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988 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
abase
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(v.) to humiliate, degrade
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abate
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(v.) to reduce, lessen
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abdicate
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(v.) to give up a position, usually one of leadership
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abduct
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(v.) to kidnap, take by force
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aberration
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(n.) something that differs from the norm
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abet
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(v.) to aid, help, encourage
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abhor
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(v.) to hate, detest
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abide
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1. (v.) to put up 2. (v.)to remain
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abject
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(adj.) wretched, pitiful
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abjure
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(v.) to reject, renounce
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abnegation
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(n.) denial of comfort to oneself
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abort
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(v.) to give up on a half-finished project or effort
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abridge
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1. (v.)to cut down, shorten 2. (adj.) Shortened
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abrogate
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(v.) to abolish, usually by authority
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abscond
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(v.) to sneak away and hide
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absolution
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(n.) freedom from blame, guilt, sin
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abstain
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(v.) to freely choose not to commit an action
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abstruse
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(adj.) hard to comprehend
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accede
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(v.) to agree
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accentuate
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(v.) to stress, highlight
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accessible
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(adj.) obtainable, reachable
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acclaim
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(n.) high praise
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accolade
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(n.) high praise, special distinction
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accommodating
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(adj.) helpful, obliging, polite
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accord
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(n.) an agreement
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accost
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(v.) to confront verbally
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accretion
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(n.) slow growth in size or amount
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acerbic
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(adj.) biting, bitter in tone or taste
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acquiesce
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(v.) to agree without protesting
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acrimony
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(n.) bitterness, discord
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acumen
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(n.) keen insight
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acute
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1. (adj.) sharp, severe 2. (adj.) having keen insight
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adamant
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(adj.) impervious, immovable, unyielding
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adept
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(adj.) extremely skilled
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adhere
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1.(n.)to stick to something 2. (n.) to follow devoutly
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admonish
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(v.) to caution, criticize, reprove
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adorn
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(v.)to decorate (We adorned the tree with ornaments.)
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adroit
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(adj.)skillful, dexterous
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adulation
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(n.)extreme praise
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adumbrate
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(v.) to sketch out in a vague way
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adverse
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(adj.) antagonistic, unfavorable, dangerous
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advocate
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1. (v.) to argue in favor of something 2. (n.) a person who argues in favor of something
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aerial
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(adj.) somehow related to the air
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aesthetic
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(adj.) artistic, related to the appreciation of beauty
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affable
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(adj.) friendly, amiable
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affinity
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(n.)a spontaneous feeling of closeness
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affluent
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(adj.) rich, wealthy
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affront
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(n.) an insult
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aggrandize
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(v.) to increase or make greater
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aggregate
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1. (n.) a whole or total 2. (v.) to gather into a mass
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aggrieved
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(adj.) distressed, wronged, injured
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agile
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(adj.) quick, nimble
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agnostic
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(adj.) believing that the existence of God cannot be proven or disproven
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agriculture
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(n.) farming
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aisle
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(n.) a passageway between rows of seats
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alacrity
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(n.) eagerness, speed
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alias
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(n.) a false name or identity
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allay
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(v.) to soothe, ease
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allege
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(v.) to assert, usually without proof
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alleviate
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(v.) to relieve, make more bearable
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allocate
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(v.) to distribute, set aside
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aloof
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(adj.) reserved, distant
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altercation
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(n.) a dispute, fight
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amalgamate
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(v.) to bring together, unite
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ambiguous
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(adj.) uncertain, variably interpretable
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ambivalent
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(adj.) having opposing feelings
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ameliorate
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(v.) to improve
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amenable
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(adj.) willing, compliant
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amenity
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(n.) an item that increases comfort
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amiable
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(adj.) friendly)
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amicable
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(adj.) friendly
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amorous
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(adj.) showing love, particularly sexual
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amorphous
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(adj.) without definite shape or type
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anachronistic
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(adj.) being out of correct chronological order
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analgesic
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(n.) something that reduces pain
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analogous
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(adj.) similar to, so that an analogy can be drawn
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anarchist
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(n.) one who wants to eliminate all government
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anathema
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(n.) a cursed, detested person
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anecdote
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(n.) a short, humorous account
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anesthesia
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(n.) loss of sensation
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anguish
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(n.) extreme sadness, torment
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animated
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(adj.) lively
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annex
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1. (v.) to incorporate territory or space.) 2. (n.) a room attached to a larger room or space
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annul
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(v.) to make void or invalid
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anomaly
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(n.) something that does not fit into the normal order
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anonymous
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(adj.) being unknown, unrecognized
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antagonism
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(n.) hostility
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antecedent
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(n.) something that came before
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antediluvian
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(adj.) ancient
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anthology
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(n.) a selected collection of writings, songs, etc.
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antipathy
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(n.) a strong dislike, repugnance
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antiquated
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(adj.) old, out of date
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antiseptic
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(adj.) clean, sterile
