, flamboyant, ornate
Antonyms: elegant, tasteful, simple, plain, modest
Facetious(adj)
humorous in a sarcastic way, not serious about a serious subject, in an attempt to be amusing or to appear clever, not seriously meaning what you say, usually in an attempt to be humorous or to trick someone.
(Lisa's facetious remarks made it clear that she wasn't taking the meeting seriously.)
Synonyms: humorous, clever, sarcastic, witty, ironic, jocose.
Antonyms: serious, matter-of-fact, lugubrious
Kindle(v)
to start a fire, to excite or arouse
(Al Gore made a movie to kindle awareness about global warming. Two years after their divorce, Mark tried to rekindle his relationship with his ex-wife)
Synonyms: ignite, flame, blaze, awaken, excite, arouse
Antonyms: deaden, inhibit
Hierarchy(n)
an organization of a group of people or things, arranged according to rank or importance. (Mark hopes to rise through the hierarchy quickly and become a manager)
Synonyms: ranking, order, level, regime
Impervious(adj)
not affected by outside influence, remaining unaffected by other's opinions, arguments, suggestions, unable to be penetrated or not allowing passage into or through something, unable to be injured or damaged.(Marc seemed to be impervious to the criticism made against him and continued with his same modus operendi. My thermal blanket forms an impervious shield from the cold and enables me to sleep warmly through the night.)
Synonyms: impenetrable, resistant, unaffected, invulnerable, impermeable
Antonyms: responsive, vulnerable, penetrable
Legacy(n)
money or property left through a will, something handed down from one person or generation to another.(The company founders left a legacy of competitive spirit that lives on in this corporation. The Greeks have a rich legacy of philosophical works)
Synonyms: grant, heritage, inheritance, bequest, bestowal.
Pallor(n)
an unhealthy pale appearance, an unnatural color of pale, where the person looks sick or unhealthy. (We knew Joanne was sick as soon as we saw the pallor of her face. Next ot Marc's tanned face, Joanne's seemed pallid and unhealthy.)
Synonyms: paleness
Antonyms: tan, glow
Paradox(n)
a situation or statement which seems difficult to understand because it contains two opposite facts or characteristics, a statement or idea that contradicts itself. (It's a curious paradox that drinking a lot of water can often make you feel thirsty)
Synonyms: contradiction, inconsistency, incongruity, reversal, puzzle, dilemma, oxymoron
Antonyms: consistency, congruity, coherence, agreement
Myopic(adj)
being nearsighted, lacking foresight or understanding, unable to understand a situation or the way actions will affect it in the future. (While baseball managers sometimes see less successful teams as being capable of developing future talent, fans tend to be more myopic, wanting to win now.)
Synonyms: nearsighted, short-sighted, narrow-minded, closed-minded.
Antonyms: provident.
Oscillate(v)
to move from side to side, to be undecided and waver back and forth about a decision or opinion, to move repeatedly from side to side or up and down between two points, or to vary between two feelings or opinions.(The needle on the dial oscillated between full and empty. My emotions oscillate between desperation and hope)
Synonyms: swing, vacillate, alternate, pendulate
Antonyms: remain, stay, settle
Insubordinate(adj,n)
a person who does not submit to authority or follow orders, not submitting to authority, disobedient or rebellious; refusing to obey orders or submit to authority.(Because the marine never followed his captain's orders, he was considered an insubordinate. Joanne defended her insubordinate behavior by exposing corruption in high places.)
Synonyms: defiant, disobedient, disorderly, rebellious, antagonistic, insurgent.
Antonyms: subordinate, complaisant, harmonious.
Lustrous(adj)
shining or gleaming. (My girlfriend has a conditioner that gives her hair a lustrous glow. Phoebe gave Joey an endearing smile and tossed her long, lustrous hair.)
Synonyms: shining, glowing, gleaming, bright, luminous, burnished.
Antonyms: dull
Homage(n)
something done to show respect and deference-a show of reverence. (In 2009 a lot of scientists will pay homage to Charles Darwin for his achievements in his field of research. Micheal paid homage to his ancestors by maintaining as many of his family's traditions as he could.)
Synonyms: honor, deference, reverence, loyalty, admiration, honor
Antonyms: disrespect
Impertinent(adj)
brash, especially in showing disrespect to a superior or to someone older, not relevant, not pertinent to the discussion or issue at hand.(The impertinent little boy was bossing his babysitter around, telling her where he wanted to go and what he wanted to do. Marc was impertinent when he asked if she was married)
Synonyms: rude, impolite, brash, irrelevant, audacious, insolent, impudent, extraneous.
Antonyms: pertinent, relevant, respectful, polite, applicable
Exotic(adj)
strikingly different, strikingly unusual and often very colorful and exciting or suggesting distant countries and unfamiliar cultures, from elsewhere introduced from another place or region.(Liz and I wanted to go somewhere exotic for my next vacation, so we chose Hawaii. Frank had a taste for exotic foods and he enjoyed eating at ethnic restaurants.)
Synonyms: foreign, tropical, rare, uncommon, unusual, curious
Antonyms: common, native
Florid(adj)
having an unhealthily glowing pink or red complexion, elaborate and overly complicated in wording and general style.(Lisa bought a florid, gilded mirror that took up most of the wall. My fair skin became florid after a day of surfing in the ocean)
Synonyms: showy, flamboyant, embellished, ornate, flowery, overblown.
Antonyms: simple, uncomplicated
Impiety(n)
lack of religious respect, a lack of due reverence for God or religion, ungodly act, an act that shows a lack of religious respect or devotion, lack of respect, a lack of respect or dutifulness. (The church accused Galileo Galilei of impiety and had all his writings burned. Lisa's impiety caused her to be ostracized by members of the church.)
Synonyms: irreverence, blasphemy, godlessness, sacrilege
Antonyms: reverence, respect, devotion
Mendacious(adj)
likely to give false information or tell lies, untrue, false, or intentionally misleading. (The newspaper has the reputation of routinely publishing mendacious stories about celebrities. Some of Marc's statements are misleading and some downright mendacious.)
Synonyms: spurious, lying, dishonest, false, fallacious, deceitful, deceptive.
Antonyms: truthful, honest.
Germane(adj)
relevant to a subject under consideration, relevant and appropriate to a given matter. (As long as Martin's ideas were germane to the business at hand, he was allowed to expound on them. Her remarks could not have been more germane to the discussion)
Synonyms: relevant, pertinent, applicable.
Antonyms: irrelevant, unsuitable
Hybrid(n, adj)
something made of different parts or elements, a plant formed by cross breeding two different types of plants, an animal resulting from the breeding of two different species, a car that runs on a combination of two types of fuel.(The architecture is a hybrid of classical and modern styles. Many of the plants in her garden are hybrids, which makes them not only uniquely beautiful but also heartier than average.)
Synonyms: mixture, compound, crossbreed
Extol(v)
to praise highly and lift someone or something up with great admiration, to praise somebody or something with great enthusiasm and admiration. (His book extolling the benefits of vegetarianism sold thousands of copies)
Synonyms: glorify, praise, hail, exalt
Antonyms: condemn, criticize, disparage
Foolhardy(adj)
bold or courageous without regard or awareness of danger. (Frank made a foolhardy attempt to climb the tree to recover his kite. It was foolhardy of Marc to approach the dog without knowing whether it was friendly or not)
Synonyms: bold, reckless, foolish, overconfident, heedless, impetuous
Antonyms: careful, prudent, cautious, sensible
Personable(adj)
having a nice, polite, and pleasant appearance and personality.(Marc didn't mind working late with Judy because she was so personable and easygoing. Frank was blessed with the most personable in laws.)
Synonyms: attractive, friendly, charming, easygoing, likeable, sociable
Antonyms: unattractive, unfriendly, unpleasant
Overwrought(adj)
extremely upset, nervous, or agitated, excessively elaborate or overly decorated.(Joanna was overwrought when her dogs got out of the apartment and were lost for several hours. Everyone in the office was overwrought with the thought that the company might go out of business)
Synonyms: agitated, frantic, nervous, frenzied, hysterical, ornate, gaudy, flamboyant
Antonyms: calm, relaxed, tranquil, simple
Solace(n,v)
comfort or consolation in a time of distress, sadness, grief, or disappointment, the act of consoling or giving relief, to console or give strength to someone, help and comfort when you are feeling sad or worried. (The tax rebate checks provided solace to many cash-strapped families. I find it helps to seek solace in the company of family and friends during times of crisis.)
Synonyms: comfort, consolation, console, cheer, relieve, assuage, soothe
Antonyms: grief, sadness, irritation, trouble, sadden, irritate
Quantum(n)
the smallest, indivisible unit of energy, a measurable amount of something, quantity: a required quantity or amount, especially an amount of money paid in recompense. (Most people do not know what quantum physics is; it is simply the physics of the smallest units of matter, like atoms. It was a revolutionary generation of computers that was a quantum leap beyond anything on the market.)
Synonyms: smallest unit of measure
Antonyms: largest unit of measure
Mercenary(adj,n)
motivated chiefly by the desire for gain, a professional soldier hired to serve in a foreign army, someone interested primarily in their own gain, especially financially, greedy and interested in selfish gain.(Phil has a mercenary urge to own the latest and most expensive item in home electronics. John was a mercenary who had fought for several nations.)
Synonyms: greedy, materialistic, selfish, avaricious
Antonyms: selfless, generous, unpaid
Expansive(adj)
covering a wide range, scope or area, able to expand, with arms stretched out and open wide, happy to talk to people in a friendly way. (Frank owns a beautiful house with a wide, expansive backyard. As the river nears the end of its long journey to the sea it becomes quite expansive.)
Synonyms: wide, outstretched, extensive, expanding, spacious, talkative, jovial, outgoing
Antonyms: condensed, contracted, restricted, quiet, reserved.
Histrionic(adj)
related to acting or actors-dramatic or theatrical, melodramatic or affected, overly emotional and showy.(There's no need to be so histrionic; this isn't really that big a deal. Joanne has a penchant of histrionic temper fits with lots of throwing of dishes and door slamming.)
Synonyms: theatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, affected, sensational, insincere
Antonyms: sincere, genuine
Immaculate(adj)
perfectly clean and spotless, free from error, without blame or fault. (My aunt's kitchen was always immaculate. He gave an immaculate performance as the aging hero.)
Synonyms: clean, spotless, stainless, pristine, flawless, faultless, balmeless
Antonyms: dirty, stained, soiled, imperfect, flawed, impure
Kudos(n)
praise and honor received for an achievement. (Lise has received kudos and accolades for her work with several charity organizations.)
Synonyms: praise, recognition, glory, award, admiration
Antonyms: criticism
Molt(v)
shed old feathers, hair, or skin, to make way for a new growth. To periodically lose or shed an outer covering of skin, hair, or feathers.
(The young bird's baby feathers molted as its adult feathers grew in. The deer's winter fur molted in preparation for summer)
Synonyms: shed
Antonyms: grow
Facilitate(v)
make(an action or process) easy or easier, to make easier, to increase the likelihood of, to be of use. (Lisa wanted to meet the author, and Marc facilitated and introduction. Frank hopes to facilitate a dialogue between the two opposing factions. Phil was brought on to help facilitate communication between the different departments.)
Synonyms: ease, simplify, expedite, enable, assist, advance
Antonyms: complicate
Jibe(v,n)
to agree with or conform to something, in nautical terminology, to shift a sail from one side of a vessel to the other, an insulting remark intended to have a hurtful effect. If one statement or opinion jibes with another, it is similar to it
(Marc's sarcastic jibes during the trial got him removed from the courtroom. Lisa quit her job because her needs just didn't jibe with the company's policies.)
Synonyms: agree, conform, accord, concur, insult, mockery, ridicule
Antonyms: differ, disaree, clash, compliment
Extraneous(adj)
not essential or important; not relevant to the matter at hand, coming from outside. (Extraneous light in the camera spoiled the photo. Most of the information in Marc's lecture notes seems to be extraneous)
Synonyms: nonessential, irrelevant, immaterial, incidental
Antonyms: relevant, inherent, germane, pertinent
Efface(v)
to remove, blur, or completely eliminate, especially by rubbing off or out, to act in an inconspicuous or humble manner, especially because of shyness or modesty
(Don't be self-effacing if he compliments your hard work, simply thank him and acknowledge his compliment. It's better to accept a compliment gracefully, rather than make self-effacing remarks.)
Synonyms: erase, annul, delete, expunge
Antonyms: add, restore
Frugal(adj)
tending to spend very little money, small in expense or quantity.(Phil has always been frugal with his money, and he never has any money problems)
Synonyms: thrifty, provident, penny-pitching
Antonyms:prodigal, extravagant, lavish
Foment(v)
to cause trouble or stir up rebellion, to promote growth or development, to lessen pain by bathing in warm water. (I believe that the new technology will foment our industry and create positive change. John filed the law suit, not because he needed the money, but because he wanted to foment trouble for his former contractor. Marc was afraid that his letter might foment more tension.)
Synonyms: stir up, promote, evoke, abet, instigate
Antonyms: suppress, repress, quell
Meander(v)
If a river, stream or road meanders, it follows a route which is not straight or direct. To walk slowly without any clear direction. If a text, process or activity meanders, it has no clear direction. (We spent the afternoon meandering around the streets of the old town. The film meanders along with no particular story line.)
Synonyms: wander, twist, bend, wind, curve, snake, amble, stroll, roam.
Imminent(adj)
about to happen or likely to occur soon.(I'm sorry to tell you that with the latest threat, you and your family appear to be in imminent danger. The closing of the community center appears imminent despite the efforts of the citizens to save it.)
Synonyms: looming, forthcoming, menacing, impending
Antonyms: far-off, unlikely, distant
Palatable(adj)
describes food or drink that has a pleasant taste, acceptable. (a very palatable wine, I'm afraid the members won't find all these changes very palatable.)
Synonyms: acceptable, agreeable, appetizing, delicious, enjoyable, flavorful, yummy, tempting
Antonyms: unsavory, unappetizing, unpalatable.
Latitude(n)
freedom to behave, act or think in the way you want to, the position north or south of the equator measured from 0 to 90 degrees. (Courts can show a considerable degree of latitude when it comes to applying the law.)
Synonyms: freedom, liberty, leeway
Antonyms: restriction, restraint, constraint.
Nettle(v, n)
to annoy or irritate someone, to sting, a stinging plant with serrated leaves. (If you are going to go on the hike, watch out for stinging nettle. I've been putting off tackling the problem for too long and I think it's time to grasp the nettle.)
Synonyms: annoy, sting, irritate, tease, vex, bother, exasperate
Antonyms: soothe
Fallacy(n)
a misconception or false belief, an argument that does not work because of an error in logic or the error itself. (It is a common fallacy that women are worse drivers than men. Phil's argument is based on fallacious reasoning.)
Synonyms: misconception, error, flaw, mistake, inconsistency, falsity, sophistry
Nominal(adj)
in name or thought but not reality.
(She's the nominal head of our college - the real work is done by her deputy. For a nominal fee Just Vocabulary offers the podcast advertisement free.)
Synonyms: ostensible, insignificant, honorary, titular, trifling
Antonyms: important, real
Opportune(adj)
suitable for a purpose or occurring at the right time, happening at a time which is likely to give success or which is convenient. (The family dinner was an opportune time for us to announce our engagement. Our morning meeting will provide an opportune time to discuss our strategic plan)
Synonyms: appropriate, fitting, auspicious, timely, fortunate, fortuitous
Antonyms: inopportune
Immutable(adj)
not changing or unable to be changed
(Once my parents make a decision, it is immutable and they never change their minds. Some people regard the rules of English grammar and punctuation as an immutable, others view them as evolving.)
Synonyms: unchangeable, constant, unalterable, fixed, permanent, stable
Antonyms: changeable, mutable
Inaugurate(v)
to formally and officially put something new in place such as a government official, a building, or a new procedure, often with a special ceremony. (The Mayor is going to inaugurate the new City Hall building today at noon. Representatives from every major media outlet were present at the presidential inauguration.)
Synonyms: induct, install, dedicate, launch, debut, commence
Antonyms:stop, end, terminate
Gauche(adj)
lacking manners and proper social behavior, awkward and uncomfortable with other people, especially because young and lacking in experience. Behaving in a way that offends other people, because of not knowing what is correct or not caring about their feelings.
(Joanne had grown from a gauche teenager to a self-assured young woman. Phil's loud talking at the opera marked him as gauche and uncultured.)
Synonyms: unsophisticated, tactless, awkward, graceless, uncultured, uncouth, boorish
Antonyms: sophisticated, polite, civilized
Hasten(v)
be quick to do something; move quickly, cause to happen sooner than anticipated, to speed up the progress of an activity, to go somewhere or do something quickly and without delay.
(It was an unfortunate decision and Marc hastened to say it had nothing to do with him. Officials acted in haste, without understanding the situation)
Synonyms: speed, quicken, accelerate, hurry, expedite, rush, hustle
Antonyms: slow, delay
Extort(v)
to extract or obtain money, information, or the like, by intimidation, force, or abuse of authority, to obtain something such as money or information from somebody by using force, threats, or other unacceptable methods.
(The girl decided to extort the secret from Lisa by threatening to make up and spread a damaging secret of her own. Frank deeply regrets that he was a school bully who was used to extorting lunch money from other school kids.)
Synonyms: blackmail, bully, gouge, coerce
Finesse(n)
refinement and delicacy, subtle skill in handling or manipulating people or situations, an attempt to win a trick with a card that is not a certain winner, do in a subtle and delicate manner. (Micheal Jackson had legendary finesse on the dance floor. Lisa had such social finesse, she was able to quickly and easily solve any problem within the company. Frank did not want to stay so he tried to finesse his way out of the party.)
Synonyms: delicacy, artfulness, grace, savvy, mastery, elegance, diplomacy, discretion
Antonyms: indiscretion, clumsiness
Mentor(n)
a well-intentioned role model, advisor, and guide to someone less experienced, knowledgeable, or mature, a person who gives another person help and advice over a period of time and often also teaches them how to do their job, to serve as a conselor, teacher, or guide. (Frank mentors young talented pianists who need someone to look up to. Lisa asked her Dad's Uncle to be her mentor and guide her on her way to becoming a professional writer.)
Synonyms: advisor, guide, tutor, role model
Doggerel(n)
a verse of poetry or song that is uneven in measure and often poorly composed, usually for an intentional, comic effect.(Lisa has the doggerel from the latest soda commercial stuck in her head. The doggerel in the middle of the show made the audience laugh)
Synonyms: verse, jingle
Morass(n)
a swamp or area of low lying wetlands that make walking difficult, a difficult situation that hinders or overwhelms, an area of muddy or boggy ground, a complicated or confused situation.
(The distracted driver had driven his car off the road and into a morass. The morass of rules and regulations is delaying the start of the project.)
Synonyms: marsh, swamp, quagmire, bog, moor, mire
Mellifluous(adj)
having a pleasing or rich sound, pleasant and soothing to listen to, and sweet or rich in tone.
(I love to listen to the mellifluous sound of Yo Yo Ma cello. The opera singer's voice was rich and mellifluous.)
Synonyms: melodious, musical, sweet, honeyed, resonant
Antonyms: discordant
Neophyte(n)
beginner, a beginner or novice at something, a recent convert to a religion, a new resident of a religious community, someone who has recently become involved in an activity and is still learning about it.
(When Karen married Jim, she became a Catholic neophyte. Undergraduate students are generally neophytes in their chosen majors and need guidance from experienced professors.)
Synonyms: novice, beginner, student, rookie, amateur, convert,
Antonyms: veteran
Murmur(v,n)
a quietly spoken utterance, a subdued complaint, say something in a murmur
(A murmur of complaint was heard from the audience when the sound system failed. The students murmured something under when Marc the teacher handed out their new homework assignment.)
Synonyms: complaint, lament, mutter, mumble
Opprobrious(adj)
disgraceful; shameful, expressing harsh criticism or scorn, shameful and worthy of contempt. (The CEO had opprobrious words for his sales department after another weak month. Most people believe that cheating on your spouse is an opprobrious act.)
Synonyms: critical, scornful, derogatory, abusive, insulting, contemptible, offensive, scurrilous
Antonyms: appreciative, complimentary, proud, worthy, reputable, honorable
Phlegmatic(adj)
having a calm temperament, not readily showing emotion, unexcitable, generally unemotional and difficult to arouse. (As a footballer his great asset was his calm, phlegmatic manner. Lisa's bright hair color would shock even the most phlegmatic person.)
Synonyms: composed, calm, unemotional, apathetic, stony, stoic, nonchalant
Antonyms: animated, excited, emotional, passionate, spirited
Antonyms:
Rebuff(v,n)
to reject or refuse sharply and with criticism, a rude or curt rejection of an offer or advance, a sudden block or setback of progress, reject or snub something: to reject or snub an offer, advance, or approach made by somebody.
(Lisa asked Frank for help, but Frank rebuffed her, saying he only helped his real friends)
Synonyms: snub, reject, deny, refuse, spurn.
Antonyms: accept, approve
Querulous(adj)
tending to complain, inclined to complain or find fault, whining, whining or complaining in tone.
(The querulous woman drove her boyfriend crazy with her constant nagging. My sister is a great nurse, even the most querulous patients failed to upset her.)
Synonyms: petulant, grouchy, irritable, whiny, peevish, grumble
Antonyms: cheerful, happy, good-nature
Obtuse(adj)
annoyingly insensitive or slow to understand, slow to learn or understand, lacking insight, blunt or rounded, not sharp.
(Lisa tried to learn how the application functions, but Frank thinks she's too obtuse to ever learn how to use it. Joanne frustrated her mentor by pretending to be obtuse.)
Synonyms: dim-witted, dull, dumb, ignorant, stupid, blunt.
Antonyms: acute, sharp, keen, intelligent
Obeisance(n)
the act of obeying or behaving respectfully, a show or sign of respect such as bowing, a gesture of respect or deference.
(The servant bowed deeply in obeisance to the queen. Phil's obeisance at the meeting seemed rather formal and unnecessary)
Synonyms: respect, courtesy, bow, homage, deference, reverence
Antonyms: disrespect
Dissuade(v)
to convince or persuade someone not to do something.
(There was nothing anyone could do to dissuade Lisa from going on the dangerous trip. After a long talk, Marc was able to dissuade Joanne from marrying the man who had been unfaithful to her.)
Synonyms: deter, discourage, divert
Antonyms: persuade
Eschew(v)
to intentionally avoid something, especially on moral or practical grounds. abstain from: to avoid doing or using something on principle or as a matter of course.
(Ever since Frank stopped drinking alcohol, he has eschewed any party where he knew drinks were being served. Bill decided to eschew his friend's bachelor party, as he knew it would be wild, and his wife would not approve.)
Synonyms: avoid, evade, abstain, renounce, shun, forgo
Antonyms: choose, embrace, indulge in
Equivocal(adj)
open to question or interpretation, difficult to understand. An equivocation is a statement which is deliberately vague or ambiguous. And finally, to equivocate is to be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information.
(Marc will vote for the new candidate who never tries to equivocate. Lisa's father grew tired of Lisa equivocations and her ability to twist the truth.)
Synonyms: ambiguous, dubious, questionable, uncertain, cryptic, confusing, ambivalent, suspicious, confusing
Antonyms: clear, certain
Enervate(v)
to weaken somebody, either physically or mentally, to weaken somebody's physical, mental, or moral vitality.
(Nothing enervates me like a car alarm that beeps all night. Just the thought of speaking in public is enough to enervate me.)
Synonyms: tire, exhaust, fatigue, deplete, weaken, enfeeble.
Antonyms: strengthen, energize
Extant(adj)
describes something very old, yet still existing, not lost or destroyed.
(It was challenging for David Attenborough to track extant plant species in the rainforest, as some of them are destroyed daily. The Discovery channel did a series on extant Egyptian artifacts and their significance to the culture)
Synonyms: surviving, existent, undestroyed, remaining
Antonyms: dead, departed, destroyed, extinct, gone
Flaccid(adj)
limp, soft, lacking firmness, lacking vitality, lacking energy, lacking enthusiasm, lacking competence, lacking firmness or resilience.
(The flaccid asparagus was not well received by the food critics. In business, it is considered totally unacceptable to have a flaccid handshake.)
Synonyms: soft, weak, flimsy, lax, inelastic
Antonyms: firm, tough, strong
Exemplary(adj)
worthy of imitation, serving as a perfect model or example, designed to be severe and serve as a warning to others. (Through the exemplary jail sentence for the 15 year old, the judge hoped to curb violent behavior amongst other young gang members. Phil ran an exemplary project, which I want everyone to use as a model for future success)
Synonyms: laudable, praiseworthy, quintessential, worthy, emblematic, typical, representative
Antonyms: substandard, atypical, anomalous, reprehensible
Faction(n)
a self-seeking party or group (generally within a government) that is the dissenting minority within a larger group; this clique of partisans holds slightly different beliefs and interests than the rest of the group, party strife and intrigue.(There were two major Roman political factions: the populares and the optimates. There is a faction in the Democratic party that supports tax cuts and strong defense)
Synonyms: wing, group, dissension, strife, discord, coalition
Antonyms: entirety, total, whole, peace, unity, agreement
Grandiose(adj)
large, grand, and impressive, but sometimes also pretentious or unrealistic, larger and containing more detail than necessary, or intended to seem important or splendid. (The sight of the grandiose ballroom took our breath away. Marc fancied himself as a visionary, but his ideas were all grandiose and could never be implemented. Frank made a grandiose arrival to his high school reunion.)
Synonyms: pretentious, ostentatious, grand, unrealistic, extravagant, overblown, impressive, regal.
Antonyms: modest, simple, ordinary.
Discourse(n)
verbal communication, formal, extended expression of thought on a subject, to converse or discuss. (Marc's passionate political discourse caused a stir among students. The discourse around the dinner table mainly surrounded Frank's business plans.)
Synonyms: talk, dialogue, conversation, discussion, speech, lecture, thesis.
Antonyms: discuss, communicate, converse.
Heresy(n)
belief or opinion contrary to orthodox religious doctrine, opinion profoundly at odds with what is generally accepted. (Some famous thinkers such as Galileo were accused of heresy in their own times because their new ideas contradicted the church. Lisa thinks Marc is a heretic because Marc is not entirely convinced that Western medicine has all the answers. Lisa's belief that a split would be good for the party was regarded as heretical)
Synonyms: dissent, iconoclasm, nonconformity, dissidence
Antonyms: orthodox
Gainsay(v)
to say that something isn't true, especially by contradicting another person. (It was very difficult to gainsay Marc's claim. I hear what you are saying but I must gainsay the premise of your argument.)
Synonyms: oppose, deny, refute, disallow, dispute, question, impugn
Antonyms: agree, allow, affirm
Impromptu (adj, adv)
done without being planned, organized, or rehearsed, said or done without preparation, on the spot. (Upon receiving the award, Jim Tressel made an impromptu speech to his team. Part of the Obama and McCain debate is the impromptu question-and-answer session. Marc has an uncanny aility to deliver hilarious, impromptu speeches without any preparation or advanced notice.)
Synonyms: spontaneous, improvised, unrehearsed, extemporaneous.
Antonyms: planned, rehearsed.
Genial(adj)
good-natured and kind, mild, especially sunny and good for life or growth.(The genial sunshine and mild temperature was ideal for growing a variety of flowers and plants. Elisabeth was always a genial hostess, treating her guests with kindness and sincere attention.)
Synonyms: pleasant, mild, amicable, amiable, kind, friendly, congenial, warm, favorable
Antonyms: unfriendly, cold, hostile
Miscreant(n,adj)
someone who breaks the law or does wrong, behaving badly or lawfully.
(The museum was vandalized by a group of miscreants last night. Many people were upset that the alleged miscreant was not found guilty)
Synonyms: villain, criminal, wrongdoer, scoundrel, knave, ruffian
Antonyms: do-gooder
Inanimate(adj)
not alive, especially not in the manner of animals and humans, showing no sign of life, lifeless.
(Lisa prefers to paint still life art and inanimate objects rather than people and animals. The audience for tonight's show has proved to be a rather inanimate crowd.)
Synonyms: nonliving, inorganic, dull, lifeless, inactive, inert.
Antonyms: living, lively, animated.
Leverage(n)
power to influence people and get the results you want. (If the United Nations had more troops in the area, it would have greater leverage), the ratio between the amount of money that a company owes to banks and the value of the company, to use borrowed money to buy a company (The company is highly leveraged and struggling with interest payments.)
Synonyms: advantage, effectiveness, power, influence, support, fund, supplement, invest, clout
Antonyms: disadvantage, hindrance, weakness
Irate(adj)
indicating anger, showing or typical of great anger.
(Her boss became irate when she cost the company its biggest client. His irate neighbors yelled at him for throwing such a loud party.)
Synonyms: angry, mad, furious, fuming, enraged, annoyed.
Antonyms: calm, kind, pleased
Licentious(adj)
having little or no moral restriction, especially in sexual behavior.
(During his college years Mark engaged in a licentious lifestyle. Mark has now reformed from his licentious lifestyle to one of self-restraint and chastity. My Grandma found the licentious behavior of today's generation offensive.)
Synonyms: promiscuous, lustful, lascivious, lewd
Antonyms: chaste, virtuous
Impassive(adj)
expressionless, showing no outward sign of emotion, especially on the face, devoid of all emotion, feeling no emotions at all, either positive or negative. (When they told Lisa that she was adopted she was surprisingly impassive. An impassive expression is a real asset in a poker game.)
Synonyms: unemotional, apathetic, indifferent, inscrutable.
Antonyms: emotional, moved
Sinister(adj)
suggesting evil, threatening or suggesting malevolence, menace, or harm. Giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen.
(The evil villain had a sinister plan to take over the world. Frank's sinister smile and squinted eyes scared the children.)
Synonyms: threatening, menacing, evil, ominous, malign, minatory, wicked, foreboding
Profusion(n)
a great deal: a large quantity of something, profuse quality, the quality of being profuse.
(Mark loved the recent profusion of books and articles on his favorite subject. The company accepted blame and sent us profuse apologies. This Spring the flowers bloomed in greater profusion than in past years.)
Synonyms: abundance, extravagance, excess, plenty, wealth, lavishness
Antonyms: sparseness, lack, shortage
Proselytize(v)
to convert or try to convert someone to a different religion
(The missionary tried to proselytize people to his religion, The cult members tried to proselytize the students. The man proselytized to Islam after falling in love with a Muslim woman.)
Synonyms: convert, change, proselyte, persuade, influence, indoctrinate.
Sinuous(adj)
curved or moving in a curved way, full of bends and curves, lithe and graceful, especially making graceful winding or curving movements.
(Lisa hated driving the sinuous roads that led up to the mountains. The man loved his wife's sinuous, feminine body. At the lectures, he tormented the teachers with sinuous questions.)
Synonyms: winding, crooked, curved, twisting, curvy, serpentine
Antonyms: straight, unbent
Refute(v)
to deny the truth of and overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof, to prove to be false or incorrect.
(Marc definitely lost that debate, Frank refuted each of Marc's points with contradicting statements. The attorneys will attempt to refute the evidence against the defendant.)
Synonyms: disprove, dispute, oppose, challenge, contradict, gainsay, negate.
Antonyms: prove, confirm, defend, corroborate.
Recuperate(v)
to recover after a sickness, to recover after a monetary loss.
(Lisa went home to recuperate from her recent surgery. Frank lost at black jack but hoped to recuperate his losses at the poker table. The bank filed for bankruptcy, but they never expected to recuperate their good financial standing so quickly.)
Synonyms: improve, heal, mend, recover, survive, regain.
Antonyms: regress, degenerate
Rend(v)
tear, split, or divide with force, to take something or somebody away using force, to pierce with a loud scream or shriek, to cause distress to somebody.
(The storm Gustav is likely to rend apart everything in its path. With one stroke of his sword, he rent his enemy's helmet in two. )
Synonyms: separate, rip, sever, sunder, cleave, lacerate, split, pierce, pull, tear.
Antonyms: attach, join, meld, unite
Propitiate(v)
win somebody's favor, to appease or conciliate somebody or something. (The CEO hoped that the refund would help to propitiate their angry customers. Marc brought donuts to work as a propitiatory gift, in hopes that everyone would forgive him for losing his temper.)
Synonyms: conciliate, appease, correct, soften, gratify, placate, pacify.
Antonyms: aggravate, annoy, irritate
Stigma(n)
sign of social unacceptability: the shame or disgrace attached to something regarded as socially unacceptable. A strong lack of respect for someone or a bad opinion of them because they have done something society does not approve of.
(There's a stigma associated with low-income food programs. The disease AIDS no longer seems to have the stigma attached to it that it had a decade ago.)
Synonyms: shame, disgrace, dishonor, reproach, scar, smudge, blemish
Antonyms: glory, honor
Tendentious(adj)
having a tendency toward something and wanting to influence others to agree with your viewpoint, especially in an argumentative way. Trying to influence opinion: written or spoken with personal bias in order to promote a cause or support a viewpoint.
(Phil's account of the events was tendentious, not to mention inaccurate. Luckily Phil's tendentious statements no longer anger his friends and family. The tendentious talk show host used his show to promote his political ideology.
Synonyms: biased, partial, inclined, argumentative
Antonyms: impartial, unbiased.
Sunder(v)
break something apart, to separate something into parts, especially by force, or be separated in this way.
(During the Cold War East and West Berlin were sundered by an impenetrable wall. The controversial issue threatened to sunder the government. The unity of the group could not be sundered.)
Synonyms: separate, divide, split, break, sever, crack.
Antonyms: assemble, join, unify
Subjugate(v)
to conquer or take control by force, to bring somebody, especially a people or nation, under the control of another. To treat yourself, your wishes or your beliefs as being less important than other people or their wishes or beliefs.
(The United States is set up in a way that ensures the government could never subjugate its people. The rebel leader's plan was to subjugate the people of the country in order to establish a new form of government. Journalists must subjugate personal political convictions to their professional commitment to fairness and balance.)
Truncate(v)
to shorten something by cutting off or removing a part, to shorten decimal number, to restrict the precision of a decimal number by limiting the digits to the right of the decimal point without rounding.
(Television coverage of the match was truncated by a technical fault. Because Lisa's report was longer than allowed, she had to truncate the ending. The movie was truncated so that it would fit the television time slot.
Uncouth(adj)
behaving in a rude, unpleasant way. Rude and without refinement.
(Frank's uncouth brother uses his shirt for a napkin. It was really uncouth of Phil to make that comment about how much more money he makes than his coworker. Joanne's new boyfriend seems like an uncouth, opinionated boor.)
Transcend(v)
be or go beyond the range or limits of, be superior to; surpass.
(Marc hopes he would gain things from soccer that transcend the game itself, like honor and good sportmanship. Lisa said that society must transcend its racial and ethnic divisions.)
Synonyms: surpass, be superior, exceed, rise above, go beyond, outshine.
Antonyms: be inferior, fail, lose
Deluge(v,n)
heavy downpour or flood, to overwhelm with a large amount of something.
(We've been deluged with replies to our advertisement. Karen was caught in a deluge on her way to the interview, and her clothing and papers were soaked. This little stream can become a deluge when it rains heavily)
Synonyms: torrent, downpour, flood, soak, cataclysm, inundate, spate, drench, soak, oversupply.
Antonyms: sprinkling, undersupply
Welter(v,n)
a large, confused, or disorderly group of things, to roll about-wallow, to be immersed in something, like a liquid.
(The report was issued amid a welter of conflicting evidence. I did not want David to welter in sorrow over his break-up, so I took him out to dinner. It's amazing that anyone survived the welter of chaos and violence during the riot. I couldn't even hear myself think in the welter of the noisy market place.)
Synonyms: confusion, turmoil, jumble, commotion
Antonyms: calm, order
Tantamount(adj)
equivalent to a particular thing in effect, outcome, or value-the same as.
(Many felt the questionable accounting practices of the company were tantamount to corporate fraud. Marc's refusal to testify was tantamount to an admission of guilt. I believe his testimony was tantamount to perjury.)
Synonyms: equal, equivalent, identical, parallel, synonymous.
Antonyms: opposite, unlike
Yoke(n,v)
a wooden bar that harnesses two animals together, a bar designed to fit across a person's shoulders so that loads can be balanced on the ends, a bond that ties, something that is restrictive or oppressive, to link or become joined together.
(The people of that country have been living under the yoke of oppression for far too long. The farmer yoked the oxen together in order to plow the field. Our creative department will have to yoke with the account service department to meet the needs of the customers.)
Synonyms: collar, harness, crosspiece, bondage, chain, enslavement, link, connection, oppression, join, bond, connect, attach.
Antonyms: disconnect, divide, separate, free ,release.
Vapid(adj)
dull, lacking interest or liveliness, insipid, lacking strength, taste, or flavor.
(A tuneful but vapid musical comedy. Joanne watched a vapid tv programme. The debate turned into a vapid conversation)
Incessant(adj)
uninterrupted and continuous, unceasing, continuing for a long time without stopping.
(Lisa's incessant questions were cute at first, but soon became very annoying. Frank's boss incessant demands are putting so much pressure on him that he's beginning to see physical signs of the strain. The city endured weeks of incessant bombing.
Synonyms: constant, unending, ceaseless, continuous, uninterrupted, perpetual
Antonyms: temporary, period
Paltry(adj)
not worthy of consideration, so small as to be contemptible.
(Joanne's paltry salary is barely enough to cover her rent. Marc was tired of Lisa's paltry excuses. The restaurant served a paltry meal, leaving everyone hungry and irritable.
Synonyms: tiny, insignificant, negligible, worthless, pathetic, scant, meager
Antonyms: large, grand, significant, substantial.
Minutiae(n)
the small, precise, or trivial details of something.
(The committee studied the minutiae of the report for hours. Comedy is so often based in the minutiae of everyday life. He had memorized the many minutiae of the legal code
Arduous(adj)
requiring great physical endurance or exertion, requiring great mental effort, steep or demanding.
(Reading War and Peace would be an arduous task, because it would require a persistent effort over a long period of time. Frank was given the arduous task of managing the global product launch in 20 countries. In those days, a trip to the Wast was an arduous journey.
Synonyms: difficult, hard, strenuous, laborious, formidable, tiring , exhausting.
Antonyms: effortless, easy
Sumptuous(adj)
of superior quality, magnificent, grand, and lavish, especially when created at great expense.
(Marc recently sold his sumptuous apartment. Frank decided to buy a sumptuous luxury car.)
Synonyms: luxurious, lavish, magnificent, deluxe, extravagant, grand, impressive, expensive
Antonyms: cheap, inferior, poor, low-key, humble, simple
Omniscient(adj)
having or seeming to have unlimited knowledge. Knowing and understanding all things.
(They give the impression that the magazine is omniscient. Marc seemed to know everything about Lisa, but surely, he couldn't be omniscient. If God is omniscient, the he knows everything that will ever happen to me in my life.
Synonyms: all-knowing, all-seeing
Antonyms: short-sighted.
Pittance(n)
a very small or inadequate amount of money.
(Marc did not accept Lisa's apology because it didn't show even a pittance of sincerity. After the attorney's fees, Phil only received a pittance of the original settlement. Fresh out of college, many young people work for a pittance just to gain some experience.
Synonyms: rationing, allowance, bit, trifle, smidgen
Antonyms: abundance, plenty
Rapacious(adj)
greedy and grasping, especially for money, and sometimes willing to use unscrupulous means to obtain what is desired, destructive and vicious, engaging in violent pillaging and likely to harm or destroy things.
Tractable(adj)
easily dealt with, controlled or persuaded.
(It can be easy for marketers to influence tractable young minds. The problem turned out to be rather less tractable than I had expected. The horse was intractable and wouldn't make a good riding horse.
Synonyms: manageable, compliant, complaisant, controllable, docile.
Antonyms: intractable, nonconforming, inflexible
Wince(v,n)
to show pain briefly and suddenly in the face, often moving the head back at the same time.
(Did I hurt you-I thought I saw you wince. It makes me wince even thinking about eye operations. Lisa gave a wince as the nurse put the needle in.)
Synonyms: flinch, recoil, shrink, cringe.
Fecund(adj)
fertile, capable of producing much vegetation or many offspring, highly imaginative, able to produce many different and original ideas.
(The avid gardener was proud of his lush and fecund garden. It was a fecund meeting that produced several new ideas for how to improve our product. Meditation creates a fecund atmosphere that enables me to think of completely original ideas.
Synonyms: fertile, productive, prolific, creative, fruitful.
Antonyms: unproductive, unimaginative, barren, impotent, infertile, sterile, feckless
Vitriolic(adj)
filled with or expressing extreme bitterness and hatred toward somebody or something.
(Marc is a writer who has often been criticized by the press but never before with such vitriol. The Mayor launched a vitriolic attack on the Police Dept Officer, accusing him of shielding mafia friends.
Synonyms: acrimonious, rancorous, bitter, caustic, mordant, acerbic
Ribald(adj)
coarsely or irreverently humorous, describes language that is humorously vulgar and sexual; a person who uses language that is humorously vulgar.
(The stand-up comedian entertained his audience with ribald jokes. The ribald made everyone at the restaurant feel uncomfortable with lewd comments about the food.
Synonyms: rude, crude, lewd, profane, vulgar, indecent
Antonyms: proper, wholesome
Divulge(v)
to make known, to reveal something, especially something private or secret.
(Marc divulged Lisa's little secret. Lisa thought she could divulge information with complete trust. Marc shouldn't divulge other people's secrets.
Synonyms: disclose, reveal, tell, expose
Antonyms: hide, mask
Presage(v,n)
to predict that something will happen, especially something unpleasant, a warning or sign of a future event, a bad or uneasy feeling of something to come.
(The October snow was a presage to a very hard winter. A sluggish stock market usually presages an economic recession. Other than some shortness of breath, he didn't have any of the signs that usually presage a heart attack.)
Synonyms: foreshadow, foretell, predict, portend, indication, prediction, forecast, omen
Trudge(n)
a long, strenuous walk, to walk in a heavy-footed, slow manner.
(Because of the heavy snow, Marc has to trudge through the snow to get to his car. Even though the task was hard, Frank decided to trudge forward rather than give up. The beautiful view from the Mount Everest was well worth the trudge to get there.
Synonyms: walk, lumber, march, tramp. plod
Antonyms: glide, float
Jocund(adj)
jolly, cheerful and full of good humor
(Jeremy performed a jocund dance at the festival. Frank's jocund personality always cheered people up. The jocund atmosphere and good moods all around the room made for a great wedding.)
Synonyms: cheerful, happy, merry, jolly, carefree, animated, jovial, spirited
Antonyms: miserable, sad, depressed
Veneer(n)
deceptive appearance, a superficial appearance or show put on to please or impress others, a thin layer of a material bonded to the surface of a less attractive or inferior material.
(The Godfather managed to hid his corrupt dealings under a veneer of respectability. The wardrobe is made of chipboard with a pine veneer. Frank had a veneer of sophistication but was really just a bully.
Synonyms: surface, lamination, layer, facade, front, false.
Gossamer(adj,n)
a fine film of cobwebs, often seen floating in the air or covered with dew on the ground, delicate fabric, a delicate, sheer fabric or gauze, something sheer and delicate: something delicate, sheer, and filmy.
(Lisa's dress swirled like gossamer. I didn't see the gossamer spider webs until the sun hit them just right.)
Synonyms: gauzy, fine, sheer, translucent.
Trenchant(adj)
expressed in a forceful, direct, and effective way, deliberately hurtful.
(With trenchant criticism, the minister said that his opponent lacked morality. There were boos and hisses during the Marc's speech, but the most trenchant comment came from his colleague. Lisa wrote a trenchant and powerful essay about World War II.
Synonyms: sarcastic, biting, clear, critical, forceful, powerful, incisive
Antonyms: indirect, flattering
Languid(adj)
lacking energy and spirit, slow moving
(During the hot and languid African summer I spent numerous hours sitting leisurely by the pool. It was clear by his languid demeanor that Frank was no longer interested in his girlfriend. Marc had been languid for several months, and his waistline showed it.)
Synonyms: sluggish, lethargic, lackadaisical, inactive, listless
Antonyms: active, spirited, energetic, lively
Halcyon(adj)
tranquil and free from disturbance or care, happy and carefree, a mythical bird thought to have brought calm to the seas.
(Lisa recalled the halcyon days of her youth. The sea went from stormy and turbulent to calm and halcyon. I love the lake when it is serene and halcyon.
Synonyms: peaceful, placid, calm, tranquil, serene, balmy, golden
Antonyms: turbulent, hectic, unhappy
Falter(v)
to lose strength or purpose and stop, or almost stop, to move awkwardly as if you might fall.
(The dinner party conversation faltered for a moment. Her friends never faltered in their belief in her. Nigel's voice faltered and he stopped speaking. The nurse saw him falter and made him lean on her)
Jettison(v)
to discard or abandon something such as an idea or project, to throw something form a ship, aircraft, or vehicle.
(As ratings dropped, the station jettisoned its educational podcasts. Seawater filled the Titanic so rapidly that Leonardo began to frantically jettison unnecessary items. Microsoft was forced to jettison some of their ideas when it became clear that their plans were too elaborate.
Synonyms: abandon, cast off, discard, expel, unload, eliminate.
Antonyms: keep, retain
Insolent(adj)
disrespectful and rude, unrestrained by convention.
(The insolent child always talked back to his mother. The lawyer's insolent behavior got him thrown out of the courtroom. That kind of insolence will not be tolerated in my classroom.)
Synonyms: impolite, rude, disrespectful, insulting, arrogant
Antonyms: respectful, considerate, polite
Revive(v)
to bring back to life, to give new life or energy to something, to restore and renew.
(A hot shower and a cup of tea will revive you. Traditional skills are being revived by local craftsmen. The paramedics revived the unconscious man after several minutes.)
Synonyms: restore, rejuvenate, revitalize, resurrect, refresh, renew.
Antonyms: extinguish, kill
Pontificate(v)
speak pompously, to speak about something as if you are the authoritative expert on the subject.
(Experts get on the tube and pontificate about the economy. I have a feeling he's going to get up and pontificate about the subject as if he's the foremost authority.)
Synonyms: expound, expatiate
Antonyms: ask, deliberate
Virtuous(adj)
with moral integrity, having or showing moral goodness or righteousness, a good moral quality in a person, or the general quality of goodness in a person.
(I;ve been up working since six o'clock this morning so I'm feeling very virtuous. He described them as a virtuous and hard-working people. I'm convinced he only does that charity work so that he can feel virtuous.
Synonyms: moral, ethical, honest, conscientious, scrupulous
Antonyms: virtueless, immoral, unethical, dishonest
Strident(adj)
harshly loud, grating, and offensive, loudly, strongly or urgently expressed.
(People are put off by his strident voice. The strident committee member openly complained during the meeting. Whenever Lisa drinks too much, her voice becomes strident.
Synonyms: harsh, shrill, noisy, loud, vulgar
Antonyms: respectful, quiet, reserved
Drawl(n)
a way of speaking in which the speaker draws out the vowel sounds and pronounces words slowly
(Frank drawled when he spoke, so that all his words ran together as one. I find his Texas drawl to be rather charming
Synonyms: accent
Antonyms: enunciation
Vociferous(adj)
shouting noisily, shouting in a noisy and determined way.
(The vociferous coach yelled at the players throughout the entire game. Vociferous people express their opinions and complaints loudly and repeatedly in speech, and vociferous demand are mad repeatedly and loudly.
Synonyms: loud, boisterous, clamorous, noisy, shrill, vocal
Antonyms: quiet, silent
Inveterate(adj)
fixed in a habit or practice, especially a bad one, firmly established and of long standing.
(Frank was an inveterate smoker and there was little hope of him being able to quit. Even after retiring from the army, he was unable to discontinue his inveterate visual scanning of a room. Tracy is known as an inveterate liar, so beware of believing her.
Synonyms: habitual, confirmed, chronic, abiding, customary, protracted
Antonyms: intermittent, temporary, occasinal
Fatuous(adj)
showing lack of intelligence or thought combined with complacency.
(My hopes of manning a space shuttle are fatuous. I couldn't believe Mugabe's fatuous statement to the press. Phil is not very smart and is known for making fatuous comments before thinking them through.)
Synonyms: asinine, imbecile, ludicrous, moronic, vacuous, delusive, stupid, foolish, unreal
Antonyms: brilliant, intelligent, smart, wise, knowing
Harangue(v,n)
a forceful, public criticism made in a speech or sometimes in writing, to criticize or question somebody, or try to persuade somebody to do something in a forceful angry way.
(Frank's lawyer made comments, which were marked by a vicious harangue against the defendant. Joanne's parents will sometimes come up to her room and harangue her for playing her music too loud. Marc delivered a long harangue to his students.)
Synonyms: lecture, invective, diatribe, tirade, rant, attack.
Antonyms: encomium
Pluck(n)
courage and determination
(Lisa's got a lot of pluck to stand up for herself like that. My grandfather is 85 but he has a lot of pluck. Phil never shown a lot of pluck and routinely lets people walk all over him.
Synonyms: courage, spirit, heart, determination, fortitude, bravery
Antonyms: cowardice, indifference
Insular(adj)
not interested in new or foreign ideas, originating on an island, alone, like and island.
(Marc's insular attitude toward foreign cultures restricted his desire to travel. My sister was quite happy to grow up in her insular environment, but once she got older, she was ready to break free and explore the world. Many older people cling to insular beliefs without ever considering other people's opinions)
Synonyms: narrow-minded, provincial, conservative, confined.
Antonyms: broad-minded, open, welcoming.
Respite(n)
a pause from doing something, often for relaxation, a usually short interruption of relief in the intensity or amount of something, especially harm or discomfort, a temporary suspension of a punishment.
(We needed a few moments of respite in the shade during our strenuous marathon. Lisa worked in the garden all day, with only five minutes of respite for a drink of water. The end of the difficult project was in sight, and I looked forward to some respite.
Synonyms: pause, rest, reprieve, suspension, hiatus, reprieve
Antonyms: continuation
Transitory(adj)
not permanent or lasting, but existing only for a short time.
(The Dutch soccer team took early but transitory lead in the first half of Sunday's game. According to the government, the sudden shift in consumer spending will prove to be transitory.
Synonyms: temporary, short-term, short-lived, momentary, transient
Antonyms: lengthy, long-lived, permanent.
Stratify(v)
to make, arrange, or divide into layers, to divide into social status groups, to preserve seeds for germination by placing between layers of earth.
(Marc stratified the research document into several smaller reports. The professor stratified our research group by age and level of education. Alcoholism is an epidemic that has touched every stratum of our society)
Synonyms: tier, layer, divide, classify
Furtive(adj)
secretive, done in a way that is intended to escape notice. Shifty, presenting the appearance, or giving the impression, of somebody who has something to hide.
(Marc knew what Frank was about to say and shot his friend a furtive glance. James Bond's actions were furtive enough not to arouse suspicion. Lisa's furtive manner made Phil question what exactly he was up to.
Synonyms: stealthy, shifty, sneaky, secretive, surreptitious
Antonyms: open, obvious
Foible(n)
weakness or quirk, an idiosyncrasy or small weakness.
(Frank overcame his foible of chronic tardiness. The foible portion of the fencing sword blade is weaker, but has more agility and speed. Interrupting people while they are speaking is probably Marc.s greatest foible.
Synonyms: imperfection, shortcoming, defect, quirk
Antonyms: strength, perfection
Intercede(v)
to plead on behalf of someone, especially when the person is about to be punished, to act as a mediator.
(I would be thankful if you would intercede in this matter on my behalf. Marc asked his friend to intercede with the journalist)
Synonyms: mediate, advocate, intervene, assist, arbitrate, intrude
Antonyms: antagonize
Mandatory(adj)
compulsory, needing to be done, followed, or complied with, usually because of an official requirement, resembling or having the power to mandate.
(It's mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. To become a diver you must undergo a mandatory drug test before you apply for this position.)
Synonyms: compulsory, imperative, obligatory.
Antonyms: voluntary, optional, elective
Nascent(adj)
just beginning to develop, in the process of emerging, being born, or starting to develop, produced in reaction medium, in the process of being created in a reaction medium, often in a highly active form.
(The nascent space industry is already beginning to garner results. Although we are still in our nascent stages, we certainly have high hopes for the future. Lisa's mom was very lucky they caught the cancer early, because in its nascent stages, it is still highly treatable.)
Synonyms: new, primary, initial, developing, evolving, growing, incipient.
Antonyms: old, dying
Penury(n)
state of extreme poverty.
(Marc's dad is a gambler and he spent his entire fortune and died in penury. Lisa may have had a penurious childhood, but she is quiet rich now. The lottery winner went from penury to wealth overnight.
Synonyms: poverty, misery, destitution, misfortune, affliction, indigence.
Antonyms: wealth, abundance, affluence
Scathe(v)
criticize somebody, to subject somebody to severe criticism.
(Newspaper cartoonists scathed the dishonest politician with a series of cruel caricatures. The angry employee wrote a scathing letter to the CEO. Marc's scathing review of the movie changed my mind about wanting to see it.
Tonic(adj)
lifting the spirits and creating feeling of general well-being, designed or serving to boost energy and generally create a feeling of strength and health.
(The romantic comedy was a tonic for his saddened heart. A cold beer is a great tonic on a hot summer day. My dad's grandchildren are a perfect tonic for him.
Synonyms: medicine, remedy, refresher, refreshing drink
Wane(v,n)
show less lighted area (waning moon) or to get smaller or less, to decrease gradually in intensity or power. To finish, to draw to a close.
(We wanted to hike this weekend, but when we hear the weather forecast, our enthusiasm waned. As the restaurant gained popularity, the quality of the food seemed to wane. My cravings for hamburgers gradually waned as I began to eat less of them.)
Synonyms: decline, decrease, fade, diminish, subside, abate.
Antonyms: grow, increase, intensify
Vindictive(adj)
vengeful, looking for revenge or done through a desire for revenge, spiteful, feeling, showing, or done through a desire to hurt somebody.
(Don't offend Marc, he has a very vindictive personality. Marc can be spiteful and vindictive if he thinks he's been wronged in some way. Even though I was badly hurt by Marc's actions, I chose to forgive him rather than be vindictive.
Synonyms: vengeful, spiteful, malicious, vicious, resentful
Antonyms: forgiving
Fulminate(v)
to vehemently criticize or denounce, to explore loudly and violently.
(Frank is always fulminating about how bad our government is. The new CEO fulminated against recent lapses in customer service. The lightning was followed by a large roar of fulminating thunder)
Synonyms: criticize, denounce, castigate, declaim, censure, flare, foam, rage, bristle
Antonyms: appease, calm, assuage
Fervid(adj)
glowing or burning with intense heat, describes an impassioned, zealous spirit or enthusiasm toward one's beliefs.
(It is our fervent hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found. Jeremy is fervid in his support of Barack Obama. Carl Sagan was the most fervid advocate of space exploration.)
Synonyms: burning, fiery, hot, torrid, blazing, impassioned, vehement, zealous, eager
Malinger(v)
to feign illness in order to avoid obligations, especially work.
(Marc was just malingering when he called in sick. Marc got caught malingering in the office and he was let go. I would love to malinger today in order to surfing.)
Synonyms: duck, dodge, loaf, pretend.
Antonyms: oblige
Insulate(v)
to protect something or prevent the transfer to heat, cold, or sound by surrounding it in insulating materials, to isolate or set apart.
(It is difficult to insulate your children from all the violence shown on TV. The builders used insulation to prevent our house from becoming too cold in the winter. Lisa insulated herself from office politics by not socializing with her coworkers.
Synonyms: cover, protect, cushion, encase, shield, isolate, separate, sequester
Antonyms: expose
Scanty(adj)
smaller than what is desired, barely enough.
(Namibia expects another drought this year because of scanty rainfall. Lisa quit her job because of her scanty wage. That club downtown is well known for its scantily-clad dancers.)
Synonyms: deficient, insufficient, meager, skimpy, sparse, stingy.
Antonyms: excessive, sufficient, ample
Nefarious(adj)
very wicked or evil.
(The CEO offered his employees nefarious schemes. That single nefarious act made Frank's dad infamous as a crook. The Godfather was convicted for committing murder and many other nefarious acts.)
Synonyms: evil, wicked, bad, villainous, heinous, treacherous, base, depraved.
Antonyms: good, kind, moral.
Vicarious(adj)
experienced as a result of watching, listening to or reading about the activities of other people, rather than by doing the activities yourself.
(I felt vicarious pain when Lisa told me about how she had accidentally cut herself. I felt vicarious excitement to hear that Frank was going for a surf. Most football fans experience the vicarious thrill of victory every time their team wins.)
Synonyms: indirect, secondary, surrogate, sympathetic
Antonyms: first-hand, direct
Perfidy(n)
a betrayal of trust and faith, an act of treachery.
(Marc is remembered for his perfidy more than for anything else. Marc's perfidious actions shocked his students. Frank is a loyal and patriotic man who would never commit perfidy.)
Synonyms: deception, dishonesty, disloyalty, betrayal, treachery, trickery.
Antonyms: loyalty, faithfulness, honesty.
Tirade(n)
a long, angry speech, usually denouncing something.
(Marc's tirades can sometimes make me sick to my stomach. Marc's tirade seemed excessive, given that the situation was not all that serious. Marc launched into a tirade about the importance of studying with SAT Flashcards.)
Synonyms: harangue, fulmination, diatribe, rant
Whet(v)
to stimulate an interest in something or intensify a feeling, to sharpen something, like a knife.
(Lisa decided to whet my appetite by having starters before dinner. Marc will have to whet the knife before using it. The small bite of that brownie, whet my appetite for dessert.)
Synonyms: arouse, excite, stimulate, spur, awaken, sharpen, hone, grind.
Antonyms: bore, dull, blunt
Frivolous(adj)
not serious in content, attitude, or behavior; not having any serious purpose or value, lacking in intellectual substance and not worth serious consideration, silly and trivial.
(The judge dismissed the case as frivolous. My dad said to watch my spending and avoid frivolous purchases. The frivolity with which Marc approached the situation showed that he wasn't serious.)
Synonyms: silly, trivial, senseless, paltry, petty
Antonyms: important, pertinent, relevant.
Fiasco(n)
a thing that is a complete failure, in a ludicrous or humiliating way.
(The rain turned the celebration into a fiasco. A drunk debater turned the debate into a fiasco. I got sick and my wife got robbed; I would say the holiday was a fiasco.)
Synonyms: failure, disaster, embarrassment, blunder, breakdown, debacle, flop
Antonyms: success, accomplishment.
Saturnine(adj)
gloomy, bitter, and overly serious.
(The college students were in a saturnine mood after they got caught drinking alcohol. Marc was in a seriously bad mood which was made clear by his saturnine behavior. Marc used to be happy and easy going, but he has turned saturnine over the years.)
Synonyms: irritable, grouchy, harsh, gruff, crabby.
Antonyms: happy, pleasant, sweet
Ingenious(adj)
clever and imaginative, skillful and adept.
(Faced with a credit crisis, the President up with an ingenious proposal. The book was ingenious, with a clever, intricate plot and a surprise ending I never saw coming. Carl Sagan is an ingenious artist and scientist.)
Synonyms: brilliant, talented, bright, gifted, clever, imaginative, skilled.
Nebulous(adj)
not clear, distinct, or definite.
(Marc's goals for the future were nebulous. The CEO said that the current plan is nebulous and does not specifically address our weaknesses. The doctor delivered only a nebulous document that failed to provide any definitive recommendations.)
