1100 Pink Deck Flashcards

Question

Fulsome

Answer 1

ful·some\ˈfu̇l-səm\ adjective : expressing something (such as praise or thanks) in a very enthusiastic or emotional way Full Definition 1 a : characterized by abundance : copious b : generous in amount, extent, or spirit s fulsome praise for the coach showed just how hard he was trying to be named captain of the team grateful survivors who were fulsome in their praise of the rescue team the author perpetuates some truly fulsome stereotypes in her novel Origin: Middle English fulsom copious, cloying, from full + -som -some. First use: 13th century Synonyms: adulatory, gushing, gushy, hagiographic (also hagiographical), oily, oleaginous, soapy, unctuous Antonyms: cheap, close, closefisted, costive, illiberal [archaic], mingy, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable, ungenerous Usage: The senses shown above are the chief living senses of fulsome. Sense 2, which was a generalized term of disparagement in the late 17th century, is the least common of these. Fulsome became a point of dispute when sense 1, thought to be obsolete in the 19th century, began to be revived in the 20th. The dispute was exacerbated by the fact that the large dictionaries of the first half of the century missed the beginnings of the revival. Sense 1 has not only been revived but has spread in its application and continues to do so. The chief danger for the user of fulsome is ambiguity. Unless the context is made very clear, the reader or hearer cannot be sure whether such an expression as “fulsome praise” is meant in sense 1b or in sense 4.

Answer 2

lush\ˈləsh\ adjective : having a lot of full and healthy growth : covered with healthy green plants : having a pleasingly rich quality Full Definition 1 a : growing vigorously especially with luxuriant foliage b : lavishly productive: as (1) : fertile (2) : thriving (3) : characterized by abundance : plentiful (4) : prosperous, profitable 2 a : savory, delicious b : appealing to the senses c : opulent, sumptuous synonyms see profuse lush·ly adverb lush·ness noun Examples lush grass lush tropical vegetation The frequent rainfall encourages the lush growth of trees, ferns, and shrubs. Origin: Middle English lusch soft, tender. First use: 1610 Synonyms: green, grown, leafy, luxuriant, overgrown, verdant Antonyms: barren, leafless Synonyms: alcoholic, alkie (or alky) [slang], boozehound, boozer, dipsomaniac, drinker, drunkard, inebriate, juicehead [slang], juicer [slang], drunk, rummy, soak, soaker, sot, souse, tippler, toper, tosspot Antonyms: nonintoxicant 2lush noun : a person who is often drunk Full Definition 1 slang : intoxicating liquor : drink 2 : a habitual heavy drinker : drunkard Examples He's just an old lush. she accused him of being a lush and a spendthrift Origin: origin unknown. First use: circa 1790 Synonyms: green, grown, leafy, luxuriant, overgrown, verdant Antonyms: barren, leafless Synonyms: alcoholic, alkie (or alky) [slang], boozehound, boozer, dipsomaniac, drinker, drunkard, inebriate, juicehead [slang], juicer [slang], drunk, rummy, soak, soaker, sot, souse, tippler, toper, tosspot Antonyms: nonintoxicant 3lush verb slang : drink First use: circa 1811 Synonyms: green, grown, leafy, luxuriant, overgrown, verdant Antonyms: barren, leafless Synonyms: alcoholic, alkie (or alky) [slang], boozehound, boozer, dipsomaniac, drinker, drunkard, inebriate, juicehead [slang], juicer [slang], drunk, rummy, soak, soaker, sot, souse, tippler, toper, tosspot

Answer 3

des·ti·tu·tion\ˌdes-tə-ˈtü-shən, -ˈtyü-\ noun : the state of being destitute; especially : such extreme want as threatens life unless relieved synonyms see poverty Examples widespread destitution in Third World countries First use: 15th century Synonyms: beggary, destituteness, poverty, impecuniosity, impecuniousness, impoverishment, indigence, necessity, need, neediness, pauperism, penuriousness, penury, poorness, want Antonyms: affluence, opulence, richness, wealth, wealthiness

Answer 4

pon·der\ˈpän-dər\ : to think about or consider (something) carefully Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to weigh in the mind : appraise 2 : to think about : reflect on intransitive verb : to think or consider especially quietly, soberly, and deeply Other forms: pon·dered; pon·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\ pon·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun Examples I'm pondering whether or not I should join another committee Origin: Middle English, from Middle French ponderer, from Latin ponderare to weigh, ponder, from ponder-, pondus weight — more at pendant. First use: 14th century Synonyms: chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, eye, kick around, meditate, mull (over), perpend, pore (over), question, revolve, ruminate, study, think (about or over), turn, weigh, wrestle (with), beat one's brains out (about), chew on, cudgel one's brains (about), look at

Answer 5

sup·pli·cate\ˈsə-plə-ˌkāt\ intransitive verb : to make a humble entreaty; especially : to pray to God transitive verb 1 : to ask humbly and earnestly of 2 : to ask for earnestly and humbly synonyms see beg Other forms: sup·pli·cat·ed; sup·pli·cat·ing sup·pli·ca·tion \ˌsə-plə-ˈkā-shən\ noun Examples the minister reminded his flock that God is a being to be obeyed and worshipped always and not just someone to be supplicated in times of trouble Origin: Middle English, from Latin supplicatus, past participle of supplicare, from supplic-, supplex supplicant — more at supple. First use: 15th century Synonyms: appeal (to), beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, importune, petition, plead (to), pray, solicit, beg

Answer 6

dec·a·dence\ˈde-kə-dən(t)s also di-ˈkā-\ noun : behavior that shows low morals and a great love of pleasure, money, fame, etc. Full Definition 1 : the process of becoming decadent : the quality or state of being decadent 2 : a period of decline synonyms see deterioration Examples a symbol of the decadence of their once-mighty civilization clergymen striving to combat decadence and sin in their communities Origin: Middle French, from Medieval Latin decadentia, from Late Latin decadent-, decadens, present participle of decadere to fall, sink — more at decay. First use: 1530 Synonyms: decline, declension, declination, degeneracy, degeneration, degradation, dégringolade, descent, deterioration, devolution, downfall, downgrade, ebb, eclipse, fall Antonyms: ascent, rise, upswing

Answer 7

pen·ance\ˈpe-nən(t)s\ noun : something that you do or are given to do in order to show that you are sad or sorry about doing something wrong Full Definition 1 : an act of self-abasement, mortification, or devotion performed to show sorrow or repentance for sin 2 : a sacramental rite that is practiced in Roman, Eastern, and some Anglican churches and that consists of private confession, absolution, and a penance directed by the confessor 3 : something (as a hardship or penalty) resembling an act of penance (as in compensating for an offense) Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin poenitentia penitence. First use: 14th century 2penance transitive verb : to impose penance on Other forms: pen·anced; pen·anc·ing First use: circa 1600

Answer 8

as·cet·ic\ə-ˈse-tik, a-\ adjective : relating to or having a strict and simple way of living that avoids physical pleasure Full Definition 1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline 2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude synonyms see severe ascetic noun as·cet·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb as·cet·i·cism \-ˈse-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun Variants: also as·cet·i·cal \ə-ˈse-ti-kəl\ Origin: Greek askētikos, literally, laborious, from askētēs one that exercises, hermit, from askein to work, exercise. First use: 1646

Answer 9

des·ul·to·ry\ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē also -zəl-\ adjective : not having a plan or purpose : done without serious effort Full Definition 1 : marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose 2 : not connected with the main subject 3 : disappointing in progress, performance, or quality des·ul·to·ri·ly \ˌde-səl-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb des·ul·to·ri·ness \ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs\ noun Examples a desultory search for something of interest on TV a desultory discussion about the news of the day Origin: Latin desultorius, literally, of a circus rider who leaps from horse to horse, from desilire to leap down, from de- + salire to leap — more at sally. First use: 1581 Synonyms: aimless, arbitrary, catch-as-catch-can, random, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, scattered, slapdash, stray Antonyms: methodical (also methodic), nonrandom, orderly, organized, regular, systematic, systematized

Answer 10

dis·ci·ple\di-ˈsī-pəl\ noun : someone who accepts and helps to spread the teachings of a famous person : one of a group of 12 men who were sent out to spread the teachings of Jesus Christ Full Definition 1 : one who accepts and assists in spreading the doctrines of another: as a : one of the twelve in the inner circle of Christ's followers according to the Gospel accounts b : a convinced adherent of a school or individual 2 capitalized : a member of the Disciples of Christ founded in the United States in 1809 that holds the Bible alone to be the rule of faith and practice, usually baptizes by immersion, and has a congregational polity synonyms see follower dis·ci·ple·ship \-ˌship\ noun Examples a circle of dedicated disciples who conscientiously wrote down everything the prophet said Origin: Middle English, from Old English discipul & Anglo-French disciple, from Late Latin and Latin; Late Latin discipulus follower of Jesus Christ in his lifetime, from Latin, pupil. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: acolyte, adherent, convert, follower, epigone, liege man, partisan (also partizan), pupil, votarist, votary Antonyms: coryphaeus, leader

Answer 11

meta·mor·pho·sis\ˌme-tə-ˈmȯr-fə-səs\ noun : a major change in the appearance or character of someone or something biology : a major change in the form or structure of some animals or insects that happens as the animal or insect becomes an adult Full Definition 1 a : change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means b : a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances 2 : a typically marked and more or less abrupt developmental change in the form or structure of an animal (as a butterfly or a frog) occurring subsequent to birth or hatching Other forms: plural meta·mor·pho·ses\-ˌsēz\ Examples the metamorphosis of caterpillars into butterflies the metamorphosis of the abandoned factory into a mixed-use property Origin: Latin, from Greek metamorphōsis, from metamorphoun to transform, from meta- + morphē form. First use: 1533 Synonyms: changeover, conversion, transfiguration, transformation

Answer 12

bo·na fide\ˈbō-nə-ˌfīd, ˈbä-; ˌbō-nə-ˈfī-dē, -ˈfī-də\ adjective : real or genuine law : made or done in an honest and sincere way Full Definition 1 : made in good faith without fraud or deceit 2 : made with earnest intent : sincere 3 : neither specious nor counterfeit : genuine synonyms see authentic Examples a bona fide war hero Origin: Latin, literally, in good faith. First use: 1632 Synonyms: authentic, certifiable, certified, dinkum [Australian&New Zealand], echt, genuine, honest, pukka (also pucka), real, right, sure-enough, true Antonyms: bogus, counterfeit, fake, false, mock, phony (also phoney), pseudo, sham, spurious, suppositious, supposititious, unauthentic, unreal

Answer 13

sal·va·tion\sal-ˈvā-shən\ noun in Christianity : the act of saving someone from sin or evil : the state of being saved from sin or evil : something that saves someone or something from danger or a difficult situation Full Definition 1 a : deliverance from the power and effects of sin b : the agent or means that effects salvation c Christian Science : the realization of the supremacy of infinite Mind over all bringing with it the destruction of the illusion of sin, sickness, and death 2 : liberation from ignorance or illusion 3 a : preservation from destruction or failure b : deliverance from danger or difficulty sal·va·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective Examples we spent the night in the cellar praying for salvation from the tornadoes Origin: Middle English salvacion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin salvation-, salvatio, from salvare to save — more at save. First use: 13th century Synonyms: deliverance, rescue

Answer 14

ma·te·ri·al·ism\mə-ˈtir-ē-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun : a way of thinking that gives too much importance to material possessions rather than to spiritual or intellectual things philosophy : the belief that only material things exist Full Definition 1 a : a theory that physical matter is the only or fundamental reality and that all being and processes and phenomena can be explained as manifestations or results of matter b : a doctrine that the only or the highest values or objectives lie in material well-being and in the furtherance of material progress c : a doctrine that economic or social change is materially caused — compare historical materialism 2 : a preoccupation with or stress upon material rather than intellectual or spiritual things ma·te·ri·al·ist \-list\ noun or adjective ma·te·ri·al·is·tic \-ˌtir-ē-ə-ˈlis-tik\ adjective ma·te·ri·al·is·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb First use: 1733

Answer 15

nur·ture\ˈnər-chər\ noun : the care and attention given to someone or something that is growing or developing Full Definition 1 : training, upbringing 2 : something that nourishes : food 3 : the sum of the environmental factors influencing the behavior and traits expressed by an organism Origin: Middle English norture, nurture, from Anglo-French nureture, from Late Latin nutritura act of nursing, from Latin nutritus, past participle of nutrire to suckle, nourish — more at nourish. First use: 14th century Synonyms: advance, cultivate, encourage, forward, further, incubate, nourish, nurse, foster, promote Antonyms: discourage, frustrate, hinder, inhibit 2nurture : to help (something or someone) to grow, develop, or succeed : to take care of (someone or something that is growing or developing) by providing food, protection, a place to live, etc. : to hold (something, such as an idea or a strong feeling) in your mind for a long time Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to supply with nourishment 2 : educate 3 : to further the development of : foster Other forms: nur·tured; nur·tur·ing \ˈnərch-riŋ, ˈnər-chə-\ nur·tur·er \ˈnər-chər-ər\ noun Examples Members of the family helped in the nurture of the baby. Is our character affected more by nature or by nurture?

Answer 16

nir·va·na\nir-ˈvä-nə, (ˌ)nər-\ noun : the state of perfect happiness and peace in Buddhism where there is release from all forms of suffering : a state or place of great happiness and peace Full Definition Usage: often capitalized 1 : the final beatitude that transcends suffering, karma, and samsara and is sought especially in Buddhism through the extinction of desire and individual consciousness 2 a : a place or state of oblivion to care, pain, or external reality; also : bliss, heaven b : a goal hoped for but apparently unattainable : dream nir·van·ic \-ˈvä-nik, -ˈva-\ adjective Examples the spa experience was a week of pure nirvana the popular fantasy that life as a beachcomber in the South Pacific would be never-ending nirvana Origin: Sanskrit nirvāṇa, literally, act of extinguishing, from nis- out + vāti it blows — more at wind. First use: 1801 Synonyms: forgetfulness, oblivion, obliviousness Antonyms: anti-utopia, dystopia, hell

Answer 17

jux·ta·pose\ˈjək-stə-ˌpōz\ : to place (different things) together in order to create an interesting effect or to show how they are the same or different Full Definition transitive verb : to place side by side Other forms: jux·ta·posed; jux·ta·pos·ing Origin: probably back-formation from juxtaposition. First use: 1851