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antithesis
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(n.) the absolute opposite
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anxiety
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(n.) intense uneasiness
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apathetic
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(adj.) lacking concern, emotion
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apocryphal
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(adj.) fictitious, false, wrong
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appalling
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(adj.) inspiring shock, horror, disgust
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appease
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(v.) to calm, satisfy
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appraise
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(v.) to assess the worth or value of
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apprehend
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1. (v.) to seize, arrest 2. (v.) to perceive, understand, grasp
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approbation
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(n.) praise
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appropriate
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(v.) to take, make use of
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aquatic
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(adj.) relating to water
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arable
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(adj.) suitable for growing crops
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arbiter
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(n.) one who can resolve a dispute, make a decision
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arbitrary
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(adj.) based on factors that appear random
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arbitration
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(n.) the process or act of resolving a dispute
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arboreal
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(adj.) of or relating to trees
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arcane
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(adj.) obscure, secret, known only by a few
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archaic
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(adj.) of or relating to an earlier period in time, outdated
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archetypal
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(adj.) the most representative or typical example of something
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ardor
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(n.) extreme vigor, energy, enthusiasm
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arid
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(adj.) excessively dry
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arrogate
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(v.) to take without justification
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artifact
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(n.) a remaining piece from an extinct culture or place
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artisan
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(n.) a craftsman
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ascertain
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(v.) to perceive, learn
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ascertain, rhymes with obtain, to GET knowledge
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ascetic
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(adj.) practicing restraint as a means of self-discipline, usually religious
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ascribe
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(v.) to assign, credit, attribute to
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aspersion
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(n.) a curse, expression of ill-will
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aspire
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(v.) to long for, aim toward
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assail
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(v.) to attack
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assess
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(v.) to evaluate
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assiduous
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(adj.) hard-working, diligent
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assuage
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(v.) to ease, pacify
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astute
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(adj.) very clever, crafty
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asylum
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1. (n.) a place of refuge, protection, a sanctuary 2. (n.) an institution in which the insane are kept
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atone
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(v.) to repent, make amends
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atrophy
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(v.) to wither away, decay
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attain
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(v.) to achieve, arrive at
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attribute
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1. (v.) to credit, assign 2. (n.) a facet or trait
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atypical
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(adj.) not typical, unusual
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audacious
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(adj.) excessively bold
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audible
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(adj.) able to be heard
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augment
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(v.) to add to, expand
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auspicious
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(adj.) favorable, indicative of good things
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austere
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(adj.) very bare, bleak
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avarice
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(n.) excessive greed
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avenge
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(v.) to seek revenge
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aversion
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(n.) a particular dislike for something
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balk
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(v.) to stop, block abruptly
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ballad
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(n.) a love song
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banal
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(adj.) dull, commonplace
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bane
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(n.) a burden
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bard
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(n.) a poet, often a singer as well
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bashful
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(adj.) shy, excessively timid
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battery
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1.(n.) a device that supplies power 2. (n.)assault, beating
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beguile
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(v.) to trick, deceive
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behemoth
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(n.) something of tremendous power or size
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benevolent
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(adj.) marked by goodness or doing good
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benign
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(adj.) favorable, not threatening, mild
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bequeath
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(v.) to pass on, give
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berate
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(v.) to scold vehemently
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bereft
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(adj.) devoid of, without
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beseech
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(v.) to beg, plead, implore
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bias
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(n.) a tendency, inclination, prejudice
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bilk
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(v.) cheat, defraud
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blandish
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(v.) to coax by using flattery
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blemish
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(n.) an imperfection, flaw
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blight
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1. (n.) a plague, disease 2. (n.) something that destroys hope
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boisterous
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(adj.) loud and full of energy
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bombastic
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(adj.) excessively confident, pompous
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boon
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(n.) a gift or blessing
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bourgeois
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(n.) a middle-class person, capitalist
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brazen
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(adj.) excessively bold, brash
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brusque
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(adj.) short, abrupt, dismissive
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buffet
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1. (v.) to strike with force 2. (n.) an arrangement of food set out on a table
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burnish
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(v.) to polish, shine
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buttress
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1. (v.) to support, hold up 2. (n.) something that offers support
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cacophony
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(n.) tremendous noise, disharmonious sound
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cadence
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(n.) a rhythm, progression of sound
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cajole
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(v.) to urge, coax
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calamity
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(n.) an event with disastrous consequences
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calibrate
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(v.) to set, standardize
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callous
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(adj.) harsh, cold, unfeeling
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calumny
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(n.) an attempt to spoil someone else’s reputation by spreading lies
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camaraderie
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(n.) brotherhood, jovial unity
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comrade
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candor
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(n.) honesty, frankness
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canny
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(adj.) shrewd, careful
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canvas
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1. (n.) a piece of cloth on which an artist paints.) 2. (v.) to cover, inspect
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capacious
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(adj.) very spacious
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capitulate
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(v.) to surrender
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capricious
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(adj.) subject to whim, fickle
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captivate
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(v.) to get the attention of, hold
