elite vocab

8/22/2019 Elite Vocab

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aback adv. by surpriseabase v. to lower in rank or prestigeabash v. to embarrassabate v. to lessen in amount, intensity or strengthabberation n. a departure from what is right, true, correctabdicate v. to willingly give up the position of king, queen, etc.; to choose not to fulfill a role or dutyabet v. to encourage, assist, or support, usually in wrongdoingabeyance n. a suspension of activityabhor v. to detest; to shrink from in disgustabide v. to tolerateabject adj. of the lowest degree, brought low in conditionabjure v. to renounce under oath; to give up or denyabolish v. to put to an end toabound v. to be plentifulaboveboard adj. without dishonesty or concealmentabrade v. to wear down a surface by or as if by scrapingabridge v. to reduce in slopeabrogate v. to cancel or repeal by authorityabscond v. to go away hastily and secretively; to hideabstemious adj. moderate, especially in eating and drinkingabstract adj. without reference to specific instance or comcrete existence; theoretical; v. to removeabstruse adj. difficult to understand

abundant adj. in great supplyabyss n. a deep, bottomless chasm; immeasurable depthaccede v. to agree to somethingaccelerate v. to increase speedacclaim v. to praise enthusiastically, esp. publiclyaccolade n. an award or honor; a sign of great respectaccomodate v. to oblige; to provide a service or favor; to fitaccord n. agreementaccost v. to approach and speak to, usually aggressiveaccrue v. to come as a gain; to increaseacerbic adj. sharp in smell and taste; harsh in toneacme n. the highest point, as of perfectionacoustics n. science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to h

ear inacquiesce v. to agree without protestacquit v. to declare free of guilt; to clearacrid adj. harsh; sarcastic; bitter to the tasteacrimony n. bitter, shape hostility in speech or behavioracronym n. a word created by initialsacumen n. quickness and accuracy of judgement or insightacute adj. sharp; clever; severead hoc adj. for a specific purpose and no other; improvisedad infinitum adv. lasting forever; continuouslyadage n. a familiar saying; a proverbadamant adj. stubbornly unyielding; impervious to pleas, appeals, or reasonadapt v. to adjust to a new situation or environment; to change

adduce v. to show as an example or means of proving somethingadept adj. very skilled, esp. natural talent improved by practiceadhere v. to stick to; to be a firm followeradjunct n. something attached to another in a subordinate positionadmonish v. to warn so a fault can be corrected or a danger avoidedado n. trouble; fussadorn v. add beauty; to decorateadroit adj. naturally skillful, esp. dealing with difficult circumstancesadulation n. excessive flattery or admirationadulterate v. to make impure


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adumbrate v. to give a sketchy outline; to foreshadowadvent n. a coming or an arrival, esp. of something very importantadverse adj. opposed, difficultadvocate v. to speak in support of somethingaegis n. a protection; sponsorshipaesthetic adj. relating to beautyaffable adj. friendly; easy to talk toaffected adj. behaving in an artificial way to impress peopleaffinity n. a natural attraction or feeling of kinship; an inherent simliarityaffliction n. pain; suffering; anything causing painaffluence n. wealthagape adj. wide openagenda n. a list of things to be doneaggrandize v. to enlarge; increase in size, power or rankaggravate v. to worsenagitate v. to move violently; to disturbagrarian adj. related to farmingalacrity n. cheerful willingness; swiftnessalchemy n. medieval chemistry, esp. the attempt to change common metals into goldallay v. to reduce the intensity of; to calmallege v. to assert to be true, esp. without or before proofalleviate v. to reduce pain, esp. temporarily or without removing its caus

ealloy n. a mixture, esp. of two or more metalsallude v. to refer to indirectlyallure n. the power to attract with something desirablealoof adj. distant or removed in attitude or manneraltercation n. a heated or noisy argumentaltruistic adj. unselfish; benevolent; caring more for others than oneselfamalgamate v. to blend together into one; to uniteambiance n. environmentambivalence n. simultaneous existence of opposing feelings; uncertainty as to what to doamble v. to walk slowly or leisurelyameliorate v. to improve; to become better

amenable adj. responsive to advice or authorityamend v. to improve through change or correctionamiable adj. friendly and agreeable; sociableamicable adj. showing friendliness or good willamorphous adj. without definite shape; shapeless; unorganizedample adj. enough, or more than enough; plentifulamplify v. to make largeramuck adj. frenzied, esp. violentlyanachronism n. something not belonging to a certain time periodanalogy n. a smiliarity between things that are otherwise dissimilaranathema n. someone or something that is hatredandrogynous adj. having both male female characteristicsandroid n. an automaton that resembles a human being

anecdote n. a brief story, oft. humorousanesthesia n. unawareness of pain or other situation; drugs that cause thisstateanodyne n. a pain-killer or anestheticanomaly n. a departure from the regular patternanonymous adj. having an unknown or unacknowledged nameantediluvian adj. very old; outdatedanterior adj. placed before or in front; earlieranthropocentric adj. interpreting everything in terms of human experience and values


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anthropology n. study of the origin, behavior, and culture of human beingsanthropomorphism n. the attribution of human characteristics to animals or inanimate objectsantidote n. a cure for a disease or poisonantithesis n. a direct contrast; oppositionapex n. the highest pointapocryphal adj. probably untrue or true; of questionable authorshipapotheosis n. the ideal example; the elevation of a person to the rank of agodappall v. to horrifyappease v. to satisfy or attempt to satisfy demands by granting concessionsappellation n. name; titleapprehend v. to become aware of through the sensesapprehension n. worry or uneaseapprobation n. official approvalappropriate v. to set apart for a specific use; to take possession of, oftenwithout permissionapt adj. appropriate; having a natural tendencyaptitude n. an inherent capacity for learning, understanding, or performingaquiline adj. resembling or relating to eagles; curved (like an eagle's beak)arable adj. suitable for growing crops (of land)arbitrate v. to settle a dispute or a fight between two parties

archaic adj. of a much earlier, often more primitive periodarchetype n. the original pattern or model; a perfect examplearchive n. records or documents of a government or institution; the place wheresuch records are keptarduous adj. very hard; laboriousargot n. specialized vocabulary unique to a particular grouparrogate v. to claim for one's self unjustlyarticulate adj, able to express oneself clearly and effectivelyartifact n. an object produced by human work, esp. one of historical or archaeological interestascetic adj. self-denyingascribe v. to attribute to a specific sourceaspersion n. a remark that attacks one's reputation

aspiration n. a strong desire for achievementassail v. to attack; to assaultassert v. to state confidentlyassess v. to estimateassiduous adj. diligent; hard-working; constantassuage v. to lessen pain or distressastute adj. showing clever awareness, esp. with respect to one's own concernsatrophy n. wasting away, esp. of body tissueattenuate v. to make thin; to reduce in forceattract v. to pull towards; to stimulate interestattrition n. gradual reductionaudacious adj. fearlessy, often recklessly bold; insolentaudible adj. able to be heard

auditory adj. relating to the sense of hearingaugment v. to make greater, in size, extent, or quantityaugust adj. inspiring awe or admiration, esp. because of high rank or characterauspicious adj. marked by favorable circumstancesaustere adj. stern or severe in appearance; without luxuryauthoritarian n. demanding unquestioning obedienceautocracy n. rule by one person with unlimited powerautonomy n. independence; self-governmentavant-garde n. a group active in inventing and applying new techniques, esp.in the arts


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avarice n. excessive desire for wealthaverse adj. opposed, relutant; repelledavert v. to turn awayavid adj. having a passionate desireavocation n. hobbyawry adv. away from the correct course; wrong; deviantaxiom n. premise; true statement; a sayingbadger v. to nagbaffle v. to frustrate, as by confusingbaleful adj. harmful or threatening harm or evilbalk v. to stop short and refuse to continuebalm n. anything healing or soothingbalmy adj. soothing, mild, pleasantbanal adj. dull or stale; commonplacebandy v. to pass (gossip, rumor, etc.) about freely and carelesslybanish v. to drive away; to force to leave a place by official decreebar to keep out; excludebaroque adj. fantastically over-decorated; gaudily ornatebask v. to enjoy a warm or pleasant feelingbathos n. excessive or trivial sentimentality; and abrupt transition in style from the elevated to the commonplace, producing a laughable effectbawdy adj. indecent or humorously coarse; lewdbazaar n. a market consisting of a street lined with shops; a place where miscellaneous items are sold

beckon v. to signal or summon, as by nodding or wavingbecome v. to be appropriate or suitable to; to look good withbedlam n. any place or condition of noise and confusionbeget v. to produce; to father offspringbeguile v. to deceive by charmbehoove v. to be necessary or proper forbelated adj. delayed; postponed; detainedbeleaguered adj. harassed; besiegedbelie v. to picture falsely; to contradictbellicose adj. warlikebelligerent adj. eager to fight; aggresive; engaged in warfarebellow v. to yell very loudly; to shoutbemuse v. to confuse or stupefy

benediction n. blessingbenefactor n. one who helps and supports othersbenevolent adj. characterized by doing goodbenign adj. kindly; creating a favorable influence; (in medicine) not dangerousto one's healthbequeath v. to pass down to; to hand down, esp. in a willberate v. to scold severely and at lengthbereaved adj. suffering the loss of a loved oneberserk adj. dangerously destructive; frenziedbeset v. to attack from all sides; to trouble persistentlybest v. to defeatbevy n. a group, esp. of women or birdsbiennial adj. happening every two years

bifurcate v. to divide into two partsbilious adj. bad-tempered; crossbilk v. to swindle; to cheatbivouac n. temporary encampment, often in an unsheltered areabizarre adj. very odd in manner; grotesque; strangeblandishment n. a flattering act or remark; allurement; enticementblanket adj. applying to all conditions or instancesblase adj. indifferent or bored with life; unimpressed as if because of too much worldly experienceblatant adj. offensively obvious; unpleasantly noisy