Answer 18

``` plight\ˈplīt\ transitive verb : to put or give in pledge : engage plight·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Old English plihtan to endanger, from pliht danger; akin to Old English plēon to expose to danger, Old High German pflegan to take care of. First use: 13th century 2plight\ˈplīt\ noun : a solemnly given pledge : engagement Examples the garden where the lovers plighted their troth Origin: (see 1plight ). First use: 13th century 3plight\ˈplīt\ noun : an unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation Origin: Middle English plight, plit danger, condition, in part from Old English pliht; in part from Anglo-French plit, pleit, pli condition, plight, literally, bending, fold — more at plait. ```

Answer 19

co·vert\ˈkō-(ˌ)vərt, kō-ˈ; ˈkə-vərt\ adjective : made, shown, or done in a way that is not easily seen or noticed : secret or hidden Full Definition 1 : not openly shown, engaged in, or avowed : veiled 2 : covered over : sheltered synonyms see secret co·vert·ly adverb co·vert·ness noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, past participle of coverir to cover. First use: 14th century Synonyms: cloistered, secluded, hidden, isolated, quiet, remote, retired, secret, sheltered Antonyms: open, overt, public Synonyms: concealment, hideout, den, hermitage, hideaway, hidey-hole (or hidy-hole), lair, nest 2co·vert\ˈkə-vərt, ˈkō-vərt also ˈkə-vər\ noun 1 a : hiding place : shelter b : a thicket affording cover for game c : a masking or concealing device 2 : a feather covering the bases of the quills of the wings and tail of a bird — see wing illustration 3 : a firm durable twilled sometimes waterproofed cloth usually of mixed-color yarns

Answer 20

cope\ˈkōp\ noun : a long, loose piece of clothing that is worn by a priest on special occasions Full Definition 1 : a long enveloping ecclesiastical vestment 2 a : something resembling a cope (as by concealing or covering) b : coping Origin: Middle English, from Old English -cāp, from Late Latin cappa head covering. First use: 13th century Synonyms: blanket, cloak, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps 2cope transitive verb : to cover or furnish with a cope Other forms: coped; cop·ing First use: 14th century Synonyms: blanket, cloak, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps 3cope intransitive verb 1 obsolete : strike, fight 2 a : to maintain a contest or combat usually on even terms or with success — used with with b : to deal with and attempt to overcome problems and difficulties — often used with with 3 archaic : meet, encounter transitive verb 1 obsolete : to meet in combat 2 obsolete : to come in contact with 3 obsolete : match Other forms: coped; cop·ing Origin: Middle English copen, coupen, from Anglo-French couper to strike, cut, from cop, colp blow, from Late Latin colpus, alteration of Latin colaphus, from Greek kolaphos buffet. First use: 14th century Synonyms: blanket, cloak, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps 4cope transitive verb 1 : to shape (a structural member) to fit a coping or conform to the shape of another member 2 : notch Other forms: coped; cop·ing Origin: probably from French couper to cut. First use: circa 1901 Synonyms: blanket, cloak, cover, covering, coverture, cover-up, curtain, hood, mantle, mask, pall, penumbra, robe, shroud, veil, wraps

Answer 21

in·com·pat·i·bil·i·ty\ˌin-kəm-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun 1 a : the quality or state of being incompatible b : lack of interfertility between two plants 2 plural : mutually antagonistic things or qualities Other forms: plural in·com·pat·i·bil·i·ties First use: 1611

Answer 22

in·ca·pac·i·tate\ˌin-kə-ˈpa-sə-ˌtāt\ : to make (someone or something) unable to work, move, or function in the usual way Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make legally incapable or ineligible 2 : to deprive of capacity or natural power : disable Other forms: in·ca·pac·i·tat·ed; in·ca·pac·i·tat·ing in·ca·pac·i·ta·tion \-ˌpa-sə-ˈtā-shən\ noun Examples the malfunctioning of a single component can incapacitate the engine the stroke left her completely incapacitated First use: 1657 Synonyms: cripple, disable, hamstring, immobilize, paralyze, prostrate

Answer 23

fab·ri·cate\ˈfa-bri-ˌkāt\ : to make or build (something) : to create or make up (something, such as a story) in order to trick people Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : invent, create b : to make up for the purpose of deception 2 : construct, manufacture; specifically : to construct from diverse and usually standardized parts Other forms: fab·ri·cat·ed; fab·ri·cat·ing fab·ri·ca·tor \ˈfa-bri-ˌkā-tər\ noun Examples with a few inexpensive materials from a craft shop, we were able to fabricate our own holiday wreath fabricated a daring plan to create an underground explosion that would take the enemy totally by surprise the house was essentially fabricated at the factory and then shipped to the site for assembly Origin: Middle English, from Latin fabricatus, past participle of fabricari, from fabrica. First use: 15th century Synonyms: make, fashion, form, frame, manufacture, produce Antonyms: demount, disassemble, dismantle, dismember, knock down, strike, take down, tear down

Answer 24

con·nu·bi·al\kə-ˈnü-bē-əl, -ˈnyü-\ adjective : of or relating to the married state : conjugal con·nu·bi·al·ism \-bē-ə-ˌli-zəm\ noun con·nu·bi·al·i·ty \-ˌnü-bē-ˈa-lə-tē, -ˌnyü-\ noun con·nu·bi·al·ly \-ˈnü-bē-ə-lē, -ˈnyü-\ adverb Examples a happy couple celebrating half a century of connubial bliss Origin: Latin conubialis, from conubium, connubium marriage, from com- + nubere to marry — more at nuptial. First use: circa 1656 Synonyms: conjugal, marital, married, matrimonial, nuptial, wedded Antonyms: nonmarital

Answer 25

de·mur\di-ˈmər\ : to disagree politely with another person's statement or suggestion : to politely refuse to accept a request or suggestion Full Definition intransitive verb 1 archaic : delay, hesitate 2 : to file a demurrer 3 : to take exception : object — often used with to or at Other forms: de·murred; de·mur·ring Origin: Middle English demuren, demeren to linger, from Anglo-French demurer, demoerer, from Latin demorari, from de- + morari to linger, from mora delay — more at mora. First use: 13th century Synonyms: challenge, complaint, objection, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, protest, question, remonstrance, stink Synonyms: object, except, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrate 2demur noun : an act of disagreeing about something Full Definition 1 : hesitation (as in doing or accepting) usually based on doubt of the acceptability of something offered or proposed 2 : the act or an instance of objecting : protest synonyms see qualm Examples She accepted the group's decision without demur. we accepted his offer to pay for our dinners without demur First use: 13th century

Answer 26

ap·pel·la·tion\ˌa-pə-ˈlā-shən\ noun : a name or title Full Definition 1 : an identifying name or title : designation 2 archaic : the act of calling by a name 3 : a geographical name (as of a region, village, or vineyard) under which a winegrower is authorized to identify and market wine; also : the area designated by such a name Examples a twisting road that deserved the appellation “Sidewinder Lane” First use: 15th century Synonyms: name, appellative, cognomen, compellation, denomination, denotation, designation, handle, moniker (also monicker), nomenclature, title

Answer 27

es·ca·late\ˈes-kə-ˌlāt, ÷-kyə-\ : to become worse or to make (something) worse or more severe : to become greater or higher or to make (something) greater or higher Full Definition intransitive verb : to increase in extent, volume, number, amount, intensity, or scope transitive verb : expand 2 Other forms: es·ca·lat·ed; es·ca·lat·ing es·ca·la·tion \ˌes-kə-ˈlā-shən, ÷-kyə-\ noun es·ca·la·to·ry \ˈes-kə-lə-ˌtȯr-ē, ÷-kyə-\ adjective Examples as the war between the two countries escalated, it threatened to become a global conflict the president promised to escalate the government's program to combat the dreaded disease Origin: back-formation from escalator. First use: 1944 Synonyms: accelerate, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, boom, build up, burgeon (also bourgeon), climb, enlarge, increase, expand, gain, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax Antonyms: contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

Answer 28

in·dif·fer·ence\in-ˈdi-fərn(t)s, -f(ə-)rən(t)s\ noun : lack of interest in or concern about something : an indifferent attitude or feeling Full Definition 1 : the quality, state, or fact of being indifferent 2 a archaic : lack of difference or distinction between two or more things b : absence of compulsion to or toward one thing or another Examples an alarming indifference toward the well-being of his own children First use: 15th century Synonyms: apathy, casualness, complacence, disinterestedness, disregard, incuriosity, incuriousness, insouciance, nonchalance, torpor, unconcern Antonyms: concern, interest, regard

Answer 29

po·ten·tial\pə-ˈten(t)-shəl\ adjective : capable of becoming real Full Definition 1 : existing in possibility : capable of development into actuality 2 : expressing possibility; specifically : of, relating to, or constituting a verb phrase expressing possibility, liberty, or power by the use of an auxiliary with the infinitive of the verb (as in “it may rain”) synonyms see latent po·ten·tial·ly \-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb Origin: Middle English potencial, from Late Latin potentialis, from potentia potentiality, from Latin, power, from potent-, potens. First use: 14th century Synonyms: implicit, possible Antonyms: actual, existent, factual, real Synonyms: capability, eventuality, possibility, potentiality, prospect 2potential noun : a chance or possibility that something will happen or exist in the future : a quality that something has that can be developed to make it better : an ability that someone has that can be developed to help that person become successful Full Definition 1 a : something that can develop or become actual b : promise 2 2 a : any of various functions from which the intensity or the velocity at any point in a field may be readily calculated b : the work required to move a unit positive charge from a reference point (as at infinity) to a point in question c : potential difference Examples Wet roads increase the potential for an accident. If you study hard, there is a greater potential for success. Scientists are exploring the potentials of the new drug. First use: 1817 Synonyms: implicit, possible

Answer 30

cu·mu·la·tive\ˈkyü-myə-lə-tiv, -ˌlā-\ adjective : increasing or becoming better or worse over time through a series of additions : including or adding together all of the things that came before Full Definition 1 a : made up of accumulated parts b : increasing by successive additions 2 : tending to prove the same point 3 a : taking effect upon completion of another penal sentence b : increasing in severity with repetition of the offense 4 : formed by the addition of new material of the same kind 5 : summing or integrating overall data or values of a random variable less than or less than or equal to a specified value cu·mu·la·tive·ly adverb cu·mu·la·tive·ness noun Examples a cumulative weight gain of 20 pounds over the course of a year Origin: (see cumulate ). First use: 1605 Synonyms: accretive, accumulative, additive, conglomerative, incremental

Answer 31

re·con·dite\ˈre-kən-ˌdīt, ri-ˈkän-\ adjective : not understood or known by many people Full Definition 1 : hidden from sight : concealed 2 : difficult or impossible for one of ordinary understanding or knowledge to comprehend : deep 3 : of, relating to, or dealing with something little known or obscure re·con·dite·ly adverb re·con·dite·ness noun Examples geochemistry is a recondite subject Origin: Latin reconditus, past participle of recondere to conceal, from re- + condere to store up, from com- + -dere to put — more at com-, do. First use: 1649 Synonyms: abstruse, arcane, deep, esoteric, hermetic (also hermetical), profound Antonyms: shallow, superficial

Answer 32

pal·li·ate\ˈpa-lē-ˌāt\ : to make the effects of (something, such as an illness) less painful, harmful, or harsh Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to reduce the violence of (a disease); also : to ease (symptoms) without curing the underlying disease 2 : to cover by excuses and apologies 3 : to moderate the intensity of Other forms: pal·li·at·ed; pal·li·at·ing pal·li·a·tion \ˌpa-lē-ˈā-shən\ noun pal·li·a·tor \ˈpa-lē-ˌā-tər\ noun Examples don't try to palliate your constant lying by claiming that everybody lies this medicine should palliate your cough at least a little Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin palliatus, past participle of palliare to cloak, conceal, from Latin pallium cloak. First use: 15th century Synonyms: deodorize, excuse, explain away, extenuate, gloss (over), gloze (over), whitewash Antonyms: aggravate, exacerbate

Answer 33

de·lude\di-ˈlüd, dē-\ : to cause (someone) to believe something that is not true Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to mislead the mind or judgment of : deceive, trick 2 obsolete a : frustrate, disappoint b : evade, elude synonyms see deceive Other forms: de·lud·ed; de·lud·ing de·lud·er noun Examples we deluded ourselves into thinking that the ice cream wouldn't affect our diet Origin: Middle English, from Latin deludere, from de- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous. First use: 15th century Synonyms: bamboozle, beguile, bluff, buffalo, burn, catch, con, cozen, deceive, dupe, fake out, fool, gaff, gammon, gull, have, have on [chiefly British], hoax, hoodwink, hornswoggle, humbug, juggle, misguide, misinform, mislead, snooker, snow, spoof, string along, sucker, suck in, take in, trick Antonyms: undeceive

Answer 34

pre·lude\ˈprel-ˌyüd, ˈprāl-; ˈpre-ˌlüd, ˈprā-; sense 1 also ˈprē-ˌlüd\ noun : something that comes before and leads to something else : a short piece of music that introduces a longer piece Full Definition 1 : an introductory performance, action, or event preceding and preparing for the principal or a more important matter 2 a : a musical section or movement introducing the theme or chief subject (as of a fugue or suite) or serving as an introduction to an opera or oratorio b : an opening voluntary c : a separate concert piece usually for piano or orchestra and based entirely on a short motif Origin: Middle French, from Medieval Latin praeludium, from Latin praeludere to play beforehand, from prae- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous. First use: 1561 Synonyms: curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue (also prolog), warm-up Antonyms: epilogue (also epilog) 2prelude transitive verb 1 : to serve as a prelude to 2 : to play as a preludeintransitive verb : to give or serve as a prelude; especially : to play a musical introduction Other forms: pre·lud·ed; pre·lud·ing pre·lud·er noun First use: 1655 Synonyms: curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue (also prolog), warm-up

Answer 35

chi·me·ri·cal\kī-ˈmer-i-kəl, kə-, -ˈmir-\ adjective 1 : existing only as the product of unchecked imagination : fantastically visionary or improbable 2 : given to fantastic schemes synonyms see imaginary chi·me·ri·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples for the time being, interplanetary travel remains a chimerical feature of life in the 21st century Variants: also chi·me·ric \-ik\ Origin: chimera. First use: 1638 Synonyms: imaginary (also chimeric), fabulous, fanciful, fantasied, fantastic (also fantastical), fictional, fictitious, ideal, imaginal, imagined, invented, made-up, make-believe, mythical (or mythic), notional, phantasmal, phantasmic, phantom, pretend, unreal, visonary Antonyms: actual, existent, existing, real

Answer 36

ac·knowl·edge\ik-ˈnä-lij, ak-\ : to say that you accept or do not deny the truth or existence of (something) : to regard or describe (someone or something) as having or deserving a particular status : to tell or show someone that something (such as a letter or message) has been received Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to recognize the rights, authority, or status of 2 : to disclose knowledge of or agreement with 3 a : to express gratitude or obligation for b : to take notice of c : to make known the receipt of 4 : to recognize as genuine or valid Other forms: ac·knowl·edged; ac·knowl·edg·ing Examples finally had to acknowledge that she'd outgrown her favorite jacket Origin: ac- (as in accord) + knowledge. First use: 15th century Synonyms: admit, agree, allow, concede, confess, fess (up), grant, own (up to) Antonyms: deny Synonym discussion: acknowledge admit own avow confess mean to disclose against one's will or inclination. acknowledge implies the disclosing of something that has been or might be concealed . admit implies reluctance to disclose, grant, or concede and refers usually to facts rather than their implications . own implies acknowledging something in close relation to oneself . avow implies boldly declaring, often in the face of hostility, what one might be expected to be silent about . confess may apply to an admission of a weakness, failure, omission, or guilt .

Answer 37

het·ero·ge·neous\ˌhe-tə-rə-ˈjē-nē-əs, ˌhe-trə-, -nyəs\ adjective : made up of parts that are different Full Definition : consisting of dissimilar or diverse ingredients or constituents : mixed het·ero·ge·neous·ly adverb het·ero·ge·neous·ness noun Examples the seating in the hall was a heterogeneous collection of old school desk chairs, wood and metal folding chairs, and even a few plush theater seats Origin: Medieval Latin heterogeneus, from Greek heterogenēs, from heter- + genos kind — more at kin. First use: 1630 Synonyms: assorted, eclectic, miscellaneous, indiscriminate, kitchen-sink, magpie, mixed, motley, patchwork, piebald, promiscuous, raggle-taggle, ragtag, varied Antonyms: homogeneous

Answer 38

gam·ut\ˈga-mət\ noun : a range or series of related things Full Definition 1 : the whole series of recognized musical notes 2 : an entire range or series synonyms see range Examples the actress's work runs the gamut from goofy comedies to serious historical dramas Origin: Medieval Latin gamma, lowest note of a medieval scale (from Late Latin, 3d letter of the Greek alphabet) + ut ut. First use: 15th century Synonyms: diapason, range, scale, spectrum, spread, stretch

Answer 39

per·spi·ca·cious\ˌpər-spə-ˈkā-shəs\ adjective : having or showing an ability to notice and understand things that are difficult or not obvious Full Definition : of acute mental vision or discernment : keen synonyms see shrewd per·spi·ca·cious·ly adverb per·spi·ca·cious·ness noun per·spi·cac·i·ty \-ˈka-sə-tē\ noun Origin: Latin perspicac-, perspicax, from perspicere. First use: 1640

Answer 40

anal·o·gous\ə-ˈna-lə-gəs\ adjective : similar in some way Full Definition 1 : showing an analogy or a likeness that permits one to draw an analogy 2 : being or related to as an analogue synonyms see similar anal·o·gous·ly adverb anal·o·gous·ness noun Examples bad-mouthing your sister is analogous to slapping her in the face—it's just as bad Origin: Latin analogus, from Greek analogos, literally, proportionate, from ana- + logos reason, ratio, from legein to gather, speak — more at legend. First use: 1646 Synonyms: akin, alike, cognate, comparable, connate, correspondent, corresponding, ditto, like, matching, parallel, resemblant, resembling, similar, such, suchlike Antonyms: different, dissimilar, diverse, unakin, unlike

Answer 41

mal·ad·just·ed\ˌma-lə-ˈjəs-təd\ adjective : not able to deal with other people in a normal or healthy way Full Definition : poorly or inadequately adjusted; specifically : lacking harmony with one's environment from failure to adjust one's desires to the conditions of one's life First use: 1886

Answer 42

phe·nom·e·non\fi-ˈnä-mə-ˌnän, -nən\ noun : something (such as an interesting fact or event) that can be observed and studied and that typically is unusual or difficult to understand or explain fully : someone or something that is very impressive or popular especially because of an unusual ability or quality Full Definition 1 plural phenomena : an observable fact or event 2 plural phenomena a : an object or aspect known through the senses rather than by thought or intuition b : a temporal or spatiotemporal object of sensory experience as distinguished from a noumenon c : a fact or event of scientific interest susceptible to scientific description and explanation 3 a : a rare or significant fact or event b plural phenomenons : an exceptional, unusual, or abnormal person, thing, or occurrence usage see phenomena Other forms: plural phe·nom·e·na \-nə, -ˌnä\ or phe·nom·e·nons Examples our jaws dropped when we saw this basketball phenomenon play for the first time Origin: Late Latin phaenomenon, from Greek phainomenon, from neuter of phainomenos, present participle of phainesthai to appear, middle voice of phainein to show — more at fancy. First use: 1605 Synonyms: caution, flash, marvel, miracle, wonder, portent, prodigy, sensation, splendor

Answer 43

neu·rot·ic\nu̇-ˈrä-tik\ adjective medical : having or suggesting neurosis : often or always fearful or worried about something : tending to worry in a way that is not healthy or reasonable Full Definition : of, relating to, constituting, or affected with neurosis(see neurosis ) neu·rot·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb First use: 1866 2neu·rot·ic\nu̇-ˈrä-tik\ noun medical : a person who has a neurosis : a person who is always fearful or worried about something Full Definition 1 : one affected with a neurosis(see neurosis ) 2 : an emotionally unstable individual Examples He was diagnosed as a neurotic. He is a neurotic about keeping his clothes neat. First use: 1896

Answer 44

mor·tal·i·ty\mȯr-ˈta-lə-tē\ noun : the quality or state of being a person or thing that is alive and therefore certain to die : the quality or state of being mortal : the death of a person, animal, etc. : the number of deaths that occur in a particular time or place Full Definition 1 : the quality or state of being mortal 2 : the death of large numbers (as of people or animals) 3 archaic : death 4 : the human race 5 a : the number of deaths in a given time or place b : the proportion of deaths to population c : the number lost or the rate of loss or failure First use: 14th century

Answer 45

de·cade\ˈde-ˌkād, de-ˈkād; especially sense 1b ˈde-kəd\ noun : a period of 10 years ; especially : a 10-year period beginning with a year ending in 0 Full Definition 1 : a group or set of 10: as a : a period of 10 years b : a division of the rosary that consists primarily of 10 Hail Marys 2 : a ratio of 10 to 1 : order of magnitude de·cad·al \ˈde-kə-dəl\ adjective Origin: Middle English, from Middle French décade, from Late Latin decad-, decas, from Greek dekad-, dekas, from deka. First use: 15th century

Answer 46

sus·cep·ti·ble\sə-ˈsep-tə-bəl\ adjective : easily affected, influenced, or harmed by something : capable of being affected by a specified action or process Full Definition 1 : capable of submitting to an action, process, or operation 2 : open, subject, or unresistant to some stimulus, influence, or agency 3 : impressionable, responsive synonyms see liable sus·cep·ti·ble·ness noun sus·cep·ti·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples some people are more susceptible to depression during the winter because of reduced exposure to sunlight completely susceptible and totally defenseless against the imploring eyes of the puppy in the pet store having recently lost his job, he was more susceptible to the illusory promises of get-rich-quick schemes Origin: Late Latin susceptibilis, from Latin susceptus, past participle of suscipere to take up, admit, from sub-, sus- up + capere to take — more at sub-, heave. First use: 1605 Synonyms: endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), liable, vulnerable Antonyms: insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible

Answer 47

ped·a·gogue noun : teacher, schoolmaster; especially : a dull, formal, or pedantic teacher Examples a pedagogue whose classroom lessons consisted entirely of reading directly from the textbook in a monotone Variants: also ped·a·gog \ˈpe-də-ˌgäg\ Origin: Middle English pedagoge, from Latin paedagogus, from Greek paidagōgos, slave who escorted children to school, from paid- ped- + agōgos leader, from agein to lead — more at agent. First use: 14th century Synonyms: educationist [chiefly British], educator, instructor, teacher (also pedagog), preceptor, schoolteacher

Answer 48

enun·ci·ate\ē-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌāt\ : to make a clear statement of (ideas, beliefs, etc.) : to pronounce words or parts of words clearly Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to make a definite or systematic statement of b : announce, proclaim 2 : articulate, pronounce intransitive verb : to utter articulate sounds Other forms: enun·ci·at·ed; enun·ci·at·ing enun·cia·ble \-ˈnən(t)-sē-ə-bəl, -ˈnən-ch(ē-)ə-\ adjective enun·ci·a·tion \-ˌnən(t)-sē-ˈā-shən\ noun enun·ci·a·tor \-ˈnən(t)-sē-ˌā-tər\ noun Examples enunciate your words, and then you won't have to repeat them so often today the President enunciated a new foreign policy a paper that enunciates the goals of the environmental organization Origin: Latin enuntiatus, past participle of enuntiare to report, declare, from e- + nuntiare to report — more at announce. First use: 1623 Synonyms: articulate

Answer 49

in·or·di·nate\in-ˈȯr-dən-ət, -ˈȯrd-nət\ adjective : going beyond what is usual, normal, or proper Full Definition 1 archaic : disorderly, unregulated 2 : exceeding reasonable limits : immoderate synonyms see excessive in·or·di·nate·ly adverb in·or·di·nate·ness noun Examples an inordinate number of complaints about the slow pace of snow removal around the city Origin: Middle English inordinat, from Latin inordinatus, from in- + ordinatus, past participle of ordinare to arrange — more at ordain. First use: 14th century Synonyms: baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate, excessive, insane, intolerable, lavish, overdue, overextravagant, overmuch, overweening, plethoric, steep, stiff, towering, unconscionable, undue, unmerciful Antonyms: middling, moderate, modest, reasonable, temperate

Answer 50

iras·ci·ble\i-ˈra-sə-bəl\ adjective : becoming angry very easily : having a bad temper Full Definition : marked by hot temper and easily provoked anger iras·ci·bil·i·ty \-ˌra-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun iras·ci·ble·ness \i-ˈra-sə-bəl-nəs\ noun iras·ci·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples forced to endure a memorably irascible boss on her first job after college Origin: Middle French, from Late Latin irascibilis, from Latin irasci to become angry, be angry, from ira. First use: circa 1530 Synonyms: choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irritable, peevish, perverse, pettish, petulant, prickly, quick-tempered, raspy, ratty, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snarky, snippety, snippy, stuffy, testy, waspish

Answer 51

in·tro·spec·tion\ˌin-trə-ˈspek-shən\ noun : the process of examining your own thoughts or feelings Full Definition : a reflective looking inward : an examination of one's own thoughts and feelings in·tro·spect \-ˈspekt\ verb in·tro·spec·tion·al \-ˈspek-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective in·tro·spec·tive \-ˈspek-tiv\ adjective in·tro·spec·tive·ly adverb in·tro·spec·tive·ness noun Examples not a man given to introspection, he grew impatient with his wife's constant need to discuss their relationship Origin: Latin introspectus, past participle of introspicere to look inside, from intro- + specere to look — more at spy. First use: circa 1677 Synonyms: self-contemplation, self-examination, self-observation, self-questioning, self-reflection, self-scrutiny, self-searching, soul-searching

Answer 52

per·pet·u·ate\pər-ˈpe-chə-ˌwāt\ : to cause (something that should be stopped, such as a mistaken idea or a bad situation) to continue Full Definition transitive verb : to make perpetual or cause to last indefinitely Other forms: per·pet·u·at·ed; per·pet·u·at·ing per·pet·u·a·tion \-ˌpe-chə-ˈwā-shən\ noun per·pet·u·a·tor \-ˈpe-chə-ˌwā-tər\ noun Examples we hope to perpetuate this holiday tradition Origin: Latin perpetuatus, past participle of perpetuare, from perpetuus. First use: 1530 Synonyms: eternalize, immortalize

Answer 53

man·date\ˈman-ˌdāt\ noun : an official order to do something : the power to act that voters give to their elected leaders Full Definition 1 : an authoritative command; especially : a formal order from a superior court or official to an inferior one 2 : an authorization to act given to a representative 3 a : an order or commission granted by the League of Nations to a member nation for the establishment of a responsible government over a former German colony or other conquered territory b : a mandated territory Origin: Middle French & Latin; Middle French mandat, from Latin mandatum, from neuter of mandatus, past participle of mandare to entrust, enjoin, probably irregular from manus hand + -dere to put — more at manual, do. First use: 1501 Synonyms: accreditation, authorization, delegation, empowerment, license (or licence), commission Synonyms: call, decree, dictate, direct, command, ordain, order 2man·date\ˈman-ˌdāt\ : to officially demand or require (something) : to officially give (someone) the power to do something Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to administer or assign (as a territory) under a mandate (see 1mandate ) 2 : to officially require (something) : make (something) mandatory : order ; also : to direct or require (someone) to do something Other forms: man·dat·ed; man·dat·ing Examples Ours was the first state to mandate the change. The law mandates that every car have seat belts. Drug tests have been mandated by the government. Origin: (see 1mandate ). First use: 1919

Answer 54

com·pen·sate\ˈkäm-pən-ˌsāt, -ˌpen-\ : to provide something good as a balance against something bad or undesirable : to make up forsome defect or weakness : to give money or something else of value to (someone) in return for something (such as work) or as payment for something lost, damaged, etc. Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to be equivalent to : counterbalance 2 : to make an appropriate and usually counterbalancing payment to 3 a : to provide with means of counteracting variation b : to neutralize the effect of (variations) intransitive verb 1 : to supply an equivalent — used with for 2 : to offset an error, defect, or undesired effect 3 : to undergo or engage in psychological or physiological compensation synonyms see pay Other forms: com·pen·sat·ed; com·pen·sat·ing com·pen·sa·tive \ˈkäm-pən-ˌsā-tiv, -ˌpen-; kəm-ˈpen(t)-sə-\ adjective com·pen·sa·tor \ˈkäm-pən-ˌsā-tər, -ˌpen-\ noun com·pen·sa·to·ry \kəm-ˈpen(t)-sə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective Examples you'll have to compensate the neighbors for cutting down their tree compensate them well for their efforts Origin: Latin compensatus, past participle of compensare, frequentative of compendere. First use: 1646 Synonyms: indemnify, recompense, recoup, remunerate, requite, satisfy

Answer 55

neu·tral·ize\ˈnü-trə-ˌlīz, ˈnyü-\ : to stop (someone or something) from being effective or harmful : to cause (a chemical) to be neither an acid nor a base : to make (something, such as a country or area) neutral during a war Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make chemically neutral 2 a : to counteract the activity or effect of : make ineffective b : kill, destroy 3 : to make electrically inert by combining equal positive and negative quantities 4 : to invest (as a territory or a nation) with conventional or obligatory neutrality conferring inviolability during a war 5 : to make neutral by blending with the complementary color 6 : to give (as a pair of phonemes) a nondistinctive form or pronunciation intransitive verb : to undergo neutralization Other forms: neu·tral·ized; neu·tral·iz·ing neu·tral·iz·er noun Examples a pro-government rally that is intended to neutralize the antiwar demonstrations orders to find the renegade colonel and to neutralize him First use: 1759 Synonyms: annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, counterbalance, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, offset

Answer 56

ca·tas·tro·phe\kə-ˈtas-trə-(ˌ)fē\ noun : a terrible disaster Full Definition 1 : the final event of the dramatic action especially of a tragedy 2 : a momentous tragic event ranging from extreme misfortune to utter overthrow or ruin 3 a : a violent and sudden change in a feature of the earth b : a violent usually destructive natural event (as a supernova) 4 : utter failure : fiasco cat·a·stroph·ic \ˌka-tə-ˈsträ-fik\ adjective cat·a·stroph·i·cal·ly \-fi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples more than one natural catastrophe has threatened to destroy their farm over the years the movie was a catastrophe, nearly bankrupting the studio that produced it Origin: Greek katastrophē, from katastrephein to overturn, from kata- + strephein to turn. First use: 1540 Synonyms: apocalypse, calamity, cataclysm, disaster, debacle (also débâcle), tragedy Antonyms: blockbuster, hit, smash, success, winner

Answer 57

an·thro·pol·o·gy\ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-lə-jē\ noun : the study of human races, origins, societies, and cultures Full Definition 1 : the science of human beings; especially : the study of human beings and their ancestors through time and space and in relation to physical character, environmental and social relations, and culture 2 : theology dealing with the origin, nature, and destiny of human beings an·thro·po·log·i·cal \-pə-ˈlä-ji-kəl\ adjective an·thro·po·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb an·thro·pol·o·gist \ˌan(t)-thrə-ˈpä-lə-jist\ noun Origin: New Latin anthropologia, from anthrop- + -logia -logy. First use: 1593

Answer 58

fe·tish noun : a strong and unusual need or desire for something : a need or desire for an object, body part, or activity for sexual excitement : an object that is believed to have magical powers Full Definition 1 a : an object (as a small stone carving of an animal) believed to have magical power to protect or aid its owner; broadly : a material object regarded with superstitious or extravagant trust or reverence b : an object of irrational reverence or obsessive devotion : prepossession c : an object or bodily part whose real or fantasied presence is psychologically necessary for sexual gratification and that is an object of fixation to the extent that it may interfere with complete sexual expression 2 : a rite or cult of fetish worshipers 3 : fixation Examples dieting seems to be a fetish with some people an archaeologist discovering an old animal tooth that may have been worn as a fetish Variants: also fe·tich \ˈfe-tish also ˈfē-\ Origin: French & Portuguese; French fétiche, from Portuguese feitiço, from feitiço artificial, false, from Latin facticius factitious. First use: 1613 Synonyms: fixation (also fetich), idée fixe, mania, obsession, preoccupation, prepossession Antonyms: hoodoo, jinx

Answer 59

ar·ti·fact\ˈär-ti-ˌfakt\ noun : a simple object (such as a tool or weapon) that was made by people in the past : an accidental effect that causes incorrect results Full Definition 1 a : something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially : an object remaining from a particular period b : something characteristic of or resulting from a particular human institution, period, trend, or individual 2 : a product of artificial character (as in a scientific test) due usually to extraneous (as human) agency ar·ti·fac·tu·al \ˌär-ti-ˈfak-chə(-wə)l, -ˈfak-shwəl, -chü-əl\ adjective Origin: Latin arte by skill (abl. of art-, ars skill) + factum, neuter of factus, past participle of facere to do — more at arm, do. First use: 1821

Answer 60