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carouse
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(v.) to party, celebrate
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carp
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(v.) to annoy, pester
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catalog
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1. (v.) to list, enter into a list 2. (n.) a list or collection
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catalyze
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(v.) to charge, inspire
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caucus
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(n.) a meeting usually held by people working toward the same goal
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caustic
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(adj.) bitter, biting, acidic
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cavort
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(v.) to leap about, behave boisterously
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censure
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1. (n.) harsh criticism 2. (v.) to rebuke formally
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cerebral
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(adj.) related to the intellect
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chaos
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(n.) absolute disorder
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chastise
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(v.) to criticize severely
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cherish
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(v.) to feel or show affection toward something
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chide
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(v.) to voice disapproval
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choreography
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(n.) the arrangement of dances
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chronicle
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1. (n.) a written history2. (v.) to write a history
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chronological
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(adj.) arranged in order of time
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circuitous
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(adj.) roundabout
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circumlocution
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(n.) indirect and wordy language
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circumscribed
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(adj.) marked off, bounded
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circumspect
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(adj.) cautious
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circumvent
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(v.) to get around
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clairvoyant
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(adj.) able to perceive things that normal people cannot
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clamor
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1. (n.) loud noise.) 2. (v.)to loudly insist
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clandestine
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(adj.) secret
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cleave
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1. (v.) to divide into parts 2. (v.) to stick together firmly
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clemency
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(n.) mercy
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clergy
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(n.) members of Christian holy orders
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cloying
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(adj.) sickeningly sweet
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coagulate
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(v.) to thicken, clot
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coalesce
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(v.) to fuse into a whole
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cobbler
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(n.) a person who makes or repairs shoes
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coerce
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(v.) to make somebody do something by force or threat
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cogent
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(adj.) intellectually convincing
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cognizant
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(adj.) aware, mindful
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coherent
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(adj.) logically consistent, intelligible
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collateral
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1. (adj.) secondary 2. (n.) security for a debt
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colloquial
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(adj.) characteristic of informal conversation
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collusion
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(n.) secret agreement, conspiracy
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colossus
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(n.) a gigantic statue or thing
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combustion
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(n.) the act or process of burning
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commendation
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(n.) a notice of approval or recognition
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commensurate
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(adj.) corresponding in size or amount
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commodious
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(adj.) roomy
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compelling
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(adj.) forceful, demanding attention
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compensate
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(v.) to make an appropriate payment for something
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complacency
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(n.) self-satisfied ignorance of danger
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complement
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(v.) to complete, make perfect
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compliant
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(adj.) ready to adapt oneself to another’s wishes
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complicit
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(adj.) being an accomplice in a wrongful act
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compliment
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(n.) an expression of esteem or approval
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compound
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1. (v.) to combine parts 2. (n.) a combination of different parts 3. (n.) a walled area containing a group of buildings
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comprehensive
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(adj.) including everything
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compress
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(v.) to apply pressure, squeeze together
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compunction
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(n.) distress caused by feeling guilty
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com"punc"tion-punks always act like they are in distress
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concede
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(v.) to accept as valid
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conciliatory
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(adj.) friendly, agreeable
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concise
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(adj.) brief and direct in expression
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concoct
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(v.) to fabricate, make up
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concomitant
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(adj.) accompanying in a subordinate fashion
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concord
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(n.) harmonious agreement
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condolence
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(n.) an expression of sympathy in sorrow
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condone
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(v.) to pardon, deliberately overlook
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conduit
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(n.) a pipe or channel through which something passes
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confection
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(n.) a sweet, fancy food
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confidant
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(n.) a person entrusted with secrets
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conflagration
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(n.) great fire
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confluence
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(n.) a gathering together
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conformist
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(n.) one who behaves the same as others
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confound
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(v.) to frustrate, confuse
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"conf"ound-"conf"using
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congeal
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(v.) to thicken into a solid
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congenial
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(adj.) pleasantly agreeable
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congregation
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(n.) a gathering of people, especially for religious services
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congruity
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(n.) the quality of being in agreement Vocabulary
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connive
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(v.) to plot, scheme
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consecrate
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(v.) to dedicate something to a holy purpose
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consensus
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(n.) an agreement of opinion
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consign
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(v.) to give something over to another’s care
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consolation
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(n.) an act of comforting
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consonant
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(adj.) in harmony
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constituent
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(n.) an essential part
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constrain
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(v.)to forcibly restrict
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construe
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(v.) to interpret
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consummate
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(v.) to complete a deal
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consumption
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(n.) the act of consuming
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contemporaneous
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(adj.) existing during the same time
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contentious
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(adj.) having a tendency to quarrel or dispute
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contravene
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(v.) to contradict, oppose, violate
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contrite
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(adj.) penitent, eager to be forgiven
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contusion
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(n.) bruise, injury
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conundrum
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(n.) puzzle, problem