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bliss n. perfect happinessblunder v. to move carelesslyboisterous adj. noisy and wild; unrulybolster v. to support or strengthenbombast n. pompous speechbona fide adj. genuinebourgeoisie n. the middle classbovine adj. resembling a cow; stolidbow n. forward part of a ship; prowbowdlerize v. to censor, esp. prudishlyboycott v. to refuse to buy, sell, or usebrandish v. to display with menacebravura n. a showy displaybrazen adj. showing shameless, insolent boldness; made of brassbreach n. some sort of violation; a gapbrevity n. briefnessbristle v. to react in an angry or offended mannerbroach v. to raise for discussionbromide n. commonplace remark intended to calm; platitudebrooch n. a large, decorative pinbrood v. to be deep in thought; to think over moodily and at lengthbrusque adj. abrupt and curt of mannerbulwark n. a wall or embankment used for a defensive fortification; something serving as a defense or safeguard, oft. figurative

bungle v. to handle badly; to botch or mess upbuoy v. to keep afloat; to raise the spirits ofbureaucracy n. a group of officials and administrators, esp. of a governmentburgeon v. to sprout or grow rapidlyburnish v. to polishbustle n. energetic, often noisy, activity; a stir; v. to move about energeticallybuttress v. to prop up or supportbyzantine adj. highly complicated or intricate; characterized by devious plottingcabal n. a small group of secret plotters, i.e., against a government or authoritycache n. a hiding place for storage of provisions or valuables

cachet n. a mark of distinctioncacophony n. a harsh, jarring soundcadaver n. a dead body, esp. a human body to be dissectedcadence n. a rhythmic beatcadre n. a group of trained, highly skilled people of training otherscajole v. to attempt to persuade with flattery or insincere talkcalamity n. an event causing extreme trouble and miserycaliber n. degree of worth or valuecallous adj. lacking pity or mercy; unfeelingcallow adj. inexperienced; not developed; immaturecalumny n. a false and maclicious statement; slandercamaraderie n. loyalty; a warm, friendly feeling among members of a groupcanard n. a false report

candor n. frankness or sincerity of expressioncanine adj. resembling or relating to dogs (or wolves, foxes, jackals, coyotes)canny adj. clever and cautiouscanon n. a law or body of laws, esp. religious; an established principle or basis for judgement; The works of a writer that have been accepted as authenticcantankerous adj. bad-tempered; quarrelsomecanvass v. to ask for votes, opinions, etc.; to examine or discuss in detailcapacious adj. able to contain or hold muchcapitulate v. to surrender under specific conditions; to give up all resistance


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capricious adj. erratic; tending to change abruptlycapsize v. to overturncaptious adj. critically faultfindingcaptivate v. to capture the attention or affection of, as by beauty, excellence, etc.carcass n. the dead body of an animal, esp. one slaughtered for food (also usedfiguratively)cardinal adj. of main importance; principalcareen v. to lean to one side or swerve while in motion (of a vehicle)caricature n. a drawing or description that ridiculously exaggerates featurescarnage n. massacre; slaughter; bloodshedcarouse n. to participate in a loud, drunken partycarp v. to complain; to seek fault, esp. over unimportant matterscarte blanche n. unrestricted power to act at one's own discretioncascade n. a waterfall of series of small waterfalls; a succession of stages, processes, or unitscaste n. a rigid and hereditary social classcastigate v. to criticize severely, esp. in publiccataclysm n. a disastrous event, usually one that brings about great changecatastrophe n. disaster; sudden misfortunecatharsis n. purging of the emotionscaustic adj. capable of burning or corroding by chemical action; bitingly sarcas

tic, cuttingcavalcade n. an order of events; a processioncavalier adj. casual, disdainfulcaveat n. a warningcavil v. to argue in a petty fashion; make trifling objectionscavort v. to leap about in a lively manner; to have lively or boisterous funcede v. to give or formally surrender to anothercensure v. to criticize severelycerebral adj. pertaining to the brain; intellectualchaos n. complete disordercharade n. an obvious pretense or deceptioncharlatan n. a fake; one who pretends to have expert knowledgechary adj. very cautious

chasm n. a large gapchaste adj. pure; not engaging in sexual activitychasten v. to correct by punishment or criticism; to restrainchastise v. to punish by beating; to scold or condemn sharplychauvinism n. unreasoning and boastful devotion to one's country or sexcheck v. to restrain or blockcherish v. to hold in great affectionchic adj. smartly elegant in style and mannerchicanery n. deception by trickerycholeric adj. easily angered; bad-temperedchronic adj. continuing for a long time; recurrentchronicle n. a recording of events in order of timechronology n. arrangement of events in time

circumlocution n. an indirect or wordy way of expressing an ideacircumscribe v. to define the limits ofcircumspect adj. showing discretion and careful judgmentcircumvent v. to go around; bypass; to surroundcite v. to refer to or quotecivic adj. pertaining to a city or citizencivil adj. observing accepted social customs; not rudeclairvoyant adj. having the supposed power to see objects or events that cannot be perceived by the sensesclamber v. to crawl or climb with difficulty, esp. on all fours


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clandestine adj. done in secret, esp. to conceal something improperclaustrophobia n. fear of confined spacesclemency n. mercy, or leniency towards an offendercliche n. an overused expressionclimax n. the point of greatest intesity, which marks the end of an ascending processclique n. exclusive group of peoplecoalesce v. to grow together; to merge into a single bodycoax v. to persuade or obtain by pleading or flatterycoddle v. to treat indulgentlycodify v. to organize something (such as laws or rules) into a systemcoerce v. to force by threat or intimidationcogent adj. appealing forcibly to the mind; convincingcognition n. the process of knowing; perceptioncognizant adj. aware (with "of")coherent adj. logically consistent and orderlycohesion n. the act or state of uniting or sticking togethercoin v. to devise a new word or phrasecoincide v. to occur at the same time or be at the same place; to agree exactlycollaborate v. to work together, esp. at an intellectual effortcollage n. an assembly of diverse elementscollateral adj. parallel; serving to support; of a secondary naturecolloquial adj. appropriate to spoken, as opposed to written, language; inf

ormalcolloquy n. conversation, esp. a formal onecollude v. to plot secretly for a deceitful or illegal purposecolossal adj. very largecomely adj. attractive or pleasing in appearance; pretty; handsomecommence v. to begincommensurate adj. equal in proportion; having the same size, duration, etc.commiserate v. to express sympathycommodity n. an item of trade or commerce, esp. as distinguished from a servicecompass n. area; range; scopecompel v. to cause to occur by pressure; to forcecompendium n. a short, complete summary

complacent adj. too pleased with oneself; self-satisfiedcomplaisant adj. showing a desire to please; cheerfully obligingcomplicity n. association or participation in a wrongful actcomply v. to yield or act in accordance with requests, conditions, etc.comport v. to conduct or behave oneself; to be compatible in agreement withcomprehensive adj. complete; covering broadly and all-inclusivelycomprise v. to include; to contain; to be composed ofcompunction n. a feeling uneasiness caused by a sense of guiltconcede v. to acknowledge as trueconceit n. a fanciful idea or image, esp. an exxagerated poetic comparison; an extravagant constructionconception n. formation of an idea in the mind; the start of pregnancyconcerted adj. planned or accomplished together

concoct v. to invent; to create by combining ingredients, as in cookingconcur v. to agreecondescend v. to lower oneself to a less formal or less dignified levelcondign adj. deserved (usu. of punishment)condone v. to pardon or overlook voluntarilyconducive adj. tending to be bring aboutconfer v. to consult; to present as a gift or honorconfide v. to tell something in secretconflagration n. large, disastrous fireconfluence n. joining together of different streams


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confound v. to mix up or lump together indiscriminately; to confusecongenial adj. suited to one's needs or nature; friendly; sympatheticcongenital adj. present since birth; being an essential characteristiccongregate v. to assemble into a groupconjecture n. an inference or conclusion based on incomplete evidenceconjure v. to summon or influence by, or as if by, magicconnive v. to cooperate secretly in wrongful actionconnote v. to imply something beyond the literal meaningconscript v. to draft compulsorily, esp into military service; n. a drafteeconsecrate v. to make or set apart as sacredconsensus n. a position reached by a group as a whole or by majority will;general agreementconsign v. to give to the care of another; to set apartconsort v. to associate; to keep companyconspicuous adj. easy to notice; obvious; apparentconspire v. to plan secretly togetherconsternation n. a sudden feeling of anxiety, shock, or confusionconstrue v. to interpretconsul n. official residing in a foreign countrycontemplate v. to look at or think about carefully; to consider as a possibilitycontemporary adj. of the same time or periodcontempt adj. a feeling that something is low or disgusting

contentious adj. always ready to argue; quarrelsomecontext n. the circumstances in which something occurscontiguous adj. sharing a common boundary; adjoiningcontingent adj. unpredictable because dependent on chance; dependent on something uncertaincontract v. to reduce in size by drawing togethercontradict v. to assert the opposite of (a statement)contravene v. to act counter to; violatecontumacious adj. stubbornly disobedient; rebellious; insubordinateconundrum n. a riddle or puzzle, esp. one without a solutionconvalesce v. to recover from illness; to recuperateconventional adj. following ordinary practice; unoriginalconvey v. to carry or transmit; to communicate

conviction n. a strong belief or opinionconvivial adj. sociable; festiveconvoluted adj. intricate; complicatedcopious adj. very plentifulcordial adj. warm and friendly; heartycornucopia n. an abundancecorps n. a group of persons working together or related by a common associationcorpulent adj. very fat; obesecorrelate v. to correspond; to be mutually relatedcorroborate v. to strengthen; comfort; supportcorrupt adj. marked by immorality; dishonest; containing errors (as in a text)cosmopolitan adj. having worldwide scope; so sophisticated as to be home in a

ll parts of the worldcoterie n. a small, often exclusive group of people who associate with one another frequentlycouch v. to phrase in a particular waycountenance n. appearance, esp. the expression of the face; v. to toleratecourt v. to attempt to gain, esp. love or favor; to behave so as to invitecourteous adj. polite and gracious; considerate toward others; well-manneredcoven n. a group of witches, usually 13covenant n. a binding agreement