Synonyms: indistinct, vague, unclear, ambiguous, unfixed, confused.
Antonyms: distinct, defined, specific.
Patent(adj)
easily perceived, very obvious.
(The earth is not orbiting around the moon; that's a patent lie. Spitting in the police officer's face was a patent disregard for the law. It could not be more patently obvious that he is in love with her.)
Synonyms: obvious, clear, evident, apparent.
Antonyms: obscure, ambiguous, unclear, incomprehensible
Wry(adj)
combining amusement and irony for dry humor-sardonic. temporarily contorted or bent to one side.
(Marc's wry smile led me to believe Lisa was being sarcastic. Some people were offended by his wry humor. Mr Colbert wry commentary on the state of world affairs made him very popular.)
Synonyms: sarcastic, sardonic, cynical, crooked, ironic, mocking.
Antonyms: serious, solemn, sober, straight.
Verdant(adj)
covered with green vegetation, green in color.
(My favorite part of our trip to South Africa was observing the beautiful wildlife of its verdant Kruger Wildpark. Her verdant wine lands of Stellenbosch were nearly destroyed by last year's drought. The cows and sheep grazed in the verdant countryside.)
Synonyms: green, blooming, fresh, grassy, flourishing, lush, leafy
Antonyms: barren, brown
Malleable(adj)
easily influenced, trained, or controlled.
(Dad wanted me to be a malleable boy who would take his advice. Lead is a substance that is malleable that is easily bent and shaped. The Netherlands saw its colonies as a source of raw material and a malleable workforce.
Synonyms: susceptible, pliable
Threadbare(adj)
(of material) looking worn and thin from much use. A threadbare excuse, argument or idea lacks strength and no longer impresses people because it is old or has been used too much.
(Lisa's clothes were faded and threadbare. The movie was a tissues of threadbare cliche
Synonyms: worn, well-worn, old, thin, worn out, holey, moth-eaten.
Mischievous(adj)
tending to or exhibiting reckless playfulness. (of a person, animal, or their behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way, causing or intended to cause harm or trouble.
(My little sister had been so mischievous that Mom had to pay the babysitter extra. Later my sister got punished for her mischievous tricks on the neighbors. The opposition spreads mischievous gossip that ruined the president's good reputation.)
Synonyms: misbehaving, troublesome, playful, teasing, wicked, naughty
Antonyms: well-behaved.
Deplete(v)
to use up the supply of, exhaust the abundance of, to diminish in number of quantity.
(Our food supplies are depleting fast. In todays busy world, it's difficult to avoid getting depleted and depressed. The miners depleted the vein of gold after month of working.)
Synonyms: exhaust, use up, consume, expend, drain.
Antonyms: augment.
Lugubrious(adj)
very sad and depressed, mournful, looking or sounding sad and dismal.
(Marc was in a lugubrious state for weeks, after being dismissed from the university. I tried to lighten Marc's lugubrious mood with some cheery music. But his lugubrious heart felt like it would never feel joy again after his dismissal.)
Synonyms: sad, gloomy, mournful, melancholy, dismal, morose, dreary, funereal, somber
Antonyms: happy, lighthearted, joyous
Daunt(v)
to frighten or intimidate.
(Lisa was not at all daunted by the size of the project. Eddy Murphy was undaunted by the lack of laughter and continued his stand-up routine with a smile on his face. The raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment.)
Synonyms: frighten, dismay, frustrate, discourage, subdue.
Antonyms: hearten, arouse, encourage.
Encumber(v)
to burden or weigh down, to impede, hamper, or hold back, restrict or burden (someone or something) in such a way that free action or movement is difficult.
(When you're climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, the fewer encumbrances the better. To encumber Frank with this additional problem may be the straw that breaks the camel's back. The monk's movements were encumbered by her heavy skirts)
Synonyms: burden, impede, hamper, hinder.
Antonyms: help, speed, lighten.
Incipient(adj)
in an initial stage, beginning to happen or develop. In the beginning of development or formation.
(The system detects incipient problems early. Marc's ideas were still incipient and vague; he needed to work them out in more detail. Democracy is incipient in this African country, give it sometime to take hold.)
Synonyms: emerging, nascent, initial, beginning, developing, growing, inchoate
Antonyms: developed, finished, full-blown
Rampart(n)
a defensive fortification, specifically, a mound of earth topped by a wall.
(I got lost after wandering around the castle's old ramparts and towers)
Synonyms: fortification, barrier, embankment, wall
Antonyms: opening, passage
Tawdry(adj)
gaudy and cheap in quality, mean-spirited and lacking human decency.
(Lisa's tawdry outfit was in bad taste for the occasion. Lisa had tawdry rings she wore on her fingers.)
Synonyms: cheap, flashy, shameful, gaudy, glitzy
Antonyms: reserved, precious, valuable
Unflappable(adj)
composed and able to remain calm when facing difficult situations. Having or showing calmness in a crisis.
(I voted for him because I think he is an unflappable leader who will stay calm in this frenetic, high-pressure environment. The witness remained unflappable during the FBI interrogation and he calmly answered the officer's barrage of questions. Richard Dawkings is a great debater, because he is unflappable and he always takes his time to calmly answer the question.
Synonyms: composed, calm, cool.
Antonyms: flustered, nervous, anxious, disturbed.
Verbose(adj)
using or expressed in more words than are needed.
(Many first year students think that much academic language is obscured and verbose. Try not to be verbose when you're being interviewed. The CEO had to plow through a verbose letter of complaint.)
Synonyms: wordy, loquacious, garrulous.
Antonyms: succinct, laconic
Flout(v)
to show contempt or disregard for a law or convention by openly disobeying or defying it. Openly disregard (a rule, law or convention)
The new intern flouted the company dress code by wearing torn jeans.
The brave opposition leader plans to flout the dictator's censorship laws.)
Synonyms: spurn, deride, gibe, mock
Antonyms: obey, follow
Platonic(adj)
free from physical desire (as in love), referring to Plato and his philosophies.
(Although Frank and Lisa spent a lot of time together, their relationship was only platonic. Although it was strictly platonic, many other teachers couldn't accept Marc's close relationship with one of his female student.)
Synonyms: non-physical, intellectual, spiritual, non-lustful
Antonyms: amorous, sensual
Embezzle(v)
to use or take entrusted money for personal gain, steal or misappropriate (money placed in one's trust or belonging to the organization for which one works)
(His plan to embezzle money from the bank was unsuccessful. Underestimation of the CEO led to the quiet employee's successful large-scale embezzlement of funds)
Coalesce(v)
to unite, fuse, or grow together; come together and form one mass or whole, to form a group from different elements.
(At the end of each season, the best players from each NBA team coalesce to form the NBA All-Stars. We need to coalesce our resources in order to provide a truly global solution on global warming)
Synonyms: unite, consolidate, fuse
Antonyms: divide, split, separate
Ingenuous(adj)
to be innocent and trusting, sometimes to the point of being foolish, openly candid and sincere.
(It was very ingenuous of Marc to give out his personal information over the internet. My daughter's ingenuous comment about religion made the priest laugh.)
Immure(v)
to enclose or confine (someone) against their will. To close or shut in by or as if by barriers. To put in or as if in prison.
(The adventurer was immured by the frozen wastelands that surrounds them. Rapunzel was immured in her tower by her evil stepmother. Lisa's brother was immured in a lunatic asylum.)
Prudish(adj)
overly concerned with being modest or proper. Prude(n) a person who is or claims to be easily shocked by matters relating to sex or nudity.
(I don't think Lisa would enjoy Amsterdam's Red Light district; she's far too prudish. On the other hand Lisa was prudish in high school, perhaps she changed over the years.)
Malcontent(adj, n)
an unhappy and discontented individual, especially one who feels oppressed or is in open rebellion against his or her government, dissatisfied or unhappy with something.
(The streets in every town in Zimbabwe are filled with malcontents carrying protest signs. Cathy was malcontent at her current job and was looking to find something better.)
Recant(v)
to renounce a, usually controversial, belief; to take back a statement made earlier.
(When Martin Luther espoused views that opposed the traditional beliefs of the Catholic Church, religious leaders asked him to recant. Marc had to recant his statement when he found that many of the sources had been falsified. The newspaper was forced to recant Marc's published article.)
Quixotic(adj)
extremely chivalrous, motivated by idealism that is imaginative but not really practical, having and idealistic or romanticized view of life.
(Marc had a quixotic idea, but it was not completely far-fetched. Frank was a quixotic man who always opened the door for women. John's quixotic plan of the perfect way to propose to Elizabeth proved to be too difficult to execute.)
Caricature(v,n)
an extreme description or exaggeration of someone or something done for comic effect, creation of such comic representations. A caricature can be created in drawing, writing, or even speech.
(Marc's brother creates caricatures of popular political figures for the SAT and TOEFL magazine. I am not caricaturing your brother. There are many cartoonists who draw caricatures of tourist along the banks of the Seine in Paris)
Jaded(adj)
dulled through repetition or excess, no longer interested in something, often because of having been overexposed to, exhausted from overwork or overexposure, hardened, insensitive, or dispassionate due to unpleasant experience.
(Looking for something to refresh his zest for life, the jaded CEO decided to sail around the world. The CEO's pessimistic speech left the employees jaded and depressed. Marc has been through so much hardship in his life that his views of religion are quiet jaded.
Dogma(n)
a religious doctrine, a code of beliefs. A fixed, especially religious, belief or set of beliefs that people are expected to accept without any doubts.
(His political dogma paralleled that of the democratic party. This company has always operated under the dogma that employees must be respected and compensated fairly.)
Concord(n)
harmony and agreement occurring in attitudes and feelings between persons or things, a treaty establishing mutual agreement and friendly relations between countries, to be in agreement.
(I can definitely concord on your point, but you should hear my ideas as well. Sue and Sally work well in concord.)
Harbinger(n,v)
a sign or indication of future events, to foreshadow or announce something coming in the future.
(The turning of the leaves is a harbinger of winter. Their arguments were harbingers of more serious trouble in their marriage)
Instigate(v)
to provoke, incite, or start something, to cause an event or situation to happen by making a set of actions or a formal process begin.
(The government will instigate new measures to combat terrorism. The revolt in the north is believed to have been instigated by a high-ranking general.)
Panache(n)
a dashing sense of style and self-confidence.
(Bill Clinton presents with a panache that immediately captures his audience's attention. Paris Hilton always throws parties that demonstrate her panache for entertaining.)
Mollify(v)
to calm or soothe somebody who is angry or upset, to make something less intense or severe, to make something less hard, rigid, or stiff.
(Marc is really upset; we need to think of how we can mollify his concerns. Marc practiced yoga after work to mollify his stress)
Abstemious(adj)
marked by moderation and temperance in indulgence (especially with food and drink)
(My mother was an abstemious woman who disapproved of self-indulgence. In many abstemious cultures, people abstain from drinking any kind of alcohol)
Rancor(n)
strong, bitter feelings of resentment.
(Surprisingly there was no rancor between the prosecution and defense attorneys once the trial ended. Lisa's rancor for her opponent was deep-seated and was fed by feelings of hostility)
Tangent(n)
Go off a tangent means a subject or activity that is different than the on you are talking about or doing, to suddenly start talking or thinking about a completely new subject.
(It's hard to get a firm decision out of him, he's always going off at a tangent)
Rotund(adj)
fat or round in shape, full and rich sounding.
(The rotund man was asked to play Santa Claus at the holiday party each year. Pavarotti usually has a rotund singing voice, but his last concert was a little flat.)
Gloat(v)
to be smug or self-satisfied or to gain satisfaction from success, good fortune, or the failings of others.
(Please don't gloat over your victory, it's very unbecoming. Every time Marc wins an argument, he gloats for hours)
Rhetoric(n)
speech or writing used to influence or persuade, complex or elaborate language that sounds pretentious, empty and pointless talk
(The Ministers' big plans are just rhetoric, if not followed by implementation. The presentation of the party was typical political rhetoric; a lot of proposed programs, without any accountability. Do you really want an answer, or was that a rhetorical question?)
Revile(v)
to attack somebody verbally, to use abusive language.
(The judge was reviled in the newspapers for his opinions on rape. Works of art are often reviled when they are first produced. Jack's mistake wasn't so awful that you should revile him publicly.)
Cavalier(adj)
showing careless disregard and disrespect for something or somebody.
(A cavalier attitude toward public health concerns. Mark's cavalier attitude has made him very unpopular around the office. The executive team's cavalier approach to spending, quickly dried up the company's cash reserve.)
Sage(adj)
having wisdom which usually comes from age or experience, wise, especially as a result of great experience.
(Joanne was unusually sage for her youth. I was thankful for Lisa's sage advice and glad that I had followed it)
Sordid(adj)
dirty or rundown, immoral or unethical.
(There are lots of really sordid apartments in the city's poorer area. Sordid can also mean immoral and shocking. He told me he'd had an affair but he spared me the sordid details)
Exalt(v)
to raise someone to higher rank or more powerful position, to praise someone a lot, or to raise someone to a higher rank or more powerful position.
(Popular support and media hype have exalted Super Bowl Sunday to the level of a national holiday. He felt and exalted sense of power now that he was in line to run the company.)
Coax(v)
to influence, persuade, and manipulate by flatter and gentle, persistent effort.
(Trying to coax Dad into taking us on a ski trip, we mentioned what a great skier he is. He has some information I want, so I'm going to try to coax it out of him over a drink. A mother was coaxing her reluctant child into the water.)
Crass(adj)
vulgar and insensitive, without consideration for how other people might feel.
(The Olympics as shown on TV represents crass commercialism, he said. He made crass comments about her worn-out clothes.)
Quaff(v)
to gulp down a drink in a hearty, spirited manner.
(He opened his throat and quaffed the beer in just two swallows. The thirsty dog happily quaffed his water.)
Surrogate(n)
a person who acts in place of another, especially in an official capacity, something that takes the place of another, taking the place of something.
(When the President cannot make it to an engagement, the Vice President often serves as his surrogate. She seems to regard him as a surrogate for her father. For some people, reading travel books is a surrogate for actual travel.
Intrinsic(adj)
being part of the fundamental nature or substance of something, being contained entirely within a part of the body.
(The geologist recognized the intrinsic value of the gemstone the instant he saw it. Maths is an intrinsic part of the school curriculum. Each human being has intrinsic dignity and worth)
Botch(v)
to spoil something by doing it badly. To make or do something in a clumsy or unskillful way.
(We botched up our first attempt at wallpapering the bathroom. Our landlord redecorated the bedroom, but it was such a botched job that we decided to redo it. Thousands of women are infertile as a result of botched abortions.)
Purport(v,n)
to claim that something is true, but without proof, the idea that is conveyed or intended to be conveyed to the mind by language, symbol, or action, to pretend to be or to do something, especially in a way that is not easy to believe, the general meaning if someone's words or actions.)
(I didn't read it all but I think the purport of the letter was that he will not be returning for at least a year. They purport to represent the wishes of the majority of parents at the school. The study purports ti show an increase in the incidence of the disease.)
Insurgency(n)
An organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a government, organization, or leadership.
(Many businesses are afraid to invest in the country while the rebel insurgency is underway. An employee insurgency aimed at ousting executive management erupted when the management announced another pay freeze.
Misogynist(n)
someone, usually a man, who hates women or believes that men are much better than women.
(She left the Church because of its misogynist teachings on women and their position in society. That movie is criticized for its misogynistic.
Delineate(v)
to describe, portray, or list in detail, to indicate the physical boundaries of something.
(The President's memo delineates the necessary steps we'll need to take before the merger can take place. Barbed wire fences delineate the boundaries of each clan's territory. The boundary of the park is delineated by a row of trees.)
Stoop(v)
to descend to level that is beneath one's dignity, to do something even though you know it is wrong, because you think it will give you an advantage. to bend the top half of the body forward and down. If someone stoops, their head and shoulders are always bent forwards and down.
(The doorway was so low that we had to stoop to go through it. Something fell out of her coat pocket and she stooped down and picked it up. I'm a desperate woman but I wouldn't stoop to blackmail. No reputable company would stoop to selling the names of their clients to other companies.)
Pundit(n)
someone who is especially knowledgeable about a subject and is often asked to give opinions about it.
(The professor also served as a political pundit for the local news. On the news program, two pundits debated about the economy)
Autonomous(adj)
existing as an independent entity (especially government), free from external constraint, able to make free and independent decisions.
(Some people have expressed the opinion that California should secede from the United States and become an autonomous government. I'm sorry, but you just don't have the autonomy to make those kinds of decisions on your own, next time, check with me first. Our group retains the right to make autonomous decisions without input from the board of directors.)
Indomitable(adj)
hard to defeat or subdue, impossible to subdue or defeat, describes someone strong, brave, determined and difficult to defeat or frighten.
(The indomitable Mrs Furlong said she would continue to fight for justice. An indomitable spirit was needed to endure the rigors of pioneer life.)
Intelligible(adj)
clear enough to be understood, capable of being understood or comprehend.
(She was so upset when she spoke that she was hardly intelligible. It was a poor telephone connection, and only some of his words were intelligible.)
Relent(v)
to grow less in scope or intensity especially gradually, to act in a less severe way toward someone and allow something that you had refused to allow before.
(Her parents eventually relented and let her go to the party. The security guard relented and let them through. The fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds)
Apprehensive(adj)
worried that something bad may happen, aware of possible implications. The noun apprehension refers to nervousness or anxiety over something that is anticipated. It can also refer to the ability to understand the importance of something and is a more formal way to denote understanding.
(Lisa was apprehensive before the big exam, but once it began, she realized she knew the material. Jason's apprehension of the complexity of the situation led the group to choose him as the new director.)
Concede(v)
to admit, usually with reluctance, that something is true of that someone is right, to accept defeat, usually before the final outcome in an election, fight, or debate, to grant something, such as right or privilege.
(Al Gore originally conceded the election to George W. Bush, but the withdrew his concession and challenged the vote count.)
Synonyms: admit, acknowledge, surrender, accede, accord, acquiesce, grant.
Surmise(n,v)
a guess based on incomplete facts; to guess that something is true based on limited facts or intuitive feelings.
(Since Mike has a broken leg, it is safe to surmise that he will not be going on the ski trip this weekend.)
Synonyms: speculation, assumption, conclusion, inference, speculate, guess, assume
Dwindle(n)
to become small in size or amount, or fewer in number.
(The community has dwindled to a tenth of its former size in the last two years. Her hopes of success in the race dwindled last night as the weather became worse.)
Slink(v)
to walk or leave quietly because you do not want to be noticed or are ashamed of something, to walk away from somewhere quietly so that you are not noticed.
(I tried to slink out of the room so that nobody would see me go. He usually slinks off at about 3.30. I was so embarrassed that I tried to slink away.)
Dulcet (adj)
sweet to the taste, pleasing to the ear, generally pleasing or agreeable.
(Record the dulcet tones of your family and friends)
Breezy(adj)
having a relaxed, casual manner, to be happy and confident, quick, informal, and confident, marked by strong wind than usual.
She revolutionized fashion reporting with her breezy style. I get a bit depressed at times, whereas Gill's always bright and breezy.)
Negate(v)
to declare not be true, show to be false, to cause to be invalid, to cause something to have no effect.
(This evidence negates his claim that he was not at the scene of the accident. Her actions negated her statement and proved her to be a hypocrite.)
Secular(adj)
not having any connection with religion.
(We live in an increasingly secular society, in which religion has less and less influence on our daily lives. Secular education.)
Bedrock(n)
The main principles on which something is based.
(Some people believe that the family is the bedrock of society. My religious faith is the bedrock of my life.)
Contention(n)
heated disagreement, something that people argue about for a long time, the disagreement that results from opposing arguments. an opinion expressed in an argument.
(It is her contention that exercise is more important than diet if you want to lose weight. There's a lot of contention about that issue - for every person firmly in favor, there's someone fiercely against. The main bone of contention was deciding who would take care of the children after the divorce)
Livid(adj)
extremely angry. (especially of marks on the skin) of an unpleasant purple or dark blue colour.
(The rude letter from his mother in law made him livid. He had a long livid scar across his cheek.)
Improbable(adj)
not likely to happen or to be true, not probable, unlikely to occur or to be true.
(It's highly improbable that Norris will agree. It is improbable that he could have driven home in less than an hour.)
Dubious(adj)
not sure about an outcome or conclusion; likely to be dishonest; untrustworthy or morally worrisome in some way. Open to doubt or suspicion. Giving rise to uncertainty.
(I was a little dubious about whether or not to trust him. This artifact has rather dubious origin. The thesis is based on several dubious assumptions.)
Conundrum(n)
an intricate and difficult problem with a seemingly impossible solution, a trick riddle in which a fanciful question is answered with a pun on words.
Arranging childcare over the school holidays can be quiet a conundrum for working parents.
Semblance(n)
a situation or condition which is similar to what is wanted or expected, but is not exactly as desired.
(The city has now returned to some semblance of normality after last night's celebrations. He was executed without even the semblance of a fair trial.)
Intractable(adj)
extremely difficult to manage, teach, or deal with because of strong will and resistance to change, difficult to deal with or solve.
(He was an intractable child who deliberately did the opposite of whatever he was told. Cats are by nature fairly intractable animals.)
Synonyms: stubborn, obstinate, obdurate
Transgress(v)
to overstep what is considered acceptable, to violate a law.
(I didn't realize I was transgressing when I told your sister she looked like she had lost weight. Don't even think about transgressing the laws of that Asian country, for punishment are severe and there's nothing that our government can do to intervene.
Interject(v)
say abruptly, especially as an interruption. To say (something) that interrupts someone who is speaking.
(He interjected questions throughout the discussion. She occasionally interjected comments into the conversation.)
Surreptitious(adj)
marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid being observed, conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods. Done secretly, without anyone seeing or knowing.
(A surreptitious glance at his watch. Surreptitious mobilization of troops. She seemed to be listening to what I was saying, but I couldn't help noticing her surreptitious glances at the clock.)
Abolition(n)
the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution, especially abolishing slavery. Abolish = to end an activity or custom officially.
(I think bullfighting should be abolished. National Service was abolished in Britain in 1962. The abolition of capital punishment.)
Helm(n)
a position of control and leadership; to be in charge or in control of something, at the helm = officially controlling an organization or company. If someone is at the helm of a group or organization, they control it.
(She is the first woman to be at the helm of this corporation. With Steve Lewis at the helm, we are certain of success.)
Tenacity(n)
persistent determination in holding to something, especially opinions, valuables and routines. The quality of being tenacious.
(She practices her gymnastics routine with the tenacity of a bulldog. He was the most tenacious politician in South Korea.)
Abash(v)
cause to feel embarrassed, disconcerted, or ashamed.
(She was not abashed at being caught. My clumsiness left me abashed.)
Banter(v)
talk or exchange remarks in a good-humored teasing way. To exchange lighthearted teasing remarks. To speak to in a playful or teasing way.
(The men bantered with the waitresses. He was known for his quick wit and clever bantering.)
Preamble(n)
A section at the beginning of a speech, report or formal document that introduces what follows. A preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.
(What she said was by way of a preamble. I gave him the bad news without preamble.)
Transpose(v)
cause to exchange places, transfer to a different place or context, write or play in a different key from the original, to change something from on position to another, or to exchange the position of two things.
(In their latest production they have reworked "King Lear", transposing it to pre-colonial Africa. The confusion was caused when two numbers were accidentally transposed by a Social Security clerk.)
Fortuitous(adj)
happening by chance, especially as the result of a happy accident, indicating good fortune.
(Our profits were increased by a fortuitous and unexpected drop in the cost of raw material. The early completion of the new hotel proved fortuitous, as several colleges had scheduled their spring breaks for the week of its grand opening. The unexpected demise of our largest competitor was a fortuitous boon to our quarterly sales.)
Fledged(v)
to acquire the feathers necessary for flight or independent activity; also: to leave the nest after acquiring such feathers. Fully-Fledged: completely developed or trained.
(What started as a small business is now a fully-fledged company. After years of study, Tim is now a fully-fledged architect.)
Rendition(n)
an interpretation of a musical score or a performance of a musical work. A particular way in which music is performed or a drawing or painting is produced or appears. RENDER(v) to give something such as a service, a personal opinion or expression, or a performance of a song or poem.
(This CD contains new renditions of old Beatles tunes. The singers rendered the song with enthusiasm. We see that freight railroads make good profits while rendering excellent service)
Bereavement(n)
the death of a close relative or friend. The fact or state of sorrow over the death or departure of a loved one.
(She has recently suffered a bereavement. Having a close relative or friend who has recently died. The bereaved parents wept openly. The bereaved people whose relatives or friends have recently died)
Detriment(n)
harm or damage or causing harm and working against something. The noun detriment means "harm" or "damage". The adj detrimental is a more sophisticated way of saying "harmful".
(Are you sure that I can follow this diet without detriment to my health? She was very involved with sports at college, to the detriment of her studies. I hope that our decision to make this investment isn't detrimental to our financial future.)
Idiosyncrasy(n)
a peculiar way of behaving or thinking that is particular to an individual or group.
(A person's idiosyncrasy is a peculiar quirk or habit that makes someone unique. Marc had some odd idiosyncrasies, like asking people to take their shoes off before entering his office. Her obsession with velvet Sinatra paintings was just one of her many idiosyncrasies.)
Truculent(adj)
aggressive and defiant, displaying great anger and inclined to fight, belligerent.
(Bob was a truculent man who didn't like following rules and would fight people who tried to tell him what to do. Because of his truculent personality, he has been in several fights recently)
Latent(adj)
present or existing, but needing certain conditions in order to be apparent, expressed, or developed.
(Frank had a latent heart condition that went undetected until it was too late. Lisa discovered her latent artistic abilities after she took a class in ceramics. Although Frank appears quiet and meek, I have a feeling he has a latent talent for negotiating)
Cull(v)
to remove something undesirable or inferior from a group, to select or pick something from a group, especially to use as an example.
(The scientists wished to cull test subjects who refused to follow protocol. The network decided to cull the best photographs of the President in light of the upcoming political campaign. Now that I've done all of my research, I'll have to cull the data in a concise report.)
Enmesh(v)
to catch or entangle in or as if in meshes. To catch or involve someone in something unpleasant or dangerous from which it is difficult to escape.
(The whales are caught by being enmeshed in nets. She has become enmeshed in a tangle of drugs and petty crime. Soon after Eli Whitney had invented it, others copied his cotton gin, and he spent the rest of his life enmeshed in lawsuits trying to protect his invention.)
Resolute(v)
firm in belief or purpose, and characterized by determination. Resolute is related to the words resolve and resolution. When you resolve to do something, you make a firm decision to do it. Likewise, a resolution is a firm decision or determination to do something. So, someone who is resolute in his or her decision is firm and determined to stand by it.
(Many people felt the President failed to lead with conviction and was not resolute in making decisions. Kate's resolute refusal to apologize to her brother put a huge rift in their relationship.)
Befit(v)
to be suitable, fitting, or appropriate to.
(It was a very elegant and opulent dinner, with a table setting that was befitting a king. The Prime Minister was greeted by a twelve-cannon solute, befitting a leader of his stature. As befits their Italian heritage, the meal seemed never to end and consisted of countless courses.)
Lineage(n)
the members of a person's family who are directly related to that person and who lived a long time before him or her. A group of individuals tracing descent from a common ancestor; especially: such a group of persons whose common ancestor is regarded as its founder, the line of ancestors from whom a person is descended.
(She's very proud of her ancient royal lineage. His Italian lineage was very important to him)
Corollary(n)
an inference that follows directly from the proof of another proposition. A practical consequence that follows naturally, something that results from something else.
(Blind jealousy is a frequent corollary of passionate love. Unfortunately, violence is the inevitable corollary of such a revolutionary change in society. One corollary of the attack was that no one trusted them thereafter.)
Vanish(v)
become invisible or unnoticeable, cease to exist, decrease rapidly and disappear, To disappear or stop being present or existing, especially in a sudden, surprising way.
(The child vanished while on her way home from school. We rushed out of the shop in hot pursuit, but the thief had vanished into thin air.)
Clover(n)
A small plant with three round leaves on each stem, often fed to cows. A four leaf clover with a leaf which is divided into four parts rather than the usual three, which is thought to bring good luck to anyone who finds it. To live/be in clover means to enjoy life of wealth and comfort.
(With the income from the family estate, she's in clover.)
Alternate(v,adj)
to happen or exist one after the other repeatedly, with first one thing, then another thing, and then the first thing again. If something happens on alternate days, it happens every second day.)
(She alternated between cheerfulness and deep despair. Private cars are banned from the city on alternate days. He alternated working in the office with long tours overseas.)
Endure(v)
to come to knowledge of something by living through it (an elderly couple who have endured the ups and downs of a half century of married life), to put up with something painful or difficult (At some point we all have to endure the loss of a beloved pet. The fashion business is built on change, since nobody expects a particular clothing style to endure.)
Spellbound(v)
to hold the attention of as if by a spell (The tale about pirates and their buried treasure spellbound him for hours) An event or a person that attracts people's complete attention (The final game of the tennis match was a real spellbinder. At the circus, the children are spellbound, watching the acrobats perform.)
Visceral(adj, n)
obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation, based on emotional reactions rather than on reason or thought, relating to the viscera; the large organs inside the body, including the heart, stomach, lungs and intestines.
(His approach to acting is visceral rather than intellectual)
Lambaste(v)
to criticize someone or something severely, to criticize severely or angrily especially for personal failings, to strike repeatedly
(Stern schoolmasters who lambasted the boys for the smallest violation of the rules. His first novel was well and truly lambasted by the critics.)
Flux(n)
continuous change.
Our plans are in a state of flux at the moment.
Resonant(adj)
clear and loud, or causing sounds to be clear and loud. making you think of a similar experience or memory.
(A deep, resonant voice. A resonant concert hall. We felt privileged to be the first group of Western visitors to enter the historic palace, resonant with past conflicts.)
Beleaguer(v)
to annoy or harass, to surround with an army. To beleaguer someone is to annoy severely. It originates from the Dutch word belegeren, which literally means "to camp around".
(He was beleaguered by worries of losing his job. Our camp was beleaguered by an army of ants in the middle of the night.)
Ingrain(v)
deeply rooted into habit or constitution. Ideas and principles can become ingrained, or deeply rooted, into the natural fiber of a person or culture. When something is ingrained it is deep-seated and nearly impossible to change or remove.
(The harsh memories became ingrained within her, causing her to have nightmares and irrational fears. Our holiday traditions are ingrained within our family, and we would never think of changing them.)
Arcane(adj)
requiring secret or mysterious knowledge to be understood, difficult to understand.
(The arcane rites of passage involved in the granting of academic tenure are a mystery to all but the initiated. His arcane observations about the world were a mystery to me.
Point-blank(adj, adv)
aimed or fired straight at the mark esp from close range; direct, straightforward, plain, or explicit: a point-blank denial.
(He was shot in the back, point-blank. He asked me point-blank if I was lying)
Ingratiate(v)
to make someone like you by praising or trying to please them.
(He's always trying to ingratiate himself with his boss. An ingratiating smile/manner)
Premise(n)
An idea or theory on which a statement or action is based.
(They had started with the premises that all men are created equal. The research project is based on the premise stated earlier.)
Implicate(v)
to suggest or imply, to make a connection between people and events, especially pertaining to a crime, to weave to twist together.
(The new evidence implicates more suspects in this complicated crime. The way he told the story implicated wrong doing on my part)
Impasse(n)
a point where no agreement can be made, and progress is halted, a road with only one way to get in and out.
(After days of talks, labor negotiations hit an impasse. I couldn't take my usual route to work because construction had created an impasse.)
Synonyms: standstill, deadlock, stalemate.
Importune(v)
to make repeated forceful requests for something, usually in a way that is annoying or inconvenient. to request sex with someone in retrun for payment)
(As a tourist, you are importuned for money the moment you step outside your hotel. He was arrested for importuning a young boy outside the station.)
Girth(n)
the distance around the outside of a thick or fat object, like a tree or a body.
(The oak was 2 metres in girth. He was a man of massive girth. His ample girth was evidence of his love of good food.)
Glower(n,v)
an angry stare, look at with a fixed gaze, look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval, to look very angry, annoyed or threatening.
(Baseball fans glowering at the TV as they watched their favorite team lose. The old man just sat in his rocking chair and silently glowered at the uninvited guess.)
Gibe(n)
An insulting remark that is intended to make someone look stupid.
(Unlike many other politicians, he refuses to indulge in cheap gibes at other people's expense)
Evade(v)
to get or keep away from (as a responsibility) through cleverness or trickery. To avoid facing up to (evaded the real issues). To avoid the performance of. To fail to pay taxes. To avoid answering directly.
(Just give me an answer and stop evading the question. The police have assured the public that the escaped prisoners will not evade recapture for long. He can't evade doing military service forever.)
Goad(v)
to provoke or try to incite someone to do something.
(The group tried to goad Marc into singing karaoke by telling him he was a "chicken" if he didn't do it. The President delivered several speeches intended to goad Congress into enacting new legislation.)
Expunge(v)
to purposely delete information from a piece of writing, to wipe out or destroy, as in a memory or an offense.
(A proofreader will scrutinize text and expunge unnecessary words, phrases, or sentences. Lisa's underwent hypnosis in order to expunge the terrible memory. Joanne had tried to quit several times, but once she became pregnant, she expunged her smoking habit once and for all.)
Expiate(v)
to extinguish the guilt incurred by, to make amends for. to show regret for bad behavior by doing something to express that you are sorry and by accepting punishment.
To expiate a crime/sin.
Eclectic(adj)
made up of parts from various styles. Deriving ideas or style from a broad and varied range of sources. Made up of elements from various sources; choosing what is best or preferred from a variety of sources or styles.
(He has a very eclectic taste in literature. She had an eclectic taste in music and was always listening to something new.)
Expound(v)
to give a detailed description or answer.
(The professor decided to expound on the underlying message of the book for the entire 50-minute lecture. If you like, I could expound on the issue further)
Edify(v)
to instruct and improve especially in moral and religious knowledge. EDIFICATION: the improvement of the mind and understanding, especially by learning. To provide someone with moral or spiritual understanding.
(The BBC has a family-oriented show that tried to edify the television audience as well as entertain it.)
Eddy(n)
a current of water or air running contrary to the main current; especially a circular current (whirlpool)
(The water eddied around in a whirlpool. The water eddied ceaselessly in the wake of the boat.)
Decry(v)
to openly criticize something or someone.
(The animal rights activists decried the use of animals in the testing of cosmetics. She decried his involvement in the scandal and said she would never let him live it down.)
Synonyms: condemn, disparage, criticize
Dearth(n)
a falling short of an essential or desirable amount or number. An amount or supply which is not large enough; a lack.
(The region is suffering from a dearth of medical specialists. There was a dearth of usable firewood at the campsite.)
Denigrate(v)
to belittle someone or something, to defame someone, to deny the importance of something.
(You shouldn't denigrate Phil's abilities; he isn't a great pianist, but he is talented. Even though the critics denigrated the author for her unpopular attitudes on many social issues, her book sold briskly and was widely quoted.)
Synonyms: belittle, defame, disparage, malign
Demure(adj)
modestly shy, often in a playful or flirtatious way.
(Her demure manner in front of her boyfriend's parents effectively hid her wild side. He gave his teacher a demure smile.)
Confection(n)
a decorated cake or unusual sweet dish, a sweet preparation of fruit or the like.
(Following the main course there were assorted confections so delicious, looking as to temp even determined dieters.)
Collusion(n)
A secret conspiracy between people or companies for illegal, deceitful, or fraudulent purposes. To collude is similar to collaborate, except instead of collaborating with the enemy, there is general cooperation to deceive another.
(The casino employees pulled off a major robbery in collusion with professional thieves. Large corporations sometimes act in collusion to raise prices on a product, leaving disgruntled consumers few choices.)
Bilk(v)
to cheat someone out of something, especially money. To avoid paying debt or a person to whom money is owned.
(The company bilked its investors out of millions of dollars. He bilked his creditors by moving tho South America.)
Billet(n)
A place especially for soldiers to stay in for a short time.
(The army's billet is the largest in the region. Our billets were about a mile out of town.)
Concur(v)
to agree with someone or have the same opinion as someone else, to agree or have the same opinion as some else, to occur or exist at the same time.
(The board concurred that the editor should have full control over editorial matters. The lively 1960s, a decade in which the Cold War, the race to the moon, the VietNam War, and the civil rights movement all concurred.)
Conduit(n)
the means or channel by which something is transmitted or conveyed, such as information, a pipe or channel used to carry water or other liquids, a pipe or tube used for protecting electrical wires.
(The undercover police officer had a few trusted conduits of information upon whom he relied. The computers were connected through a system of conduits)
Rendition(n)
the way that something is performed, written, drawn.
(Her rendering of the song was delightful)
Betoken(v)
to be a sign of something. To typify beforehand, to give evidence of.
(The blue sky betokened a day of good weather.)
Burgeon(n)
to grow and flourish.
(The buds I planted last fall will burgeon into beautiful flowers come spring. The once burgeoning high-tech stocks have been flat for over six months.)
Synonyms: grow, blossom, bloom, flourish
Antonyms: diminish, shrink
Breach(n,v)
a breaking of the law or of a rule, break, violate, or trespass.
(I know that if I do not follow the appropriate protocol or do not uphold my end of the agreement, I can be accused of breach of contract. The counselor told the struggling couple that the breach in their relationship was not insurmountable)
Adage(n)
a wise saying, proverb.
(He remembered the old adage 'Look before you leap'.)
Ardent(adj)
enthusiastic or passionate. Ardent combines eagerness with intense feelings of passion or devotion.
(An ardent lover; an ardent theatergoer. He is an ardent baseball fan. An ardent suitor)
Synonyms: passionate, fervent, zealous, fervid, wholehearted, vehement, intense.
Abjure(v)
to give up, to renounce, to state publicly that you no longer agree with a belief or way of behaving. To swear to give up.
(He abjured his religion. She decided to abjure lying.)
Accolade(n)
an expression signifying praise, distinction, or approval. Public praise of somebody's achievements. Any award, honor or laudatory notice.
(The lead dancer received flowers as accolades for her performance. Her approval was the highest accolade he could have received.)
Abase(v)
to make yourself seem to be less important or not deserve respect, to lower in character or dignity. To reduce to a lower standing in one's own eyes or in others' eyes.
(Frank was unwilling to abase himself by pleading guilty to a crime that he did not commit. I certainly don't abase myself when I do good, honest manual labor.)
Abdicate(v)
to give up something (esp a position) formally. To stop controlling or managing something that you are in charge of.
(King Edward abdicated the British throne in 1936. She was accused of abdicating all responsibility for the project. I think it's an abdication of your responsibility if you don't vote.)
Bear Market
a market characterized by falling prices for securities. A market in which share prices are falling. The opposite of Bull Market.
Impugn(v)
to cause people to doubt someone's character, qualities or reputation by criticizing them.
(He could no longer work as a doctor because his reputation had been impugned. Are you impugning my competence as a professional designer?)
Belie(v)
to show something to be false, or to hide something such as an emotion, to represent something falsely or to hide something behind something very different.
(Her calm face belied the terror she was feeling. His gruff manner belied a gentle personality.)
Bull Market
A market, especially a stock market, characterized by rising prices; opposite of a bear market.
Mull(v)
to reflect deeply on a subject, to think carefully about something for a long time. To ponder or to reflect.
(I need a few days to mull things over, before I make a decision)
Decouple(v)
to separate or disengage one thing from another. To eliminate the interrelationship.
(The issue threatened to decouple Europe from the United States.)
Scornful(adj)
feeling or showing open dislike for someone or something regarded as undeserving or respect or concern.
(Frank gave the other science projects a scornful look. She has nothing but scorn for the new generation of politicians.)
Adroit(adj)
displaying physical or mental skill.
(The repair was not difficult for the adroit handyman. Barry's adroit driving helped to avoid a serious accident.)
Grapple(v)
To fight, especially in order to gain something. To hold onto someone and fight with them. To try to deal with or understand a difficult problem or subject.
(The children grappled for the ball. Two officers grappled with the gunman. Today, many Americans are still grappling with the issue of race.)
Protract(v)
lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer, to prolong in time or space, to extend forward or outward. Prolong, draw out.
(I have no desire to protract the process. Disputants who needlessly protracted the negotiations.)
Commensurate(adj)
in a correct and suitable amount compared to something else.
(A salary that is commensurate with skills and experience. We are changing our pay structure for the sales team so that pay will be commensurate with sales revenue.)
Brunt(n)
the brunt of: the main force of something unpleasant, to receive the worst part of something unpleasant.
(The infantry have taken the brunt of the missile attacks. Small companies are feeling the full brunt of the recession.)
Ambient(adj)
relating to the immediate surroundings of something (especially of environmental conditions)
(Ambient conditions/lightning/noise/temperature. Ambient music)
Probe(v)
to search into or examine something. A careful and detailed examination.
(Investigators are probing into drug dealing in the area. The probe explored allegations of corruption in the police department.)
Spillover(n)
an extension of something especially when an excess exists. An amount of liquid which has become too much for the object that contains it and flows or spreads out: the effects of an activity which have spread beyond what was originally intended.
(We are now witnessing a spillover of the war into neighboring regions. The spillover from the adjacent river flooded the lower fields. We are benefiting from a spillover of prosperity from neighboring states.)
Laggard(n)
something or someone who lags or takes a long time to do something, reluctant and tending to get left behind, tending to waste time.
(The laggard legislation could not get the budget together. My laggard co-worker has made us late to every meeting we've attended together.
Windfall(n)
a piece of fruit blown down from a tree, an amount of money that you win or receive from someone unexpectedly.
(I tend to leave the windfalls for the birds to pick at. Investors each received a windfall of $3000)
Retrogress(v)
To return to an older and worse state.
(retrogressive and disastrous policies. If you do not follow the doctor's orders, your condition will retrogress.)
Relegate(v)
refer or assign to another person for decision or judgment, assign to a class or particular kind, to demote somebody or something to an obscure status or condition.
(Janet needed to relegate her research to colleagues so she could rush to meet her boss for their appointment. Since the company couldn't force him to retire, he was relegated to a titular position without any power of purpose.)
Logjam(n)
something that blocks the ability to do other things, a jumble of logs jammed together in a watercourse.
(They're trying to break the logjam in negotiations. They broke the logjam by starting a series of discussions)
Synonyms: deadlock, impasse
Pipe Dream(n)
a fantastic but vain hope. An unattainable goal, hope or plan, not very likely to be realized.
(Her plans for a movie career are just a pipe dream. I have this pipe dream about being emperor of the universe.)
Churn(v)
agitate or turn milk or cream into butter, move about vigorously.
(The cream is ripened before it is churned. The seas churned. Her stomach was churning at the thought of the ordeal. In high winds most of the lake is churned up.)
Deprave(v)
lead away from what is natural or right; corrupt. To lower in character or dignity.
(The belief that pornography depraves society as a whole. A depraved character/mind. Someone who can kill a child like that must be totally depraved.)
Restive(adj)
impatient and tense, especially under restrain or in a forced delay, unwilling to be controlled or calmed.
(The clients are becoming restive, and are complaining about the slow turnaround time for their cases. There was a sense that the protestors were beginning to get restive, and riot police were brought in to control them)
Synonyms: impatient, uneasy, agitated, fidgety, jittery, restless, uptight, obstinate, stubborn, unyielding.
Antonyms: patient, calm, peaceful.
Encrust(v)
form a crust or a hard layer; cover or coat with crust; decorate or cover lavishly with gems.
(The refrigerator shelves were encrusted with the residue of many spills.)
Lagniappe(n)
something given in addition to what is ordinarily expected or owes. Something given to someone without expectation of a return.
(The hotel threw in some free shampoo as a lagniappe. The meal was served with a lagniappe of freshly made cornbread.)
Quaint(adj)
attractive because of being unusual and especially old-fashioned.
(A quaint old cottage. Her manner of speaking is quaint, and I quiet enjoy her unusual diction.)
Parochial(adj)
belonging to or related to a parish, narrow-minded.
(The parents removed their children from a public school and enrolled them in a parochial school. Mary's parochial views frustrated her liberal, free-thinking daughter.)
Impenetrable(adj)
impossible to see through or go through, impossible to understand.
(Outside, the fog was thick and impenetrable. An impenetrable barrier. Some of the lyrics on their latest album are completely impenetrable.)
Mind-numbing(adj)
inspiring no interest or thought, especially because of dullness or repetitiveness; so extreme or intense as to prevent normal thought, extremely boring: a mind-numbing task is extremely boring. I quit my mind-numbing job and leave for New York.
Douse(v)
to make something or someone wet by throwing a lot of liquid over them. To stop a fire or light from burning or shining, especially by putting water on it or by covering it with something.
(We watched as demonstrators doused a car in petrol and set it alight.)
Analogy(n)
if you make or draw an analogy between two things, you show that they are similar in some way. A comparison based on such similarity, often used to help explain something or make it easier to understand.
(He drew an analogy between the brain and a vast computer. It is sometimes easier to illustrate and abstract concept by analogy with something concrete.)
Hefty(adj)
large in amount, size, force.
(A hefty bill/fine. Her salary will go up by a hefty 10%. A hefty woman with dyed blond hair)
Unequivocal(adj)
clear and definite, allowing no doubt or confusion.
(My mother's message was clear and unequivocal. When delegating tasks and giving out orders, it is important to use unequivocal terms so that no one is confused.)
Mantra(n)
commonly repeated word or phrase.
(Her personal mantra was: never give up. Repeating a mantra during meditation may lead to enhanced relaxation. I have a lot of work to accomplish, so my mantra for today is: focus, focus, focus.)
Inadvertent(adj)
marked by unintentional lack of care, not duly attentive, done carelessly, not focusing the mind on a matter. An inadvertent action is one that you do without realizing what you are doing.
(The government has said it was an inadvertent error. The inadvertent error cost them several days of extra work.)
Meticulous(adj)
very careful and with great attention to detail, marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details. Someone who is meticulous, is extremely careful and picky in attention to detail.
(Many hours of meticulous preparation have gone into writing the book. He painted a meticulous portrait of the actress.)
Incongruous(adj)
out of place, and not suitable for the occasion. Not consistent with something else. Not blending in.
(The new Mac computer looked incongruous on the antique desk. It seems incongruous to have an out of shape and overweight fitness trainer.
Offish(adj)
lacking cordiality, inclined to be distant and reserved, aloof in manner, reluctant to show friendship or enter into conversation with other people.
(Lisa was criticized by Mark because of her offish attitude. Frank's offish behaviour stirred a conflict in the office.)
Tardy(adj)
slow in action or response, done later than it should have been done.
(Dinner was somewhat delayed on account of David's rather tardy arrival.)
Smorgasbord(n)
A buffet offering a variety of hot and cold dishes. A number of different things, a wide collection, a great variety.
A great smorgasbord of cars was on display.
Eradicate(v)
to destroy or get rid of something completely, so that it can never return. To eliminate, to annihilate.
(I wish I could eradicate the ant problem once and for all. Their goal was to eradicate poverty)
Perfunctory(adj)
done quickly, hasty and without attention to detail. Lacking interest or enthusiasm.
(The operator answered the phone with a perfunctory greeting. She gave the list only a perfunctory glance.)
Glib(adj)
speaking or spoken in a confident and persuasive way but without honesty or careful consideration.
(He's a glib, self-centered man. No one was convinced by his glib answers.)
Pun(n)
an amusing use of a word or phrase that has several meanings or that sounds like another word, word play, an amusing use of a word or phrase which has several meanings or which sounds like another word.
Ubiquitous(adj)
seeming to be in all places.
(Leather is very much in fashion this season, as of course is the ubiquitous denim. The Swedes are not alone in finding their language under pressure from the ubiquitous spread of English.)
Blithe(adj)
lightheartedly happy, carefree and unconcerned.
(Somehow, no matter how many obstacles she faces, she maintains a blithe and bubbly attitude. Although Henry is a brilliant scholar, his blithe disregard of tradition and etiquette has caused him to get into trouble from time to time.)
Insouciance(n)
A lack of concern shown by someone about something which they might be expected to take more seriously. It's a cheerful feeling of not caring or worrying about anything.
(I admired his youthful insouciance. Frank strolled through the house with an air of insouciance.)
Inundate(v)
to be covered with water, especially floodwater, to flood. To be overwhelmed, to be given or sent so many things that cannot deal with.
(Her office was inundated with request for tickets. When her friends heard about Jenna big promotion, her office was inundated with congratulatory flowers.)
Laud(v)
to praise someone or something highly, to admire or to glorify or to honor something or someone.
(U2's last single is lauded by the music press. Frank's work for the charity is laudable.)
Mar(v)
to harm the appearance or quality of something. To spoil or detract from something. To reduce the soundness, effectiveness or perfection of something.
(It was a really nice weekend, marred only by a little argument in the car on the way home. The celebration were marred by violence.)
Repent(v)
to make a change for the better as a result or remorse for one's sins. If you repent, you show or say that you are sorry for something you have done.
(He repented just hours before he died. Those who refuse to repent, he said, will be punished.)
Vaunt(v)
A vain display of one's own worth or attainments. To boast. Speech of extravagant self-praise.
(The bank much-vaunted security system failed completely. Reagan's much-vaunted economic miracle.)
Shylock(n,v)
loan shark, to shylock is to lend money at exorbitant rates.
(My banker is a real shylock)
Achilles'heel
a weakness or vulnerable point. A weakness that seems small but makes somebody or something fatally vulnerable.
(His Achilles Heel is his quick temper)
Red Tape
excessive formality and routine required before official action can be taken. The collection or sequence of forms and procedures required to gain bureaucratic approval for something, especially when oppressively complex and time-consuming.
(All the red tape and paperwork that goes on there prevents any progress.)
Maroon(v)
to place in an isolated and often dangerous position, to abandon and leave without aid or resources.
(Having lost all his money, he was marooned in the strange city. The rising floodwaters marooned us on top of the house.)
Innate(adj)
Belonging to the essential nature if something. An innate quality or ability is one which a person is born with.
(Lisa has an innate ability to sense when someone was unhappy. Some people think leadership is an innate skill that you are born with, others believe leadership skills can be learned.)
Erroneous(adj)
mistaken, incorrect, or containing error.
(My erroneous planning is to blame for our missed deadline. Generally, newspapers will retract and apologize for erroneous headlines and statements.)
Paucity(n)
A paucity of means that there is less than is needed of something. A paucity means smallness of number or quantity.
(There is a paucity of information. Even the film's impressive finale can't hide the first hour's paucity of imagination.)
Spearhead(v)
to lead something such as an attack or a course of action.
(British troops spearheaded the invasion. Joe Walker will be spearheading our new marketing initiative.)
Leapfrog(v)
to improve your position by going past other people quickly or by missing out some stages, to improve your position by moving quickly past or over something that blocks your way.
(They've leapfrogged from third to first place. She leapfrogged several older colleagues to get the manager's post.)
Raucous(adj)
unpleasantly loud and noisy.
(The resting firefighters jumped when they heard the raucous fire alarm. The neighbors called the police about the raucous music coming from next door.)
Wily(adj)
clever at obtaining what you want by playing tricks on others. Clever at getting what you want, and willing to trick people.
(Frank was outwitted by his willy opponent. Lisa's boss is a willy old fox.)
Terse(adj)
Using few words and often not seeming polite or friendly. Devoid of superfluity. If you do something tersely, you do it in a brief and sometimes in a rude or unfriendly way.
(The police officer was shouting terse orders for vehicles to pull over. Jack made a reply tersely and ended up the conversation.)
Subpoena(v)
to be ordered to come to a court of law and give evidence as a witness.
Egregious(adj)
An egregious error, failure, problem, etc, is extremely bad and noticeable, conspicuous bad.
Ablaze(adj)
on fire, burning strongly, brightly lit, radiant with bright colors, showing strong emotion or excitement.
(The house was ablaze, and the flames and smoke could be seen for miles around. The ballroom was ablaze with lights. The field was ablaze with poppies and wild flowers. Her eyes were ablaze with excitement.)
Enviable(adj)
highly desirable; likely to evoke feelings of envy. UNENVIABLE describes a duty or necessary action that is unpleasant or difficult.
(She's in the enviable position of being able to choose who she works for.)
Temerity(n)
boldness, reckless confidence that might be offensive. Excessive confidence to do or say something that shocks or upsets other people.
(She had the temerity to call me a liar.)
Kilter(n)
good working order or condition. OUT OF KILTER = out of harmony or balance.
(Missing more than one night's sleep can throw your body out of kilter.)
Spat(n)
a short argument or disagreement about something unimportant, to quarrel briefly over a minor thing.
(She was having a spat with her brother about who did the washing up.)
Engulf(v)
to surround or to cover something completely. Or to affect you very strongly.
(The flames rapidly engulfed the house. Northern areas of the country were engulfed in a snowstorm last night. The war is threatening to engulf the entire region.)
Ham-fisted(adj)
not at all skillful with your hands, clumsy, lacking skills when using your hands or when dealing with people.
(The report criticizes the ham-fisted way in which complaints were dealt with.)
Ironclad(adj)
solid or certain, not able to be disputed or questioned. Not capable of being attacked or refuted. Also, covered with iron, especially as a protection or armor.
(Iron-clad rules.)
Folksy(adj)
If you describe something as folksy, you mean that it is simple and has a style characteristic of folk craft and tradition. If you describe someone as folksy, you mean that they are friendly and informal in their behavior.
(The book has a certain folksy charm.)
Prowess(n)
great skill at doing something, and extraordinary ability, distinguished bravery, especially military valor and skill.
(Athletic/sporting prowess. He's always boasting about his sexual prowess.)
Trite(adj)
Overused and consequently lacking in interest or originality. Dull on account or overuse. Not fresh and hackneyed.
(His lyrics about love and peace are to trite for me to take them seriously. I know it will sound trite, but I've loved being part of this club.)
Precipitous(adj)
very high and steep. Of a change in a condition: sudden and dramatic. Precipitous means steep in both literal and figurative senses.
(A precipitous mountain path. Over the past 18 months, there has been a precipitous fall in car sales.)
Throe(n)
mostly used as plural (throes). Intense or violent pain and struggle. Effects of severe physical pain. In the throes of...= in the middle of, in the process of, struggling with.
(The country is presently in the throes of the worst recession since the second world war. He's in the throes of a mid-life crisis which makes him rather difficult to live with.)
Ferocious(adj)
very fierce, very extreme, violently unfriendly or aggressive in disposition. Unrestrained violence and brutality.
(A ferocious dog, a ferocious battle. She's got a ferocious temper.)
Indict(v)
to formally accuse or charge with a serious crime. To charge, to take to court, to accuse.
(He was indicted on drug charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Five people were indicted of making and selling counterfeit currency.)
Salient(adj)
particularly noticeable, the salient facts are the most important things.
(She began to summarize the salient points of the proposal. The article presented the salient facts of the dispute clearly and concisely.)
Converge(v)
to meet, to reach at the same point coming from different connections. Become same; become gradually less different and eventually the same. Arrive at same destination.
(The paths all converge at the main gate of the park. Due to roadworks, three lanes of traffic have to converge into two.)
Diverge(v)
to separate and go in different directions, to differ to some extent, to deviate from or not fit in with something such as a typical pattern.
(The walked along the road together until they reached the village, but then their paths diverged. Although the two organizations have worked together for many years, their objectives have diverged recently.)
Plethora(n)
excessive amount, a larger amount than you need, want or can deal with. A superabundance.
(There's a plethora of books about the royal family. The plethora of rules and regulations is both contradictory and confusing.)
Henpeck(v)
(of a women) continually criticize and order about her husband. A henpecked man is controlled by, harassed by his wife.
Retrospect(n)
the remembering of past events, thinking about or reviewing the past, especially from a new perspective, or with new information.
(In retrospect, I think my marriage was doomed from the beginning. I'm sure my university days seem happier in retrospect than they really were.)
Fraught(adj)
Full of or accompanied by problems, dangers, or difficulties. Full of unpleasant things. Causing or affected by anxiety or stress.
(The negotiations have been fraught with difficulties right from the start. From beginning to end, the airlift was fraught with risks. This is one of the most fraught weekends of the year for the security forces.)
Devoid(adj)
to lack or be without something that is necessary or usual. Not possessing, untouched by, void, or destitute. To be devoid of something means to lack something.
(Their apartment is devoid of all comforts. He seems to be devoid of compassion.)
Chafe(v)
To make sore or worn by rubbing. To press with friction. To be irritated or annoyed.
(The bracelet was so tight that it started to chafe my wrist. We have been chafing under petty regulations for too long.)
Consensus(n)
An opinion or position reached by a group as a whole. A generally wide accepted opinion. Wide agreement.
(The general consensus in the office is that he's useless at his job. Could we reach a consensus on this matter? Let's take a vote.)
Champ(v)
to make biting movements. To bite upon. IDIOM: champing at the bit; show impatience; to be eager and not willing to wait to do something.
(He was chomping away on a bar of chocolate. There she sat, happily chomping her breakfast.)
Recluse(n)
a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people. Somebody living apart from others, a solitary person who lives alone.
(He is a millionaire recluse who refuses to give interviews.)
Tenet(n)
A principle of belief, something accepted as important truth. An opinion or belief held to be true by someone or especially an organization.
(It is a tenet of contemporary psychology that an individual's mental health is supported by having good social networks.)
Captivate(v)
attract and hold the interest and attention of, enchant somebody, to attract and hold the attention or interest of, as by beauty or excellence; enchant.
(With her beauty and charm, she captivated film audiences everywhere.)
Resuscitate(v)
to revive somebody or be revived; to revive somebody from unconsciousness or apparent death. OR to return to popularity, to revive waning interest in something such as a style or project.)
(Her heart had stopped, but the doctors successfully resuscitated her.)
Laconic(adj)
using very few words, concise. Tending not to speak frequently.
(She had a laconic wit.)
Lavish(adj)
to be extravagant with something, to give or spend something generously or to excess. Lavished attention on the child.
(Lavish spending, lavish banquets. The evening was a lavish affair with glorious food and an endless supply of champagne. The lavish production makes this musical truly memorable.)
Pertain(v)
have relevance, to have reference or a connection to something. Be appropriate or suitable. To be part of belong to something.
(We are only interested in the parts of the proposals that pertain to local issues.)
Drub(v)
to defeat severely. To defeat decisively. To instill forcefully.
Incredulous(adj)
unwilling or unable to believe something. Skeptical, disbelieving, inclined to doubt or question claims.
("Did you see that?" she asked incredulously. A few incredulous spectators watched as Paterson, ranked 23rd in the world, beat the champion.)
Wallop(v)
to strike or hit someone/somebody very hard, to strike with a great force, or to create a forceful effect. To defeat somebody decisively.
(My mother gave me such a wallop when she eventually found me. "How did your tennis match go last night?" Oh, I was walloped again.)
Buoyant(adj)
cheerful or optimistic, able to float or pushing upward or rise to the surface of a fluid. Quick to recover emotionally, tending to recover quickly from a disappointment or failure.
(After reading the letter he was in a buoyant mood.)
Avid(adj)
having or showing a keen interest, having an eager desire for something. Insatiable desire.
(An avid football fan, an avid supporter of the arts. He took an avid interest in the project. She hadn't seen him for six months and was avid for news.)
Vernacular(n)
the form of a language that a regional or other group of speakers use naturally, especially in informal situations.
(The French I learned at school is very different from the local vernacular of the village where I'm now living. Many Roman Catholics regret the replacing of the Latin mass by the vernacular.)