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convene
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(v.) to call together
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convention
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1. (n.) an assembly of people 2. (n.) a rule, custom
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convivial
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(adj.) characterized by feasting, drinking, merriment
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convoluted
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(adj.) intricate, complicated
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copious
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(adj.) profuse, abundant
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cordial
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(adj.) warm, affectionate
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coronation
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(n.) the act of crowning
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corpulence
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(adj.)extreme fatness
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corroborate
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(v.) to support with evidence
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corrosive
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(adj.) having the tendency to erode or eat away
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cosmopolitan
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(adj.) sophisticated, worldly
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counteract
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(v.) to neutralize, make ineffective
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coup
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1. (n.) a brilliant, unexpected act 2. (n.) the overthrow of a government and assumption of authority
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covet
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(v.) to desire enviously
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covert
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(adj.) secretly engaged in
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credulity
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(n.) readiness to believe
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crescendo
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(n.) a steady increase in intensity or volume
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criteria
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(n.) standards by which something is judged
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culmination
|
(n.) the climax toward which something progresses
|
|
|
culpable
|
(adj.) deserving blame
|
|
|
cultivate
|
(v.) to nurture, improve, refine
|
|
|
cumulative
|
(adj.) increasing, building upon itself
|
|
|
cunning
|
(adj.) sly, clever at being deceitful
|
|
|
cupidity
|
(n.) greed, strong desire
|
|
|
cursory
|
(adj.) brief to the point of being superficial
|
|
|
curt
|
(adj.) abruptly and rudely short
|
|
|
curtail
|
(v.) to lessen, reduce
|
|
|
daunting
|
(adj.) intimidating, causing one to lose courage
|
|
|
dearth
|
(n.) a lack, scarcity
|
|
|
debacle
|
(n.) a disastrous failure, disruption
|
|
|
debase
|
(v.) to lower the quality or esteem of something
|
|
|
debauch
|
(v.) to corrupt by means of sensual pleasures
|
|
|
debunk
|
(v.) to expose the falseness of something
|
|
|
decorous
|
(adj.) socially proper, appropriate
|
|
|
decry
|
(v.) to criticize openly
|
|
|
deface
|
(v.) to ruin or injure something’s appearance
|
|
|
defamatory
|
(adj.) harmful toward another’s reputation
|
|
|
defer
|
(v.) to postpone something
|
|
|
deferential
|
(adj.) showing respect for another’s authority
|
|
|
defile
|
(v.) to make unclean, impure
|
|
|
deft
|
(adj.) skillful, capable
|
|
|
defunct
|
(adj.) no longer used or existing
|
|
|
delegate
|
(v.) to hand over responsibility for something
|
|
|
deleterious
|
(adj.) harmful
|
|
|
deliberate
|
(adj.) intentional, reflecting careful consideration
|
|
|
delineate
|
(v.) to describe, outline, shed light on
|
de-line, let something that was previously crossed out appear again and be shown
|
|
demagogue
|
(n.) a leader who appeals to a people’s prejudices
|
|
|
demarcation
|
(n.) the marking of boundaries or categories
|
|
|
demean
|
(v.) to lower the status or stature of something
|
|
|
demure
|
(adj.) quiet, modest, reserved
|
|
|
denigrate
|
(v.) to belittle, diminish the opinion of
|
|
|
denounce
|
(v.) to criticize publicly
|
|
|
deplore
|
(v.) to feel or express sorrow, disapproval
|
|
|
depravity
|
(n.) wickedness
|
|
|
deprecate
|
(v.) to belittle, depreciate
|
|
|
derelict
|
(adj.) abandoned, run-down
|
|
|
deride
|
(v.) to laugh at mockingly, scorn
|
|
|
derivative
|
(adj.) taken directly from a source, unoriginal
|
|
|
desecrate
|
(v.) to violate the sacredness of a thing or place
|
|
|
desiccated
|
(adj.) dried up, dehydrated
|
|
|
desolate
|
(adj.) deserted, dreary, lifeless
|
|
|
despondent
|
(adj.) feeling depressed, discouraged, hopeless
|
|
|
despot
|
(n.) one who has total power and rules brutally
|
|
|
destitute
|
(adj.) impoverished, utterly lacking
|
|
|
deter
|
(v.) to discourage, prevent from doing
|
|
|
devious
|
(adj.) not straightforward, deceitful
|
|
|
dialect
|
(n.) a variation of a language
|
|
|
diaphanous
|
(adj.) light, airy, transparent
|
|
|
didactic
|
1. (adj.) intended to instruct 2. (adj.) overly moralistic
|
|
|
diffident
|
(adj.) shy, quiet, modest
|
|
|
diffuse
|
1. (v.) to scatter, thin out, break 2. (adj.) not concentrated, scattered, disorganized
|
|
|
dilatory
|
(adj.) tending to delay, causing delay
|
|
|
diligent
|
(adj.) showing care in doing one’s work
|
|
|
diminutive
|
(adj.) small or miniature
|
|
|
dirge
|
(n.) a mournful song, especially for a funeral
|
|
|
disaffected
|
(adj.) rebellious, resentful of authority
|
|
|
disavow
|
(v.) to deny knowledge of or responsibility for
|
|
|
discern
|
(v.) to perceive, detect
|
|
|
disclose
|
(v.) to reveal, make public
|
|
|
discomfit
|
(v.) to thwart, baffle
|
|
|
discordant
|
(adj.) not agreeing, not in harmony with
|
|
|
discrepancy
|
(n.) difference, failure of things to correspond
|
|
|
discretion
|
(n.) the quality of being reserved in speech or action
|
|
|
discursive
|
(adj.) rambling, lacking order
|
|
|
disdain
|
1. (v.) to scorn, hold in low esteem 2. (n.) scorn, low esteem
|
|
|
disgruntled
|
(adj.) upset, not content
|
|
|
disheartened
|
(adj.) feeling a loss of spirit or morale
|
|
|
disparage
|
(v.) to criticize or speak ill of
|
|
|
disparate
|
(adj.) sharply differing, containing sharply contrasting elements
|
|
|
dispatch
|
(v.) to send off to accomplish a duty
|
|
|
dispel
|
(v.) to drive away, scatter
|
|
|
disperse
|
(v.) to scatter, cause to scatter
|
|
|
disrepute
|
(n.) a state of being held in low regard
|
|
|
dissemble
|
(v.) to conceal, fake
|
|
|
disseminate
|
(v.) to spread widely
|
|
|
dissent
|
1. (v.) to disagree 2. (n.) the act of disagreeing
|
|
|
dissipate
|
1. (v.) to disappear, cause to disappear
|
|
|
dissonance
|
(n.) lack of harmony or consistency
|
|
|
dissuade
|
(v.) to persuade someone not to do something
|
|
|
distend
|
(v.) to swell out
|
|
|
dither
|
(v.) to be indecisive
|
|
|
divine
|
(adj.) godly, exceedingly wonderful
|
|
|
divisive
|
(adj.) causing dissent, discord
|
|
|
divulge
|
(v.) to reveal something secret
|
|
|
docile
|
(adj.) easily taught or trained
|
|
|
dogmatic
|
(adj.) aggressively and arrogantly certain about unproved principles
|
|
|
dormant
|
(adj.) sleeping, temporarily inactive
|
|
|
dour
|
(adj.)stern, joyless
|
|
|
dubious
|
(adj.) doubtful, of uncertain quality
|
|
|
duplicity
|
(n.) crafty dishonesty
|
|
|
duress
|
(n.) hardship, threat
|
|
|
dynamic
|
(adj.) actively changing
|
|
|
ebullient
|
(adj.) extremely lively, enthusiastic
|
|
|
eclectic
|
(adj.) consisting of a diverse variety of elements
|
|
|
ecstatic
|
(adj.) intensely and overpoweringly happy
|
|
|
edict
|
(n.) an order, decree
|
|
|
efface
|
(v.) to wipe out, obliterate, rub away
|
|
|
effervescent
|
(adj.) bubbly, lively
|
|
|
efficacious
|
(adj.) effective
|
|
|
effrontery
|
(n.) impudence, nerve, insolence
|
|
|
effulgent
|
(adj.) radiant, splendorous
|
|
|
egregious
|
(adj.) extremely bad
|
|
|
elaborate
|
(adj.) complex, detailed, intricate
|
|
|
elated
|
(adj.) overjoyed, thrilled
|
|
|
elegy
|
(n.) a speech given in honor of a dead person
|
|
|
elicit
|
(v.) to bring forth, draw out, evoke
|
|
|
eloquent
|
(adj.) expressive, articulate, moving
|
|
|
elucidate
|
(v.) to clarify, explain
|
|
|
elude
|
(v.) to evade, escape
|
|
|
emaciated
|
(adj.) very thin, enfeebled looking
|
|
|
embellish
|
1. (v.) to decorate, adorn 2. (v.)to add details to, enhance
|
|
|
embezzle
|
(v.) to steal money by falsifying records
|
|
|
emend
|
(v.) to correct or revise a written text
|
|
|
eminent
|
1. (adj.) distinguished, prominent, famous 2. (adj.) conspicuous
|
|
|
emollient
|
(adj.) soothing
|
|
|
emote
|
(v.) to express emotion
|
|
|
empathy
|
(n.) sensitivity to another’s feelings as if they were one’s own
|
|
|
empirical
|
1. (adj.) based on observation or experience 2. (adj.) capable of being proved or disproved by experiment
|
|
|
emulate
|
(v.) to imitate
|
|
|
enamor
|
(v.) to fill with love, fascinate, usually used in passive form followed by “of” or “with”
|
|
|
encore
|
(n.) the audience’s demand for a repeat performance, also the artist’s performance in response to that demand
|
|
|
encumber
|
(v.) to weigh down, burden
|
|
|
enervate
|
(v.) to weaken, exhaust
|
|
|
enfranchise
|
(v.) to grant the vote to
|
|
|
engender
|
(v.) to bring about, create, generate
|
|
|
enigmatic
|
(adj.) mystifying, cryptic
|
|
|
enmity
|
(n.) ill will, hatred, hostility
|
|
|
ennui
|
(n.) boredom, weariness
|
|
|
entail
|
(v.) to include as a necessary step
|
|
|
enthrall
|
(v.) to charm, hold spellbound
|
|
|
ephemeral
|
(adj.) short-lived, fleeting
|
|
|
epistolary
|
(adj.) relating to or contained in letters
|
|
|
epitome
|
(n.) a perfect example, embodiment
|
|
|
equanimity
|
(n.) composure
|
|
|
equivocal
|
(adj.) ambiguous, uncertain, undecided
|
|
|
erudite
|
(adj.) learned
|
|
|
eschew
|
(v.) to shun, avoid
|
|
|
esoteric
|
(adj.) understood by only a select few
|
|
|
espouse
|
(v.) to take up as a cause, support
|
|
|
ethereal
|
(adj.) heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined
|
|
|
etymology
|
(n.) the history of words, their origin and development
|
|
|
euphoric
|
(adj.) elated, uplifted
|
|
|
evanescent
|
(adj.) fleeting, momentary
|
|
|
evince
|
(v.) to show, reveal
|
|
|
exacerbate
|
(v.) to make more violent, intense
|
|
|
exalt
|
(v.) to glorify, praise
|
|
|
exasperate
|
(v.) to irritate, irk
|
|
|
excavate
|
(v.) to dig out of the ground and remove
|
|
|
exculpate
|
(v.) to free from guilt or blame, exonerate
|
|
|
excursion
|
(n.) a trip or outing
|
|
|
execrable
|
(adj.) loathsome, detestable
|
|
|
exhort
|
(v.) to urge, prod, spur
|
|
|
exigent
|
(adj.) urgent, critical
|
|
|
exonerate
|
(v.) to free from guilt or blame, exculpate
|
|
|
exorbitant
|
(adj.) excessive
|
|
|
expedient
|
(adj.) advisable, advantageous, serving one’s self-interest
|
|
|
expiate
|
(v.) to make amends for, atone
|
|
|
expunge
|
(v.) to obliterate, eradicate
|
|
|
expurgate
|
(v.) to remove offensive or incorrect parts, usually of a book
|
|
|
extant
|
(adj.) existing, not destroyed or lost
|
|
|
extol
|
(v.) to praise, revere
|
|
|
extraneous
|
(adj.) irrelevant, extra, not necessary
|
|
|
extricate
|
(v.) to disentangle
|
|
|
exult
|
(v.) to rejoice
|
|
|
fabricate
|
(v.) to make up, invent
|
|
|
façade
|
1. (n.) the wall of a building.) 2. (n.) a deceptive appearance or attitude
|
|
|
facile
|
1. (adj.) easy, requiring little effort 2. (adj.) superficial, achieved with minimal thought or care, insincere
|
|
|
fallacious
|
(adj.) incorrect, misleading
|
|
|
fastidious
|
(adj.) meticulous, demanding, having high and often unattainable standards
|
|
|
fathom
|
(v.) to understand, comprehend
|
|
|
fatuous
|
(adj.) silly, foolish
|
|
|
fecund
|
(adj.) fruitful, fertile
|
|
|
felicitous
|
1. (adj.) well suited, apt 2. (adj.) delightful, pleasing
|
|
|
feral
|
(adj.) wild, savage
|
|
|
fervent
|
(adj.) ardent, passionate
|
|
|
fetid
|
(adj.) having a foul odor
|
|
|
fetter
|
(v.) to chain, restrain
|
|
|
fickle
|
(adj.) shifting in character, inconstant
|
|
|
fidelity
|
(n.) loyalty, devotion
|
|
|
figurative
|
(adj.) symbolic
|
|
|
flabbergasted
|
(adj.) astounded
|
|
|
flaccid
|
(adj.) limp, not firm or strong
|
|
|
flagrant
|
(adj.) offensive, egregious
|
|
|
florid
|
(adj.) flowery, ornate
|
|
|
flout
|
(v.) to disregard or disobey openly
|
|
|
foil
|
(v.) to thwart, frustrate, defeat
|
|
|
forage
|
(v.) to graze, rummage for food
|
|
|
forbearance
|
(n.) patience, restraint, toleration
|
|
|
forestall
|
(v.) to prevent, thwart, delay
|
|
|
forlorn
|
(adj.) lonely, abandoned, hopeless
|
|
|
forsake
|
(v.) to give up, renounce
|
|
|
fortitude
|
(n.) strength, guts
|
|
|
fortuitous
|
(adj.) happening by chance, often lucky or fortunate
|
|
|
forum
|
(n.) a medium for lecture or discussion
|
|
|
foster
|
(v.) to stimulate, promote, encourage
|
|
|
fractious
|
(adj.) troublesome or irritable
|
|
|
fraught
|
(adj.) (usually used with “with”) filled or accompanied with
|
|
|
frenetic
|
(adj.) frenzied, hectic, frantic
|
|
|
frivolous
|
(adj.) of little importance, trifling
|
|
|
frugal
|
(adj.) thrifty, economical Vocabulary
|
|
|
furtive
|
(adj.) secretive, sly (Jane’s placement of her drugs in her sock drawer was not as furtive as she thought, as the sock drawer is the first place most parents look.)