``` bi·zarre\bə-ˈzär\ adjective : very unusual or strange Full Definition : strikingly out of the ordinary: as a : odd, extravagant, or eccentric in style or mode b : involving sensational contrasts or incongruities synonyms see fantastic bi·zarre·ly adverb bi·zarre·ness noun Origin: French, from Italian bizzarro. First use: circa 1648 Synonyms: absurd, fantastic, crazy, fanciful, foolish, insane, nonsensical, preposterous, unreal, wild Antonyms: realistic, reasonable ```

Answer 61

in·an·i·mate\(ˌ)i-ˈna-nə-mət\ adjective : not living : not capable of life Full Definition 1 : not animate: a : not endowed with life or spirit b : lacking consciousness or power of motion 2 : not animated or lively : dull in·an·i·mate·ly adverb in·an·i·mate·ness noun Examples “pathetic fallacy” is the literary term for the ascription of human feelings or motives to inanimate natural elements Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin inanimatus, from Latin in- + animatus, past participle of animare to animate. First use: 15th century Synonyms: insensate, insensible, insentient, senseless, unfeeling Antonyms: animate, feeling, sensate, sensible, sensitive, sentient

Answer 62

taint\ˈtānt\ : to hurt or damage the good condition of (something) : to make (something) dangerous or dirty especially by adding something harmful or undesirable to it Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to contaminate morally : corrupt 2 : to affect with putrefaction : spoil 3 : to touch or affect slightly with something bad intransitive verb 1 obsolete : to become weak 2 : to become affected with putrefaction : spoil synonyms see contaminate Examples The reputation of the university has been tainted by athletic scandals. Their relationship was tainted with/by suspicion. Bacteria had tainted the meat. Origin: Middle English teynten to color & taynten to attaint; Middle English teynten, from Anglo-French teinter, from teint, past participle of teindre, from Latin tingere; Middle English taynten, short for attaynten — more at tinge, attain. First use: 1573 Synonyms: blot, brand, onus, slur, smirch, smudge, spot, stigma, stain Synonyms: blemish, darken, mar, poison, spoil, stain, tarnish, touch, vitiate Antonyms: decontaminate, purify 2taint noun : something that causes a person or thing to be thought of as bad, dishonest, etc. Full Definition : a contaminating mark or influence taint·less \-ləs\ adjective Examples a political career damaged by the taint of scandal that rare political campaign that wasn't marred by the taint of false accusations

Answer 63

pro·hi·bi·tion\ˌprō-ə-ˈbi-shən also ˌprō-hə-\ noun : the act of not allowing something to be used or done : a law or order that stops something from being used or done : the period of time from 1920 to 1933 in the U.S. when it was illegal to make or sell alcohol Full Definition 1 : the act of prohibiting by authority 2 : an order to restrain or stop 3 often capitalized : the forbidding by law of the manufacture, transportation, and sale of alcoholic liquors except for medicinal and sacramental purposes Examples the principal's prohibition against the use of cell phones in the school building met with unanimous approval by the teachers the school issued a prohibition against wearing clothing with obscene and provocative slogans First use: 14th century Synonyms: banning, barring, enjoining, forbidding, interdicting, interdiction, outlawing, prohibiting, proscribing, proscription Antonyms: prescription

Answer 64

im·pru·dent\-dənt\ adjective : not wise or sensible : not prudent Full Definition : not prudent : lacking discretion, wisdom, or good judgment im·pru·dent·ly adverb Examples a very sweet girl, but so imprudent that no one trusts her with a secret Origin: Middle English, from Latin imprudent-, imprudens, from in- + prudent-, prudens prudent. First use: 14th century Synonyms: brash, graceless, ill-advised, indiscreet, inadvisable, indelicate, injudicious, tactless, undiplomatic, unwise Antonyms: advisable, discreet, judicious, prudent, tactful, wise

Answer 65

ta·boo adjective : not acceptable to talk about or do Full Definition 1 : forbidden to profane use or contact because of what are held to be dangerous supernatural powers 2 a : banned on grounds of morality or taste b : banned as constituting a risk Variants: also ta·bu \tə-ˈbü, ta-\ Origin: Tongan tabu. First use: 1777 Synonyms: banned, barred, forbidden, interdicted, outlawed, prohibited, proscribed, impermissible (also tabu), verboten Antonyms: allowable, permissible, permissive, sufferable 2taboo noun : a rule against doing or saying something in a particular culture or religion : something that is not acceptable to talk about or do : something that is taboo Full Definition 1 : a prohibition against touching, saying, or doing something for fear of immediate harm from a supernatural force 2 : a prohibition imposed by social custom or as a protective measure 3 : belief in taboos Other forms: plural taboos also tabus Examples religious/social taboos against drinking alcohol Marrying a close relative is a taboo in many cultures. Variants: also tabu First use: 1777

Answer 66

im·per·a·tive\im-ˈper-ə-tiv, -ˈpe-rə-\ adjective : very important grammar : having the form that expresses a command rather than a statement or a question : expressing a command in a forceful and confident way Full Definition 1 a : of, relating to, or constituting the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another b : expressive of a command, entreaty, or exhortation c : having power to restrain, control, and direct 2 : not to be avoided or evaded : necessary synonyms see masterful im·per·a·tive·ly adverb im·per·a·tive·ness noun Origin: Middle English imperatyf, from Late Latin imperativus, from Latin imperatus, past participle of imperare to command — more at emperor. First use: 15th century Synonyms: compulsory, forced, mandatory, incumbent, involuntary, necessary, nonelective, obligatory, peremptory, required Antonyms: elective, optional, voluntary Synonyms: behest, charge, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, command, injunction, instruction, order, word 2im·per·a·tive\im-ˈper-ə-tiv, -ˈpe-rə-\ noun : a command, rule, duty, etc., that is very important or necessary grammar : the form that a verb or sentence has when it is expressing a command : an imperative verb or sentence Full Definition 1 : the grammatical mood that expresses the will to influence the behavior of another or a verb form or verbal phrase expressing it 2 : something that is imperative (see 1imperative ): as a : command, order b : rule, guide c : an obligatory act or duty d : an obligatory judgment or proposition Examples She considers it a moral imperative to help people in need. legal imperatives “Eat your spinach!” is in the imperative.

