1100 Second Part Flashcards
Fruitless
fruit·less\ˈfrüt-ləs\
adjective
: producing no good results : not successful
Full Definition
1 : unsuccessful <a>
2 : lacking or not bearing fruit
synonyms see futile
fruit·less·ly adverb
fruit·less·ness noun
Examples
this argument is totally fruitless, as neither of us will change our position
a stand of blighted, fruitless trees
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: abortive, barren, bootless, empty, futile, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain
Antonyms: deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous</a>
Poignant
poi·gnant\ˈpȯi-nyənt sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nənt\
adjective
: causing a strong feeling of sadness
Full Definition
1 : pungently pervasive <a>
2 a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings : piercing (2) : deeply affecting : touching
b : designed to make an impression : cutting
3 a : pleasurably stimulating
b : being to the point : apt
synonyms see pungent, moving
poi·gnant·ly adverb
Examples
a poignant story of a love affair that ends in tragedy
a poignant truthfulness to the author’s observations on marriage
Origin: Middle English poynaunt, from Anglo-French poinant, poignant, present participle of poindre to prick, sting, from Latin pungere — more at pungent.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: affecting, emotional, impactful, impressive, moving, stirring, touching
Antonyms: unaffecting, unemotional, unimpressive</a>
Garble
gar·ble\ˈgär-bəl\
: to cause (a word, name, message, etc.) to be unclear or confusing
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 archaic : cull 1
2 : to sift impurities from
3 a : to so alter or distort as to create a wrong impression or change the meaning
b : to introduce textual error into (a message) by inaccurate encipherment, transmission, or decipherment
Other forms: gar·bled; gar·bling -b(ə-)liŋ\
gar·bler -b(ə-)lər\ noun
Origin: Middle English garbelen, from Old Italian garbellare to sift, from Arabic gharbala, from Late Latin cribellare, from cribellum sieve; akin to Latin cernere to sift — more at certain.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: bend, color, cook, distort, falsify, fudge, misinterpret, misrelate, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, slant, twist, warp
2garble
noun
1 : the impurities removed from spices in sifting
2 : an act or an instance of garbling
First use: 1502
Synonyms: bend, color, cook, distort, falsify, fudge, misinterpret, misrelate, misrepresent, misstate, pervert, slant, twist, warp
Sanguine
san·guine\ˈsaŋ-gwən\
adjective
: confident and hopeful
Full Definition
1 : bloodred
2 a : consisting of or relating to blood
b : bloodthirsty, sanguinary
c of the complexion : ruddy
3 : having blood as the predominating bodily humor; also : having the bodily conformation and temperament held characteristic of such predominance and marked by sturdiness, high color, and cheerfulness
4 : confident, optimistic
san·guine·ly adverb
san·guine·ness -gwən-nəs\ noun
san·guin·i·ty \saŋ-ˈgwi-nə-tē, san-\ noun
Origin: Middle English sanguin, from Anglo-French, from Latin sanguineus, from sanguin-, sanguis (see sanguinary )).
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: bloody, bloody-minded, homicidal, murdering, murderous, sanguinary, bloodthirsty, sanguineous
Antonyms: ashen, ashy, doughy, livid, lurid, mealy, pale, paled, palish, pallid, pasty, peaked, peaky, sallow, sallowish, wan
2san·guine\ˈsaŋ-gwən\
noun
: a moderate to strong red
Origin: (see 1sanguine ).
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: bloody, bloody-minded, homicidal, murdering, murderous, sanguinary, bloodthirsty, sanguineous
Antonyms: ashen, ashy, doughy, livid, lurid, mealy, pale, paled, palish, pallid, pasty, peaked, peaky, sallow, sallowish, wan
Inundate
in·un·date\ˈi-(ˌ)nən-ˌdāt\
: to cause (someone or something) to receive or take in a large amount of things at the same time
: to cover (something) with a flood of water
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to cover with a flood : overflow
2 : overwhelm
Other forms: in·un·dat·ed; in·un·dat·ing
in·un·da·tion \ˌi-(ˌ)nən-ˈdā-shən\ noun
in·un·da·tor \ˈi-(ˌ)nən-ˌdā-tər\ noun
in·un·da·to·ry \i-ˈnən-də-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
Examples
water from the overflowing bathtub inundated the bathroom floor
Origin: Latin inundatus, past participle of inundare, from in- + unda wave — more at water.
First use: 1590
Synonyms: deluge, drown, engulf, gulf, flood, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp
Antonyms: drain
Phlegmatic
phleg·mat·ic\fleg-ˈma-tik\
adjective
: not easily upset, excited, or angered
Full Definition
1 : resembling, consisting of, or producing the humor phlegm(see phlegm )
2 : having or showing a slow and stolid temperament
synonyms see impassive
phleg·mat·i·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Examples
a strangely phlegmatic response to what should have been happy news
Origin: (see phlegm ).