Contrive(v)
to do something creatively, to accomplish something by being clever, to make something ingenious. To manage something, to accomplish something difficult or unexpected. To plot, to formulate clever or deceitful schemes.
(Couldn't you contrive a meeting between them? Somehow she contrived to get tickets for the concert.)
Specious(adj)
seeming to be right or true, but really wrong or false.
(a specious argument/claim. specious allegations/promises)
Munificent(adj)
very liberal in giving; generous, showing great generosity: a munificent gift.
(A former student has donated a munificent sum of money to the college.)
Noisome(adj)
bad for the well being of the body. Bad smelling, having an unpleasant smell, causing intense displeasure.
(a noisome stench)
Lackadaisical(adj)
lacking enthusiasm, lacking energy. Carelessly lazy and listless. Lethargic. Done without interest or vigor.
(The food was nice enough but the service was rather lackadaisical)
Veracity(n)
conformity to facts, accuracy, habitual truthfulness. The quality of being true, honest or accurate. Correctness.
(Doubts were cast on the veracity of her alibi after three people claimed to have seen her at the scene of the robbery.)
Recrimination(n)
argument between people who are blaming each other.
(The peace talks broke down and ended in bitter mutual recrimination.)
Fortify(v)
to strengthen a place with defensive works so as to protect it against attack. It to strengthen or invigorate mentally or physically.
(They hurriedly fortified the village with barricades of carts, tree trunks and whatever came to hand. He fortified himself with a drink and a sandwich before driving on.)
Inkling(n)
A slight knowledge or suspicion, a hint, a faint idea about a fact, event or person.
(I didn't have the slightest inkling that she was unhappy. He must have had some inkling of what was happening.)
Badger(v)
to persuade someone by telling them repeatedly to do something, or to question someone repeatedly.
(Stop badgering me - I'll do it when I'm ready. She's been badgering me into doing some exercise. Every time we go into a shop, the kids badger me to buy them sweets.)
Chary(adj)
Cautious about the amount one gives or reveals. Wary or reluctant to share, give or use something.
(I'm a bit chary of using a travel agency that doesn't have official registration.)
Incorrigible(adj)
impossible to change, very difficult to correct or reform. Unruly and unmanageable.
(An incorrigible liar/rogue)
Deft(adj)
quick and skillful, moving or acting in a quick, smooth and skillful way. Dexterous.
(Her movements were deft and quick. She answered the journalist's questions with a deft touch. He's very deft at handling awkward situations.)
Aboveboard(adj)
without deceit or trickery; straightforward. Without concealment or deception; honest.
(Their business was open and aboveboard.)
Barefaced(adj)
without disguise; unconcealed. Undisguisedly bold; brazen.
(That's a barefaced lie!)
Apoplectic(adj)
furious, overcome with anger, extremely and noticeably angry, or in a state of violent excitement.
(He was apoplectic with rage.)
Flippant(adj)
not taking something seriously enough, showing lack of seriousness that is thought inappropriate. Marked by disrespectful levity or casualness.
(The audience was shocked by his flippant remarks about patriotism.)
Foist(v)
impose something on somebody. To force somebody to accept something undesirable. OR to give somebody something inferior on the pretense that it's genuine, valuable or desirable.
(I try not to foist my values on the children but it's hard.)
Flack(n)
(n)strong adverse criticism. (v) to promote.
Libel(n)
defamation, a false and malicious published statement that damages somebody's reputation. Attacking of somebody's reputation.
(She threatened to sue the magazine for libel.)
Acerbic(adj)
describes something that is spoken or written in a way that is direct, clever and cruel.
(The letters show the acerbic wit for which Parker was both admired and feared.)
Bombast(n)
high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people. Pompous language, full of long or pretentious words, boastful.
(A bombastic preacher, a bombastic statement.)
Recuse(v)
disqualify somebody, to declare yourself to be disqualified to judge something or participate in something because of possible bias or personal interest.
(The judge recused himself)
Pesky(adj)
Irritating, annoying, or troublesome. Those pesky kids from the neighbors, those pesky weeds.
Sycophant(n)
A person who flatters someone in a servile way. One who uses compliment to gain favor, a person who acts obsequiously toward someone in order to gain advantage.
(The Prime Minister is surrounded by sycophants.)
Indubitable(adj)
obvious or definitely true, and not to be doubted, impossible to doubt, unquestionable.
(An indubitable fact)
Inchoate(adj)
just beginning or developing, imperfectly formed, only partly formed. Rudimentary, undeveloped, unformed.
(I had inchoate suspicions. She had a child's inchoate awareness of language.)
Stonewall(v)
refuse to cooperate, to create obstructions or refuse to cooperate, especially by avoiding questions or providing desired information. Deliberately create delay.
(The interview accused the minister of stonewalling on the issue of tax increases.)
Obfuscate(v)
make something obscure, make something unclear by making it unnecessarily complicated. To make something harder to understand, especially intentionally.
(She was criticized for using arguments that obfuscated the main issue.)
Cantankerous(adj)
Bad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperative. Grouchy, easily angered and difficult to work with. Awkward to use.
(He's getting a bit cantankerous in his old age.)
Castigate(v)
Reprimand someone severely, to criticize harshly and usually publicly. To inflict a penalty on for a fault or crime.
(Health inspectors castigated the kitchen staff for poor standards of cleanliness.)
Digress(v)
leave the main subject temporarily in speech or in writing. Move of central topic. To move away from the central topic, to deviate or wander away from the main topic.
(But I digress. To get back to what I was saying, this poem reflects the poet's love of nature and his religious beliefs.)
Emulate(v)
Match or surpass, typically by imitation. To copy something achieved by someone else and try to do it as well as they have. To strive to equal or excel, especially through imitation.
(They hope to emulate the success of other software companies. Fitzgerald is keen to emulate Martin's record of three successive world titles.)
Piquant(adj)
spicy or salty, having a flavor, taste or smell that is spicy or salty, sharply stimulating or provocative, refreshingly interesting, stimulating, or provocative.
(More piquant details of their private life were revealed. A piquant mixture of spices.)
Retinue(n)
A group of advisors, assistants, or others accompanying an important person. A group of followers, who travel with an important person. Entourage or escort.
Coterie(n)
A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, esp. one that is exclusive or other people. An intimate and often exclusive group of people with a unifying common interest or purpose.
(A coterie of writers.)
Vet(v)
make a careful and critical examination of something. To investigate someone thoroughly, esp in order to ensure that they are suitable for a job requiring secrecy, loyalty, or trustworthiness. To check or investigate particularly with regard to providing formal approval.
(During the war, the government vetted all news reports before they were published. The bank carefully vets everyone who applies for an account.)
Recalcitrant(adj)
having an obstinately uncooperative attitude toward authority or discipline. Unwilling to do what you are asked or ordered to do, even if it is reasonable.
Quintessential(adj)
representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class. The most typical example or representative.
(Roasted garlic with sheep's milk cheese is the quintessential Corsican meal.)
Abhor(v)
to regard with disgust and hatred. To disapprove or reject something very strongly. To regard with extreme repugnance, detest utterly.
(I abhor all forms of racism. An abhorrent crime. Racism of any kind is abhorrent to me.)
Effulgence(n)
The quality or state of having or giving off light. Brightness or a brilliant light radiating from something. Of a person or their expression. Emanating joy or goodness.
Prolific(adj)
Producing much fruit or many offspring. Of an artist, author, etc. : producing many works. Marked by abundant productivity.
(He was probably the most prolific songwriter of his generation. Rabbits and other rodents are prolific.)
Fathom(v)
Understand a difficult problem after much thought. To understand something usually something profound or mystifying OR to measure the depth of water.
(For years people have been trying to fathom out the mysteries of the whale's song. I can't fathom her at all.)
Hubris(n)
excessive pride leading to nemesis. Excessive pride and ambition that usually leads to downfall.
(He was punished for his hubris.)
Labile(adj)
liable to change, easily altered. Tending to alter quickly and spontaneously. Unstable.
Peruse(v)
Read thoroughly, examine carefully, scrutinize.
(He opened a newspaper and began to peruse the personal ads.)
Shun(v)
persistently avoid, ignore, or reject through caution. To avoid somebody or something intentionally. To evade to get or keep away from through.
(She has shunned publicity since she retired from the theater. After the trial he was shunned by friends and family alike.)
Enshrine(v)
Preserve (a right, tradition, or idea) in a form that ensures it will be protected and respected. Give special protection to so something.
(Almost two and a half million war dead are enshrined at Yasukuni. A lot of memories are enshrined in this photograph album. The right of freedom of speech is enshrined in law.)
Petulant(adj)
childishly sulky or bad-tempered, ill tempered or sulky in a peevish manner.
(Well, he didn't invite me to his party, so I'm certainly not inviting him to mine!" she said petulantly.)
Replete(adj)
Filled or well-supplied with something, very full of or sated by food. Amply or fully equipped, completely or fully supplied with something.
(After two helpings of dessert, Sergio was at last replete. This car has an engine replete with the latest technology.)
Scour(v)
clean or brighten the surface of something by rubbing hard. OR thoroughly searching in order to locate something.
(The police are scouring the countryside for the missing child. I scoured the shops for a blue and white shirt, but I couldn't fine one anywhere.)
Turmoil(n)
A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty. Confused disturbance, a state of great confusion, commotion or disturbance.
(The whole region is in turmoil. The country is in a state of political turmoil. The Stock Exchange is in turmoil following a huge wave of selling.)
Wobble(v,n)
move unsteadily from side to side. Hesitate or waver between different courses of action; vacillate. Unable or unwilling to reach a decision.
(That bookcase wobbles whenever you put anything on it. I gave the poles a slight wobble and whole tent collapsed.)
Belabor(v)
Argue or elaborate in excessive detail, harp on something, to repeat or discuss something unnecessarily, criticize harshly and usually publicly. To attack or assault someone verbally.
(There's no need to belabor the point- you don't need to keep reminding me. She belabor him with her walking stick.)
Pathology(n)
the scientific study of diseases; a deviation from a healthy and normal condition.
(Ask Angela about the disease that's killing your roses; she specialized in plant pathology in college. Don't believe him, he's a pathological liar. I decided to specialized in pathology during my medical studies because I'm fascinated with finding cures for disease.)
Probity(n)
unquestionable honesty and integrity.
(The president's probity came into question during the scandal. Nuns live lives of honesty and moral probity. The company believed its management should be held to the highest standards of probity.)
Purvey(v)
to provide goods and services, especially as a business, to circulate gossip or information.
(The Italian government purveyed blankets and water to the earthquake victims. Lisa considered herself a purveyor of news and opinion. This company has purveyed clothing to the armed forces for generations.)
Synonyms: supply, provide, furnish, circulate, inform
Antonyms: hinder, impede, limit
Riveting(adj)
arousing and holding the attention of.
(I found the movie riveting and was on the edge of my seat the whole time. I was riveted to the television as news of the events unfolded. Marc's lectures were less than riveting, and several students decided to drop the class.)
Synonyms: fascinating, enthralling, spellbinding, captivating
Antonyms: boring, dull, uninteresting, common
Belligerent(adj)
the quality of being hostile, ready to start a fight, or ready to go to war.
(Watch out! Lee's in a belligerent mood.)
Rampant(adj)
happening in an unrestrained manner, flourishing or spreading unchecked. Growing strongly and to a very large size.
(Rampant inflation means that our wage increases soon become worth nothing. Disease is rampant in the overcrowded city)
Wanton(adj)
causing sexual excitement; lustful, sensual, marked by unprovoked, gratuitous maliciousness; capricious and unjust: merciless, inhumane; showing complete lack of care, spend wastefully.
(wanton destruction of human life. A wanton disregard for safety. Wanton extravagance.)
Aficionado(n)
a person who is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about an activity or subject; a person who likes, knows about, and appreciate a usually fervently pursued interest or activity.
(A club for model railway aficionados. An aficionado of French Films.)
Benign(adj)
kindly: having a kind and gentle disposition or appearance; not life-threatening: not a threat to life or long-term health, harmless: neutral or harmless in its effect of influence: favorable: mild or favorable in effect.
( A benign old lady. A benign tumour.)
Novice(n)
beginner: somebody who is beginning or learning an activity and has acquired little skill in it: OR religious student: somebody who has joined a religious order but has not yet taken final vows.
(I've never driven a car before - I'm a complete novice)
Frenetic(adj)
excessively agitated; transported with rage or other violent emotion. Charactereized by feverish activity, confusion, and hurry fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way; marked by great and often stressful excitement or activity.
(There was frenetic trading of the Stock Exchange yesterday.)
Retch(v)
to make the sound and action of vomiting esp when nothing is actually vomited. To try to vomit; an involuntary spasm of ineffectual vomiting.
(The sight of blood makes him retch.)
Camaraderie(n)
feeling of close friendship and trust among a group of people; mutual trust and friendship. A spirit of friendly-good friendship.
(When you've been climbing alone for hours, there's a tremendous sense of camaraderie when you meet another climber.)
Quell(v)
put stop to something; to bring something to an end, usually by means of force suppress bad feeling: To allay a disturbing feeling or thought in a reassuring way. To thoroughly overwhelm and reduce to submission or passivity.
(Police in riot gear were called in to quell the disturbances. This latest setback will have done nothing to quell the growing doubts about the future of the club.
Whim(n)
passing impulse: a sudden thought, idea, or desire, especially one based on impulse rather than reason or necessity. A sudden desire or change of mind. An odd or fanciful or capricious idea.
(We booked the holiday on a whim. You can add what you like to this mixture - brandy, whisky, or nothing at all - as the whim takes you.)
Infest(v)
to overrun a place or site in large numbers and become threatening, harmful, or unpleasant. Be present in large numbers, typically so as to cause damage or disease. To spread or swarm in or over in a troublesome manner.
(The barn was infested with rats.)
Aloof(adj)
physically remote: physically distant or apart describes an unfriendly person who refuses to take part in things: not interested or involved, usually because you do not approve of what is happening.
(She seemed rather aloof when in fact she was just shy. Whatever is happening in the office, she always remains aloof. She kept herself aloof from her husband's business.)
Brink(n)
The point where a new or different situation is about to begin.
(Extreme stress had driven him to the brink of a nervous breakdown. Scientists are on the brink of a major new discovery.)
Austere(adj)
humorless, or suggesting strict self-denial, suggesting physical hardship. Imposing or suggesting physical hardship. Plain and without luxury: plain and simple, without luxury or self-indulgence.
(An austere childhood during the war. The courtroom was a large dark chamber, an austere place.)
Incompetent(adj)
bad at doing something: lacking the skills, qualities, or ability to do something properly, lacking necessary status. Not having the necessary legal status, validity, or powers for the purpose in question.
(He has described the government as corrupt and incompetent.)
Exasperate(v)
to make somebody very angry or frustrated, often by repeatedly doing something annoying. To frustrate; to make angry or annoyed.
(He's becoming increasingly exasperated with the situation.)
Exacerbate(v)
to make an already bad or problematic situation worse, to make more violent, bitter, or severe.
(This attack will exacerbate the already tense relations between the two communities.)
Muddle(v,n)
mix things together in disorder: to mix things together in a confused or disordered way. Confuse or be confused. He became increasingly muddled as he grew older.
Prudence(n)
the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. Sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs. Skill and good judgment in the use of resources. Caution or circumspection as to danger or risk.
(The firm was commended for its financial prudence.)
Combative(adj)
eager to fight or ague. Striving to overcome in argument. Having or showing a ready disposition to fight.
(The prime minister was in a combative mood, twice accusing the opposition of gross incompetence.)
Idle(adj)
not working or in use: not working, operating, producing. or in use lazy: lazy and unwilling to work. Frivolous and a waste of time (idle pleasures). Unfounded: having no basis in fact idle gossip.
(Half these factories now stand idle. It's crazy to have $7000 sitting idle in the bank.)
Effervescent(adj)
bubbly: producing gas in the form of tiny bubbles. Vivacious; behaving in a lively, high-spirited, or highly excited way. To bubble, hiss, and foam as gas escapes.
(effervescent vitamin C tablets.)
Vivacious(adj)
joyously unrestrained. Attractively lively and animated. A vivacious person, especially a woman or girl, is attractively energetic and enthusiastic.
(He brought along his wife, a vivacious blonde, some twenty years his junior.)
Devour(v)
to eat something eagerly and in large amounts so that nothing is left. To destroy something completely. To read books or literature quickly and eagerly.
(The young cubs hungrily devoured the deer.)
Sagacious(adj)
wise or shrewd: having or based on a profound knowledge and understanding of the world combined with intelligence and good judgment. Having or showing good judgement. Caused by or indicating acute discernment.
(A sagacious person/comment/choice.)
Sophomoric(adj)
immature: showing the naive lack of judgement tthat accompanies immaturity. Silly and childish.
(A sophomoric sense of humour.)
Burlesque(n)
mockery by ludicrous imitation. The mocking of a serious matter or style by imitating it in an incongruous way. A comically exaggerated imitation, especially in a literary or dramatic work. A variety adult entertainment show, usually including titillation such as striptease.
Vanity(n)
something somebody is vain: an instance or source of excessive pride. Excessive pride in or admiration of one's own appearance or achievements. Futility: the state or fact of being futile, worthless, or empty of significance; something that is considered futile, worthless, or empty of significance.
(He wants the job purely for reasons of vanity and ambition.)
Lassitude(n)
A state of weariness accompanied by listlessness or apathy physical or mental weariness; lack of energy.
(Shareholders are blaming the company's problems on the lassitude of the managing director.)
Wayward(adj)
resistant to guidance or discipline: disobedient and uncontrollable. Erratic or unpredictable: behaving in an erratic, apparently perverse, or unpredictable manner.
Heedless(adj)
not paying attention to something: not paying attention to somebody or to something such as a warning, piece of advice, or danger. Showing a reckless lack of care or attention.
(Heedless destruction of the rainforests is contributing to global warming. Journalists had insisted on getting to the front line of the battle, heedless of the risks.)
Impetuous(adj)
acting impulsively: acting on the spur of the moment, without considering the consequences. Done without thought as a reaction to an emotion or impulse marked by impulsive passion. Marked by force and violence of movement or action (an impetuous wind.)
(He's so impetuous - why can't he think things over before he rushes into them? The Prime Minister may now be regretting her impetuous promise to reduce unemployment by half.)
Nuisance(n)
somebody or something irritating: an annoying or irritating person or thing. Illegal thing: something not allowed by law because it causes harm or offense, either to people in general public or to an individual person.
(I've forgotten my umbrella - what a nuisance! It's such a nuisance having to rewrite those letters.)
Effeminate(adj)
Of a man, having behavior and mannerisms associated with a typical woman rather than a typical man. Describes a man who behaves or looks similar to a woman.
(He's got a very effeminate manner/voice.)
Capricious(adj)
A sudden and usually foolish desire to have or do something, or a sudden and foolish change of mind or behavior; a whim.
(He was a cruel and capricious tyrant.)
Tether(n)
a rope or chain attached to an animal and attached to something at the other end, restricting the animal's movement. Having no strength or patience left: the limit of one's strength or resources (at the end of my tether.)
(By 6 o'clock after a busy day I'm at the end of my tether.)
Pillory(n,v)
A wooden frame with holes into which somebody's head and hands could be locked. To ridicule somebody: to scorn or ridicule somebody or something openly, punish somebody in pillory.
(Although regularly pilloried by the press as an obnoxious loudmouth, he is, nonetheless, an effective politician.)
Tempestuous(adj)
Marked by bursts of destructive force or intense activity, marked by sudden or violent disturbance, marked by turmoil or disturbance especially of natural elements.
(Order was restored to the court after the judge put a stop to the defendant's tempestuous outburst. We spent a tempestuous night stranded on the summit of the mountain.)
Mischievous(adj)
playfully naughty or troublesome: behaving or likely to behave in a naughty or troublesome way, but in fun and not meaning serious harm. Troublesome or irritating: intended to tease or cause trouble, through usually in fun or without much malice.
(She has a mischievous sense of humor. A book about the mischievous antics of his ten-year-old daughter.)
Devious(adj)
secretive and calculating: not straightforward, sincere, or honest about intentions or motives. Unfair or underhand: not adhering to the right or usual course, procedures, or standards.
(You have to be a bit devious if you're going to succeed in business. A devious scheme.)
Extricate(v)
Free with difficulty: to release somebody or something with difficulty from a physical constraint or an unpleasant or complicated situation.
(It took hours to extricate the car from the sand. I tried to extricate myself from the situation but it was impossible.)
Ardor(n)
intense emotion, great passion, enthusiasm, or eagerness. Fiery intensity of feeling. Strong entusiasm or devotion; zeal
(His ardour for her cooled after only a few weeks.)
Endeavor(n,v)
a purposeful or industrious undertaking; especially one that requires effort or boldness. Earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something. Do one's utmost. A sincere attempt. A determined or assiduous effort towards a specific goal.
(In spite of our best endeavors, it has proven impossible to contact her. Crossing the North Pole on foot was an amazing feat of human endeavor.)
Cringe(v)
show submission or fear. Bend one's head and body in fear or in a servile manner. Have a sudden feeling of embarrassment of disgust. To shrink in fear or servility. To behave in an excessively humble or servile way.
(I cringed at the sight of my dad dancing.)
Juxtapose(v)
to place side by side, especially for comparison or contrast. Mix
(The exhibition juxtaposes Picasso's early drawings with some of his later works.)
Baleful(adj)
having a harmful effect, deadly or pernicious in influence, foreboding or threatening evil.
(He gave me a baleful look. His baleful influence.)
Abominable(adj)
worthy of causing disgust or hatred. Quiet disagreeable or unpleasant, causing intense displeasure, disgust or resentment.
(Your tablemanners are abominable. The prisoners are forced to live in abominable conditions.)
Consummate(adj)
making complete, complete a transaction, or close a deal.
(A life of consummate happiness. He's a consummate athlete/gentleman/liar.)
Accoutrement(n)
often used in plural. Items needed for the performance of a task or activity. Something that is not necessary in itself but adds to the convenience or performance of the main piece of equipment. An accessory item of clothing or equipment, military equipment other than uniforms and weapons.
Ensconce(v)
To make yourself very comfortable or sale in a place or position.
(After dinner, I ensconced myself in a deep armchair with a book. The Prime Minister is now firmly ensconced in Downing Street with a large majority.)
Bemuse(v)
engross somebody, to absorb the attention of somebody. Bewilder, to cause somebody to be confused of puzzled especially regarding emotional matters.
Gleam(n,v)
A brief and often reflected light, steady shining or glowing OR a brief show of some quality or annotation, a gleam of hope in a nasty situation.
(He polished the table until it gleamed. His eyes gleamed with triumph.)
Acumen(n)
skill in making correct decisions and judgments in a particular subject, such as business or politics.
(She has considerable business/financial acumen.)
Circumlocution(n)
The use of many words where fewer would do, especially deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive.
('Economical with the truth' is a circumlocution for lying. Politicians are experts in circumlocution.)
Heckle(v)
Interrupt with aggressive comments, to harass and annoy with questions, challenges, or gibes.
(A few angry locals started heckling the speaker.)
Bland(adj)
Insipid, lacking flavor, character or interest. Unemotional or free from anything annoying.
(I find chicken a little bland. Pop music these days is so bland.)
Newfangled(adj)
Puzzingly new, worryingly new or different, contemptibly modern, unfamiliar or different.
(I really don't understand these newfangled computer games that my children are always playing.)
Garrulous(adj)
talking too much, excessively or pointlessly talkative. Wordy, using many or too many words.
Jinx(n)
cause of misfortune, an unseen force, a person or something such as a curse that is thought to bring bad luck. The state or spell of bad luck brought on by a jinx.
(There's a jinx on this computer - it's gone wrong three times this morning.)
Flummox(v)
To confuse someone so much that they do not know what to do.
(I have to say that last question flummoxed me.)
Assiduous(adj)
Constant in application or attention; diligent: an assiduous worker who strove for perfection. Unceasing; persistent: assiduous research.
(The Government has been assiduous in the fight against inflation.)
Pester(v)
to be a constant source of annoyance to somebody, by harassing him or her with demands. Trouble somebody with persistent requests, interruption or petty questions.
(At the frontier, there were people pestering tourists for cigarettes, food or alcohol. John has been pestering her to go out with him all month.)
Amid(adj)
within or among AND while something is happening.
(On the floor, amid mounds of books, were two small envelopes. The new perfume was launched amidst a fanfare of publicity.)
Sardonic(adj)
disdainfully or cynically mocking, showing a lack of respect in a humorous but unkind way, often because you think that you are important to consider or discuss a matter.
(A sardonic smile/look/comment.)
Gauntlet(n)
An open challenge.
(Everyday they had to run the gauntlet of hostile journalists on their way to school. A price war looks likely now that a leading supermarket has thrown down the gauntlet to its competitors.)
Balloon(v)
to get bigger and rounder, to quickly increase in size, weight or importance.
(I ballooned when I became pregnant with my second baby. The rumours soon ballooned into a full grown scandal.)
Partisan(n, adj)
biased supporter, having the character of blind, passionate, or unreasonable adherence to a party.
(The audience was very partisan, and refused to listen to her speech.)
Ploy(n)
deceptive tactic, intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent. A cunning manoeuvre to gain advantage.
(There are various ploys we can use if necessary. He only said he had a meeting as a ploy to get her to leave.)
Coy(adj)
showing marked and often playful or irritating evasiveness or reluctance to make a definite or committing statement. Pretending shyness or modesty.
(She gave me a coy look from under her schoolgirl's fringe. She's very coy about her age)
Pontifical(adj)
pompously dogmatic or self-important; pretentious. OR Having the dignity or authority of a pope/ bishop.
(I think it should be illegal for non-parents to pontificate about parenting.)
Short-change(v)
getting less than you expect, to give someone less change than is due in a transaction. To treat unfairly.
(I think I was short-changed in the pub last night, because I've only got $5 in my purse when I should have $10. Children who leave school unable to read and write properly are being tragically short-changed.)
Antagonist(n)
A person who is strongly opposed to something or someone.
(The antagonists in this dispute are quite unwilling to compromise.)
Protagonist(n)
An advocate or champion or a cause. An important supporter of an idea or political system. A leading person.
(Key protagonists of the revolution were hunted down and executed.)
Play Possum
To pretend to be dead or sleeping so that someone will not annoy or attack you.
Bolster(v)
to encourage something through support, to give a boost to.
(More money is needed to bolster the industry. She tried to bolster my confidence by telling me that I had a special talent. They need to do something to bolster their image.)
Consolidate(v)
to become, or cause something to become stronger and more certain.
(The success of their major product consolidated the firm's position in the market. She hoped that marriage would consolidate their relationship.)
Elucidate(v)
explain or clarify something. To make lucid especially by explanation or analysis.
(I don't understand. You'll have to elucidate. The reasons for the change in weather conditions have been elucidated by several scientists.)
Earsplitting(adj)
Distressingly loud or shrill, describes a sound that is too loud that it hurts your ears.
(An ear-splitting explosion, ear-piercing screams.)
Invigorate(v)
fill with energy of life. To make someone stronger, healthier and more energetic.
(We were invigorated by our walk.)
Hurtle(v)
move at great spread, often in a wildly uncontrolled manner. To more rapidly, violently or without control.
(The truck came hurtling toward us. The explosion sent pieces of metal and glass hurtling through the air.)
Exonerate(v)
free somebody from blame, guilt or an obligation.
(The report exonerated the crew from all responsibility for the collision.)
Hone(v)
improve something with refinements, to bring something to a state of increased intensity, excellence or completion. Or to sharpen blade on whetstone, to hone is to make it sharper.
(His physique was honed to perfection. Her debating skills were honed in the students' union.)
Corroborate(v)
to add proof or certainty to an account, statement, idea, with new information.
(Recent research seems to corroborate his theory.)
Inveigh(v)
To declaim or rail. To utter censorious and bitter language; to attack with harsh criticism.
(There were politicians who inveighed against immigrants to get votes.)
Wanting(adj)
unsatisfactory, not meeting expectations of requirements. Absent; not provided, lacking deprived of, in need of and deficient.
(I think she's perhaps a little wanting in charm. This government's policies, said the speaker, have been tried and found wanting.)
Last-Ditch(adj)
final, done or taken when all other option have been exhausted. A final attempt before quitting, often desperate.
(In a last-ditch attempt to save his party from electoral defeat, he resigned from the leadership.)
Ghastly(adj)
unpleasant and shocking, very bad, frightening.
(Today's newspaper gives all the ghastly details of the murder. It was all a ghastly mistake. You look ghastly - are you okay?)
Sectarian(n, adj)
strongly supporting a particular religious group, especially in such a way as not to be willing to accept other beliefs.
(A sectarian murder. He called on terrorists on both sides of the sectarian divide to end the cycle of violence.)
Resilient(adj)
recovering quickly from setbacks. Or elastic: able to spring back into shape after being bent, stretched, or squashed.
(This rubber ball is very resilient and immediately spring back into shape. She's a resilient girl - she won't be unhappy for long)
Commiserate(v)
to feel or express sympathy for someone's suffering, unhappiness or bad luck.
(I began by commiserating with her over the defeat.)
Entice(v)
provoke someone to do something through promises or persuasion.
(The adverts entice the customer into buying things they don't really want. People are being enticed away from the profession by higher salaries elsewhere. A smell of coffee in the doorway enticed people to enter the shop)
Sturdy(adj)
well made, strongly build, resolute.
(sturdy walking boots, a sturdy table, sturdy little legs.)
Bungle(v)
to act or work clumsy and awkwardly, to do something wrong in a careless of stupid way.
Leery(adj)
suspicious, cautious or wary, not trusting of someone or something and tending to avoid them if possible.
(I've always been a bit leery of authority figures.)
Dichotomy(n)
a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
(There is often a dichotomy between what politicians say and what they do.)
Scapegoat(n)
A person who is blamed for wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others.
(The captain was made a scapegoat for the team's failure.)
Portend(v)
to be a sign that something bad is likely to happen in the future.
(It was a deeply superstitious country, where earthquakes were commonly believed to portend the end of dynasties.)
Perennial(adj)
lasting a very long time, or happening repeatedly or all the time.
(The film 'White Christmas' is a perennial favorite. We face the perennial problem of not having enough money.)
Bellicose(adj)
ready or inclined to quarrel, fight, or go to war. Belligerent, battleful, combative.
(The general made some bellicose statements about his country's military strength.)
Judicious(adj)
marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters, characterized by good judgment or sound thinking.
(We should make judicious use of the resources available to us.)
Farce(n)
an absurd situation, in which everything goes wrong or becomes a sham.
(No one had prepared anything so the meeting was a bit of a farce.)
Mitigate(v)
to make something less harmful, unpleasant or bad.
(It is unclear how to mitigate the effects of tourism on the island.)
Pall(v)
become less appealing or interesting through familiarity.
(The pleasure of not having to work quickly palled.)
Red Herring (n)
a fact, idea or subject that takes people's attention away from the central point being considered.
(The police investigated many clues, but they were all red herrings.)
Maraud(v)
Roam in search of thing to steal or people to attack, to roam about and raid in search of plunder.
(Witnesses reported gangs of marauding soldiers breaking into people's houses and setting fire to them.)
White Elephant(n)
A possession that is useless or troublesome, esp. one that is expensive to maintain or difficult to dispose of.
Raunchy(adj)
sexually explicit or suggestive in an earthy or vulgar way OR messy; lacking cleanliness or neatness.
(A raunchy magazine/video)
Double Whammy(n)
A situation when two unpleasant things happen at almost the same time.
(Britain's farmers have faced the double whammy of a rising pound and falling agricultural prices.)
Blatant(adj)
completely obvious conspicuous, or obtrusive.
(The whole episode was a blatant attempt to gain publicity.)
Mangy(adj)
in poor condition, showing signs of wear and tear and neglect.
(We need to get rid of that mangy old carpet in the bedroom.)
Valiant(adj)
brave or determined; done courageously. Acting with bravery or boldness.
(The company has made a valiant effort in the last two years to make itself more efficient.)
Flagrant(adj)
conspicuously offensive (flagrant errors); especially so obviously inconsistent with what is right or proper as to appear to be a flouting of law or morality.
(A flagrant misuse of fund.)
Suffice(v)
be sufficient, be adequate, be enough or meet the needs of.
(I'm taking four hundred pounds' worth of travellers' cheques - I think that should suffice.)
Saturate(v)
to soak something with liquid, to fill something with so many people or things that no more can be added. Supply a market beyond the point at which the demand for a product is satisfied.
(The grass had been saturated by overnight rain. He had cut his leg badly, and his trousers were saturated with blood.)
Broach(v)
to bring up a difficult subject, OR to open a bottle or barrel.
(At some point we've got to discuss money but I don't know quiet how to broach the subject with him. Shall we broach another case of wine?)
Quagmire(n)
an area of soft wet ground which you sink into if you try and walk on it, a difficult and dangerous situation.
(At the end of the match, the pitch was a real quagmire. Since the coup, the country has sunk deeper into a quagmire of violence and lawlessness.)
Abeyance(n)
suspension of activity, temporary inactivity or non operation, temporarily suspended.
(The project is being held in abeyance until agreement is reached on funding it. Hostilities between the two groups have been in abeyance since last June.)
Vindicate(v)
show to be right by providing justification or proof. Clear of accusation, blame, suspicion, or doubt with supporting proof.
(The decision to include Morris in the team was completely vindicated when he scored three goals. They said they welcomed the trial as a chance to vindicate themselves.)
Largesse(n)
willingness to give money, or money given to poor people by rich people.
(The national theater will be the main beneficiary of the millionaire's largesse.
Pellucid(adj)
transparent, allowing all or most light to pass through. OR easy to understand, clear in meaning.
Braggadocio(n)
boastful or arrogant behavior. Overblown, empty boasting and swaggering self-aggrandizement.
Congruent(adj)
in agreement, corresponding to or consistent with each other or with something else.
(congruent triangles)
Abstruse(adj)
difficult to penetrate, difficult to understand or comprehend.
(An abstruse philosophical essay.)
Abject(adj)
showing no pride or respect for yourself; sunk to a low condition, down in spirit or hope; degraded, servile, despicable, groveling.
(They live in abject poverty. He is almost abject in his respect for his boss.)
Scurrilous(adj)
expressing unfair or false criticism, which is likely to damage someone's reputation, vulgar verbal abuse, rude and cruel.
(a scurrilous remark/attack/article)
Opaque(adj)
preventing light from traveling through, and therefore not transparent or translucent, describes writing or speech that is difficult to understand.
(opaque glass. I find her poetry rather opaque.)
Dispel(v)
to remove fears, doubts, false ideas, force to go away, both concrete and metaphorically.
(I'd like to start the speech by dispelling a few rumors that have been spreading recently.)
Sedentary(adj)
involving little exercise, characterized by or requiring a sitting posture, not physically active.
(A sedentary job/occupation. My doctor says I should start playing sport because my lifestyle is too sedentary.)
Misnomer(n)
a name that does not suit what it refers to, or the use of such a name.
(It was such the scruffiest place I've ever stayed in, so 'Hotel Royal' was a bit of a misnomer. It's something of a misnomer to refer to these inexperienced boys as soldiers.)
Palpable(adj)
so obvious that is can easily be seen or known, or so strong that it seems as if it can be touched or physically felt.
(A palpable effect. Her joy was palpable.)
Hyperbole(n)
a way of speaking/writing that makes someone or something sound much bigger, better, smaller, worse, more unusual, than they are.
(The blurb on the back of the book was full of the usual hyperbole - 'enthralling', 'fascinating' and so on.)
Upbraid(v)
to forcefully or angrily tell someone they should not have done a particular thing and criticize them for having done it.
(In newspaper articles she consistently upbraided those in authority who overstepped their limits.)
Morose(adj)
unhappy or annoyed and unwilling to speak, smile, or be pleasant to people.
(a morose expression. Why are you so morose these days?)
Peccadillo(n)
A minor sin, a slight offense, a small fault.
(A youthful peccadillo. He dismissed what had happened as a mere peccadillo.)
Euphemism(n)
the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something unpleasant; also: the expression so substituted.
('Senior citizen' is a euphemism for 'old person'. The article made so much use of euphemism that often its meaning was unclear.)
Fervor(n)
describes beliefs that are strongly and sincerely felt. An intense heated emotion, passion, ardor, extremely passionate.
(A fervent supporter of the communist party. It is his fervent hope that a peaceful solution will soon be found.)
Elongate(v)
to become or make something become longer and often thinner. Make longer, extend, lengthen, draw out.
(In the photo her face was slightly elongated.)
Jocular(adj)
amusing or intended to cause amusement. Describes someone who is happy and likes to make jokes.
(A jocular comment. Micheal was in a very jocular mood at the party.)
Perk(v)
to become or cause someone to become happier, more energetic or active. To gain in vigor or cheerfulness after a period of weakness or depression. OR and advantage, or benefit.
(She perked up as soon as I mentioned that Charles was coming to dinner. Would you like a cup of coffee? It might perk you up a bit.)
Intricate(adj)
having many complexly arranged elements; solvable or comprehensible only with painstaking effort. Complex.
(The watch mechanism is extremely intricate and very difficult to repair. Police officers uncovered an intricate web of deceit.)
Mishap(n)
an accident or unlucky event, problem, unfortunate circumstance, bad luck.
(A series of mishaps led to the nuclear power plant blowing up.)
Succumb(v)
to die or suffer badly from an illness; to lose the determination to oppose something, or to give up and accept something that you first opposed; give in, to die from illness or injury.
(The town finally succumbed last week after being pounded with heavy artillery for more than two months.)
Profligate(adj)
wasteful: extremely extravagant or wasteful OR with low morals: having or showing extremely low moral standards.
(She is well-known for her profligate spending habits.)
Improvident(adj)
spending money in a way that is not sensible, and/ or not planning carefully for the future; lacking care for the future, unconcerned about future needs: failing to put money aside or give any thought to the future without foresight: not sensible, cautious, or wise.
Incumbent(adj)
obligatory: necessary as a result of a duty, responsibility, or obligation forcing one's compliance or participation by or as if by law.
(The incumbent president faces problems which began many years before he took office.)
Trivialize(v)
to make something seem less important than it really is. To reduce the importance or value of something, to treat something as, or make it appear less important or valuable than it really is.
(I don't want to trivialize the problem, but I do think there are more important matters to discuss.)
Duress(n)
Forcible restraint or compulsion by threat. Violence use to coerce a person into doing something. The use of force or threats to make somebody do something.
(He claimed that he signed the confession under duress.)
Thwart(v)
to oppose and defeat the efforts, plans or ambitions. To prevent the occurence or realization of something. Frustrate something.
(My holiday plans have been thwarted by the strike.)
Pursuit(v,n)
Act of striving for something, the effort made to try to achieve or obtain something over a period of time.
(Three people have been killed in high-speed pursuits by the police recently. The robbers fled the scene of the crime, with the police in pursuit.)
Privy(adj)
be privy to sth; to be told information that is not told to many people. Sharing in the knowledge of something secret or private. Sharing secret knowledge, sharing knowledge or something secret or private.
(I was never privy to conversations between top management.)
Reprieve(v)
Stop or postpone somebody's punishment; to halt or delay the punishment of somebody. OR to provide somebody with temporary relief from something harmful, especially danger or pain.
(He was sentenced to death but was granted a last-minute reprieve. The injection provided a temporary reprieve from the pain.)
Astute(adj)
clever and quick to see how to take advantage of a situation. Clever and perceptive, shrewd and discerning. Good at making accurate judgements.
(An astute investor. His astute handling of the situation.)
Decay(v)
to cause something to become gradually damaged, worse or less.
(Sugar makes your teeth decay. The role of the extended family has been decaying for some time. The smell of decaying meat.)
Apprehend(v)
understand something, to grasp the importance, significance, or meaning of something. OR to arrest, to capture, to seize.
(The police have finally apprehended the killer. )
Gregarious(adj)
seeking and enjoying the company of others, fond of company.
(Emma's a gregarious, outgoing sort of person.)
Pit(v)
To put someone or something in competition with someone or something else.
(It was a bitter civil war, that pitted neighbor against neighbor. Would you like to pit your wits against our quiz champion?)
Derail(v)
to accidentally leave the tracks, to cause to leave its tracks OR to obstruct, frustrate by diverting it from its intended course.
(Renewed fighting threatens to derail the peace talks. There's been a derailment just outside Crewe, and many people are feared dead.)
Luscious(adj)
Having a pleasant sweet taste, or containing a lot of juice. Luscious can also mean pleasing to see, hear or feel. A luscious blonde is very sexually attractive. Luscious landscapes are very green.
Prone(adj)
Prone to means likely to, or liable to suffer from, do or experience something.
(I've always been prone to headaches. He was prone to depressions even as a teenager. She's prone to exaggerate, that's for sure.)
Malady(n)
illness, a physical or psychological disorder or disease. OR a problem within a system or organization.
(Apathy is one of the maladies of modern society. All the rose bushes seem to be suffering from the same mysterious malady.)
Vice(n)
A moral fault or weakness in someone's character, illegal and immoral activities, especially involving illegal sex, drugs.
(Greed, pride, envy, dishonesty and lust are considered to be vices. The chief police said that he was committed to wiping out vice in the city.)
Covet(v)
to desire something strongly, especially something which belongs to someone else.
(She always coveted power but never quite achieved it. The Booker Prize is the most coveted British literary award.)
Low Ball(n)
make a deliberately low estimate. To give a markedly or unfairly low offer.
Rift(n)
a crack, split, or break in something. A deep rift in the ice or a rift between two friends.
(The stream had cut a deep rift in the rock. The marriage caused a rift between the brothers and they didn't speak to each other for ten years.)
Rapt(adj)
Filled with an intense and pleasurable emotion; completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing. Fully absorbed. Receiving someone's full interest.
(She sat with a rapt expression reading her book. The children watched with rapt attention.)
Smother(v)
to suffocate, or extinguish, to cover the whole surface with a large amount of something. To smear, cover, daub, overwhelm with affection.
(The latest violence has smothered any remaining hopes for an early peace agreement. I think she broke off their engagement because she felt smothered by him. The threatened to smother the animals with plastic bags.)
Jolt(v)
to force, bump shake. To shake suddenly and violently. To startle somebody into reality. Bump up and down.
(The train stopped unexpectedly and we were jolted forwards. The charity used photos of starving children in an attempt to jolt the public conscience. The news about Sam's illness jolted her into action.)
Bolt(v)
devour food hurriedly. Something completely unexpected that surprises you very much. Shot one's bolt means to use all your energy trying something, so that you do not have enough energy left to finish it. Make a bolt, means a run for, a sprint. Bolt upright means straight, rigidly, stiffly.
Shrug(v)
shrug off means disregard, dismiss, take no notice of, ignore. Act like it is unimportant or not a problem, or that you don't know.
(You're a father and you can't simply shrug off your responsibility for your children. The city is trying to shrug off its industrial image and promote itself as a tourist center.)
Volition(n)
The power to make your own decisions; the faculty or power of using one's will. Ability to choose; leave of her own volition.
(The Minister wished it to be known that he had left the cabinet out of his own volition.)
Saunter(v)
To walk in a slow and relaxed way, often in no particular direction. To walk at an easy unhurried pace.
(He sauntered by, looking very pleased with himself.)
Ominous(adj)
suggesting that something unpleasant is likely to happen.
(There was an ominous silence when I asked whether my contract was going to be renewed. The engine had been making an ominous sound all the way from London.)
Ruse(n)
A trick intended to deceive someone. A clever plot to deceive others. A deceptive maneuver.
Flunky(n)
A person who performs relatively menial tasks for someone else, esp. obsequiously. A person who does unimportant work or who has few or no important responsibilities and shows too much respect toward their employer.
Condescend(v)
Do something in a patronizing way, as it is below one's dignity or level of importance.
(I wonder if Micheal will condescend to visit us?)
Rudimentary(adj)
only basic, existing at an elementary level. Not deep or detailed.
(Some unusual fish have rudimentary legs.)
Ulterior(adj)
A secret purpose or reason for doing something. Going beyond what is openly said or shown and especially what is proper.
(He claims he just wants to help Lisa but I suspect he has an ulterior motive.)
Fluke(n)
something good that has happened that is the result of chance instead of skill of planning.
(The first goal was just a fluke.)
Fringe(n,v)
be fringed with sth means that sth forms a border along the edge. The fringe; the unconventional, extreme or marginal wing of a group of sphere of activity (rap music is no longer something on the fringe). Not part of the mainstream, unconventional or extreme; fringe theater.
(The river is fringed with wild flowers. The southern fringe of the city.)
Stymie(v)
to prevent or hinder the progress of something. To prevent something from happening or someone from achieving a purpose.
(In our search for evidence, we were stymied by the absence of any recent documents.)
Fluster(v,n)
to become nervous or agitated. Behave in an agitated, confused manner.
(The important thing when you're cooking for a lot of people is not to get in a fluster. If I look flustered it's because I'm trying to do about twenty things at once.)
Siphon(v)
to dishonestly take money from an organization or other supply, and use it for a purpose for which it was not intended. To remove liquid from a container using a tube.
(He lost his job when it was discovered that he had been siphoning off money from the company for his own use.)
Rebut(v)
to argue that a statement is not true. A rebuttal is a claim that something is false or incorrect.
(She has rebutted charges that she has been involved in any financial malpractice.)
Rogue(adj, n)
somebody dishonest, a person, organization, or country that does not behave in the usual or acceptable way. A naughty child also.
(The women all think he's a loveable old rogue. )
Squander(v)
to spend or use money or supplies in a wasteful way, or to waste opportunities by not using them to your advantage.
(They'll quite happily squander a whole year's savings on two weeks in the sun. Ireland squandered several chances, including a penalty that cost them the game.)
Contentious(adj)
causing or likely to cause an argument. The disagreement that results from opposing arguments. Marked by heated arguments or controversy. Causing or likely to cause disagreement.
(She has some rather contentious views on education.)
Demarcate(v)
set the boundaries or limits of something. To state in a clear way where something begins and ends.
(Parking spaces are demarcated by white lines. Responsibilities within the department are clearly demarcated.)
Conductive(adj)
make a certain situation or outcome likely or possible. Helping something to happen. Tending to bring about an intended result. Favorable, beneficial to.
Snag(v,n)
An unexpected or hidden obstacle or drawback. A problem difficulty or disadvantage. AS A VERB = to cause problems or difficulties for someone or something, to catch or tear something on a projection. To pick up something.
(We don't anticipate any snags in the negotiations. Financial problems have snagged the project for the past six months.)
Overt(adj)
done or shown openly, unconcealed, in an obvious way, open and apparent.
(overt criticism. He shows not overt signs of his unhappiness.)
Construe(v)
to understand the meaning of something in a particular way. To interpret something in a particular way.
(Any change in plan would be construed as indecision.)
Covert(adj)
not openly acknowledge or displayed. Undertaken or done so as to escape being observed or known by others, not openly shown.
(The government was accused of covert military operations against the regime.)
Infringe(v)
Actively break the term of (a law or agreement). To disobey or disregard something. To fail to obey. Or take away some of someone's freedom or rights.
(They infringed building regulations. Even minor infringements of the law will be severely punished. These restrictions infringe upon basic human rights.)
Loath(v)
be loath to do something means to be unwilling to do something. Having doubts about the wisdom of doing something. Unwilling or reluctant to do something.
(I'm loath to spend it all at once.)
Culminate(v)
To reach a climax or point of highest development. To have as a result or be the final result of a process.
(Their many years of research have finally culminated in a cure for the disease. Winning first prize was the culmination of years of practice and hard work.)
Tinker(v,n)
Attempt to repair or improve something in a casual way, often to no useful effect. To spend time doing small jobs or making small changes to things, usually trying to fix or repair them.
(He spends every weekend tinkering with his car. I wish the government would stop tinkering with the health service.)
Linger(v)
To take a long time to leave or disappear. Linger over means to be slow to disappear or die. To stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctant to leave.
(After the play had finished, we lingered for a while in the bar hoping to catch sight of the actors. It's impossible to forget such horrific events - they linger in the memory forever.)
Circumscribe(v)
to draw a line around something to mark its limits. Circumscribe suggests that something is hemmed in on all sides. Also, it means, to limit the power of something or somebody to act independently.
(Their movements have been severely circumscribed since the laws came into effect. There followed a series of tightly circumscribed visits to military installations.)
Backlash(n)
A strong and adverse reaction by a large number of people esp. to a social or political development.
(The Sixties backlash against bourgeois materialism.)
Haughty(adj)
arrogantly superior and disdainful, behaving in a superior, condescending or arrogant way. Blatantly proud.
(She has a rather haughty manner.)
Interdict(v)
to prohibit or forbid something, intercept the movement of a prohibited commodity or person.
Reign(v)
hold royal office, to rule as king or queen. OR to hold a particular title.
(Queen Victoria reigned over Britain from 1837 to 1901. The bomb attacks produced a panic which reigned over the city.)
Rebuke(v,n)
express sharp disapproval or criticism, to speak angrily to someone because you disapprove of what they have said or done.
(I was rebuked by my manager for being late. He received a stern rebuke from the manager.)
Hem(v)
surround or restrict the space or movement of something or someone. PHRASE: HEM AND HAW means to hesitate, to be indecisive.
(When they reached Oxford Circus, the demonstrators were hemmed in by the police. We hummed and hawed for months before actually deciding to buy the house.)
Conjecture(n,v)
form an opinion or supposition about something on the basis of incomplete information. To guess, based on the appearance of a situation and not on proof.
(There's been a lot of conjecture in the papers recently about the royal marriage. He conjectured that the company would soon be in financial difficulties.)
Dismal(adj)
depressing, dreary, hopeless, gloomy, pitifully and disgracefully bad.
(A dismal expression. The acting was dismal, wasn't it?)
Relinquish(v)
implies anything from simply releasing one's grasp to giving up control or possession reluctantly. To unwillingly stop holding or keeping something.
(He has relinquished his claim to the throne. She relinquished her hold on the steering wheel.)
Abstinence(n)
implies voluntary self-denial and is usually associated with the non-indulgence of an appetite. Refrain oneself from doing or enjoying something.
(The best way to avoid pregnancy is total abstinence from sex.)
Condone(v)
accept and allow behavior that is considered morally wrong or offensive to continue. Be willing to overlook, to regard something bad or blameworthy as acceptable, forgivable or harmless.
(If the government is seen to condone violence, the bloodshed will never stop.)
Detest(v)
used to describe extreme dislike or hatred. Detest is the purest expression of hatred. To hate something very much.
(I detest having to get up when it's dark outside.)
Extenuate(v)
to cause a wrong act to be judged less seriously by giving reasons for it. To make a mistake or wrongdoing seem less serious than it first appeared.
(He was unable to say anything that might have extenuated his behavior. She was found guilty of theft, but because of extenuating circumstances was not sent to prison.)
Scowl(v,n)
An angry or bad-tempered expression, frown in an angry way. To make a facial expression that shows anger, displeasure or menace.
(The boy scowled at her and reluctantly followed her back into school.)
Quandary(n)
A stated of perplexity or uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation. Practical dilemma.
(I've had two job offers, and I'm in a real quandary about which one to accept.)
Measly(adj)
contemptibly few or contemptibly small in amount. Very little and pointless. Ridiculously or disappointingly small or inadequate.
(A measly amount of money.)
Offbeat(adj)
unconventional, unusual, and strange not conforming to an ordinary type, differing from the usual or expected.
(An offbeat sense of humor.)
Outwit(v)
to deceive or defeat by greater ingenuity. To obtain an advantage over someone by acting more cleverly and often by using trick. Outsmart somebody.
(In the story, the cunning fox outwits the hunters.)
Vacuous(adj)
having or showing lack of thought or intelligence, mindless, not showing purpose, meaning or intelligence. Not expressing or showing intelligent thought.
(A vacuous remark/question/expression/smile)
Venerate(v)
to regard with great respect. To honor or greatly respect. To regard highly, revere.
(Robert Burns is Scotland's most venerated poet. Gandhi became an object of widespread veneration because of his unceasing struggle for freedom and equality.)
Substantiate(v)
represent in bodily form, to make real or concrete, give reality or substance to, provide evidence to support or prove the truth of.
(We have evidence to substantiate the allegations against him. Reports that children had been hurt have not been substantiated. The company produced receipts in substantiation of its claim.)
Ration(v,n)
allow someone to have only a fixed amount of a particular commodity. To limit the amount of a particular thing that someone is allowed to have.
(During the war, no one was allowed more than their ration of food, clothing and fuel. My children would watch television all day long, but I ration it.)
Forte(n)
A thing at which someone excels, something that a person can do well, a strong ability. Strength, specialty.
(I'm afraid sewing isn't one of my fortes.)
Brassy(adj)
impudently bold, having complete confidence in yourself, sometimes in a way that shows lack of respect, of a woman tastelessly showy or loud in appearance or manner: her brassy, audacious exterior.
(She was your typical brassy blonde.)
Encroach(v)
advance gradually and in a way that causes damage, intrude on a person's territory or a thing considered to be a right.
(What the government is proposing encroaches on the rights of individuals. I resent it that my job is starting to encroach on my family life.)
Jaunty(adj)
having or expressing a lively, cheerful and self-confident manner. Carefree, happy and confident, having much high spirited energy and movement.
(When he came back his hat was at a jaunty angle and he was smiling.)
Jumble(n)
an untidy collection or pile of things. Mix up in a confused or untidy way. A state in which everything is out of order.
(He rummaged through the jumble of papers on his desk. A jumble of thoughts/ideas.)
Mawkish(adj)
sentimental in a feeble way or sickly way, mawkish carries sentimentality a step further, implying emotion so excessive that it provokes loathing or disgust.
(The film lapses into mawkish sentimentality near the end.)
Pedantic(adj)
giving too much attention to formal rules or small details. Caring too much about unimportant rules. Making a show of your knowledge.
(They were being unnecessarily pedantic by insisting that Berry himself, and not his wife, should have made the announcement.)
Boon(n)
something that is very helpful and improves the quality of life.
(Guide dogs are a great boon to the partially sighted.)
Epitomize(v)
to be a perfect example of a quality or type of thing.
(With little equipment and unsuitable footwear, she epitomizes the inexperienced and unprepared mountain walker.)
Factitious(adj)
false or artificial, produced by humans rather than by natural forces. Contrived and insincere rather than genuine.
(He has invented a wholly factitious story about his past.)
Reconcile(v)
restore friendly relations, to reunite, to coexist in harmony, make or show to be compatible. Make someone accept a disagreeable or unwelcome thing.
(It is sometimes difficult to reconcile science and religion. It's difficult to reconcile such different points of view. They were finally reconciled with each other, after not speaking for nearly five years.)
Effusive(adj)
expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner. Unrestrained in expressing feelings; giving or involving an extravagant and sometimes excessive expression of feelings in speech or writing.
(They gave us such an effusive welcome it was quite embarrassing.)
Habitue(n)
one who may be regularly found in or at a place of entertainment. Frequent visitor of a place.
(Habitues of this gentlemen's club are generally middle-aged, grey-haired and overweight.)
Moratorium(n)
suspension of activity for an agreed amount of time.
(The Financial Director issued a spending moratorium until the company received a second round of funding. It's been four years now since John self-imposed a moratorium on flying.)
Synonyms: suspension, freeze, halt, pause, stop, standstill.
Antonyms: beginning, commencement.
Temperate(adj)
moderate or mild, not extreme, especially said of climate and behavior.
(I moved from the Netherlands to Cape Town because of its temperate climate. Lisa describes herself as having a temperate personality, but most of her friends think she is a little moody.)
Synonyms: calm, agreeable, constant, mild, moderate, reasonable, steady, dispassionate.
Antonyms: extreme, immoderate, severe, unrestrained, excessive.
Haven(n)
safe place, refuge or shelter, an ideal spot for something.
(The new, beach-front hotel was a perfect haven for tourists. We hoped desperately to find a cave, as a haven from the blizzard. South Africa was not a safe havens for refugees from Zimbabwe.)
Synonyms: refuge, shelter, sanctuary, anchorage, port, marina.
Provisional(adj)
under terms that have not been finalized, for the time being only.
(After days of negotiations, the union finally reached a provisional agreement with management. Even though it was a provisional contract, Lisa was still happy to be hired by the school district.)
Synonyms: temporary, transitional.
Antonyms: permanent, conclusive, concrete.
Sluggard(n)
a slothful, lazy person, somebody who avoids work or physical exertion.
(I was a sluggard all day Sunday and did nothing but lay around watching TV. Frank's a sluggard who can't hold down a steady job because he's always missing work.)
Synonyms: laggard, slouch, loafer.
Antonyms: go-getter, dynamo
Mollycoddle(v,n)
to treat with extra care or indulgence; someone spoiled and overprotected, especially a boy, to give someone too much care or protection, a person without strength of character.
(If you mollycoddle your children they won't grow up to be responsible, self-sufficient adults. Lisa was so mollycoddled as a child, she grew up to be a selfish adult.)
Wax(v)
to grow larger or more intense, to take on a state or quality.
(I sat on the shore and watched the waves wax and wane. My friend started to wax philosophical after a couple glasses of wine. As the moon waxes toward its full state, it becomes rounder each day.)
Synonyms: grow, increase, expand, broaden, intensify, become
Antonyms: wane
Trepidation(n)
a feeling of fear or dread about the future.
(Francis's trepidation about having to deliver a speech to the company board was evident on her face as a small bead of sweat ran down her forehead.)
Synonyms: alarm, fear, agitation, perturbation, uneasiness, dread, consternation.
Antonyms: ease, calm.
Obviate(v)
to prevent or overcome a problem by anticipating the problem in advance, to make something unnecessary, to remove a difficulty, especially so that action to deal with it becomes unnecessary.
(Your company should consider me for the position because I'm known for obviating potential losses of revenue for firms like yours. Is there any way to obviate this potential crisis?)
Plumb(v, adj, adv, n)
to measure the depth of something, to fully understand something, to experience something to the fullest, to make something vertical, completely vertical.
(They plumbed the uncharted ocean floor near the islands to make sure it was deep enough for the freighter to pass. When hanging a door, you need to make sure that it is both level and plumb or it will not shut completely.)
Abate(v)
to lessen in intensity or degree.
(The fighting in the area shows no sign of abating.)
Synonyms: diminish
Antonyms: enhance
Related Word: abatement(n)
Aberrant(adj)
straying from moral standard, diverging from normal type.
(His aberrant behavior at the party can only be ascribed to his over-indulgence in alcohol.)
Synonyms: devious, divergent, straying.
Antonyms: steadfast
Related Word: aberrance(n), aberrancy(n), aberration(n)
Abscond(v)
to depart clandestinely; to steal away and hide.
(She absconded from boarding school with her boyfriend.)
Adulation(n)
very great admiration or praise for someone, especially when it is more than is deserved.
(Minelli is a born performer - she loves the excitement and she loves the adulation.)
Adulterate(v)
to reduce purity by combining with inferior ingredients.
(There were complaints that the beer had been adulterated with water.)
Synonyms: amalgamate
Antonyms: purify
Related Word: adulteration(n), adulterant(n), adulterer(n)
Aesthetic(adj)
artistic, dealing with or capable of appreciating the beautiful, set of principles of good taste and appreciation of beauty.
(Though the building has been aesthetically designed, and is very pleasing to look at, it is not very practical.)
Synonyms: elegant
Antonyms: philistine
Related words: aesthetically(adv), aestheticism(n)
Aggrandize(v)
to increase in intensity, power, or prestige.
(He is willing to dupe his own brother for his personal aggrandizement.)