Answer 67

ab·hor\əb-ˈhȯr, ab-\ : to dislike (someone or something) very much Full Definition transitive verb : to regard with extreme repugnance : loathe synonyms see hate Other forms: ab·horred; ab·hor·ring ab·hor·rer \-ˈhȯr-ər\ noun Examples abhors the way people leave their trash at the picnic sites in the park Origin: Middle English abhorren, from Latin abhorrēre, from ab- + horrēre to shudder — more at horror. First use: 15th century Synonyms: hate, abominate, despise, detest, execrate, loathe Antonyms: love

Answer 68

ab·surd\əb-ˈsərd, -ˈzərd\ adjective : extremely silly, foolish, or unreasonable : completely ridiculous Full Definition 1 : ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous 2 : having no rational or orderly relationship to human life : meaningless ; also : lacking order or value 3 : dealing with the absurd (see 2absurd ) or with absurdism ab·surd·ly adverb ab·surd·ness noun Origin: Middle French absurde, from Latin absurdus, from ab- + surdus deaf, stupid. First use: 1557 Synonyms: fantastic, bizarre, crazy, fanciful, foolish, insane, nonsensical, preposterous, unreal, wild Antonyms: realistic, reasonable 2ab·surd\əb-ˈsərd, -ˈzərd\ noun : the state or condition in which human beings exist in an irrational and meaningless universe and in which human life has no ultimate meaning — usually used with the Origin: (see 1absurd. First use: 1946

Answer 69

uni·ver·sal\ˌyü-nə-ˈvər-səl\ adjective : done or experienced by everyone : existing or available for everyone : existing or true at all times or in all places Full Definition 1 : including or covering all or a whole collectively or distributively without limit or exception; especially : available equitably to all members of a society 2 a : present or occurring everywhere b : existent or operative everywhere or under all conditions 3 a : embracing a major part or the greatest portion (as of humankind) b : comprehensively broad and versatile 4 a : affirming or denying something of all members of a class or of all values of a variable b : denoting every member of a class 5 : adapted or adjustable to meet varied requirements (as of use, shape, or size) uni·ver·sal·ly \-s(ə-)lē\ adverb uni·ver·sal·ness \-səl-nəs\ noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin universalis, from universum universe. First use: 14th century Synonyms: adaptable, all-around (also all-round), protean, versatile Antonyms: individual, particular 2universal noun 1 : one that is universal: as a : a universal proposition in logic b : a predicable of traditional logic c : a general concept or term or something in reality to which it corresponds : essence 2 a : a behavior pattern or institution (as the family) existing in all cultures b : a culture trait characteristic of all normal adult members of a particular society

Answer 70

con·temp·tu·ous\kən-ˈtem(p)-chə-wəs, -chəs, -shwəs, -chü-əs\ adjective : feeling or showing deep hatred or disapproval : feeling or showing contempt Full Definition : manifesting, feeling, or expressing deep hatred or disapproval : feeling or showing contempt con·temp·tu·ous·ly adverb con·temp·tu·ous·ness noun Examples loutish tourists who are contemptuous of the ways and traditions of their host countries contemptuous comments about the baseball team's pathetic showings Origin: Latin contemptus (see contempt ). First use: 1574 Synonyms: abhorrent, disdainful, scornful Antonyms: admiring, applauding, appreciative, approving

Answer 71

big·ot\ˈbi-gət\ noun : a person who strongly and unfairly dislikes other people, ideas, etc. : a bigoted person ; especially : a person who hates or refuses to accept the members of a particular group (such as a racial or religious group) Full Definition : a person who is obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices; especially : one who regards or treats the members of a group (as a racial or ethnic group) with hatred and intolerance big·ot·ed \-gə-təd\ adjective big·ot·ed·ly adverb Examples an incorrigible bigot who hasn't entertained a new thought in years Origin: French, hypocrite, bigot. First use: 1660 Synonyms: dogmatist, dogmatizer, partisan (also partizan), sectarian

Answer 72

tra·di·tion\trə-ˈdi-shən\ noun : a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time : the stories, beliefs, etc., that have been part of the culture of a group of people for a long time —used to say that someone has qualities which are like the qualities of another well-known person or group of people from the past Full Definition 1 a : an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) b : a belief or story or a body of beliefs or stories relating to the past that are commonly accepted as historical though not verifiable 2 : the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction 3 : cultural continuity in social attitudes, customs, and institutions 4 : characteristic manner, method, or style tra·di·tion·al \-ˈdish-nəl, -ˈdi-shə-nəl\ adjective tra·di·tion·al·ly adverb tra·di·tion·less \-ˈdi-shən-ləs\ adjective Examples the town tradition of having the oldest resident ride at the head of the parade according to tradition, this field was the site of a skirmish between the first settlers and the Native Americans living in the area Origin: Middle English tradicioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French tradicion, from Latin tradition-, traditio action of handing over, tradition — more at treason. First use: 14th century Synonyms: convention, custom, heritage, prescription, rubric, rule

Answer 73

vul·ner·a·ble\ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\ adjective : easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally : open to attack, harm, or damage Full Definition 1 : capable of being physically or emotionally wounded 2 : open to attack or damage : assailable 3 : liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun vul·ner·a·ble·ness \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, ˈvəl-nər-bəl-\ noun vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun vulnerable baby chicks Origin: Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound. First use: 1605 Synonyms: endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, liable Antonyms: insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible

Answer 74

in·vi·o·la·ble\(ˌ)in-ˈvī-ə-lə-bəl\ adjective : too important to be ignored or treated with disrespect Full Definition 1 : secure from violation or profanation 2 : secure from assault or trespass : unassailable in·vi·o·la·bil·i·ty \-ˌvī-ə-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun in·vi·o·la·ble·ness \-ˈvī-ə-lə-bəl-nəs\ noun in·vi·o·la·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples a person with inviolable moral standards an inviolable trust between lawyer and client Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin inviolabilis, from in- + violare to violate. First use: 15th century Synonyms: hallowed, holy, sacred, sacrosanct, unassailable, untouchable

Answer 75

orig·i·nate\ə-ˈri-jə-ˌnāt\ : to begin to exist : to be produced or created : to cause (something) to exist : to produce or create (something) Full Definition transitive verb : to give rise to : initiate intransitive verb : to take or have origin : begin synonyms see spring Other forms: orig·i·nat·ed; orig·i·nat·ing orig·i·na·tion \-ˌri-jə-ˈnā-shən\ noun orig·i·na·tor \-ˈri-jə-ˌnā-tər\ noun Examples the theory of relativity originated with Albert Einstein First use: 1667 Synonyms: actualize, appear, arise, break, commence, dawn, engender, form, materialize, begin, set in, spring, start Antonyms: cease, end, stop

Answer 76

``` en·treaty\-ˈtrē-tē\ noun : a serious request for something Full Definition : an act of entreating : plea Other forms: plural en·treat·ies Examples our entreaties to give us another few minutes to answer the test questions fell on deaf ears First use: 15th century Synonyms: adjuration, appeal, conjuration, cry, desire, plea, petition, pleading, prayer, solicitation, suit, suppliance, supplication ```

Answer 77

``` awe·some\ˈȯ-səm\ adjective : causing feelings of fear and wonder : causing feelings of awe : extremely good Full Definition 1 : expressive of awe 2 a : inspiring awe b : terrific, extraordinary awe·some·ly adverb awe·some·ness noun Examples the awesome power of the sea the food at the Sunday brunch was just awesome First use: 1598 Synonyms: amazing, astonishing, astounding, marvelous, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, miraculous, portentous, prodigious, staggering, stunning, stupendous, sublime, surprising, wonderful, wondrous Antonyms: atrocious, awful, execrable, lousy, pathetic, poor, rotten, terrible, vile, wretched ```

Answer 78

pu·ny\ˈpyü-nē\ adjective : small and weak : not very large, impressive, or effective Full Definition : slight or inferior in power, size, or importance : weak Other forms: pu·ni·er; pu·ni·est pu·ni·ly \ˈpyü-nə-lē\ adverb pu·ni·ness \ˈpyü-nē-nəs\ noun Examples a puny, wrinkled apple Origin: Anglo-French puisné younger, weakly, literally, born afterward, from puis afterward + né born. First use: 1593 Synonyms: bantam, diminutive, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint, Lilliputian, little, pint-size (or pint-sized), pocket, pocket-size (also pocket-sized), small, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, toylike, undersized (also undersize) Antonyms: big, biggish, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, husky, king-size (or king-sized), large, largish, outsize (also outsized), overscale (or overscaled), oversize (or oversized), sizable (or sizeable), substantial, tidy, whacking, whopping

Answer 79

de·bris\də-ˈbrē, dā-ˈ, ˈdā-ˌ, British usually ˈde-(ˌ)brē\ noun : the pieces that are left after something has been destroyed : things (such as broken pieces and old objects) that are lying where they fell or that have been left somewhere because they are not wanted Full Definition 1 : the remains of something broken down or destroyed 2 : an accumulation of fragments of rock 3 : something discarded : rubbish Other forms: plural de·bris \-ˈbrēz, -ˌbrēz\ Examples the unsightly debris left after mining operations had ceased the demolition workers cleared away all of the debris from the demolished building Origin: French débris, from Middle French, from debriser to break to pieces, from Old French debrisier, from de- + brisier to break, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish brisid he breaks; perhaps akin to Latin fricare to rub — more at friction. First use: 1708 Synonyms: chaff, deadwood, garbage, dreck (also drek), dross, dust, effluvium (also effluvia), junk, litter, offal, offscouring, raffle, refuse, riffraff, rubbish, scrap, spilth, trash, truck, waste

Answer 80

dis·perse\di-ˈspərs\ : to go or move in different directions : to spread apart Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to cause to break up b : to cause to become spread widely c : to cause to evaporate or vanish 2 : to spread or distribute from a fixed or constant source: as a archaic : disseminate b : to subject (as light) to dispersion c : to distribute (as fine particles) more or less evenly throughout a medium intransitive verb 1 : to break up in random fashion 2 a : to become dispersed b : dissipate, vanish synonyms see scatter Other forms: dis·persed; dis·pers·ing dis·persed·ly \-ˈspər-səd-lē, -ˈspərst-lē\ adverb dis·pers·er noun dis·pers·ible \-ˈspər-sə-bəl\ adjective Examples the crowd dispersed once the show ended the family of the missing woman dispersed searchers to all corners of the national park the campaign staff dispersed almost immediately after the election Origin: Middle English, from Latin dispersus, past participle of dispergere to scatter, from dis- + spargere to scatter — more at spark. First use: 14th century Synonyms: disassemble, dissipate, dissolve, scatter Antonyms: assemble, cluster, collect, concentrate, congregate, gather, ingather

Answer 81

erup·tion\i-ˈrəp-shən\ noun 1 a : an act, process, or instance of erupting b : the breaking out of a rash on the skin or mucous membrane 2 : a product of erupting (as a skin rash) Examples a great eruption of glee as it suddenly dawned on her that she had won the eruption of the volcano Krakatoa was one of the most violent in global history First use: 1555 Synonyms: agony, blaze, burst, ebullition, outburst, explosion, fit, flare, flare-up, flash, flush, gale, gush, gust, paroxysm, spasm, storm Antonyms: implosion

Answer 82

con·fla·gra·tion\ˌkän-flə-ˈgrā-shən\ noun : a large destructive fire : a war or conflict Full Definition 1 : fire; especially : a large disastrous fire 2 : conflict, war Examples the historic tavern burned to the ground in a horrible conflagration what began as a skirmish over disputed territory erupted into a conflagration that swept the continent Origin: Latin conflagration-, conflagratio, from conflagrare. First use: 1600 Synonyms: fire, holocaust, inferno Antonyms: peace

Answer 83

rue\ˈrü\ noun : regret, sorrow Origin: Middle English rewe, from Old English hrēow; akin to Old High German hriuwa sorrow. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: bemoan, deplore, lament, repent, regret 2rue : to feel sorrow or regret for (something) Full Definition transitive verb : to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for intransitive verb : to feel sorrow, remorse, or regret Other forms: rued; ru·ing First use: 12th century Synonyms: bemoan, deplore, lament, repent, regret 3rue noun : a European strong-scented perennial woody herb (Ruta graveolens of the family Rutaceae, the rue family) that has bitter leaves used medicinally Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ruta, from Greek rhytē.

Answer 84

oblit·er·ate\ə-ˈbli-tə-ˌrāt, ō-\ : to destroy (something) completely so that nothing is left Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to remove utterly from recognition or memory b : to remove from existence : destroy utterly all trace, indication, or significance of c : to cause to disappear (as a bodily part or a scar) or collapse (as a duct conveying body fluid) : remove 4 2 : to make undecipherable or imperceptible by obscuring or wearing away 3 : cancel 4 Other forms: oblit·er·at·ed; oblit·er·at·ing oblit·er·a·tion \-ˌbli-tə-ˈrā-shən\ noun oblit·er·a·tor \-ˈbli-tə-ˌrā-tər\ noun Examples in a stroke, the March snowstorm obliterated our hopes for an early spring Origin: Latin oblitteratus, past participle of oblitterare, from ob- ob- + littera letter. First use: 1600 Synonyms: abolish, black out, blot out, cancel, clean (up), efface, eradicate, erase, expunge, exterminate, extirpate, liquidate, annihilate, root (out), rub out, snuff (out), stamp (out), sweep (away), wipe out

Answer 85

de·plor·able\di-ˈplȯr-ə-bəl\ adjective : very bad in a way that causes shock, fear, or disgust : deserving to be deplored Full Definition 1 : lamentable 2 : deserving censure or contempt : wretched de·plor·able·ness noun de·plor·ably \-blē\ adverb Examples we will not tolerate such deplorable behavior in a house of worship condemned the deplorable conditions in which the family was living First use: 1612 Synonyms: cheap, cruddy, contemptible, despicable, dirty, grubby, lame, lousy, mean, nasty, paltry, pitiable, pitiful, ratty, scabby, scummy, scurvy, sneaking, sorry, wretched Antonyms: admirable, commendable, creditable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy

Answer 86

ini·ti·ate\i-ˈni-shē-ˌāt\ : to cause the beginning of (something) : to start or begin (something) : to formally accept (someone) as a member of a group or organization usually in a special ceremony : to teach (someone) the basic facts or ideas about something Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to cause or facilitate the beginning of : set going 2 : to induct into membership by or as if by special rites 3 : to instruct in the rudiments or principles of something : introduce synonyms see begin Other forms: ini·ti·at·ed; ini·ti·at·ing ini·ti·a·tor \-ˌā-tər\ noun Origin: Late Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare, from Latin, to induct, from initium. First use: 1533 Synonyms: begin, constitute, establish, inaugurate, found, innovate, institute, introduce, launch, pioneer, plant, set up, start Antonyms: close (down), phase out, shut (up) 2ini·tiate\i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət\ adjective 1 a : initiated or properly admitted (as to membership or an office) b : instructed in some secret knowledge 2 obsolete : relating to an initiate First use: 1537 3ini·tiate\i-ˈni-sh(ē-)ət\ noun : a person who is being formally accepted or who has been formally accepted as a member of a group or organization Full Definition 1 : a person who is undergoing or has undergone an initiation 2 : a person who is instructed or adept in some special field First use: 1811

Answer 87

hoard\ˈhȯrd\ noun : a large amount of something valuable that is kept hidden Full Definition : a supply or fund stored up and often hidden away Examples a hoard of jewels a squirrel's hoard of nuts Origin: Middle English hord, from Old English; akin to Gothic huzd treasure, Old English hȳdan to hide. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: cache, stash, stockpile, store Synonyms: cache, lay away, lay by, lay in, lay up, put by, salt away, squirrel (away), stash, stockpile, store, stow, treasure, set aside 2hoard : to collect and hide a large amount of (something valuable) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to lay up a hoard of 2 : to keep (as one's thoughts) to oneselfintransitive verb : to lay up a hoard hoard·er noun Examples hoarding money/food he's been hoarding empty yogurt containers all winter, with the intention of using them to start seedlings in the spring

Answer 88

sage\ˈsāj\ adjective : very wise Full Definition 1 a : wise through reflection and experience b archaic : grave, solemn 2 : proceeding from or characterized by wisdom, prudence, and good judgment synonyms see wise Other forms: sag·er; sag·est sage·ly adverb sage·ness noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin *sapius, from Latin sapere to taste, have good taste, be wise; akin to Oscan sipus knowing, Old Saxon ansebbian to perceive. First use: 14th century Synonyms: discerning, insightful, perceptive, prudent, sagacious, wise, sapient Antonyms: unperceptive, unwise 2sage noun 1 : one (as a profound philosopher) distinguished for wisdom 2 : a mature or venerable man of sound judgment Examples sage advice He sagely suggested that she wait a few days. First use: 14th century 3sage noun 1 a : a European perennial mint (Salvia officinalis) with grayish-green aromatic leaves used especially in flavoring meats; broadly : salvia b : the fresh or dried leaves of sage 2 : sagebrush 3 : a light grayish green Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French sage, salge, from Latin salvia, from salvus healthy; from its use as a medicinal herb — more at safe.