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: affectless, apathetic, cold-blooded, emotionless, impassible, numb, passionless, impassive, stoic (or stoical), stolid, undemonstrative, unemotional
Antonyms: demonstrative, emotional, fervent, fervid, hot-blooded, impassioned, passional, passionate, vehement
Corroborate
cor·rob·o·rate\kə-ˈrä-bə-ˌrāt\
: to support or help prove (a statement, theory, etc.) by providing information or evidence
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to support with evidence or authority : make more certain
synonyms see confirm
Other forms: cor·rob·o·rat·ed; cor·rob·o·rat·ing
cor·rob·o·ra·tion -ˌrä-bə-ˈrā-shən\ noun
cor·rob·o·ra·tive -ˈrä-bə-ˌrā-tiv, -ˈrä-b(ə-)rə-\ adjective
cor·rob·o·ra·tor -ˈrä-bə-ˌrā-tər\ noun
cor·rob·o·ra·to·ry -ˈrä-b(ə-)rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective
Examples
the witnesses corroborated the policeman’s testimony
my personal experience does not corroborate your faith in the essential goodness of people
Origin: Latin corroboratus, past participle of corroborare, from com- + robor-, robur strength.
First use: 1529
Synonyms: argue, attest, authenticate, bear out, certify, confirm, substantiate, support, validate, verify, vindicate
Antonyms: disprove, rebut, refute
Comprehensive
com·pre·hen·sive\ˌkäm-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv, -prē-\
adjective
: including many, most, or all things
: of or relating to a comprehensive school
Full Definition
1 : covering completely or broadly : inclusive
2 : having or exhibiting wide mental grasp
com·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb
com·pre·hen·sive·ness noun
Examples
a comprehensive overview of European history since the French Revolution
a comprehensive listing of all the paintings generally attributed to the Dutch artist Rembrandt
comprehensive plans for covering just about any conceivable terrorist attack
Origin: (see comprehension ).
First use: 1614
Synonyms: all-embracing, all-in [chiefly British], all-inclusive, broad-gauge (or broad-gauged), compendious, complete, encyclopedic, cover-all, cyclopedic, embracive, exhaustive, full, global, inclusive, in-depth, omnibus, panoramic, thorough, universal
Antonyms: imperfect, incomplete, partial
Zealous
zeal·ous\ˈze-ləs\ adjective \: feeling or showing strong and energetic support for a person, cause, etc. : filled with zeal Full Definition \: marked by fervent partisanship for a person, a cause, or an ideal : filled with or characterized by zeal zeal·ous·ly adverb zeal·ous·ness noun First use: 1526
Coerce
co·erce\kō-ˈərs\ \: to make (someone) do something by using force or threats \: to get (something) by using force or threats Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to restrain or dominate by force 2 : to compel to an act or choice 3 : to achieve by force or threat synonyms see force Other forms: co·erced; co·erc·ing co·erc·ible \-ˈər-sə-bəl\ adjective Examples was coerced into signing the document Origin: Middle English cohercen, from Anglo-French *cohercer Latin coercēre, from co- + arcēre to shut up, enclose — more at ark. First use: 15th century Synonyms: blackjack, force, compel, constrain, dragoon, drive, impel, impress, make, muscle, obligate, oblige, press, pressure, sandbag
Elapse
elapse\i-ˈlaps\ of time : to pass by Full Definition intransitive verb \: pass, go by Other forms: elapsed; elaps·ing Origin: Latin elapsus, past participle of elabi, from e- + labi to slip — more at sleep. First use: 1644 Synonyms: break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, cease, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out) Antonyms: continue, hang on, persist 2elapse noun \: passage First use: circa 1677 Synonyms: break off, break up, close, conclude, dead-end, determine, die, discontinue, cease, end, expire, finish, go, halt, lapse, leave off, let up, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up, wink (out) Antonyms: continue, hang on, persist
Meticulous
me·tic·u·lous\mə-ˈti-kyə-ləs\
adjective
: very careful about doing something in an extremely accurate and exact way
Full Definition
: marked by extreme or excessive care in the consideration or treatment of details <a>
synonyms see careful
me·tic·u·los·i·ty -ˌti-kyə-ˈlä-sə-tē\ noun
me·tic·u·lous·ly -ˈti-kyə-ləs-lē\ adverb
me·tic·u·lous·ness -nəs\ noun
Examples
did a meticulous job of restoring the painting
Origin: Latin meticulosus fearful, irregular from metus fear.