|
|
|
garish
|
(adj.) gaudy, in bad taste
|
|
|
garrulous
|
(adj.) talkative, wordy
|
|
|
genial
|
(adj.) friendly, affable
|
|
|
gluttony
|
(n.) overindulgence in food or drink
|
|
|
goad
|
(v.) to urge, spur, incite to action
|
|
|
gourmand
|
(n.) someone fond of eating and drinking
|
|
|
grandiloquence
|
(n.) lofty, pompous language
|
|
|
grandiose
|
(adj.) on a magnificent or exaggerated scale
|
|
|
gratuitous
|
(adj.) uncalled for, unwarranted
|
|
|
gregarious
|
(adj.) drawn to the company of others, sociable
|
|
|
grievous
|
(adj.) injurious, hurtful
|
|
|
guile
|
(n.) deceitful, cunning, sly behavior
|
|
|
hackneyed
|
(adj.) unoriginal, trite
|
|
|
hallowed
|
(adj.) revered, consecrated
|
|
|
hapless
|
(adj.) unlucky
|
|
|
harangue
|
1. (n.) a ranting speech 2. (v.) to give such a speech
|
|
|
hardy
|
(adj.) robust, capable of surviving through adverse conditions
|
|
|
harrowing
|
(adj.) greatly distressing, vexing
|
|
|
haughty
|
(adj.) disdainfully proud
|
|
|
hedonist
|
(n.) one who believes pleasure should be the primary pursuit of humans
|
|
|
hegemony
|
(n.) domination over others
|
|
|
heinous
|
(adj.) shockingly wicked, repugnant
|
|
|
heterogeneous
|
(adj.) varied, diverse in character
|
|
|
hiatus
|
(n.) a break or gap in duration or continuity
|
|
|
hierarchy
|
(n.) a system with ranked groups, usually according to social, economic, or professional class
|
|
|
hypocrisy
|
(n.) pretending to believe what one does not
|
|
|
hypothetical
|
(adj.) supposed or assumed true, but unprovenI
|
|
|
iconoclast
|
(n.) one who attacks common beliefs or institutions
|
|
|
idiosyncratic
|
(adj.) peculiar to one person
|
|
|
idolatrous
|
(adj.) excessively worshipping one object or person
|
|
|
ignominious
|
(adj.) humiliating, disgracing
|
|
|
illicit
|
(adj.) forbidden, not permitted
|
|
|
immerse
|
(v.) to absorb, deeply involve, engross
|
|
|
immutable
|
(adj.) not changeable
|
|
|
impassive
|
(adj.) stoic, not susceptible to suffering
|
|
|
impeccable
|
(adj.) exemplary, flawless
|
|
|
impecunious
|
(adj.) poor
|
|
|
imperative
|
1. (adj.) necessary, pressing 2. (n.) a rule, command, or order
|
|
|
imperious
|
(adj.) commanding, domineering
|
|
|
impertinent
|
(adj.) rude, insolent
|
|
|
impervious
|
(adj.) impenetrable, incapable of being affected
|
|
|
impetuous
|
(adj.) rash
|
|
|
impinge
|
1. (v.) to impact, affect, make an impression 2. (v.) to encroach, infringe
|
|
|
implacable
|
(adj.) incapable of being appeased or mitigated
|
|
|
implement
|
1. (n.) an instrument, utensil, tool 2. (v.) to put into effect, to institute
|
|
|
implicate
|
(v.) to involve in an incriminating way, incriminate
|
|
|
implicit
|
(adj.) understood but not outwardly obvious, implied
|
|
|
impregnable
|
(adj.) resistant to capture or penetration
|
|
|
impudent
|
(adj.) casually rude, insolent, impertinent
|
|
|
impute
|
(v.) to ascribe, blame
|
|
|
inane
|
(adj.) silly and meaningless
|
|
|
inarticulate
|
(adj.) incapable of expressing oneself clearly through speech
|
|
|
incarnate
|
1. (adj.) existing in the flesh, embodied 2. (v.) to give human form to
|
|
|
incendiary
|
1. (n.) a person who agitates 2. (adj.) inflammatory, causing combustion
|
|
|
incessant
|
(adj.) unending
|
|
|
inchoate
|
(adj.) unformed or formless, in a beginning stage
|
|
|
incisive
|
(adj.) clear, sharp, direct
|
|
|
inclination
|
(n.) a tendency, propensity
|
|
|
incontrovertible
|
(adj.) indisputable
|
|
|
incorrigible
|
(adj.) incapable of correction, delinquent
|
|
|
increment
|
(n.) an enlargement
|
|
|
incumbent
|
1. (n.) one who holds an office
|
|
|
indefatigable
|
(adj.) incapable of defeat, failure, decay
|
|
|
indigenous
|
(adj.) originating in a region
|
|
|
indigent
|
(adj.) very poor, impoverished
|
|
|
indignation
|
(n.) anger sparked by something unjust or unfair
|
|
|
indolent
|
(adj.) lazy
|
|
|
indomitable
|
(adj.) not capable of being conquered
|
|
|
induce
|
(v.) to bring about, stimulate
|
|
|
ineffable
|
(adj.) unspeakable, incapable of being expressed through words
|
|
|
inept
|
(adj.) not suitable or capable, unqualified
|
|
|
inexorable
|
(adj.) incapable of being persuaded or placated
|
|
|
inextricable
|
(adj.) hopelessly tangled or entangled
|
|
|
infamy
|
(n.) notoriety, extreme ill repute
|
|
|
infusion
|
(n.) an injection of one substance into another
|
|
|
ingenious
|
(adj.) clever, resourceful
|
|
|
ingenuous
|
(adj.) not devious
|
|
|
inhibit
|
(v.) to prevent, restrain, stop
|
|
|
inimical
|
(adj.) hostile, enemylike
|
|
|
iniquity
|
(n.) wickedness or sin
|
|
|
injunction
|
(n.) an order of official warning
|
|
|
innate
|
(adj.) inborn, native, inherent
|
|
|
innocuous
|
(adj.) harmless, inoffensive
|
|
|
innovate
|
(v.) to do something in an unprecedented way
|
|
|
innuendo
|
(n.) an insinuation
|
|
|
inoculate
|
(v.) to introduce a microorganism, serum, or vaccine into an organism in order to increase immunity to illness
|
|
|
inquisitor
|
(n.) one who inquires, especially in a hostile manner
|
|
|
insatiable
|
(adj.) incapable of being satisfied
|
|
|
insidious
|
(adj.) appealing but imperceptibly harmful, seductive
|
|
|
insinuate
|
(v.) to suggest indirectly or subtly
|
|
|
insipid
|
(adj.) dull, boring
|
insipid, like lipid[s], is boring
|
|
insolent
|
(adj.) rude, arrogant, overbearing
|
|
|
instigate
|
(v.) to urge, goad
|
|
|
insular (adj.) separated and narrow-minded
|
tight-knit, closed off
|
|
|
insurgent
|
(n.) one who rebels
|
|
|
integral
|
(adj.) necessary for completeness
|
|
|
interject
|
(v.) to insert between other things
|
|
|
interlocutor
|
(n.) someone who participates in a dialogue or conversation
|
|
|
interminable
|
(adj.) without possibility of end
|
|
|
intimation
|
(n.) an indirect suggestion
|
|
|
intractable
|
(adj.) difficult to manipulate, unmanageable
|
|
|
intransigent
|
(adj.) refusing to compromise, often on an extreme opinion
|
|
|
intrepid
|
(adj.) brave in the face of danger
|
|
|
inundate
|
(v.) to flood with abundance
|
|
|
inure
|
(v.) to cause someone or something to become accustomed to a situation
|
|
|
invective
|
(n.) an angry verbal attack
|
|
|
inveterate
|
(adj.) stubbornly established by habit
|
|
|
inviolable
|
(adj.) secure from assault
|
|
|
irascible
|
(adj.) easily angered
|
|
|
iridescent
|
(adj.) showing rainbow colors
|
|
|
irreverence
|
(n.) disrespect
|
|
|
irrevocable
|
(adj.) incapable of being taken back
|
|
|
jubilant
|
(adj.) extremely joyful, happy
|
|
|
judicious
|
(adj.) having or exercising sound judgment
|
|
|
juxtaposition
|
(n.) the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison
|
|
|
knell
|
(n.) the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death
|
|
|
kudos
|
(n.) praise for an achievement
|
|
|
laceration
|
(n.) a cut, tear
|
|
|
laconic
|
(adj.) terse in speech or writing
|
|
|
languid
|
(adj.) sluggish from fatigue or weakness
|
|
|
larceny
|
(n.) obtaining another’s property by theft or trickery
|
|
|
largess
|
(n.) the generous giving of lavish gifts
|
|
|
latent
|
(adj.) hidden, but capable of being exposed
|
|
|
laudatory
|
(adj.) expressing admiration or praise
|
|
|
lavish
|
1. (adj.) given without limits 2. (v.) to give without limits
|
|
|
legerdemain
|
(n.) deception, slight-of-hand
|
|
|
lenient
|
(adj.) demonstrating tolerance or gentleness
|
|
|
lethargic
|
(adj.) in a state of sluggishness or apathy
|
|
|
liability
|
1. (n.) something for which one is legally responsible, usually involving a disadvantage or risk 2. (n.) a handicap, burden
|
|
|
libertarian
|
(adj.) advocating principles of liberty and free will
|
|
|
licentious
|
(adj.) displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints
|
|
|
limpid
|
(adj.) clear, transparent
|
|
|
linchpin
|
(n.) something that holds separate parts together
|
|
|
lithe
|
(adj.) graceful, flexible, supple
|
|
|
litigant
|
(n.) someone engaged in a lawsuit
|
|
|
lucid
|
(adj.) clear, easily understandable
|
|
|
luminous
|
(adj.) brightly shining
|
|
|
lurid
|
(adj.) ghastly, sensational
|
|
|
maelstrom
|
(n.) a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects
|
|
|
magnanimous
|
(adj.) noble, generous
|
|
|
malediction
|
(n.) a curse
|
|
|
malevolent
|
(adj.) wanting harm to befall others
|
|
|
malleable
|
(adj.) capable of being shaped or transformed
|
|
|
mandate
|
(n.) an authoritative command
|
|
|
manifest
|
1. (adj.) easily understandable, obvious 2. (v.) to show plainly
|
|
|
manifold
|
(adj.) diverse, varied
|
|
|
maudlin
|
(adj.) weakly sentimental
|
|
|
maverick
|
(n.) an independent, nonconformist person
|
|
|
mawkish
|
(adj.) characterized by sick sentimentality
|
|
|
maxim
|
(n.) a common saying expressing a principle of conduct
|
|
|
meager
|
(adj.) deficient in size or quality
|
|
|
medley
|
(n.) a mixture of differing things
|
|
|
mendacious
|
(adj.) having a lying, false character
|
|
|
mercurial
|
(adj.) characterized by rapid change or temperamentality
|
|
|
meritorious
|
(adj.) worthy of esteem or reward
|
|
|
metamorphosis
|
(n.) the change of form, shape,
|
|
|
meticulous
|
(adj.) extremely careful with details
|
|
|
mitigate
|
(v.) to make less violent, alleviate
|
|
|
moderate
|
1. (adj.) not extreme 2. (n.) one who expresses moderate opinions
|
|
|
modicum
|
(n.) a small amount of something
|
|
|
modulate
|
(v.) to pass from one state to another, especially in music
|
|
|
mollify
|