Answer 89

ae·gis noun : the power to protect, control, or support something or someone Full Definition 1 : a shield or breastplate emblematic of majesty that was associated with Zeus and Athena 2 a : protection b : controlling or conditioning influence 3 a : auspices, sponsorship b : control or guidance especially by an individual, group, or system Examples having no claim to the land under the aegis of the law, the cattle baron decided to claim it by force a medical study that was questioned by many because it was done under the aegis of a major pharmaceutical company Variants: also egis \ˈē-jəs also ˈā-\ Origin: Latin, from Greek aigis, literally, goatskin, from aig-, aix goat; akin to Armenian ayc goat. First use: 1581 Synonyms: defense (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, shield, wall, ward

Answer 90

det·ri·ment\ˈde-trə-mənt\ noun : something that will cause damage or injury to something or someone : the act of causing damage or injury to something or someone Full Definition 1 : injury, damage 2 : a cause of injury or damage Examples opponents of casino gambling claim that it is a detriment to society at large the requirement that runners wear shoes for the race worked to his detriment since he was used to running barefoot Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin detrimentum, from deterere to wear away, impair, from de- + terere to rub — more at throw. First use: 15th century Synonyms: affliction, damage, injury, harm, hurt Antonyms: advantage, favor

Answer 91

con·ge·nial\kən-ˈjē-nē-əl, -ˈjēn-yəl\ adjective : suitable or appropriate : pleasant and enjoyable : very friendly Full Definition 1 : having the same nature, disposition, or tastes : kindred 2 a : existing or associated together harmoniously b : pleasant; especially : agreeably suited to one's nature, tastes, or outlook c : sociable, genial con·ge·nial·i·ty \-ˌjē-nē-ˈa-lə-tē, -ˌjēn-ˈya-\ noun con·ge·nial·ly \-ˈjē-nē-ə-lē, -ˈjēn-yə-\ adverb Examples a couple relaxing in the congenial atmosphere of a luxury health spa congenial traveling companions who made our tour of Italy even more enjoyable than we had anticipated Origin: com- + genius. First use: circa 1625 Synonyms: agreeable, blessed (also blest), pleasant, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, tasty, welcome Antonyms: disagreeable, pleasureless, unpalatable, unpleasant, unwelcome

Answer 92

im·bibe\im-ˈbīb\ : to drink (something) : to drink alcohol Full Definition transitive verb 1 archaic : soak, steep 2 a : to receive into the mind and retain b : to assimilate or take into solution 3 a : drink b : to take in or up intransitive verb 1 : drink 2 2 a : to take in liquid b : to absorb or assimilate moisture, gas, light, or heat Other forms: im·bibed; im·bib·ing im·bib·er noun Examples an array of colorful and tasty drinks for party guests to imbibe plants can imbibe water through their roots Origin: Middle English enbiben to absorb, cause to absorb, from Latin imbibere to drink in, absorb, from in- + bibere to drink — more at potable. First use: 14th century Synonyms: belt (down), gulp, guzzle, hoist, drink, knock back, pound (down), quaff, sip, slug (down), slurp, sup, swig, swill, toss (down or off)

Answer 93

lon·gev·i·ty\län-ˈje-və-tē, lȯn-\ noun : long life : the fact of living for many years : length of life : the length of time that something or someone lasts or continues Full Definition 1 a : a long duration of individual life b : length of life 2 : long continuance : permanence, durability Origin: Late Latin longaevitas, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long + aevum age — more at aye. First use: 1615

Answer 94

se·nile\ˈsē-ˌnī(-ə)l also ˈse-\ adjective : showing a loss of mental ability (such as memory) in old age Full Definition 1 : of, relating to, exhibiting, or characteristic of old age ; especially : exhibiting a loss of cognitive abilities (as memory) associated with old age 2 : approaching the end of a geological cycle of erosion se·nile·ly \-ˌnī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb Origin: Latin senilis, from sen-, senex old, old man. First use: 1661

Answer 95

``` dod·der·ing\ˈdä-d(ə-)riŋ\ adjective : walking and moving in a slow and unsteady way because of old age Full Definition : feeble, senile First use: 1898 ```

Answer 96

vir·ile\ˈvir-əl, ˈvir-ˌī(-ə)l, British also ˈvī(-ə)r-ˌī(-ə)l\ adjective : having or suggesting qualities (such as strength and sexual energy) that are associated with men and that are usually considered attractive in men Full Definition 1 : having the nature, properties, or qualities of an adult male; specifically : capable of functioning as a male in copulation 2 : energetic, vigorous 3 a : characteristic of or associated with men : masculine b : having traditionally masculine traits especially to a marked degree 4 : masterful, forceful vir·ile·ly adverb Examples men were once expected to be interested only in such virile activities as hunting Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French viril, from Latin virilis, from vir man, male; akin to Old English & Old High German wer man, Sanskrit vīra. First use: 15th century Synonyms: male, manlike, manly, mannish, man-size (or man-sized), masculine Antonyms: unmanly, unmasculine

Answer 97

prev·a·lent\ˈpre-və-lənt, ˈprev-lənt\ adjective : accepted, done, or happening often or over a large area at a particular time : common or widespread Full Definition 1 archaic : powerful 2 : being in ascendancy : dominant 3 : generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread prevalent noun prev·a·lent·ly adverb Examples the kinds of accidents seen in places where snowmobiles are prevalent Origin: Latin praevalent-, praevalens very powerful, from present participle of praevalēre. First use: 1576 Synonyms: conventional, customary, going, popular, prevailing, current, standard, stock, usual Antonyms: nonstandard, unconventional, unpopular, unusual

Answer 98

``` par·a·mount\ˈper-ə-ˌmau̇nt, ˈpa-rə-\ adjective : very important : of highest rank or importance Full Definition : superior to all others : supreme synonyms see dominant par·a·mount·cy \-ˌmau̇n(t)-sē\ noun par·a·mount·ly \-ˌmau̇nt-lē\ adverb Origin: Anglo-French paramont, from par by (from Latin per) + amunt above, from a to (from Latin ad) + munt mountain — more at for, at, mount. First use: 1531 Synonyms: arch, big, capital, cardinal, central, chief, dominant, first, grand, great, greatest, highest, key, leading, main, master, number one (also No. 1), numero uno, overbearing, overmastering, overriding, foremost, predominant, preeminent, premier, primal, primary, principal, prior, sovereign (also sovran), supreme Antonyms: last, least 2paramount noun : a supreme ruler First use: 1616 ```

Answer 99

re·miss\ri-ˈmis\ adjective : not showing enough care and attention Full Definition 1 : negligent in the performance of work or duty : careless 2 : showing neglect or inattention : lax synonyms see negligent re·miss·ly adverb re·miss·ness noun Examples I would be remiss if I didn't tell you how much I appreciated the lovely gift Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French remis, Latin remissus, from past participle of remittere to send back, relax. First use: 15th century Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, lax, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, negligent, slack Antonyms: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent

Answer 100

le·thar·gic\lə-ˈthär-jik, le-\ adjective : feeling a lack of energy or a lack of interest in doing things Full Definition 1 : of, relating to, or characterized by laziness or lack of energy : feeling or affected by lethargy : sluggish 2 : indifferent, apathetic le·thar·gi·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples a big meal always makes me feel lethargic and sleepy Origin: (see lethargy ). First use: 14th century Synonyms: dull, inert, inactive, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, torpid Antonyms: active

Answer 101

hos·tile\ˈhäs-təl, -ˌtī(-ə)l\ adjective : of or relating to an enemy : not friendly : having or showing unfriendly feelings : unpleasant or harsh Full Definition 1 a : of or relating to an enemy b : marked by malevolence : having or showing unfriendly feelings c : openly opposed or resisting d (1) : not hospitable (2) : having an intimidating, antagonistic, or offensive nature 2 a : of or relating to the opposing party in a legal controversy b : adverse to the interests of a property owner or corporation management hostile noun hos·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb Examples our landlord has a hostile attitude toward foreigners and refuses to rent to them the company's president vows to fight the hostile takeover by the giant corporation Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin hostilis, from hostis. First use: 1580 Synonyms: adversarial, adversary, antagonistic, antipathetic, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, mortal, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic Antonyms: friendly, hospitable, nonantagonistic, nonhostile, sympathetic

Answer 102

evince\i-ˈvin(t)s\ : to show (something) clearly Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to constitute outward evidence of 2 : to display clearly : reveal synonyms see show Other forms: evinced; evinc·ing evinc·ible \-ˈvin(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective Examples She evinced an interest in art at an early age. the teenager caught shoplifting seemed to evince no remorse Origin: Latin evincere to vanquish, win a point, from e- + vincere to conquer — more at victor. First use: 1604 Synonyms: bespeak, betray, communicate, declare, demonstrate, display, show, expose, give away, manifest, reveal

Answer 103

re·buke\ri-ˈbyük\ : to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone) Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to criticize sharply : reprimand b : to serve as a rebuke to 2 : to turn back or keep down : check synonyms see reprove Other forms: re·buked; re·buk·ing re·buk·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French rebucher, rebouker to blunt, check, reprimand. First use: 14th century Synonyms: commination, condemnation, denunciation, excoriation, objurgation, censure, reprimand, reproach, reproof, riot act, stricture Antonyms: citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement) Synonyms: admonish, chide, reprimand, reproach, reprove, tick off, burn one's ears, get after, get on Antonyms: cite, commend, endorse (also indorse) 2rebuke noun : an expression of strong disapproval : reprimand First use: 15th century

Answer 104

vogue\ˈvōg\ noun : something (such as a way of dressing or behaving) that is fashionable or popular in a particular time and place Full Definition 1 archaic : the leading place in popularity or acceptance 2 a : popular acceptation or favor : popularity b : a period of popularity 3 : one that is in fashion at a particular time synonyms see fashion vogue adjective Origin: Middle French, action of rowing, course, fashion, from voguer to sail, from Old French, from Old Italian vogare to row. First use: 1571 Synonyms: buzz, chic, craze, dernier cri, enthusiasm, fashion, flavor, go, hot ticket, last word, latest, mode, rage, sensation, style, ton, trend, fad Antonyms: disfavor, unpopularity 2vogue intransitive verb : to strike poses in campy imitation of fashion models especially as a kind of dance Other forms: vogued; vogu·ing or vogue·ing vogu·er \ˈvō-gər\ noun Origin: from Vogue, a fashion magazine. First use: 1989

Answer 105

aver·sion\ə-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\ noun : a strong feeling of not liking something Full Definition 1 obsolete : the act of turning away 2 a : a feeling of repugnance toward something with a desire to avoid or turn from it b : a settled dislike : antipathy c : a tendency to extinguish a behavior or to avoid a thing or situation and especially a usually pleasurable one because it is or has been associated with a noxious stimulus 3 : an object of aversion Examples I simply have this ingrained aversion to the sight of bloodshed couldn't overcome her aversion to her brother-in-law and pointedly avoided his company clichés should be the pet aversion of every good writer Origin: (see averse ). First use: 1596 Synonyms: disgust, distaste, horror, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion Antonyms: appetite, favor, fondness, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use

Answer 106

adjective : concerned only with what is obvious or apparent : not thorough or complete : affecting only the outer part or surface of something : not deep or serious : lying close to the surface Full Definition 1 a (1) : of, relating to, or located near a surface (2) : lying on, not penetrating below, or affecting only the surface b British of a unit of measure : square 2 a : concerned only with the obvious or apparent : shallow b : seen on the surface : external c : presenting only an appearance without substance or significance su·per·fi·cial·ly \-ˈfi-sh(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples a superficial scratch that barely even broke the skin a superficial analysis of how the violence in video games affects young people Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin superficialis, from Latin superficies (see superficies ). First use: 15th century Synonyms: skin-deep, surface Antonyms: deep, profound

Answer 107

in·ev·i·ta·ble\i-ˈne-və-tə-bəl\ adjective : sure to happen Full Definition : incapable of being avoided or evaded in·ev·i·ta·bil·i·ty \-ˌne-və-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun in·ev·i·ta·ble·ness \-ˈne-və-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun Examples getting wet is inevitable if you are going to try to give your dog a bath Origin: Middle English, from Latin inevitabilis, from in- + evitabilis evitable. First use: 14th century Synonyms: certain, ineluctable, ineludible, inescapable, necessary, sure, unavoidable, unescapable, in the bag, in the cards (also on the cards) Antonyms: avoidable, evadable, uncertain, unsure

Answer 108

jet·ti·son\ˈje-tə-sən, -zən\ noun : a voluntary sacrifice of cargo to lighten a ship's load in time of distress Origin: Middle English jetteson, from Anglo-French geteson, literally, action of throwing, from Latin jactation-, jactatio, from jactare — more at jet. First use: 15th century Synonyms: discarding, disposition, dumping, disposal, junking, removal, riddance, scrapping, throwing away Synonyms: cashier, cast (off), chuck, deep-six, ditch, dump, eighty-six (or 86), exorcise (also exorcize), fling (off or away), discard, junk, lay by, lose, pitch, reject, scrap, shed, shuck (off), slough (off) also sluff (off), throw away, throw out, toss, unload 2jettison : to drop (something) from a moving ship, airplane, etc. : to get rid of (something) : to reject (something, such as a plan or idea) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make jettison of 2 : to get rid of as superfluous or encumbering : omit or forgo as part of a plan or as the result of some other decision 3 : to drop from an aircraft or spacecraft in flight jet·ti·son·able \-sə-nə-bəl, -zə-\ adjective