Synonyms: inflate, applaud
Related Word: Aggrandizement(n)
Alchemy(n)
A medieval science aimed at the transmutation of metals, especially base metals into gold.
(Bentrix, the fifteenth century king of Belize, spent a lot of money on Alchemists who he believed could convert all his possessions into gold)
Related Words: alchemist(n), alchemic(adj)
Amalgamate(v)
Combine; unite in one body.
(The new media company was formed by the amalgamation of an advertising agency and a public relations company.)
Synonyms: adulterate
Related Words: amalgamation(n)
Amenable(adj)
submissive, easily manageable, docile, tractable.
(I have indicated in my job application that I am quiet amenable to being placed at any location.)
Synonyms: docile, pliable
Antonyms: Intractable
Related Word: amenability(n), amenableness(n), amenably(adv_
Anachronism(n)
something or someone out of place in terms of its historical or chronological context.
(In this age of synthesized sounds and techno-music, the sound of this old guitar appears so anachronistic.)
Synonyms: Incongruity
Related Word: anachronistic(adj), anachronic(adj)
Approbation(n)
praise or approval, esp. at a formal level.
(The approbatory comments of the general about the actions taken by the commanding officer boosted the morale of the entire regiment.)
Synonyms: sanction, authorization
Related Word: approbative(adj), approbatory(adj), approbate(v)
Archaic(adj)
oudated; associated with an earlier, perhaps more primitive time.
(An archaic system of government.)
Synonyms: antiquated, antique, antediluvian.
Antonyms: new, modern
Related Word: archaically(adv), archaism(n), Arcahist(n), archaistic(adj)
Ascetic(adj,n)
one who practices rigid self-denial, especially as an act of religious devotion.
(He spent the final few years of his life as an ascetic.)
Synonyms: austere
Related Word: ascetically(adv), asceticism(n).
Assuage(v)
to ease or lessen, to appease or pacify.
(He said in the interview that the only job that could assuage his thirst for knowledge was that of a librarian, so that he could be amongst books every day.)
Synonyms: pacify, mitigate, palliate
Antonyms: rankle
Related word: assuagement(n)
Astringent(adj,n)
severe and biting, harsh, able to tighten up the skin or stop bleeding.
(astringent criticism. You can use an astringent to make your skin less oily.)
Synonyms: constrictive
Related Word: astringently(adv), astringency(n)
Aver(v)
to state the truth of something strongly.
(Despite clear evidence to the contrary, the man still averred that he had never met the person accused of stealing the painting collection.)
Synonyms: asseverate
Antonyms: deny
Related Word: averment(n)
Axiom(n)
a universally recognized principle; taken as a given; possessing self evident truth.
(It is a widely held axiom that governments should not negotiate with terrorists.)
Synonyms: conception, postulate
Related Word: Axiomatic(adj), Axiomatically(adv)
Bucolic(adj,n)
rustic and pastoral; characteristic of rural areas and their inhabitants.
(The painting shows a typically bucolic scene with peasants harvesting crops in a field.)
Synonyms: pastoral, rustic
Antonyms: urban
Related Word: bucolically(adv)
Canon(n)
An established set of principles or code of laws, often religious in nature.
(His shameless flirtation at the party with Mr.Dominique's wife flouted all canons of respectable behavior.)
Canonical(adj)
following or in agreement with orthodox requirements.
Catalyst(n)
Agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged. Hence, any person, thing, or event that causes changes to happen, but without taking part in those changes.
(While I was already considering quitting the job, my meeting with an astrologer proved to be the catalyst and I put in my papers the subsequent day.)
Related Word: catalytic(adj)
Caustic(adj,n)
any chemical that burns or corrodes organic tissue. Also, words that are meant to intentionally hurt the feelings of a person.
(I have always appreciated his mild and gentle manners, so was totally taken aback by his caustic remarks against the managing director.)
Synonyms: biting.
Censure(v,n)
adverse judgement, expression of disapproval, criticize unfavorably.
(His tasteless remarks came under severe censure by everyone present at the assembly.)
Synonyms: Reprimand, Reprove, Blame.
Antonyms: Praise.
Cogent(adj)
appealing forcibly to the mind or reason; convincing.
(None of the arguments that the defense counsel put forth in support of the accused were cogent enough for the judge to give a judgement in his favor.)
Synonyms: compelling.
Antonyms: unconvincing, faluous
Related Word: cogency, cogently
Connoisseur(n)
An expert on a subject, such as art or music. A person having deep knowledge on a particular subject.
(I'm no connoisseur of wines, but I know a good one when I taste one.)
Contrite(adj)
deeply and humbly sorry for one's wrong doing. Extremely repentant.
(I had thought he would feel some guilt at having spoken so rudely with her, but rather than being contrite, he was behaving as if he had been aggrieved.)
Synonyms: penitent
Related Word: contrition, contritely
Convention(n)
a usual or accepted way of behaving, especially in social situations, often following an old way of thinking or a custom in on particular society.
(Convention dictates that it is the man who asks the woman to marry him and not the reverse.)
Related Word: conventional.
Convoluted(adj)
very twisted. Describes sentences, explanations and arguments that are unreasonably long and difficult to understand.
(His grammar explanations are terribly convoluted. A very convoluted route.)
Synonyms: complicated
Related Word: convolution.
Credulous(adj)
tending to believe too readily; gullible.
(He was so credulous that he believed each and every word of what the impostor said, and had almost told him his bank account details when I reached the scene.)
Related Words: credulousness, credulity, credulously.
Culpable(adj)
deserving blame for a wrongdoing.
(Holding the CEO of the company culpable for all that had happened, the judge ruled that the ultimate responsibility for all the operations of the company rested with him)
Related Word: Culpability, culpably
Cynic(n)
A person who distrusts human motives and intentions at all times.
(A series of bitter experiences with those whom he thought were his friends had turned him into a hard-boiled cynic; he was not ready to trust any individual.)
Antonyms: trust
Related Word: cynical, cynicism, cynically.
Demur(v)
to express disagreement or refusal to do something.
(The lawyer requested a break in the court case, but the judge demurred.)
Derision(n)
scorn, ridicule, when someone or something is laughed at and considered ridiculous or of no value.
(They treated his suggestion with derision. Her speech was met with howls of derision.)
Desiccate(v)
to dry out or dehydrate; to make dry or dull.
(The old sailor's skin had become wrinkled and desiccated from years of being out in the sun and the wind.)
Antonyms: inundate.
Related Word: Desiccant, desiccation, desiccative.
Diatribe(n)
violent verbal attack, denunciation
(He launched into a long diatribe against the government's policies.)
Synonyms: inveigh
Antonyms: praise
Didactic(adj)
meant to instruct, having the manner of a teacher.
(In many schools, traditional didactic teaching has been replaced by an approach which allows children to discover things for themselves.)
Related Word: didactically, didacticism.
Dilettante(n)
Person who dabbles in a subject for pleasure. An amateur.
(He's a bit of a dilettante as far as wine is concerned.)
Disabuse(v)
Undeceive, disillusion, correct a false impression.
(I always thought that those two were sworn enemies, but seeing them behave in such a friendly manner has disabused me of my notion.)
Antonyms: deceive
Discordant(adj)
conflicting; dissonant or harsh in sound.
Discretion(n)
the ability to behave without causing embarrassment or attracting too much attention, especially by keeping information secret, the right or ability to decide something.
(Students can be expelled at the discretion of the headteacher. I leave the decision to your discretion.)
Disinterested(adj)
Unbiased and impartial, free from self-interest.
(As far as I know, the judge is absolutely disinterested and will give a fair hearing to both parties.)
Disparate(adj,n)
fundamentally distinct or dissimilar.
(Though they came from the most disparate backgrounds - one from a wealthy business family and the other the son of a humble farmer - they remained the best friends throughout their lives.)
Related Word: disparately, disparateness, disparity
Dissemble(v)
to disguise, conceal; to mislead.
(The army officer tried his best to dissemble that, there had not been any breach of authority, but the investigations revealed otherwise.)
Related Word: dissembler(n)
Ebullient(adj)
full of high spirits, bubbling over with enthusiasm or excitement.
(John was in a happy and ebullient mood after receiving the most prestigious award in his school)
Synonyms: vivacious
Related Word: ebullience, ebulliently
Eccentric(adj)
something that is out of the usual or socially accepted, unconventional.
(The old man is known for his eccentric habit of sporting the most unusual and peculiar clothes.)
Related Word: eccentricity.
Effrontery(n)
rudeness without any sense of shame.
(Everyone is aware of Ruth's effrontery and hence do not ever expect an apology from her for her uncivil behaviors.
Synonyms: audacity, arrogant, temerity, impudence, gall.
Antonyms: shyness
Elegy(n)
A poem of lamentation for the dead or for something lost.
(Elton John wrote a touching elegy for Princess Diana after her death in a car accident.)
Synonyms: Dirge, Threnody.
Related Word: Elegiac(adj)
Eloquence(n)
expressiveness, persuasive speech.
(She is an eloquent speaker and thus, will make a good lawyer.)
Related Word: eloquent, eloquently
Emollient(adj)
soothing, especially to the skin; making less harsh.
(It's paradoxical that while the sting of the honey bee can be so painful, the honey it produces acts as an effective emollient for dry and parched skin.)
Antonyms: irritating.
Empirical(adj)
based on experience and observation, not on bookish facts.
(Having extensively traveled himself, Albert is the right person to offer wise and empirical advice on camping and trekking.)
Related Word: empirically
Endemic(n)
peculiar to a country or class of people, commonly found in a specified area or people.
(Freckles are small patches of pigmented skin endemic to blonde and redheaded people.)
Antonyms: Pandemic.
Enigma(n)
puzzle, mystery, anything that is difficult to understand.
(Despite the security, the thief's ability to break into the museum without being caught remains an enigma to the police.)
Related Word: enigmatic, enigmatically.
Ephemeral(adj)
short-lived, lasting only a day or few days.
(Thoughtless spending on expensive clothes is only an ephemeral pleasure which does not bring long lasting joy.)
Synonyms: transitory
Antonyms: eternal, permanent
Related Word: Ephemera.
Equivocate(v)
to speak in a way that is intentionally unclear and confusing to other people, especially to hide the truth.
(She accused the minister of equivocating, claiming that he had deliberately avoided telling the public how bad the problem really was.)
Esoteric(adj)
unusual, mysterious, known only to a select few.
(Kemp has somewhat an esoteric taste in dress; except for her close friends, no one in the class likes the kind of dresses she puts on.)
Related Word: Esoterically
Eulogy(n)
a speech honoring the dead.
(Our school has a eulogy dedicated to its great founder, which the students sing everyday after prayers.)
Antonyms: malignancy, denunciation
Evanescence(n)
vanishing, fading from sight or senses.
(Once a great actress, this old woman now stays seriously ill and her past memories is almost evanescent.)
Synonyms: fugacious, fleeting
Antonyms: longevity.
Related Word: evanescent
Exculpate(v)
exonerate; to clear of blame.
(After the investigations were over Darrel was proved innocent and exculpated by the judge.)
Synonyms: exonerate
Antonyms: excuse
Related Word: exculpation
Exigent(adj)
extremely urgent, requiring immediate aid or action, exacting or demanding.
(The patient was in an exigent condition and passed away because of receiving no medical attention.)
Related Word: Exigency.
Extemporaneous(adj)
improvised; done without preparation.
(An extemporaneous speech.)
Fawn(v)
to flatter or praise excessively.
(I hate waiters who fawn over you. They fawn over their rich uncle to please him so that he would give them some of his wealth.)
Synonyms: obsequious, cringing
Antonyms: arrogant
Fervent(adj)
greatly emotional, zealous, ardent, hot
(Pamella is a fervent believer in equal remuneration for women in all the fields of labor.)
Related Word: Fervency, fervently
Filibuster(n,v)
intentional obstruction, especially using prolonged speechmaking to delay legislative action.
(Even thought the report was ready, the party announced that they would filibuster the report, and that it would be disclosed only the next month.)
Grandiloquent(n)
pompous, bombastic, using high-sounding language.
(His grandiloquent speech, in which he merely talked about his own achievements and how he had taken the company to such heights, was panned by the press.)
Related Word: Grandiloquence, Grandiloquently.
Hackneyed(adj)
rendered trite or commonplace by frequent usage.
(For several years now, Indian film makers have not been able to think beyond the hackneyed love stories and revenge dramas.)
Synonyms: Trite
Antonyms: Original.
Hedonism(n)
devotion to pleasureable pursuits, especially to the pleasures of the senses.
(He is a confirmed hedonist and believes in enjoying life to the fullest while it lasts.)
Antonyms: Puritan
Related Word: hedonist, hedonistic
Hegemony(n)
the position of being the strongest and most powerful and therefore able to control others.
(The three nations competed for regional hegemony.)
Synonyms: Authority
Related Word: Hegemonic(adj)
Heretical(adj)
violating accepted dogma or convention.
(Her belief that a split would be good for the party was regarded as heretical)
Iconoclast(n)
one who attacks or undermines traditional conventions or institutions.
(Rogers, an iconoclast in architecture, is sometimes described as putting the insides of buildings on the outside.)
Related Word: iconoclastic(adj)
Idolatrous(adj)
given to intense or excessive devotion to something.
(An idolatrous of material wealth.)
Impecunious(adj)
lacking funds; without money.
(I first knew him as an impecunious student living in a tiny bedsit.)
Synonyms: penurious, impoverished, indigent.
Antonyms: prosperous
Related Word: impecuniousness, impecuniously.
Impunity(n)
freedom from punishment or from the unpleasant results of something that has been done.
(The terrorists struck with impunity, totally without fear of the security forces, and decimated human lives and property at will.)
Antonyms: Liability
Indifferent(adj)
having no interest or concern; showing no bias or prejudice.
(While the whole class was listening to the lecture with interest and attention, Steven was sitting quite indifferently.)
Antonyms: Concerned
Related Word: indifference
Inert(adj)
lacking the strength or power to move, inactive.
(The dog has been lying inert in that position for more than an hour now, I think something's seriously wrong with it.)
Synonyms: sluggish, slow
Antonyms: active
Related Word: Inertia(n)
Infelicitous(adj)
unfortunate; inappropriate.
(His article was full of mistakes and verbal infelicities.)
Innocuous(adj)
harmless, causing no damage.
(What began as an innocuous interest in listening to rock music soon took the shape of a dangerous obsession, so much so that he has now been complaining of problems in hearing.)
Antonyms: malignant.
Related Word: Innocuousness, innocuously.
Insipid(adj)
without taste or flavor; lacking in spirit, bland.
(The performance of the actors in the play was so insipid and lifeless that we decided to walk out of the theater during the interval.)
Synonyms: tasteless
Antonyms: flavorful, savoury.
Related Word: Insipidness, insipidity, insipidly.
Intransigent(adj)
uncompromising, not ready to be persuaded.
(Unions claim that the management continues to maintain an intransigent position.)
Synonyms: unyielding, irreconcilable.
Antonyms: yielding
Related Word: intransigence.
Intrepid(adj)
steadfast and courageous, fearless and brave.
(The young, intrepid air force officer bravely took his aircraft over the enemy camp, and before the enemy could react, came back after dropping two bombs on the camp.)
Antonyms: Cowardly, Craven
Related Word: Intrepidity.
Inure(v)
Accustom to something unpleasant, get used to.
(After spending some time on the island they became inured to the hardships.)
Antonyms: Inexperienced.
Inveigle(v)
to obtain by deception or flattery.
(He desperately tried to inveigle his father into buying him a motor cycle, but the father would have none of it.)
Synonyms: Cajole, Beguile.
Sy
Irascible(adj)
easily angered; prone to
temperamental outbursts.
(She's becoming more and more irascible as she grows older.)
Synonyms: choleric, splenetic, bilious.
Antonyms: placid
Related Word: Irascibility
Lucid(adj)
clear; easily understood.
(While his brother writes in an unclear and clumsy way. Sam himself is known for his lucid style of writing.)
Related Word: lucidity, lucidly
Luminous(adj)
characterized by brightness and the emission of light.
(It is advisable to wear luminous clothes while riding at nights so that they are visible even in a dim light.)
Synonyms: bright
Related Word: luminously, luminousness.
Magnanimous(adj)
generous, great-hearted esp. toward an enemy.
(Even though he won the match comprehensively, Pete Sampras was magnanimous in his victory, praising his opponent's efforts to stay in the game.)
Synonyms: High-souled
Related Word: Magnanimity, Magnanimously.
Neologism(n)
a newly coined word.
(As communication is getting speedier with the popularity of the email, a number of colloquial neologisms have been coined and assimilated into the dictionary of the present computer-savvy generation.)
Related Word: Neologist, neology, neologize
Misanthrope(n)
One who hates mankind.
(He must be quite a misanthrope to make such negative statements about the future of mankind - he says that in the next thousand years, human will become cannibals.)
Related Word: misanthropic, misanthropical, misanthropist, misanthropy, misanthropize
Mercurial(adj)
Capricious, changing, fickle, lively, of the planet mercury.
(Nobody trusts him because of his mercurial nature; he is so fickle-minded that at one moment he decides something and the very next moment he changes his mind.)
Related Word: mercuriality, mercurially, merculiarism, merculiarize
Martial(adj)
associated with war and the armed forces.
(As soon as the Martial law was imposed, the army came into action and spread everywhere with automatic weapons and shotguns.)
Related Word: martialize, martially
Malevolent(adj)
having or showing often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred.
(I could never imagine that she was capable of such malevolence towards a person - the way in which she cursed him and spoke ill of him was unbelievable.)
Related Word: malevolently, malevolence.
Noxious(adj)
harmful, injurious.
(They died from inhaling noxious fume.)
Synonyms: baneful, deleterious, virulent.
Related Word: noxiously, noxiousness
Obdurate(adj)
extremely determined to act in a particular way and not to change despite argument or persuasion.
(The President remains obdurate on the question of tax cuts.)
Synonyms: Intractable, obstinate, recalcitrant.
Antonyms: yielding, docile
Related Word: obduracy, obdurately
Obsequious(adj)
too eager to serve or obey, without caring for loss of self-respect.
(She is almost embarrassingly obsequious to anyone in authority.)
Synonyms: toady, servile
Antonyms: Imperious
Related Word:obsequiousness, obsequiously.
Obstinate(adj)
Refusing to change one's stand, stubborn, inflexible.
(In spite of his father's repeated advice to him to become a doctor, he remained obstinate about joining the Army.)
Synonyms: Adamant, Obdurate, recalcitrant, Refractory.
Antonyms: Malleable, yielding.
Related Word: Obstinacy, Obstinately
Occlude(v)
to obstruct or block.
Onerous(adj)
difficult to do or needing a lot of effort.
(In those days, the onerous job of clearing forests was given to the criminals with a bad record.)
Related Word: onerousness, onerously
Paean(n)
song of praise and joy.
(The song, specially composed by the master musician on the occasion of the new millennium, was a paean to world peace and prosperity in the new century.)
Antonyms: Dirge
Parody(n)
a humorous imitation intended for ridicule or comic effect, especially in literature and art.
(It seems as if the film makers lost interest during the making of the film, and so the film appears to be a parody of what it was meant to be.)
Synonyms: travesty
Related Word: Parodist
Pedagogue(n)
A teacher who is too formal and uninteresting.
(The new teacher is too much of a pedagogue - paying too much importance on the outdated approach of learning by rote. )
Related Word: pedagogy, pedagogical, pedagogically
Penurious(adj)
penny-pinching; excessively thrifty; ungenerous, very poor.
(His inveterate habit of gambling has reduced him to the penurious state he finds himself in)
Synonyms: pauper, mendicant
Antonyms: Opulent.
Related Word: Penury
Pernicious(adj)
destructive, very injurious, extremely harmful.
(Though horror movies are gaining much importance nowadays and the young generations is liking it too, the same can have a pernicious effect on children.)
Antonyms: Benign.
Related Word: Perniciousness, Perniciously.
Perspicacious(adj)
acutely perceptive; having keen discernment.
(His perspicacious grandfather had bought the land as an investment, guessing that there might be gold underground.)
Synonyms: Discernment.
Related Word: Perspicacity, Perspicaciously.
Pervade(v)
to permeate throughout.
(The film is a reflection of the violence that pervades American culture. The influence of Freud is pervasive in her books.)
Pervasive(adj)
having the tendency to permeate or spread throughout.
(The latest financial scandal in the country has shown that corruption is among the most pervasive phenomena of our times - no one can be expected to be untouched by it.)
Related Word: Pervade, pervasiveness, pervasively.
Pine(v)
to yearn intensely; to languish; to lose vigor.
Pious(adj)
extremely reverent or devout; showing strong religious devotion. Pretending to have sincere feelings.
(She is a pious follower of the faith, never missing her prayers. Quit the pious apologies - I know you don't really care.)
Pirate(v)
to illegally use or reproduce. a person who sails in a ship and attacks other ships in order to steal from them.
(A pirated video/software.)
Pithy(adj)
the essential or central part; precise and brief.
(In his short and pithy speech, lasting just under ten minutes, he managed to effectively drive home to the audience the importance of the research going on in the laboratory.)
Synonyms: Terse
Antonyms: Prolix
Related Word: Pithiness, pithily.
Placate(v)
to appease; to calm by making concessions, pacify
(The landlord was very angry with me for not paying him the rent in time, I somehow managed to placate him saying that I would pay him the rent with interest the next month.)
Synonyms: appease, conciliate
Antonyms: exasperate
Related Word: Placatory
Platitude(n)
a remark or statement that may be true but is boring and meaningless because it has been said so many times before.
(His speech had nothing new; it was full of the usual platitudes about the glorious achievements of Indian democracy.)
Synonyms: bromide, cliche
Related Word: Platitudinous
Plummet(v)
to plunge or drop straight down, fall sharply or suddenly.
(The house rentals have plummeted in recent months because there is an excess of houses and very few people to live in them.)
Synonyms: Plunge
Polemic(n)
Verbal attack on a belief or opinion; Also, Dispute, art of carrying on arguments.
(As soon as he started his speech, he launched into a harsh polemic on his political opponents, calling them cheats and frauds.)
Synonyms: Diatribe
Antonyms: Conciliatory
Related Word: Polemical, Polemically
Pragmatic(adj)
practical rather than idealistic.
(Unlike his predecessor who was extremely ideological, the new CEO is pragmatic and focussed on results.)
Synonyms: Practical
Antonyms: Impractical, theoretical
Related Word: Pragmatist.
Prattle(v)
babble, talk in childish or artless fashion.
(She'd have prattled on about her new job for the whole afternoon if I'd let her.)
Precipitate(adj,v)
Rash, premature, hasty, to make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected.
(Don't be precipitate - think it through before you make a decision.)
Synonyms: Inconsiderate.
Precursor(n)
Something which happened or existed before another thing, especially if it either developed into it or had an influence on it.
(Biological research has often been a precursor to medical breakthroughs which benefits patients.)
Synonyms: Harbinger, progenitor
Predilection(n)
A disposition in favor of something; preference.
(Even though he had been hurt badly twice in bull-fight, he enjoys it even now; he seems to have predilection for such dangerous sport.)
Synonyms: Inclination
Prescient(adj)
Able to imagine or guess what will probably happen.
(A friend of my father had the prescience to predict the emergence of a network of computers all over the world, long before the Internet became a household term.)
Synonyms: Clairvoyant.
Related Word: Prescience.
Presumptuous(adj)
Unduly confident. Showing disrespect towards others because of an overly high opinion of oneself.
(It would be presumptuous of me to comment on the matter.)
Related Word: Presumptuously
Prevaricate(v)
To deliberately avoid the truth; to mislead.
(The party spokesperson was not able to answer even a single question properly, all his answers seemed to be prevaricating statement revealing little.)
Synonyms: Quibble
Antonyms: Veracity
Related Word: Prevarication, Prevaricator.
Pristine(adj)
Pure and unharmed, Fresh and clean.
(Washing machine for sale - only 2 months old and in pristine condition.)
Antonyms: filthy
Proclivity(n)
a natural predisposition or inclination.
(His proclivity for good food and wine is well known, but not many are aware that he also has a passion for racehorses.)
Synonyms: inclination, propensity
Antonyms: avoidance, aversion
Prodigal(adj)
recklessly wasteful; extravagant; profuse, lavish.
(He regrets the day he let her daughter have a credit card; she is so prodigal that he goes for shopping almost every alternate day.)
Synonyms: Extravagant, Profligate.
Antonyms: thrifty, niggardly
Related Word: Prodigally, Prodigality
Prodigious(adj)
abundant in size, force, or extent; extraordinary.
(He had a prodigious appetite for both women and drink.)
Synonyms: Enormous
Antonyms: Infinitesimal, Minute
Related Word: Prodigiously
Profligate(adj)
Recklessly wasteful, esp of money, wicked and immoral.
(She is well-known for her profligate spending habit.)
Synonyms: Prodigal, spendthrift, licentious, dissolute.
Related Word: Profligacy.
Profuse(adj)
given or coming forth abundantly; extravagant.
(The company accepted blame and sent us profuse apologies.)
Antonyms: scarce
Related Word: Profusion, profusely
Proliferate(v)
to grow or increase swiftly and abundantly.
(Small businesses have proliferated in the last ten years.)
Synonyms: Burgeon, propagate
Related Word: proliferation.
Propensity(n)
a natural inclination or tendency; penchant.
(He seems to have a natural propensity to get into trouble.)
Synonyms: proclivity
Prosaic(adj)
dull and unimaginative, unromantic.
(I just don't believe that the person who used to give such an eloquent and fluent speech is delivering such a prosaic speech today. I'm sure he is not well.)
Synonyms: Factual
Antonyms: romantic, imaginative
Related Word: Prosaically
Pungent(adj)
biting or sharp in taste or smell. Very strongly felt and expressed.
(I sat down to a cup of wonderfully pungent Turkish coffee.)
Synonyms: caustic
Related Word: Pungency
Putrefy(v)
to rot; to decay and give off a foul odor.
(The murder had taken place nearly a month back, and the body had putrefied almost beyond recognition.)
Synonyms: decompose
Related Word: Putrefication.
Qualm(n)
an uncomfortable feeling of doubt about whether you are doing the right thing.
(He seemed to have absolutely no qualms about stealing money from his father's wallet, something I could never have imagine.)
Synonyms: Remorse, compunction, demur, scruple, twinge.
Related Word: qualmish
Query(v,n)
question; inquiry; doubt in the mind; reservation.
(If you have any queries about your treatment, the doctor will answer them.)
Quiescent(n)
still, motionless, dormant, quality of being at rest.
(After the furore over the elections and the induction of the new government, the political situation in the country is now relatively quiescent.)
Synonyms: motionless, inert
Antonyms: active
Related Word: quiescence, quiescency, quiescently
Quotidian(adj)
occurring or recurring daily; commonplace.
(Listening to the news on the radio at 8 p.m has been a part of his quotidian routine for the past several years now.)
Rancor(n)
bitterness, hatred.
(It was very gracious of him to say that he bore no rancor against them despite being cheated by them.)
Synonyms: malevolence, spitefulness.
Antonyms: benevolence, regard
Related Word: rancorous
Rarefy(v)
to make or become less thin, less dense; to refine.
(As we went up the mountain, the air become more and more rarefied and it was increasingly difficult to breathe.)
Related Word: Rarefy, rarefaction, rarefication
Recondite(adj)
hidden; concealed; difficult to understand; obscure.
(In his presentation, the young scientist beautifully brought out the basic concepts and the implications of the genome project, a rather recondite subject for the common man.)
Synonyms: abstruse
Redoubtable(adj)
Formidable, causing fear, awe-inspiring, worthy of honor.
(Though he has an easy run up to the quarter finals of the Wimbledon championship, he now has to contend with the redoubtable second seed.)
Synonyms: Stalwart
Related Word: Redouted.
Refulgent(adj)
radiant; shiny; brilliant.
Renege(v)
fail to keep a promise or argument.
(The seller made it clear that once the dealer had signed the agreement, there was no way he could renege on the deal.)
Rescind(v)
to invalidate, to repeal, to retract.
(Under severe pressure from various environmental lobbies, the government was forced to rescind its earlier decision of constructing a second dam over the river.)
Synonyms: Repudiate, Countermand.
Sanction(n)
formal or official approval. An official action(like stopping of trade) taken by one country against another
(The state government has finally sanctioned the construction of a separate building to house the Literacy Mission; till now, the Mission has to share its premises with the Human Rights Mission.)
Synonyms: Endorse, Embargo, penalty
Antonyms: proscribe
Satire(n)
Any piece of work (writing) meant to bring out the misdeeds or foolishness of others in an amusing manner.
(Her play was a biting satire on life in the 80s)
Synonyms: Facetiousness, repartee, witticism
Related Word: Satirical, Satirically, Satirize
Sedulous(adj)
showing careful attention and perseverance, diligent; persistent; hardworking.
(I have never seen him study for his exams as sedulously as this; it appears Dennis has finally realized the importance of studies.)
Synonyms: Assiduous
Antonyms: Lazy
Related Word: Sedulously
Shard(n)
Broken piece of glass, pottery.
(He accidentally stepped on a small shard of glass when he was playing barefoot in the garden; the shard could only be removed by surgery.)
Solicitous(adj)
concerned and attentive; eager; anxious about a person's welfare or comfort.
(The manager is so solicitous for the welfare of the staff, that he often goes out of way to help the employees.)
Synonyms: Anxious
Antonyms: apathetic, indifferent.
Related Word: solicitousness, solicitously
Solvent(adj)
able to meet financial obligations; able to dissolve another substance.
(He is under so much debt that even if he sells off his house, he will not be able to become solvent.)
Antonyms: bankrupt
Related Word: solvency
Soporific(adj)
causing drowsiness; tending to induce sleep.
(To make sure that he doesn't disturb anybody during the night, as he is used to, the doctor decided to give the patient a soporific medicine.)
Synonyms: Sedative, Narcotic, Hypnotic, Tranquil
Antonyms: Energizer, Stimulant
Related Word: Soporifically.
Sparse(adj)
tin; not dense; arranged at widely spaced intervals.
(This is an extremely dry region; the sparse vegetation here consists only of thorny bushes and shrubs.)
Synonyms: Meager, scanty
Related Word: Sparseness, sparsely
Spendthrift(n)
someone who wastes money recklessly.
(Had he not been a spendthrift, he could have saved his father's hard-earned money and utilized it in something better, but now he will have to beg for money.)
Synonyms: Prodigal, Profligate
Antonyms: Thrifty
Sporadic(adj)
occurring only occasionally, or in scattered instances.
(The 12 hour curfew was marked by sporadic incidents of violence, but other than that it was largely peaceful.)
Synonyms: Intermittent, spasmodic
Antonyms: frequent, continual, continuous
Squalid(adj)
sordid; wretched and dirty as from neglect.
(Despite several complaints by the patients regarding the squalid condition of the hospital, no action has yet been taken to improve the prevalent condition)
Synonyms: Sordid, Abject
Antonyms: Splendid, pleasant, tidy
Related Word: squalidness, squalidly, squalor
Stoic(adj)
indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain; steadfast.
(The Wimbledon champion is known for being amazingly restrained in display of emotions - he is equally stoical in victory as he is in defeat.)
Synonyms: Impassive, Solid
Antonyms: Passionate
Related Word: Stoical, Stoically, Stoicism.
Stupefy(v)
to stun, baffle, or amaze.
(The people on the beach watched stupefied as the huge shark suddenly emerged out of the water and grabbed the unfortunate swimmer in its huge jaws.)
Synonyms: Daunt, astonish, overwhelm, intimidate, dazzle
Subtle(adj)
not obvious, elusive, difficult to discern.
(She would be absolutely devastated by the news of her son's death, we'll have to break the news to her really subtly.)
Synonyms: Perspicacious
Antonyms: conspicuous
Related Word: Subtlety, Subtly
Superfluous(adj)
exceeding what is sufficient or necessary.
(The editor asked him to rewrite the article, making it crisper and more precise, and said that the second paragraph could almost entirely be deleted as it was superfluous.)
Synonyms: Redundant
Antonyms: Dearth, Paucity
Related Word: Superfluousness, superfluity, superfluously
Supplant(v)
to put something in place of something else, often unfairly or improperly.
(In the recent general elections, the issue of terrorism emerged as the most important issue, supplanting even the very significant issue of unemployment.)
Synonyms: Usurp
Surfeit(v,n)
stuff oneself, indulge in excess drinking or eating. Hence, too much or more than is needed.
(We had a bumper crop of tomatoes this year, and in the absence of significant demand, we've had a surfeit of tomatoes this year - we've been forced to sell them at half their normal price.)
Synonyms: Satiate.
Synthesis(n)
The combination of parts to make a whole.
(His latest album of fusion instrumental music is a brilliant synthesis of Indian ragas, Egyptian rhythms and Carrebean calypso)
Synonyms: Integration
Related Word: Synthesize
Tacit(adj)
implied; not explicitly stated.
(The Prime Minister could not won the vote of confidence without the help of Mr. Kilmer and his party men, so it's quite certain that he had the tacit support of Mr. Kilmer throughout the proceedings.)
Synonyms: Implied.
Related Word: Tacitly
Tenuous(adj)
having little substance or strength, flimsy, weak.
(The connection between the novel and the movie is quite tenuous and it cannot be said that the movie is based on the novel.)
Synonyms: Flimsy
Antonyms: Substantial
Related Word: Tenuously, Tenuousness.
Torpid(adj)
lethargic, sluggish, dormant.
(The teacher was having a difficult time explaining the concept to the students as the whole class was feeling sleepy and torpid, after staying up the previous night till late because of a class party.)
Synonyms: lifeless, languid
Antonyms: vivacious
Related Word: Torpor, torpidity, torpidly
Torque(n)
A force that causes rotation.
Tortuous(adj)
winding, twisting, excessively complicated.
(Instead of the direct route, he told us to take a tortuous route that took us an hour more to reach than the direct route would have taken.)
Related Word: Tortuousity, tortuousness, tourtuosly
Tout(n,v)
Pester possible customers with requests (for orders), person employed for such job.
(Tourists to India are repeatedly warned by their well-wishers to beware the touts in the areas of tourist interest, who can give false information without the slightest bit or remorse in order to extract money from them.)
Unfeigned(adj)
genuine; not false or hypocritical.
(greet somebody with unfeigned pleasure.)
Untenable(adj)
indefensible; not viable; uninhabitable.
(The government has already stretched to the limits the reclaimation of land from the sea, any more reclaimation would be untenable.)
Synonyms: Untended, Unthatched, Untempered, Indefensible.
Antonyms: Supportable
Urbane(adj)
sophisticated; refined; elegant in manner.
(The urbanity in his behavior is due to the fact that he has been brought up and taught in a royal atmosphere.)
Synonyms: unctuous, voluble
Antonyms: Inept
Related Word: Urbanely, Urbanity
Variegated(adj)
multicolored; characterized by a variety of patches of different color.
(While the flowers in Stubbs' garden are single colored, the flowers in Mebbin's garden are variegated with brown and green spots.)
Synonyms: Heterogeneous
Antonyms: Homogeneous
Related Word: Variegation
Vexation(n)
annoyance; irritation.
(After several unsuccessful attempts to start his car, he swore in vexation.)
Vigilant(adj)
alertly watchful.
(Following the bomb scare at the airport, the staff have been warned to be extra vigilant.)
Synonyms: Circumspection.
Related Word: Vigilance, Vigilante, Vigil.
Vilify(v)
to defame or degrade (something or someone) by saying or writing unpleasant things.
(When it was discovered that he had been operating as a spy, he was vilified in the press as being a traitor.)
Synonyms: Malign, traduce, denigrate, calumniate.
Virulent(adj)
extremely harmful or poisonous; bitterly hostile or antagonistic.
(The latest attack by the powerful computer virus is perhaps the most virulent ever, it has the capacity to permanently damage the hard disks of the computer.)
Related Word: Virulently, Virulence, Virulency
Viscous(adj)
sticky, glutinous
(As soon as the scientist poured the chemical into the beaker, the watery liquid in it became thick and viscous.)
Related Word: Viscosity, Viscid
Vituperate(v)
to use harsh, condemnatory language; to abuse or censure severely or abusively; berate.
(It was totally unlike him to criticize the chairman in such vituperative words - I've always thought of him to be mild and gentle.)
Synonyms: Revile
Related Word: Vituperation, Vituperative
Volatile(adj)
readily changing to a vapor; changeable; fickle; explosive
(Immediately after the demolition of the temple, the situation in the town turned volatile, and the police had to be called in to control the angry crowd.)
Related Word: Volatility.
Voracious(adj)
having an insatiable appetite for an activity or pursuit; ravenous.
(He has a voracious appetite - he can eat alone for one meal what the four of us together eat.)
Antonyms: Generous
Related Word: Voraciously, Voracity, Voraciousness.
Waver(v)
to move to and fro; to sway; to be unsettled in opinion.
(I'm afraid my concentration began to waver as lunch approached. He has never wavered in his support for the leader.)
Zealous(adj)
fervent; ardent; impassioned
(A zealous supporter of the government's policies.)
Mendacious(adj)
not truthful.
(Some of these statements are misleading and some downright mendacious.)
Synonyms: Dishonest
Antonyms: Veracious, truthful
Related Word: Mendaciously, mendacity
Moisten(v)
to make something slightly wet or to become slightly wet.
(Moisten the cloth before using it to clean glass.)
Embryonic(adj)
undeveloped, in a very early stage of growth.
(Poultry farms place the eggs into incubators to hasten the growth of the embryo into chicken.)
Synonyms: Rudimentary
Related Word: Embryo
Preclude(v)
To render impossible, prevent
(His contract precludes him from discussing his work with anyone outside the company.)
Synonyms: preempt
Antonyms: Conclude
Related Word: Preclusion
Lethargic(adj)
Feeling unwilling and unable to do anything.
(It is not unusual for most people to feel a little lethargic after a heavy meal, specially on a warm afternoon.)
Synonyms: Lazy
Antonyms: Awake, Vigorous
Related Word: Lethargy
Melancholy(n,adj)
sadness and depression, sad, gloomy.
(The melancholy news of the brutal massacre of thousands of innocent civilians soon spread all over the world.)
Synonyms: Sadness, Depression
Related Word: Melancholic, Melancholia
Cursory(adj)
Casual, quick, not detailed, hastily done.
(A cursory examination of this report will not help you much, you need to read through it in detail.)
Antonyms: Detailed, Thorough.
Related Word: Cursorily
Sinecure(n)
Well-paid position with little responsibility.
(His new job is a real sinecure - for a salary of $60000, all he has to do each day is to verify some computer records with some information recorded from different offices of the company.)
Simper(v,n)
to smile in a foolish or silly way.
(She gave her teacher a simpering smile.)
Synonyms: Grimace
Epicure(n)
A person having great interest in matters of taste and enjoyment particularly food and drink.
(Bruce is a complete Epicurean who believes more in simply enjoying life rather than working hard.)
Synonyms: Gourmet, Gastronome
Related Word: Epicurean
Jejune(adj)
dull and dry, very simple and childish
(His lectures were so jejune that most of the members were seen napping while he was delivering it.)
Synonyms: Insipid, Tedious, Vapid
Related Word: Jejunely, Jejuneness
Nostrum(n)
An idea that someone thinks will solve a problem easily but will probably not help at all.
(An economic nostrum)
Remedy(n, v)
A successful way of curing an illness or dealing with a problem or difficulty.
(An effective herbal remedy for headaches. The best remedy for grief is hard work. The mistake must be remedied immediately.)
Engender(v)
to produce, cause, bring about.
(Religious sects are meant to engender peace amongst the people instead of which they create only disharmony.)
Beget(v)
To give rise to; to produce.
(Violence can never be a solution to this turmoil; it will only beget more violence. Poverty begets hunger, and hunger begets crime.)
Synonyms: Spawn
Related Word: Begetter.
Procreate(v)
to produce young.
(While priests were denied the right to marry and procreate, he said, their situation would remain impossible.)
Spawn(v,n)
to lay eggs (usu used for fish and other water animals), to bring into existence.
(The new economic freedom has spawned hundreds of new small businesses. She started screaming that I was a spawn of Satan because I was smoking a cigarette.)
Synonyms: Progeny.
Enfeeble(v)
to make someone or something very weak.
Debilitate(v)
Enfeeble, weaken
(Chemotherapy exhausted and debilitated him.)
Antonyms: Strengthen.
Sap(v)
to weaken someone or take away strength or an important quality from someone, especially over a long period of time.
(Constant criticism saps you of your confidence. Looking after her dying mother had sapped all her energy.)
Ape(v)
to copy something or someone badly and unsuccessfully.
(He called the new building unoriginal and said that it merely aped the classical traditions.)
Imitate(v)
to behave in a similar way to someone or something else, or to copy the speech or behaviour of someone or something.
(Some of the younger pop bands try to imitate their musical heroes from the past.)
Dirge(n)
A song or a poem of grief or of lamentation for the dead.
(As soon as the hospital authorities formally announced the passing away of the head of state, the television and radio stations in the country started playing a mournful dirge.)
Synonyms: Elegy, Threnody
Antonyms: Paean.
Efficacious(adj)
producing the desired result, effective
(The medicine prescribed by the junior doctor proved to be efficacious and relieved him off his pain immediately.)
Related Word: Efficacy, Efficaciously
Dupe(v,n)
someone easily fooled, to cheat someone.
(The company had a vicious plan of duping thousands of innocent villagers of their hard-earned, meager savings by showing them illusions of enormous returns on their investments.)
Related Word: Dupery, Duper, Dupable
Beguile(v)
cheat, do something deceitful, to spend time in a pleasant way.
(I was beguiled by him into believing that he was a representative of the company. We beguiled the long hours as we waited for the train by playing Scrabbles and recounting anecdotes.)
Synonyms: Hoax, Swindle
Related Word: Beguilement.
Cozen(v)
to deceive, to cheat
(to cozen somebody into doing something.)
Hoodwink(v)
to deceive, to cheat.
(By making some false announcements to the press, he managed to hoodwink a large number of people into investing in his company.)
Synonyms: Delude
Bluff(v)
to deceive someone by making them think either that you are going to do something when you really have no intention of doing it, or that you have knowledge that you do not really have, or that you are someone else.
(Is he going to jump or is he only bluffing? She bluffed the doorman into thinking that she was a reporter.)
Delude(v)
Mislead, fool, dupe, gull.
(The thieves deluded the old woman into thinking that they had been sent by the telephone department to set right the faulty line.)
Synonyms: Cozen, Deceive
Related Word: Delusion
Humbug(n)
dishonest talk, writing or behavior that is intended to deceive people.
(The usual political humbug.)
Doctrinaire(adj)
based on fixed beliefs.
(These principles are doctrinaire.)
Magisterial(adj)
having or seeming to have complete authority.
(His magisterial presence.)
Doctrine(n)
A belief or set of beliefs, especially political or religious, taught and accepted by a particular group.
(The president said he would not go against sound military doctrine.)
Related Word: Doctrinism, Doctrinist
Creed(n)
A formal statement of beliefs.
(The chairman insisted that each and every employee in the company should treat customer satisfaction as the most important creed of the company.)
Synonyms: Credo
Dissonant(adj)
not in harmony, harsh.
(The orchestra played in perfect unison, with not a single dissonant note being struck.)
Antonyms: Harmonious
Related Word: Dissonance, Dissonantly.
Dissension(n)
arguments and disagreement, especially in an organization, group, political party.
(There are signs of dissension within the ruling political party.)
Strife(n)
conflict, struggle.
(What are the prospects for overcoming the strife between the Christian minority and Muslim majority? Twenty years of civil strife have left the country's economy in ruins.)
Synonyms: Altercation, Discord
Dissent(v,n)
to think differently or disagree; difference of opinion.
(Though he did not express dissent, I could see that he was not fully in agreement with the plan that the CEO had proposed.)
Antonyms: Concur
Related Word: Dissentient
Dissident(n)
rebelious, person who disagree with and criticizes the group to which he/she belongs.
(Because of the unpopularity of the new leader in the political party, a number of its members had turned dissidents, which was a cause for worry for the leadership.)
Related Word: Dissidence.
Variance(n)
when two or more things are different, or the amount or number by which they are different.
(There has been some unusual variance in temperature this month.)
Masquerade(v,n)
behavior that is intended to prevent the truth about something unpleasant or not desirable from becoming known; to pretend or appear to be someone or something.
(They kept up the masquerade of being happily married for over thirty years. Hooligans masquerading as football fans have once again caused disturbances.)
Sham(n,v)
something that is not what it appears, pretend.
(He isn't really upset - he's just shamming. It turned out that he wasn't a real doctor at all - he was just a sham.)
Dissimulate(v)
Pretend, Conceal
(Though he tried hard to keep a straight face, he could not dissimulate that he had felt greatly hurt because of the harsh words spoken against him by his friend.)
Related Word: Dissimulation, Dissimulator.
Feign(v)
to pretend to feel something, usually an emotion.
(You know how everyone feigns surprise when you tell them how old you are.)
Synonyms: Pretend.
Descry(v)
to realize, to notice, to discern.
(To descry a small hut a long way off among big trees.)
Espy(v)
to suddenly or unexpectedly see something, especially something a long distance away.
(She suddenly espied someone waving at her from the window.)
Tyro(n)
A beginner, novice.
(They considered him too much of a tyro to be entrusted with such a crucial task, but he surprised them by thinking of a plan which none of them had thought of despite their vast experience.)
Synonyms: Neophyte; Fledgling.
Antonyms: Expert.
Dabble(v)
splash, work in a non-serious manner.
(The little girls playfully dabbled their feet in the fast flowing river. He dabbled in fashion designing for a while, then deciding that he did not have the flair for it, took to pursuing interior decoration.)
Related Word: Dabbler.
Superficial(adj)
on the surface, shallow, not thorough or complete.
(I could see that his interest in my paintings was only superficial, he was clearly preoccupied with something else in his mind.)
Synonyms: Hypocritical, Tame
Antonyms: Profound, Basic
Related Word: Superficiality, Superficially
Dilatory(adj)
Delaying, tending to slow down action.
(The heavy lunch had a dilatory effect on my pace of work, and I could not complete the task by the evening as I had planned.)
Synonyms: Cunctative, Fabian
Antonyms: Expediting.
Related Word: Dilatory, Dilatoriness
Flagging(adj)
becoming weaker.
(Flagging energy/enthusiasm.)
Dilate(v)
Expand, Widen, Enlarge, make or become wider.
(The pupils of the eye become small as soon as light falls on them, whereas darkness makes them dilate.)
Antonyms: Narrow.
Related Word: Dilation.
Elaborate(v)
to add more information to or explain something that you have said.
(The minister said he was resigning, but refused to elaborate on his reasons for doing so.)
Expatiate(v)
to speak or write about something in great detail or for a long time.
(She expatiated upon her work for the duration of the meal.)
Amplify(v)
Enlarge, to increase in size, effect by explaining in greater detail.
(He amplified his statements about the extent of poverty in the country by showing a lot of photographs he had himself taken over the past one year.)
Synonyms: Augment, Embellish.
Antonyms: Decrease
Related Word: Amplifier, Amplification
Diffidence(n)
Shyness, excessively modest.
(At first, she was extremely diffident about teaching a class of college students, but gained confidence almost as soon as she started her class.)
Synonyms: Bashful
Antonyms: Boldness
Related Word: Diffident, Diffidently
Bashful(adj)
Shy, too hesitant to open up and share.
(The six-year old girl was bashful and coy to begin with, but soon she opened up and gave me all the information I wanted.)
Synonyms: Blushing, diffident, timid
Related Word: Bashfully, Bashfulness.
Modest(adj)
not large in size or amount, or not expensive; tending not to talk about or make obvious your own abilities and achievements.
(They live in a fairly modest house, considering their wealth. He's very modest about his achievements.)
Timid(adj)
shy and nervous; lacking confidence; easily frightened.
(Lucy is a rather timid child. My horse is a bit timid and is easily frightened by traffic.)
Jeremiad(n)
Tale of woe.
(Everyone in the community had their own set of miseries and problems, so no one was really interested in listening to his jeremiad.)
Synonyms: Ramentation
Malediction(n)
Curse.
(The malediction of the witch-doctor seemed to be taking effect - he was developing ugly looking rashes all over his face and back.)
Related Word: Maledictive, maledictory
Invective(n)
Abuse, violent attack in words.
(The meeting was soon reduced to a platform for venting personal enmities, and invectives, charges, and counter charges flew in all directions.)
Obloquy(n)
very strong and offensive criticism; loss of respect and honor.
Desultory(adj)
jumping from one thing to another; disconnected.
(Diane had a desultory academic record; she had changed majors 12 times in 3 years.)
Synonyms: Unmethodical
Antonyms: Systematic
Haphazard(adj)
not having an obvious order or plan.
(He tackled the problem in a typically haphazard manner.)
Antonyms: Deliberate.
Parch(v)
To become dried and wrinkled because of heat.
(Due to the lack of rains, the farms were parched and became useless for farming.)
Antonyms: Wet
Related Word: Parched.
Dehydrate(v)
Remove water from, dry out, lose water.
(After walking in the sun for nearly an hour, I was feeling quite dehydrated and was desperately looking for water to drink.)
Related Word: Dehydration.
Derisive(adj)
showing that you think someone or something is stupid or silly.
(Derisive laughter.)
Taunt(v)
to intentionally annoy and upset someone by making unkind remarks to them, laughing at them.
(The other children used to taunt him in the playground because he was fat and wore glasses.)
Jeer(n,v)
to laugh or shout insults at someone to show you have no respect for them.
(The people at the back of the hall jeered at the speaker. The news that the performance was being cancelled was greeted by boos and jeers from the audience.)
Scoff(v)
Make fun of, ridicule.
(Nearly fifty years ago, my grandfather had predicted that typewriters would be replaced by electronic word processors, and his peers had scoffed at this idea.)
Synonyms: Taunt, Gibe, Mock.
Sneer(v)
to talk about or look at someone or something in an unkind way that shows you do not respect or approve of them.
(You may sneer, but a lot of people like this kind of music. She'll probably sneer at my new shoes because they're not expensive.)
Deride(v)
to make fun of, to treat scornfully, scoff at.
(Everyone present at the gathering derided him for his stupid comments; some even went to the extent of saying that he had lost his mental balance.)
Related Word: Derision, Derisive.
Deference(n)
Compliance with advice, courteous regard for another's wish.
(In deference to Indian custom, they had to take off their shoes before entering the temple.)
Antonyms: Contempt.
Reverent(n)
Respectful, showing great admiration and respect.
(The charisma and good will of the great Dalai Lama is evident from the reverence shown by his disciples.)
Synonyms: Devout, Solemn
Antonyms: Flippant, frivolous
Related Word: Reverence, Reverently, Reverential.
Courtesy(n)
polite behavior, or a polite action or remark.
(You might get on better with your parents if you showed them some courtesy.)
Etiquette(n)
The set of rules or customs which control accepted behavior in particular social groups or social situations.
(Social etiquette dictates that men cannot sit while women are standing.)
Seemly(adj)
socially suitable and polite.
Mores(n)
Conventions, moral standards, customs.
(Even though he is known for not following social mores and customs, he should have at least been dressed properly for his sister's wedding.)
Propriety(n)
Correctness of conduct, rightness.
(Even in the most forward societies, a live-in relationship between a younger man and an older woman is seen as flouting the norms of social propriety.)
Crescendo(n)
Increase in the volume or intensity in a musical passage, climax.
(The Crescendo of tension became unbearable as Evel Knievel prepared to jump his motorcycle over the school buses.)
Antonyms: Diminuendo
Authenticate(v)
to prove genuine.
(Though there is no way that I can authenticate this painting as a Salvador Dali, it looks very much to be a Dali original.)
Synonyms: Substantiate
Antonyms: Spurious, bogus, ersatz
Buttress(v,n)
To support.
(The events in Russia and other socialist countries in the 1990s buttressed the stand of the free-market economists.)
Synonyms: Bolster, Prop
Byzantine(adj)
difficult to understand and complicated.
(Rules of byzantine complexity.)
Perplex(v)
to confuse or trouble someone by being difficult to understand.
(The AIDS virus has continued to perplex top scientists who have been unable to understand the virus properly of find a cure.)
Related Word: Perplexity.
Knotty(adj)
Puzzling, complicated and difficult to solve.
(The shrewd journalist tried his best to discomfort the young actress with one knotty question after the other, but she proved to be sharper than he had thought and managed to effectively counter each confusing question.)
Synonyms: Gnarled, Convoluted, Blemished.
Related Word: Knottiness, Knottily.
Tangle(n)
An untidy mass of things that are not in a state of order, or a state of confusion of difficulty.
(A tangle of wires.)
Remit(v)
To reduce a period of time that someone must spend in prison.
(She has had part of her sentence remitted. His prison sentence was remitted to two years.)
Artifice(n)
A clever trick, deceitful device.
(The walls of this room have large mirrors on them; which is an artifice to make the room look larger.)
Synonyms: Stratagem, Ruse
Antonyms: Sincerity, Candor
Connive(v)
To work together for some illegal or fraudulent purpose.
(The policeman asserted with authority that the robbery could only have been committed with the connivance of an employee of the art gallery who was familiar with the layout of the gallery.)
Related Word: Connivance.
Pettifogging(adj)
worrying about small and unimportant details.
(I am stuck with an amazingly pettifogging boss; she constantly worries about unnecessary details and asks me hundreds of irrelevant questions.)
Sophistry(n)
clever and subtle, but misleading reasoning.
(In an obvious case of sophistry, the minister is trying to explain the irrational decision to grant more subsidies as being done for the general good of the people.)
Synonyms: Sophism
Subterfuge(n)
A secret trick or dishonest way of doing something.
(When he did not succeed in getting the property by straightforward methods, he resort to the use of subterfuge to obtain it.)
Synonyms: Deception, Chicanery, Duplicity
Sneak(v)
to go somewhere secretly, or to take someone or something somewhere secretly.
(I managed to sneak in through the back door while she wasn't looking.)
Underhanded(adj)
done secretly, and sometimes dishonestly, in order to achieve an advantage.
(What really angered her was the dirty underhand way they had tricked her.)
Chauvinist(n)
someone prejudiced in favor of a group to which he or she belongs.
(The attitude that men are inherently superior to women and therefore must be obeyed is common among male chauvinists.)
Topsy-Turvy(adj)
in a state of being confused, not well organized or giving importance to unexpected thins; upside down.
(The government's topsy-turvy priorities mean that spending on education remains low.)
Snarl(v)
to make a deep rough sound while showing the teeth, usually in anger or to speak or say something angrily and fiercely.
(The dogs started to snarl at each other so I had to separate them.)
Mordant(adj)
cruel and cutting.
(If he has used such words of criticism, that was a rather mordant remark - he's known for being careful and gentle with words.)
Synonyms: Sarcastic, caustic, acerbic
Related Word: Mordancy
Chastise(v)
Punish or blame severely.
(The Security and Exchange Commission has chastised the management of several Fortune 1000 companies for deliberately inflating the value of their stock by giving unsubstantiated statements to the press.)
Reprimand(v)
to express to someone your strong official disapproval of them, reprove severely.
(The young executive, because of whom the deal could not be signed, was reprimanded in front of the staff by the manager.)
Synonyms: Rebuke, Castigate
Reproach(v,n)
Express disapproval or disappointment, thing that brings disgrace or discredit.
(There is no need for you to reproach yourself for the accident, it was clearly not your mistake.)
Synonyms: Censure, Reprimand.
Related Word: Reproachful
Chide(v)
Scold, Complain Angrily.
(Even as the teacher chided him for not submitting his task on time, he did not show any signs of regret or repentance.)
Synonyms: Upbraid, Reproach, Rebuke.
Antonyms: Praise
Reprove(v)
to tell someone that you disapprove of their wrong or foolish behavior.
(The teacher gently reproved the boys for not paying attention.)
Scold(v)
to tell off someone of whose behavior you disapprove.
(His mother scolded him for breaking her favorite vase.)
Arbitrary(adj)
Derived from mere opinion or random choice, unreasonable.
(Though his decision seemed rather arbitrary at the time, it proved to be among the best decisions of his life.)
Synonyms: Capricious, Discretionary.
Related Word: Arbitrarily, Arbitrariness, Arbitrate
Willful(adj)
Done intentionally or determined to do exactly as you want, even if you know it's wrong.
(The present crisis is the result of years of willful neglect by the council.)
Whimsical(adj)
unusual and strange in an amusing or annoying way.
(He tried his best to make himself heard in the meeting but everyone discarded his ideas as being impractical and whimsical.)
Synonyms: Fantastic, Capricious.
Related Word: Whimsicality, Whimsically
Clamor(v,n)
loud, confused noise. To make such noise.
(There was no way I could have heard her voice above the loud clamor of the children playing in the field.)
Related Word: Clamorous.
Din(n,v)
a loud unpleasant confused noise which lasts for a long time, to say something forcefully and repeatedly to someone so that they remember it.
(The children were making a terrible din. It was dinned into me that I mustn't be late.)
Bloated(adj)
swollen and rounded because of containing too much air, liquid or food; unnecessarily large or wealthy.
(He had been brought up in a luxurious and pampered environment, which was the main reason behind his bloated ego and wasteful ways.)
Synonyms: Pompous, Magisterial
Related Word: Bloat
Declaim(v)
to express something with strong feeling, especially in a loud voice or with forceful language.
(She declaimed against the evils of capitalism.)
Prop(v)
to support something physically, often by learning it against something else or putting something under it.
(She was sitting at the desk with her chin propped on her hands. I propped my bike against the wall.)
Underpin(v)
to give support, strength or a basic structure to something.
(He presented the figures to underpin his argument. Gradually the laws that underpinned apartheid were abolished.)
Bleak(adj)
Cheerless, dull, hopeless.
(His blood pressure has fallen to such a low level that the doctors feel that chances of survival are bleak.)
Synonyms: melancholy, desolate
Dour(adj)
Stern, Severe
(In contrast to the reticent and dour principal of the school, who was a strict disciplinarian, the new music teacher was full of mirth and laughter, often seen joking with the students on the school lawns.)
Synonyms: Inflexible
Related Word: Dourly, Dourness.
Grim(adj)
worried or worrying, without hope.
(The future looks grim. Her face was grim as she told them the bad news.)
Audacious(adj)
Bold, daring, fearless.
("And you, your majesty, may kiss my burn!" replied the audacious peasant.)
Synonyms: Intrepid, Courageous, Dauntless.
Related Word: Audaciously, Audacity, Audaciousness.
Plucky(adj)
brave.
(It was plucky of you to chase after the burglar.)
Dauntless(adj)
showing determination and a lack of fear.
(In spite of the scale of the famine, the relief workers struggled on with dauntless optimism and commitment.)
Stout(adj)
strong and determined, quiet fat and solid-looking.
(Mrs Blower was the rather stout lady with the glasses and the sensible shoes. He needed a cool head, a stout heart and nerves of steel.)
Doughty(adj)
determined, brave and unwilling ever to admit defeat.
(She has been for many years a doughty campaigner for women's rights.)
Gallant(adj)
showing no fear of dangerous or difficult things.
(Despite fierce competition she made a gallant effort to win the first medal of the championships.)
Mettle(n)
ability and determination when competing or doing something difficult.
(The German athletes showed their mettle in the final round. The real test of her political mettle came in May elections. Both players were on their mettle in the final round.)
Stouthearted(adj)
brave and determined.
(Even the most stouthearted of hikers would have had to turn back in this weather.)