First use: 1827
Synonyms: careful, conscientious, fussy, loving, painstaking, scrupulous
Antonyms: careless</a>
Domicile
do·mi·cile\ˈdä-mə-ˌsī(-ə)l, ˈdō-; ˈdä-mə-sil\
noun
law : the place where you live : your home
Full Definition
1 : a dwelling place : place of residence : home
2 a : a person’s fixed, permanent, and principal home for legal purposes
b : residence 2b
Variants: also dom·i·cil \ˈdäm-ə-səl\
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin domicilium, from domus.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: abode, diggings, home, dwelling, fireside, habitation, hearth, hearthstone, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof
Synonyms: accommodate, bestow, billet, bivouac, board, bunk, camp, chamber, house, encamp, harbor, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, room, shelter, take in
2domicile
transitive verb
: to establish in or provide with a domicile
Other forms: domiciled; domicil·ing
First use: 1809
Synonyms: abode, diggings, home, dwelling, fireside, habitation, hearth, hearthstone, house, lodging, pad, place, quarters, residence, roof
Synonyms: accommodate, bestow, billet, bivouac, board, bunk, camp, chamber, house, encamp, harbor, lodge, put up, quarter, roof, room, shelter, take in
Sporadic
spo·rad·ic\spə-ˈra-dik\
adjective
: happening often but not regularly : not constant or steady
Full Definition
: occurring occasionally, singly, or in irregular or random instances <a>
synonyms see infrequent
spo·rad·i·cal·ly -di-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Examples
sporadic loud noises kept startling everyone
so long as the complaints remain sporadic, we’re doing fine
Origin: Medieval Latin sporadicus, from Greek sporadikos, from sporadēn here and there, from sporad-, sporas scattered; akin to Greek speirein to sow — more at sperm.
First use: circa 1689
Synonyms: aperiodic, casual, catchy, choppy, discontinuous, episodic (also episodical), erratic, intermittent, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, spastic, fitful, spotty, unsteady
Antonyms: constant, continuous, habitual, periodic, regular, repeated, steady</a>
Lax
lax\ˈlaks\
adjective
: not careful enough : not strict enough
Full Definition
1 a of the bowels : loose, open
b : having loose bowels
2 : deficient in firmness : not stringent <a>
3 a : not tense, firm, or rigid : slack <a>
b : having an open or loose texture
c : having the constituents spread apart <a>
4 : articulated with the muscles involved in a relatively relaxed state (as the vowel \i\ in contrast with the vowel \ē)
synonyms see negligent
lax·a·tion \lak-ˈsā-shən\ noun
lax·ly \ˈlaks-lē\ adverb
lax·ness noun
Origin: Middle English, from Latin laxus loose — more at slack.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, negligent, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack
Antonyms: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent
2lax
noun
: lacrosse
Origin: by shortening & alteration (x as symbol for -crosse).
First use: 1951
Synonyms: careless, derelict, disregardful, negligent, lazy, neglectful, neglecting, remiss, slack
Antonyms: attentive, careful, conscientious, nonnegligent</a></a></a>
Rash
rash\ˈrash\
adverb
archaic
: in a rash manner
Examples
The baby has a skin rash.
The doctor said she developed the rash because of the medicine.
an itchy rash
Origin: Middle English (northern dialect) rasch quickly; akin to Old High German rasc fast.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, hasty, rushed
Antonyms: deliberate, unhurried, unrushed
2rash
adjective
: done or made quickly and without thought about what will happen as a result
: doing something quickly and without thinking carefully about what will happen as a result
Full Definition
1 : marked by or proceeding from undue haste or lack of deliberation or caution <a>
2 obsolete : quickly effective
synonyms see adventurous
rash·ly adverb
rash·ness noun
Examples
He later regretted having made such a rash promise.
Their rash actions resulted in a serious accident that could have killed someone.
a rash statement
First use: 1509
Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, hasty, rushed
Antonyms: deliberate, unhurried, unrushed
3rash
noun
: a group of red spots on the skin that is caused by an illness or a reaction to something
: a series ofusually unpleasant things or events that happen in a short period of time
Full Definition
1 : an eruption on the body
2 : a large number of instances in a short period <a>
Origin: obsolete French rache scurf, from Old French raiche, from Vulgar Latin *rasica, from *rasicare to scratch, from Latin rasus, past participle of radere.