Answer 109

``` lu·cra·tive\ˈlü-krə-tiv\ adjective : producing money or wealth Full Definition : producing wealth : profitable lu·cra·tive·ly adverb lu·cra·tive·ness noun Examples the hired gun's mission was to turn the failing store into a lucrative operation Origin: Middle English lucratif, from Middle French, from Latin lucrativus, from lucratus, past participle of lucrari to gain, from lucrum. First use: 15th century Synonyms: economic, fat, gainful, juicy, profitable, moneymaking, money-spinning [chiefly British], paying, remunerative Antonyms: unprofitable ```

Answer 110

tus·sle\ˈtə-səl\ noun : a short fight or struggle : an argument or a dispute Full Definition 1 : a physical contest or struggle : scuffle 2 : an intense argument, controversy, or struggle First use: 1629 Synonyms: battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, dustup, fracas, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scrum, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, fight Synonyms: grapple, rassle, scuffle, wrestle 2tussle intransitive verb : to fight or struggle with (someone) by grabbing or pushing : to argue or compete with (someone) Full Definition : to struggle roughly : scuffle Other forms: tus·sled; tus·sling \-s(ə-)liŋ\ Examples The suspect was arrested after a tussle with a security guard. a tussle for control of the company The President is in for another tussle with Congress. Origin: Middle English (Scots) tussillen, frequentative of Middle English -tusen, -tousen to tousle — more at touse.

Answer 111

in·trin·sic\in-ˈtrin-zik, -ˈtrin(t)-sik\ adjective : belonging to the essential nature of a thing : occurring as a natural part of something Full Definition 1 a : belonging to the essential nature or constitution of a thing b : being or relating to a semiconductor in which the concentration of charge carriers is characteristic of the material itself instead of the content of any impurities it contains 2 a : originating or due to causes within a body, organ, or part b : originating and included wholly within an organ or part — compare extrinsic 1b in·trin·si·cal·ly \-zi-k(ə-)lē, -si-\ adverb Examples the question of whether people have an intrinsic sense of right and wrong Origin: French intrinsèque internal, from Late Latin intrinsecus, from Latin, adverb, inwardly; akin to Latin intra within — more at intra-. First use: 1635 Synonyms: built-in, constitutional, constitutive, essential, hardwired, immanent, inborn, inbred, indigenous, ingrain, ingrained (also engrained), innate, integral, inherent, native, natural Antonyms: adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic

Answer 112

terse\ˈtərs\ adjective : brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly Full Definition 1 : smoothly elegant : polished 2 : using few words : devoid of superfluity ; also : short, brusque synonyms see concise Other forms: ters·er; ters·est terse·ly adverb terse·ness noun Examples a terse statement/sentence/summary She gave me a few terse instructions and promptly left the room. a tersely worded reply Origin: Latin tersus clean, neat, from past participle of tergēre to wipe off. First use: 1601 Synonyms: aphoristic, apothegmatic, brief, capsule, compact, compendious, crisp, curt, elliptical (or elliptic), epigrammatic, laconic, monosyllabic, pithy, sententious, succinct, summary, telegraphic, concise, thumbnail Antonyms: circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy

Answer 113

adjective : very serious or dangerous : requiring serious attention or action : having or showing an ability to think clearly and to understand what is not obvious or simple about something : very strong and sensitive : highly developed Full Definition 1 a (1) : characterized by sharpness or severity (2) : having a sudden onset, sharp rise, and short course (3) : being, providing, or requiring short-term medical care (as for serious illness or traumatic injury) b : lasting a short time 2 : ending in a sharp point: as a : being or forming an angle measuring less than 90 degrees b : composed of acute angles 3 a of an accent mark : having the form ´ b : marked with an acute accent c : of the variety indicated by an acute accent 4 a : marked by keen discernment or intellectual perception especially of subtle distinctions b : responsive to slight impressions or stimuli 5 : felt, perceived, or experienced intensely 6 : demanding urgent attention Other forms: acut·er; acut·est acute·ly adverb acute·ness noun Examples an acute fuel shortage an acute crisis the acute phase of the struggle for independence Origin: Middle English, from Latin acutus, past participle of acuere to sharpen, from acus needle; akin to Latin acer sharp — more at edge. First use: 14th century Synonyms: delicate, fine, keen, perceptive, quick, sensitive, sharp

Answer 114

tran·sient\ˈtran(t)-sh(ē-)ənt; ˈtran-zē-ənt, ˈtran(t)-sē-; ˈtran-zhənt, -jənt\ adjective : not lasting long : staying somewhere only a short time Full Definition 1 a : passing especially quickly into and out of existence : transitory b : passing through or by a place with only a brief stay or sojourn 2 : affecting something or producing results beyond itself tran·sient·ly adverb Origin: Latin transeunt-, transiens, present participle of transire to cross, pass by, from trans- + ire to go — more at issue. First use: 1599 Synonyms: brief, deciduous, ephemeral, evanescent, flash, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, impermanent, passing, short-lived, temporary, momentary, transitory Antonyms: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, enduring, eternal, everlasting, immortal, lasting, long-lived, permanent, perpetual, timeless, undying, unending 2tran·sient\ˈtran(t)-sh(ē-)ənt; ˈtran-zē-ənt, ˈtran(t)-sē-; ˈtran-zhənt, -jənt\ noun : a person who does not have a permanent home and who stays in a place for only a short time before going somewhere else Full Definition 1 : one that is transient (see 1transient ): as a : a guest or boarder who stays only briefly b : a person traveling about usually in search of work 2 a : a temporary oscillation that occurs in a circuit because of a sudden change of voltage or of load b : a transient current or voltage

Answer 115

gist\ˈjist\ noun 1 : the ground of a legal action 2 : the main point or part : essence Examples The gist of her argument was that the law was unfair. I didn't read the whole article, but I got the gist of it. Origin: Anglo-French, it lies, from gisir to lie, ultimately from Latin jacēre — more at adjacent. First use: circa 1711 Synonyms: bottom line, bull's-eye, centerpiece, core, essence, crux, heart, kernel, keynote, meat, meat and potatoes, net, nub, nubbin, nucleus, pith, pivot, point, root, sum

Answer 116

co·gent\ˈkō-jənt\ adjective : very clear and easy for the mind to accept and believe Full Definition 1 : having power to compel or constrain 2 a : appealing forcibly to the mind or reason : convincing b : pertinent, relevant synonyms see valid co·gent·ly adverb Examples the results of the DNA fingerprinting were the most cogent evidence for acquittal Origin: Latin cogent-, cogens, present participle of cogere to drive together, collect, from co- + agere to drive — more at agent. First use: 1659 Synonyms: compelling, conclusive, convincing, decisive, effective, forceful, persuasive, satisfying, strong, telling Antonyms: inconclusive, indecisive, ineffective, uncompelling, unconvincing, unpersuasive

Answer 117

ar·ray\ə-ˈrā\ : to place (a group of things) in a particular position so that they are in order or so that they look attractive : to dress (someone, especially yourself) in fine clothing : to put (soldiers) in a place or position so that they are ready to attack Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to dress or decorate especially in splendid or impressive attire : adorn 2 a : to set or place in order : draw up, marshal b : to set or set forth in order (as a jury) for the trial of a cause 3 : to arrange or display in or as if in an array ar·ray·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French arraier, from Vulgar Latin *arredare, from Latin ad- + a base of Germanic origin; akin to Gothic garaiths arranged — more at ready. First use: 14th century Synonyms: group, assemblage, band, bank, batch, battery, block, bunch, clot, clump, cluster, clutch, collection, constellation, grouping, huddle, knot, lot, muster, package, parcel, passel, set, suite Synonyms: adorn, decorate, beautify, bedeck, bedizen, blazon, caparison, deck, do, doll up, do up, drape, dress, embellish, emblaze, emboss, enrich, fancify, fancy up, festoon, garnish, glitz (up), grace, gussy up, ornament, pretty (up), trim Antonyms: blemish, deface, disfigure, mar, scar, spoil 2array noun : a large group or number ofthings : a group of numbers, symbols, etc., that are arranged in rows and columns : a way of organizing pieces of information in the memory of a computer so that similar kinds of information are together Full Definition 1 a : a regular and imposing grouping or arrangement : order b : an orderly listing of jurors impaneled 2 a : clothing, attire b : rich or beautiful apparel : finery 3 : a body of soldiers : militia 4 : an imposing group : large number ; also : variety, assortment 5 a (1) : a number of mathematical elements arranged in rows and columns (2) : a data structure in which similar elements of data are arranged in a table b : a series of statistical data arranged in classes in order of magnitude 6 : a group of elements forming a complete unit Examples The layers consist of bricks arrayed in regular patterns. The table was arrayed with all sorts of delicacies. She arrayed herself in rich velvets and satins.

Answer 118

cul·mi·nate\ˈkəl-mə-ˌnāt\ : to reach the end or the final result of something : to be the end or final result of (something) Full Definition intransitive verb 1 of a celestial body : to reach its highest altitude; also : to be directly overhead 2 a : to rise to or form a summit b : to reach the highest or a climactic or decisive pointtransitive verb : to bring to a head or to the highest point Other forms: cul·mi·nat·ed; cul·mi·nat·ing Examples culminated the school year with a trip to New York Origin: Medieval Latin culminatus, past participle of culminare, from Late Latin, to crown, from Latin culmin-, culmen top — more at hill. First use: 1647 Synonyms: cap (off), climax, crown

Answer 119

ar·dent\ˈär-dənt\ adjective : having or showing very strong feelings Full Definition 1 : characterized by warmth of feeling typically expressed in eager zealous support or activity 2 : fiery, hot 3 : shining, glowing synonyms see impassioned ar·dent·ly adverb Examples made ardent declarations of love to the woman he someday hoped to marry an ardent science-fiction fan who has read virtually all of his favorite author's many works under an ardent sun the band of bedouins made their way across the sandy wastes Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin ardent-, ardens, present participle of ardēre to burn, from ardor. First use: 14th century Synonyms: fervent, blazing, burning, charged, demonstrative, emotional, fervid, feverish, fiery, flaming, glowing, hot-blooded, impassioned, incandescent, intense, passional, passionate, perfervid, red-hot, religious, superheated, torrid, vehement, warm, warm-blooded Antonyms: cold, cool, dispassionate, emotionless, impassive, unemotional

Answer 120

ob·scure\äb-ˈskyu̇r, əb-\ adjective : not well-known : not known to most people : difficult to understand : likely to be understood by only a few people : difficult or impossible to know completely and with certainty Full Definition 1 a : dark, dim b : shrouded in or hidden by darkness c : not clearly seen or easily distinguished : faint 2 : not readily understood or clearly expressed; also : mysterious 3 : relatively unknown: as a : remote, secluded b : not prominent or famous 4 : constituting the unstressed vowel \ə\ or having unstressed \ə\ as its value ob·scure·ly adverb ob·scure·ness noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French oscur, obscur, from Latin obscurus. First use: 15th century Synonyms: ambiguous, arcane, cryptic, dark, deep, Delphic, double-edged, elliptical (or elliptic), enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, fuliginous, inscrutable, murky, mysterious, mystic, nebulous, occult, opaque Antonyms: accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal Synonyms: belie, blanket, blot out, cloak, conceal, cover, curtain, disguise, enshroud, mask, 1hide, occult, paper over, screen, shroud, suppress, veil Antonyms: bare, disclose, display, divulge, expose, reveal, show, uncloak, uncover, unmask, unveil 2ob·scure\äb-ˈskyu̇r, əb-\ : to make (something) difficult to understand or know : to make (something) obscure : to hide or cover (something) : to be in front of (something) so that it cannot be seen Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make dark, dim, or indistinct 2 : to conceal or hide by or as if by covering 3 : to reduce (a vowel) to the value \ə\ Other forms: ob·scured; ob·scur·ing ob·scu·ra·tion \ˌäb-skyu̇-ˈrā-shən\ noun Examples The true history has been obscured by legends about what happened. They accused the company of trying to obscure the fact that the product poses a health risk. Low clouds obscured the mountains. = The mountains were obscured by low clouds.

Answer 121

pin·na·cle\ˈpi-ni-kəl\ noun : a high mountain top : the best or most important part of something : the point of greatest success or achievement : a tower on the roof of a building that comes to a narrow point at the top Full Definition 1 : an upright architectural member generally ending in a small spire and used especially in Gothic construction to give weight especially to a buttress 2 : a structure or formation suggesting a pinnacle; specifically : a lofty peak 3 : the highest point of development or achievement : acme synonyms see summit Origin: Middle English pinacle, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin pinnaculum small wing, gable, from Latin pinna wing, battlement. First use: 14th century Synonyms: acme, apex, apogee, capstone, climax, crescendo, crest, crown, culmination, head, high noon, high tide, high-water mark, meridian, ne plus ultra, noon, noontime, peak, height, sum, summit, tip-top, top, zenith Antonyms: bottom, nadir, rock bottom 2pinnacle transitive verb 1 : to surmount with a pinnacle 2 : to raise or rear on a pinnacle Other forms: pinnacled; pinnacling\-k(ə-)liŋ\

Answer 122

con·strict\kən-ˈstrikt\ : to make (something) narrower, smaller, or tighter : to become narrower, smaller, or tighter : to prevent or keep (something or someone) from developing freely Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to make narrow or draw together b : compress, squeeze 2 : to stultify, stop, or cause to falter : inhibit intransitive verb : to become constricted synonyms see contract con·stric·tive \-ˈstrik-tiv\ adjective Examples the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood constricted the opening with a clamp Origin: Latin constrictus, past participle of constringere. First use: 1732 Synonyms: compress, condense, contract, shrink Antonyms: balloon, expand, snowball, swell

Answer 123

be·reft\bi-ˈreft\ adjective : sad because a family member or friend has died Full Definition 1 a : deprived or robbed of the possession or use of something — usually used with of b : lacking something needed, wanted, or expected — used with of 2 : suffering the death of a loved one : bereaved Examples to one investigator, the bereft woman seemed to be taking the sudden death of her rich husband amazingly well a cheap motel completely bereft of all amenities Origin: (see bereave ). First use: 1565 Synonyms: bereaved Antonyms: filled, flush, fraught, full, replete, rife

Answer 124

``` fal·ter\ˈfȯl-tər\ : to stop being strong or successful : to begin to fail or weaken : to begin to walk or move in an unsteady way : to feel doubt about doing something Full Definition intransitive verb 1 a : to walk unsteadily : stumble b : to give way : totter c : to move waveringly or hesitatingly 2 : to speak brokenly or weakly : stammer 3 a : to hesitate in purpose or action : waver b : to lose drive or effectiveness transitive verb : to utter hesitatingly or brokenly synonyms see hesitate Other forms: fal·tered; fal·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\ fal·ter·er \-tər-ər\ noun fal·ter·ing·ly \-t(ə-)riŋ-lē\ adverb Origin: Middle English. First use: 14th century Synonyms: balance, dither, hesitate, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, vacillate, waver, wobble (also wabble) Antonyms: dive (in), plunge (in) 2falter noun : an act or instance of faltering ```

Answer 125

prod·i·gy\ˈprä-də-jē\ noun : a young person who is unusually talented in some way Full Definition 1 a : a portentous event : omen b : something extraordinary or inexplicable 2 a : an extraordinary, marvelous, or unusual accomplishment, deed, or event b : a highly talented child or youth Other forms: plural prod·i·gies Examples a new drug that is being hailed as the latest prodigy of the medical world Origin: Middle English, from Latin prodigium omen, monster, from pro-, prod- + -igium (akin to aio I say) — more at adage. First use: 15th century Synonyms: caution, flash, marvel, miracle, phenomenon, portent, wonder, sensation, splendor

Answer 126

ex·ul·ta·tion\ˌek-(ˌ)səl-ˈtā-shən, ˌeg-(ˌ)zəl-\ noun : a feeling of great happiness and excitement : an exultant feeling Full Definition : the act of exulting : the state of being exultant First use: 15th century

Answer 127

vo·lu·mi·nous\və-ˈlü-mə-nəs\ adjective : very large : containing a lot of space of clothing : using large amounts of fabric : very full : having very many words or pages Full Definition 1 : consisting of many folds, coils, or convolutions : winding 2 a : having or marked by great volume or bulk : large ; also : full b : numerous 3 a : filling or capable of filling a large volume or several volumes b : writing or speaking much or at great length vo·lu·mi·nous·ly adverb vo·lu·mi·nous·ness noun Examples decorating tips to help make voluminous rooms feel cozy Origin: Late Latin voluminosus, from Latin volumin-, volumen. First use: 1611 Synonyms: big, biggish, boxcar, bulky, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, hefty, hulking, husky, largish, outsize (also outsized), oversize (or oversized), sizable (or sizeable), substantial, tidy, large Antonyms: bantam, dinky, dwarf, dwarfish, little, puny, shrimpy, small, smallish, undersized (also undersize)

Answer 128

ret·ro·spect\ˈre-trə-ˌspekt\ noun 1 archaic : reference to or regard of a precedent or authority 2 : a review of or meditation on past events in retrospect : in considering the past or a past event Origin: probably from retro- + prospect. First use: 1602 Synonyms: reappraisal, reconsideration, reexamination, review, retrospection 2retrospect adjective : retrospective First use: 1709 Synonyms: reappraisal, reconsideration, reexamination, review, retrospection 3retrospect intransitive verb 1 : to engage in retrospection 2 : to refer back : reflect transitive verb : to go back over in thought

Answer 129

vit·ri·ol\ˈvi-trē-əl\ noun : harsh and angry words Full Definition 1 a : a sulfate of any of various metals (as copper, iron, or zinc); especially : a glassy hydrate of such a sulfate b : oil of vitriol 2 : something felt to resemble vitriol especially in caustic quality; especially : virulence of feeling or of speech vit·ri·ol·ic \ˌvi-trē-ˈä-lik\ adjective Examples a film critic noted for the vitriol and sometimes outright cruelty of his pronouncements the review was more than just unfavorable—it was loaded with vitriol Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French vitriole, from Medieval Latin vitriolum, alteration of Late Latin vitreolum, neuter of vitreolus glassy, from Latin vitreus vitreous. First use: 14th century Synonyms: acidity, acidness, acridity, acridness, asperity, bile, bitterness, cattiness, corrosiveness, mordancy, tartness, virulence, virulency, acrimony