Valor(n)
great bravery.
(He was promoted to the rank of major in recognition of his valour during the battle.)
Venturesome(adj)
describes a person who is willing to take risks, or an action or behavior that is risky.
(He has become more venturesome this season with dress designs that incorporate a variety of ethnic influences.)
Undaunted(adj)
still determined and enthusiastic, despite problems or lack of success.
(Undaunted by the cold and the rain, people danced until 2 am. The team remain undaunted, despite three defeats in a row.)
Attenuate(v)
to reduce in force or degree; to weaken.
(The Bill of Rights attenuated the traditional power of government to change laws at will.)
Dilute(v,adj)
make less concentrated, reduce in strength by adding water or other solvent, weakened.
(The company took a series of measures, including an announcement on television, to dilute the public fears about the safety of its new drug.)
Related Word: Dilution
Unnerve(v)
to make someone feel less confident and slightly frightened.
(I think it unnerved me to be interviewed by so many people.)
Undermine(v)
to make someone less confident, less powerful or less likely to succeed, or to make something weaker, often gradually.
(The President has accused two cabinet ministers of working secretly to undermine his position. Criticism just undermines their confidence.)
Allay(v)
to calm, pacify or diminish.
(The President's statement was meant to allay public fears over the war situation; however, it ended up increasing the panic among the people.)
Synonyms: appeal, assuage.
Palliative(n,adj)
A drug that reduces pain or discomfort, but does not cure. Hence, anything that makes a problem seem less serious but does not solve it altogether.
(We want long-term solutions, not short-term palliatives. )
Mitigate(v)
reduce severity of; soften or lessen.
(He tried all sorts of liniments and balms, but nothing could mitigate the pain in his shoulder.)
Synonyms: Alleviate
Antonyms: Intensify
Related Word: Mitigatory, Mitigable, Mitigation.
Conciliate(v)
To win the trust of someone, remove disfavor or anger.
(He tried hard to win back her favor, but all his attempts at conciliation were snubbed by her.)
Antonyms: Quarrel.
Related Word: Conciliation, Conciliatory.
Appease(v)
Try to conciliate or bribe by making concessions.
(I tried my best to appease the child by offering him toffees, but he continued to howl at the top of his voice.)
Synonyms: Pacify
Antonyms: Agitate.
Articulate(adj,v)
to express thoughts and feelings clearly.
(Though he finds it very difficult to articulate his feelings to anyone, he opens up with me and shares all his distress.)
Synonyms: Eloquent.
Related Word: Articulation, Articulateness, Articulately, Articulation.
Arbitrate(v)
to judge a dispute between two apposing parties.
(Since the couple could not come to agreement, a judge was forced to arbitrate their divorce proceedings.)
Related Word: Arbitration, Arbitrator.
Adjudge(v)
to announce a decision or consider something, especially officially.
(In October 1990, Mirchandani was adjudged bankrupt.)
Adjudicate(v)
to act as judge in a competition or argument, or to make a formal decision about something.
(He was asked to adjudicate on the dispute. The game was adjudicated a win for Black.)
Bygone(adj)
belonging to or happening in a past time.
(A bygone era.)
Fusty(adj)
not fresh and smelling unpleasant, old-fashioned in ideas and beliefs.
(This room smells a bit fusty. Rupert's father belongs to some fusty old gentleman's club in London where they don't allow women in.)
Antediluvian(adj)
extremely old-fashioned.
(My mother has some hopelessly antediluvian ideas about the role of women.)
Prehistoric(adj)
describing the period before there were written records, very old-fashioned.
(He has prehistoric views about women who have careers. Painting originated in prehistoric times.)
Supersede(v)
to replace something, especially something older or more old-fashioned.
(Most of the old road - which stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles - has been superseded by the great Interstate highways.)
Obsolete(adj)
not in use any more, having been replaced by something newer and better or more fashionable.
(Gas lamp became obsolete when electric lighting was invented.)
Stale(adj)
no longer new or fresh, usually as a result of being kept for too long, boring because of too familiar.
(The bread had gone stale. The morning after the party, their apartment smelled of stale cigarette smoke. They had been working together for over five years and they had both become a little stale.)
Vintage(adj)
of high quality and lasting value, or showing the best and most typical characteristics of a particular type of thing, especially from the past.
(A vintage aircraft, a vintage comic book.)
Superannuated(adj)
old, and almost no longer suitable for work or use.
Dowdy(adj)
not attractive or fashionable.
(She looked dowdy and plain in that outfit.)
Passe(adj)
no longer fashionable.
(Wines from that region were quite popular for a while, but now they're rather passe.)
Ebb(v)
If a physical or emotional feeling ebbs, it becomes less strong or disappears.
(He could feel his strength ebbing away)
Abstain(v)
To not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad.
(He took a vow to abstain from alcohol/smoking/sex.)
Flee(v)
To escape by running away, especially because of danger or fear
(In order to escape capture, he fled to the mountains.)
Decamp(v)
To leave suddenly and unexpectedly, usually without telling anyone
(He decamped from the hotel with someone else’s luggage.)
Subside(v)
If a condition subsides, it becomes less strong or extreme. If a building, land or water subsides, it goes down to a lower level.
(The police are hoping that the violence will soon subside. There is danger that many homes will subside because of the drought.)
Lapse(v,n)
A temporary failure, a period of time passing between two things happening. To end legally or officially by not being continued or made effective for a longer period.
(A lapse of concentration. The management’s decision to ignore the safety warnings demonstrated a remarkable lapse of judgment. He turned up again after a lapse of two years. The association needs to win back former members who have allowed their subscriptions to lapse.)
Slacken(v)
To loosen.
(Slacken the reins or you’ll hurt the horse’s mouth)
Forbear(v)
To prevent yourself from saying or doing something, especially in a way that shows control, good judgment or kindness to others.
(The doctor said she was optimistic about the outcome of the operation but forbore to make any promises at this early stage.)
Refrain(v)
To avoid doing or stop yourself from doing something.
(We refrained from talking until we knew that it was safe. The sign on the wall said “Please refrain from smoking.)
Withhold(v)
To refuse to give something or to keep back something.
(During the trial, the prosecution was accused of withholding crucial evidence from the defence.)
Abyss(n)
A very deep hole which seems to have no bottom. A difficult situation that brings trouble or destruction.
(The country is sinking into an abyss of violence and lawlessness. She found herself on the edge of an abyss.)
Void(n)
A large hole or empty space, a feeling of unhappiness because someone or something is missing.
(She stood at the edge of the chasm and stared into the void. They tried to describe their attempts to fill the void left by their son’s death.)
Dignify(v)
To cause something to be valued and respected, to cause something to be valued and respected when that is not deserved.
(The defeated candidate gave a dignified speech in which he congratulated his rival. I’m not even going to dignify that stupid question with an answer.)
Ennoble(v)
To make someone a member of the nobility (=highest social rank), to make something or someone more admirable.
(He has this theory that suffering can ennoble a person’s character.)
Apotheosis((n)
The best or most extreme example of something.
(Most people agree that her acting career achieved its apotheosis in this film. Bad taste in clothes reached its apotheosis in the 1970s.)
Elevate(v)
To raise something or lift something up. To make someone or something more important or to improve something.
(The platform was elevated by means of hydraulic legs. These factors helped to elevate the town into the list of the ten most attractive in the country.)
Swell(v)
To become larger and rounder than usual; to increase in size or amount.
(His heart swelled with pride as he stood watching his son graduate. It was obvious she had broken her toe, because it immediately started to swell.)
Augment(v)
To increase the size or value of something by adding something to it.
(He would have to find work to augment his imcome.)
Glorify(v)
To make something seem splendid or excellent, often when it is really not. To praise and honor God or a person.
(I didn’t like the way the film glorified war/violence. A statue was erected to glorify the country’s national heroes.)
Uplift(v,n)
Improvement of a person’s moral or spiritual condition. To raise something to a higher position.
(We are counting on your speech, bishop, to give some moral uplift to the delegates)
Admixture(n)
Something that is added to something else.
(Platinum combines with phosphorus and arsenic and is seldom found without an admixture of related metals.
Intermingle(v)
To become mixed together.
(The flavors intermingle to produce a very unusual taste. Fact is intermingled with fiction throughout the book.)
Indeterminate(adj)
Not measured, counted or clearly described.
(An indeterminate number of workers have already been exposed to the danger. A man of indeterminate age.)
Amend(v)
To change the words of a text, typically a law or a legal document.
(Until the constitution is amended, the power to appoint ministers will remain with the president.)
Pacify(v)
To cause someone who is angry or upset to be calm and satisfied.
(He pacified his crying child with a bottle. It was difficult for the police to pacify the angry crowd.)
Commingle(v)
To mix together, or to make different things do this.
(Many towns allow recyclable items to be commingled for collection in a single container.)
Mingle(v)
If two feelings, sounds, smells mingle, they mix together with each other.
(Add the mint and allow the flavors to mingle. Her perfume mingled with the smell of wood smoke from the fire.)
Intermix(v)
To mix together, or mix things together.
Homogeneous(adj)
Consisting of parts or people which are similar to each other or are of the same type.
(The population of the village has remained remarkably homogeneous.)
Deviant(adj)
Describes a person or behavior that is not usual and is generally considered to be unacceptable.
Preternatural(adj)
More than is usual or natural.
(Anger gave me preternatural strength, and I managed to force the door open.)
Clash(v)
To fight or argue.
(The government and the opposition parties have clashed over the cuts in defense spending.
Vex(v)
To cause difficult to someone, or to cause someone feel angry, annoyed or upset.
(This issue looks likely to continue to vex the government.)
Incite(v)
To encourage someone to do or feel something unpleasant or violent.
(She incited racial hatred by distributing anti-Semitic leaflets. She was expelled for inciting her classmates to rebel against their teachers.)
Antagonize(v)
To make someone feel opposition or dislike towards you.
(It’s a very delicate situation and I’ve no wish to antagonize him.)
Antipathy(n)
Strong dislike, opposition or anger.
(Despite the deep antipathies between them, the two sides have managed to negotiate an agreement. Declarations of racial antipathy against ethnic minorities will not be tolerated.)
Animosity(n)
Strong dislike, opposition or anger.
(Of course we’re competitive but there’s no personal animosity between us. In spite of his injuries, he bears no animosity towards his attackers.)
Aversion(n)
A feeling of strong dislike or a lack of willingness to do something.
(I felt an instant aversion to his parents. She has a deep aversion to getting up in the morning.)
Repellent(adj)
Very unpleasant.
(She found him physically repellent. The sight of blood is repellent to some people.)
Animus(n)
A feeling of strong dislike or hatred.
(I have no animus toward Robert.)
Enmity(n)
A feeling of hate.
(She denied any personal enmity towards him. Bitter historical enmities underlie the present violence.)
Apathy(n)
When someone lacks interest or energy and is unwilling to take action especially over a matter of importance.
(Widespread apathy among students)
Phlegm(n)
The ability to stay calm and not get emotional or excited about things even in a difficult or dangerous situation.
Unresponsive(adj)
Not reacting to something or not affected by it.
(The disease is totally unresponsive to conventional treatment.)
Stolid(adj)
Calm and not showing emotion or excitement of not interesting or attractive.
(He’s a very stolid, serious man. The college is a stolid-looking building with no lawn.)
Insensible(adj)
Unconscious, to not care about something or be unwilling to react to it.
(We found her lying on the floor, drunk and insensible. I think he’s largely insensible to other people’s distress.)
Listless(adj)
Lacking energy and enthusiasm and unwilling to do anything needing effort.
(He’s been listless and a bit depressed ever since he got his exam results.)
Conundrum(n)
A problem that is difficult to deal with. A trick question, often involving an amusing use of words that have two meanings.
(Arranging childcare over the school holidays can be quite a conundrum for working parents.)
Enumerate(v)
To name things separately, one by one.
(He enumerated the benefits of the insurance scheme.)
Tabulate(v)
To arrange figures or information together in a set or a list so that they can be easily compared.
Transient(adj)
Lasting for only a short time; temporary.
(A glass of whisky has only a transient warming effect.)
Fleeting(adj)
Brief or quick.
(This is just a fleeting visit.)
Evasive(adj)
Done in order to avoid something or someone.
(The Minister was her usual evasive self, skillfully dodging reporters’ questions about her possible resignation.)
Waffle(v)
To talk or write a lot without giving any useful information or any clear answer.
(If you don’t know the answer, it’s no good just waffling for pages and pages.)
Estimable(adj)
Of a person or their behavior, producing a good opinion; very good.
(He writes estimable poetry under a pseudonym. Her performance under such stressful conditions was estimable.)
Commendable(adj)
Deserving praise.
(Commendable efforts/behavior/bravery)
Meritorious(adj)
Deserving great praise.
(An award for meritorious service.)
Venerable(adj)
Deserving respect because of age, high position or religious or historical importance.
(A venerable tradition/company/family. )
Commend(v)
To formally praise someone or something.
(The judge commended her for her bravery.)
Whitewash(v,n)
To make something bad seem acceptable by hiding the truth.
(The government is trying to whitewash the incompetence of the Treasury officials. The official report on the killings has been denounced as a whitewash.)
Intensify(v)
To become greater, more serious or more extreme, or to make something do this.
(Fighting around the capital has intensified in the last few hours.)
Aggravate(v)
To make a bad situation worse, to annoy someone.(Attempts to restrict parking in the city centre have further aggravated the problem of traffic congestion. Stop aggravating me, will you!)
Absolve(v)
To free someone from guilt, blame or responsibility for something.
(The report absolved her from all blame for the accident.)
Acquit(v)
To decide officially in a court of law that someone is not guilty of a particular crime.
(She was acquitted of all the charges against her.)
Imperative(adj)
Extremely important or urgent; needing to be done or given attention immediately.
(The president said it was imperative that the release of all hostages be secured.)
Fanatical(adj)
Acting excessively enthusiastic; filled with extreme, unquestioned devotion.
(The stormtroopers were fanatical in their devotion to the Emperor, readily sacrificing their lives for him.)
Fiery(adj)
Showing very strong feeling, bright red like fire.
(A fiery orator, a fiery sky/sunset, a fiery chilli sauce.)
Frenzy(n)
Uncontrolled and excited behavior or emotion, which is sometimes violent.
(In a frenzy of rage she hit him.)
Grovel(v)
To behave with too much respect towards someone to show them that you are very eager to please them.
(He sent groveling not of apology.)
Pander(v)
To do or provide exactly what a person, or group wants, especially when it is not acceptable, reasonable or approved of, usually in order to get some personal advantage.
(It’s not good the way she panders to his every whim.)
Toady(n)
A person who praises and is artificially pleasant to people in authority, usually to get some advantage from them.
(She was always toadying to the boss, but she didn’t get a promotion out of it!)
Vehement(adj)
Expressing strong feelings, or characterized by strong feelings or great energy or force.
(Despite vehement opposition from his family, he quit school and became an actor.)
Baroque(adj)
Relating to the heavily decorated style in building, art and music that was popular in Europe in the 17th century and the early part of the 18th century.
(baroque architecture/painters)
Rococo(adj)
relating to the highly decorated and detailed style in buildings, art and furniture that was popular in Europe in the 18th century.
Inflame(v)
To cause or increase very strong feelings such as anger or excitement.
(Reducing the number of staff is certain to inflame the already angry medical profession.)
Parsimonious(adj)
Not willing to spend money or give something.
(She’s too parsimonious to het the house properly.)
Effusive(adj)
Expressing welcome, approval or pleasure in a way that shows very strong feeling.
(They gave us such an effusive welcome it was quite embarrassing.)
Affable(adj)
Friendly and easy to talk to.
(She was quite affable at the meeting.)
Guile(n)
Clever but sometimes dishonest behavior that you use to deceive someone.
(The President will need to use all her political guile to stay in power.)
Exploit(v)
To use something for advantage.
(We need to make sure that we exploit our resources as fully as possible.)
Serene(adj)
Peaceful and calm; troubled by nothing.
(She has a lovely serene face.)
Stoical(adj)
Determined not to complain or show your feelings, especially when something bad happens to you.
(We knew she must be in pain, despite her stoic attitude.)
Impregnable(adj)
A building or other place that is impregnable is so strongly built and defended that it annot be entered by force.
(Despite burglar alarms and window locks, homes a never impregnable against determined thieves.)
Impulsive(adj)
Showing behavior in which you do things suddenly without any planning and without considering the effects they may have.
(Don’t be so impulsive – think before you act.)
Rash(adj)
Careless or unwise, without thought for what might happen or result.
(That was a rash decision – you didn’t think about the costs involved.)
Remorseless(adj)
Severe and showing no regret or guilt, never stopping or impossible to stop.
(Remorseless cruelty/ violence)
Irreconcilable(adj)
Impossible to find agreement between; impossible to deal with.
(They have become irreconcilable, with both sides refusing to compromise any further.)
Amorphous(adj)
Having no fixed form or shape.
(An amorphous mass of jelly.)
Guileless(adj)
Honest, not able to deceive.
(She regarded him with wide, guileless blue eyes.)
Banal(adj)
Boring, ordinary and not original.
(He just sat there making banal remarks all evening.)
Submerge(v)
To go below the surface of the sea or a river or lake.
(The submarine submerged when enemy planes were sighted.)
Testy(adj)
Easily annoyed and lacking patience.
(A testy old man. Testy comments.)
Ornery(adj)
Tending to get angry and argue with people.
(He had been in an ornery mood all day, rowing with his wife and his boss.)
Limpid(adj)
Clear and transparent, clearly expressed and easily understood.
(A limpid pool, limpid prose.)
Incandescent(adj)
Producing a bright light from a heated or other part, extremely bright.
(An incandescent lamp. The mountain’s snow-white peak was incandescent against the blue sky.)
Resplendent(adj)
Having a very bright or splendid appearance.
(I saw Anna at the other end of the room, resplendent in a red sequined cocktail dress.)
Shirk(v)
To avoid work, duties or responsibilities, especially if they are difficult or unpleasant.
(If you shirk you responsibilities now, the situation will just be that much harder to deal with next month.)
Slack(v)
To work slower and with less effort than usual, or to go slower.
(Everyone slacks off a bit at the end of the week.
Curt(adj)
If someone’s manner or speech is curt, it is rude as a result of being very brief.
(The boss was rather curt with him.)
Bewail(v)
To express great sadness or disappointment about something.
(He bewailed his misfortune and the loss of his most treasured possessions.
Deplore(v)
To say or think that something is very bad.
(We deeply deplore the loss of life.)
Bestow(v)
To give something as an honor or present.
(The Chancellorship of the University was bestowed upon her in 1992.)
Confer(v)
To exchange ideas on a particular subject, often in order to reach a decision on what action to take, to give an official title, honor.
(I should like sometime to confer with my lawyer. An honorary doctorate was conferred on him by Edinburgh University.)
Opulent(adj)
Expensive and luxurious.
(An opulent lifestyle.)
Exuberant(adj)
Very energetic, strong and growing quickly.
(Young and exuberant, he symbolizes Italy’s new vitality.)
Pliable(adj)
A pliable substance bends easily without breaking or cracking. A pliable person is easily influenced and controlled by other people.
(Some kinds of plastic become pliable if they’re heated. He wanted a sweet, pliable, obedient wife.)
Ductile(adj)
Describes metals that can be bent easily.
Pliant(adj)
Pliant people are easily influenced or controlled by other people. Able to bend easily without breaking. Being able and willing to accept change or new ideas.
(I don’t think it’s a good think for children to be too pliant. The management has adopted a more pliant position, and has agreed to listen to the staff’s requests.)
Conscientious(adj)
Putting a lot of effort into your work.
(A conscientious student.)
Scrupulous(adj)
Extremely honest, or doing everything correctly as it should be done.
(A scrupulous politician would not lie about her business interests. The nurse told him to be scrupulous about keeping the wound clean.)
Monotonous(adj)
Staying the same and not changing and therefore boring.
(A monotonous job. The music became monotonous after a while.)
Drone(n)
A low continuous noise which does not change its note.
(The drone of an engine. The drone of his voice made me feel sleepy.)
Tedium(n)
Boredom
(Soldiers often say that the worst thing about fighting is not the moment of terror, but all the hours of tedium in between.)
Artless(adj)
Simple and honest; not wanting to deceive.
(“Why did you take the money?” she asked the child. “Because I want it.” Came the artless reply.)
Subservient(adj)
Willing to do what other people want, or considering your wishes as less important than those of other people.
(The government was accused of being subservient to the interests of the pro-Europe campaigners.)
Pertinacious(adj)
Very determined and refusing to be defeated by problems.
(Like most successful politicians, she is pertinacious and single-minded in the pursuit of her goals.)
Mulish(adj)
Describes someone who is very determined and refuses to change their plans for anyone else.
Forestall(v)
To prevent something from happening by acting first.
(The government forestalled criticism by holding a public enquiry into the matter.)
Barricade(n,v)
A line of pile of objects put together, especially quickly, to stop people from going where they want to go.
(Inmates erected a barricade between themselves and prison officers.)
Backbreaking(adj)
Needing a lot of hard physical effort and very tiring.
(Digging the garden was backbreaking work.)
Discredit(v,n)
To cause people to stop respecting someone or believing in an idea or person.
(Evidence of links with drug dealers has discredited the President. The stupid behavior or one pupil has brought discredit on the whole school.)
Disgrace(n,v)
Embarrassment and the loss of other people’s respect, or behavior which causes this.
(He brought disgrace on the whole team by falsifying the results. It’s a disgrace that the government spends os much on guns and so little on education.)
Ignominy(n)
Public embarrassment.
(The Worker’s Coalition experienced the ignominy of total defeat in the last election.)
Infamy(n)
When someone or something is famous for something considered bad, a bad and shocking act or event.
(Franklin D. Roosevelt described the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1947 as a day that will live in infamy.)
Perfidious(adj)
Unable to be trusted, or showing a lack of loyalty.
(She described the new criminal bill as a perfidious attack on democracy.)
Permeate(v)
To spread through something and be present in every part of it.
(Dissatisfaction with the government seems to have permeated every section of society.)
Imbue(v)
To fill something or someone with a particular feeling, quality or idea.
(His poetry is imbued with deep, religious feeling.)
Infuse(v)
To fill someone or something with an emotion or quality.
(The pulling down of the Berlin Wall infused the world with optimism. The arrival of a group of friends on Saturday infused new life into the weekend.)
Suffuse(v)
To spread through or over something completely.
(His voice was low and suffused with passion.)
Altruism(n)
Willing to do things which benefit other people, even if it results in disadvantage for yourself.
(She’s not known for her altruism.)
Placate(v)
To stop someone from feeling angry.
(Outraged minority groups will not be placated by promises of future improvements.)
Glut(n)
A supply of something that is much greater than can be sold or is needed or wanted.
(The fall in demand for coffee could cause a glut on the market.)
Perjure(v)
To tell a lie in a law court, after promising formally to tell the truth.
(The judge warned the witness not to perjure herself.)
Acrid(adj)
Describes a smell or taste that is strong and bitter and causes a burning feeling in the throat.
(Clouds of acrid smoke issued from the building.)
Poignant(adj)
Causing or having a particularly sharp feeling of sadness.
(It is especially poignant that he died on the day before the wedding.)
Disown(v)
To make it known that you no longer have any connection with someone that you were closely connected with.
(It’s a story set in the last century about a girl whose parents disowned her when she married a foreigner.)
Disavow(v)
To say that you know nothing about something, or that you have no responsibility for or connection with something.
(They were quick to disavow the rumor.)
Standoffish(adj)
Behaving in a slightly unfriendly and too formal way.
Oratory(n)
Skillful and effective public speaking.
(The prime minister has a reputation for powerful oratory.)
Satiate(v)
To completely satisfy yourself or a need, especially with food or pleasure, so that you could not have any more.
(He drank greedily until his thirst was satiated.)
Insatiable(adj)
Too great to be satisfied.
(Like so many politicians, he had an insatiable appetite for power.)
Cloying(adj)
Too sweet and therefore unpleasant. Too good or kind, or expressing feelings of love in a way that is not sincere.
(This is a wonderful wine – honeyed and rich without being remotely cloying. She criticized the cloying sentimentality of the film.)
Gorge(v)
To eat until you are unable to eat anymore.
(If you gorge yourself on crisps like that, you won’t eat your dinner.)
Hypnotic(adj)
Describes sounds or movements that are very regular and make you feel as if you want to sleep, caused by hypnosis.
(The beat of the music was strangely hypnotic. She went into a hypnotic trance.)
Somnolent(adj)
Almost sleeping, or causing sleep.
(a somnolent summer’s afternoon. The somnolent villages further north.)
Narcotic(n)
An illegal drug. A drug which makes you want to sleep and prevents you from feeling pain.
(Morphine is a narcotic.)
Slumber(n)
Sleep
(I fell into a gentle slumber.)
Illusory(adj)
Not real; based on illusion.
(Their hopes of a peaceful solution turned out to be illusory.)
Blemish(n)
A mark on something that spoils its appearance, a fault in a person’s character.
(Freckles, scars and other minor skin blemishes. Is any politician’s record without blemish on this issue?)
Stain(v)
To leave a mark on something which is difficult to get it out of clothes.
(Tomato sauce stains terribly – it’s really difficult to get it out of clothes.)
Blot(n)
A small are of ink made by mistake.
(An ink blot.)
Taint(v)
To spoil something, especially food or blood, by adding a harmful substance, or to spoil people’s opinion of someone.
(His reputation was permanently tainted by the financial scandal.)
Sublime(adj)
Extremely good, beautiful or enjoyable, very great.
(The book contains sublime descriptive passages. He possesses sublime self-confidence.)
August(adj)
Having great importance and especially of the highest social class.
(The society’s august patron, the Duke of Norfolk.)
Unutterable(adj)
Too bad to be expressed in words, extreme.
(After an afternoon of unutterable boredom I was finally allowed to leave.)
Languor(n)
Pleasant mental or physical tiredness or lack of activity.
(She missed Spain and the languor of a siesta on a hot summer afternoon.)
Dither(v)
To be unable to make a decision about doing something.
(Stop dithering and choose which one you want!)
Peeved(adj)
Annoyed.
(He was peeved because we didn’t ask him what he thought about the idea.)
Irk(v)
To annoy someone
(The negative reply to my complaint really irked me.)
Inscrutable(adj)
Very difficult to understand.
(Her face was totally bereft of any expression, except for an inscrutable smile that did not convey anything.)
Synonyms: Unfathomable(adj)
Related Word: Inscrutability, Inscrutably.
Turbid(adj)
Muddy and cloudy (of liquids).
(The excessive growth of algae in the pond has made its otherwise clean water turbid; it is no more suitable for any purpose other than washing.)
Synonyms: Disordered
Related Word: Turbidity (n), Turbidness (n), Turbidly (adv)
Canny(adj)
Clever and careful, Worldly-wise.
(Having been a member of some political party for over thirty years, Mr. Hewitt Gray had the reputation of a canny politician with a shrewd mind and great survival instincts.)
Synonyms: Shrewd
Related Word: Cannily (adv)
Aspersion(n)
A false or derogatory remark.
(If you are casting aspersions on my ability to drive, let me inform you that I have been driving a car for over twenty years now.)
Synonyms: Obloquy, Infamy, Calumny, Censure
Antonyms: Flattery
Related Word: Asperse (v)
Calumniate(v)
A false and unjust report on someone with the intention of damaging their reputation.
(This newspaper report on Mr. Dexter is the most shameless piece of calumny I've ever come across in my life -- not even a single remark in it about the old professor is true.)
Antonyms: Vindicate
Related Word: Calumny (n)
Remonstrate(v)
Protest earnestly.
(A huge crowd had gathered in front of the office of the party to remonstrate against the decision of the party president to resign.)
Synonyms: Plead, Expostulate
Related Word: Remonstration (n),Remonstrator (n), Remonstrative (adj)
Berate(v)
To scold strongly.
(The minister publicly berated the journalist, accusing him of publishing a false report about him in the newspaper.)
Synonyms: Castigate, Decry, Censure
Antonyms: Eulogize
Excoriate(v)
(1) Strip the skin from (2) Criticize severely, Express a very bad opinion of a book, play etc.
((1) Poachers hunt down crocodiles and mercilessly excoriate them to manufacture belts and purses.(2) Critics excoriated Isabel for her bad performance in the play.)
Antonyms: Soothe
Related Word: Excoriation (n)
Reprehensible(adj)
Deserving blame, Not acceptable.
(Describing the act of the official as utterly reprehensible, the minister has stated that he will ensure that the official gets the punishment he deserves.)
Synonyms: Blameworthy, Culpable, Derelict
Related Word: Reprehend (v), Reprehension(n)
Carousal(n)
A drinking bout, Jovial feast, A drunken revelry.
(He refused to take part in the carousal, saying that he would prefer to celebrate his son's victory quietly in his room.)
Synonyms: Bacchanalia
Antonyms: Sobriety
Related Word: Carouse (v)
Bacchanalia(n)
A loud and noisy party, esp. one with a lot of drinking and disorderly behavior.
(As soon as the election results were announced, the entire town broke into bacchanalian celebrations that continued till early hours of the morning.)
Synonyms: Revelry
Related Word: Bacchanalian (n & adj)
Iniquitous(adj)
Very unjust or wicked, Unrighteous.
(For several years, the Indian economy was governed by an iniquitous system of licences and permits, which favored a selected group of industrialists at the cost of the others.)
Synonyms: Nefarious
Antonyms: Faithful
Related Word: Iniquity (n)
Salacious(adj)
Causing strong sexual feelings in an unpleasant or shocking way.
(Perturbed by increasing instances of ruffians passing salacious comments to the passing college girls near the college gate, the principal decided to call the police.)
Synonyms: Obscene, Lascivious
Antonyms: Wholesome
Related Word: Salaciousness (n), Salaciously (adv)
Libertine(n)
A person who lives an irresponsible and free life.
(Because of his reputation as a libertine and an insincere person, he found it difficult to get a proposal for marriage from anyone.)
Related Word: Libertinage (n), Libertinism (n)
Reprobate(adj,n)
A wicked, corrupt or immoral person.
(The old reprobate is perpetually drink; I believe he starts to drink in the early evening and continues late into the night.)
Synonyms: Miscreant, Scoundrel
Related Word: Reprobation (n)
Dissipate(v)
Squander, Waste, Scatter, Disperse.
(Having spent two years in the same job, his enthusiasm had dissipated because the work was rather repetitive and monotonous.)
Antonyms: Coagulate, Economize
Related Word: Dissipative (adj.), Dissipation (n)
Libidinous(adj)
having or showing strong sexual desires.
Turpitude(n)
Wickedness.
(A story of utter moral turpitude has come to light in the Indian state of Bihar, where a landlord held a poor peasant as a prisoner in a small hut, keeping him chained to a wall all the time.)
Synonyms: Vileness; Depravity
Antonyms: Probity
Fealty(n)
Faithfulness, Loyalty.
(The maid servant showed exemplary fealty to her master by staying up for nights during his illness.)
Synonyms: Fidelity
Antonyms: Perfidy
Verity(n)
The quality of being true.
(In the film, he plays a spy whose mission is to confirm the verity of a secret military document.)
Apocryphal(adj)
A false story. Anything widely believed which is actually not true.
(Most of the stories about the ostentatious use of wealth by the Sultan of Brunei are apocryphal; this one, however, is totally authentic.)
Synonyms: Fraudulent, Fictitious
Antonyms: Authentic
Related Word: Apocrypha (n)
Canard(n)
A hoax, A sensational, fabricated story to fool the people, A false report.
(The society has accused the periodical of spreading a malicious canard against it, and has threatened legal action if the periodical did not retract its words.)
Ersatz(adj)
used instead of something else, usually because the other thing is too expensive or rare.
(I'm allowed to eat ersatz chocolate made from carob beans, but it's a poor substitute for the real thing.)
Asperity(n)
Roughness or harshness of attitude, sharpness of temper.
(The asperity in his voice while answering the stranger's questions vanished as soon as he realized that the stranger was the general himself.)
Synonyms: Acrimony, Astringency, Sarcasm
Acidulous(adj)
Slightly sour; sharp, caustic.
(The apples grown in this area are particularly acidulous, perhaps because of the presence of a small amount of hydrochloric acid in the soil of this region.)
Synonyms: Rancid
Related Word: Acidulate (v)
Acclaim(v)
Applaud, Announce with great approval.
((1) Naipaul's new book has been widely acclaimed as his finest work on India in over 30 years. (2) The film received considerable critical acclaim.)
Synonyms: Applaud
Antonyms: Execrate, Billingsgate
Related Word: Acclamation (n)
Encomium(n)
Expression of high praise.
(Mother Teresa was worthy of the worldwide recognition and all the encomium she received for her charitable deeds.)
Synonyms: Eulogy
Minatory(adj)
Threatening, An intention to hurt.
(The tiger had a terrifyingly minatory look in its eyes, and had it not been caged, most people would have fainted.)
Synonyms: Menacing
Related Word: Minacious (adj)
Bane(n)
The cause of ruin or destruction, The source of irreparable harm.
(The untimely drought has proved to be a bane for most families living in these villages, bringing with it unprecedented misery and hunger.)
Synonyms: Affliction, Malediction, Calamity
Antonyms: Boon, Blessing
Related Word: Baneful (adj)
Injurious(adj)
harmful.
(Too much alcohol is injurious to your health.)
Insidious(adj)
Secretly harmful, Causing harm gradually and without being noticed.
(The insidious disease has afflicted him for the past several years and has been harming his internal organs without his even getting to know about it.)
Synonyms: Crafty, Deceitful
Related Word: Insidiousness (n), Insidiously (adv)
Craven(adj,n)
Extremely cowardly.
(The little pup of mine is such a craven that he runs to hide under the bed as soon as he hears an unfamiliar voice in the house!)
Synonyms: Pusillanimous
Antonyms: Brave, Intrepid
Recreant(adj,n)
Cowardly and unfaithful.
(He has lost many friends because of his recreant nature; everybody knows that he has never helped his friends in need.)
Synonyms: Renegade
Antonyms: Gallant
Related Word:Recreancy (n), Recreantly (adv)
Timorous(adj)
Fearful, Demonstrating fear, Easily alarmed.
(The mouse is a rather timorous creature; it rushes into its hole at the slightest hint of a disturbance.)
Synonyms: Timid
Related Word: Timorously (adv), Timorousness (n)
Pusillanimous(adj)
Weak and coward, afraid of taking the slightest risk.
(The government of the country has been accused of being pusillanimous for refusing to send its troops to the area of conflict as part of the international army.)
Synonyms: Craven; Caitiff; Poltroon
Antonyms: Courageous
Related Word:Pusillanimity (n), Pusillanimously (adv)
Pedestrian(adj)
Ordinary, Unimaginative, Lacking in any special qualities.
(The album is so long and pedestrian that it can never become a hit like his previous titles.)
Inhibit(v)
Prevent, Restrict, Hold back.
(Being exposed to an environment of intense competition in an early age can inhibit the natural growth of a child, and can even lead to severe learning disabilities.)
Synonyms: Forbid, Prohibit
Antonyms: Encourage, Catalyze
Related Word: Inhibition (n)
Vitiate(v)
Impair the quality or efficiency of.
(The cordial atmosphere in the room was vitiated by an unexplained outburst of anger by one of those present, and presumably directed against the vice president of the company.)
Related Word: Vitiation (n)
Stultify(v)
To prevent something from developing into its best possible state.
(The Indian economy is still suffering from the stultifying effects of years of government control and regulation.)
Synonyms: Invalidate, Nullify
Antonyms: Enlighten, Validate
Related Word: Stultification (n)
Abet(v)
Incite or support, encourage (usually an offender or the commission of an offence)
(The judge ruled Mr. Cornwell guilty of aiding and abetting the main accused in the bank-robbery case.)
Synonyms: Uphold
Antonyms: Frustrate
Related Word: Abetment (n), Abettor (n), Abettor (n)
Abnegation(n)
Lack of concern for one's own wishes.
(According to some religious preachers, self-abnegation is the only route to a state of unlimited happiness.)
Synonyms: Abjure, Disavow
Related Word: Abnegate (v), Self-abnegation is often used instead of abnegation.
Abortive(adj)
1) Fruitless, Unsuccessful 2) Resulting in abortion.
(After three abortive attempts, the hunters finally succeeded in killing the man-eating tiger in the jungle.)
Related Word: Abort (v), Abortion (n), Abortiveness (n), Abortively (adv)
Abrogate(v)
Abolish, Do away with.
(By abrogating the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), the government has conceded to a long standing demand of the Association of Exporters.)
Synonyms: Revoke, Rescind, Repeal
Antonyms: Enact, Institute
Related Word: Abrogation (n)
Abseil(n,v)
Make) descend by using a rope fixed at higher point.
(The only way to escape from the fortress was to abseil down from the steep cliff on the western side of the mountain, a task which was almost impossible.)
Abut(v)
1) To touch or join at the border or side 2) Have a common boundary
(The main reason for the bitterness between the two farmers was that their fields did not have a clearly defined boundary and abutted on each other.)
Synonyms: Fringe
Related Word: Abutment (n)
Acaudal(adj)
Tailless, Having no visible stem.
(A species of acaudal monkeys has been sighted on a remote island in the Pacific, and the absence of a tail has surprised many a zoologist.)
Antonyms: Caudal
Acephalous(adj)
1) Headless 2) Without a leader.
(With the sudden demise of its leader Mr. Rajiv Gandhi, the Congress Party was rendered acephalous and directionless.)
Acme(n)
The top or highest point.
(Just when everyone thought that he had reached the acme of perfection in the game of chess, he was outplayed by an unknown Armenian, playing his first major tournament.)
Synonyms: Pinnacle, Zenith
Burnish(v)
To polish, make shiny or lustrous.
(My job at the handcraft store was to burnish the silver and brass items on sale each morning so that they looked new to the customer.)
Synonyms: Scour
Antonyms: Dull
Bête Noire(n)
A person or object that evokes fear or dislike in a particular person.
(The newly appointed Chancellor of the university is Prof. Higgins' old bête noir -- the two had once publicly assailed each other over a rather trivial issue.)
Bayou(n)
A small sluggish offshoot of river (smaller than a tributary)
A narrow bayou flowed near the dwellings, adding to the charm of the peaceful rural environment.)
Synonyms: Inlet, Cove, Lagoon, Firth.
Babel(n)
Scene of confusion, noisy assembly.
(After the results were announced, the babel and utter chaos in the classroom continued undiminished till the principal himself entered the room.)
Bailiwick(n)
A person's special province or domain, one's sphere of operations.
(The police officer simply refused to register my complaint, saying that the place where the theft was committed was out of his bailiwick.)
Buxom(adj)
Having health and vigor, Plump and rosy.
(He fell in love with the buxom girl at the florist's counter, not aware that she herself owned the store.)
Synonyms: Comely
Related Word: Buxomness (n)
Brackish(adj)
Slightly salty, and hence distasteful or nauseous.
(Tasting the water of the river we were on, I found the water to be brackish; so I could conclude that the sea was near.)
Synonyms: Saline
Balk(v)
(1) To be unwilling to proceed on an action, To stop short of doing something (2) To act as an obstacle, To hinder or thwart.
((1) Not willing to be involved in any controversy, they balked at the idea of reporting the matter to the police.)
Synonyms: Demure
Related Word: Balky (adj)
Beatific(adj)
Displaying great peace and happiness.
(The beatific smile on an innocent infant's face is among the most beautiful sights in the world.)
Synonyms: Blissful, Sublime
Antonyms: Impish
Related Word: Beatifically (adv)
Conscript(v)
Summon for compulsory military service.
(Some countries have a law by which as soon as a man turns 18, he is conscripted to serve in the army for a minimum period of two years.)
Related Word: Conscription (n)
Consternation(n)
Great surprise and anxiety or dismay.
(To his great consternation, his name did not figure in the list of participants even after he had deposited the requisite fee and submitted all the documents.)
Contretemps(n)
Unfortunate or embarrassing occurrence.
(I had a slight contretemps with my neighbor over the height of our fence, but we're now back to friendly terms.)
Contumely(n)
Abusive/offensive language or behavior.
(I had always thought him to be a gentle and good-natured soul, so was rather taken aback by his contumely, which I think was totally uncalled for.)
Corporal(adj)
Of the human body, Physical.
(The principal had strictly warned the teachers against any kind of corporal punishment, yet Mr. Francis beat up the boy rather mercilessly with a wooden ruler.)
Courtly(adj)
Dignified and polite.
(Her courtly manners and pleasant way of speaking soon made her a very popular figure in the classroom.)
Related Word: Courtliness (n)
Couture(n)
Designing high quality fashionable clothes.
(In 1960, Pierre Cardin became the first couturier to design men's clothes; before that, all designers concentrated on women's clothing.)
Related Word: Couturier (n), Haute Couture [French term for 'High fashion']
Cretin(n)
Mentally underdeveloped person.
(Looking at the exceedingly senseless behavior of my classmates, I felt at times that I belonged to a class of cretins.)
Related Word: Cretinous (adj)
Croesus(n)
A very rich person.
(With the enormous amount of wealth that he has acquired through his trading operations, the magazine has rightly described him as a croesus.)
Crusty(adj)
Having a harsh, rough exterior or a curt, rough manner.
(The journalist was rather disappointed at the crusty attitude of the socialite; he had expected to get an exciting interview with her but she answered all his questions in monosyllables.)
Debacle(n)
(1) Sudden downfall, Rout, Stampede (2) Break up of ice in river; Sudden rush of water.
((1) As if the 5-0 debacle that the school hockey team suffered in the match against the Riverdale team was not humiliating enough, they were subjected to another defeat by an unknown team in the next match they played.)
Debase(v)
Reduce in quality or value; Lower in quality.
(Even as the remixed versions of old songs are becoming increasingly popular among the youth today, the older generation considers them to be a debasement of good music of the yesteryears.)
Related Word: Debasement (n)
Debauched(adj)
Morally and physically ruined because of over indulgence in alcohol, sex, drugs, etc.
(While the elder son of the family had left all worldly possessions for spiritual enlightenment, the younger son had fallen into bad company and had been debauched beyond repair.)
Related Word: Debauchery (n)
Debonair(adj)
Friendly, Pleasant, Unembarrassed.
(All the nurses in the hospital wanted to be in the same shift as the debonair young doctor who had just joined the hospital, had charmed the ladies with his stylish ways and attractive looks.)
Antonyms: Awkward
Debris(n)
Scattered fragments, Wreckage
(In a tragic accident, six children were killed when they were buried under the debris of the school building which partially collapsed because of faulty construction.)
Synonyms: Rubble
Debunk(v)
To show that something is not as good as or not as true as it appears.
(In his article, the scientist has tried to debunk the widespread belief that the experiments in genetic cloning could lead to the creation of human life in a laboratory.)
Debutante(n)
Woman performer performing before public for first time.
(For a debutante, her dance performance was amazingly graceful; it was difficult to believe that it was the first time she was performing for an audience.)
Related Word: Debut (n)
Decadence(n)
A process or period of falling, decay, degeneration.
(While the other states in the country are on the path to prosperity, this one particular state is moving in the opposite direction and is becoming decadent in all respects.)
Synonyms: Retrogression
Related Word: Decadent (adj.)
Decapitate(v)
(1) Behead (esp. as legal punishment) (2) Dismiss abruptly from office.
((1) Since the bodies were found decapitated, the police found it very difficult to identify them.)
Related Word: Decapitation (n)
Decelerate(v)
Make slower.
(The doctor said that his hectic pace of life was the main reason for the stress he was facing, and advised him to decelerate and take things easier.)
Related Word: Deceleration (n), Decelerator (n)
Ecclesiastical, Ecclesiastic(adj)
Of or relating to the church or god, that which is not bound by the constraints of earthly parameters.
((1) The ecclesiastical history Rome is of great importance in the study of Christianity. (2) Having pursued material and commercial gains all his life, he has now focussed his attention on spiritual and ecclesiastic pursuits after handing over the reins of his business to his only daughter.)
Antonyms: Temporal
Related Word: Ecclesiastically (adv)
Eclipse(v)
To do or be much better than; cause to seem less important, clever, famous etc. by comparison.
(At the party, Mary's beauty was eclipsed by her sister's accomplishments as the latter was the most sought after at the party.)
Ecologist(n)
A person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment.
(Botanists have described the merciless cutting of trees as a massive ecological loss.)
Related Word: Ecology
Ecstasy(n)
An overwhelming feeling of happiness.
(Sandra was ecstatic on being voted as the prettiest girl of her college.)
Synonyms: Rapture
Related Word: Ecstatic (adj), Ecstatically (adv)
Ecumenical(adj)
Of or pertaining to the whole, Christian church. Also, universal.
(The Pope conducted an ecumenical seminar by inviting priests from all over the world to express their opinions on spreading Christianity.)
Related Word: Ecumenically (adv)
Edacious(adj)
Greedy or very fond of eating.
(Jacob's obesity can be ascribed to his edaciousness and his capacity to consume large quantities of food at a time.)
Synonyms: Voracious
Edict(n)
An official order.
(The Mayor passed an edict prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public places.)
Synonyms: Decree
Edifice(n)
A large building or constructed structure.
(The sprawling museum of Louvre is one the most remarkable edifices of Paris.)
Educe(v)
To draw out something latent or hidden.
(Participating in the talent contest educed the special capabilities of Jean who is otherwise a reserved person.)
Synonyms: Elicit
Eerie(adj)
Dangerous and unfamiliar, Weird so as to evoke fear.
(The strange and scary sounds coming from the jungle created an eerie atmosphere in the camp.)
Synonyms: Eldritch
Related Word: Eeriness (n), Eerily (adv)
Fawning(adj)
Obedient.
(They fawned over their rich uncle to please him so that he would give them some of his wealth.)
Synonyms: Obsequious, Cringing
Antonyms: Arrogant
Related Word: Fawn (v, n & adj)
Faze(v)
Disconcert, Dismay.
(Jane's irrational behavior left everyone in a faze at the party.)
Feasible(adj)
Possible, Reasonable.
(The promoters conducted a survey to study the feasibility of the project before investing their money in it.)
Synonyms:Plausible
Antonyms:Impracticable, Implausible
Related Word:Feasibility (n), Feasibly (adv)
Febrile(adj)
Feverish, frenzied, delirious, hysterical.
(She was febrile and had almost lost her consciousness after her head injury.)
Related Word: Febrility (n)
Feckless(adj)
Incompetent and irresponsible.
(His fecklessness in money matters has lead to the loss of all his wealth and property.)
Synonyms: Worthless, Feeble
Related Word: Fecklessly (adv), Fecklessness (n)
Feint(adj)
A sham attack made to divert attention, a deceptive appearance or movement.
(The boxer struck the actual blow after a feint attack which confused his opponent)
Felicitous(adj)
Apt, Suitably expressed, Well chosen.
(He raised a toast and felicitated his mother who was moved to tears by the words of her son.)
Antonyms: (Felicity) : Misery
Related Word: Felicitously (adv), Felicity (n), Felicitation (n)
Fell(v)
Cut or knock down, Bring down
(Nowadays a great number of trees are felled down to make land available for the man to live on.)
Antonyms: Propitious
Felon(n,adj)
1) Inflammatory sore on finger, esp. near nail 2) Cruel, wicked
(1) The doctor examined the felon and advised that it be removed by surgery. 2) She was scared of her stepmother's felony and ran away from home.)
Related Word: Felonry (n)
Feral(adj)
Not domestic, Wild.
(Dogs and cats are not feral and most commonly preferred as pets by people.)
Gabble(v,n)
To speak quickly and unclearly, so that the listener finds it difficult to understand. Hence, such speech.
(The old lady seated next to me on the aircraft merrily gabbled away at me in Persian, totally ignorant of the fact that I could not understand a single word of it.)
Gad(v)
Wander about idly, Travel constantly for pleasure.
(He reached Paris on a Sunday, and not having anything to do, decided to gad about the historical city to get a feel of it.)
Synonyms: Gallivant
Gadfly(n)
A large fly that bites cattle. Also an irritatingly persistent person.
(Like an irritating gadfly, he often comes to my workplace without any rhyme on reason, and keeps disturbing me at work.)
Gait(n)
Manner of walking or running, Speed.
(He has a rather stiff way of walking, and everyone can see that his wife just does not approve of his gait.)
Galaxy(n)
Large, Isolated system of stars, such as the milky way, Any collection of brilliant personalities.
(Present in the concert hall that night, as a mark of respect to the departed musician, was a whole galaxy of stars from the acting and musical professions.)
Gale(n)
Windstorm, Gust of wind.
(The mild breeze suddenly turned into a fierce gale, and people on the street were seen rushing for shelter.)
Gall(n,v)
1) Mental soreness, or excrescence produced by insect, fungus etc 2) Injure by rubbing, humiliate etc.
(After a galling defeat against Germany in the opening match of the Football World Cup, Spain will have to really play well in its forthcoming match against Romania.)
Related Word: Galling (adj.)
Gambit(n)
(1) A remark intended to start a conversation (2) A clever piece of action intended to gain an advantage and usu. Involving some risk.
((1) He raised the interviewer's expectations with a witty gambit, but his later performance in the interview made it appear as if his opening remark was a well rehearsed one.(2) The Railway Budget announced by the Railway Minister in the Parliament yesterday is clearly an election gambit; making concessions on the economy in order to get more votes in the forthcoming elections.)
Gambol(n,v)
To jump about in play.
(The school children were merrily gamboling about in the playing field in the pleasant spring sunshine.)
Gamely(adv)
Bravely, With spirit.
(He gamely conceded at the end of the match that he had been totally outplayed by his opponent, who was obviously much better than him.)
Related Word: Game (n), Gameness (n)
Habiliment(n)
Dress suited to any office or occasion, Attire.
(Though the usual habiliment for a formal discussion like this is a dark pin-striped suit, he surprised everyone by bearing a semi-formal, light colored jacket.)
Synonyms: Costume
Hackle(n,v)
Long feathers on the neck of a roaster, pigeon etc.[ 'Make someone's hackles rise' means 'make someone very angry'
(The provocation from the audience in the front benches was sufficient to raise his hackles, but he managed to check his anger and kept speaking without showing any emotion.)
Related Word: Hackly (adj)
Haggard(adj,n)
Tired and weary, usu. because of old age, Looking rather worn out.
(Working so hard in such a difficult conditions has taken its toll on him; he has started to look rather haggard now as compared to his youth, when he was among the most handsome men in college.)
Antonyms: Plump
Related Word: Haggardly (adv), Haggardness (n)
Haggle(v,n)
Argue about prices, such arguments or quarrels.
(The shopkeepers in this market are quite rigid about the prices, so you will not be able to gain much by haggling.)
Hallowed(adj)
Blessed, Holy.
(Every year, thousand of Muslims from all over the world visit the hallowed city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, where the shrine of Prophet Mohammed is situated.)
Synonyms: Consecrated
Related Word: Hallow (v)
Hallucination(n)
To see/hear/feel something that is not actually present.
(What you saw this morning was not a hallucination -- Russell Crow is actually in our town for a brief, unannounced visit.)
Synonyms: Delusion
Related Word: Hallucinatory (adj)
Halting(adj)
Hesitant, Faltering.
(His speech was slow and halting, as if his mind were somewhere else.)
Related Word: Halt (n & v)
Hamper(n,v)
1) Consignment of eatables, wines etc 2) To cause difficulty in movement or activity.
((1) They gifted a hamper of dry fruits, sweets and chocolates to us on the occasion of our anniversary.(2) Poor infrastructure has been the single largest factor hampering the growth of technology in many developing countries.)
Synonyms: Obstruct
Antonyms: Support
Harass(v)
To annoy by repeated attacks.
(The naughty little children harassed their governess with their never-ending stream of questions.)
Related Word: Harassment (n)
Hardy(adj,n)
Sturdy, Robust, Able to stand inclement weather.
(Despite the cold weather, a few hardy people had still ventured out for a picnic.)
Idolater(n)
An admirer.
(The numerous idolaters of Elvis Presley gathered from all over the country on the occasion of his seventy-fifth birth anniversary and sang and danced to his songs long into the night.)
Related Word: Idolatrous (adj), Idolatry (n)
Idyllic(adj)
Relating to a pleasant (almost ideal) phase of one's life, usu. in a peaceful, non-urban environment.
(The doctor advised me to spend a week on a hill station, saying that the idyllic setting would be a big relief for me from the stressful environment I was working in.)
Related Word: Idyll (n), Idyllically (adv)
Ignite(v)
To cause to burn, To catch fire.
(Because of the high temperature and atmospheric pressure in the underground oil rig, the fuel can sometimes ignite on its own.)
Antonyms: Extinguish
Related Word: Ignition (n)
Ignoble(adj)
Dishonorable, Something to be ashamed of.
(Don't expect me to be a part of your ignoble idea of skipping the class to watch a movie!)
Synonyms: Base, Vile, Ignominious
Antonyms: Noble, Honorable
Related Word: Ignobly (adv)
Illustrious(adj)
Famous, Widely admired.
(Who can forget the illustrious name of Mother Teresa, whose selfless service to mankind even got her the Noble Prize for peace.)
Antonyms: Lazy
Related Word: Illustriously (adv)
Imbecile(n)
Mentally weak, foolish.
(He used to be one of the most intelligent boys of the class, but the accident he met with a month back has made him an imbecile; he can't even solve a simple arithmetic question now.)
Related Word: Imbecility (n)
Imbroglio(n)
Confusing or embarrassing situation. Also, a misunderstanding.
(The imbroglio between the two Indian states over the sharing of the water of a river that flows through them has remained unsolved for the past several years now.)
Immanent(adj)
Inborn, Inherent.
(He's never been to an acting school -- his skills in acting are totally immanent.)
Related Word: Immanence (n), Immanency (n).
Immense(adj)
Extremely large in size or degree.
(All his teachers had asked him to give up as he was very weak in studies; but within a month he showed an immense improvement in his studies and passed the exam with flying colors.)
Related Word: Immensity (n), Immensely (adv)
Immobile(adj)
That which cannot move or be moved.
(Both plants and animals are living and many of their biological processes are similar, but one significant difference between them is that whereas animals can move from one place to another, plants are immobile.)
Antonyms: Mobile
Related Word: Immobility (n), Immobilize (v), Immobilization (n)
Jabber(n,v)
Talk quickly or unintelligibly.
(I could not make a word out of his continuous, nonsensical jabbering about the current pop-music scene; even if I were interested in it, I would not have understood anything because he talks just too fast.)
Synonyms:Babble, Gibberish, Twaddle, Drivel
Jade(n,v)
A green colored precious stone, esp. popular in China and the Eastern countries.
(The expensive Chinese jade-studded vase was auctioned for $ 5000.)
Synonyms: Surfeit
Jargon(n)
Mode of speech familiar to only a particular group or profession. Also, translucent, colorless or smoky variety of zircon.
(Since he is computer illiterate, he cannot understand the computer jargon the professionals use in their talk.)
Synonyms:Argot,Vernacular,Dialect
Related Word: Jargonic (adj.), Jargonistic (adj.), Jargonize (v)
Jaundiced(adj)
Prejudiced, Having a bad opinion about something based on personal experience.
(Having been duped by travel agents twice in the past, he now looks at the claims of even the most reputed travel agent with a jaundiced eye.)
Synonyms: Prejudiced, Resentful
Antonyms: Unbiased
Related Word: Jaundice (n)
Jaunt(v,n)
To go on trip, excursion, journey for pleasure
(The students were jubilant when the teacher told them that they would be going on a jaunt to the Bird Sanctuary; never before had they been on such a trip.)
Synonyms: Junket, Pilgrimage
Jeopardize(v)
Endanger, put at risk.
(Your inability to speak fluently may jeopardize your chances of getting through the interview; you must improve your conversational skills.)
Synonyms: Imperil, Venture
Related Word: Jeopardy (n)
Jingoism(n)
The extreme and irrational belief that one's country is always the best, Extreme and imbalanced patriotism
(ingoistic feelings among the spectators at the India-Pakistan cricket match are always so high that the security personnel have to be constantly on their guards for fear of violence breaking out on the stands.)
Related Word: Jingoist (n), Jingoistic (adj.)
Jocose(adj)
Given to jokes and jesting, Humorous, Witty.
(His jocose manner managed to lighten the atmosphere a little, but many people did not really approve of his jokes on such an occasion.)
Synonyms: Comical, Facetious, Farcical, Ridiculous
Antonyms: Morose
Related Word: Jocosely (adv.), Jocoseness (n), Jocosity (n)
Joie de vivre(n)
A feeling of great happiness and enjoyment in life.
(He's been to Goa many times, and just loves the joie de vivre of the city and its beautiful beaches.)
Jostle(v,n)
To knock or push against, collision.
(As soon as the match was over, the angry crowd rushed and jostled the players as they were returning to the pavilion; the security had to interfere for the safety of the players who could have been injured.)
Kaleidoscope(n)
Tube in which patterns are made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, Any such colorful patterns.
((1) The Indian bazaar was a kaleidoscope of bright colors, enchanting smells, and pleasant sounds. (2) From the top of the building, I got a kaleidoscopic view of the small cars down on the street.)
Related Word: Kaleidoscopical (adj.), Kaleidoscopic (adj.)
Keel(v,n)
1) To cause to turn or tilt 2) Lowest longitudinal timber of vessel, on which framework of the whole is built up.
((1) He had drunk so much the previous night that he just keeled over when he tried to stand up.)
Synonyms: Stumble, Totter, Plunge
Related Word: Keelless (n)
Ken(v,n)
Range or sight of knowledge.
(So dull and poor he was in mathematics that it was just beyond his ken to understand even the basic principles of geometry.)
Synonyms: Purview, Horizon
Kennel(n)
A small, usu. wooden shelter for a dog
(She shouted at the little poodle for jumping about the house noisily and the poor dog sulked and went to its kennel.)
Kernel(n)
Central or vital part of a nut or the whole seed.
(While the edible kernels of the almonds were collected in the jar, the hard shells were thrown out.)
Synonyms: Core
Killjoy(n)
One who throws gloom over social enjoyment.
(Don't be such a killjoy, come and join the party!)
Synonyms: Sourpuss
Kindred(n,adj)
(For a person) who has the same opinions, feelings, and interest as you.
(While the majority of the audience found the classical violin concert too boring, a small group of kindred spirits were enjoying themselves to the hilt.)
Synonyms: Allied, Germane
Kitsch(n)
Works of art or decorative objects that are ugly or worthless.
(The walls of his drawing-room were covered with worthless art objects and paintings that were pure kitsch; it was obvious that his artistic sense was pretty pathetic.)
Related Word: Kitschy (adj.)
Kleptomaniac(n,adj)
Person who has a compulsive desire to steal.
(The people thought him to be a thief when they caught him red-handed while trying to steal jewels, but he was actually a kleptomaniac who himself didn't know what he was doing.)
Synonyms: Pilferer
Related Word: Kleptomania (n)
Knave(n)
Untrustworthy, Dishonest person.
(The butler the Siglers had employed turned out to be a knave of the highest order; he made away with valuables worth over a 7000 pounds at the first available opportunity.)
Synonyms: Dishonest, Con man, Charlatan, Phony
Related Word: Knavery (n), Knavish (adj.)
Knoll(n,v)
A small, low hill.
(I could never had thought that he has such little stamina; he was utterly exhausted and panting by the time he reached the top of the knoll, a climb of barely 15 minutes.)
Synonyms: Embankment
Kohl(n)
Black powder used by women to darken their eyelids.
(In certain Indian communities, it is compulsory for an unmarried girl to outline her eyes with kohl, so as to look more attractive.)