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covert adj. concealed or disguised; not openly practicedcovet v. to desire stronglycoy adj. bashful; shy; quiet; pretending to be shycrass adj. dull-witted; unrefinedcraven adj. cowardly; contemptibly timidcredible adj. capable of being believedcredit v. to believe; to trustcredulous adj. tending to believe too easilycrestfallen adj. feeling disappointment; feeling shame or humiliationcriterion n. a measurable value; a standard for judgingcrony n. a long-time friend or close companioncrop v. to cut or bite the ends off; to trimcrux n. an essential or pivotal point; a perplexing difficultycue n. a hintculminate v. to reach the highest pointculpable adj. deserving blame or punishmentcultivate v. to promote growth, to nurturecumbersome adj. clumsy or difficult to managecupidity n, strong desire for wealth; greedcurfew n. a regulation requiring people to be inside at a certain timecursory adj. superficially done; performed rapidlycurtail v. to cut short, abbreviatecynical adj. distrusting others from a sense that everyone's motives are selfishdais n. to raised platform

dally v. to waste time; loiterdapper adj. neat and trim in appearancedappled adj. spotteddaunt v. to make afraid; intimidatedauntless adj. incapable of being intimidatedde facto adj. in reality; in factdeadlock n. a tie; a standstilldeadpan adj. showing no expressiondebacle n. an overwhelming defeat or routdebase v. to make lower in value, quality, or characterdebilitated adj. showing impairment of energy or strengthdebonair adj. easy and carefree in mannerdebris n. bits and pieces of rubbish

debunk v. to expose the falsehood ofdebut n. first appearance before the publicdecadence n. a period of decline, as in moralsdecapitate v. to cut off the headdecimate v. to destroy or kill a large part of (a group)decipher v. to read or interpret something confusing or illegible; to convert from a codedecisive adj. conclusive; beyond doubt; showing determinationdeclaim v. to recite a speech, poem etc; to announce formallydecor n. a decorative style or scheme, as of a roomdecorum n. polite behaviordecree v. to order with the force of law; n. an official orderdecry v. to speak out against strongly or openly

deem v. to have as an opinion; to considerdefame v. to attack a person's reputation; to slanderdefer v. to delay; to put offdeference n. yielding an opinion, desire, or position to another out of respectdeficient adj. lacking an essential quality; inadequate in amount or degreedeficit n. an inadequancy; an unfavorable condition or positiondefile v. to corrupt; to desecrate or sullydefinitive adj. complete


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defunct adj. having ceased to exist or livedegenerate v. to decline to an inferior state, oft. in mental or moral qualitydeity n. a goddeleterious adj. harmful; destructivedelineate v. to draw the outline of; describe in words or gesturesdelude v. to make someone believe something that is untrue; to deceivedeluge n. a great flooddelve v. to look for; to search; to investigatedemagogue n. a leader who obtains power by appealing to the emotions and passions of othersdemeanor n. outward behavior, esp. that reveals one's personality or attitudedemographics n. the distribution of human population groupsdemote v. to reduce to lower in rankdemur v. to object; to disagree with somethingdemure adj. coy; modest; reserveddenigrate v. to disgrace a reputation; to blacken; to belittledenouement n. conclusion; resolution; the falling action of a story after its climaxdentriment n. injury or damagedepict v. to represent; to portraydeplore v. to feel or express strong disapproval ofdeprecate v. to express disapproval of

depreciate v. to reduce in price or valuedeprive v. to take or keep something away from someonederanged adj. mentally disturbedderelict adj. abandoned; negligentderide v. to ridiculederive v. to obtain from a specified sourcederogatory adj. belittling; tending to diminshdesecrate v. to violate the religious quality of somethingdesiccate v. to dry completelydesideratum n. something needed and wanteddesolate adj. left alone; lonely; deserteddespoil v. to deprive something of valuedespondent adj. so sad as to lack all hope

destitution n. the lack of any means of subsistencedesultory adj. lacking a plan or purpose; unmethodicaldetract v. to take away a desirable part; to diminishdeviate v. to depart from the normdevour v. to eat up greedilydevout adj. devoted to religion; sinceredexterous adj. skillful with the hands or minddiatribe n. prolonged and bitter speech or writingdichotomy n. division with two contradictory partsdiction n. word choice in speech or writeing; degree of clarity in speakingdictum n. an authroitative, often formal, pronouncementdidactic adj. intended to teach; inclined to teach excessivelydiffident adj. lacking self-confidence; timid; shy

diffuse v. to spread around or scatter; adj. widely scattereddigest n. a collection of previously published material, usu. In condensed formdilate v. to make wider; to expanddilatory adj. characterized by delay; tardydilemma n. a situation in which one must choose between two equally bad alternativesdilettante n. one who engages an art with only superficial skill; an amateurdiligent adj. painstaking and steadydilute v. to lessen the concentration, force or purity of by adding something


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dirge n. slow, sad music, esp. a funeral hymndisabuse v. to free from error or falsehooddisaffected adj. resentful and rebellious, esp. against authoritydisarming adj. reducing or preventing critism with charmdiscard v. to throw outdisciple n. a follower of another who helps to spread teachingsdisclose v. to revealdisconcert v. to make confused or uneasydiscord n. conflict or disargeementdiscreet adj. careful about what one says or does; prudentdiscrepancy n. lack of agreement; differencediscrete adj. individually distinct or separatediscriminate v. to make a clear distinctiondiscursive adj. covering a wide range of subjects; ramblingdisdain n. a feeling of contemptdisheveled adj. disarranged; untidy; rumpleddisingenuous adj. not straightforward or candid; craftydisinterested adj. free from biasdismal adj. causing gloom or depressiondismantle v. to take apartdismay v. to destroy courage or resolution; to cause to lose enthusiasm, to disillusiondisparate adj. entirely unlikedispatch v. to send off promptly; n. efficient speed; a message, esp. off

icial or from a journalistdispense v. to administer; to distribute; (with prep. 'with'): to do withoutdispirited adj. saddisposition n. personality; temperamentdissemble v. to deceive or conceal; to hide one's motives; to simulatedisseminate v. to scatter widely; (of information) to make knowndissent v. to disagreedissipate v. to scatter; to spend wastefullydissociate v. to break tiesdissonant adj. harsh and disagreeable in sounddissuade v. to discourage from a course of actiondistend v. to stretch out; to expand

distort v. to alter; to change into an unusual formdistraction n. mental distress; that which amuses or entertainsdistraught adj. anxious or agitateddiurnal adj. daily; occuring during the daytimediverge v. to depart from a sect course or opiniondivulge v. to reveal or make knowndocile adj. easy to teach; submissivedoctrinaire adj. inflexibly maintaining an idea without regard to practicallydoctrine n. a set or principles (religious, political, etc.); a rule of law, esp. as established by precedentdogged adj. refusing to give up despite difficultiesdogma n. a specific set of ideas or beliefs, esp. religious or asserted to be

absolutely truedogmatic adj. arrogantly asserting unproved principlesdoldrums n. an area in the ocean of calm wings; a state of boredom or listlessnessdomain n. a territory or range of rule or controldomineer v. to rule over arbitrarily or tyrannicallydormant adj. inactive, but capable of being activedote v. to show excessive love or fondnessdour adj. stern and humorless; silently ill-humoreddouse v. to wet thoroughly


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dovetail v. to combine or interlock into a unified wholedowdy adj. lacking in neatness or style; shabbydowntrodden adj. badly and unfairly treated; oppresseddraconian adj. extremely harsh and severedreary adj. depressing and boringdregs n. the worst part; the sediment in a liquiddross n. impurities formed on the surface of metals during melting; worthless,commonplace or trivial materialdual adj. composed of two partsdubious adj. causing doubt; questionableductile adj. easily shaped; capable of being persuaded easilyduel n. a prearranged combat between two personsdupe v. to deceive; to trick; n. a person easily trickedduplicity n. deception; deceitfulness; double-dealingduress n. strain or hardship, often illegally applieddwindle v. to decrease gradually until little remainsdynasty n. a succession of rulers or people in power from the same rulerearshot n. the distance within a sound can be heardebullient adj. in high spirits; boiling or seeming to boileccentric adj. unconventional; oddecclesiastical adj. relating to the churcheclat n. great brilliance, as of performance or achievement; conspicuous successeclectic adj. composed of material from various sources

eclipse v. to overshadowecstacy n. state of overwhelming joy; raptureeddy n. a current, as of water or air, moving contrary to the direction of the main current, esp. in a circular motionedict n. an authoritative order issued publicly; a decreeedification n. intellectual or moral improvement; enlightenmentedifice n. a building; architectural monumenteduce v. to draw out; eliciteerie adj. causing inexplicable fear for uneasiness, oft. because of an apparently supernatural originefface v. to rub out, as from a surface; to eraseeffect v. to bring abouteffervescent adj. giving off gas bubbles; showing high spirits or excitement

efficacy n. the power to produce the desired effecteffigy n. a representation of a person or group used esp. to demonstrate hatredeffrontery n. bold and insulting behavioreffusive adj, overflowing; excessively emotionalegalitarian adj. of the belief that all people should have equal rightsegregious adj. outstanding for undesirable qualities; remarkably badegress going out; to right to go out or exiteke out v. to add to with difficulty; to make just enough to continueelated adj. in high spirits; joyfulelicit v. to draw out; to invokeellipses n. in a sentence, the omission of a word or words replaced by three periodselocution n. the art of public speaking, with attention to delivery

eloquent adj. articulate; convincing and effective in speechelucidate v. to make something clear; to clarifyelude v. to escape from, as by daring or skill; to escape the understanding ofelysian adj. heavenly or delightfulemaciated adj. made thin unnaturally; abnormally thin due to starvationemanate v. to send forth; to come forthemancipate v. to give freedom; to set looseembed v. to fix in a surrounding massembellish v. to decorate; to add ornamental or fictitious details toembezzle v. to take money for one's own use, in violation of a trust