Answer 130

in·vec·tive\in-ˈvek-tiv\ adjective : of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse in·vec·tive·ly adverb in·vec·tive·ness noun Origin: Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere. First use: 15th century Synonyms: contumelious, abusive, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory Synonyms: billingsgate, fulmination, abuse, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation 2invective noun : harsh or insulting words : rude and angry language Full Definition 1 : an abusive expression or speech 2 : insulting or abusive language : vituperation synonyms see abuse First use: 1523

Answer 131

be·smirch\bi-ˈsmərch, bē-\ : to cause harm or damage to (the reputation of someone or something) Full Definition transitive verb : sully, soil Examples inconsiderately besmirched the white bedsheets with their dirty feet First use: 1599 Synonyms: befoul, begrime, bemire, dirty, blacken, daub, distain [archaic], foul, gaum [dialect], grime, mire, muck, muddy, smirch, smudge, soil, stain, sully Antonyms: clean, cleanse

Answer 132

in·vet·er·ate\in-ˈve-t(ə-)rət\ adjective : always or often doing something specified : always or often happening or existing Full Definition 1 : firmly established by long persistence 2 : confirmed in a habit : habitual in·vet·er·ate·ly adverb Examples he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth Origin: Middle English, from Latin inveteratus, from past participle of inveterare to age (v.t.), from in- + veter-, vetus old — more at wether. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bred-in-the-bone, confirmed, deep, deep-rooted, deep-seated, entrenched (also intrenched), hard-core, rooted, settled

Answer 133

pun·gent\ˈpən-jənt\ adjective : having a strong, sharp taste or smell : having a strong effect on the mind because of being clever and direct Full Definition 1 : sharply painful 2 : having a stiff and sharp point 3 a : marked by a sharp incisive quality : caustic b : being sharp and to the point 4 a : causing a sharp or irritating sensation; especially : acrid b : having an intense flavor or odor pun·gent·ly adverb Examples a pungent chili that is not for those with timid taste buds a pungent put-down that she will not soon forget a newspaper columnist known for his pungent observations on everyday life Origin: Latin pungent-, pungens, present participle of pungere to prick, sting; akin to Latin pugnus fist, pugnare to fight, Greek pygmē fist. First use: 1597 Synonyms: nippy, sharp, strong, tangy Antonyms: bland, mild, smooth

Answer 134

ad·a·mant\ˈa-də-mənt, -ˌmant\ noun 1 : a stone (as a diamond) formerly believed to be of impenetrable hardness 2 : an unbreakable or extremely hard substance Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin adamant-, adamas hardest metal, diamond, from Greek. First use: 14th century Synonyms: obstinate, adamantine, bullheaded, dogged, hard, hardened, hardheaded, hard-nosed, headstrong, immovable, implacable, inconvincible, inflexible, intransigent, mulish, obdurate, opinionated, ossified, pat, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, self-opinionated, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding, willful (or wilful) Antonyms: acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, compliant, complying, flexible, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding 2ad·a·mant\ˈa-də-mənt, -ˌmant\ adjective : not willing to change an opinion or decision : very determined Full Definition : unshakable or insistent especially in maintaining a position or opinion : unyielding synonyms see inflexible ad·a·mant·ly adverb Origin: (see 1adamant ). First use: 1897

Answer 135

ego·tism\ˈē-gə-ˌti-zəm also ˈe-\ noun : the feeling or belief that you are better, more important, more talented, etc., than other people Full Definition 1 a : excessive use of the first person singular personal pronoun b : the practice of talking about oneself too much 2 : an exaggerated sense of self-importance : conceit — compare egoism 2 ego·tist \-tist\ noun ego·tis·tic \ˌē-gə-ˈtis-tik also ˌe-\ or ego·tis·ti·cal \-ˈtis-ti-kəl\ adjective ego·tis·ti·cal·ly \-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples for someone who has won a Nobel Prize in physics, he is remarkably without egotism egotism is not something that winners of the Nobel Prize for peace usually have time for Origin: Latin ego + English -tism (as in idiotism). First use: 1714 Synonyms: amour propre, bighead, complacency, conceit, conceitedness, ego, complacence, pomposity, pompousness, pride, pridefulness, self-admiration, self-assumption, self-conceit, self-congratulation, self-esteem, self-glory, self-importance, self-love, self-opinion, self-satisfaction, smugness, swelled head, swellheadedness, vaingloriousness, vainglory, vainness, vanity Antonyms: humbleness, humility, modesty

Answer 136

hu·mil·i·ty\hyü-ˈmi-lə-tē, yü-\ noun : the quality or state of not thinking you are better than other people : the quality or state of being humble Full Definition : the quality or state of being humble Examples displaying genuine humility, the peace activist accepted the Nobel Prize on behalf of all who have worked to end the violence First use: 14th century Synonyms: demureness, down-to-earthness, humbleness, lowliness, meekness, modesty Antonyms: arrogance, assumption, bumptiousness, conceit, egoism, egotism, haughtiness, hauteur, huffiness, imperiousness, loftiness, lordliness, peremptoriness, pomposity, pompousness, presumptuousness, pretense (or pretence), pretension, pretentiousness, pride, pridefulness, superciliousness, superiority, toploftiness

Answer 137

bed·lam\ˈbed-ləm\ noun : a very noisy and confused state or scene Full Definition 1 obsolete : madman, lunatic 2 often capitalized : a lunatic asylum 3 : a place, scene, or state of uproar and confusion bedlam adjective Examples French physician Philippe Pinel was instrumental in the transformation of bedlams from filthy hellholes to well-ordered, humane institutions there's no way I can get any reading done in this bedlam, so I'm going to the library Origin: Bedlam, popular name for the Hospital of St. Mary of Bethlehem, London, an insane asylum, from Middle English Bedlem Bethlehem. First use: circa 1529 Synonyms: asylum, madhouse, institution

Answer 138

ex·ploit\ˈek-ˌsplȯit, ik-ˈ\ noun : an exciting act or action Full Definition : deed, act; especially : a notable or heroic act synonyms see feat Origin: Middle English espleit, expleit, exploit furtherance, outcome, from Anglo-French, from Latin explicitum, neuter of explicitus, past participle. First use: circa 1538 Synonyms: deed, feat, number, stunt, tour de force, trick Synonyms: abuse, capitalize (on), cash in (on), impose (on or upon), leverage, milk, pimp, play (on or upon), use, work, trade on, walk on 2ex·ploit\ik-ˈsplȯit, ˈek-ˌ\ : to get value or use from (something) : to use (someone or something) in a way that helps you unfairly Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make productive use of : utilize ex·ploit·abil·i·ty \ik-ˌsploi-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun ex·ploit·able \-ˈsplȯi-tə-bəl\ adjective ex·ploit·er noun First use: 1838

Answer 139

pro·pin·qui·ty\prə-ˈpiŋ-kwə-tē\ noun 1 : nearness of blood : kinship 2 : nearness in place or time : proximity Examples local housing prices, thanks to the propinquity of an especially picturesque beach, are out of the reach of many would-be buyers Origin: Middle English propinquite, from Latin propinquitat-, propinquitas kinship, proximity, from propinquus near, akin, from prope near — more at approach. First use: 14th century Synonyms: adjacency, closeness, contiguity, immediacy, nearness, proximity, vicinity Antonyms: distance, remoteness

Answer 140

vul·ner·a·ble\ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl, ˈvəl-nər-bəl\ adjective : easily hurt or harmed physically, mentally, or emotionally : open to attack, harm, or damage Full Definition 1 : capable of being physically or emotionally wounded 2 : open to attack or damage : assailable 3 : liable to increased penalties but entitled to increased bonuses after winning a game in contract bridge vul·ner·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvəl-n(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun vul·ner·a·ble·ness \ˈvəl-n(ə-)rə-bəl-nəs, ˈvəl-nər-bəl-\ noun vul·ner·a·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples I'm vulnerable to sunburn whenever I go out in the sun vulnerable baby chicks Origin: Late Latin vulnerabilis, from Latin vulnerare to wound, from vulner-, vulnus wound; probably akin to Latin vellere to pluck, Greek oulē wound. First use: 1605 Synonyms: endangered, exposed, open, sensitive, subject (to), susceptible, liable Antonyms: insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible

Answer 141

ca·coph·o·ny\ka-ˈkä-fə-nē, -ˈkȯ- also -ˈka-\ noun : unpleasant loud sounds Full Definition : harsh or discordant sound : dissonance 2; specifically : harshness in the sound of words or phrases Other forms: plural ca·coph·o·nies Examples the cacophony of a pet store full of animals Origin: (see cacophonous ). First use: circa 1656 Synonyms: babel, blare, bluster, bowwow, brawl, bruit [archaic], noise, chatter, clamor, clangor, decibel(s), din, discordance, katzenjammer, racket, rattle, roar Antonyms: quiet, silence, silentness, still, stillness

Answer 142

in·fal·li·ble\(ˌ)in-ˈfa-lə-bəl\ adjective : not capable of being wrong or making mistakes : not fallible : certain to work properly or succeed Full Definition 1 : incapable of error : unerring 2 : not liable to mislead, deceive, or disappoint : certain 3 : incapable of error in defining doctrines touching faith or morals in·fal·li·bil·i·ty \-ˌfa-lə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun in·fal·li·bly \-ˈfa-lə-blē\ adverb Examples a teacher with an infallible memory for names an infallible cure for hiccups Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin infallibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin fallibilis fallible. First use: 15th century Synonyms: unerring, unfailing Antonyms: fallible

Answer 143

dis·grun·tle\dis-ˈgrən-təl\ transitive verb : to make ill-humored or discontented — usually used as a participial adjective s shabby treatment, turned him in to the IRS a crew disgruntled by a long voyage that provided no opportunity for recreation onshore Origin: dis- + gruntle to grumble, from Middle English gruntlen, frequentative of grunten to grunt. First use: 1682 Synonyms: alien, alienate, disaffect, estrange, sour Antonyms: reconcile

Answer 144

erad·i·cate\i-ˈra-də-ˌkāt\ : to remove (something) completely : to eliminate or destroy (something harmful) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to pull up by the roots 2 : to do away with as completely as if by pulling up by the roots synonyms see exterminate Other forms: erad·i·cat·ed; erad·i·cat·ing erad·i·ca·ble \-ˈra-di-kə-bəl\ adjective erad·i·ca·tion \-ˌra-də-ˈkā-shən\ noun erad·i·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun Examples the successful effort to eradicate smallpox around the globe Origin: Latin eradicatus, past participle of eradicare, from e- + radic-, radix root — more at root. First use: 1532 Synonyms: abolish, black out, blot out, cancel, clean (up), efface, annihilate, erase, expunge, exterminate, extirpate, liquidate, obliterate, root (out), rub out, snuff (out), stamp (out), sweep (away), wipe out

Answer 145

pan·a·cea\ˌpa-nə-ˈsē-ə\ noun : something that will make everything about a situation better Full Definition : a remedy for all ills or difficulties : cure-all pan·a·ce·an \-ˈsē-ən\ adjective Examples a woman who seems to believe that chicken soup is a panacea for nearly everything Origin: Latin, from Greek panakeia, from panakēs all-healing, from pan- + akos remedy. First use: 1548 Synonyms: catholicon, elixir, nostrum, cure–all, theriac

Answer 146

im·pede\im-ˈpēd\ : to slow the movement, progress, or action of (someone or something) Full Definition transitive verb : to interfere with or slow the progress of synonyms see hinder Other forms: im·ped·ed; im·ped·ing im·ped·er noun Examples the construction work impeded the smooth running of the office for several months Origin: Latin impedire, from in- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot. First use: circa 1595 Synonyms: clog, cramp, embarrass, encumber, fetter, handcuff, handicap, hinder, hobble, hog-tie, hold back, hold up, hamper, inhibit, interfere (with), manacle, obstruct, shackle, short-circuit, stymie, tie up, trammel Antonyms: aid, assist, facilitate, help