Kowtow(v,n)
1) To show great humility and regard or to treat with obsequious deference 2) Chinese custom of touching ground with forehead as sign of worship or absolute submission.
(He can go to any extent to get a promotion, but I'm just not prepared to kowtow to the boss for it.)
Laborious(adj)
Hard-working, showing signs of toil
(After they had completed the laborious exercise of checking each and every record in the huge database, they were informed that they had been looking at the wrong database.)
Synonyms: Toilsome
Antonyms: Lazy
Related Word: Laboriously (adv.), Laboriousness (n)
Lacerate(v)
Tear (esp. flesh or tissues).
(He received eleven stitches after his face was badly lacerated in the accident.)
Synonyms: Mangle.
Related Word: Lacerable (adj.), Laceration (n)
Lachrymose(adj)
Tearful, Weeping, Sorrowful
(The role of the lachrymose old woman who lost her son in the battle was wonderfully enacted by Lorna, well known for her ability to bring tears in her eyes as often as she wants.)
Related Word: Lachrymosely (adv.), Lachrymal (adj.), Lachrymatory (adj. & n), Lachrymation (n), Lachrymator (n)
Lackey(n,v)
1) A dutiful and honest servant 2) Behave like an honest and dutiful servant
(Though Ronaldo is his cousin, Jamie treats him like a lackey and orders him to do all his work from washing his clothes to shining his shoes.)
Lackluster(n)
Very dull or deficient.
(Everyone in the hall was disappointed by the lackluster performance of the noted actor in the play.)
Lair(n,v)
Sheltered place where a wild animal usually sleeps or rests. Hence, any person's hiding place.
(When the police came to know that the cottage was actually a thieves' lair during the night, they decided to stage a raid at 2 a.m. in order to arrest them.)
Laity(n)
The laymen, People who are not members of a specific profession.
(Though the media makes a big event out of the annual national budget, the laity is not really too interested in the subject as most of the description is hard-to-understand economic terms.)
Lambent(adj)
Shining softly, Glowing.
(There was a lambent glow on her face when I saw her after her engagement; it was clear that she was in love.)
Related Word: Lambently (adv.), Lambency (n)
Lament(n,v)
To express sorrow, Regret.
(While he laments the decline in the quality of the Indian film music, he also believes that change is inevitable and has to be accepted.)
Synonyms: Dirge (n)
Related Word: Lamentable (adj.), Lamentation (n)
Lance(n,v)
(1) A long thin pole with a pointed end, used as a weapon by horseriders (2) To cut the skin with a sharp tool so as to release infected matter.
((1) The gladiator raised his lance high in the air and struck the lion with all his might, as a hush descended on the arena. (2) The boil on her toe was hurting her badly, and she had no option but to get it lanced by a surgeon.)
Related Word: Lancer (n)
Languish(v)
To exist with difficulty or in an unpleasant situation, usu. over a long period of time.
(While he was languishing in jail, his former colleagues who had played a dirty trick on him made merry with all his wealth.)
Related Word: Languishingly (adv.), Languishment (n)
Lanky(adj)
Lean and tall.
(His lanky frame totally betrays his enormous capacity for food; it's amazing how he manages to remain so thin after eating so much.)
Synonyms: Gaunt
Related Word: Lankly (adv.)
Lapidary(adj,n)
1) Concerned with stones (engraved on stones) 2) A workman who cuts, engraves or polishes precious stones.
(Being an excellent craftsman, he did not find it very difficult to find employment as a lapidary at the jewelry store, and now his employers are quite impressed with his fine skills at cutting and polishing stones.)
Larceny(n)
Illegal taking away of another's personal goods with intent to convert them to one's own use.
(The court directed him to a six-months sentence on charges of larceny, but he kept on insisting that he had not committed the theft he was accused of.)
Related Word: Larcener, Larcenist (n), Larcenous (adj.)
Larder(n)
Room or cupboard for storing meat and other provisions.
(She was shocked to discover that a rat had gone into the larder and had destroyed most of the food items stored there.)
Related Word: Lardon (n), Lardoon (n)
Lascivious(adj)
Having or arousing sexual desires.
(The college ruffians spent most of their time bullying the juniors, or passing lewd and lascivious comments at the girls.)
Synonyms: Lustful, Salacious
Related Word: Lasciviousness (n), Lasciviously (adv.)
Lateral(adj,n)
Pertaining to the sides of an object or to sideways movement.
(He somehow managed to get past the eyes of the roving sentry, moved laterally along the walls of the prison for some distance, till he reached the spot from where the wall could be scaled.)
Related Word: Laterally (adv.)
Macabre(adj)
Horrifying, Causing shock, disgust, or fear.
(In a macabre incident that came to light just yesterday, a man has been living with the dead body of her wife for the last three years, having preserved the body as the Egyptians used to.)
Macerate(v)
To reduce a solid substance to pulp by soaking in liquid.
(When the police recovered the dead body nearly twenty days after the murder, it was so badly macerated that it was impossible to recognize the victim.)
Related Word: Maceration (n), Macerator (n)
Machiavellian(adj)
Any behavior involving schemes and deceitfulness.
(The public soon became aware of his Machiavellian tactics to win the election, and condemned his deceitful methods.)
Synonyms: Cunning
Related Word: Machiavellianism (n)
Machinations(n)
An act that is a part of a scheme or plot, Clever scheming.
(The deal between the management and the union leader was clearly not a straight forward one -- who knows what machinations lay behind this deal?)
Related Word: Machinate (v), Machinator (n)
Maelstrom(n)
A great whirlpool, thus any turmoil of wide-reaching influence. {Maelstrom is the name of a massive whirlpool off the west-coast of Norway.
(Though it started with a few countries, the whole world was gradually caught in the maelstrom of the Second World War.)
Magnate(n)
Person of prominence or influence.
(The beggar you see asking for alms in the streets was once a well-known shipping magnate who earned a lot of money but lost everything in a ship-wreck.)
Magnitude(n)
Greatness, Extent, Largeness, Importance.
(Taking into consideration the magnitude of the problem, the members of the team decided to take it into priority, and held a meeting to discuss it.)
Maim(v)
Injure so badly that the injured part no longer works as it should.
(Though he could survive the accident he met with last month, it has maimed for life; he will never be able to walk again.)
Synonyms: Mutilate
Mala fide(adv,adj)
Treacherous, in or with bad faith.
(Right from day one, I had a feeling that in joining the company, his intentions were mala fide -- and I was proved right when it was discovered that he had been passing on our company secrets to a rival organization.)
Antonyms: Bo'na fi'de
Malaise(n)
Uneasiness, Vague feeling of ill health
(These suicides committed by farmers is a symptom of a deeper and a more general malaise in the society.)
Nadir(n)
Place or time of greatest depression.
(His defeat at the hands of an upstart politician in 1993 marked the nadir of his political career, since then, his fortunes have been on the upswing.)
Synonyms: Underneath
Antonyms: Zenith, Apex, Pinnacle
Narcissism(n)
Abnormal self-love or excessive self-admiration.
(With the kind of time she spends in front of the mirror, I sometimes feel there is too much of a narcissistic element in her.)
Synonyms: Complacency, Immodesty, Egotism
Related Word: Narcissistic (adj), Narcissist (n)
Narrative(n,adj)
A story or description of events told in first person.
(By linguistic standards, The Rainmaker by John Grisham is a remarkable novel because not only has it been written in a narrative style (with the protagonist being the narrator) but it also uses the present tense it relate its story.)
Synonyms: Chronological, Sequential
Related Word: Narratively (adv), Narrate (v), Narrator (n)
Natty(adj)
Neatly or smartly dressed.
(Garcias arrived for the reception nattily dressed in a black tuxedo, looking every bit the handsome model that he actually was.)
Synonyms: Spruce, Smug
Related Word: Nattily (adv), Nattiness (n)
Nauseate(v)
1) Cause to become sick 2) Fill with disgust.
(The atmosphere in and around the hospital after the explosion was so nauseating that the patients could not swallow food.)
Synonyms: Sicken
Related Word: Nauseating (adj)
Nautical(adj)
Pertaining to ships or navigation
(The party had a nautical theme -- the host was dressed up like a sailor, the entire ambience was that of a ship, and the guests were treated as if they were the passengers of a luxury cruise.)
Synonyms: Marine, Navigational
Related Word: Nautically (adv)
Navigable(adj)
Affording passage for ships.
(During summers, this river becomes too shallow to be navigable, so the boats ply only from September to March.)
Synonyms: Dirigible, Passable, Negotiable
Related Word: Navigability (n), Navigation (n), Navigator (n), Navigate (v)
Necropolis(n)
Large cemetery (esp. in ancient cities).
(The archeologist, while excavating the ruins of the ancient city, came across a necropolis, and saw that along with the dead, the inhabitants used to also bury all earthly belongings of the deceased person.)
Negligence(n)
Lack of proper care or attention.
(He could not pass the examination because of his negligence towards studies; he was often seen sleeping in his room when he should have been studying.)
Synonyms: Delinquency, Dereliction, Laxity
Related Word: Negligent (adj), Negligently (adv)
Nemesis(n)
(1) A cause of punishment or defeat that cannot be avoided (2) A fierce opponent.
((1) The financial scandal involving the armament purchase deal proved to the Prime Minister's political nemesis at the subsequent elections -- his party had to suffer a massive defeat following charges of corruption. (2) Martina Navratilova, the reigning queen at the Women's Singles Tennis Trophy at Wimbledon throughout the 1980s, finally met her nemesis in the form of Steffi Graf, a nineteen-year old from the US.)
Oaf(n)
Stupid person.
(He must be an absolute oaf to have done such a silly thing!)
Related Word: Oafish (adj), Oafishly (adv), Oafishness (n)
Obese(adj)
Very fat, Fat to the extent of unhealthiness.
(He was already a little plump, so his doctor strictly advised him to stay away from fatty foods if he did not want to become obese.)
Synonyms: Corpulent
Antonyms: Slim
Related Word: Obesity (n)
Obituary(n)
A formal announcement of someone's death (in a newspaper etc.)
(Her family decided to publish an obituary notice in the local newspaper to inform all the relatives and friends about her sudden demise.)
Objective(adj)
Not influenced by personal emotions, Fair and just.
(Since I have been closely involved with the formation of this company, it is difficult for me to do an objective assessment of the company's position; it's better if an outsider does the assessment.)
Antonyms: Subjective
Related Word: Objectivity (n)
Objective(n)
Goal, Aim.
(The company has set a long-term objective of doubling its turnover every three years for the next fifteen years.)
Oblation(n)
Offering made to god.
(The oblations made by the devotees at the temple at Tirupati in South India amount to an average of Rs. 1,000,000 a day, which is approximately equal to $ 25000.)
Obligatory(adj)
Binding, Required to be done according to the rules or the law.
(It is obligatory on anyone entering a Gurudwara, the religious place of the Sikhs, to cover their head with a piece of cloth.)
Synonyms: Compulsory, Mandatory
Antonyms: Optional
Related Word: Obligation (n)
Oblique(adj)
(1) Indirect (2) Slanting, Inclined.
((1) In his first address as the President of the society, he made several oblique references to the inefficiency of his predecessor, though he never named him directly.)
Antonyms: Direct
Obliquity(n)
Deviation from what is morally correct or from sound thinking, Crooked conduct.
(When he was a child, his uncaring father and mild mannered mother never bothered to correct his obliquities, and his minor offences slowly took the shape of criminal conduct.)
Obliterate(v)
Destroy completely.
(The Nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima during the second world war obliterated the whole city.)
Synonyms: Raze
Antonyms: Originate
Related Word: Obliteration (n)
Pacifist(n)
One opposed to force, A person who does not believe in wars.
(An increasing number of young people are turning pacifists these days -- condemning war and spreading the message of peace.)
Antonyms: Militarist
Related Word: Pacifism (n)
Pagan(n)
A person who does not believe in religion, or does not believe any fixed religion.
(He says that he has absolutely no faith in God and calls himself a pagan.)
Synonyms: Heathen
Related Word: Paganism (n)
Pageant(n)
A spectacular public show, procession or exhibition.
(Many Indians are now protesting against the popular beauty pageants as they feel the show is a waste of money and time.)
Related Word: Pageantry (n)
Painstaking(adj)
Taking great care, Very thorough with one's work.
(Most tennis stars would admit that it took them years of painstaking practice to reach this position.)
Antonyms: Remiss
Related Word: Painstakingly (adv)
Palaver(n)
Unnecessary inconvenience and trouble.
(He created a lot of fuss and palaver when he lost his driving license.)
Synonyms: Banter
Palette(n)
The board on which a painter mixes colors.
(Most good painters usually mix colors directly on the pain board rather than on the palette.)
Palpate(v)
Examine medically by touch.
(As the doctor palpated his stomach, he could feel a small lump which he doubted could be a tumor.)
Related Word: Palpation (n)
Palpitate(v)
To tremble. Also, (of the heart) to beat fast and regularly.
(He knew that he would be severely punished for the mistake he had made, he could feel his heart palpitating with fear.)
Synonyms: Pulsate, Tremble
Related Word: Palpitations (n)
Pan(v)
Criticize harshly.
(Though the novel won a lot of critical acclaim, the film based on it was badly panned by the critics.)
Synonyms: Reprimand
Antonyms: Appreciate
Panacea(n)
Something that will cure all troubles, Universal remedy.
(It was not a doctor but an audience which proved to be a panacea for her depression; she wanted to talk to someone and share her feelings.)
Quack(n,adj,v)
Ignorant pretender to skill esp. in medicine or surgery.
(As soon as it became obvious that the person pretending to be a doctor was actually a quack, with no qualifications whatsoever, the villagers chased him out of the village.)
Synonyms: Pretentious, Phony, Pseudo
Related Word: Quackery (n), Quackish (adj)
Quadruped(n,adj)
Four-footed animal.
(The giraffe is among the tallest quadrupeds known to man.)
Synonyms: Creature, Vertebrate, Invertebrate
Related Word: Quadrupedal (adj)
Quail(n,v)
1) A migratory bird 2) To feel or show fear; to move away from something because of fear.
(2) He was quailing with fear as the results of the exam were being read out in class.)
Synonyms: Cower, Cringe, Tremble, Blanch
Related Word: Quailery (n)
Quarry(n,v)
1) Victim, Object of a hunt 2) Excavation made by taking stone for building from its bed.
(The tiger pursued its quarry until it was thoroughly exhausted, and then easily overpowered it.)
Synonyms: Excavation, Crater
Queasy(adj)
A feeling of sickness in the stomach.
(As soon as she entered the market where meat was being sold, she started feeling queasy and expressed her desire to be excused.)
Synonyms: Nauseated, Nauseous
Related Word: Queasily (adj), Queasiness (n)
Quench(v)
To satisfy thirst by having a drink (in particular), To satisfy (in general).
(t's been a long time since he was a student, but his thirst for knowledge has still not been quenched.)
Synonyms: Gorge, Assuage, Satiate
Related Word: Quenchable (adj), Quenchless (adj), Quencher (n)
Quibble(n,v)
Unsubstantial or purely verbal argument etc.
(One could quibble about a few scenes which could have been better picturised, but overall, it was a very impressive production.)
Synonyms: Equivocation, Prevaricate, Sophism
Related Word: Quibbling (adj), Quibbler (n)
Quip(n,v)
An amusing and clever remark.
(In one of the lighter moments in the intense discussion, the noted journalist quipped that politicians of the state seem to have a flair for getting into trouble.)
Synonyms: Quibble, Deride.
Quirk(n)
Something strange or unexpected, or an unusual feature of someone's personality,
(By a strange quirk of fate, this is the third time that the two of us have found ourselves travelling in the same compartment of the train.)
Synonyms:Flavor,Temperament, Essence, Earmark
Related Word:Quirky (adj)
Quisling(n)
Person co-operating with enemy.
(The major general has denied the charges that he was a quisling in the recent war and has passed on military secrets to the enemy, saying that he is a victim of a conspiracy.)
Synonyms: Renegade, Apostate
Quiver(n,v)
1) Case for holding arrows 2) Tremble, Shake.
((2) The hostel residents quivered with fear at the sight of the warden, who was extremely strict in imposing discipline in the hostel.)
Synonyms: Vibrate, Tremor, Shudder
Quorum(n)
Fixed number of members necessary to conduct the meeting.
(The annual general meeting of the company had to be adjourned when three of the board members left, and the quorum of seven people could not be reached.)
Related Word: Quorate (adj).
Rabid(adj)
Violent, Expressing strong feelings.
(The group of protestors outside the town hall was turning rabid, so the police had to fire gas shells in order to prevent the break-out of violence.)
Synonyms: Furious, Fanatical
Antonyms: Complaisant
Related Word: Rabidity (n), Rabidness (n), Rabidly (adv)
Raconteur(n)
A person who is skilled at narrating stories, jokes etc.
(He not only knows hundreds of jokes but is also a skilled raconteur ; he can keep you entertained for hours together.)
Raffish(adj)
Disreputable.
(That part of the town is inhabited by various anti-social elements and petty criminals -- because of its raffishness, most respected people hardly ever venture into the area.)
Synonyms: Tawdry
Antonyms: August
Related Word: Raffishly (adv), Raffishness (n)
Rail(v)
(1) To complain angrily, Use abusive language (2) To enclose, esp. using railings.
(The passengers in the train railed against the railway authorities for not providing adequate security measures in the train.)
Synonyms: Scold, Rant
Related Word: Railer (n)
Raillery(n)
Good natured joking, banter.
(1) His raillery proved to be a great relief to the group when they were all mourning over losing their crucial match.2) His raillery has always prevented his, otherwise tense relations, from being broken up.)
Synonyms: Persiflage
Rake(n,v)
A person who lives an irresponsible and immoral life usu. despite being of a high social position.
(He has been a rake all his life, but now, at the age of forty, he has become a responsible father and understands his duty towards not only his family but also the society he lives in.)
Synonyms: Lecher
Rally(v,n)
(1) A public meeting of a large group of people (2) To come together for a common cause, To get together to provide support (3) To return to a better condition (4) A car pr motorcycle race, usu. over.
((1) The opposition leader's election rally held in the capital yesterday attracted a huge crowd of over 200,000 people.(2) To tackle the growing menace of terrorism, the Prime Minister has asked the people to rally behind the government in its battle against terrorists.(3) The rupee rallied against the dollar in the second week of the month, after taking a beating of 4% during the first week.)
Synonyms: Convocation
Antonyms: Disband
Ramble(v,n)
Wander aimlessly, Walk for pleasure and without definite route.
(He was arrested by the Police for rambling about in the town during the Curfew.)
Synonyms: Saunter, Wander
Rambunctious(adj)
Wild or uncontrollable in conduct.
(Because of his rambunctious behavior, even the doctors of the hospital are afraid to go near him to give him an injection; he is known to have bitten a nurse twice in the process of getting an injection.)
Synonyms: Unruly; Obstreperous, Randy, Clamorous
Antonyms: Harmonious, Genial
Related Word: Rambunctiously (adv), Rambunctiousness (n)
Ramification(n)
The possible results of an action.
(He has a very single-minded approach, I don't think he has considered all the ramifications of his decision.)
Synonyms: Divergence
Related Word: Ramify (v)
Ramp(n,v)
An artificial slope.
(The government has directed the construction of ramps alongside the stairs at the entrance of all public buildings, to make access easy for the disabled and those on a wheelchair.)
Ramshackle(adj)
Falling apart.
(Next to the coconut grove stood a small ramshackle hut in poor condition, and it was obvious that nobody had been living there for several years now.)
Synonyms: Rickety
Rancid(adj)
Tasting or smelling unpleasant because of being stale.
(If you do not refrigerate these vegetables, they will turn rancid within a day and will go waste.)
Synonyms: Pungent
Related Word: Rancidity (n), Rancidness (n)
Rankle(v)
Irritate, Give intermittent or constant pain.
(The fact that he did not get a promotion when it was due, but his junior did, still rankles with him a lot, and he has finally decided to have a word with the company president.)
Synonyms: Fester
Antonyms: Assuage
Rant(v,n)
Talk excitedly, often in a foolish or angry way.
(He has been ranting about the need to reform the institute for a long time now, not realizing that no one is really interested in listening to him.)
Synonyms: Rave
Related Word: Ranter (n)
Rapport(n)
(esp. useful) communication, (harmonious) relationship, or connection.
(The secret of this organization's success is that its owner shares an excellent personal rapport with each of the employees, irrespective of their position in the company.)
Synonyms: Equanimity, Unanimity, Concord.
Rapprochement(n)
Re-establishment of harmonious relations (esp. between states).
(After a long strained relationship, the two states finally decided to come together for a rapprochement.)
Synonyms: Reconciliation
Rasp(n)
A harsh sound, as that of metal rubbing against metal.
(After pushing hard for nearly ten minutes, the creaky and rusty door finally opened with a loud rasp.)
Sabotage(v,n)
To intentionally prevent the success of an enemy's plan by damaging / destroying buildings or equipment.
(This is the third attempt by the terrorists to sabotage the nuclear power plant; this time they almost succeeded.)
Synonyms: Thwart
Related Word: Saboteur (n) = one who sabotages
Sabulous(adj)
Sandy, Full of sand.
(He had been playing in the mud since morning, and when he returned home with his sabulous clothes, his mother scolded him.)
Sacerdotal(adj)
Of or pertaining to priests.
(Robinson has served the church as a priest for ten years, and he is very conscious about his sacerdotal image.)
Antonyms: Lay
Sacrilegious(adj)
Disrespectful towards holy places or objects. Any disrespectful act towards something revered.
(The Sikh community considers it sacrilegious for a person to enter a Gurudwara, their place of worship, without covering their head.)
Synonyms: Blasphemous, Irreverent, Impious, Profane
Related Word: Sacrilege (n), Sacrilegiously (adv)
Sacrosanct(adj)
Most sacred or revered, and hence not to be harmed (often used humorously)
(He is willing to put in late hours of work on weekdays, but weekends are sacrosanct for him -- don't expect him to do any work on weekends.)
Synonyms: Consecrated, Venerated
Sadist(n)
Someone who gains pleasure from cruelty or by causing pain to others.
(In the movie, Jack Nicholson plays a jailer with Sadistic tendencies - he derives pleasure from inflicting the most cruel torture on prisoners.)
Antonyms: Kind, Philanthropist
Related Word: Sadism (n), Sadistic (adj), Sadistically (adv)
Saga(n)
A descriptive tale about a particular place, time in history, group of people etc.
(His eyes were filled with tears when he heard the saga of the children who had drowned in the mill pond on the fateful night of fifth November.)
Synonyms: Legend
Salamander(n)
A kind of long tailed amphibian (belonging to the lizard family). Also, a person who can endure great heat.
(Because of Global warming, it is evident that the time will come when only a salamander, which can endure great heat, would be able to survive.)
Sallow(adj)
Of pale and unhealthy yellowish color.
(I could make out from her sallow complexion and pale eyes that she had again not been well; I sternly advised her to see a doctor.)
Synonyms: Wan, Pallid
Antonyms: Ruddy
Related Word: Sallowness (n)
Sally(n)
(1) A quick attack and return to position of defence (2) A lively or witty remark or answer.
((1) The brave young soldier made an audacious sally into the enemy camp, and came back after successfully detonating a powerful bomb in the camp.)
Synonyms: (1) Sortie (2) Riposte
Tacky(adj)
1) Slightly sticky 2) Showing poor taste or style.
((1) Don't touch the door, the paint on it is still tacky. (2) The play had very poor production values : incoherent dialogues, tacky costumes, shoddy sets.)
Related Word: Tackiness (n)
Tactile(adj)
Pertaining to the sense of touch. If something is tactile, it has a surface that is very attractive or pleasant to touch.
(The company has launched a newly developed exterior paint that has a very high tactile quality : when you touch a wall that has used that paint, it seems as if you are touching the soft skin of a child.)
Related Word: Tactility (n)
Talisman(n)
1) Charm to bring good luck and avert misfortune 2) Thing capable of working wonders.
(Gandhiji spread the Talisman of peace, non-violence and love all over the country and it worked wonders, even the British Empire had to fall into its charm and yield.)
Related Word: Talismanic (adj)
Talon(n)
Claw of bird.
(The eagle bends its pointed talons inwards while it lands on its feet and extends them outwards while clasping a prey.)
Tangential(adj)
Having only an indirect connection or importance.
(The arguments put forth against the project were rather tangential; many a times, I could not even see their link with our basic idea.)
Related Word: Tangentially (adv), Tangent (n)
Tangible(adj)
Able to be touched, Not elusive or visionary.
(There was no tangible proof against him that could account for his involvement in the murder, so he was acquitted by the court.)
Synonyms: Definite, Palpable
Antonyms: Ethereal
Related Word: Tangibleness (n), Tangibility (n), Tangibly (adv)
Tanner(n)
Person who turns animal hides into leather.
(When the bull died, its owner sold the skin at the local tannery which was known for its high quality leather manufacturing.)
Related Word: Tan (v), Tanned (adj), Tannery (n)
Tantalize(v)
To tease or torment by showing something desired that is kept out of reach.
(The tantalizing smell of the food being cooked in the kitchen prevented us from studying; we were eager to taste the new dish.)
Related Word: Tantalization (n)
Tantrum(n)
A sudden outburst of childish bad behavior or temper.
(The child threw a tantrum the moment she entered the toy store; she would only settle for the most expensive doll on display and nothing less.)
Synonyms: Caprice, Petulance
Taut(adj)
Stretched tight.
(Do not make the guitar strings too taut, they might break.)
Antonyms: Flaccid
Related Word: Tautly (adv), Tautness (n)
Ultimate(adj)
Final, Beyond which no other exists or is possible.
(Though he has been acting in serials and commercial advertisements for many years, his ultimate aim is to become a superstar on the big screen.)
Antonyms: Incipient
Related Word: Ultimately (adv)
Ululate(v)
To howl as a dog or a wolf, To wail.
(The wild ululation of a pack of wolves suddenly broke the silence of the night, and we were scared out of our wits.)
Related Word: Ululant (adj), Ululation (n)
Umbrage(n)
To feel upset or annoyed usually because you feel that someone has been rude or shown a lack of respect to you.
(I'd never expected that she would take umbrage to what I thought were such harmless remarks.)
Synonyms: Grudge, Vexation, Pique
Unaccountable(adj)
That cannot be explained, Unreasonable or mysterious.
(For some unaccountable reason, he has never been nabbed by the police despite such clear cut evidence against him.)
Related Word: Unaccountability (n) Unaccountably (adv)
Unanimity(n)
Complete agreement.
(The council of ministers was in complete unanimity about the need for the imposition of emergency, but the president would have none of it.)
Synonyms: Concord, Consensus
Antonyms: Discord
Related Word: Unanimous (adj), Unanimously (adv)
Unassailable(adj)
That which is not subject to question, or attack.
(With sixteen victories in a row, the Australian cricket team was looking quite unassailable, but they were finally vanquished at the hands of the Indians, considered absolute underdogs.)
Synonyms: Invincible, Impregnable
Antonyms: Fallacious
Related Word: Unassailably (adv)
Unassuming(adj)
Not showing a wish to be noticed or given special treatment.
(In spite of being the best actor, he likes spending time with common people; people love him for his unassuming nature.)
Synonyms: Unblushing, Unsophisticated, Modest.
Related Word: Unassumingly (adv)
Unbridled(adj)
Not controlled and too active.
(1) Though he is pure at heart, his unbridled tongue has often involved him in quarrels.2) His unbridled lust for money has made him so satanic that he can even cut someone's throat for the sake of money.)
Synonyms: Riotous, Violent
Antonyms: Restrained
Uncanny(adj)
Seemingly supernatural or mysterious.
(Though the two of them had always lived in separate continents, Derek in New Zealand had an uncanny resemblance with my cousin George, who lives in Scotland.)
Synonyms: Grotesque, Freakish
Antonyms: Wary
Related Word: Uncannily (adv)
Unconscionable(adj)
Unreasonable in degree or amount.
(Though I had written to him long back and asked him to reply soon, he took an unconscionable time to reply me.)
Synonyms: Unscrupulous, Wanton
Related Word: Unconscionably (adv)
Vagabond(adj,n,v)
1) Having no fixed habitation 2) A wanderer 3) Wander about.
(As a social worker she decided to adopt the vagabond children living on the streets; now these children have a house and a purpose for living.)
Synonyms: Vagrant
Vagrant(adj,n)
Homeless wanderer.
(A number of vagrants and drunkards frequent this side of the town after dark; it is not too safe to come here at that time.)
Synonyms: Roving, Strolling, Vagabond
Related Word: Vagrancy (n)
Valedictory(adj,n)
1) Having to do with leave-taking or farewell 2) A parting address
(In his valedictory address to the members of the society, he expressed his satisfaction as having spent a glorious two decades with the society.)
Antonyms: Salutory
Related Word: Valediction (n)
Valid(adj)
Logically convincing, Sound, Legally acceptable.
(Since the officer suspected that the passport was forged, he questioned the validity of the passport.)
Related Word: Validity (n), Validly (adv), Validate (v)
Vanguard(n)
Foremost part of army or fleet advancing or ready to do so.
(The families who arrived this week were only the vanguard of what turned into a flood of refugees.)
Antonyms: Echelon
Vantage(n)
1) Position giving an advantage 2) A point of view.
(He is very selfish and least bothered about others; he does things which from his vantage-point yield him profit.)
Veer(v,n)
1) Change in direction (esp. of wind) 2) Change of direction.
(In order to save the cyclist, the car-driver sharply veered the car to the left hitting the electric pole.)
Velocity(n)
Quickness or rate of motion or action.
(The driver was driving the car at such a high velocity that he lost control over it near the corner of the road.)
Synonyms: Speed, Pace
Venal(adj)
Corrupt, capable of being bought for money or bribed.
(The venality of the players has badly affected the spirit of sports; most of the players nowadays require money more than they require name, and thus cheat not only their teams but also their countries.)
Related Word: Venality (n), Venally (adv)
Vendetta(n)
A long and violent dispute between different people or families.
(The vendetta between the two families continued for over two decades, before it was finally resolved because of the broadmindedness of the younger generation.)
Wacky(adj)
Unusual in a pleasing and exciting or silly way.
(At the informal brainstorming session, the advertising agency executives came up with a number of ideas, some very practical and others absolutely wacky.)
Synonyms: Crazy
Related Word: Wackiness (n)
Waft(v,n)
Move gently by wind or waves.
(The rudderless boat gently wafted on the river for a few miles and then drifted into the vast sea.)
Waif(n)
Homeless child or animal.
(As a social worker he decided to build a hostel to give a bed for the night to waif and strays, who themselves had no one to look after.)
Waive(v)
Give up temporarily, Yield
(The chief ordered his comrades to waive their arguments and do as were asked to.)
Antonyms: Persevere, Perpetuate, Pursue
Related Word: Waiver (n)
Wallow(v,n)
Roll about in mud, water etc.
(Immediately after the rain, the children started wallowing in the mud; when they returned home in the evening, all their clothes were in mud.)
Wan(adj)
Pale or faint (usually due to illness or fatigue).
(I can never forget the wan face of the little child looking at me out of the window with fear and longing in his eyes.)
Synonyms: Pallid, Sallow
Antonyms: Glistening, Beaming
Related Word: Wanly (adv), Wanness (n)
Wangle(v,n)
Obtain or arrange by using trickery or scheming.
(I tried my best to wangle my way out of accepting the post of secretary of the committee, but the pressure from all those present was overwhelming.)
Warble(v,n)
Sing, esp. with a gentle tone as certain birds do.
(Though she doesn't have a great voice, she is very fond of singing; I often hear her warbling in the bathroom.)
Synonyms: Babble
Warped(adj)
Twisted, bent.
(He has a rather warped attitude towards life; he thinks the only person he is answerable to in life is he himself.)
Synonyms: Distorted, Disfigured
Warrant(n,v)
1) Thing or person that authorizes (person in) action 2) Serve as warrant for, Justify.
(The Prime Minister has clearly said that India is not in favor of using nuclear weapon at present, but may use it if situation so warrants.)
Related Word: Warrantable (adj), Warrantor (n), Warrantor (n), Warrantee (n)
Xenophobia(n)
The fear of strangers.
(Germany was swept with a wave of xenophobia for several years, but now that it has opened its doors to foreigners from all over the world, the situation has remarkably changed.)
Related Word: Xenophobic (adj), Xenophobe (n)
Xyloid(adj)
Of or resembling wood.
(The statue was a xyloid structure, made of the finest quality wood.)
Yokel(n)
A rustic person.
(Despite coming from a sophisticated and learned family, the famed artist could even play the role of a village yokel to perfection.)
Synonyms: Boor, Hayseed, Hick, Bumpkin
Yank(v)
To pull something forcefully with a quick movement.
(He tried hard to open the door but it would not budge, so he yanked out the latch with all his force.)
Yen(n)
A strong desire.
(His yen for money is the cause of his criminal inclinations; he can do anything for money.)
Antonyms: Loath, Abhor, Disgust
Yardstick(n)
A standard to judge something.
(If the yardstick of success is taken as a person's popularity, he would be among the most successful people in the city.)
Yield(n,v)
1) Amount produced; crop; income or investment 2) Give in, surrender.
(Despite great pressure from the landlord to give up the occupied land, he did not yield.)
Synonyms: Harvest
Antonyms: Impede, Counter, Counteract
Yore(n)
Of time past, In the long-forgotten days
(In the days of yore, when the postal service had not evolved and telephone had not even been dreamt of, carrier pigeons used to be a popular means of communication.)
Zany(n,adj)
Crazy, Surprising or uncontrolled in an amusing way.
(This advertising agency is known for its zany TV commercials, all of them one crazier than the other.)
Antonyms: Sane, Sensible
Zeal(n)
Great enthusiasm or eagerness.
(He prepared for the exams with a determined zeal, and it was this enthusiasm that helped him come out with flying colors.)
Synonyms: Fervor
Antonyms: (Zealous) : Refractory
Related Word: Zealous (adj), Zealot (n)
Zealot(adj)
Having very strong opinions about something
(The religious zealots of the country are at work again, spreading fanaticism and communal tension in the name of religion.)
Zeitgeist(n)
A general set of ideas, beliefs, feelings, etc. which are typical of a particular period of history.
(The period film set in the pre-Independence India beautifully reflects the then zeitgeist of the country : communal harmony in general, but seeds of discord being sown by the British, a simple living, high thinking attitude of the people, and above all, the patriotic fervor sweeping across the nation.)
Zenith(n)
Summit, Highest point, Point of heavens directly above observer.
(The magazine was at the zenith of its popularity in 1999, but its popularity has since then declined.)
Synonyms: Apex
Antonyms: Nadir
Related Word: Zenithal (adj)
Zephyr(n)
Soft and gentle breeze.
(It was very hot during the day, but as soon as the sun set, a cool zephyr began to blow.)
Zombie(n)
1) Corpse said to be revived by witchcraft 2) Dull or apathetic person.
((2) He is fit for nothing, he spends the whole day in front of TV like a zombie.)
Abashed(adj)
Embarrassed or uncomfortable in others' presence.
(The new student was visibly abashed when the teacher scolded him in front of the class for reaching late.)
Synonyms: Confound, Chagrin, Discomfit
Antonyms: Unabashed
Related Word: Abashment (n), Abash (v), Abashedly (adv)
Abolish(v)
Cancel, Put an end to.
(Abraham Lincoln was instrumental in the abolition of slavery in the United States.)
Synonyms: Obliterate, Purge
Related Word: Abolishable (adj), Abolisher (n), Abolition (n), Abolitionism (n), Abolitionist (n), Abolishment (n)
Aboriginal(adj)
Being the first or the earliest of its kind in a region.
(The people of this region are supposed to be descendents of an aboriginal civilization that existed here more than 2500 years ago and was destroyed by the invasion of Huns.)
Synonyms: Primitive, Native
Related Word: Aboriginality (n), Aborigine (n), Aboriginally (adv)
Abrasive(adj,n)
1) Tending to graze the skin or hurt a person 2) causing annoyance or dislike 3) (Substance) capable of rubbing or grinding.
(Beneath his rather abrasive exterior personality, he hides a heart of gold; a fact which very few people are aware of.)
Synonyms: Jarring, Strident
Related Word: Abrasion (n), Abrade (v)
Abridge(v)
Condense or shorten.
(This abridged version of Crime and Punishment is actually more engrossing than the complete version, and also quite well-written.)
Related Word: Abridgement (n)
Accede(v)
(1) Agree to a plan or suggestion (2) To take a high post or position after someone has left it.
(After much persuasion, the teacher finally acceded to our request for letting off the class a little early.)
Synonyms: Acquiesce
Related Word: Accession (n)
Accessible(adj)
Easy to approach; Obtainable, Reachable.
(Because of its rough shoreline from all sides, the island was accessible only by a small row boat.)
Related Word: Accessibility (n), Accessibly (adv)
Accessory(n,adj)
Additional object, useful but not essential.
(The car was shorn of all accessories and was a very basic model.)
Synonyms: Auxiliary, Subsidiary, Confederate
Acclimatize(v)
Adjust to climate or environment; Adapt.
(They lived in London for three years but never really got acclimatized to the cold and gloomy weather.)
Synonyms: Accustom, Conform
Related Word: Acclimation (n), Acclimate (v)
Acclivity(n)
Sharp upward slope.
(The acclivity of this hill provides an ideal testing ground for budding mountaineers.)
Synonyms: Ascent
Antonyms: Declivity
Related Word: Acclivitous (adj)
Accost(v)
Approach and speak first to a person.
(A sinister looking man accosted me in the dark street and asked for money.)
Synonyms: Solicit, Confront
Accrue(v)
To increase by addition. Also, to come as a gain or an additional advantage.
((1) The interest on this bank account has accrued to an amount greater than the principal. (2) Many benefits accrue to the society from free medical services provided by this organization.)
Synonyms: Amass
Related Word: Accrual (n), Accrued (adj)
Acolyte(n)
An attendant or follower. Specifically, a person in the church who helps a priest to perform religious ceremonies.
(The acolytes of the religious leader were gathered in large numbers at the airport to welcome him.)
Acoustics(n)
Science of sound or quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in.
(The acoustics of this theater are so good that you do not need any electronic microphones to hear the smallest of sounds of an orchestra.)
Related Word: Acoustic (adj), Acoustical (adj), Acoustically (adv), Acoustician
Acquiesce(v)
Assent, agree passively.
(In deciding the marriage of their daughter, parents in rural India take the acquiescence of the daughter for granted.)
Synonyms: Concur, Assent
Antonyms: Rebel, Oppose, Carp
Related Word: Acquiescence, (n), Acquiescent (adj)
Acquittal(n)
Deliverance from a charge.
(Despite a strong circumstantial evidence against him, he was acquitted by the court of law presumably because of his excellent political connections.)
Synonyms: Exoneration, Vindication, Amnesty
Antonyms: Conviction
Related Word: Acquittance (n), Acquit (v)
Actuarial(adj)
Calculating, Pertaining to insurance statistics.
(He has a degree in Actuarial studies and is hence seeking an employment in insurance and finance companies.)
Related Word: Actuary (n)
Actuate(v)
To activate, Put into action, Motivate.
(His efforts at making the business run are actuated by an ambition which borders on greed.)
Synonyms: Propel, Impel
Antonyms: Discourage, Prevent
Related Word: Actuation (n), Actuator (n)
Acuity(n)
Sharpness.
(Her acuity of mind at the age of eighty is simply amazing; she can recall what many people of fifty would tend to forget.)
Acute(adj)
Quickly perceptive, brief and severe
(Dogs are known for having an acute sense of smell.)
Synonyms: Intense
Related Word: Acutely (adv), Acuteness (n)
Ad valorem(adv,adj)
According to the value, in proportion to the estimated value of goods
(The finance ministry has decided to charge a 2 percent ad valorem duty on the goods produced in the newly developed industrial township.)
Babble(v,n)
(1) To talk quickly and unclearly. Hence, such confused talk (usu. by a group of people) which is difficult to understand. (2) A sound like that of a steam running gently over rounded stones
(I patiently tried to understand what she was trying to convey, but even after listening to her for nearly ten minutes, I had no idea what she was babbling about.)
Synonyms: Gibberish, Twaddle, Patter
Related Word: Babbler (n)
Badinage(n)
Playful and non-serious talk.
(He sternly told her that he had had enough of the badinage and wanted to have a serious discussion with her over their future.)
Synonyms: Banter
Baffle(v)
To surprise and confuse to the extent that effective action is not possible.
(I was completely baffled at her sudden change of attitude towards me; for some strange reason, she was not ready to even talk to me.)
Synonyms: Bewilder, Confound, Perplex
Related Word: Bafflement (n)
Bait(n,v)
Food or other material used to attract an animal or fish (and figuratively, a person also) in order to catch it. Hence, to offer as a bait.
(In addition to a hefty increase in his salary, the company also offered him a car as a bait, but he had made up his mind to quit the job.)
Synonyms: Inducement, Decoy
Ballast(n,v)
1) That which gives stability 2) Furnish with such thing.
(There was nothing on the boat which could be used as a ballast, and as the severe storm approached, they found themselves in a helpless situation.)
Synonyms: Counterbalance
Ballyhoo(n,v)
Misleading, vulgar or noisy publicity.
(Amidst the ballyhoo of TV commercials for various products from computers to washing soaps, this quiet advertisement for Care for the underprivileged stands out in many ways.)
Baloney(n)
Nonsense.
(All that he said about the advantages of that drug sounded like utter baloney to me; I know for a fact that the drug is absolutely useless.)
Synonyms: Prattle, Gossip, Bunkum.
Bandy(v)
To discuss
(The idea was bandied around the conference table for over forty minutes, before finally being dropped.)
Barb(n)
1) Pointed comment 2) Sharp projection from fishhook.
(Provoked by his friend's continuous barbs at him for losing in the first round of the tournament, Michael flung his tennis racket at Gerome.)
Synonyms: Spur, Cusp
Barmy(adj)
Foolish, crazy.
(The idea of setting up a company with such a ridiculously small amount of money sounds rather barmy to me.)
Related Word: Barm (n)
Cabal(n)
A secret association of persons (usually) plotting a conspiracy.
(It was later brought to light that the two junior officers arrested on charges of spying were a part of a large cabal within the ministry, which was plotting an overthrow of the government.)
Cache(n)
A secret hiding place. Hence, the cache memory in a computer.
(For two weeks, the Polish general Kirovoski hid in a cache below his bunkers, fearing an attack from the Germans.)
Cachinate(v)
To laugh loudly or immoderately.
(Though I did not see any reason to laugh, the man next to me at the movie theater suddenly cachinated in a booming voice.)
Cacophonous(adj)
Discordant, Inharmonious.
(Because of a cacophonous gathering of teenagers at the restaurant, I could not hear my cellular phone ring.)
Synonyms: Ill-sounding
Antonyms: Mellifluous
Related Word: Cacophony (n)
Cad(n)
A person of low manners or ungentlemanly conduct.
(I just don't understand how that ill-mannered cad could have been allowed entry into this elite club.)
Cadaver(n)
Dead body, Corpse.
( As a part of their course in medicine, the students are supposed to dissect a cadaver and identify the various parts of the human anatomy.)
Antonyms: (Cadaverous) : Obese
Related Word: Cadaverous (adj)
Cadence(n)
Rhythmic or measured flow or beat.
(The music soon built up a pleasant, rhythmic cadence, and a few couples came on to the dance floor.)
Synonyms: Rhythm
Cadge(v)
To beg.
(As if cadging me to pay for his meal was not enough, he now begged me to pay his bus fare for him to go home.)
Antonyms: Earn
Cagey(adj)
Reluctant to provide information, unwilling to talk.
(The old man was rather cagey at first to give me any information about the theft, but when he was convinced that my intentions were noble, he relented and provided me with a lot of useful information.)
Cairn(n)
Mound of stones as a memorial or landmark etc.
(Till she could find the funds to build a proper epitaph, the old lady along with her youngest son built a small cairn of stones at her husband's grave.)
Daft(adj)
Silly, foolish.
(It was a rather daft of him to drive at such high speed in wet weather; his stupidity could have cost him his life.)
Related Word: Daftness (n), Daftly (adv.)
Dainty(adj)
(1) Pretty and delicate (2) Difficult to please.
((1) The dainty little girl had been brought up in such a protected environment that even at the age of 14, she found it difficult to cross the road by herself. (2) As a child, I used to be a very dainty eater; my mother used to spend long hours patiently trying to feed me and bearing with my fussy ways.)
Synonyms: (2) Fastidious
Related Word: Daintiness (n), Daintily (adv.)
Dais(n)
Low platform, esp. for high table.
(Even before the speaker could reach the dais to deliver his speech, a section of the crowd started shouting slogans against him.)
Dally(v)
(1) To consider, but not very seriously (2) Delay, Be slow or waste time.
(Don't dally over the question you cannot solve, just move on to the next question.)
Related Word: Dalliance (n)
Dank(adj)
Unpleasantly wet and cold.
(As we moved further down the cave, the atmosphere became cooler and more dank, suggesting that a source of water was not far away.)
Antonyms: Dry
Related Word: Dankness (n)
Dapper(adj)
Neat, Smart in appearance or movement.
(Dressed up for his first interview, Jasper looked trim and dapper in his new suit and his)
Dastardly(adj)
Cowardly and bullying.
( In the most dastardly act of cruelty, the terrorist group blindly fired on the wedding party, not sparing even the infants.)
Synonyms: Cowardly
Antonyms: Heroic
Related Word: Dastard (n)
Daub(v,n)
(1) To cover with something soft and sticky, Smear (2) A small quantity of any soft and sticky substance like plaster, clay etc.
((1) Not knowing how to paint, he merely daubed the wall with paint; as a result, it looked worse than it did before.)
De jure(adj,adv)
By right, legal Rightfully
(During the political turmoil in the country after the coup, the army general called the shots and ran the government, but the Prime Minister remained the de jure head of state.)
Synonyms: Legitimate
Deadlock(v,n)
A situation in which agreement in an argument cannot be reached because neither side will change its demands or accept any of the demands of the other side.
(The negotiations between the disputing parties reached a deadlock when neither was willing to budge from their respective stands.)
Earthy(adj)
(1) Of or like earth (2) Unrefined, Coarse, Impolite.
((1) Susan prefers to adorn herself in earthy colors such as greens and browns.(2) Peter is unpopular because he uses earthy and vulgar language.)
Related Word: Earthiness (n)
Ebullition(n)
Act, process or state of boiling or bubbling up. Also any agitation or excitement.
(There was an ebullition of violence on the streets as a result of a major dispute between the two religious sects.)
Eclipse(n)
Loss of fame, power, success etc., Decline.
(The eclipse of the king's reign began with the infighting amongst the nobles, and within a decade, the mighty dynasty had collapsed.)
Related Word: Ecliptic (n)
Economy(n)
Efficiency or conciseness in using something.
(Ever since the consumer markets have taken a plunge, most companies are trying to economize on their functioning so as to cut costs and increase profits.)
Antonyms: Dissipation
Related Word: Economize (v)
Effectual(adj)
Able to produce a desired effect, Effective.
(Measures to provide employment have not been very effectual as nearly one-third of the town's population is still jobless.)
Antonyms: Ineffectual
Related Word: Effectually (adv)
Effete(adj)
Having lost its vitality, creativity or strength. Also, incapable of further production.
(Having been extensively cultivated for years, the farmer's land has now become effete and can no longer sustain him.)
Synonyms: Sterile, Barren
Related Word: Effeteness (n)
Effigy(n)
Human figure made of wood, paper etc.
A wooden effigy of the sheriff, that portrayed him as Hitler, was burnt in the market place by the angry masses.)
Efflorescence(n)
The period or action of developing of flowers on a plant.
(February is the efflorescent season after which the tulips are in full bloom and its fields are open to tourists.)
Related Word: Efflorescent (adj)
Effluent(n)
Discharge of waste liquid matter, sewage.
(Harmful effluent is flowing out of the drains of chemical factories and pouring into our rivers.)
Egalitarian(adj)
Having the belief that all people are equal, Believing in equal rights for all.
(Andrew is an ardent egalitarian involved in a constant battle against discrimination between castes and sexes.)
Related Word: Egalitarianism (n)
Egoism(n)
Excessive interest in oneself, Thinking only of personal interests, Selfishness.
(Harry's egoistic nature surfaced when he picked out the ripest berries for him to eat and left the rest for his little brother.)
Related Word: Egoist (n), Egoistic (adj), Egoistical (adj), Egoistically (adv)
Egotism(n)
Talking too much about oneself, Belief that one is superior to all others.
(She in unpopular for her egotistic habits of constantly boasting about her achievements in academic and sports.)
Related Word: Egotist (n), Egotistic (adj), Egotistical (adj), Egotistically (adv)
Egress(n)
Act or Right of going out or leaving, Exit.
(The hurried egress of the crowd from the theatre after the show was rather chaotic.)
Antonyms: Ingress, Entrance
Egret(n)
A large, long-legged, white-feathered water bird.
(The egret at the zoo were as beautiful as the flamingos and the Siberian cranes.)
Elated(adj)
Overjoyed, In high spirits.
(The team was elated after winning the match with a narrow margin.)
Antonyms: Crestfallen
Related Word: Elation (n)
Eldritch(adj)
Weird, Unnatural and fearsome.
(Lady Macbeth in William Shakespeare's Macbeth, is as eldritch as the witches portrayed in the play.)
Synonyms: Hideous, Eerie
Fabian(adj,n)
Cautious and dalaying, Member of fabian society.
(Jimmy is a fabianist who would rather leave his test papers incomplete than rush through it.)
Synonyms: Cunctative, Dilatory
Related Word: Fabianism (n), Fabianist (n)
Fabricate(v)
Build, Manufacture.
(Being a large order, the manufacturer agreed to fabricate the product according to the specifications of the buying house.)
Related Word: Fabrication (n), Fabricator (n)
Façade(n)
Front, Superficial or false appearance.
((1) The façade of this building is rather impressive but its interior is very shabby. (2) She was in tears on being let down by her best friend but had to smile and put up a façade in front of everybody.)
Facer(n)
Sudden great difficulty.
(The sudden loss in his business was like a facer amidst his father's illness.)
Facet(n)
(1) Small plane surface (of a gem) (2) Any aspect that needs to be considered.
((1) This diamond is a beautifully cut piece and all its facets dazzle brilliantly. (2) Albert is a true gentleman whose good manners is only one facet of his personality.)
Related Word: Faceted (adj)
Facile(adj)
Requiring little effort; easily achieved. Also, meaningless or incomplete.
((1) She was such a good painter that it was facile for her to win the contest.(2) The rest of the audience was irritated by the loud and weird facile remarks she passed at the performers.)
Related Word: Facileness (n), Facilely (adv)
Facsimile(n,v)
Exact copy, To make such a copy.
(We have installed a facsimile machine for instant duplication of papers in both our offices.)
Factious(adj)
Raising dissentions or factions, creating discord.
(The old blind man tried to befool the crowd by inventing a completely factious story about himself.)
Related Word: Factiously (adv), Factiousness (n)
Factotum(n)
A person who has tasks or responsibilities of all kinds, a jack of all trades.
(Our butler is the factotum of our household as he is also a cook as well as a driver.)
Faculty(n)
1) Mental or bodily powers 2) Teaching staff 3) Liberty to do something given by law
((1) The old man is still in command of his faculties and can read and comprehend very clearly. (2) The science faculty of our school comprises of teachers from all over the country. (3) This license is his faculty to trade with countries.
Fait accompli(n)
An accomplished act. Hence an act or thing already done and not reversible.
(His sins are fait accompli and cannot be redeemed even if he begs forgiveness.)
Fatalism(n)
The doctrine that all things and events are predetermined and hence unalterable
(Henry is a fatalist who feels that he is destined to be poor even if he works hard.)
Related Word: Fatalist, Fatality (n), Fatalistic (adj)
Fallible(adj)
Liable to make mistakes, to be misled or to be wrong.
(It is impossible for anybody to be perfect, as every human being is fallible.)
Related Word: Fallibility (n)
Fallow(n,adj,v)
Potentially useful but not presently in use (usu. of land).
(This land is now fallow and crops will be planted on it only after the rains.)
Synonyms: Uncultivated
Fanaticism(n)
Excessive zeal, Extreme devotion to a belief.
(She is a health food fanatic and eats lots of green vegetables for all her meals.)
Related Word: Fanatic (adj), Fanatical (adj), Fanatically (adv), Fanaticize (v)
Fanciful(adj)
Indulging in fancies.
(She is a fanciful poet who loves to write about her dreams.)
Synonyms: Whimsical, Capricious
Fanfare(n)
Call by bugles or trumpets.
(Trumpeters were ushered, as the prince was to be married with a lot of fanfare.)
Gamut(n)
Entire range or series.
(In his short acting career of just 8 years, Peter Sellers played an entire gamut of roles, from the haughty aristocrat to the humble peasant, to perfection.)
Gangrene(n,v)
Decomposition or decay of body tissue To corrupt.
(It was over 24 hours since he got the wound, and since there was no treatment, gangrene was beginning to set in.)
Related Word: Gangrenous (adj.)
Gape(v,n)
Open widely, Stare open-mouthed.
(I gaped at her in surprise, as I had thought that she had left for Australia the previous week.)
Related Word: Gaper (n)
Garbled(v)
Of something said or written in a confused way, sometimes deliberately, giving a false impression of the facts.
Though there was nothing wrong with the fax machine, I could not read anything as the message was totally garbled.)
Gargantuan(adj)
Huge, Enormous.
(The amount of his debts, along with the interest on them, had mounted to such gargantuan proportions that only a miracle could have saved him from being absolutely bankrupt.)
Garner(v,n)
Gather, Collect, often with difficulty.
(He tried hard to garner some support from his colleagues when the president of the company accused him of mismanagement of funds, but no one came forward on his behalf.)
Garnish(v,n)
1) Decorate, Embellish, usu. a dish before serving it 2) Serve notice on a person
(The dish was tastefully garnished with parsley and mushrooms, and the aroma was so good that I could not wait to bite into it.)
Related Word: Garnishment (n), Garnishee (n)
Garret(n)
Room on top floor or partly or entirely on the roof.
(During his early days as a struggling artist in Paris, he lived on the top of this building in a small garret, that also served as his studio.)
Related Word: Garreteer (n)
Garrote(n,v)
Cord, wire or a metal collar used to strangle a victim Hence, to execute or kill by strangulation.
(Deep gashes around the neck of the corpse clearly indicated that the victim had been garroted to death.)
Gastronome(n)
Fond of, or a judge of, good eating and drinking.
(Everyone acknowledges him as a natural gastronome; he not only is very fond of eating, but can also make out small differences in taste that others cannot normally perceive.)
Synonyms: Epicure, Gourmet
Related Word: Gastronomy (n), Gastronomic (adj.)
Harlequin(n,adj)
A clown or buffoon, Any person who dresses up in bright colored funny clothing.
(The court jester was dressed in a bright orange colored robe with matching boots, looking very much the harlequin he was supposed to behave as.)
Synonyms: Comedian
Harridan(n)
A bad tempered old woman.
(He shouted at his mother-in-law, calling her a cold-hearted harridan, and walked out of the house.)
Harrowing(adj)
Causing great suffering and anxiety in the mind, Distressing, Traumatic.
(They've just been through a harrowing experience when their car was stopped by some ruffians on the highway and all their belongings were looted.)
Synonyms: Agonizing
Related Word: Harrow (v)
Hauteur(n)
Haughty manner, Arrogance
(The chairman delivered the speech with his customary detached hauteur, keeping himself at an arm's length with the daily affairs of the company.)
Synonyms: Superciliousness
Hazardous(adj)
Which contains risk or danger.
(The laboratory assistant warned us about being careful with the hazardous chemical in the flask, explaining that it was concentrated nitric acid and could be really dangerous if spilt.)
Synonyms: Dangerous
Related Word: Hazardously (adv), Hazardousness (n)
Hazy(adj)
Slightly obscure, Unclear, Uncertain.
((1) Everything appeared hazy because of the heavy fog. (2) I'm a bit hazy about the program; what are we supposed to do next?)
Synonyms: Cloudy
Related Word: Hazily (adv), Haziness (n)
Headlong(adj,adv)
With great speed and without thinking, Rash.
(He could not see the train because of the fog and crashed his car headlong into it.)
Headstrong(adj)
Violently self-willed.
(He is very headstrong and will not listen to anyone; let him take his own decision.)
Related Word: Headstrongness (n)
Heathen(adj,n)
An unenlightened or irreligious person; specifically one who is neither Christian nor Jewish, nor Mohammedan
(The intolerant British general treated Indians as heathens and disapproved of their religious functions and festivals.)
Synonyms: Pagan
Related Word: Heathenory (n), Heathenism (n), Heathenish (adj), Heathenize (v)
Hector(n,v)
Bully, Torment by words
(When persuasion did not work, he tried to hector the laborers into signing the deal with the management.)
Immune(adj)
Unable to be harmed because of special properties in oneself. Also, specially protected.
(Though people often criticize his way of ruling, he doesn't get perturbed by such criticisms; he seems to be immune to all sorts of criticisms.)
Antonyms: Susceptible
Related Word: Immunity (n), Immunize (v), Immunization (n)
Impale(v)
To pierce or fix with a pointed object.
(The cruel hunters had impaled the dead deer with spears, and held their kill high up in the air as if in celebration.)
Related Word: Impalement (n)
Impalpable(adj)
Which cannot be felt, touched or understood.
(I was surprised to learn that earthquakes are a very frequent phenomenon and occur in our country almost every day, but most of them are so small in magnitude that they are totally impalpable.)
Antonyms: Palpable
Impartial(adj)
Not biased, Fair.
(Even though the murderer was his son, the king gave his judgement absolutely impartially, stating that his son should get the punishment he deserved.)
Antonyms: Partial, Biased
Related Word: Impartiality (n), Impartially (adv)
Impassable(adj)
Which cannot be traveled over or crossed.
(The smaller route we used to take to reach the station was impassable because of heavy rain the previous night, so we had to take the longer route.)
Antonyms: Accessible
Impeccable(adj)
Flawless, Free from blame or fault.
(Though people believed him to be of an impeccable character, nobody knew that he had once been a petty thief, and had often been to prison.)
Related Word: Impeccably (adv)
Impede(v)
To get in the way of or slow down movement of.
(As soon as it was known that the trains had met with an accident, a rescue team was sent to the spot, but the rescue operation was impeded by heavy rainfall and bad weather.)
Antonyms: Assist
Related Word: Impediment (n)
Impel(v)
To take action.
(I didn't want to go against him, but his repeated threats to kill me impelled me to lodge a complaint against him.)
Impending(adj)
About to happen soon, Approaching.
(As soon as the residents of the apartment heard there was a possibility of an impending earthquake, they rushed down the building and gathered in an open ground.)
Synonyms: Imminent
Impenitent(adj)
Not sorry for a wrongdoing
(He's not just impenitent for what he has done, I think he firmly believes that he did the right thing by not attending class without informing anyone.)
Synonyms: Unrepentant
Antonyms: Repentent
Related Word: Impenitence (n), Impenitently (adv)
Joust(n,v)
A combat, tournament, a personal combat or competition. Hence, to engage in such combat, To compete.
(The two game shows, launched on separate TV channels almost simultaneously, jousted for a while for the top position, till the one on the Star Channel emerged as the clear winner.)
Synonyms: Struggle
Jovial(adj)
Good-natured, Merry.
(The children were in a jovial mood when they were told about the picnic the school was going to take them on.)