(v.) to soften in temper
|
|
|
morass
|
(n.) a wet swampy bog
|
|
|
mores
|
(n.) the moral attitudes and fixed customs of a group of people.
|
|
|
morose
|
(adj.) gloomy or sullen
|
|
|
multifarious
|
(adj.) having great diversity or variety
|
|
|
mundane
|
(adj.) concerned with the world rather than with heaven, commonplace
|
|
|
munificence
|
(n.) generosity in giving
|
|
|
mutable
|
(adj.) able to change
|
|
|
myriad
|
(adj.) consisting of a very great number
|
|
|
nadir
|
(n.) the lowest point of something
|
|
|
nascent
|
(adj.) in the process of being born or coming into existence
|
|
|
nebulous
|
(adj.) vaguely defined, cloudy
|
|
|
nefarious
|
(adj.) heinously villainous
|
|
|
negligent
|
(adj.) habitually careless, neglectful
|
|
|
neophyte
|
(n.) someone who is young or inexperienced
|
|
|
nocturnal
|
(adj.) relating to or occurring during the night
|
|
|
noisome
|
(adj.) unpleasant, offensive, especially to the sense of smell
|
|
|
nomadic
|
(adj.) wandering from place to place
|
|
|
nominal
|
(adj.) trifling, insignificant
|
|
|
nonchalant
|
(adj.) having a lack of concern, indifference
|
|
|
nondescript
|
(adj.) lacking a distinctive character
|
|
|
notorious
|
(adj.) widely and unfavorably known
|
|
|
novice
|
(n.) a beginner, someone without training or experience
|
|
|
noxious
|
(adj.) harmful, unwholesome
|
|
|
nuance
|
(n.) a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression
|
|
|
nurture
|
(v.) to assist the development of
|
|
|
obdurate
|
(adj.) unyielding to persuasion or moral influences
|
|
|
obfuscate
|
(v.) to render incomprehensible
|
|
|
oblique
|
(adj.) diverging from a straight line or course, not straightforward
|
|
|
oblivious
|
(adj.) lacking consciousness or awareness of something
|
|
|
obscure
|
(adj.) unclear, partially hidden
|
|
|
obsequious
|
(adj.) excessively compliant or submissive
|
|
|
obsolete
|
(adj.) no longer used, out of date
|
|
|
obstinate
|
(adj.) not yielding easily, stubborn
|
|
|
obstreperous
|
(adj.) noisy, unruly
|
|
|
obtuse
|
(adj.) lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect
|
|
|
odious
|
(adj.) instilling hatred or intense displeasure
|
istilling odor--intense displeasure
|
|
officious
|
(adj.) offering one’s services when they are neither wanted nor needed
|
|
|
ominous
|
(adj.) foreboding or foreshadowing evil
|
|
|
onerous
|
(adj.) burdensome
|
|
|
opulent
|
(adj.) characterized by rich abundance verging on ostentation
|
|
|
oration
|
(n.) a speech delivered in a formal or ceremonious manner
|
|
|
ornate
|
(adj.) highly elaborate, excessively decorated
|
|
|
orthodox
|
(adj.) conventional, conforming to established protocol
|
|
|
oscillate
|
(v.) to sway from one side to the other
|
|
|
ostensible
|
(adj.) appearing as such, seemingly
|
|
|
ostentatious
|
(adj.) excessively showy, glitzy
|
|
|
ostracism
|
(n.) exclusion from a group
|
|
|
pacific
|
(adj.) soothing
|
|
|
palatable
|
(adj.) agreeable to the taste or sensibilities
|
|
|
palette
|
(adj.) a range of colors or qualities
|
|
|
palliate
|
(v.) to reduce the severity of
|
|
|
pallid
|
(adj.) lacking color
|
|
|
panacea
|
(n.) a remedy for all ills or difficulties
|
|
|
paradigm
|
(n.) an example that is a perfect pattern or model
|
|
|
paradox
|
(n.) an apparently contradictory statement that is perhaps true
|
|
|
paragon
|
(n.) a model of excellence or perfection
|
|
|
paramount
|
(adj.) greatest in importance, rank, character
|
|
|
pariah
|
(n.) an outcast
|
|
|
parody
|
(n.) a satirical imitation
|
|
|
parsimony
|
(n.) frugality, stinginess
|
|
|
partisan
|
(n.) a follower, adherent
|
|
|
patent
|
(adj.) readily seen or understood, clear
|
|
|
pathology
|
(n.) a deviation from the normal
|
|
|
pathos
|
(n.) an emotion of sympathy
|
|
|
paucity
|
(adj.) small in quantity
|
|
|
pejorative
|
(adj.) derogatory, uncomplimentary
|
|
|
pellucid
|
(adj.) easily intelligible, clear
|
|
|
penchant
|
(n.) a tendency, partiality, preference
|
|
|
penitent
|
(adj.) remorseful, regretful
|
|
|
penultimate
|
(adj.) next to last
|
|
|
penurious
|
(adj.) miserly, stingy
|
|
|
perfidious
|
(adj.) disloyal, unfaithful
|
|
|
perfunctory
|
(adj.) showing little interest or enthusiasm
|
|
|
permeate
|
(v.) to spread throughout, saturate
|
|
|
pernicious
|
(adj.) extremely destructive or harmful
|
|
|
perplex
|
(v.) to confuse
|
|
|
perspicacity
|
(adj.) shrewdness, perceptiveness
|
|
|
pert
|
(adj.) flippant, bold
|
|
|
pertinacious
|
(adj.) stubbornly persistent
|
|
|
perusal
|
(n.) a careful examination, review
|
|
|
pervasive
|
(adj.) having the tendency to spread throughout
|
|
|
petulance
|
(n.) rudeness, irritability
|
|
|
philanthropic
|
(adj.) charitable, giving
|
|
|
phlegmatic
|
(adj.) uninterested, unresponsive
|
|
|
pillage
|
(v.) to seize or plunder, especially in war
|
|
|
pinnacle
|
(n.) the highest point
|
|
|
pithy
|
(adj.) concisely meaningful
|
|
|
pittance
|
(n.) a very small amount, especially relating to money
|
|
|
placate
|
(v.) to ease the anger of, soothe
|
|
|
placid
|
(adj.) calm, peaceful
|
|
|
platitude
|
(n.) an uninspired remark, cliché
|
|
|
plaudits
|
(n.) enthusiastic approval, applause
|
|
|
plausible
|
(adj.) believable, reasonable
|
|
|
plenitude
|
(n.) an abundance
|
|
|
plethora
|
(n.) an abundance, excess
|
|
|
pliable
|
(adj.) flexible
|
|
|
poignant
|
(adj.) deeply affecting, moving
|
|
|
polemic
|
(n.) an aggressive argument against a specific opinion
|
|
|
portent
|
(n.) an omen
|
|
|
potable
|
(adj.) suitable for drinking
|
|
|
potentate
|
(n.) one who has great power, a ruler
|
|
|
pragmatic
|
(adj.) practical
|
|
|
precipice
|
(n.) the face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place
|
|
|
preclude
|
(v.) to prevent
|
|
|
precocious
|
(adj.) advanced, developing ahead of time
|
|
|
predilection
|
(n.) a preference or inclination for something
|
|
|
preponderance
|
(adj.) superiority in importance or quantity
|
|
|
prepossessing
|
(adj.) occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings
|
|
|
presage
|
(n.) an omen
|
|
|
prescient
|
(adj.) to have foreknowledge of events
|
|
|
prescribe
|
(v.) to lay down a rule
|
|
|
presumptuous
|
(adj.) disrespectfully bold
|
|
|
pretense
|
(n.)an appearance or action intended to deceive
|
|
|
primeval
|
(adj.) original, ancient
|
|
|
privation
|
(n.) lacking basic necessities
|
|
|
probity
|
(n.) virtue, integrity
|
|
|
proclivity
|
(n.) a strong inclination toward something
|
|
|
procure
|
(v.) to obtain, acquire
|
|
|
profane
|
(adj.) lewd, indecent
|
|
|
profligate
|
(adj.) dissolute, extravagant
|
|
|
profuse
|
(adj.) plentiful, abundant
|
|
|
promulgate
|
(v.) to proclaim, make known
|
|
|
propagate
|
(v.) to multiply, spread out
|
|
|
propensity
|
(n.) an inclination, preference
|
|
|
propitious
|
(adj.) favorable
|
|
|
propriety
|
(n.) the quality or state of being proper, decent
|
|
|
prosaic
|
(adj.) plain, lacking liveliness
|
|
|
proscribe
|
(v.) to condemn, outlaw
|
|
|
protean
|
(adj.)able to change shape
|
|
|
prudence
|
(n.) cautious, circumspect
|
|
|
prurient
|
(adj.) eliciting or possessing an extraordinary interest in sex
|
|
|
puerile
|
(adj.) juvenile, immature
|
|
|
pugnacious
|
(adj.) quarrelsome, combative
|
|
|
pulchritude
|
(n.) physical beauty
|
|
|
punctilious
|
(adj.) eager to follow rules or conventions
|
|
|
pungent
|
(adj.) having a pointed, sharp quality—often used to describe smells
|
|
|
putrid
|
(adj.) rotten, foul
|
|
|
quagmire
|
(n.) a difficult situation
|
|
|
quaint
|
(adj.) charmingly old-fashioned
|
|
|
quandary
|
(n.) a perplexed, unresolvable state
|
|
|
quell
|
(v.) to control or diffuse a potentially explosive situation
|
|
|
querulous
|
(adj.) whiny, complaining
|
|
|
quixotic
|
(adj.) idealistic, impractical
|
|
|
quotidian
|
(adj.) daily
|
|
|
rail
|
(v.) to scold, protest
|
|
|
rancid
|
(adj.) having a terrible taste or smell
|
|
|
rancor
|
(n.) deep, bitter resentment
|
|
|
rapport
|
(n.) mutual understanding and harmony
|
|
|
rash
|
(adj.) hasty, incautious
|
|
|
raucous
|
(adj.) loud, boisterous
|
|
|
raze
|
(v.) to demolish, level
|
|
|
rebuke
|
(v.) to scold, criticize
|
|
|
recalcitrant
|
(adj.) defiant, unapologetic
|
|
|
recapitulate
|
(v.) to sum up, repeat
|
|
|
reciprocate
|
(v.) to give in return
|
|
|
reclusive
|
(adj.) solitary, shunning society
|
|
|
reconcile
|
1. (v.) to return to harmony 2. (v.) to make consistent with existing ideas
|
|
|
rectitude
|
(n.) uprightness, extreme morality
|
|
|
redoubtable
|
1. (adj.) formidable 2. (adj.) commanding respect
|
|
|
refract
|
(v.) to distort, change
|
|
|
refurbish
|
(v.) to restore, clean up
|
|
|
refute
|
(v.) to prove wrong
|
|
|
regurgitate
|
1. (v.) to vomit 2. (v.) to throw back exactly
|
|
|
relegate
|
1. (v.) to assign to the proper place 2. (v.) to assign to an inferior place
|
|
|
relish
|
(v.) to enjoy
|
|
|
remedial
|
(adj.) intended to repair gaps in students’ basic knowledge
|
|
|
remiss
|
(adj.) negligent, failing to take care
|
|
|
renovate
|
1. (v.) restore, return to original state 2. (v.) to enlarge and make prettier, especially a house
|
|
|
renown
|
(n.) honor, acclaim
|
|
|
renunciation
|
(n.) to reject
|
|
|
repentant
|
(adj.) penitent, sorry
|
|
|
replete
|
(adj.) full, abundant
|
|
|
repose
|
(v.) to rest, lie down
|
|
|
reprehensible
|
(adj.) deserving rebuke
|
|
|
reprieve
|
(n.) a temporary delay of punishment
|
|
|