Answer 147

``` se·date\si-ˈdāt\ adjective : slow and relaxed : quiet and peaceful Full Definition : keeping a quiet steady attitude or pace : unruffled synonyms see serious se·date·ly adverb se·date·ness noun Origin: Latin sedatus, from past participle of sedare to calm; akin to sedēre to sit — more at sit. First use: 1663 Synonyms: earnest, grave, humorless, no-nonsense, po-faced [British], serious, severe, sober, sobersided, solemn, staid, uncomic, unsmiling, weighty Antonyms: facetious, flip, flippant, humorous, jesting, jocular, joking, kittenish, ludic, playful 2sedate transitive verb : to give (a person or animal) drugs that cause relaxation or sleep Full Definition : to dose with sedatives Other forms: se·dat·ed; se·dat·ing Examples The doctor sedated the patient heavily. The patient had to be sedated. The animal was heavily sedated during the procedure. Origin: back-formation from sedative. First use: 1945 ```

Answer 148

re·vere\ri-ˈvir\ : to have great respect for (someone or something) : to show devotion and honor to (someone or something) Full Definition transitive verb : to show devoted deferential honor to : regard as worthy of great honor Other forms: re·vered; re·ver·ing Origin: Latin revereri, from re- + vereri to fear, respect — more at wary. First use: 1615 Synonyms: adore, deify, glorify, worship, reverence, venerate ``` 2revere noun : revers Origin: by alteration. First use: 1899 Synonyms: adore, deify, glorify, worship, reverence, venerate ```

Answer 149

se·ren·i·ty\sə-ˈre-nə-tē\ noun : the quality or state of being serene Examples the serenity in the aftermath of the tornado was remarkable his serenity calmed those around him the momentary serenity experienced during his lunchtime rambles gets him through the rest of the workday First use: 15th century Synonyms: calmness, hush, peace, peacefulness, placidity, quiet, quietness, quietude, repose, restfulness, sereneness, calm, still, stillness, tranquillity (or tranquility) Antonyms: bustle, commotion, hubbub, hurly-burly, pandemonium, tumult, turmoil, unquietness, unrest, uproar

Answer 150

com·pat·i·ble\kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl\ adjective : able to exist together without trouble or conflict : going together well of devices and especially computers : able to be used together Full Definition 1 : capable of existing together in harmony 2 : capable of cross-fertilizing freely or uniting vegetatively 3 : capable of forming a homogeneous mixture that neither separates nor is altered by chemical interaction 4 : capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without immunological reaction (as agglutination or tissue rejection) 5 : designed to work with another device or system without modification; especially : being a computer designed to operate in the same manner and use the same software as another computer com·pat·i·bil·i·ty \-ˌpa-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun compatible noun com·pat·i·ble·ness \-ˈpa-tə-bəl-nəs\ noun com·pat·i·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples didn't think that they'd be compatible as roommates a theory that is compatible with what we already know about early man Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin compatibilis, literally, sympathetic, from Late Latin compati. First use: 15th century Synonyms: agreeable, amicable, harmonious, congenial, frictionless, kindred, unanimous, united Antonyms: disagreeable, discordant, disharmonious, disunited, incompatible, inharmonious, uncongenial

Answer 151

noun : calm emotions when dealing with problems or pressure Full Definition 1 : evenness of mind especially under stress 2 : right disposition : balance Other forms: plural equa·nim·i·ties Examples an Olympic diver who always displays remarkable equanimity on the platform Origin: Latin aequanimitas, from aequo animo with even mind. First use: circa 1616 Synonyms: aplomb, calmness, collectedness, composedness, composure, cool, coolness, countenance, equilibrium, imperturbability, placidity, repose, sangfroid, self-composedness, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, perturbation

Answer 152

mor·i·bund\ˈmȯr-ə-(ˌ)bənd, ˈmär-\ adjective : no longer active or effective : close to failure : very sick : close to death Full Definition 1 : being in the state of dying : approaching death 2 : being in a state of inactivity or obsolescence mor·i·bun·di·ty \ˌmȯr-ə-ˈbən-də-tē, ˌmär-\ noun Examples with its run-down look and empty aisles, the grocery store appeared moribund youngsters snickering at the moribund slang their parents were using Origin: Latin moribundus, from mori to die — more at murder. First use: circa 1721 Synonyms: dying, at death's door

Answer 153

na·dir\ˈnā-ˌdir, ˈnā-dər\ noun : the worst or lowest point of something Full Definition 1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the zenith and vertically downward from the observer 2 : the lowest point Examples the discussion really reached its nadir when people resorted to name-calling got into the stock market when it was at its nadir and then watched prices soar Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Arabic naḍhīr opposite. First use: 15th century Synonyms: bedrock, bottom, depth, rock bottom, zero Antonyms: acme, apex, climax, crown, culmination, head, height, high-water mark, meridian, peak, pinnacle, summit, tip-top, top, zenith

Answer 154

in·sa·tia·ble\(ˌ)in-ˈsā-shə-bəl\ adjective : always wanting more : not able to be satisfied Full Definition : incapable of being satisfied : quenchless in·sa·tia·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)in-ˌsā-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun in·sa·tia·ble·ness \(ˌ)in-ˈsā-shə-bəl-nəs\ noun in·sa·tia·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples an insatiable need for the approval of others Origin: Middle English insaciable, from Anglo-French, from Latin insatiabilis, from in- + satiare to satisfy — more at satiate. First use: 15th century Synonyms: inappeasable, inextinguishable, insatiate, quenchless, unappeasable, unquenchable, unslakable Antonyms: appeasable, extinguishable, satiable, satisfiable

Answer 155

av·a·rice\ˈa-və-rəs, ˈav-rəs\ noun : a strong desire to have or get money Full Definition : excessive or insatiable desire for wealth or gain : greediness, cupidity Examples the bank official's embezzlement was motivated by pure avarice Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin avaritia, from avarus avaricious, from avēre to crave — more at avid. First use: 14th century Synonyms: acquisitiveness, greed, avariciousness, avidity, avidness, covetousness, cupidity, graspingness, greediness, mercenariness, rapaciousness, rapacity

Answer 156

ir·ra·tio·nal\i-ˈra-sh(ə-)nəl, ˌi(r)-\ adjective : not thinking clearly : not able to use reason or good judgment : not based on reason, good judgment, or clear thinking Full Definition : not rational: as a (1) : not endowed with reason or understanding (2) : lacking usual or normal mental clarity or coherence b : not governed by or according to reason c Greek & Latin prosody (1) of a syllable : having a quantity other than that required by the meter (2) of a foot : containing such a syllable d (1) : being an irrational number (2) : having a numerical value that is an irrational number ir·ra·tio·nal·i·ty \-ˌra-shə-ˈna-lə-tē\ noun ir·ra·tio·nal·ly \-ˈra-sh(ə-)nə-lē\ adverb Origin: Middle English, from Latin irrationalis, from in- + rationalis rational. First use: 14th century Synonyms: fallacious, illegitimate, inconsequent, inconsequential, invalid, illogical, nonrational, unreasonable, unreasoning, unsound, weak Antonyms: logical, rational, reasonable, sound, valid, well-founded, well-grounded 2irrational noun 1 : an irrational being 2 : irrational number First use: 1646

Answer 157

pa·thet·ic\pə-ˈthe-tik\ adjective : causing feelings of sadness and sympathy : very bad, poor, weak, etc. Full Definition 1 : having a capacity to move one to either compassionate or contemptuous pity 2 : marked by sorrow or melancholy : sad 3 : pitifully inferior or inadequate s pathetic performance Origin: Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French pathetique, from Late Latin patheticus, from Greek pathētikos capable of feeling, pathetic, from paschein (aor. pathein) to experience, suffer — more at pathos. First use: 1598 Synonyms: heartbreaking, heartrending, miserable, piteous, pitiable, pitiful, poor, rueful, sorry, wretched Antonyms: cheering, cheery, glad, happy

Answer 158

obese\ō-ˈbēs\ adjective : very fat : fat in a way that is unhealthy Full Definition : having excessive body fat Examples providing medical treatment for obese patients the problem of obesity in children Origin: Latin obesus, from ob- against + esus, past participle of edere to eat — more at ob-, eat. First use: 1651 Synonyms: blubbery, chubby, corpulent, fleshy, full, gross, lardy, fat, overweight, plump, podgy [chiefly British], portly, pudgy, replete, roly-poly, rotund, round, tubby Antonyms: lean, skinny, slender, slim, spare, thin

Answer 159

lithe\ˈlīth, ˈlīth\ adjective : moving in an easy and graceful way Full Definition 1 : easily bent or flexed 2 : characterized by easy flexibility and grace ; also : athletically slim lithe·ly adverb lithe·ness noun Examples a lithe, muscular athlete the lithe body of a dancer Origin: Middle English, from Old English līthe gentle; akin to Old High German lindi gentle, Latin lentus slow. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bendy [chiefly British], flexible, limber, lissome (also lissom), willowy, lithesome, pliable, pliant, supple Antonyms: inflexible, rigid, stiff, stiffened

Answer 160

ad·her·ent\ad-ˈhir-ənt, əd-\ adjective 1 : able or tending to adhere 2 : connected or associated with especially by contract 3 : adnate ad·her·ent·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French adheirdant, adherent, from Latin adhaerent-, adhaerens, present participle of adhaerēre. First use: 15th century Synonyms: sticky, adhesive, clingy, gluey, glutinous, gummy, tacky, tenacious, viscid Antonyms: nonadhesive Synonyms: acolyte, follower, convert, disciple, epigone, liege man, partisan (also partizan), pupil, votarist, votary Antonyms: coryphaeus, leader 2adherent noun : a person who is loyal to a leader, group, or religion : a person who adheres to or supports a system or set of principles Full Definition : one that adheres: as a : a follower of a leader, party, or profession b : a believer in or advocate especially of a particular idea or church synonyms see follower First use: 15th century

Answer 161

bliss\ˈblis\ noun : complete happiness Full Definition 1 : complete happiness 2 : paradise, heaven Examples Their religion promises eternal bliss in heaven. marital/wedded/domestic bliss Relaxing on the porch of our private villa was sheer bliss. Origin: Middle English blisse, from Old English bliss; akin to Old English blīthe blithe. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: above, heaven, elysian fields, Elysium, empyrean, kingdom come, New Jerusalem, paradise, sky, Zion (also Sion) Antonyms: Gehenna, hell, Pandemonium, perdition

Answer 162

in·ebri·at·ed\i-ˈnē-brē-ˌā-təd\ adjective : affected by drinking too much alcohol Full Definition : exhilarated or confused by or as if by alcohol : intoxicated Examples after a night spent partying, the fraternity brothers were all severely inebriated Origin: (see 1inebriate ). First use: 1609 Synonyms: besotted, blasted [slang], blind, blitzed [slang], blotto [slang], bombed, boozy, canned [slang], cockeyed, crocked, drunken, fried, gassed, hammered [slang], high, impaired, inebriate, drunk, intoxicated, juiced [slang], lit, lit up, loaded [slang], looped, oiled [slang], pickled, pie-eyed, plastered, potted [slang], ripped [slang], sloshed [slang], smashed [slang], sottish, soused, sozzled, squiffed (or squiffy), stewed, stiff, stinking [slang], stoned, tanked [slang], tiddly [chiefly British], tight, tipsy, wasted [slang], wet, wiped out [slang] Antonyms: sober, straight

Answer 163

ex·hort\ig-ˈzȯrt\ : to try to influence (someone) by words or advice : to strongly urge (someone) to dosomething Full Definition transitive verb : to incite by argument or advice : urge strongly intransitive verb : to give warnings or advice : make urgent appeals ex·hort·er noun Examples the speaker exhorted the graduating students to go forth and try to make a difference in the world Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French exorter, from Latin exhortari, from ex- + hortari to incite — more at yearn. First use: 15th century Synonyms: egg (on), encourage, urge, goad, nudge, press, prod, prompt

Answer 164

ad·ver·sary\ˈad-və(r)-ˌser-ē, -ˌse-rē\ noun : an enemy or opponent Full Definition : one that contends with, opposes, or resists : enemy Other forms: plural ad·ver·sar·ies ad·ver·sari·ness noun Origin: (see adverse ). First use: 14th century Synonyms: adversarial, hostile, antagonistic, antipathetic, inhospitable, inimical, jaundiced, mortal, negative, unfriendly, unsympathetic Antonyms: friendly, hospitable, nonantagonistic, nonhostile, sympathetic Synonyms: enemy, antagonist, foe, hostile, opponent Antonyms: amigo, friend 2ad·ver·sary\ˈad-və(r)-ˌser-ē, -ˌse-rē\ adjective 1 : of, relating to, or involving an enemy or adversary 2 : having or involving antagonistic parties or opposing interests Origin: (see adverse ). First use: 14th century

Answer 165

ap·a·thy\ˈa-pə-thē\ noun : the feeling of not having much emotion or interest : an apathetic state Full Definition 1 : lack of feeling or emotion : impassiveness 2 : lack of interest or concern : indifference Examples the apathy of the people of that war-torn country comes from their having seen too many horrors her poor grades are proof enough of her apathy concerning all matters academic Origin: Greek apatheia, from apathēs without feeling, from a- + pathos emotion — more at pathos. First use: 1594 Synonyms: affectlessness, emotionlessness, impassiveness, impassivity, insensibility, numbness, phlegm Antonyms: emotion, feeling, sensibility

Answer 166

fra·cas\ˈfrā-kəs, ˈfra-, British ˈfra-ˌkä\ noun : a noisy argument or fight Full Definition : a noisy quarrel : brawl Other forms: plural fra·cas·es \-kə-səz\ or British frac·as \-ˌkäz\ Examples the police broke up the fracas in the bar and threw both combatants in the lockup police preparing for any fracas that might follow the soccer game Origin: French, din, row, from Italian fracasso, from fracassare to shatter. First use: 1716 Synonyms: battle, clash, combat, conflict, contest, dustup, fight, fray, hassle, scrap, scrimmage, scrum, scuffle, skirmish, struggle, tussle

Answer 167

in·do·lent\ˈin-də-lənt\ adjective : not liking to work or be active Full Definition 1 a : causing little or no pain b : slow to develop or heal 2 a : averse to activity, effort, or movement : habitually lazy b : conducive to or encouraging laziness c : showing an inclination to laziness synonyms see lazy in·do·lent·ly adverb Examples an indolent boy who had to be forced to help out with the chores Origin: Late Latin indolent-, indolens insensitive to pain, from Latin in- + dolent-, dolens, present participle of dolēre to feel pain. First use: 1663 Synonyms: idle, lazy, shiftless, slothful Antonyms: industrious

Answer 168

plat·i·tude\ˈpla-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\ noun : a statement that expresses an idea that is not new Full Definition 1 : the quality or state of being dull or insipid 2 : a banal, trite, or stale remark Examples “blondes have more fun” is a silly platitude Origin: French, from plat flat, dull. First use: 1812 Synonyms: banality, bromide, chestnut, cliché (also cliche), groaner, homily, commonplace, shibboleth, trope, truism

Answer 169

gar·ru·lous\ˈger-ə-ləs, ˈga-rə- also ˈger-yə-\ adjective : tending to talk a lot : very talkative Full Definition 1 : given to prosy, rambling, or tedious loquacity : pointlessly or annoyingly talkative 2 : wordy 1 synonyms see talkative gar·ru·lous·ly adverb gar·ru·lous·ness noun Examples a garrulous boy who was in constant trouble for talking out of turn now that he's in his anecdotage, Grandpa likes to tell garrulous, shaggy-dog accounts of his youthful misadventures Origin: Latin garrulus, from garrire to chatter — more at care. First use: circa 1611 Synonyms: blabby, chatty, conversational, gabby, talkative, loquacious, motormouthed, mouthy, talky Antonyms: closemouthed, laconic, reserved, reticent, taciturn, tight-lipped, uncommunicative

Answer 170

ba·nal\bə-ˈnal, ba-, -ˈnäl; bā-ˈnal; ˈbā-nəl\ adjective : boring or ordinary : not interesting Full Definition : lacking originality, freshness, or novelty : trite synonyms see insipid ba·nal·ize \bə-ˈna-ˌlīz, ba-, -ˈnä-; bā-ˈna-; ˈbā-nəl-ˌīz\ transitive verb ba·nal·ly \bə-ˈnal-lē, ba-, -ˈnäl-; bā-ˈnal-; ˈbā-nəl-(l)ē\ adverb Examples the sort of banal woman who appeals to men not looking for intellectual stimulation please find new ways of phrasing your thoughts instead of relying on banal expressions Origin: French, from Middle French, of compulsory feudal service, possessed in common, commonplace, from ban. First use: 1825 Synonyms: wishy–washy, flat, insipid, milk-and-water, namby-pamby, watery Antonyms: fresh, new, novel, original, unclichéd, unhackneyed

Answer 171

gus·to\ˈgəs-(ˌ)tō\ noun : great enjoyment, energy, and enthusiasm Full Definition 1 a : an individual or special taste b : enthusiastic and vigorous enjoyment or appreciation c : vitality marked by an abundance of vigor and enthusiasm 2 archaic : artistic style Other forms: plural gustoes Examples I don't have the gusto to go on a strenuous hike right now Origin: Italian, from Latin gustus, past participle. First use: 1620 Synonyms: beans, bounce, brio, dash, drive, dynamism, energy, esprit, gas, get-up-and-go, ginger, go, vigor, hardihood, juice, life, moxie, oomph, pep, punch, sap, snap, starch, verve, vim, vinegar, vitality, zing, zip Antonyms: lethargy, listlessness, sluggishness, torpidity

Answer 172

pique\ˈpēk\ noun : a sudden feeling of annoyance or anger when someone has offended you Full Definition : a transient feeling of wounded vanity : resentment synonyms see offense Examples After a moment of pique, the senator responded calmly to his accusers. He slammed the door in a fit of pique. Origin: (see 2pique ). First use: 1551 Synonyms: dudgeon, huff, miff, offense (or offence), peeve, resentment, umbrage Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], nettle, peeve, persecute, irritate, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, vex 2pique\ˈpēk\ : to cause (curiosity or interest) : to make (someone) annoyed or angry Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : irritate 2 a : to excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff b : pride synonyms see provoke Other forms: piqued; piqu·ing Examples The package piqued my curiosity. Brightly colored objects pique a baby's interest. I was piqued by his rudeness. Origin: French piquer, literally, to prick — more at pike. First use: 1669 Synonyms: dudgeon, huff, miff, offense (or offence), peeve, resentment, umbrage Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], nettle, peeve, persecute, irritate, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, vex

Answer 173

non·de·script\ˌnän-di-ˈskript\ adjective : not easily described : having no special or interesting qualities, parts, etc. : typical and uninteresting Full Definition 1 : belonging or appearing to belong to no particular class or kind : not easily described 2 : lacking distinctive or interesting qualities : dull, drab nondescript noun Examples travelers settling for nondescript motel rooms that could be located anywhere Origin: non- + Latin descriptus, past participle of describere to describe. First use: 1789 Synonyms: beige, characterless, faceless, featureless, indistinctive, neutral, noncommital, vanilla

Answer 174

wane\ˈwān\ of the moon : to appear to become thinner or less full : to become smaller or less : to decrease in size, amount, length, or quality Full Definition intransitive verb 1 : to decrease in size, extent, or degree : dwindle: as a : to diminish in phase or intensity — used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets b : to become less brilliant or powerful : dim c : to flow out : ebb 2 : to fall gradually from power, prosperity, or influence synonyms see abate Other forms: waned; wan·ing Examples The moon waxes and then wanes. The scandal caused her popularity to wane. Interest in this issue has continued to wane. Origin: Middle English, from Old English wanian; akin to Old High German wanōn to wane, Old English wan wanting, deficient, Latin vanus empty, vain. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: abate, decline, de-escalate, die (away or down or out), diminish, drain (away), drop (off), dwindle, ease, ebb, fall, fall away, lessen, let up, lower, moderate, pall, phase down, ratchet (down) also rachet (down), recede, relent, remit, shrink, subside, taper, taper off, decrease Antonyms: accumulate, balloon, build, burgeon (also bourgeon), enlarge, escalate, expand, grow, increase, intensify, mount, mushroom, pick up, rise, snowball, soar, swell, wax 2wane noun 1 a : the act or process of waning b : a period or time of waning; specifically : the period from the full moon to the new moon 2 [Middle English, defect, from Old English wana; akin to Old English wan deficient] : a defect in lumber characterized by bark or a lack of wood at a corner or edge Examples Her popularity was on the wane.

Answer 175

dil·et·tante\ˈdi-lə-ˌtänt, -ˌtant; ˌdi-lə-ˈ\ noun : a person whose interest in an art or in an area of knowledge is not very deep or serious Full Definition 1 : an admirer or lover of the arts 2 : a person having a superficial interest in an art or a branch of knowledge : dabbler synonyms see amateur Other forms: plural dil·et·tantes or dil·et·tan·ti \-ˈtän-tē, -ˈtan-tē\ dilettante adjective dil·et·tant·ish \-ˌtän-tish, -ˌtan-, ˌdi-lə-ˈ\ adjective dil·et·tan·tism \-ˌtän-ˌti-zəm, -ˌtan-, ˌdi-lə-ˈ\ noun Examples she writes about art not from the point of view of an artist but from that of a committed dilettante a dilettante at heart, she was never willing to commit the time and effort that ballet demands Origin: Italian, from present participle of dilettare to delight, from Latin dilectare — more at delight. First use: 1748 Synonyms: cognoscente, connoisseur Antonyms: authority, expert, pro, professional, specialist

Answer 176

atyp·i·cal\(ˌ)ā-ˈti-pi-kəl\ adjective : not typical : not usual or normal Full Definition : not typical : irregular, unusual atyp·i·cal·i·ty \ˌā-ˌti-pə-ˈka-lə-tē\ noun atyp·i·cal·ly \(ˌ)ā-ˈti-pi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples the postal service delivered the package with atypical speed since that's an atypical response for an infant, you might want to have her hearing tested First use: 1885 Synonyms: aberrant, aberrated, abnormal, anomalous, exceptional, especial, exceeding, extraordinaire, extraordinary, freak, odd, peculiar, phenomenal, preternatural, rare, singular, uncommon, uncustomary, unique, unusual, unwonted Antonyms: common, customary, normal, ordinary, typical, unexceptional, unextraordinary, usual