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emblematic adj. symbolic, representative of moreembroil v. to engage in trouble; to complicateembryonic adj. not yet developed; at an early stageeminent adj. outstanding, distinguished, towering above othersemissary n. a person sent on a mission to represent anotheremollient adj. having a softening, smoothing effect; n. an agent that softens, esp. the skinemolument n. payment for an office or employmentempathy n. ability to understand and identify with another's feelings and emotionsemphatic adj. done or expressed with forceempirical adj. based on experience rather than a theoryenclave n. a country or other distinctly bounded area wholly surrounded by another areaencomium n. high praiseencompass v. to surround; to includeencore n. again, once more; a second performance; an audience's call for a second performanceencroach v. to infringe; to intrude; to trespassencrypt v. to put into codeencumber v. to burden or weigh downendemic adj. native to a particular countryendorse v. to give approval or support toendow v. to provide with material goods, talents, or qualities

engender v. to beget; to cause; to promoteengross v. to occupy completelyenigma n. a preplexing, usually ambiguous puzzleenmity n. the bitter attitude or feelings of an enemy or of mutual enemiesenormity n. great wickedness; an evil actensconce v. to settle securely or snuglyensemble n. a group, esp. of performers, working as a unified wholeensue v. to happen subsequentlyentail v. to have as a necessary resultentrenched adj. dug inentrepreneur n. a person who starts and manages a businessenumerate v. to count off or listenunciation n. clear pronunciation; articulation

envelop v. to enclose or surroundeon n. a long period of timeephemeral adj. lasting for a short time; fleetingepicure n. one with refined tastes, esp. in food and wineepidemiology n. the branch of medicine that studies the causes, spread, and control of disease in populationsepigram n. a short, cleverly-worded statementepiphany n. a sudden flash or understandingepithet n. a descriptive term for a person or thingepitome n. a representative example of a typeeponym n. a person after whom a place, people, disease, etc. is namedequanimity n. evenness of temper, esp. as a characteristic stateequilibrium n. a state of balance or equality between opposing forces

equivocal adj. capable of multiple interpretations; unclearerode v. to wear away slowlyerr v. to make a mistakeerratic adj. inconsistent, unpredictableersatz adj. inferior imitation or substituteerstwhile adj. former; of an earlier timeerudite adj. well-educatedescapade n. a reckless adventureeschew v. to avoid; to shunesoteric adj. known by or confined to a small number of people


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espouse v. to give loyalty or support to; to adoptesteem n. high regard; respect; v. to regard highlyestrange v. to make hostile or indifferent, usu., between two personsestuary n. the part of a river that meets a seaethereal adj. delicate; soft; airy; intangibleethics n. the standards or rules governing proper conductetiquette n. the forms of behavior of polite societyetymology n. the study of origins or wordseugenics n. the study of hereditary improvement of human beings by controlled breedingeulogy n. a speech or written tribute in praise of someone who has diedeuphemism n. the substitution of an agreeable word or phrase to replace one that might offendeuphony n. pleasing sound, esp. of wordseuphoria n. a feeling of great happinessevanescent adj. fading from sight; transientevince v. to give outward evidence of; to display clearlyevoke v. to call forth or call to mindewe n. a female sheep, esp. when full grownexacerbate v. to make more violent, bitter or severeexact v. to demand and obtain by force or authorityexalt v. to raise in status or character; to increase the effect or intensityofexasperate v. to make very impatient; to annoy greatly

excavate v. to expose to view by digging outexcoriate v. to denounce sharply; to tear or wear the skin offexcruciating adj. severely painfulexculpate v. to clear from blame or guiltexemplary adj. worthy to serve as a modelexert v. to bring forth or bring to bearexhaustive adj. thoroughexhort v. to urge stronglyexhume v. to dig up out of the groundexigent adj. requiring immediate actionexiguous adj. scanty; meager; small; slenderexonerate v. to find blamelessexorbitant adj. excessive

expatriate v. to send into exile; n. one who has moved to a foreign countryexpedite v. to speed upexplicit adj. fully revealed or made clearexposition n. a statement intended to give background information or to explain something difficultexpound v. to explain in detailexpunge v. to erase; to eliminate completelyextant adj. currently or actually existingextemporaneous adj. done with little or no preperationextenuate v. to lessen the seriousness of, esp. by giving partial excusesextol v. to praise highly and lavishlyextortion n. taking (orioerty or money) by force or threat or forceextract v. to remove, esp. with effort

extradite v. to deliver someone (e.g., a fugitive) to the authority of another government or jurisdictionextraneous adj. not an essential part of; unimportantextrapolate v. to predict by extending known informationexuberant adj. lively, happy, full of good spiritsexude v. to give off; to emit; to radiateexult v. to rejoice greatlyfabricate v. to make, build; to liefacade n. outward behavior; the face of a buildingfacetious adj. playfully humorous


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facile adj. with effortless ease; without proper care; superficialfacilitate v. to make easierfacsimile n. an exact copyfactious adj. causing dissensionfactitious adj. produced artificially; not genuinefallacy n. a false notion, esp. one based on incorrect reasoningfanfare n. a showy public displayfastidious adj. not easy to please; very critical or discriminatingfatalistic adj. believing that all events are predestined and unavoidablefathom v. to measure the depth of; to understandfatuous adj. smugly foolish; complacently stupidfauna n. animals as a group, esp. of a specified region or timefaux pas n. a social blunderfeasible adj. capable of being donefeat n. an act or accomplishment showing skillsfeckless adj. careless; irresponsiblefeign v. to pretend; to fakefeisty adj. irritable; quarrelsom; full of spiritfelicitous adj. well chosen; appropriatefeline adj. cat-likeferal adj. existing in a wild or untamed statefertile adj. producing abundantly; prolificfervent adj. passionate; eager; ernestfervid adj. extremely emotional; passionate

fete n. lavish entertainment; a festivalfetter v. to confine, to restrain, or keep down; n. chains; shacklesfeud n. a bitter, prolonged quarrelfiasco n. a major disasterfiat n. an authoritative order; an arbitrary decreefictitious adj. not real; falsefidelity n. strict faithfulness to vows or promises; exact correspondencewith factfigment n. something that is created; something that is imaginedfigurehead n. a person with apparent but no real authorityfilament n. a fine wire or threadfilibuster v. to use a prolonged speech to delay legislative action; n. a speech that delays legislative action

finesse n. subtle skill in performance or in handling a situationfinite adj. measurable; having an endfirebrand n. one who stirs up trouble or revoltfitful adj, occurring in irregular outbursts; occurring in spurtsflabbergast v. to overcome with astonishmentflaccid adj. lacking firmnessflagrant adj. conspicuously bad or offensiveflamboyant adj. extravagant; showyflank n. the sideflaunt v. to display ostentatiously; to show off; to boastfledgling n. a young inexperience person; a young bird just growing feathersfleet adj. moving swiftly

flighty adj. unstable or easily excitedflora n. plants as a group, esp. of a specified region or timeflorid adj. flushed with rosy color; over decoratedflotsam n. wreckage of a ship or its cargo found floating on the seaflounder v. to proceed with clumsiness and confusionflourish v. to blossom; to grow vigorously; prosperflout v. to intentionally and obviously disobeyflower v. to reach the best or most vigorous stagefluctuate v. to move back and forth or up and down, esp. unpredictablyfluent adj. easy; graceful


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fluster v. to make nervous or upsetflux n. flow; continuous change or movementfoal n. a young horse, esp. under one year oldfodder n. feed for livestock; a resourcefoible n. a minor weakness of characterfoliage n. leavesfoment v. to stir up negative feelings, esp. those that lead to violent actionfoolhardy adj. reckless; bold without judgementfop n. a man who is preoccupied with his clothes and mannersforage v. to search for food or provisionsforbear v. to be patient or avoid doingforbidding adj. disagreeable; menacingforebear n. a person from whom one is descended; an ancestor (usu. plural)foreboding n. a sense of impending evil, esp. one without definite causeforensic adj. related to the law or debateforestall v. to prevent or delay beforehandforfeit v. to surrender or be forced to surrenderforge v. to give form or shape to; to advance graduallyforgery n. something counterfeit; an illegally produced imitationforlorn adj. appearing sad because abandoned; in pitiful condition; almost without hopeformidable adj. inspiring fear or dreadforte n. something at which a person excels

forthcoming adj. about to appear; available when needed; communicativeforthright adj. direct and without evasion; honestfortitude n. strength of mind that allows one to endure adversityfortuitous adj. occuring by chancefoster v. to bring up or nurturefracas n. a noisy fightfractious adj. disruptive or irritablefraternize v. to associate in a friendly mannerfraught adj. full of a particular qualityfray n. a fight or brawlfreelance adj. without long-term commitment to any employerfrivolous adj. of little importancefrolic v. to behave playfully and without inhibition

frugal adj. careful in spending money or resourcefruitless adj. without results; unprofitablefulcrum n. the point on which a lever pivots; a crucial point or agentfulminate v. to issue a strong verbal attackfulsome adj. disgusting because excessive or insincere; replusivefurrow n. a trench in the earth made by a plow; a wrinklefurtive adj. characterized by secretive behaviorfutile adj. having no useful resultgainsay v. to deny; declare falsegait n. manner of moving on foot; rate or manner or proceedinggallant adj. brave and noblegalvanize v. to rouse; stir; spurgambit n. a calculated, risky opening move

gamut n. an entire range or seriesgangly adj. awkwardly tallgape v. to open wide; to stare with the mouth opengargantuan adj. of huge size or capacitygarish adj. marked by unpleasantly bright colors or excessive ornamentationgarner v. to get or earn; collect or gathergarrulous adj. talking too much, esp. about trivial thingsgauche adj. socially awkwardgaudy adj. characterized by tasteless or showy colorsgauge n. an instrument for measuring or testing; v. to measure