Synonyms: Convivial, Jocose, Jocular, Jocund, Blithe
Related Word: Joviality (n), Jovially (adv.)
Jubilation(n)
Rejoicing.
(There was much jubilation in the classroom when the teacher announced that all the students had cleared the final examination.)
Synonyms: Exultation, Triumph, Ecstasy
Related Word: Jubilate (v), Jubilance (n), Jubilant (adj.)
Judder(v,n)
Shake noisily or violently.
(The car juddered noisily for a while on the rocky road, when suddenly, one of the wheels came off.)
Synonyms: Wobble
Juggernaut(n)
(1) A large, powerful force or organization that is difficult to stop 2) A huge, heavy truck
((1) The large mass of people protesting against the government order marched towards the supreme court, soon taking the shape of an unstoppable juggernaut as more and more people joined it.)
Jumpy(adj)
Nervous and anxious
(She thought she heard a noise from the basement of the house, and since she was alone, got very jumpy about it.)
Juncture(n)
Joining point, where things join, concurrence of events.
(The negotiations between the two interest groups had reached a crucial juncture when both the sides were basically agreeing to compromise on some of their initial demands.)
Synonyms: Contingency, Exigency
Junket(n,v)
A banquet, feast or picnic.
(On the excellent performance of the company, the managing director decided to take all the employees on an all-expenses-paid, three-day junket to Bangkok.)
Synonyms: Expedition
Junta(n)
A government, specially a military one, that has taken power in a country by force
(The military junta in Pakistan has just announced that the basic rights of the citizens will not be revoked but a new constitution will be adopted.)
Synonyms: Junto
Jurisprudence(n)
The science of law and its administration; the system of laws
(The last year has seen several offenses being committed over the Internet, none of which are covered under the existing legal jurisprudence of the country.)
Related Word: Jurisprudencial (adj.), Jurisprudent (n & adj.)
Lax(adj)
Lacking attention or severity.
(While most of the government policies are made for the benefit of the people, the laxity of government officials in implementing these policies often becomes the biggest reason for the disappointment of the people from the government.)
Synonyms: Slack
Related Word: Laxity (n), Laxly (adv.)
Leaven(n,v)
Substance added to dough to produce fermentation. Also, to cause to rise or grow lighter or to ferment.
((1) The yeast added to the dough to leaven it did not have any visible effect as the cake was absolutely flat and did not rise at all. (2) He leavened up his otherwise dull and serious speech by reciting a few witty couplets.)
Lectern(n)
Stand with a sloping top to hold books, papers etc. to be read from.
(Before commencing her speech, the speaker carefully arranged her papers on the lectern, getting a feel of the audience at the same time.)
Legerdemain(n)
Skill in using the hands to perform conjuring tricks etc.
(The opposition has accused the Finance Minister of indulging in financial legerdemain, stating that the budget is nothing but a clever jugglery of figures to make them sound good.)
Synonyms: Sleight-of-hand, Juggling, Trickery
Leitmotif(n)
A recurring theme or idea usually associated with a person or set of persons.
(The director of the movie has made good use of a piece of music as a leitmotif; the music plays in the background everytime the two protagonists in the movie come face to face.)
Leniency(n)
Mildness, Not being strict.
(The farmer pleaded in front of the landlord for leniency on the grounds of his poverty, but the landlord strictly imposed a fine of a hundred shillings as a penalty for not paying the loan on time.)
Related Word: Lenient (adj.), Lenience (n), Leniently (adv.)
Lesion(n)
Injury, Damage, A morbid change in the structure of organs in human body
(The X-ray revealed severe lesions to the left side of the lower rib cage, and the doctor immediately decided on operating the patient.)
Lethal(adj)
Causing death, Deadly.
(He was arrested by the police for carrying lethal weapons like knives and dagger with him.)
Related Word: Lethality (n), Lethally (adv.)
Levitate(v)
(Cause to) rise and float in air.
(Some people believe that by the ancient Indian art of Tantra, it is possible to levitate a small object merely by the action of thought waves and not applying any physical force to the object.)
Levity(n)
Lack of seriousness, esp. during a serious occasion, Lightness.
(In sharp contrast to his brother who is always serious and sober, Jim always has an air of levity about him and is full of mirth and laughter.)
Synonyms: Frivolity
Antonyms: Solemnity
Malapropism(n)
1) Incorrect use of words of similar sound in a sentence or phrase so as to render them comical or nonsensical 2) Such a phrase or sentence
(In his speech, the speaker committed a hilarious malapropism when he read the word MARITAL (related to marriage) as MARTIAL (related to warfare).)
Related Word: Malapropose (adj, adv & n))
Malefactor(n)
A person who does a wrong act.
(Though he was caught red-handed while unscrewing a nut from the railway track, he cannot be called a malefactor because he did not do it with an intention of causing an accident; had he known that it could cause a serious accident and that it was a crime, he would not have done it.)
Synonyms: Evildoer, Criminal
Related Word: Malefaction (n)
Malfeasance(n)
(An example of) dishonest and illegal behavior, esp. by a person in authority.
(The top officials involved in the cases of malpractice and malfeasance will soon be investigated by the CBI, and if they are proved guilty, they will be punished.)
Related Word: Malfeasant (adj & n)
Malign(v,adj)
1) Speak evil of, defame 2) Injurious
(There are certain harmless tumors which can be treated easily, but the malignancy of a few tumors makes it impossible for the doctors to treat them.)
Synonyms: Slander
Antonyms: Eulogize
Related Word: Malignity (n), Malignly (adv), Malignantly (adv), Malignant (adj & n), Malignancy (n)
Malodorous(adj)
Evil-smelling, Foul-smelling.
(The biggest drawback of that house we went to see was that it was situated next to a malodorous drain making it almost impossible to breathe.)
Mammon(n)
(An ancient god of) wealth, considered as attracting too much respect and admiration, often wrongly.
(Ultimately, forces of Mammon got the better of him and he agreed to do their illegal work for a huge sum of money.)
Mammoth(n,adj)
Huge, gigantic, enormous.
(The police of Mumbai has launched a mammoth operation involving hundreds of policemen to curb the growing menace of the underworld in the city.)
Synonyms: Huge
Mandarin(n)
High official
(For many years, the Indian economy was under the strangle-hold of the mandarins in the government offices as everything was regulated through the channels of bureaucracy.)
Mandate(n,v)
Judicial or legal command from superior.
(It was mandatory for everyone to sign the attendance register as soon as he enters the office failing of which could lead to the suspension of his service.)
Related Word: Mandatory (adj & n) = Compulsory
Mange(n)
A skin disease affecting domestic animals.
(The dog has been suffering from mange for last one month; now there are hardly any hair left on its body.)
Related Word: Mangy (adj)
Nepotism(n)
Undue favor in appointing one's relatives to office.
(As a result of the rampant nepotism among the owners of this company, many of the employees are distant relatives and other members of the owner's family.)
Related Word: Nepotist (n)
Nescient(adj,n)
Lacking knowledge, Totally ignorant
(The main reason for the population explosion in rural India is that the people are by-and-large totally nescient about matters related to contraception and childbirth, hence most of the pregnancies are unwanted.)
Related Word: Nescience (n)
Nestle(v)
To make oneself comfortable in a nice and pleasant place.
(After the long day's work he finally took a cup of tea and nestled down in his favorite armchair in front of the TV.)
Synonyms: Snuggle, Nuzzle
Neuralgia(n)
Sharp pain in the nerves
(He's been suffering from a neuralgic pain for the last three months because of which he cannot turn his neck to the left.)
Related Word: Neuralgic (adj)
Nexus(n)
Connection
(The close and dangerous nexus between religion and politics, that often leads to riots and destruction in this country, has been clearly brought to light in this well researched book written by the eminent sociologist, Dr. Manoj Kothari.)
Synonyms: Vinculum
Antonyms: Hiatus
Nicety(n)
Small details that are visible only after careful observation.
(The merger of the two companies could have taken place nearly two months ago, had the accountants and legal experts from both sides not spent so long arguing about financial and legal niceties.)
Synonyms: Precision, Daintiness
Nifty(adj)
Smart, stylish.
(His nifty way of talking and dressing has made him a point of attraction in every party he attends.)
Synonyms: Chick
Niggard(n,adj)
Miser
(Such a niggardly donation of a hundred dollars for a cause as huge as this just does not befit his high social status; I never knew he was such a miser.)
Synonyms: Stingy, Parsimonious, Penurious, Skinflint
Antonyms: Generous
Related Word: Niggardly (adj & adv), Niggardliness (n)
Niggle(v)
(1) To pay too much attention to small details, esp. when finding faults (2) To worry someone, usu. for a long time, and not very seriously
((1) Since the bill sent to him was exceeding what it should have been according to his calculation, he niggled over every detail of the bill. (2) I have this niggling doubt that I may have left the bathroom faucet running, said the husband to his wife after they had gone about 100 miles from their home.)
Nihilism(n)
Rejection of all religious and moral principles.
(After swinging in his political ideologies from the extreme left to the extreme right, and being disappointed by both, he has now become a confirmed nihilist, saying that all ideologies are worthless.)
Synonyms: Renunciation
Related Word: Nihilistic (adj), Nihility (n)
Oblivious(adj)
Not paying any attention, Being totally ignorant about something.
(Totally oblivious to the commotion around him, the young student was absorbed in listening to his walkman on the train.)
Related Word: Oblivion (n), Obliviousness (n), Obliviously (adv)
Obnoxious(adj)
Extremely unpleasant or offensive.
(She found his crude and suggestive jokes absolutely obnoxious and walked out of the room in a huff.)
Synonyms: Odious
Antonyms: Delightful
Related Word: Obnoxiously (adv), Obnoxiousness (n)
Obscurantism(n)
Intentional opposition to the truth being known.
(The courageous young lawyer created a sensation in the court when he charged the renowned industrialist of obscurantism by bribing the witness and using other dishonest means to stifle the truth.)
Obsessive(adj)
Overpowered by the thought of something, continually thinking about the same thing.
(The thought of becoming an airplane pilot has so obsessively overpowered the young boy that he cannot think of anything but flying a plane.)
Related Word: Obsession (n), Obsessional (adj), Obsess (v)
Obstreperous(adj)
Noisy and unruly.
The atmosphere in the pub that night was unusually noisy and obstreperous, it looked as if everyone present had had too much to drink.
Synonyms: Boisterous
Antonyms: Harmonious
Related Word: Obstreperousness (n), Obstreperously (adv)
Obtrude(v)
Push (oneself or one's idea) forward, Stick out.
(She said that she had no intentions of obtruding on our privacy, but could not refrain herself from giving us some advice.)
Synonyms: Extrude
Related Word: Obtrusive (adj)
Occidental(adj)
Belonging to the western part of the world, esp. Europe and the Americas.
(As opposed to the oriental culture which pays a lot of importance to the niceties of showing courtesy and making pleasant conversation, the occidental people, especially the Americans, have a more direct and straight forward approach towards everything.)
Antonyms: Oriental
Related Word: Occident (n)
Occult(adj)
Magical and mysterious, Hidden from knowledge.
(Everyone in the village believed that he had some occult powers; the villagers had seen him chanting hymns and talking to someone who he says is an evil spirit.)
Antonyms: Manifest
Ocular(adj)
Of the eyes.
(He has been suffering from an ocular disease, which went unnoticed all these days, and now that he has lost one of his eyes, he has decided to meet Dr. Modi, a renowned eye specialist.)
Related Word: Oculist (n)
Ode(n)
A long poem addressed to a person or thing.
(His poem he recited at the school farewell was an ode to the glorious days we all had at school, and brought emotional memories flooding in front of us.)
Pandemonium(n)
A scene or state of utter chaos and disorder.
(The movie theater became a scene of sheer pandemonium when somebody from the audience loudly shouted that there was a bomb in the theater.)
Antonyms: Calm
Panegyric(n)
A speech or piece of writing in praise of somebody.
(He is a real patriot, though he himself has not participated in the battle for freedom, he often writes panegyric on martyrs who fought not for their own sake but for the sake of millions of their countrymen and brought freedom for us.)
Synonyms: Encomium
Antonyms: Denunciation
Panoply(n)
A wide range or collection of different things.
(the modern doctor has a whole panoply of drugs and medicines to choose from for various illnesses, unlike in the past when the number of medicines that could be prescribed was severely limited.)
Related Word: Panoplied (adj)
Panorama(n)
A complete view of a wide stretch of land, Any general representation in words or pictures.
(The spot is situated nearly 2500 meters above sea level and gives a spectacular panoramic view of the mountain range.)
Related Word: Panoramic (adj), Panoramically (adv)
Pantheon(n)
A temple dedicated to all gods. Hence, all the gods (of a religion or society) thought of as together.
(One of the most revered gods in the Hindu pantheon of deities is Lord Ganesha - the elephant god.)
Related Word: Pantheism (n)
Papyrus(n)
Ancient paper made from stem of the papyrus plant.
(Most of the ancient vedic scripts have been written on papyrus.)
Parable(n)
A short, simple story teaching a moral lesson.
(The film has a beautiful innocence about it, hardly seen in today's cinema, as it is based on a simple parable about a four-year old caught between quarreling parents.)
Synonyms: Allegory
Paramount(adj)
Most important.
(The public relations department of a company has many responsibilities, but dealing with the press is of paramount importance.)
Antonyms: Trivial
Paranoia(n)
A state of the mind in which the sufferer believes that he/she is being purposely mistreated, or is a person of great power and influence.
(After a failed attempt to kidnap him, he started feeling paranoid and refused to move out of his house.)
Antonyms: Sanity
Related Word: Paranoid (adj)
Ratify(v)
Approve formally.
(Mr. Portan has claimed to have discovered a herb that could convert water into oil, but his discovery has not been ratified as it lacks scientific basis.)
Synonyms: Confirm
Antonyms: Abrogate, Negate
Related Word: Ratification (n)
Rationale(n)
Fundamental reason or justification, Grounds for an action.
(Most physicists across the world believe that the rationale behind using CNG kits in car is flawed as the carbon monoxide levels produced by CNG kits are almost the same as those produced by Petrol engines.)
Synonyms: Ratiocination
Rationalize(v)
(1) To give an explanation for something, usu. based on reason and logic (2) To make more effective (the functioning of a company etc.)
(He tried to rationalize his failure by thinking that he did the best under the circumstances, but the disappointment of defeat continued to bother him for a long time.)
Synonyms: Contemplate, Deliberate
Related Word: Rationalization (n)
Rave(n,v)
1) Overwhelmingly favorable review 2) Wild-pleasure loving person 3) Talk wildly or furiously
(He raves about tiger-shooting as if he were a born hunter and has been hunting for a long time.)
Synonyms: Jabber, Babble
Related Word: Raver (n), Raving (n)
Ravel(v,n)
1) Entangle or become entangled or knotted 2) Tangle, knot or loose end.
(The tape got stuck in the audio equipment and got all raveled up.)
Synonyms: Tangle
Antonyms: Knit
Related Word: Ravelling (n)
Ravenous(adj)
Extremely hungry
(The ravenous cries of the infant kept the whole family awake, but they had not even a single penny to buy milk for the baby.)
Synonyms: Voracious, Rapacious
Antonyms: Sated, Satisfied
Related Word: Ravenously (adv), Ravenousness (n)
Raze(v)
Destroy completely.
(In order to set up a resort, the young businessman decided to raze the slum to the ground.)
Reactionary(adj,n)
(Person) tending to oppose change or seeking to return to former system.
(With the success of the economic reforms, the reactionary voices opposing the reforms have been completely silenced.)
Synonyms: Diehard
Rebuttal(n)
Response with contrary evidence
(In an effective rebuttal of the allegations made by the opposition leader, the Prime Minister himself provided evidence in the Parliament that the allegations had been baseless.)
Synonyms: Refutation
Related Word: Rebut (v), Rebutness (n), Rebutable (adj)
Recapitulate(v)
Go over main points or headings of, Go briefly through again.
(Just before the exam, he thought it better to recapitulate the notes he had prepared before.)
Synonyms: Summarize
Related Word: Recapitulative (adj), Recapitulatory (adj), Recapitulation (n)
Salubrious(adj)
Good for the health. Also, desirable or respectable.
(The doctor advised him that in order to quickly recover from his illness, he should move to more salubrious surroundings away from the grime and dust of the city.)
Synonyms: Wholesome, Salutary
Antonyms: Baneful, Miasmic
Related Word: Salubriousness (n)
Salutary(adj)
Tending to improve, Beneficial
(Driving when drunk was his usual habit, but the accident he met with last month proved to be a salutary lesson for him; he has now given up drinking.)
Synonyms: Curative, Remedial
Antonyms: Valedictory
Salvage(v,n)
Rescue/Save from loss or damage (usu. goods or property)
(With great difficulty, they managed to salvage all their important documents from the debris of their house destroyed by the earthquake.)
Synonyms: Extricate, Emancipate
Antonyms: Intricate
Related Word: Salvageable (adj)
Salvation(n)
That which saves or preserves from danger, destruction, or failure. Also, the state of being saved from the power and effect of evil
(The map you gave me proved to be my salvation; I would surely have got lost in the forest if I did not have the map with me.)
Synonyms: Sustenance
Antonyms: Pardition
Salve(v,n)
To make less painful. Also, an ointment to soothe pain
(He salved his sprained ankle by applying the ointment which was prepared from herbs and believed to have an immediate effect.)
Synonyms: Emollient, Liniment, Unguent
Salvo(n)
Firing of several guns at once. Also, any sudden outburst
(As soon as the President arrived at the ceremonial site, he was given a welcome with a salvo of gunfire.)
Synonyms: Volley
Sanctimonious(adj)
Self-righteous, Thinking that one is right and others are not.
(Tired of the sanctimonious lectures from her elder sister on almost everything, Daisy lashed out at her in front of their mother.)
Synonyms: Hypocritical, Deceitful
Antonyms: Sincere
Related Word: Sanctimoniousness (n), Sanctimoniously (adv)
Sanctity(n)
Holiness, Sacredness
(Gungaram believed in the sanctity of life; for him, all life was sacred and thus whenever he saw a creature on the road, he would just shove it aside lest someone should kill it.)
Synonyms: Devoutness, Piety
Antonyms: Profanity
Sanctuary(n)
A place of shelter or protection (esp. for birds and animals).
(The Government of India has decided to set up a wild life sanctuary for the protection of tiger which is on the brink of extinction.)
Synonyms: Tabernacle
Sanctum(n)
A holy place inside a temple. Also, a private place where one can be quiet and alone
(The sanctum of the Lotus Temple provides a peaceful atmosphere for the people seeking mental peace.)
Tautological(adj)
Needlessly repetitious.
(Please revert back at the earliest is perhaps the most frequently used tautological expression in business communication; the word 'revert' implies 'back.')
Related Word: Tautology (n), Tautologist (n), Tautologize (v)
Temper(v,n)
1) Bring down to a desired level, Reduce, Modify 2) Habitual or temporary disposition of mind
((1) His enthusiasm for motor racing was not tempered even after he had a bad crash in which he almost died.(2) I was in a very bad temper because the person whom I had trusted, duped me.)
Related Word: Temperable (adj), Temperative (adj), Tempered (adj), Temperedly (adv)
Temperament(n)
Characteristic frame of mind, Disposition, Emotional excess.
(It greatly depends on your temperament how you react to the criticisms and praises you receive from common people.)
Related Word: Temperamental (adj)
Tempo(n)
1) The speed at which music is or should be played 2) The rate or pattern of movement, work or activity
(The real heroes present on the Titanic were the bandsmen who, in spite of being aware of their end, kept on playing the music at a fast tempo.)
Temporal(adj)
1) Pertaining to the present life or of this world 2) Of or pertaining to or limited by time
(To most people, temporal power and wealth are bigger motivations than spiritual enlightenment.)
Antonyms: Spiritual; Ecclesiastical
Related Word: Temporally (adv)
Temporize(v)
To act so as to gain time, to delay.
(The company management is temporizing over the decision about the merger, hoping that the stock market would recover and they will be able to get a better deal if they wait.)
Related Word: Temporization (n), Temporizer (n)
Tenacious(adj)
Holding firm to a course of action, esp. in a courageous way, Not easily letting go or accepting defeat.
(By the time he was twenty six, he was caught in the tenacious grip of organized crime; he could not see any way to get out of it.)
Synonyms: Adhesive, Strongly cohesive
Antonyms: Yielding
Related Word: Tenaciously (adv), Tenaciousness (n), Tenacity (n)
Tenderfoot(n)
Inexperienced person
(The fact that he is a political tenderfoot is evident from his clumsy and sometimes inappropriate speeches.)
Synonyms: Fledgling
Tenement(n)
Dwelling house, rented flat or room
(The landlord politely told her that there was no room left in his tenement to rent out to her.)
Related Word: Tenemental (adj), Tenementary (adj)
Tensile(adj)
Capable of being drawn out or stretched.
(The main advantage of using cotton for making garments is its tensility, which makes it much easier to stretch than, say, wool.)
Related Word: Tensility (n), Tension (n)
Unctuous(adj)
Full of unpleasantly insincere kindness, interest etc.
(Most people at the funeral were overflowing with unctuous sympathy for the young widow, except for a few friends of hers whose grief appeared genuine.)
Synonyms: Obsequious
Related Word: Unctuously (adv), Unctuousness (n)
Underlying(adj)
Fundamental, the basis of.
(The underlying principle behind learning new words is to develop an interest in vocabulary, and ultimately a passion for words.)
Related Word: Underlie (v)
Underscore(n,v)
Emphasize.
(The detection of a virus in the computer has underscored the importance of keeping proper back-ups of all important files.)
Undulating(adj)
Moving with a wavelike motion
(For miles on end, all that the eyes could see were the undulating sand dunes.)
Related Word: Undulatory (adj), Undulate (v & adj), Undulation (n)
Unearth(v)
Dig up, Discover something, Bring to light
(The only person who could unearth the secret of Fred's involvement in the Linda murder case was Mr. Johnson, who was once a very good friend of Fred's.)
Synonyms: Discover
Antonyms: Inter, Conceal
Unerringly(adv)
Without failing, esp. while hitting something or reaching the right point
(He was awarded the Best Shooter award for his unerring aim by which he repeatedly hit the center of the target.)
Synonyms: Infallibly
Related Word: Unerring (adj)
Unexceptionable(adj)
Beyond criticism, that with which no fault can be found.
(The principal remarked that her presentation was flawless and quite unexceptionable; there was nothing in it which could be subject to a questioning.)
Synonyms: Immutable
Related Word: Unexceptionably (adv)
Unfettered(adj)
Not limited by rules or any other people's suffering
(The batsman's flamboyant innings was quite unfettered of the rule book of cricketing shots; many of the shots he played were quite innovative.)
Synonyms: Emancipate, Liberate
Antonyms: Fettered
Related Word: Unfettered (adj)
Unfrock(v)
To strip a priest or minister of church authority
(The minister was unfrocked in public for his involvement in the scandal.)
Vendor(n)
One who sells
(Every morning when it was time for the fruit-vendor to come, the children gathered in the street with money to buy fruits from him.)
Venial(adj)
(Fault or mistake) or slight importance and therefore forgivable
(The judge ruled out any serious punishment for such a venial crime as of unscrewing a nut, and asked the culprit to pay for the damages and go home.)
Venison(n)
Deer's flesh as food
(The government has put ban on the killing of deer; getting venison, which is believed to be more delicious and nutritious than mutton, beef or chicken, has become impossible nowadays.)
Venom(n)
Poisonous fluid secreted by serpents, scorpion etc
(Though the venom secreted by Cobra is highly poisonous and can kill the victim within a few minutes of biting, it also has some medicinal values. It is used for making medicines to cure snake-bite.)
Related Word: Venomous (adj), Venomously (adv)
Vent(n,v)
1) A small opening, Outlet 2) Express one's feelings (esp. unfairly)
(The poor man tried hard the whole day but could not find a job; in the evening when he returned home, he was so frustrated that he vented his anger on his child.)
Ventriloquist(n)
Someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing
(Wherever the ventriloquist goes, he carries his dummy puppet with him, projecting his voice onto it and making it appear as if it were talking.)
Related Word: Ventriloquism (n)
Verbalize(v)
Put into words
(Though Gregor knew who had committed the murder, but being an illiterate dumb old man, he could not verbalize it.)
Verbatim(adv,adj)
1) In exactly the same words 2) Word for word
(She had an amazing memory, and could recall verbatim the conversations she had had with the principal.)
Verbiage(n)
Use of many words without necessity
(His essay had been significantly edited, and all the verbiage was removed.)
Synonyms: Verbosity; Prolixity
Verge(n,v)
1) Extreme edge or border 2) Incline downwards or in specified direction
(It was only after it was discovered that the tiger was on the verge of extinction that the government has taken several steps to preserve the species.)
Synonyms: Brink
Warranty(n)
Assurance by seller
(The washing machine comes with a warranty that covers it for all mechanical defects for a period of one year.)
Wastrel(n)
A good for nothing person, a person who doesn't make use of his abilities or the opportunities that are offered
(He had hoped that after doing an MBA his son would make a good use of his education and bring good name to his family, but his son proved to be a wastrel who, in spite of getting a lot of opportunities, did not avail of them.)
Waylay(v)
To wait for and stop (someone) esp. in order to attack or talk to him
(On his way to the bank, he was waylaid by two unidentified men who tried to snatch the bag from him; but he somehow managed to overpower them, and escaped.)
Wean(v)
1) To introduce (a baby or young animal) to the habit of eating ordinary food instead of mother's milk 2) To cause to leave some habit 3) To cause to grow up under the influence of something
(The mother started to wean her baby when it was hardly four months old, which according to the doctors was not the proper time; the child needs at least six months of feeding on its mother's milk.)
Weather(v)
To successfully deal with a difficult situation or problem
(As a small, new company, they have done well to successfully weather the economic recession.)
Welsh(v,adj,n)
Avoid paying one's debts, break an agreement
(None of his friends trusts him; he makes a promise one day and just welshes on it the next day.)
Wheedle(v)
Persuade by flattery
(She knew that he was angry with her and wouldn't take her with him, but with her flattery, she managed to wheedle him into taking her to the party.)
Related Word: Wheedler (n), Wheedling (adj)
Wherewithal(n)
Things needed for a purpose (esp. money)
(He would like to buy a Mercedes, but being a poor man, he lacks the wherewithal for it.)
Whiff(n,v)
1) A short-lasting smell or movement (of air, scent etc.) 2) Blow or puff lightly
(We were greeted by a whiff of fresh air as soon as we stepped out of the air-conditioned theater.)
Whine(n,v)
Long-drawn complaining cry (as) of a child or dog
(At first, nothing could be heard from underneath the rubble, but then a painful whine of a little child could clearly be heard.)
Related Word: Whiner (n), Whiny (adj)
Adamant(adj)
Inflexible, unyielding.
(I tried to persuade her to accompany me to the store, but she was adamant on staying at home and watching television.)
Synonyms: Unyielding, Inflexible
Antonyms: Flexible, Docile, Yielding, Compliant
Related Word: Adamantine (adj)
Adapt(v)
To become suitable for different conditions, To change according to the situation.
(Try as he might, he could not adapt to the idea of having a woman as his boss.)
Synonyms: Conform
Related Word: Adaptability (n), Adaptation (n), Adapter (n), Adaptable, Adaptive (adj), Adaptably (adv)
Addendum(n)
Addition, Appendix to book.
(The script of the documentary mentioned in chapter 2 of the report is given as an addendum to this report.)
Addiction(n)
Compulsive, habitual need.
(Addiction to the Internet is proving to be a problem for parents of many children in urban India.)
Synonyms: Obsession
Related Word: Addict (n & v), Addictive (adj)
Addle(v,adj)
1) Muddle, drive crazy, become rotten 2) Empty, muddled, unsound
(Working continuously for fifteen hours a day for months on end can addle the brains of the sharpest individual.)
Synonyms: Perturb, Fluster
Related Word: Addled (adj)
Adduce(v)
To give an example, proof, or explanation.
(He had worked so hard; I cannot adduce any reason for his failure.)
Synonyms: Cite
Adept(adj,n)
Expert or thoroughly skilled.
(You do not need an MBA degree to be adept at the art of selling if you have the ability to persuade people.)
Synonyms: Proficient, Accomplished
Adhere(v)
Stick, To continue to follow or remain loyal to.
(The doctor has advised him to strictly adhere to the prescribed regimen; otherwise there is a danger of relapse of the illness.)
Synonyms: Cohere
Antonyms: Detach
Related Word: Adherent (adj & n), Adherence (n)
Adjunct(n)
Thing that is subordinate or incidental to another.
(My idea was considered by the company director as an adjunct to the main proposal.)
Synonyms: Affiliate
Related Word: Adjunctive (adj)
Adjuration(n)
An earnest appeal, entreaty.
(His most sincere adjurations to the teacher to let him retake the examination fell on deaf ears.)
Related Word: Adjure (v)
Barrage(n)
Barrier laid down by artillery fire.
(Trapped in a barrage of firing from all sides, the valiant young soldier fought with all his might till his last breath.)
Synonyms: Torpedo
Barrister(n)
A lawyer; Counselor-at-law.
(After completing his law degree next year, he hopes to join his father, a noted barrister, as an assistant.)
Synonyms: Attorney, Solicitor
Bask(v)
To take pleasure in warmth.
(My grandfather likes to spend most of his daytime basking in the sunshine in our garden.)
Bated(adj)
Controlled or restrained.
(The crowd outside the election office waited for the results of the election with bated breath.)
Synonyms: Deduct, Remit
Related Word: Bate (v)
Bauble(n)
A worthless, showy ornament or any other object. Also, any unimportant issue.
(That earring is just a cheap bauble, don't get taken in by its shine!)
Synonyms: Triviality, Trinket, Trifle
Bawdy(adj)
Indecent, Obscene.
(Though most people in the group found his bawdy jokes in very poor taste, there were those who enjoyed themselves to the hilt.)
Synonyms: Obscene, Vulgar, Indecent, Ribald
Related Word: Bawdily (adv), Bawdiness (n)
Beatitude(n)
Blessedness.
(Lord Buddha taught the principal of the middle path as the route towards absolute beatitude - the state of eternal bliss.)
Synonyms: Bliss
Bedevil(v)
To be a cause for continuous trouble and difficulty.
(Since inception, the project has been bedeviled by unexpected delays and arguments between the company directors.)
Related Word: Bedevilment (n)
Bedizen(v)
To dress showily.
(Bedizened in their most colorful clothes, the village folk had turned out in great numbers at the annual music and theater festival.)
Cajole(v)
Persuade or soothe by flattery or deceit.
(I tried to cajole the teacher to allow me to take the exam at a later date, but she would have none of it and sternly told me that I would lose marks if I did not appear.)
Synonyms: Coax, Wheedle
Calamity(n)
A great disaster, A sudden event causing great loss and suffering.
(An earthquake of high intensity is perhaps the worst natural calamity as it can bring about large scale destruction of life and property without any warning whatsoever.)
Synonyms: Misery, Catastrophe
Related Word: Calamitous (adj.)
Calcify(v)
Harden by deposit of calcium salts.
(Stalagmites and stalactites, those strange looking rock structures found in caves, are formed as a result of the calcification of water over thousands of years.)
Synonyms: Petrify
Related Word: Calcification (n), Calciferous (adj)
Caldron(n)
Large boiling-vessel.
(At the night-shelter, a man was preparing a thick soup in a huge caldron for the hundreds of poor people in the shelter.)
Caliber(n)
(1) Measurement (2) Ability, Quality
((1) This bolt will not open with this wrench, please give me one of higher caliber. (2) This essay is of such high caliber that it's difficult to believe that a seventh grade student could have written it.)
Related Word: (1) Calibrate (v)
Calligraphy(n)
Beautiful handwriting.
(His essay stood out not because of its content but because of his artistic calligraphy on the answer sheet.)
Antonyms: Scribbling
Related Word: Calligraphist (n)
Callous(adj)
Unkind, Hard, Unfeeling, Without sympathy.
(The new supervisor, by not visiting the injured worker at the hospital, has shown a callous disregard towards the well-being of the workers.)
Synonyms: Apathetic, Indurate
Antonyms: Compassionate, Sympathetic
Related Word: Callousness (n), Callously (adv)
Callow(adj)
Immature and inexperienced.
(Within a relatively short span of two years, Jim transformed himself from a callow freelance writer to an admired reporter under the guidance of the veteran editor of the newspaper.)
Antonyms: Experienced, Sophisticated
Calorific(adj)
Heat-producing.
(Because of its high calorific value, the coal produced in this region is mainly used in smelters in the iron and steel industry.)
Related Word: Calorie (n)
Cameo(n)
(1) Piece of relief-carving in stone with color-layers utilized to give background (2) A short piece of writing or acting, esp. a small part in a film or play enacted by a well known actor
((2) The producer of that movie has managed to rope in Teresa Rose, the famous theater artist from London, to play a small cameo in his forthcoming movie.)
Deadpan(n)
Expressionless (face).
(He had the remarkable ability to narrate the funniest of incidents with the most deadpan expression on his face.)
Deciduous(adj)
Falling off as of leaves, Shed leaves periodically or normally.
(The park was lined by series of deciduous trees, and it being autumn, there were hardly any leaves on them.)
Decimate(v)
To destroy or kill a large proportion of.
(If this cholera epidemic is not contained within the next few days, it can decimate the entire population of all these adjoining villages.)
Synonyms: Massacre, Slaughter
Related Word: Decimation (n)
Decipher(v)
Interpret secret code so as to understand it, Decode.
(Not being able to decipher the coded message they had intercepted, the German army officers decided to take the help of an expert from Italy, who was known for his encoding and deciphering skills.)
Related Word: Decipherable (adj.), Decipherment (n)
Decomposition(n)
Decay
(When the corpse was found by the police, decomposition had just begun to set in and the detective could establish the time of the murder.)
Related Word: Decompose (v), Decomposer (n)
Decorous(adj)
Polite and well-behaved, proper and correct in a restrained or formal way
(He is a picture of decorousness and obedience in front of his parents, but otherwise, he is one of the most ill-mannered child I've ever seen.)
Antonyms: Improper
Related Word: Decorously (adv.), Decorousness (n)
Decoy(n,v)
Something or someone used to trick or confuse others into doing something, Bait
(The gang of thieves used an innocent looking young girl as a decoy to gain entry into their victims' households.)
Decrepit(adj)
Worn out by age, Enfeebled with age, Wasted.
(I found the former football coach in a rather decrepit condition, living all by himself in a small house and wearing shabby clothes.)
Antonyms: Youthful
Related Word: Decrepitude (n)
Deducible(adj)
Derived by reasoning
(From the facts you've given to me, it is not deducible whether this investment is worthwhile; I will need more information.)
Related Word: Deduce (v)
Deface(v)
To mar, disfigure or spoil something
(Harold was fined 20 dollars for defacing the library books.)
Synonyms: Disfigure
Related Word: Defaceable (adj.), Defacement (n)
Elixir(n)
Something with magical powers to cure.
(No ointment, no balm could cure the pain in his arm, but the touch of her soft hand proved to be an elixir for the pain.)
Synonyms: Panacea
Elliptical(adj)
(1) Oval (as in an elliptical orbit) (2) Having an implied meaning and hence difficult to understand (usu. speech or written text)
((1) The earth does not follow a circular, but an elliptical path in its revolution around the sun. (2) The unfamiliar forms used by Picasso make his paintings rather elliptical and hence, confusing to the common man.)
Related Word: Elliptically (adv)
Elope(v)
To run away secretly with the intention of getting married.
(Susan chose to elope with her lover as her parents were against their marriage.)
Related Word: Elopement (n)
Elusive(adj)
Difficult to find or remember.
(He's been elusive ever since he joined his new job as he is constantly travelling from one city to another.)
Related Word: Elusively (adv), Elusiveness (n)
Emaciated(adj)
Thin and wasted, esp. from hunger or illness
(She has begun to look emaciated and weak after the frequent bouts of fever, which have killed her appetite.)
Antonyms: Stout
Related Word: Emaciation (n)
Emancipate(v)
To set free, e.g. from bondage or from a country, to free from legal, social, political or moral restraint
(The slaves were overwhelmed by their emancipation from imprisonment after nine years.)
Antonyms: Enslave
Related Word: Emancipation (n)
Emasculate(v)
To take away all the strength and weakness from.
(The Egyptian pharos tortured and emasculated the slaves reducing them to the plane of lowly creatures.)
Related Word: Emasculation
Embargo(n,v)
Ban on commerce or other activity.
(The government has decided to lift the embargo on wheat imports from Europe to deal with the shortage of grains in the country.)
Synonyms: Moratorium
Embark(v)
Commence, Go on board a boat or airplane.
((1) John embarked on a career only after completing his graduation from the Harvard University. (2) We embarked the aircraft at Amsterdam and disembarked at New York after eight hours.)
Related Word: Embarkation (n)
Embed(v)
Enclose, Place firmly in something
(We embedded seashells in the sand all around our sandcastle.)
Fauna(n)
Animals of a period or region
(The fauna parks of Australia have kangaroo' and wombats, which are not found anywhere else in the world.)
Related Word: Faunal (adj), Faunist (n), Faunistical (adj)
Ferment(n,v)
1) Agitation, Commotion 2) Excite, stirr up
(1) The trains were all delayed by long hours causing fermentation at the railway station. 2) He sang a lively song for the birthday girl and fermented the dull crowd at the party.)
Related Word: Fermentable (adj), Fermentation (n)
Ferret(v,n)
1) To search and uncover by careful investigation. (Used with 'out') 2) Stout cotton or silk tape
(1) The detective managed to ferret out the robbers responsible for stealing priceless paintings from the museum. 2) The upholstery of her furniture is bordered with golden ferret.)
Fester(v)
To develop pus, suppurate. Also, to be a continuing source of resentment, rage or irritation.
(The wound festered spreading poison in his blood and so his arm had to be amputated.)
Festive(adj)
Joyous, Celebratory
(Christmas is the season of festivity when everyone is in the highest of spirits.)
Related Word: Festively (adv), Festivity (n), Festival (n)
Fete(v,n)
To honour or commemorate in a festival or celebration.
(1) The club feted the newly elected president by throwing a party. 2) The club organized a fete to raise funds for the forthcoming concert.)
Fetid(adj)
Stinking
(The air was fetid with the unpleasant smell of garbage dumped nearby.)
Antonyms: Redolent
Related Word: Fetidly (adv)
Fetish(n)
An object of unreasonable affection or reverence
(Selia is too fetish about her cat and even takes her along to parties.)
Related Word: Fetishism (n), Fetishist (n), Fetishistic (adj)
Fetter(n,v)
1) Anything checking freedom of movement or expression 2) Check or restraint
(1) No threats from the management could fetter the union leader who spoke fearlessly against the company. 2) Chains around the prisoner's ankles fettered his movements.)
Synonyms: Restraint
Antonyms: Liberate
Fictitious(adj)
Imaginary, not genuine
(The characters in this novel are purely fictitious and created just to entertain the readers.)
Related Word: Fictitiously (adv), Fictitiousness (n)
Gaudy(adj)
Inappropriately fine, Showy
(The principal of the college has reprimanded her for wearing such gaudy clothes to college, and has issued a notice stating that everyone is expected to dress in a decent way.)
Related Word: Gaud, Gaudiness (n), Gaudily (adv.)
Gaunt(adj)
Lean and thin
(His lean and gaunt frame belies his huge appetite.)
Synonyms: Emaciated, Lank
Related Word: Gauntness (n)
Gavel(n,v)
Hammerlike tool, usu. used by judges in the court.
(The judge banged his gavel loudly on the table in front of him, and commanded the court to maintain order and decorum.)
Synonyms: Mallet
Gawk(v,n)
1) Stare foolishly, Look in open-mouthed awe 2) Awkward or bashful person
(Too shocked to react, the two boys stood gawking at the strange creature in front of them.)
Related Word: Gawky (n & adj.), Gawkily (adv.), Gawkiness (n)
Gelid(adj)
Ice-cold
(Her lips had turned gelid in the icy weather and she found it difficult to speak.)
Synonyms: Chilly
Genealogy(n)
Record of descent from ancestors, Pedigree
(As evidence, the lawyer produced a certified genealogy of the accused in court, which clearly showed that the accused was a direct descendent of the Earl of Burrough.)
Related Word: Genealogize (v), Genealogist (n)
Generality(n)
Applicability to whole class of instances
(I asked him a very specific question, but he preferred to answer it with a string of bland generalities.)
Related Word: Generalization (n)
Generate(v)
Cause, Produce, Create
(The current cricket series between India and Australia has generated a lot of interest in the media as it comes after a rather troubled phase for Indian cricket.)
Related Word: Generator (n), Generation (n), Generative (adj.)
Generic(adj)
Characteristic of an entire class or species.
(To describe his play as a 'comedy' would be too generic; I would classify it more as political satire.)
Related Word: Generically (adv.)
Genesis(n)
Beginning, Origin.
(The director said at the press conference that the genesis of his latest blockbuster was a dream that he had had when he was just eight years old, and which he vividly recalls even now.)
Heed(v,n)
Pay attention to, or consider Careful attention.
(Had I heeded to your warnings a year ago, I would not have landed in the mess I am in today.)
Related Word: Heedful (adj), Heedless (adj)
Heinous(adj)
Utterly wicked or shameful.
(They confessed to having committed the heinous offense of selling the military secrets to the enemy agent.)
Synonyms: Atrocious
Related Word: Heinously (adv), Heinousness (n)
Heist(n)
A violent robbery, usu. of valuable property.
(In a daring $2-million jewelry heist, the robbers managed to get past the security guard by drugging him and then entered the exhibition area)
Herbivorous(adj)
Feeding on plants or grains.
(As a general rule, herbivorous animals like deer and elephants are milder and more gentle than their carnivorous counterparts such as tigers and wolves.)
Related Word: Herbivore (n)
Hermetic(adj)
Airtight, protected from external agencies.
(The child-like, innocent soul led a hermetic existence all on his own, totally oblivious of the wicked ways of the world.)
Antonyms: Permeable
Related Word: Hermetism (n), Hermetically (adv)
Hermitage(n)
Home of a religious person, removed from the society
(The ascetic went from door to door begging for alms, and retreated to his secluded hermitage as night fell.)
Heterodox(adj)
Not accepting or holding religious doctrine, unorthodox, unconventional.
(Because of their heterodox views about their own religion, they were despised by many members of their own community.)
Related Word: Heterodoxy (n)
Heterogeneous(adj)
1) Diverse in character 2) Mixed.
(The class is a heterogeneous mix of students from all corners of the country, and from all strata of society.)
Antonyms: Homogeneous, Uniform
Related Word: Heterogeneity (n), Heterogenousness (n), Heterogeneously (adv)
Heuristic(adj,n)
Proceeding by experimentation (used to refer to a system of education in which the pupil is made to discover things by himself). Such findings or procedure
(More and more schools are now adopting a heuristic approach to learning, in which the students are left to discover things by themselves under a guided environment.)
Heyday(n)
Time of greatest success.
(During his heyday, when he was among the most respected businessmen of the society, he earned more than $ 500 a day; now he doesn't earn that much in a month.)
Imperceptible(adj)
Not noticeable because of smallness or slightness.
(The movement of the magician's hand was barely imperceptible to any of us in the audience, but it was a good enough signal for his assistant to come on the stage.)
Related Word: Imperceptibly (adv)
Imperial(adj)
Like an emperor, Related to an empire or a ruler
(There was a time when Britain was an imperial power, ruling over almost the whole world.)
Antonyms: Common
Imperious(adj)
Commanding, Expecting obedience.
(While he himself is quite humble and obedient, he wife is equally imperious; she demands obedience from all.)
Synonyms: Domineering, Haughty
Antonyms: Obsequious
Related Word: Imperiousness (n)
Impermeable(adj)
That does not permit the passage of fluids.
(The boots are made of an impermeable material so that no liquid can pass through it and infect the skin.)
Synonyms: Impervious
Antonyms: Porous
Impetus(n)
That which encourages action, Incentive, Moving force.
(After the long day's hard work, the campaigners were very tired and had decided to give up, but seeing the TV cameras being trained towards them gave them a fresh impetus, and they started campaigning again.)
Synonyms: Impulse, Stimulus
Impinge(v)
To have a strong effect or influence on
(Problems like population, pollution, unemployment, child labor, etc. have been greatly impinging on every aspect of our lives.)
Impish(adj)
Mischievous
(The little child gave me an impish smile as he mischievously ran away with the candy lying on my table.)
Synonyms: Naughty
Antonyms: Beatific
Related Word: Impishness (n), Impishly (adv)
Implausible(adj)
Unlikely, Not seeming true
(Though in the beginning the task assigned to us looked implausible, we soon realized that with good and hard-working people, it was possible to carry out, and could be completed within a week's time.)
Antonyms: Feasible
Related Word: Implausibility (n), Implausibly (adv)
Implement(v)
Put into effect, Carry out.
(The circular states that even though our suggestions are accepted by the committee, they will be implemented only after a month.)
Related Word: Implementation (n)
Implicit(adj)
(1) Understood, but not directly stated (2) Complete and unquestioning
((1) It is in the final stanza of the poem that the poet has conveyed his implicit feelings about the injustice of the British rule.(2) I have implicit trust in him -- I know that he will not do anything to betray my trust.)
Justification(n)
Good or just reason, Defense, Excuse.
(If you have decided to take this chance, you better have a good justification for it.)
Synonyms: Repentance, Amends
Related Word: Justify (v), Justificatory (adj., Justifiably (adj.)
Juvenile(n)
Related to a young person not old enough to be an adult
(The increasing incidence of juveniles trying to behave like adults and taking to a life of crime and immorality has shook the social pillars of our society.)
Levy(n,v)
An amount of money payable to the government, usu. as a tax or a surcharge. Hence, to announce such a charge
(The authorities have decided to levy an additional duty of 3% on all goods produced in the country over the next three months, proceeds of which would be used to rehabilitate the quake hit areas of the country.)
Related Word: Leviable (adj.)
Lewd(adj)
Indecent and obscene
(He has been accused of making lewd and suggestive remarks about one of the female employees.)
Synonyms: Indecent, Worthless
Related Word: Lewdly (adv.), Lewdness (n)
Lexicographer(n)
Compiler of a dictionary
(This dictionary has a long list of lexicographers at the beginning, all of whom have contributed to the making of this dictionary.)
Related Word: Lexicography (n), Lexicon (n), Lexicographical (adj.)
Liable(adj)
(1) Being legally responsible for something (2) Very likely to happen
((1) If found guilty, Morris will be liable to pay damages to the extent of over 100,000 dollars. (2) The captain of the team is liable to be sacked if the team keeps on performing so poorly.)
Antonyms: Impunity
Related Word: Liability (n)
Limber(n,adj,v)
Flexible, easily manageable
(To be a good dancer, one must have a limber body that can move with flexibility.)
Antonyms: Rigid
Limn(v)
Paint (picture), Depict
(In its latest report, the Human Rights Commission has limned a very poor picture of the condition of destitute children in Pakistan.)
Synonyms: Portray
Related Word: Limner (n)
Linchpin(n)
That holds or links various parts together (person or thing)
(During the financial crisis in the family, the grandmother proved to be the linchpin who held the entire family together in her firm but gentle grip.)
Related Word: Linchpin is also spelt lynchpin
Lineament(n)
Distinctive features or characteristics (esp. of the face)
(He described the lineaments of his face to me over the phone so that I could recognize him when we met at the fair.)
Mangle(v)
To tear, hack with repeated blows
(The body of the victim was so badly mangled that it was impossible to identify it; perhaps the murderer had done it purposely with an axe.)
Synonyms: Lacerate
Maniacal(adj)
Raging mad, Insane
(I could hear maniacal screaming coming out of the hospital room, and immediately knew that something was terribly wrong with the child.)
Antonyms: Sane
Related Word: Maniac (adj & n), Maniacally (adv), Manic (adj)
Manifest(adj,v)
1) Evident, Visible, Clear 2) Show plainly to eye or mind, display
(He knew that he would not be spared for the crime he had committed; the fear of being punished was manifest on his face.)
Synonyms: Obvious
Antonyms: Obscure
Related Word: Manifestation (n), Manifestative (adj)
Manifesto(n)
Declaration, Statement of policy
(The party manifesto released yesterday makes the usual election promises -- free education, improving health care facilities, removal of poverty, and so on.)
Manipulate(v)
Handle, treat esp. with skill (material, thing, question)
(He was very skilled in such therapy, and he carefully manipulated the boy's dislocated shoulder back into its place.)
Related Word: Manipulator (n), Manipulation (n), Manipulative (adj), Manipulatory (adj)
Manna(n)
Food provided by god (in the Bible). Hence, food which is beneficial or has a very pleasant taste
(We were all extremely hungry after working in the sun for so long -- so the lunch provided by the old man, however tasteless, was still manna from heaven.)
Marinate(v)
To soak a food in liquid before cooking
(You need to marinate the fish in vinegar for about half an hour in order to get that peculiar pungent taste.)
Marital(adj)
Pertaining to marriage
(They have lived in marital bliss for over forty years, perfectly at peace with each other, and he says the main reason for this has been that there has never been any expectation from either side.)
Synonyms: Nuptial
Related Word: Maritally (adv)
Maritime(adj)
Bordering on the sea, Nautical
(Titanic, which was considered to be the biggest and the safest vessel ever built by man was envied and admired by other maritime nations, who themselves could not make such ship.)
Marked(adj)
1) Noticeable or pronounced 2) Targeted for vengeance
(Since the day he has joined the tuition classes, there has been a marked improvement in his studies; he scored higher marks in the test this week than in the same a fortnight back.)
Related Word: Markedly (adv), Markedness (n)
Nip(v,n)
1) Stop something's growth or development 2) Squeeze sharply 3) A pinch or sharp squeeze 4) Check to growth caused by coldness of air
(In a hurry, he nipped his finger in the wedge on the door, and cried out in pain.)
Synonyms: Chomp, Prune
Related Word: Nipping (adj)
Nirvana(n)
A high spiritual state that brings freedom from all worries.
(Moving out of her parents' house and staying on her own in the residential campus of the university was like attaining nirvana for her as she was free to do whatever she wanted.)
Nocturnal(adj)
1) Done at night 2) Active at night
(Though both the leopard and the panther hunt in the same manner, the only difference is that while the leopard hunts during the day, the panther is nocturnal.)
Antonyms: Daily
Nomadic(adj)
Wandering from place to place
(The Gypsies, because of their nomadic lifestyle, do not stay at any place for more than a few months.)
Synonyms: Bohemian, Itinerant, Vagabond
Related Word: Nomad (n), Nomadically (adv), Nomadism (n), Nomadize (v)
Nomenclature(n)
Systematic naming of things
(Since he was not familiar with the nomenclature used in computer hardware, he could not make any sense of what the computer engineer said.)
Synonyms: Catalogue
Related Word: Nomenclative (adj)
Nonage(n)
Being under age
(He could not get the license because of his nonage, had he been above eighteen, he would have got it.)
Synonyms: Infancy, Adolescence
Nonchalance(n)
Indifference, Lack of concern, Composure
(I'm always amazed at how he manages to remain so nonchalant before the exam; I always turn into a nervous wreck.)
Synonyms: Insouciance, Composure
Related Word: Nonchalant (adj), Nonchalantly (adv)
Noncommittal(adj)
Not expressing (or refusing to express) a clear opinion
(I can hardly come to any conclusion whether she is interested in joining us because her answer to me was very noncommittal.)
Synonyms: Neutral, Unpledged, Undecided
Related Word: Noncommittally (adv)
Nonconformist(n)
A person who behaves and thinks in a way that is different from other people
(The outrageous way in which she had dressed up and was behaving at the party made me feel that she is quite a nonconformist; I don't think she will be suitable for this job where we require a straight thinker.)
Nonentity(n)
1) Person of no importance or ability 2) Non existence
(When he had come to this meeting last year, Mr. Robbins, who recently sold his software company for a whopping $ 300 million, was an absolute nonentity; now he is among the most sought after personalities.)
Synonyms: Cipher, Nullity
Odor(n)
A smell, esp. an unpleasant one
(A strong odor of cooking gas was coming from the kitchen, so I went there to investigate.)
Related Word: Odorous (adj)
Odoriferous(adj)
Having or emitting a smell, esp. an agreeable one, Fragrant
(The residence of the perfume seller was remarkably odoriferous; I came back with hundreds of pleasant smells tickling my nose.)
Synonyms: Aromatic
Odyssey(n)
Long and eventful journey
(The odyssey of Gulliver in which he finds himself among Giants and Lilliputian creatures, has been one of the most popular adventurous stories among children.)
Offal(n)
The organs inside an animal which are eaten as food
(After he had removed the offal from the dead camel's body, the meat seller left the carcass to rot in the desert.)
Offend(v)
To hurt the feelings of someone
(She likes her kitchen to be neat and clean, the very sight of anything kept in disarray offends her.)
Related Word: Offense (n), Offensive (adj), Offender (n)
Offertory(n)
Collection of money at a religious service
(The amount collected as offertory at the Easter service at the church was sufficient to provide a good meal to a hundred poor people.)
Synonyms: Oblation
Offhand(adj)
Casual, Done without prior thought
(Since I was in a hurry, I had an offhand talk with him on the proposal; we did not finalize anything.)
Antonyms: Deliberate
Ogle(v)
To look at with great interest, esp., sexual interest
(That group of spoilt and perverted teenagers does nothing but ogle at the girls going to college every day.)
Ogre(n)
A frightening person, A very ugly and large person
(When he was a child, his mother had instilled in him the fear of the police, and he still regards a policeman as some kind of an ogre out to get him.)
Oleaginous(adj)
1) Producing oil, oily, fatty 2) Extremely polite, kind or helpful in a false way that is intended to benefit oneself
((2) The owner of the company just loves flattery, and Spitz, with his oleaginous ways, has made use of this weakness of his boss to his fullest advantage.)
Paraphernalia(n)
Equipment, Miscellaneous small objects.
(The telephone mechanic came to his house equipped with a new telephone set and all other paraphernalia required to install the phone.)
Paraphrase(n,v)
Restatement in different (usu. easier) words of something that has been said or written.
(The lawyer did not say anything new; he merely paraphrased the words spoken by the witness in a way that added a new dimension to the case.)
Pare(v)
Cut away the outer covering or the skin
(He pared off the apple skin before serving it to me.)
Paregoric(n,adj)
A kind of soothing and comforting medicine
(His father's kind words came as a paregoric to his distressed soul, after he had been cheated by someone he considered to be his best friend.)
Pariah(n)
A social outcast, A person not accepted by the society
(Ever since it was discovered that he has been beating his wife, he has been treated as a pariah in the community, with no one willing to speak to him.)
Antonyms: Favorite
Parity(n)
Equality
(The United Nations is passing an amendment to ensure that developing countries are given social parity with developed countries.)
Parlance(n)
A particular manner of speech or use of words
(Not familiar with technical parlance, he could not make head or tail of what the computer programmers were talking about.)
Synonyms: Dialect
Parley(n,v)
To hold talks, esp. at a diplomatic level, usu. between warring nations to make peace
(The third round of diplomatic parleys between the foreign ministers of the two countries is currently in process, but there seems to be no meltdown in the tough stance taken by both the sides.)
Parlous(adj)
In a bad, dangerous, or uncertain condition
(My finances have been in a parlous condition for the last few months now, and however much I may want to, I just can't think of buying a car right now.)
Synonyms: Perilous
Paroxysm(n)
A sudden and violent outburst or fit
(As soon as she was declared the winner of the beauty contest, she went into paroxysms of delight and absolute joy.)
Synonyms: Spasm
Recast(v,n)
Fashion again, Put into new form
(The sculptor was asked to recast the broken hand of the statue.)
Receptive(adj)
Quick or willing to receive ideas, Suggestions etc
(A rigid mind can never be creative, whereas a receptive mind can accumulate ideas and suggestions and this are creative.)
Synonyms: Sympathetic, Sensorial
Antonyms: Preoccupied
Related Word: Receptivity (n), Receptiveness (n), Receptively (adv)
Recession(n)
Temporary decline in economic activity or prosperity
(After performing remarkably well for the past six years or so, the American economy is now showing the signs of a definite recession.)
Synonyms: Stagnation
Related Word: Recessionary (adj)
Recidivism(n)
A tendency to repeat criminal acts and persistently relapse into anti-social behavior
(The only obstacle in the way of his success is his recidivism. During the last one year, he has been arrested four times for being involved in antisocial activities.)
Antonyms: Rehabilitation
Related Word: Recidivist (n)
Recipient(adj,n)
1) Receiving, Receptive 2) Person who receives something
(All the recipients of the award were received cordially by the organizers; they were to be awarded for their overall contribution in the field of Medicine.)
Related Word: Recipiency (n)
Reciprocal(adj,n)
In return, Expressing mutual action or relation
(The contract clearly said that unless otherwise specified, the terms and conditions were reciprocal, equally affecting both the parties.)
Synonyms: Mutual
Related Word: Reciprocally (adv), Reciprocate (v), Reciprocity (n), Reciprocation (n)
Reconnaissance(n)
A survey, esp. a military, geological or engineering one, a preliminary survey made by anyone for any purpose
(The delegation is here to make a reconnaissance of the Paramilitary troops just to see how they adapt to different climatic conditions.)
Synonyms: Reconnoitering
Recount(v)
Narrate or tell in detail
(As I recounted the story of my life to her, it became obvious from her reactions that she was not interested, so I decided not to continue.)
Recourse(n)
Resorting to help when in trouble
(Most constitutional experts were of the opinion that the constitutional framework of the country did not offer a recourse for the unlikely political development.)
Synonyms: Access
Sangfroid(n)
Calmness in danger or difficulty
(Showing great sangfroid amidst the other panic-stricken people, Sanders managed to pull out the two children out of the burning hut.)
Sanguinary(adj)
Full of bloodshed, Marked by much wounding and killing
(Moved by the cries and miseries of the victims of the war, the great emperor Ashoka decided to give up his sanguinary acts and lead a peaceful life.)
Synonyms: Sanguine
Sanguine(adj)
Hopeful, Expecting a positive outcome
(She is pretty sanguine about her chances of getting the job; she says she had a very good interview and the panel seemed impressed with her r�sum�.)
Synonyms: Optimistic
Antonyms: Pessimistic
Related Word: Sanguinely (adv)
Sapient(adj)
Wise
(Because of his sapience, he is well known in not only his own village, but also the neighboring villages; people come to him with problems to find a favorable solution.)
Synonyms: Sagacious
Antonyms: Ignorant, Obtuse
Related Word: Sapience (n), Sapiently (adv)
Sarcasm(n)
Biting or hurting remarks, Criticism by saying something while meaning the opposite
(Jacob knew very well that Goran had managed to stand first in the class only by using unfair means in the exam, so the note of sarcasm in his voice was evident when he went to congratulate Goran.)
Synonyms: Taunt
Related Word: Sarcastic (adj), Sarcastically (adv)
Sartorial(adj)
Pertaining to men's clothes and tailoring
(Her sartorial sense is truly admirable - I have never seen her wearing any mismatched clothes.)
Related Word: Sartorially (adv)
Sated(adj)
Having had more of something than one can easily have at one time
(Sated with drink, he had to be dragged into his hostel room.)
Synonyms: Satiate, Glut, Cloy
Savior-faire(n)
Polished and tactful manners, ability to say and do the right thing
(Because of his savior-faire, he is admired by the office staff and considered to be the best leader.)