reproach
|
(v.) to scold, disapprove
|
|
|
reprobate
|
(adj.) evil, unprincipled
|
|
|
reprove
|
(v.) to scold, rebuke
|
|
|
repudiate
|
(v.) to reject, refuse to accept
|
|
|
repulse
|
1. (v.) to disgust 2. (v.) to push back
|
|
|
reputable
|
(adj.) of good reputation
|
|
|
requisition
|
(n.) a demand for goods, usually made by an authority
|
|
|
rescind
|
(v.) to take back, repeal
|
|
|
reservoir
|
1. (n.) reserves, large supply 2. (n.) a body of water used for storing water
|
|
|
resilient
|
(adj.) able to recover from misfortune
|
|
|
resolute
|
(adj.) firm, determined
|
|
|
resolve
|
1. (v.) to find a solution 2. (v.) to firmly decide
|
|
|
respite
|
(n.) a break, rest
|
|
|
resplendent
|
(adj.) shiny, glowing
|
|
|
restitution
|
(n.) restoration to the rightful owner
|
|
|
restive
|
(adj.) resistant, stubborn, impatient
|
|
|
retract
|
(v.) withdraw
|
|
|
revel
|
(v.) to enjoy intensely
|
|
|
revere
|
(v.) to esteem, show deference, venerate
|
|
|
revoke
|
(v.) to take back
|
|
|
rhapsodize
|
(v.) to engage in excessive enthusiasm
|
|
|
ribald
|
(adj.) coarsely, crudely humorous
|
|
|
rife
|
(adj.) abundant
|
|
|
ruminate
|
(v.) to contemplate, reflect
|
|
|
ruse
|
(n.) a trick
|
|
|
saccharine
|
(adj.) sickeningly sweet
|
|
|
sacrosanct
|
(adj.) holy, something that should not be criticized
|
|
|
sagacity
|
(n.) shrewdness, soundness of perspective
|
|
|
salient
|
(adj.) significant, conspicuous
|
|
|
salutation
|
(n.) a greeting
|
|
|
salve
|
(n.) a soothing balm
|
|
|
sanctimonious
|
(adj.) giving a hypocritical appearance of piety
|
|
|
sanguine
|
(adj.) optimistic, cheery
|
|
|
satiate
|
(v.) to satisfy excessively
|
|
|
scathing
|
(adj.) sharp, critical, hurtful
|
|
|
scintillating
|
(adj.) sparkling
|
|
|
scrupulous
|
(adj.) painstaking, careful
|
|
|
scurrilous
|
(adj.) vulgar, coarse
|
|
|
sedentary
|
(adj.) sitting, settled
|
|
|
semaphore
|
(n.) a visual signal
|
|
|
seminal
|
(adj.) original, important, creating a field
|
|
|
sensual
|
(adj.) involving sensory gratification, usually related to sex
|
|
|
sensuous
|
(adj.) involving sensory gratification
|
|
|
serendipity
|
(n.) luck, finding good things without looking for them
|
|
|
serene
|
(adj.) calm, untroubled
|
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servile
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(adj.) subservient
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sinuous
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(adj.) lithe, serpentine
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sobriety
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(n.) sedate, calm
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solicitous
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(adj.) concerned, attentive
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solipsistic
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(adj.) believing that oneself is all that exists
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soluble
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(adj.) able to dissolve
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solvent
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1. (n.) a substance that can dissolve other substances 2. (adj.) able to pay debts
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somnolent
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(adj.) sleepy, drowsy
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sophomoric
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(adj.) immature, uninformed
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sovereign
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(adj.) having absolute authority in a certain realm
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speculative
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(adj.) not based in fact
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spurious
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(adj.) false but designed to seem plausible
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stagnate
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(v.) to become or remain inactive, not develop, not flow
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stingy
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(adj.) not generous, not inclined to spend or give
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stoic
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(adj.) unaffected by passion or feeling
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stolid
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(adj.) expressing little sensibility, unemotional
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strenuous
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(adj.) requiring tremendous energy or stamina
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strident
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(adj.) harsh, loud
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stupefy
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(v.) to astonish, make insensible
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subjugate
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(v.) to bring under control, subdue
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sublime
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(adj.) lofty, grand, exalted
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submissive
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(adj.) easily yielding to authority
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succinct
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(adj.) marked by compact precision
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superfluous
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(adj.) exceeding what is necessary
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surfeit
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(n.) an overabundant supply or indulgence
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surmise
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(v.) to infer with little evidence
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surreptitious
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(adj.) stealthy
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surrogate
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(n.) one acting in place of another
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swarthy
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(adj.) of dark color or complexion
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sycophant
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(n.) one who flatters for self-gain
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tacit
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(adj.) expressed without words
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taciturn
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(adj.) not inclined to talk
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tangential
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(adj.) incidental, peripheral, divergent
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tantamount
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(adj.) equivalent in value or significance
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tedious
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(adj.) dull, boring
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temerity
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(n.) audacity, recklessness
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temperance
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(n.) moderation in action or thought
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tenable
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(adj.) able to be defended or maintained
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tenuous
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(adj.) having little substance or strength
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terrestrial
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(adj.) relating to the land.
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timorous
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(adj.) timid, fearful
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tirade
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(n.) a long speech marked by harsh or biting language
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toady
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(n.) one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors
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tome
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(n.) a large book
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torpid
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(adj.) lethargic, dormant, lacking motion
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torrid
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(adj.) giving off intense heat, passionate
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tortuous
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(adj.) winding
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tractable