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gender n. sexual identity, esp. in relation to society or culturegenealogy n. the science or study of family descentgeneric adj. without a trademark; generalgenesis n. birth; beginning; origingenial adj. cheerful; friendlygenocide n. killing of a whole national or ethnic groupgenre n. a kind, or typegermane adj. fitting and appropriategestate v. evolve, as in prenatal growthgesticulate v. to make gestures, esp. while speakinggiddy adj. dizzy; lightheadedgingerly adv. very carefully; cautiouslygist n. the main objective, or pointglean v. to gather bit by bitglee n. joy; happinessglower v. to frown; to glare with angerglut n. an oversupplyglutton n. one who eats too muchgnarled adj. twisted; knottygoad n. a long stick used to prod animals; something used to urge on; v. to prod or urge, as if with a pointed stickgourmand n. a glutton; one who delights in eating wellgradient n. a ramp or slopegrandeur n. magnificence; splendor

grandiloquent adj, using excessively fancy or pompous wordsgraphic adj. described in vivid and explicit detailgrapple v. to struggle with something; to grip and holdgratuitous adj. unnecessary or inappropriategrave adj. serious; dignified; formalgregarious adj. seeking and enjoying the company of others; tending to movein a groupgrimace n. a facial expression that shows disapproval or pain; v. to make such an expressiongrisly adj. inspiring horror because of appalling crudity or inhumanity; gruesomegroggy adj. confused, sluggish, or dizzy, as from lack of sleep or drunkennessgross adj. total, entire; glaringly obvious, flagrant

grotesque adj. strangely or absurdly distortedgrovel v. to beg; to lower oneself to please anothergullible adj. easily deceived; credulousgustatory adj. relating to the sense of tastehaggard n. appearing tired and thin, as from anxiety, disease, hunger, etc.halcyon adj. calm; peacefulhallmark n. any mark or symbol of genuineness or high qualityhallucination n. a false perception of reality; a delusionhamper v. to keep from moving or acting freelyhangar n. a structure used for housing aircrafthaphazard adj. mere chance; accidenthapless adj. unfortunate; unluckyharangue n. a long pompous speech; a speech or piece of writing expressin

g strong emotion; a tiradeharrowing adj. very distressing; painfulhaunt v. to visit often or continuallyhaven n. a safe placehavoc n. great destruction and devastationhearsay n. rumor; gossiphedge v. to protect against possible loss by taking compensatory measures; toavoid making a direct statementhedonist n. someone who seeks only pleasureheed v. to pay attention to


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hefty adj. heavyhegemoney n. strong influence; dominationheinous adj. extremely wicked; abominableherald v. to bear news; to announceheresy n. deviation from church doctrine or from an established beliefhermetic adj. completely sealed, esp. from entry or escape of airheterodox adj. not in agreement with accepted beliefs, esp. religious dogmaheterogeneous adj. not similar; very different; mixed togetherheyday n. a time or success or popularityhiatus n. an interruption in activity or progresshibernate v. sleep throughout the winterhidebound adj. narrow-mindedhierarchy n. a ranking according to status or ability; a group having authorityhirsute adj. having excessive body hairhistrionic adj. overly dramatic, theatricalhoax n. an act meant to trick or foolhodgepodge adj. mixture; combinationholistic adj. dealing with something as a whole rather than by its indivisual partshomely adj. unattractive, plain lookinghomogeneous adj. uniform; of the same kindhone v. to sharpen; to make more effective

hoodwink v. to deceive; to misleadhospitable adj. friendly, kind, and solicitous toward guests; receptive oropenhovel n. a living place that is very filthy and dirtyhover v. to float as if suspended; to be in a state of uncertaintyhubris adj. excessive pridehue n. a shade of colorhumane adj. kind; compassionatehumdrum adj. dull; routine; commonplacehumus n. fertilizer; black soil for fertilizinghusband v. to use sparingly; to conservehymn n. a religious song; a song of praisehyperbole n. exaggeration

hypocrisy n. the pretense of having virtues or beliefs that one does not really havehypothesis n. a tentative explanation; something assumed true for the sakeof argument or investigationhysteria n. a sudden outburst of uncontrolled emotion such as fear, excitement, etc.icon n. an image; a symbole; a representation of a holy person, esp. in the Orthodox Christian churchesiconoclast n. one who attacks and seeks to destroy widely accepted ideasidiosyncrasy n. a particular, peculiar, or eccentric traitigonminy n. shame; dishonorilk n. kind; sort; classilluminate v. to light up

imbecile n. a stupid or silly personimbroglio n. a confused misunderstanding or disagreementimbue v. to inspire; to permeate; to fill with a mood or toneimmaculate adj. perfectly cleanimmerse v. to cover completely in a liquid; to engage whollyimminent adj. impending; threatening; likely to happenimmune adj. not subject to an obligation imposed on others; not affected by aninfluenceimpale v. to pierce with something sharp; to make helplessimpalpable adj. that which cannot be felt by touching; not easily understoo


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dimpasse n. a dead-endimpassive adj. not feeling emotion; not showing emotionimpeccable adj. flawlessimpede adj. not preparing for the future; incautiousimpel v. to push something into motionimpending adj. about to happenimperative adj. impossible to deter or evade; urgently necessaryimpertinent adj. rudeimpervious adj. completely resistant to penetration; unaffectedimpetuous adj. characterized by sudden emotion, energy, etc.; impulsive and passionateimpetus n. an impelling or originating forceimpinge v. to have an effect on something, esp. a negative one; to enroachimplacable adj. unable to be pacified; relentlessimplicate v. to inscriminate; to show or suggest involvementimportune v. to beg desperately and repeatedlyimposing adj. impressive by virtue of size, power or mannerimpostor n. a person using a false identityimpotent adj. powerless; helpless; ineffectiveimpromptu adj. without preparationimprovident adj. not preparing for the future; incautiousimprovise v. to do without preparationimpudent adj. rude, shameless

impugn v. to challenge; call into questionimpute v. to assign credit, often of guilt or blameinadvertent adj. unintentional; accidentalinaugurate v. to formally bring into office at the beginning of a termincapacitate adj. to make unable to function in normal activities; disableincarcerate v. to restrict by imprisonment; to keep in prisonincarnate adj. in human form and shapeinception n. commencement; beginning; originincessant adj. never pausing; continuous; without a stopinchoate adj. at an early stage of development; not well developedincipient adj. beginning to appear or be noticedincisive adj. keen or penetrating in thought or expressionincongruous adj. lacking agreement; incompatible

inconsequential adj. unimportantincredulous adj. disbelieving; skepticalincrement n. an increase in quantity; v. to increaseinculcate v. to teach or impress by frequent repetition; to instillincumbent adj. necessary or obligatory; n. a person who currently holds aparticular positionincur v. to acquire or sustain something undesirableindelible adj. incapable of being removed or erasedindict v. to formally accuse of criminal activityindigenous adj. native, occuring naturallyindiscriminate adj. unselective; random; unrestrainedindolent adj. lazyinduce v. to influence, esp. by persuasion; to bring about; to infer by inducti

ve reasoningindulgent adj. lenient; giving in to the desires of othersineffable adj. incapable of being expressedineluctable adj. unable to be avoided; inescapableinept adj. without skill; absurd or foolishinert adj. unable to move or respond; sluggishinexorable adj. not able to be persuaded; unyielding; unalterableinfatuated adj. experiencing an unreasonable passion or attractioninfer v. to reason or conclude from evidenceingenious adj. inventive, cunning, clever


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ingratiate v. to bring oneself into another's favor or good graces by conscious effortinherent adj. included as an essential part; intrinsicinhibit v. to hold backiniquity n. extreme immorailty or injustice; wickednessinnate adj. possessed at birth; inborninnocuous adj. harmlessinnovative adj. marked by a new or unusual way of doing thingsinnuendo n. an indirect suggestion about someone or something, esp. of anegative natureinordinate adj. excessive, unrestrainedinscribe v. to write, carve or engrave words or letters on or in a surfaceinscrutable adj. hard to understand; enigmaticinsensible adj. not able to feel or perceive; unresponsiveinsidious adj. subtly harmful; stealthy, sneakyinsinuate v. to hintinsipid adj. uninteresting; having no flavorinsolent adj. boldly disrespectful in speech or behavior; impertinent; impudentinsouciant adj. calm and untroubled; carefree; indifferent;instigate v. to stir up or arouse; to formentinsular adj. narrow in outlook; provincialinsurrection n. a rebellion

intercept v. to stop something from reaching its intended destinationinterdict v. to forbid or stop the activities or entry ofinterlocutor n. someone who takes part in a conversation, esp. formallyinterloper n. one who interferes with the affairs of others; a meddlerinternecine adj. pertaining to conflict within a group; mutually destructiveinterstices n. small spaces between thingsintimate v. to make known subtly; to hintintransigent adj, refusing to compromise or agreeintrepid adj. bold; fearlessintricate adj. elaborately detailedintrinsic adj. relating to the esssential nature of a somethinginundate v. to floodinvective n. language that abuses or denounces

inveterate adj. established for a long time; habitualinvidious adj. tending to arouse hostility or resentmentire n. angerirk v. to irritate or be wearisomeirony n. a use of words in which the intended meaning is very different from the literal sense; an incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs, esp. one that suggests a lesson about human follyitinerant adj. traveling from place to place, esp. for workitinerary n. a route or proposed route for a journeyjargon n. the specialized terminology of a profession; incoherent speechjaundice n. prejudice; bias; a yellowish discoloration of the skinjeremiad n. an elaborate and lengthy tale of sadnessjest v. to be playful in speech and actions; to joke

jingoism n. an extreme patriotismjocular adj. characterized by jokingjovial adj. full of hearty, playful good humorjuggernaut n. a terrible, irresistible forcejuncture n. a point of time; a concurrence of eventsjunta n. a group of military officers ruling a country after seizing powerjurisdiction n. the extent of authority or control; the right and power to interrupt and apply the lawjust adj. honorable and fair; consistent with what is rightjuxtapose v. to put side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast


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keen adj. having a sharp edge; perceptivekennel n. a shelter or boarding house for dogskin n. one's relativekindle v. to set on fire; ignitekindling n. dry sticks of used to start a firekindred adj. related or similar in origin or natureknell v. to ring in a slow solemn way; n. the sound of a bell, esp. of one runat a funeral; an omen of death, failure, etc.knoll n. a small rounded hillkudos n. glory; famelabyrinthine adj. complicated; puzzlinglachrymose adj. causing tears; weeping or inclined to weeplackadaisical adj. showing lack of interest or spiritlaconic adj. brief in speech; using few wordslacuna n. an empty space or missing portionlaity n. all the people not belonging to a given profession, esp. the clergylambent adj. flickering, e.g., of a flame or light reflected on a surfacelament v. to grieve; to regret deeply; n. a mournful songlapse v. to decline from a previous level or standard; to come to an endlargess n. generosity in giving giftslassitude n. a feeling of weaknesslatent adj. present but hidden; dormantlatitude n. freedom from normal limitations; room for movement or actionlaudable adj. worthy of praise

leaven v. to add yeast; to fill (something) with a substance that changes it ormakes it lighterleery adj. suspicious; distrustfulleeway adj. margin; room for freedom of actionlegacy n. something passed down to a descendantlegerdemain n. trickery; deception; sleight of handlenient adj. inclined not to be strictleonine adj. authoritative; commanding; like a lionlethargic adj. dull; sluggish; moving slowlyleviathan n. something enormous and powerful; a sea monsterlevitate v. to rise or cause to rise and float in the airlexicographer n. a person who writes or compiles dictionariesliable adj. legally obligated; likely (w/ reference to an unfavorable outcome)

liberal adj. generous; giving freelylibertine adj. one who lives an immoral lifelicentious adj. not moral; lawless; lewdligament n. a connective tissue, joining bones or supporting internal organslimpid adj. perfectly clear; tranparentlinchpin n. a central element that holds other parts togetherlineage n. direct descent from an ancestor; derivationlineaments n. any of the features of the body, usually the facelionize v. to look upon or treat as a celebritylitigant n. one who is engaged in a lawsuitlivid discolored, as from bruise; pale, ashen; extremely angryloath adj, unwilling, reluctant

loathe v. to dislike something greatlylopsided adj. larger of shaped differently on one side than on anotherloquacious adj. very talkativelore n. knowledge about a particular subject, esp. of a traditional or popular naturelucid adj. easily understood, clearlucrative adj. producing wealth; profitableludicrous adj. ridiculous, or exaggerated as to cause or deserve laughter;absurdlugubrious adj. sad or mouthful, esp. in a way that seems exxagerated or ri


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diculouslummox n. a clumsy personlurid adj. causing shock or horror; tastelessly vivid; glowing like fire through a hazelycanthrope n. a werewolfmacabre adj. suggesting the horror of deathmachination n. an artful or secret plot or schememadarin n. a high government official; a member of an elite group, esp. having high status in intellectual or cultural circlesmaelstrom n. a violently confused state; a very large whirlpoolmaim v. to cripple; mutilate; disablemalady n. a disease; illness; sicknessmalaise n. a vague feeling of physical discomfort or uneasinessmalapropism n. a ridiculous misuse of wordsmalediction n. evil talk about someone; slander; a cursemalevolent adj. showing hatred; dangerousmalicious adj. spitefulmalign v. to talk badly of something or someonemalignant adj. very harmful; threatening death; cancerous (of a tumor)malinger v. to act sick in order to avoid workmalleable adj. able to be pounded; capable of being molded; adaptablemammoth adj. very large; of clumsy or unwieldy sizemandate n. a command; an ordermanifest adj. obvious; very clear; evident

manifesto n. a public declaration of principles, often politicalmanifold adj. of many kinds; numerous and variedmannacles n. shackles; handcuffsmanumit v. to grant freedom to slaves; to emancipatemanuscript n. a book or other document written by hand; an author's original copy of a document submitted for publicationmar v. to damagemare n. a female horsemargin n. a border or edge; a limit in condition or ability; an amount or degree of differencemarquee n. a sign over the entrance to a public buildingmarshal v. to arrange in ordermartial adj. warlike

martinet n. one who is strict in discipline, and enjoys authority too muchmartyr n. one who chooses to die rather than to give up religious beliefs, or who suffers greatly to further a causemasquearde v. to wear a disguige; to put on a false appearancematriarchy n. a society where the mother is the head of the family and descent is traced through the mother's side of the familymatriculate v. to admit or be admitted into a group, esp. a college or universitymaudlin adj. excessively sentimentalmaul v. to injure; manglemausoleum n. a huge tombmaverick one who rebels; a nonconformist; an individualist

maxim n. a short saying expressing a general principlemayhem n. deliberate injury of someone, especially maiming; a state of violentchaosmean adj. lowly, insignificant, pettymeander v. to follow a winding course; to wander without any fixed destinationmediocre adj. ordinary to inferior in quality; not standing out from theaveragemedium n. a method or way of expressing somethingmedley n. a mixture of things not usually placed togethermelancholy adj. sad, esp. a lingering or habitual state of mind


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melange n. a mixture; a hodgepodgemelee n. a noisy, confused fightmellifluous adj. smooth and sweet; flowing with sweetnessmemento n. a reminder or a souvenirmenagerie n. a collection of wild and strange animals kept in cagesmendacious adj. lying; false, esp. habituallymentor n. a counselor or teachermercenary adj. greedy; motivated by desire for moneymercurial adj. easily changeable; erraticmeretricious adj. attracting attention in a vulgar waymeritocracy n. a system in which promotion is based on individual ability orachievementmesmerize v. to hypnotize or spellbindmetamorphosis n. a transformation, as by magic; a marked change in appearanceor functionmetaphysical adj. highly abstract or teoretical; lacking physical formmeticulous adj. extremely or excessively careful about details; finickymettle courage; strength of charactermiasma n. a noxious or poisonous atmospheremien n. bearing or manner, esp. as revealing one's inner state of mindmilestone n. an important eventmillennium n. a period of 1000 yearsmimic v. to copy closely, esp. with intent to ridiculemire n. a swamp or bog

misanthrope n. one who hates or mistrusts mankindmiser n. a greedy person who hoards money, even at the expense of personal discomfortmisogyny n. hatred of womenmitigate v. to improve by lessening the severity ofmnemonic adj. pertaining to or assisting the memorymodicum n. a small quantitymogul n. a rich or powerful personmollify v. to soothe the temper; pacify; appeasemomentous adj. of extreme importancemonolithic adj. massive, solid and uniform in appearancemorass n. an area of swampy ground; something that hindersmorbid adj. gruesome; awful

mordant adj. bitingly sarcasticmores n. accepted rules of behaviormoribund adj. approaching death; nearly obsoletemorose adj. sour tempered and inclined to be silentmortal adj. subject to death; causing deathmosaic n. an image created by the assembly of many small colored pieces, e.g. tilesmot juste n. exactly the right word or expressionmultifarious adj. having many different parts or forms; numerous and variedmundane adj. typical of this world; commonplacemunicipal adj. relating to local governmentmunificent adj. generousmuse v. to meditate; to consider thoughtfully

myopic adj. near-sightedmyraid n. an indifinitely large numbernadir n. the lowest point; the bottomnaive adj. simple; childlike; lacking worldy wisdomnarcissistic adj. excessively interested in one's own appearance, comfort, importance, etc.nascent adj. coming into being; being bornnebulous adj. unclear; vaguenefarious adj. very wicked; villainousnegligible adj. of little value or importance


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negotiate v. to succeed in going over, coping with, or accomplishingnemesis n. one who inflicts justified or great punishment; a source of harm or ruinneologism n. new word of phraseneophyte n. a beginner; an immature person who is yearningnepotism n. showing favoritism to relativesnettle v. to bother; to irritatenexus n. a connection or intersectionniche n. a place or situation suited for a person or thing; a recess in a wallnihilism n. a belief that rejects all moral or religious values; the belief that the destruction of political or social institutions is necessary for future improvementnimble adj. fast and light in motionnirvana n. a place of ideal peace and harmonynocturnal adj. occurring at nightnoisome adj. disgustingly offensive; foulnomenclature n. a specialized list of terms, words or namesnonchalant adj. seemingly to be unconcerned or indifferentnondescript adj. lacking distinction or individual characternonpareil adj. having no equalnonplus v. to put at a loss what to do or thinknostalgia n. a general longing for the past or to return homenotorious adj. having a bad reputation; infamousnovel adj. strikingly new

noxious adj. harmful to health or the mindnuance n. variation of meaning; subtletyoaf n. a stupid, clumsy personoasis n. a fertile place in a desert due to the presence of water; any place or thing offering relief from difficulty or dullnessobdurate adj. not easily moved to pity or sympathyobeisance n. a gesture, such as curtsy, that expresses respect or obedienceobese adj. very fatobfuscate v. to make diffucult to understand; to make indistinctobituary n. a newspaper account of a person's death, usually including biographical informationobjective adj. having actual existence or reality; not influenced by emoti

on or personal prejudiceobligatory adj. legally or morally requiredobliging adj. ready to do favors; helpful; courteousoblivious adj. unawareobscene adj. offensive to accepted standards of decency or modestyobscure adj. lacking light; dim; darkobsequious adj. showing too great a willingness to serve or obeyobstinate adj. unreasonably stubbornobstreperous adj. noisily and stubbornly defiantobtrude v. to push forward; to impose ( oneself or ideas) on othersobtuse adj. slow in understanding; dull; stupidobviate v. to stop from occuring; to prevent or make unnecessaryoccasion v. to cause; to provide an appropriate opportunity for

occult adj. relating to the supernatural; beyond human comprehension; mysteriousocular adj. relating to the eye or sense of sightodious adj. arousing strong dislike or disgustodyssey n. a long adventurous journeyofficious adj. interfering; trying to give unwanted adviceolfactory adj. relating to the sense of smelloligarchy n. a government in which only few people have powerominous adj. threatening harm; showing evilomniscient adj. all-knowing