Synonyms: Poise, Diplomacy
Savor(v)
Enjoy slowly, Relish
(His victory was hard-earned, and he savored every moment of it.)
Antonyms: Insipid
Related Word: Savory (n)
Savvy(n)
Practical knowledge and know-how
(The new CEO does not have much technical savvy, and totally depends on us to operate his computer.)
Tentative(adj,n)
1) Done by way of trial, experimental 2) Hesitant, Not fully worked out or developed, Not definite or positive 3) Experimental proposal or theory
(Though they are not certain of where the trekking group should go, they have made a tentative plan for it.)
Synonyms: Experimental
Related Word: Tentatively (adv)
Tenure(n)
1) Holding of an office 2) Time during which such an office is held
(As a manager, he has been very popular during his tenure in the office, so the managing director has asked him to hold the same position for another two years, giving him a raise in salary.)
Related Word: Tenurial (adj)
Tepid(adj)
Lukewarm, Slightly
(He had been complaining of sore-throat for a couple of days, when his mother advised him to gargle his throat with tepid salt-water, but to make sure that the water is not too hot.)
Related Word: Tepidity (n), Tepidness (n), Tepidly (adv)
Termagant(n,adj)
A scolding, abusive or bullying woman
(In the movie, Jenice Williams plays the role of a termagant old woman who picks up a fight at the smallest pretext, and this role is most unlike her kind and gentle nature in real life.)
Synonyms: Quarrelsome
Termination(n)
End, Limitation
(While the bus starts from East Kalur, it terminates at South Monter making six stops in between.)
Antonyms: Beginning, Initiation
Related Word: Terminate (v), Terminator (n), Terminus (n)
Terminology(n)
1) Terms used in a science or art 2) Science of proper use of terms
(Totally unfamiliar with computer terminology, she gave an utterly confused look when he asked her to click on the mouse.)
Related Word: Terminological (adj), Terminologically (adv)
Terrestrial(adj,n)
Of the earth or land
(Though it has four legs and behaves very much like other terrestrial animals, the hippopotamus cannot exactly be classified as a terrestrial because if prefers to spend most of its time in water.)
Related Word: Terrestrially (adv)
Testator(n)
A person who has made a will
(The greedy middle-aged man discouraged his father from becoming a legal testator, knowing that if the old man died intestate (without making a will), his entire property would pass on to him.)
Antonyms: Intestate
Related Word: Testatrix (n), Testate (adj)
Teutonic(adj,n)
Of the Germanic people or their languages
(Though his Teutonic accent was a clear indication that he was a German, he insisted that he had never even been to Germany.)
Related Word: Teutonicism (n), Teutonism (n), Teutonize (v)
Thematic(adj)
Relating to a unifying motif or idea
(Even though it is titled a Dictionary of Music, the terms explained in it have been arranged thematically, in order of various styles of music, rather than alphabetically as is the norm in a dictionary.)
Related Word: Thematically (adv)
Ungainly(adj)
Not graceful, Awkward in movement
(His wife keeps chiding him for his awkward and ungainly gait, but he is not in the least bothered.)
Synonyms: Awkward, Uncouth, Unwieldy, Lubberly, Lumpish
Antonyms: Graceful
Related Word: Ungainliness (n)
Unguent(n)
Soft substance used as a lubricant or oil
(To protect her skin from the chilling effect of the wind, she was advised to use a moisturizing unguent on her face.)
Synonyms: Emollient, Balm
Unhinged(adj)
Mentally unsettled or unbalanced
(He was terribly unhinged by the ship wreck, all the members of his family were travelling by it and none of them could survive.)
Antonyms: Unperturbed
Related Word: Unhinge (v)
Uniformity(n)
Sameness
(The uniformity of the articles clearly indicates that they are made by the same craftsman, no one could make out even a small variation between any two of them.)
Synonyms: Accord, Monotony
Antonyms: (Uniform) : Eclectic
Related Word: Uniform (adj, n & v)
Unimpeachable(adj)
Blameless and exemplary
(Though the evidence comes from an unimpeachable source, the matter needs to be looked into again for more proof.)
Synonyms: Irrefutable, Unassailable
Related Word: Unimpeachably (adv)
Uninhibited(adj)
Free in one's behavior and feelings, Without embarrassment or too much control
(It was among the most uninhibited discussions on the topic that has ever been seen on TV.)
Related Word: Uninhibitedly (adv)
Unkempt(adj)
Uncared for in appearance
(It was ten in the morning when I reached his place and met him; he looked so unkempt that I could make out that he had just got out of bed.)
Synonyms: Disheveled
Antonyms: Tidy
Unmitigated(adj)
(Esp. of something bad or unsuccessful) total, esp. lacking any good or positive points
(The much publicized comeback film of the superstar proved to be an unmitigated disaster at the box office.)
Synonyms: Consummate
Unobtrusive(adj)
Unobjectionable
(He tried to slip into the classroom unobtrusively without catching the attention of the lecturer, but was not successful in his intentions.)
Synonyms: Unobscured, Unobtainable, Unobstructed
Unprecedented(adj)
Never having happened before
(The judge said in his final analysis that the judgement he had just delivered was unprecedented in his long legal career, and that he had never come across a case as complex as this one.)
Synonyms: Unique
Related Word: Unprecedently (adv)
Verisimilitude(n)
Appearance of truth, Close resemblance to reality
(The verisimilitude of the wax statues at the museum of Madame Tussaud's in London is truly amazing -- the statues are so life like that many people mistake them for being real.)
Vernal(adj)
Of or occurring in spring season
(Spring had just begun, and the garden was full of little buds of vernal flowers.)
Versatile(adj)
Having many talents, Capable of working in many fields
(The film industry is so much crowded and competitive nowadays that only a versatile actor can stay in it; the actor must be able to show his talent in every field from acting to dancing to action.)
Related Word: Versatility (n)
Vertex(n)
Highest point
(He decided to retire from active politics at the vertex of his political career, saying that he had no more distinctions to achieve.)
Synonyms: Summit
Vertigo(n)
Condition with sensation of whirling and tendency to lose balance
(Since she suffers from vertigo, she could not look down from the eighteenth floor of the building.)
Synonyms: Dizziness
Related Word: Vertiginous (adj)
Verve(n)
A strong feeling of life, great energy and enthusiasm
(Her performance in the play was full of great energy and verve.)
Synonyms: Vigor, Energy, Enthusiasm
Vestibule(n)
A wide passage or small room just inside the outer door of a (public) building through which all other rooms are reached.
(The receptionist asked me to wait in the vestibule before the official would call me in.)
Synonyms: Porch
Related Word: Vestibular (adj)
Vestige(n)
Trace, small remaining amount
(There is now not even a vestige of doubt that the culprit has to be the security guard.)
Related Word: Vestigial (adj)
Viable(adj)
Practical or workable, Capable of maintaining life
(Since no seats were available in either of the two trains, the only viable alternative I had was to fly.)
Related Word: Viability (n), Viably (adv)
Viands(n)
Article(s) of food
(He ate his meal sloppily, and small viands were still sticking to his moustache when he came back to the office.)
Synonyms: Victuals
Whinny(v,n)
Give a gentle or joyful neigh (of a horse)
(The young horse whinnied on to the streets of the town, carefree and unconcerned.)
Whit(n)
Least possible amount
(Though in the opinion of common people, he must resign immediately, but he doesn't care a whit for their opinion and has never given it a thought.)
Whittle(v,n)
1) Slice off pieces from, to reduce by continual and gradual process 2) Long knife esp. the one used by butchers
(The butcher took out his whittle, whetted it on the stone and slaughtered the animal.)
Synonyms: Trim, Carve
Wile(n,v)
To lure or entice someone
(It did not take long for me to see through his wile, and to realize that the property agent was up to no good.)
Synonyms: Artifice
Related Word: Wily (adj)
Wilful(adj)
For which compulsion or ignorance or accident cannot be pleaded as excuse
(His not attending the class despite the teacher's specially telling him to do so was a wilful act of disobedience.)
Related Word: Wilfully (adv), Wilfulness (n)
Willy-nilly(adv,adj)
Willingly or unwillingly
(At times he makes a fuss about lending me his bike, but willy-nilly always relents.)
Winkle(n,v)
Extract, pull out
(The police tried their best, but even after using third-degree torture, could not winkle the truth out of him.)
Winnow(v)
Sift, Separate good parts from bad (in wind or air current)
(It's taken me three days to go through all the CVs that we received in response to our ad, and have winnowed down the number to a short-list of fifteen.)
Related Word: Winnower (n)
Winsome(adj)
(Of person or his or her appearance, manner smile etc) Charming, attractive, bright
(She managed to thoroughly impress everyone at the party with her charming manner, pleasant voice, and of course, her winsome smile.)
Synonyms: Charming
Related Word: Winsomely (adv), Winsomeness (n)
Wishy-washy(adj)
Weak in color, character etc; lacking in spirit
(They're just a group of wishy-washy individuals, having no great ambitions in life nor having any ideologies.)
Adjutant(n)
Staff officer assisting the commander (usu. in the army), Assistant
(The adjutant of this army unit is a strict disciplinarian.)
Synonyms: Confederate
Related Word: Adjutancy (n)
Ad-lib(adj,adv)
1) Freely, without restraint 2) Speak without preparation
(At the Etos chain of restaurants, you pay a fixed price for a meal and can eat ad-lib.)
Admonish(v)
To warn (gently but firmly), to exhort, to reprove
(The salesperson was gently admonished by the customer for not knowing the specifications of the product well enough.)
Synonyms: Exhort, Reprimand, Castigate
Antonyms: (Admonition) : Countenance
Related Word: Admonition, Admonishment (n), Admonitory (adj)
Adumbrate(v)
To give a sketchy representation of, To foreshadow a coming event vaguely
(He had an amazing power of adumbration bordering on the supernatural; he somehow always knew when something very good or very bad was about to happen.)
Synonyms: Obfuscate
Related Word: Adumbration (n), Adumbrative (adj)
Advent(n)
Arrival of important person or thing
(The advent of e-mail has severely impacted the postal industry all over the world.)
Synonyms: Ingress
Related Word: Adventism (n), Adventist (n)
Adventitious(adj)
Accidental, casual, happening by chance
(In a most adventitious occurrence, the arrival of his baby coincided with his getting a new job that paid him almost twice as before.)
Synonyms: Fortuitous, Contingent
Related Word: Adventitiously (adv)
Adversary(n)
Opponent, enemy
(The thought of watching the old adversaries fight it out in the boxing ring pulled a huge crowd to the stadium.)
Synonyms: Antagonist
Related Word: Adversarial (adj)
Adverse(adj)
Unfavorable, hostile
(The story of the ill-treatment of a former employee by the company director led to a lot of adverse publicity for the company.)
Synonyms: Antipathetic
Antonyms: (Adversity) : Prosperity
Related Word: Adversely (adv), Adversity (n)
Advocate(v,n)
1) Urge, plead for 2) Support 3) One who pleads for another
((1) The noted economist in his speech to the cabinet strongly advocated a reduction in agricultural subsidies. (2) Mr. Higgins is a staunch advocate for prison reforms.)
Synonyms: Patron
Related Word: Advocacy (n), Advocatory (adj)
Aegis(n)
Protection, Patronage or sponsorship
(They planned to hold the concert under the aegis of the National Development Authority.)
Synonyms: Auspices
Bedlam(n)
A place or activity filled with chaos and commotion, Noisy and unruly activity
(The scene in the children's room when their mother returned was one of complete bedlam and disorder.)
Bedraggled(adj)
Thoroughly wet
(His bedraggled appearance made it obvious that he had been caught in the pouring rain.)
Befuddle(v)
To confuse
(It was apparent from the befuddled expression on his face that he had not understood a word of what I had explained.)
Synonyms: Baffle, Muddle, Bewilder
Begrudge(v)
Feel or show dissatisfaction at something
(His lectures on sociology are so tedious that almost everyone in the class begrudges attending them.)
Synonyms: Resent
Behemoth(n)
Huge creature or monster
(The bureaucracy in India has turned into a virtual behemoth employing about twice as many people as are required to run things efficiently.)
Beholden(adj)
Thankful, Feeling you have a duty to someone because they have done something for you
(Thank you for helping me find a job, I'm beholden to you.)
Synonyms: Obligated
Behoove(v)
To be necessary, fit or proper
(It does not behoove all of us to meet the principal for this; it is better if we elect a representative.)
Related Word: Sometimes also written as Behove
Belch(v,n)
1) Send out wind noisily from stomach through mouth. Also send out from an opening or funnel 2) Act of belching
(After devouring the large, sumptuous meal, the overblown man let out a loud belch.)
Belittle(v)
To cause to appear small or unimportant, Disparage
(Being extremely jealous by nature, Sue tried her best to belittle the achievement of her younger sister in front of their parents.)
Synonyms: Ridicule, Denigrate
Antonyms: Vaunt
Related Word: Belittlement (n)
Bemused(adj)
Preoccupied; Confused; Lost in thoughts
(Not having seen anything like this before, the Japanese tourists watched the Indian wedding with a bemused and overawed expression on their faces.)
Synonyms: Distrait
Related Word: Bemuse (v)
Camouflage(n,v)
That which acts as a disguise, or helps to conceal.
(The soldiers hastily covered their helmets with leaves and other foliage, but this did not prove a good enough camouflage and they were soon spotted by the enemy.)
Candor(n)
Open-mindedness, impartiality, free from malice
(The interview panel was impressed with his candor when he admitted that he had once been found guilty of misconduct at high school.)
Synonyms: Frankness, Candidness
Antonyms: Artifice
Canine(adj,n)
Related to Dogs. Also, one of the four sharp pointed teeth between incisors and molars
(Though both of them belong to the family of canines, wolves and dogs exhibit very different character when it comes to interacting with other animals.)
Canker(n)
An ulcer (sore), as of the mouth. Also, anything which corrodes, corrupts or destroys
(The Prime Minister, in his speech on television, has said that violence is a canker in our society which must be avoided at all costs, and has urged the masses to show greater restraint.)
Related Word: Cankerous (adj)
Cant(n)
Insincere talk. Also jargon, words or talk characteristic to a particular group or class.
(The politician's speech at the stadium was nothing but empty political cant -- doing anything for the poverty of this region is perhaps the last thing on his mind.)
Canter(n,v)
Medium-paced movement of a horse, any ride at a similar speed. Hence, to move at the speed of a canter
(The horse moved at a canter from some distance and then suddenly broke into a fast paced gallop as soon as it saw the smoke on the horizon.)
Synonyms: Gallop, Trot
Capacious(adj)
Roomy, spacious
(The suitcase was capacious enough to hold all my requirements for fifteen days; for anything beyond that, I needed a larger piece of luggage.)
Related Word: Capaciousness (n), Capaciously (adv)
Capitulate(v)
Surrender on agreed terms, Accept defeat on conditions
(The harassed railway minister had no choice but to capitulate to the demand for his resignation after the third train accident of the year.)
Antonyms: Resist
Related Word: Capitulation (n)
Caption(n)
Words above or below a picture, newspaper article etc. meant to give an explanation
(The caption below the photograph stated that it had been taken in 1952; however, the model of the car shown in the photograph was clearly of a much later year.)
Defame(v)
Harm someone's reputation, or speak ill of
(A group of Hindu fundamentalists has charged that the film defamed their religion, and have hence sought a ban on the exhibition of the film.)
Related Word: Defamation (n), Defamatory (adj.)
Default(v,n)
1) Fail to act or appear 2) That which exists or happens on its own, if not intentionally changed
((1) If you default on returning the payment on time, you are liable to pay a fine. (2) The computer program takes ABC as a default name for a user, so you will need to change it if you want your name to appear.)
Defeatist(n)
Pessimist, Person who expects to lose or fail and therefore does not really try
(This defeatist attitude will get you nowhere; start believing in yourself and do not give up.)
Related Word: Defeat (v & n), Defeatism (n)
Defection(n)
Desertion, Falling away from allegiance to party or duty
(In order to curb the unhealthy political practice of people frequently leaving one political party to join another, the government is planning to implement an anti-defection law.)
Defer(v)
1) Give in respectfully, Submit 2) Put off, Postpone, Delay till later, Exempt temporarily
((2) The board meeting has been deferred till next Tuesday as the chairman is not well.)
Related Word: Deferment (n), Deferral (n), Deferrable (adj.)
Defiance(n)
Refusal to yield, Open disobedience, Resistance
(Though the underarm bowling action was not in defiance to any rule in the Book of Cricket Laws, it was so unusual that no one had thought that it would actually be used by a player in an official cricket match.)
Related Word: Defiant (adj.), Defiantly (adv.)
Defile(v)
Pollute, Spoil the beauty of something
(A number of concrete structures had sprung up on the hills, defiling the beautiful landscape and the greenery.)
Synonyms: Befoul, Desecrate
Antonyms: Purify
Related Word: Defilement (n),
Definitive(adj)
Final, Complete
(Though I do not have a definitive solution to your problem, I think you can go through this document as it provides a temporary means of support.)
Synonyms: Decisive, Unconditional
Related Word: Definitively (adv.)
Deflect(v)
Bend aside, Turn aside
(The little girl very cleverly deflected my question about the occupation of her father, asking me instead about the gadget in my hand.)
Synonyms: Deviate
Defoliate(v)
To remove leaves, usu. by action of chemicals etc.
(Fearing that the disease that had struck a part of his crop might spread to the entire field, the farmer decided to defoliate a large part of his crop.)
Related Word: Defoliant (adj. & n), Defoliation (n)
Embellish(v)
To beautify by adding ornamental features
(Her ordinary white hat looked beautiful after being embellished with pink roses.)
Synonyms: Adorn
Antonyms: Disfigure
Related Word: Embellishment (n)
Embrace(v,n)
Hug, Adopt or espouse, Accept readily, Encircle
((1) She embraced her son gently to make him feel secure. (2) She gave up Islam and embraced Christianity after marrying John.)
Embrocation(n)
Liquid for rubbing on the body to relieve aches
(Angela was relieved from pain after applying a soothing embrocation on her sprained ankle.)
Synonyms: Liniment
Embroider(v)
Decorate with needlework, Ornament with fancy or fictitious details
((1) She used colorful threads and embroidered her handkerchief with flowers. (2) Al embroidered the truth with such exaggerations that it eventually became a lie.)
Related Word: Embroidery (n)
Embroil(v)
Throw into confusion, Involve in an argument or any difficult situation
(While trying to resolve the fight between the two teams the referee himself got embroiled in their quarrel.)
Emend(v)
To take the mistakes out of a text before it is printed
(Fred has a tendency to make spelling errors and thus carefully emends the articles he writes for the school magazine.)
Related Word: Emendation (n)
Emeritus(adj)
Retired from active service but retained in an honorary position.
(After retirement Samuel was retained in the university as an emeritus professor because of his vast teaching experience and also because of the unavailability of good teachers in his subject.)
Emetic(adj,n)
Causing vomiting, any substance that induces vomiting
(The child had accidentally swallowed a metallic keyring, so the doctor quickly administered him an emetic so as to make him vomit it.)
Eminent(adj)
Famous and admired, Distinguished
(Matthew is an eminent doctor renowned for successfully treating several patients for cancer.)
Antonyms: Notorious
Related Word: Eminence (n)
Eminently(adv)
Perfectly
(The judge's decision in favor of the assaulted victim was eminently fair.)
Figment(n)
Invention, Imaginary thing
(Jane thought she heard someone knocking her door at midnight, but it was only a figment of her imagination.)
Figurative(adj)
Not literal, of pictorial or sculptural representation
(The professor simplified the tough lines of the poem by explaining it figuratively to the class.)
Synonyms: Metaphorical
Related Word: Figuratively (adv), Figure (n)
Figurine(n)
Small ornamental statuette
(A beautiful brass figurine of a horse decorated the mantel in her drawing room.)
Filch(v)
To steal, pilfer
(The shopkeeper filched the rich customer by pricing his products at double their value.)
Filial(adj)
Of or befitting a son or daughter
(The young boy showered filial love and attention on the old man who had no child.)
Related Word: Filially (adv), Filliation (n)
Finale(n)
Last movement of instrumental composition
(The orchestra was performed brilliantly and concluded the show with an enchanting finale.)
Synonyms: Conclusion
Finical(adj)
Precise, dainty, (particularly insistent that one's standards should be met)
(Margaret has a very finical attitude and buys her clothes only from the most expensive boutiques in the town.)
Synonyms: Fastidious
Related Word: Finically (adv), Finicality (n), Finicalness (n)
Finicky(adj)
Needing much attention to detail
(The neat and tidy home of Mrs. Andrews reveals how finicky she is about cleanliness.)
Firebrand(n)
A person or thing that brings trouble
(Judy is the firebrand of our class and is always getting us into trouble with our teachers.)
Synonyms: Troublemaker
Firmament(n)
Sky with its clouds and stars
(The moon was bright and the firmament lit the sky which looked as if it had been studded with jewels.)
Related Word: Firmamental (adj)
Geniality(n)
Cheerfulness, Kindliness, Sympathy
(I'd never expected such geniality from them; I used to think they are quite rude and consider guests to be a nuisance.)
Related Word: Genial (adj.), Genialize (v), Genially (adv.)
Genre(n)
Particular variety of art or literature
(His music stands apart from his contemporaries as it cannot be classified as belonging to any particular genre -- and that's also the biggest reason for his popularity even today.)
Gentility(n)
Refinement, Full of gentleness
(The gentility of her behavior, despite being spoken to so rudely by her father, is truly admirable.)
Related Word: Gentle (adj. & n)
Gentry(n)
People of standing, Class of people just below nobility.
(The club by the river was at one time frequented only by selective gentry of the town, but now you can find all kinds of base characters drinking and talking loudly on its lawns.)
Genuflect(v)
To bend the knees as in worship
(Anyone who entered the king's court had to first genuflect in front of a huge statue of the king placed immediately after the royal gates.)
Related Word: Genuflexion (n), Genuflector (n), Genuflectory (adj.)
Germinal(adj)
In the earliest stage of development, Creative or productive of new ideas
(We call this division the Germinal Department since the people here are highly creative and responsible for most of the big ideas that our advertising agency has come up with.)
Related Word: Germinate (v), Germinant (adj.), Germination (n), Germinative (adj.)
Gerrymander(v,n)
Arrange boundaries of (a constituency etc.) so as to gain unfair electoral advantages. Such manipulation
(The formation of three new states has been widely criticized by several sections of the press as nothing but political gerrymandering.)
Related Word: Gerrymanderer (n)
Gestate(v)
To carry inborn young in the uterus until birth. Also, to develop gradually in the mind
(He let the idea gestate in his mind for a good four months before finally deciding to act on it.)
Related Word: Gestation (n)
Gesticulation(n)
Motion, Gesture
(I could see my brother wildly gesticulating at me, but could not figure out towards what he was trying to draw my attention.)
Related Word: Gesticulate (v), Gesticulator (n), Gesticulative (adj.), Gesticulatory (adj.)
Ghoul(n)
An evil spirit
(Though I do not believe in them, I remember I used to marvel at the stories of ghosts and ghouls as a child.)
Related Word: Ghoulish (adj.)
Affectation(n)
An artificial display, usually of behavior
(It was not difficult to see through her affected smile and make out that she was hiding a lot of pain and discomfort.)
Synonyms: Pretense
Related Word: Affect (v & n), Affected (adj)
Affidavit(n)
Written statement under oath
(The accused has sworn in an affidavit to the court that he did not even know the victim, let alone shared an apartment with him.)
Synonyms: Substantiation
Affiliation(n)
Joining, associating with (persons as members, societies as branches)
(The fast growth of the company was in large measure because of its affiliations with several flourishing companies.)
Synonyms: Alliance, Confederation
Antonyms: Dissociation
Related Word: Affiliate (v & n), Affiliated (adj)
Affinity(n)
1) Tendency of (thing or person) to be attracted towards something 2) Kinship
(He feels a strong affinity for her but is too shy to disclose it.)
Synonyms: Alliance
Antonyms: Aversion
Affirmation(n)
Positive assertion, confirmation, solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath
(He has sent a written affirmation that he would attend the party.)
Synonyms: Avowal
Antonyms: Negation
Related Word: Affirm (v), Affirmable (adj), Affirmatory (adj), Affirmative (adj & n), Affirmatively (adv)
Affix(v)
Attach or add on, fasten
(You will need to affix an additional stamp to this envelop as it looks a little too bulky.)
Afflatus(n)
Divine inspiration, communication of supernatural knowledge
(Joan of Arc was motivated by an afflatus from God to devote her life to the needy.)
Affluence(n)
Abundance, wealth
(The way he dresses himself and the expensive bike he rides make it obvious that he belongs to a very affluent family.)
Synonyms: Prosperity
Antonyms: (Affluent) : Destitute
Related Word: Affluent (adj & n), Affluently (adv)
Affray(n)
A public fight or riot
(The rousing speech by the student leader led to an affray between the two groups, and the police had to be called to control the fight.)
Synonyms: Altercation, Clamor
Affront(v,n)
1) To offend or insult by disrespect 2) Open insult
(Affronted by his fianc�e in front of so many people, he walked out of the party in a huff.)
Synonyms: Impertinence
Benediction(n)
A blessing, usu. at the end of church service. Also, any kind of blessing
(His casual suggestion proved to be a benediction for me as I got cured of my allergy by following his advice.)
Synonyms: Invocation, Petition
Antonyms: Anathema
Related Word: Benedictory (adj)
Benefactor(n)
A person who works for the good of others or who donates money for a good purpose
(The formation of this school for the blind was possible only because of the contribution of an unknown benefactor, who donated a sum of $100,000 for its establishment.)
Synonyms: Patron
Related Word: Benefaction (n)
Beneficent(adj)
Kindly, Generous
(Thanks to his beneficent uncle, who offered to bear his entire tuition fees, he was able to complete an MBA degree and get this plum job.)
Synonyms: Benevolent, Munificent, Altruistic, Bountiful
Antonyms: Baleful
Related Word: Beneficence (n), Beneficently (adv)
Beneficiary(n)
A person entitled to benefits of a policy
(No one could ever have imagined that Mr. Adamson could be among the beneficiaries in Ms. Kent's will.)
Synonyms: Inheritor, Heir, Scion
Benevolent(adj)
Inclined to help others, Generous
(The benevolent chairman of the company offered to sponsor the education of the child whose father had been crippled in an accident in the company's premises.)
Synonyms: Beneficent, Magnanimous
Antonyms: Malevolent, Miserly
Related Word: Benevolence (n), Benevolently (adv)
Bequeath(v)
Leave to someone by means of a will
(The industrialist bequeathed his entire wealth to a charitable trust, wishing that the money should be used for constructing schools and hospitals for the needy.)
Related Word: Bequest (n) = That which is bequeathed
Bereft(adj)
Lacking
(Even as he heard the harsh judgement against him, his face was bereft of any expression of dejectedness.)
Berserk(n,adj)
Out of control and violent
(As soon as the young film star who had created a sensation in his debut film stepped on the stage, the crowd went absolutely berserk with joy and enthusiasm.)
Synonyms: Frenzied
Antonyms: Sane
Beseech(v)
Ask or plead earnestly.
(His mother beseeched him to have breakfast before leaving, but he wouldn't listen and left in a hurry.)
Synonyms: Adjure, Implore
Related Word: Beseeching (adj)
Beset(v)
To be full of, or surrounded by, usu. difficulties
(The route across the Alps was beset with danger and difficulties, yet Hannibal and his small group of soldiers managed to cross the rugged mountainous terrain.)
Synonyms: Tormented
Related Word: Besetment (n)
Besmirch(v)
To soil or discolor. Also, to damage the reputation or honor of a person
(The newspaper article about his secret love affair outside his marriage has totally besmirched his reputation; there's no way he can think of standing for election.)
Synonyms: Slander, Denigrate, Calumniate
Besotted(adj)
Completely in love with
(Derek was too besotted with Paula to realize that she was merely using him to gain some information.)
Related Word: Besot (v)
Bestial(adj)
Inhuman, Cruel, Like a beast
(The unspeakable bestiality perpetrated by the Nazis on the Jews in the concentration camps will always remain a blot on the history of mankind.)
Synonyms: Feral, Untamed
Antonyms: Noble
Related Word: Bestiality (n), Bestialize (v), Bestially (adv)
Bestow(v)
Confer (thing) (up) on (person) as gift
(After the retirement of Dr. Paul Mettle, the Chancellorship of the university was bestowed upon Dr. Clive Harris, who had once been a student of Dr. Mettle.)
Synonyms: Impart, Furnish
Related Word: Bestowal (n), Bestowalment (n)
Bete noire(n)
A person or object that evokes fear or dislike in a particular person
(The newly appointed Chancellor of the university is Prof. Higgins' old b�te noir -- the two had once publicly assailed each other over a rather trivial issue.)
Related Word: Plural : B�tes noires (n)
Betroth(v)
To become engaged to marry
(They remained betrothed for nearly two years before formally tying the knot.)
Synonyms: Espouse
Related Word: Betrothed (adj & n), Betrothal (n)
Bevel(n)
A slanting edge or surface
(The beveled edge of this picture frame makes the picture in it looks bigger than it actually is.)
Synonyms: Oblique, Cant
Bevy(n)
Large group or crowd, usu. of women, but also generally applied to any large group of similar things
(The bevy of laws and regulations that governed foreign trade in India till a decade ago was sufficient to put off even the most spirited importer from buying from India.)
Synonyms: Covey, Drove
Bewilder(v)
Surprise and confuse, to such an extent that normal thinking is not possible
(The news of the military coup sent waves of shock and bewilderment all over the country.)
Synonyms: Baffle, Befuddle, Confound, Perplex
Related Word: Bewilderment (n),
Bibulous(adj)
Addicted to or fond of drinking
(Till the time that he gets rid of his bibulous ways and does not over indulge in alcohol, he will not be allowed in this club.)
Related Word: Bibulously (adv)
Captious(adj)
Too ready to find fault, over-critical
(Upset at the captious and constantly complaining nature of his wife, he decided to consult a lawyer for a divorce.)
Synonyms: Carping, Censorious
Antonyms: Tolerant
Related Word: Captiousness (n), Captiously (adv)
Carafe(n)
A bottle for serving wine or water at meals. Also, the amount contained in such a bottle.
(The hostess called for another carafe of red wine.)
Carat(n)
Measure of weight for precious stones, Measure of purity of gold
(A one-carat diamond weighs 0.2 grams.)
Related Word: Karat (American Eng.)
Cardinal(adj)
Fundamental, Most important
(Just as the athlete was well on his way to victory, he made the cardinal error of looking back, lost his balance, and fell.)
Synonyms: Chief
Cardiologist(n)
Doctor specializing in the heart
(His family physician has referred him to a cardiologist, saying that chest pain should never be taken lightly.)
Related Word: Cardiology (n)
Careen(v)
Move forward rapidly while making sudden movements from side to side.
(The driver tried hard to stop the bus but it careened out of control and skidded into a ditch.)
Synonyms: Lurch
Caret(n)
The ^ mark, used in writing or printing to show where something is to be added
(Since he had omitted a few words in the contract, he inserted them into the text by using a caret at the appropriate places.)
Carnage(n)
Destruction of life, Great slaughter
(The locality where the bomb exploded was a scene of dreadful carnage and destruction; even the journalists were repelled at the sight of it.)
Carnal(adj)
Of the flesh, physical (esp. sexual)
(The sages in ancient India were said be in complete control of their carnal desires.)
Synonyms: Sensual
Antonyms: Spiritual
Carnivorous(adj)
Feeding on flesh, Meat-eating
(The piranha is a carnivorous fish, with teeth sharp enough to pierce the toughest of skins.)
Antonyms: Vegetarian
Related Word: Carnivore (n)
Carousel(n)
(1) A merry-go-round (2) The luggage conveyor belt in an airport
((1) At the amusement park, the carousel that has seats in the shape of animals and that moves as if in a gallop, is among the most popular attractions for children.)
Carp(v)
Find fault, Complain continuously and unnecessarily
(While most people carp about getting junk mail on their computers, there are those who actually feel good about receiving it.)
Synonyms: Cavil
Antonyms: Acquiesce
Related Word: Carping (adj)
Carrion(n)
Dead and decaying flesh
(Near the top of the hill we were met with the blood-curdling sight of a large group of vultures feeding ravenously on the carrion of a deer.)
Carte blanche(n)
Full discretionary power. [Lit., A blank paper given to a person to write his own terms on]
(He has given his son-in-law a carte blanche to operate the company the way he wants to.)
Cartography(n)
The science of making maps and charts
(Despite repeated attempts, cartographers have found it very difficult to depict this region on a map because of its difficult terrain and steep cliffs.)
Related Word: Cartographer (n)
Cascade(n,v)
Steep waterfall, Anything that flows or pours downwards
(The fast flowing stream cascaded down the sharp cliff, forming a picturesque waterfall.)
Defray(v)
Pay the costs or expenses
(The company agreed to defray all the expenses that I had incurred on the project, including the air fare.)
Related Word: Defrayable (adj.), Defrayal (n)
Defunct(adj)
Dead, No longer in use or existence
(Since we purchased this new washing machine which has a built in drier, our old machine has been lying defunct in the attic.)
Degenerate(adj,n)
1) Become worse, Deteriorate 2) Degenerate person or animal
(What started off as a fine meaningful film inexplicably degenerated into a senseless potboiler.)
Related Word: Degeneracy (n)
Degradation(n)
Debasement, Bringing into dishonor or contempt, Degeneration
(With a sustained and concerted effort at planting trees and preserving forests, the government of this country has effectively managed to stem the environmental degradation of the last twenty years.)
Synonyms: Humiliation
Related Word: Degrade (v), Degradable (adj.)
Deify(v)
Turn into a god, Idolize, Regard as a god
(In South India, film actors are deified to such an extent that one actress even has a temple exclusively devoted to her.)
Related Word: Deification (n)
Deign(v)
Condescend, Think fit, Stoop
(There's no way he could have deleted the files deliberately -- I know he would not deign to such low levels.)
Delectable(adj)
Delightful, Delicious
(For her most delectable performance in this unusual film about a mother and her spastic daughter, Florina Campbell, playing the daughter, has been nominated for an Oscar in the Best Actress category.)
Related Word: Delectably (adv.)
Deliberate(v,adj)
1) Consider, Think carefully 2) Intentional, Fully considered
((1) Mr. Bowler has asked me to deliberate over the proposal for a few days before giving a definitive answer.(2) Slowly and deliberately, he poured gasoline over the dossier of documents and set it alight.)
Antonyms: Haphazard
Related Word: Deliberately (adv.), Deliberateness (n), Deliberation (n), Deliberative (adj.)
Delirium(n)
Mental disorder marked by confusion, Great excitement
(Because of the high fever, he has now been in a state of delirium for quite some time, mumbling incoherently even when he is asleep.)
Related Word: Delirious (adj.)
Deliverance(n)
Release or rescue
(Each year, hundreds of people gather in this church on Good Friday to pray to the Lord for deliverance from their sins.)
Related Word: Deliver (v)
Emissary(n)
Agent, Messenger
(During times of war, the most trusted officials are appointed as emissaries for transfer of messages between the home country and the battle grounds.)
Empathy(n)
Ability to identify with another's feelings, ideas etc.
(Having been through a trauma of similar kind, I could well empathize with her.)
Related Word: Empathize (v)
Empyrean(adj)
Heavenly, celestial
(Margaret radiated an empyrean look dressed up as an angel for the costume ball.)
Enamored(adj)
blindly in love, charmed
(Rebecca was so enamored by her fianc� that she completely overlooked the flaws in his character.)
Synonyms: Fascinated
Related Word: Spelt Enamoured in British Eng.
Encephalic(adj)
Of pertaining to, the brain.
(Meningitis is an encephalic disease caused by the inflammation of the membranes enveloping the brain.)
Synonyms: Cephalic
Related Word: Encephalitis : a brain disease
Encipher(v)
Encode, Convert a message into code
(For security reasons, most of the secret formulae developed recently in our laboratory have been enciphered into cryptic symbols.)
Antonyms: Decipher
Enclave(n)
Territory enclosed within an alien land, Any enclosed area
(The new supermarket is located in an enclave within the marketplace.)
Encompass(v)
Surround
(The institute's activities encompass academics as well as a variety of sports.)
Endearment(n)
An expression of fondness and love
(To the amusement of all present at the party, she visibly blushed as her fianc� whispered sweet endearments into her ear.)
Related Word: Endear (v), Endearing (adj), Endearingly (adv)
Endorse(v)
Approve, Support
(After reading Julia's impressive resume, the manager endorsed her application for the post of secretary.)
Related Word: Endorsement (n)
Fissure(n,v)
1) Long and narrow opening made esp. by cracking or splitting 2) To split or crack
(The glacier melted in the summer and seeping in and out of the fissures, it finally flowed into the river.)
Synonyms: Crevice
Fitful(adj)
Having irregular periods of activity
(She lost her peace of mind and slept fitfully after hearing about her father's illness.)
Synonyms: Spasmodic, Intermittent
Related Word: Fitfully (adv), Fitfulness (n)
Flail(n,v)
An instrument for thrashing grain by hand; to heat, to whip
(1) The farmer used a flail to separate the grains out of the crops. 2) The jockey flailed the horse hard to make it run faster.)
Flaunt(v)
Display ostentatiously
(She came to college flaunting her new silver watch.)
Antonyms: Hide
Related Word: Flaunty (adj)
Fleck(n,v)
1) Spot in skin, Patch of color or light 2) To mark with flecks
(1) Her cheeks have brown flecks, which she tries to disguise by using make up. 2) Martha looked very pretty in her dress that was white flecked with red polka dots.)
Related Word: Fleckless (adj)
Fleece(n,v)
1) Wool coat of a sheep 2) To rob or plunder
(1) The cattle grazer shaved the white fleece off his sheep and sold it to the merchants. 2) The robbers on the highway fleeced us off our watches and jewelry.)
Related Word: Fleeced (adj), Fleecy (adj), Fleeceable (adj)
Flick(n,v)
1) Light stroke as with a whip 2) Strike or move with a flick
(1) He took a towel and flicked the cigarette ash off the towel. 2) We stood horrified as the snake flicked its tongue in and out of its mouth.)
Flighty(adj)
Fickle, guided by whim or fancy
(No one takes Danny seriously as he is rather flighty and keeps changing his mind every now and then.)
Synonyms: Crotchety, capricious
Related Word: Flightly (adv), Flightiness (n)
Flinch(v)
Hesitate, give way
(She is not the sorts to flinch in the face of a problem but deals with it courageously.)
Antonyms: Extol
Flit(v,n)
1) Fly, Dart lightly, Pass swiftly by 2) Change of abode esp. to evade creditor etc.
(1) During our nature walk we saw beautiful blue birds flitting from branch to branch. 2) Thieves never have a permanent abode and flit from place to place to avoid getting caught by the police.)
Gibberish(n)
Unintelligent speech
(None of what he said made any sense to me; I think it was all utter gibberish.)
Gibbous(adj)
Convex, Protruding, used to describe the moon between half-moon and full moon phase
(By looking at the gibbous shape of the moon, I could make out that the full-moon night was still about a week away.)
Related Word: Gibbously (adv.), Gibbosity (n)
Giblets(n)
Edible organs from a bird
(After they had eaten most of the chicken flesh, they kept the remaining giblets in the fridge, planning to use them in a recipe for soup.)
Giddy(adj,v)
Light-hearted, Dizzy, to make or become giddy
(Watching the little children on the merry-go-round for so long made her feel giddy, and she decided to go back to her room.)
Related Word: Giddily (adv.), Giddiness (n)
Gild(v)
Cover with a thin layer of gold or gold paint
(The town authorities had gilded the statue just before the arrival of the dignitary, and it glittered brilliantly in the mid-day sun.)
Related Word: Gilder (n)
Gingerly(adv,adj)
Very carefully, prudent
(He gingerly picked up the crystal bowl from the shelf and showed it to her fianc�e, holding it tightly.)
Gist(n)
Essence of a matter
(The gist of the entire incident is that our friend here may soon find himself out of job, he informed us, summing up the whole situation.)
Glacial(adj)
Like a glacier, Extremely cold
(Everyone in the school, including the teachers, was terrified of the glacial stare of the principal.)
Related Word: Glacially (adv.), Glaciated (adj.), Glaciation (n)
Glade(n)
Open space in a forest
(They were relieved to find a small glade in the midst of the thick forest, and decided to light a fire and pitch camp there.)
Glaring(adj)
Highly conspicuous, Harshly bright
(What a glaring mistake you've made by not filling out this form!)
Related Word: Glare (v, adj. & n)
Hiatus(n)
An opening, gap a break in the chain
(The cinema theater has resumed screening movies again, after a six-month hiatus, during which it majorly renovated its facilities.)
Antonyms: Nexus, Connection
Hidebound(adj)
Narrow minded
(The accounts department in most companies is rather hidebound -- it just sticks to the rules without any deviation.)
Synonyms: Conservative
Highbrow(adj,n)
Serious, and intended for intelligent, educated people. Such people
(Seeing that there were very few buyers for the highbrow literary books and classics he was trying to sell, he has now switched over to selling the more popular fiction and fashion books.)
Hilarity(n)
Cheerful laughter
(The gathering at the club had an atmosphere of mirth and hilarity, thanks to the merry jokes of the old sailor.)
Synonyms: Cheerfulness
Related Word: Hilarious (adj), Hilariously (adv), Hilariousness (n)
Hindrance(n)
Obstruction, prevention or obstacle
(He's never considered his disability a hindrance, though the people around him make him feel he is different.)
Related Word: Hinder (v)
Hirsute(adj)
Rough with hair or bristles, Hairy
(He used to sport a clean-shaven look earlier, but I think he now looks better ever since he decided to have a hirsute face.)
Synonyms: Pilose
Antonyms: Bald
Related Word: Hirsuteness (n)
Hoary(adj)
Grey with age Old, and therefore not amusing (of a joke etc.)
(Instead of wasting time listening to his hoary old jokes, it's better if we play a game of scrabbles.)
Related Word: Hoariness (n)
Hoax(v,n)
Deceive, or cheat a person, esp. as a joke Hence, any humorous or mischievous deception
(The telephone call about the bomb threat turned out to be a hoax; no bomb was found on the plane and because of the delay, I missed my connecting flight.)
Hoi polloi(n)
The common people, The masses
(The Finance Minister in his budget speech clearly said that the budget proposals were made keeping in mind the hoi polloi, and not the top bracket of wealthy industrialists.)
Holster(n)
A leather pistol-case that can be worn on belt or under arm
(Before the robber could react, the sheriff had pulled his gun out of its holster and aimed at him.)
Implore(v)
Beg earnestly for
(He is very sorry for being so rude to her in the party; now he has decided to go to her and implore her forgiveness.)
Synonyms: Entreat
Imposter(n)
Someone who assumes a false identity
(The whole village believed him to be a policeman, and it was only after a year when he was arrested by the police that they came to know that he was an imposter.)
Synonyms: Swindler
Impotent(adj)
Weak, Powerless, Lacking in sexual power.
(While he was asked to take a small dosage of the medicine to improve his vitality, he was warned against its over-dosage, which could have an adverse effect, and make him impotent.)
Antonyms: Virile, Powerful
Related Word: Impotence (n), Impotently (adv)
Impound(v)
To take possession by law, confiscate legally
(His passport has been impounded by the police so that he cannot leave the country till he is cleared of the charges of financial irregularities.)
Impoverished(adj)
Poor
(Most poor people in India are unable to rise above their impoverished states because of lack of awareness, illiteracy, and a tendency of wealth to attract wealth.)
Synonyms: Penurious, Indigent, Impecunious
Imprecation(n)
A curse, Word spoken as an abuse
(He spontaneously let out an offensive imprecation in fornt of his parents when their car was hit by a stone thrown from the pavement.)
Synonyms: Expletive
Impresario(n)
A producer or manager of a performance esp. an opera or concert company.
(A leading theatrical impresario from India, Alyque Padamsee has not only written and directed several plays, he has also actively been involved in the making of several commercials.)
Impressionable(adj)
Easily influenced
(It is important to make a child learn something at an impressionable age, rather than at an age when he cannot be influenced and his ideas cannot be changed.)
Related Word: Impressionability (n), Impressionably (adv)
Improvise(v)
To do or make something on the spur of the moment, as the situation arises
(The actor has a great talent for improvising a scene as the shooting is on; many of his best scenes have several unrehearsed nuances in them.)
Related Word: Improvisation (n)
Imprudent(adj)
Lacking caution, Thoughtless
(None of the boys in the class is as imprudent as Bonson is; his carelessness is sure to have a bad effect on his result.)
Synonyms: Indiscreet
Related Word: Imprudence (n), Imprudently (adv)
Linguistic(adj)
Pertaining to language
(Recognizing that their daughter had a flair for the languages, they decided to put her in a linguistic class at a very early age.)
Related Word: Linguistics (n), Linguistician (n), Linguistically (adv.)
Liniment(n)
A liquid to relieve pain and stiffness (usually made of oil or containing alcohol)
(He rubbed his shoulder with this liniment to relieve the ache he had been suffering from since morning.)
Lionize(v)
Treat as a celebrity
(The first person to win one million dollars on the TV game show became an overnight celebrity and was lionized by the press as well as the public.)
Antonyms: Denigrade
Liquidate(v)
(1) To cause a business to close because of lack of funds, so that its assets can be sold to pay off its debts (2) To kill or make powerless
((1) The company had accumulated such heavy losses that even after it was officially liquidated and all its assets sold, it could not pay off all its debts.(2) The two brothers plotted against their eldest brother to liquidate him by poisoning, so that they would not have to share the inherited wealth with him.)
Related Word: Liquidator (n), Liquidation (n)
Lissome(adj)
Moving with ease and grace
(The writer has compared the lissome movements of the ballet dancer to the graceful movements of a deer.)
Synonyms: Supple; Lithe; Agile
Related Word: Lissomeness (n)
Litany(n)
(1) A long list of unpleasant things, particularly things that are repeated (2) A form of Christian prayer
((1) He was ready with a litany of excuses to explain his absence from the class the previous day, some of them quite hilarious and unbelievable.)
Literati(n)
People of learned class, who know a lot about literature
(She managed to make a mark with the literati of the country with her third novel, and soon she was being hailed as among the best writers alive in Britain.)
Lithe(adj)
Flexible, Supple
(The lithe and graceful movements of the gymnast were widely applauded by everyone present in the hall.)
Antonyms: Stiff
Related Word: Litheness (n), Lithesome (adj.)
Litigation(n)
Lawsuit
(In order to avoid the proceedings of a lengthy and expensive litigation, the company decided to settle the case out-of-court by negotiating with the aggrieved party.)
Related Word: Litigate (v), Litigable (adj.), Litigious (adj.), Litigant (n & adj.)
Littoral(n,adj)
Part of the country along the coast, The shoreline, Of or on the shore
(The Indian state of Kerala is known for its littoral beauty -- it has among the most beautiful coastline in the country with magnificent beaches and lots of greenery.)
Marred(adj)
Damaged, Disfigured
(The fact that the movie had no resemblance to what actually happened had marred the otherwise beautiful movie.)
Related Word: Mar (v)
Marshal(v)
1) Arrange in due order (persons, soldiers, thoughts etc) 2) Take up position in due arrangement
(1) The minister is to deliver his first speech tomorrow; he knows that to make a good and effective speech, he needs to marshal his thoughts clearly.)
Marsupial(adj,n)
One of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch
(Like the kangaroo, the koala too is a marsupial animal that carries its young one in a pouch.)
Martinet(n)
A person who demands total, often unreasoning, obedience to rules and orders.
(The new hostel warden has the reputation of being a ruthless martinet, and he will not tolerate even the slightest infringement of the rules.)
Related Word: Martinettish (adj)
Martyr(n,v)
1) One who voluntarily suffers death for his or her religion or cause 2) Put to death as martyr
(The whole country paid homage to the martyrs who had sacrificed their lives for the country during the war.)
Related Word: Martyrdom (n), Martyrization (n), Martyrology (n), Martyrlogist (n), Martyry (n), Martyrize (v), Martyrlogical (adj)
Masochism(n)
Pleasure in suffering physical or mental pain
(No one knows what made him become a masochist, he moves around in streets with a whip in his hand, hitting himself every now and then; he seems to derive pleasure out of it.)
Related Word: Masochist (n), Masochistic (adj)
Masticate(v)
To grind to a pulp before swallowing
(Most cudding animals bring out swallowed food back to their mouth and masticate it before swallowing again.)
Synonyms: Chew
Related Word: Mastication, Masticator (n), Masticatory (adj)
Materialism(n)
Preoccupation with physical comforts and things.
(The article vehemently argues that we have become a self-centered society, preoccupied with materialism and out of touch with each other.)
Related Word: Materialist (n), Materialistic (adj), Materialize (v), Materialization (n)
Maternal(adj)
Of or like a mother
(The little child has been longing for maternal love; he had lost his mother on the day he was born.)
Related Word: Maternally (adv)
Matrix(n)
Mould in which a thing is cast or shaped
(Many of the changes taking place within the matrix of the Indian society are such that would have been unthinkable even ten years ago.)
Nonpareil(adj,n)
Unrivalled or unique (person or thing)
(Sir Donald Bradman was the batsman nonpareil -- no other batsman has been able to come anywhere near his record average of 99.96 in test cricket in the last fifty years.)
Synonyms: Peerless
Nonplus(n,v)
State of utter surprise, Not knowing how to react
(Not expecting such personal questions at the interview, he was totally nonplussed by the questions put to him by the young and attractive interviewer.)
Synonyms: Perplex, Mystify, Thwart
Nostalgia(n)
Feeling of fondness for something in the past, Longing for the past
(In a nostalgic mood, my grandfather recalled all sorts of dresses he used to wear in his childhood.)
Related Word: Nostalgically (adv), Nostalgic (adj)
Notoriety(n)
The state of being notorious
(He achieved notoriety in the neighborhood for being the rudest and the most ill-behaved teenager around.)
Synonyms: Esteem
Antonyms: (Notorious) : Angelic, Eminent
Related Word: Notorious (adj), Notoriously (adv), Notoriousness (n)
Nous(n)
Good judgement and practical ability
(Even at that tender age, he had the business nous to buy property just before the prices went up.)
Novelty(n)
New or unusual thing or occurrence
(For the poor residents of the isolated Indian village, finding a team of foreigners amongst them was an absolute novelty and many of them were afraid to come near the strange-looking, white-skinned people.)
Synonyms: Innovation
Antonyms: Cliche
Nub(n)
The most important or basic part of something
(Though I can roughly explain the difficulties we are facing, even I'm not aware of the nub of the problem.)
Nubile(adj)
Young and attractive (woman), Marriageable
(James Bond, the fictional secret agent created by Ian Fleming, is the typical macho man who loves to play with danger and is surrounded by nubile young women at most times.)
Related Word: Nubility (n)
Nugatory(adj)
Having no worth or meaning, not valid
(A closer look at my compensation package revealed that many of the allowances were merely nugatory and did not mean much to me, even though the overall salary was pretty good.)
Synonyms: Invalid, Futile, Trivial
Antonyms: Consequential
Nullify(v)
To make invalid
(The solution was boiled to nullify the effect of the reagent in it, which could have caused the reaction to occur spontaneously.)
Synonyms: Invalidate, Annul, Void
Related Word: Nullification (n)
Oleander(n)
Flowering shrub of the Mediterranean regions
(Botanists have recently found that oleander shrubs have certain medicinal value for curing many diseases, and they are now trying to find the regions where these shrubs normally grow.)
Olfactory(adj)
Concerning the sense of smell
(He damaged his olfactory nerve in an accident because of which he cannot smell anything.)
Oligarchy(n)
Government by a privileged few
(Instead of being a democracy that it was set out to be, the North African country was reduced to an oligarchy in which only a privileged few people had all the powers in their hands.)
Omnibus(n)
A book containing several works of the same writer
('Les Fauves' is an Omnibus written by John Tolemy, an eminent writer of early 19th century; the book has been widely acknowledged.)
Omnipotent(adj)
Having enough power to be able to do anything that is desired.
(Though he behaves as if he were omnipotent, he is fit for nothing and regarded as a useless and unwanted person who boasts of too much and does nothing.)
Related Word: Omnipotence (n)
Omnipresent(adj)
Present everywhere and at the same time
(The omnipresence of the mosquitoes prevented us from sleeping, we had to spend the whole night looking for something that could drive away the mosquitoes.)
Synonyms: Ubiquitous
Related Word: Omnipresence (n)
Omnivorous(adj)
Eating both plant and animal food
(Unlike herbivorous and carnivorous animals that feed on plants and other animals respectively, an omnivorous animal can feed on both plants as well as animals.)
Onslaught(n)
A fierce and sudden attack
(The Nuclear onslaught on Hiroshima by America during the second world war caused great loss to both property and life.)
Onus(n)
Responsibility for doing something
(After the sad demise of his father, now the onus of looking after the family is on him since he is the eldest of all the brothers.)
Onyx(n)
Stone like marble with colors in layers
(She was wearing an expensive onyx brooch at the party.)
Parry(v,n)
To turn aside or keep away a blow, Deflect
(In the boxing competition, he managed to parry a few blows of the world champion but could not sustain the series of blows for long.)
Antonyms: Discuss
Partial(adj)
(1) Incomplete (2) Showing favor to one side in an unfair way (3) Having a liking for something
((1) Despite there being extra workers, the work could only be partially completed because of frequent power cuts (2) John gets good marks in the class tests as the class teacher is partial to him.)
Synonyms: (2) Biased
Antonyms: Start, Arrant, Impartial
Related Word: Partiality (n), Partially (adv)
Partition(v,n)
Divide into parts
(If the communal wars and tension escalate, the country will no longer remain in one piece and might have to be partitioned.)
Antonyms: Union
Parvenu(n)
A person who has risen above his social class by acquiring new found wealth, An upstart
(For the second consecutive year, the World Billiards championship has been won by a parvenu outsider.)
Passive(adj)
Not active, Dull, Suffering without opposition
(The landlord dominates him because he is too passive and does not retaliate to the landlord's threats.)
Synonyms: Impassive
Antonyms: Active
Related Word: Passiveness (n), Passivity (n), Passively (adv)
Pastoral(adj)
Of country life (used usually to highlight the charming and innocent aspects of rural life)
(The resort was situated in an enchantingly pastoral setting -- I could see little children playing by the pool and shepherds overlooking their grazing sheep from my room.)
Synonyms: Bucolic
Antonyms: Urban
Pathetic(adj)
(1) Causing sadness or pity (2) Useless, Absolutely unsuccessful
(The sight of the villagers after the long drought was pathetic, most people looking famished and sick.)
Antonyms: Cruel
Related Word: Pathetically (adv)
Pathos(n)
Tender sorrow, Pity. The quality in art or literature that produces these feelings
(The master storyteller had crafted a beautiful tale of the sufferings of a man stricken in love; the pathos of the young man had been brought out by a wonderful play of words that tugged at your feelings.)
Patina(n)
Green crust on old bronze work. Hence, any smooth and thin layer that forms a covering
(Even though the exam hall was air conditioned, a patina of sweat was clearly visible on the foreheads of many candidates who were struggling with the tough question paper.)
Patriarch(n)
An old and much respected man, Ruler of a family or tribe
(In many parts of the country, after the death of a man, his eldest son becomes the patriarch, all the members of the family are supposed to respect him and accept his decisions.)
Related Word: Patriarchal (adj), Patriarchy (n)
Recrudesce(v)
(Of sore, disease, etc.) renew activity, break out again
(The administration is quite perturbed about the recrudescence of communal riots in some areas of the country.)
Related Word: Recrudescent (adj), Recrudescence (n)
Rectify(v)
Set right, Correct
(It took them two months to build a working model of the project, and yet another month to rectify a small flaw which otherwise could have made the project a failure.)
Synonyms: Ameliorate
Antonyms: Err
Related Word: Rectifiable (adj), Rectifier (n), Rectification (n)
Rectitude(n)
Undeviating adherence to moral correctness
(He leads a responsible and moral life; his rectitude cannot be challenged.)
Synonyms: Integrity
Recumbent(adj)
Leaning, lying down
(He was not in the least amused when the sleepy passenger next to him on the bus became increasingly recumbent on his shoulder, making it difficult for him to sit properly.)
Synonyms: Reclining
Related Word: Recumbency (n), Recumbently (adv)
Recurrent(adj)
Occurring again and again
(When the earthquake hit the city on the first day, nobody knew that it could hit the city again, but the recurrence of the earthquake on the second and third day caused panic among the people.)
Synonyms: Incessant, Pleonastic, Perpetual
Related Word: Recurrence (n), Recurrently (adv)
Redress(v,n)
Reparation for wrong
(Though he will finally get legal redress in the case, it can in no way make up for the severe loss he has suffered.)
Synonyms: Readjust
Antonyms: Injury
Related Word: Redressal (n), Redressment (n)
Redundant(adj)
Unnecessary, Something which is no longer useful
(The reduction of prices in the modern color TV systems have made the old black and white TV systems redundant as almost all buyers now prefer the new system.)
Synonyms: Otiose, Superfluous
Related Word: Redundance (n), Redundancy (n), Redundantly (adv)
Reek(v,n)
Smell unpleasantly
(His mouth was reeking of tobacco so badly that I could not talk to him even for a minute.)
Synonyms: Pervade, Emanate
Refraction(n)
Bending of a ray of light
(Rainbow is formed by the refraction of rays by water droplets suspended in the atmosphere after a rainy day.)
Related Word: Refract (v), Refractor (n), Refractive (adj)
Refractory(adj,n)
(1) Impossible or difficult to control or correct (2) Substance esp. resistant to heat, corrosion etc
((1) Bringing up the child all by her herself, the lady was rather upset because of the refractory ways of her five year old, and decided to consult a child psychiatrist.)
Synonyms: Restive
Antonyms: Obedient, Zealour
Related Word: Refractorily (adv), Refractoriness (n)
Scab(n)
A hard and rough outer covering, esp. which forms on a wound as blood clots
(A large, thick scab now covered his knee, three days after the fall he had had.)
Related Word: Scabby (adj)
Scabbard(n)
Case for a sword blade, sheath
(He was attacked from behind as soon as he put his sword back into the scabbard.)
Synonyms: Quiver
Scabrous(adj)
Unpleasant because of association with shocking or unpleasant subjects
(The novel has rather shocking and scabrous descriptions, and is best avoided if you do not wish to strain your nerves.)
Synonyms: Risque
Scald(v,n)
To burn (the skin) with hot liquid
(When he tried to cook for the first time, he dropped a pot of steaming stew on himself and badly scalded his legs.)
Synonyms: Blister, Singe
Related Word: Scalding (adj) = Extremely hot
Scale(v)
Climb, Ascend
(The master batsman has scaled new heights with each innings he has played.)
Synonyms: Surmount
Antonyms: Descend
Scalpel(n)
A small, sharp knife used by doctors in operations
(The doctor urged the nurse for the scalpel at the operating table.)
Scamper(v)
To run quickly, usu. playfully or in fright
(The rabbits scampered away behind the bushes as I approached them.)
Synonyms: Sprint, Hasten, Scurry
Scathing(adj)
Harsh and severe, Bitterly cruel in judgement
(The government's decision to sell rice at Rs.2 per kg in the state has come in for scathing criticism by most analysts, who feel that this is a populist decision taken just to gather votes.)
Synonyms: Mordant, Caustic, Acrimonious, Sarcastic, Scornful
Scavenge(v)