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(adj.) easily controlled
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tranquil
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(adj.) calm
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transgress
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(v.) to violate, go over a limit
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transient
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(adj.) passing through briefly
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transmute
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(v.) to change or alter in form
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travesty
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(n.) a grossly inferior imitation
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tremulous
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(adj.) fearful
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trenchant
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(adj.) effective, articulate, clear-cut
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trepidation
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(n.) fear, apprehension
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trite
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(adj.) not original, overused
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truculent
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(adj.) ready to fight, cruel
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truncate
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(v.) to shorten by cutting off
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turgid
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(adj.) swollen, excessively embellished in style or language
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turpitude
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(n.) depravity, moral corruption
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ubiquitous
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(adj.) existing everywhere, widespread
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umbrage
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(n.) resentment, offense
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uncanny
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(adj.) of supernatural character or origin
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unctuous
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(adj.) smooth or greasy in texture, appearance, manner
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undulate
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(v.) to move in waves
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upbraid
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(v.) to criticize or scold severely
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usurp
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(v.) to seize by force, take possession of without right
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utilitarian
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(adj.) relating to or aiming at usefulness
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utopia
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(n.) an imaginary and remote place of perfection
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vacillate
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(v.) to fluctuate, hesitate
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vacuous
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(adj.) lack of content or ideas, stupid
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validate
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(v.) to confirm, support, corroborate
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vapid
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(adj.) lacking liveliness, dull
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variegated
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(adj.) diversified, distinctly marked
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vehemently
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(adv.) marked by intense force or emotion
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veneer
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(n.) a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, façade
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venerable
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(adj.) deserving of respect because of age or achievement
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venerate
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(v.) to regard with respect or to honor
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veracity
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(n.) truthfulness, accuracy
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verbose
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(adj.) wordy, impaired by wordiness
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verdant
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(adj.) green in tint or color
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vestige
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(n.) a mark or trace of something lost or vanished
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vex
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(v.) to confuse or annoy
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vicarious
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(adj.) experiencing through another
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vicissitude
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(n.) event that occurs by chance
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vigilant
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(adj.) watchful, alert
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vilify
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(v.) to lower in importance, defame
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vindicate
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(v.) to avenge
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vindictive
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(adj.) vengeful
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virtuoso
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(n.) one who excels in an art
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\viscous
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(adj.) not free flowing, syrupy
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vitriolic
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(adj.) having a caustic quality
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vituperate
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(v.) to berate
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vivacious
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(adj.) lively, sprightly
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vocation
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(n.) the work in which someone is employed, profession
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vociferous
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(adj.) loud, boisterous
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wallow
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(v.) to roll oneself indolently
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wane
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(v.) to decrease in size, dwindle
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wanton
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(adj.) undisciplined, lewd, lustful
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whimsical
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(adj.) fanciful, full of whims
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wily
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(adj.) crafty, sly
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winsome
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(adj.) charming, pleasing
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wistful
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(adj.) full of yearning
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wizened
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(adj.) dry, shrunken, wrinkled
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wrath
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(n.) vengeful anger, punishment
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yoke
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(v.) to join, link
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zealous
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(adj.) fervent, filled with eagerness in pursuit of something
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zenith
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(n.) the highest point, culminating point
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zephyr
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(n.) a gentle breeze
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