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onerous adj. burdensome, hard to bearonus n. an unpleasant task or duty; a burden or obligationopaque adj. not letting in light; unintelligibleopine v. to express an opinionopportunist n. one who takes advantage of every opportunity, whether or notit is moral to do soopprobrium n. bad reputation or disgrace gained after a specific actionoppugn v. to oppose with argument; to contradict or call into questionoptimum adj. the most favorable point or conditionopulence n. extreme wealth; luxuriousness; abundanceoracle n. a person thought to be a source of wisdom or prophecyorient v. to establish one's location; n. the eastornate adj. highly, oft. excessively decoratedorthodox adj. accepting the usual beliefs, esp. religiousoscillate v. to move back and forth regularlyostensible adj. outwardly appearing as suchostentatious adj. showy; pretentiousostracize v. to shunoust v. to eject or expeloutmoded adj. no longer in fashionovation n. enthusiastic and lengthy applauseovert adj. open; not hiddenoverweening adj. excessively arrogant; overbearingoverwrought adj. extremely nervous or excited

own v. to admit, esp. taking personal reponsibility for one's own actions orthoughtsoxymoron n. a figure of speech combining apparently contradictory terms,e.g., "darkness visible"pacify v. to make peaceful; to restore calmpaean n. a song of joy, triumph, or praisepainstaking adj. very thorough; carefulpalatable adj. pleasant or acceptable to the tastepalette n. a board which an artist can hold while painting and on which colors can be mixed; the range of colors used in a particular painting or by a particular artistpallet n. a narrow, hard bed or straw-filled mattresspalliate v. to lessen the pain or severity

pallid adj. faint in color; palepalpable adj. capable of being handled, touched , or felt; easily perceivedpanacea n. a cure-all or an all-purpose solutionpandemic n. general, widespread, oft. of diseasepandemonium n. confusion; misunderstandingpantheon n. all the gods of a people; a group highly respected in a fieldparadigm n. an example; a modelparadox n. a statement or situation that appears contradictoryparamount adj. supreme; ranking higher than others in power or importanceparaphrase v. to restate in different words; to summarizepariah n. a social outcastparisan n. a strong, often militant, supporter

parochial adj. restricted; limited; narrow; localparody n. a humorous and ridiculous imitationparoxysm n. a sudden convulsion or outburst; a fitparrot v. to blindly repeat or copyparsimony n. excessive care in spending; stinginesspasse adj. old fashioned; out-of-stylepastiche n. something (esp. a work of art, literature, or music) createdfrom many different sourcespatent adj. obvious; evidentpaternal adj. relating to or characteristic of a father


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pathetic adj. arousing pity; arousing scornful pitypatina n. thing greenish layer that forms on copper as a result of corrosion; the sheen on any surface produced by age or usepatriarch n. a man who rules a family clan; a very respected old manpatron n. a sponsor; a supporter; a regular customerpatronize v. to sponsor or support; to be kind or helpful in a snobbish way, as if dealing with an inferiorpaucity n. smallness of number; scarcitypauper n. one who is extremely poor, esp. one living on public charitypeccadillo n. a minor sinpecuniary adj. of or involving moneypedagogy n. the art or profession of teachingpedestrian adj. done on foot; ordinary; commonplacepejorative adj. downgrading, demeaningpellucid adj. transparently clearpenchant adj. a strong likingpendantic adj. putting unnecessary stress on minor or purely academic knowledgepenitent adj. feeling regretpenury n. lack of money, property, necessitiesperennial adj. lasting through the yearsperfidious adj, marked by extreme treacheryperfunctory adj. done without care or interest or merely as a form or routine

periphery n. a boundary line; perimeter; an outside surfacepermeate v. to spread or flow throughoutpernicious adj. very harmful or destructiveperpetuity n. a state of infinite or indefinately long durationperplex v. to puzzle, confuse, or bewilderpersevere v. to remain constant despite obstaclespersist v. to continue despite difficultyperspicacious adj. having keen perception or understandingpertinent adj. relevantperuse v. to read carefullypervade v. to spread through, or be present throughoutpetty adj. having secondary rank or importancepetulant adj. impatient or irritable, esp. over a minor annoyance

phase n. a stage in a process of change or developmentphenomenon n. an occurence that can be perceived by the senses; a remarkable person or eventphilander n. of a man, to engage in sexual affairs, esp. casuallyphilanthropic adj. donating to charityphilistine n. a narrow-minded person with no interest in the artsphilology n. literary study, esp. as it involves the editing of texts andthe history of languagesphlegmatic adj. having a calm, sluggish temperament; unemotionalpilfer v. to steal a small amountpinnacle n. the highest point; summitpious adj. exhibiting reverence and religious observationpiquant adj. agreeably pungent or sharp in taste; tart; agreeably stimulating or

interestingpique v. to arouse (interest, curiosity, etc.); to irritatepittance n. a small amount, esp. of moneyplacate v. to make less angryplacebo n. something presented as a drug, but having no actual effectplacid adj. calm, undisturbedplastic adj. capable of being shaped or molded; easily influencedplausible adj. appearing worthy of belief or trustplebeian adj. commonplenitude n. fullness in quantity or degree; the state of being full or co


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mpleteplethora n. an excessive amountpliant adj, easily bent; pliable; adaptable or compliantplight n. sad situationplucky adj. showing courage in unfavorable circumstancespoignant adj. sharply painful to the feelingspoise n. self-assurance; composure; equilibriumpolemic n. a controversial argument, esp. attacking a particular opinionpolyglot adj. speaking many languages; n. one who speaks many languagesponder v. to think over with great careponderous adj. clumsy and heavy; boring and laboredpore v. to read or study carefullyposit v. to assume as a fact or principleposterity n. future generationsposthumous adj. done or occurring after deathpostscript n. additional information added to the end of a letter or otherdocumentpotent adj. powerful; having a strong effectprecarious adj. dangerously insecure or unstableprecede v. to go beforeprecept n. a rule of action or conductprecipitate adj. moving rapidly and without cautionprecis n. concise summary of a textpreclude v. to make impossible; to prevent the occurrence of

precursor n. someone or something that comes before another and announcesor suggests what is to comepredicament n. a troublesome or embarrassing situationpredilection n. a preferencepredominant adj. surpassing all others; most commonpreempt v. to take place of; to have priority or precedence overpremises n.land and the buildings that are on itpremonition n. a sense of a future event; a warning in advancepreponderance n. superiority in weight, force, importance or influenceprerogative n. an exclusive right or privelege, esp. one that is the resultof hereditary or official positionprescribe v. to set down as a ruleprestige n. fame or importance based on reputation or acheivements

pretentious n. claiming dignity or importance, esp. when undeservedpretext n. an excuse; a strategy intended to conceal somethingprevail v. to triumph over; to be or become most commonprevalent adj. dominant; widespreadprevaricate n. to avoid telling the truthprim adj. overly proper; precise to the point of affection; prudishprimate n. a bishop of highest rank in a country or provinceprimeval adj. relating to the beginning of the first world agesprimordial adj. living or existing at the very beginningprimp v. to dress or groom with careful attention to detailpristine adj. remaining in a pure stateprivation n. lack of basic necessitiesproclivity n. a natural or habitual tendency or inclination

procrastinate v. to delay; to put offprocrustean adj. showing merciless disregard for individual differences or special circumstancesprocure v. to obtain or acquireprodigal adj. exceedingly or recklessly wastefulprodigious adj. wonderful; amazing; very bigprodigy n. one with exceptional talentsproficient adj. very skillful, esp. through trainingprofligate adj. immorally wastefulprofound adj. very deep; penetrating beyond the superficial


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progenitor n. a direct ancestorprogeny n. children or descendantsprognosis n. the anticipated progress of recoveryprognosticate v. to predictproletariat n. the working classproliferate v. to grow or reproduce rapidlyprolific adj. producing a lotprolix adj. wordy and tediousprominent adj. noticeable; widely knownpromulgate v. to make known by official announcementprone adj. disposed to an action; lying face downpronounced adj. strongly marked; clearly indicatedpropaganda n. a material distribution by those in favor of a specific causeand reflecting their point of viewpropensity n. a natural inclination; a tendencypropitiate adj. to appease or placatepropitious adj. presenting favorable circumstancespropound v. to suggest for consideration; to proposepropriety n. good manners; proper behaviorprosaic adj. straightforward; lacking in imaginationproscribe v. to prohibit or forbid; to denounceprospect n. the outlook for the future; a view, esp. of sceneryprosperity n. wealth; good fortuneprostrate adj. lying face down, esp. as asign of humility or worship; phys

ically or emotional exhaustedprotean adj. easily taking on different formsprotege n. one whose welfare, training, or career is promoted by another personprotocol n. the customs and regulations dealing with formal behavior; theplan for carrying out a scientific studyprototype n. the original model; someone or something that serves to illustrate the typical qualities of a classprotract v. to extend the duration of; prolongproverbial adj. well-known because widely repeatedprowess n. superior skill or abilityproximity n. closenessprudent adj. marked by careful planning; discreetprurient adj. tending to have or cause lustful thoughts

pseudonym n. a fictitious name assumed by an authorpuerile adj. complicated; puzzlingpugilist n. a boxerpugnacious adj. belligerent, ready to fightpulpit n. a podium used for preachingpulverize v. to crush; to grind into powder or dustpummel v. to beat, as with the fistspunctilious adj. careful about every detail of behaviorpungent adj. sharp to the smell or tastepunitive adj. inflicting or intended to inflict punishmentpurloin v. to steal, oft. In violation of a trustpurport v. to claim, esp. falselypurvey v. to supply

pusillanimous adj. cowardlyputative adj. put forth or accepted as true on inadequate grounds; supposedquack n. an untrained person who pretends to be a physician and dispenses medical advice and treatmentquaff v. to drink quickly or with enthusiasmquagmire n. wet, boggy ground; a difficult situationquail v. to draw back in fear; lose heart of couragequaint adj. odd, especially in an old-fashioned wayqualify v. to modify, limit, or restrict, as by giving exceptions


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qualm n. a sudden feeling of sickness; an uneasy feeling about the moral rightness of an actionquandary n. a state of uncertainty, esp. about what course of action to takequarantine n. enforced isolation to prevent the spread of disease; v. to isolate for such purposequeasy adj. sick to one's stomach; nauseatedquell v. to ease; to calm downquerulous adj. inclined to find fault; complaining; full of complaintquid pro quo n. an equal exchange or substitutionquiescent adj. inactive, oft. Suggesting a temporary statequintessence n. a pure substance or essence of somethingquip n. a remark or reply that is witty or sarcasticquirk n. a rapid twist and turn; an indivisual mannerismquiver v. to shake; to tremble from fear or coldquixotic adj. foolishly idealistic; extravagantly chivalrousquizzical adj. puzzled, questioningquotidian adj. daily; customaryraconteur n. one who tells stories with skillradical adj. favoring fundamental or extreme change; relating to roots or originsrail v. to speak bitterly or reproachfullyrambunctious adj. very loud and disorderlyramification n. a development or consequence resulting from a course of actio

nrampant adj. unrestrainedramshackle adj. about to fall apart or fall downrancid adj. spoiled or rotten (esp. oils or fats)rancorous adj. bitter and resentfulrapacious adj. excessively greedy; taking by forcerapport n. concord; trustful relationship; harmonyrapture n. the experience of great joy; ecstacyrationalize v. to come up with self-satisfying but incorrect excusesraucous adj. loud and harshravenous adj. very hungryravine n. a deep, narrow gorge, especially one worn down with running waterraze v. to demolish; to flatten to ground level

realm n. a region; a kingdomrear v. to raise childrenrebuff v. to refuse someone; to reject an offerrecalcitrant adj. marked by stubborn defiance of authority or guidancerecapitulate v. to summarize; to paraphraserecede v. to go back; to withdrawrecidivist n. one who returns to criminal habitsreciprocate v. to give something in returnrecluse n. one who hides from the worldrecondite adj. not easily understoodrecount v. to tell in detailrecreant adj. showing faithless disloyalty; n. a disloyal cowardrecrimination n. a reply to one charge with a countercharge

rectify v. to set right; to correctrectitude n. conduct according to moral principlesrecumbent adj. lying down in a position of comfortrecur v. to repeat; to occur againredeem v. to turn in and receive something in exchange; to make up forredolent adj. aromatic; fragrant; suggestiveredoubtable adj. fearsome; formidableredress v. to set right; to remedyreek v. to give off a strong, unpleasant odor; to be pervaded with somethingunpleasant


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referendum n. direct popular vote on a law or measure of public policyrefractory adj. stubbornly resistant to control, authority, or treatmentrefuge n. a shelter or sanctuaryrefurbish v. to make clean or bright againrefuse n. garbagerefute v. to disproveregale v. to delight or entertainregimen n. a set of rules, usually followed for therapeutic effectregress v. to return for a previous statereimburse v. to repayreiterate v. to repeatrejoinder v. to answer, esp. to another answerrelegate v. to assign to an obscure place or condition; to send awayrelent v. to become less severe; to give inrelic n. a surviving trace of a culture or period that no longer existsrelinquish v. to surrender or releasereliquary n. a receptacle (such as a shrine) for displaying relicsrelish v. to enjoyreluctant adj. unwilling; disinclinedreminisce v. to recall the past, esp. fondlyremiss adj. careless in, or negligent about, attending to a taskremonstrate v. to make objectionsrenegade n. someone who rejects one group, cause,or allegiance for another

renege v. to fail to carry out a promiserenumerate v. to pay or compensaterepartee n. a quick witty reply; a series of such repliesrepast n. a mealrepel v. to drive or force back; to drive offrepertoire n. the range of pieces an artist is prepared to performreplete adj. well-filled; abundantly suppliedreplicate v. to copy, reproduce, or repeatrepose n. relaxation; a state of restreprehensible adj. deserving to be severely criticizedreprieve v. to postpone or cancel punishmentreproach v. to express disapproval for a fault, usu. out of sense of disappointment

reproof n. an expression of disapproval; a rebukerepudiate v. to reject as invalid or untruerepugnant n. distasteful; offensiverequisite adj. needed; necessaryrescind v. to take back or cancelresent v. to feel hostlity because of a perceived insult of injuryresign v. to accept a bad situationresilient adj. able to recover quickly (e.g., from bending or illness)resolve v. to decide; to bring into focusresonant adj. strong and deep in toneresonate v. to echorespite n. temporary reliefresuscitate v. to revive, esp. from apparent death or unconsciousness

reticence n. the quality or state of being silent or uncommunicativeretire v. to retreat, as from battleretort v. to reply, esp. in a quick or witty mannerretract v. to take back; to pull backretrench v. to reduce, esp. expensesretrospect n. the consideration of past eventsrevel v. to delight, to enjoy (used with in)revere v. to honorreverie n. daydreamrevert v. to return to a former condition


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revile v. to attack with harsh languagerhapsody n. a state of great happiness; such a state expressed in speechor writingrhetoric n. persuasive or artful use of languagericochet v. to rebound at least once from a surfaceridicule v. to make fun ofrift n. a break in friendly relationsrigor n. strictness or severityritual n. a ceremonial act; a customary procedurerococo adj. elaborate or overdonerote n. mechanical memorization, oft. without full understandingrouse v. to wake or provokerout n. a disorderly retreat or flight following a defeat; an overwhelming defeat; v. to defeat overwheminglyrue v. to regretruminate v. to ponder at lengthrummage v. to search thoroughly by handling or disarranging the contents ofrural adj. relating to the country or farmingruse n. an action or device intended to deceiveruthless adj. having no compassion or pitysacrosanct adj. very sacred, holy, or inviolablesadistic adj. getting pleasure from inflicting physical or psychologicalpainsaga n. a long prose narrative, oft. telling of adventure or heroism; a long,

detailed reportsalacious adj. lustful; obscenesalient adj. important, prominent, most noticeablesalubrious adj. favorable to good healthsalutary adj. beneficial; favorable to healthsanctify v. to make holy; to make legitimate or bindingsanctimonious adj. pretending holiness; hyprocritically devoutsanction v. to give official approvalsanctuary n. a holy place; a place of refugesang-froid n. coolness and composure, esp. in difficult circumstancessanguine adj. optimistic, cheerfulsarcasm n. harsh, often ironic ridicule, intended to hurtsardonic adj. bitterly sneezing; mocking; sarcastic

sate v. to satisfy (any appetite or desire) fullysaturate v. to soak or fill to capacitysaturnine adj. of a gloomy temperamentsaunter v. to walk in a leisurely mannersavant n. a well-educated person; a scholarsavor v. to taste or smell, esp. with pleasure; n. the taste or smellscaffold n. a temporary platform used in work on a buildingscale v. to climbscapegoat n. one who takes blamescenario n. an outline for a planned series of events, either real of imagined; a summary of a work of fictionschema n. an outline or model, often drawn as a diagramschism n. a division; a split; a break

scintilla n. a small amount; a sparkscintillate v. to give off sparks; to be animated or briliantscion n. an heir; a descendantscoff v. to make fun of; to ridiculescour v. to wash by scrubbing vigorouslyscourge n. a cause of widespread sufferingscribe n. a professional copyist of manuscripts and documents, esp. in ancienttimesscrupulous adj. conscientious and exact; having principlesscrutiny n. close examination; minute inspection; a careful watch


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secede v. to withdraw formally from an alliance or membershipsecrete v. to put or keep in a hiding place; to concealsect n. a small group, esp. religious, united by a specific set of beliefssecular adj. not religious, worldlysedate adj. calm; quietsedentary adj. sitting down most of the timesediment n. a residue that settles in the bottom of somethingsedulous adj. working hard and steadily; diligentseemly adj. proper or fitting with respect to established customsseethe v. to be violently excited; to boilsegregate v. to segregate into groups or partssegue n. an easy, effective, or uninterrupted transitionself-abnegation n. the putting aside of personal interest for the sake of othersseminal adj. original and inspiring further similareffortssenescent adj. aging; growing weak with agesensuous adj. appealing to the senses, esp. those involved in appreciating beautysententious adj. expressing much in few words; given to pompous moralizingsentinel n. one who keeps watchsequester v. to move or set apart; to quarantineserendipity n. unexpected gift or discoveryserene adj. calm and peacefulservile adj. slavish; abjectly submissiveshade n. a small variation, a nuance; a small amount

shambles n. utter disordershard n. a fragment of a brittle substance, e.g., glass or pottery; a small piece of somethingshear v. to cut hair or wool fromsheer adj. transparently thin; complete, unmixed; nearly verticalshibboleth n. a custom or phrase distinctive of a particular group, class,etc.shiftless adj. lazy; lacking ambitionshoddy adj. inferior or cheapshrewd adj. clever in practical matters; cunningshroud v. to conceal; n. something that coverssinecure n. a paid position that requires little or no workskeptical adj. tending to question or doubt

skirmish n. a minor conflictskirt v. to lie along the edge of; to pass nearby or around, rather than throughskittish adj. nervous; easily frightenedskulk v. to lurk; to move secretivelyslipshod adj. marked by carelessness or casual attention to detail; sloppysloth n. lazinessslovenly adj. careless about one's own appearancesmirk v. to smile in a self-satisfied or artificial waysmug adj, showing offensive satisfaction with oneselfsodden adj. thoroughly wet, drenchedsojourn n. a brief visit

solace n. comfort in a time of distresssolemn adj. serious; gravesolicit v. to ask for; to seeksolicitous adj. showing anxious concernsoliloquy n. a dramatic speech delivered by a character to himselfsomnolent adj. sleepysoporific adj. promoting sleepsparse adj. thinly spread or distributed; not dense or

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