First use: 1709
Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, precipitate, precipitous, hasty, rushed</a></a>
Conjecture
con·jec·ture\kən-ˈjek-chər\
noun
: an opinion or idea formed without proof or sufficient evidence
Full Definition
1 obsolete
a : interpretation of omens
b : supposition
2 a : inference from defective or presumptive evidence
b : a conclusion deduced by surmise or guesswork
c : a proposition (as in mathematics) before it has been proved or disproved
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin conjectura, from conjectus, past participle of conicere, literally, to throw together, from com- + jacere to throw — more at jet.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition, surmise, shot in the dark
Synonyms: calculate, call, estimate, figure, gauge (also gage), guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose
Lurid
lu·rid\ˈlu̇r-əd\
adjective
: causing shock or disgust : involving sex or violence in a way that is meant to be shocking
: shining or glowing with a bright and unpleasant color
Full Definition
1 a : causing horror or revulsion : gruesome
b : melodramatic, sensational; also : shocking
2 a : wan and ghastly pale in appearance
b : of any of several light or medium grayish colors ranging in hue from yellow to orange
3 : shining with the red glow of fire seen through smoke or cloud
synonyms see ghastly
lu·rid·ly adverb
lu·rid·ness noun
Examples
we quickly drove past the lurid scene of the crash
the doctor was alarmed by the patient’s lurid complexion
the lurid news reports about the romance between the two Hollywood stars
Origin: Latin luridus pale yellow, sallow.
First use: 1603
Synonyms: appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome (also grewsome), hideous, horrendous, horrid, horrific, horrifying, horrible, macabre, monstrous, nightmare, nightmarish, shocking, terrible, terrific
Antonyms: blooming, florid, flush, full-blooded, glowing, red, rosy, rubicund, ruddy, sanguine
Quip
quip\ˈkwip\
noun
: a clever remark
Full Definition
1 a : a clever usually taunting remark : gibe
b : a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
2 : quibble, equivocation
3 : something strange, droll, curious, or eccentric : oddity
quip·py \ˈkwi-pē\ adjective
Examples
witty/amusing quips
They traded quips over a beer.
Origin: earlier quippy, perhaps from Latin quippe indeed, to be sure (often ironic), from quid what — more at quiddity.
First use: 1532
Synonyms: crotchet, curiosity, eccentricity, erraticism, individualism, kink, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quiddity, idiosyncrasy, quirk, singularity, tic, trick, twist
Synonyms: banter, chaff, fool, fun, gag, jape, jest, jive, jolly, josh, kid, joke, wisecrack, yuk (or yuck) [slang]
2quip
: to make (a clever remark)
Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to make quips : gibe
transitive verb
: to jest or gibe at
Other forms: quipped; quip·ping
quip·per \ˈkwi-pər\ noun
First use: 1579
Synonyms: crotchet, curiosity, eccentricity, erraticism, individualism, kink, mannerism, oddity, peculiarity, quiddity, idiosyncrasy, quirk, singularity, tic, trick, twist
Obviate
ob·vi·ate\ˈäb-vē-ˌāt\
: to make (something) no longer necessary : to prevent or avoid (something)
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to anticipate and prevent (as a situation) or make unnecessary (as an action)
Other forms: ob·vi·at·ed; ob·vi·at·ing
ob·vi·a·tion \ˌäb-vē-ˈā-shən\ noun
Examples
brushing regularly should obviate the need for frequent trips to the dentist
Origin: Late Latin obviatus, past participle of obviare to meet, withstand, from Latin obviam.
First use: 1598
Synonyms: avert, forestall, head off, help, prevent, preclude, stave off
Diatribe
di·a·tribe\ˈdī-ə-ˌtrīb\
noun
: an angry and usually long speech or piece of writing that strongly criticizes someone or something
Full Definition
1 archaic : a prolonged discourse
2 : a bitter and abusive speech or piece of writing
3 : ironic or satirical criticism
Examples
he was forced to sit through a long diatribe after he came home late once too often
Origin: Latin diatriba, from Greek diatribē pastime, discourse, from diatribein to spend (time), wear away, from dia- + tribein to rub — more at throw.
First use: 1581
Synonyms: tirade, harangue, jeremiad, philippic, rant
Inhibition
in·hi·bi·tion\ˌin-hə-ˈbi-shən, ˌi-nə-\
noun
: a nervous feeling that prevents you from expressing your thoughts, emotions, or desires
: the act of preventing or slowing the activity or occurrence of something
Full Definition
1 a : the act of inhibiting : the state of being inhibited
b : something that forbids, debars, or restricts
2 : an inner impediment to free activity, expression, or functioning: as
a : a mental process imposing restraint upon behavior or another mental process (as a desire)
b : a restraining of the function of a bodily organ or an agent (as an enzyme)
Examples
an innate inhibition made it difficult for him to tell his girlfriend what he was really feeling
without the inhibition of their jackets, the boys were able to wrestle more vigorously
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: continence, discipline, discretion, constraint, refrainment, repression, reserve, restraint, self-command, self-control, self-restraint, suppression
Antonyms: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint
Fortuitous
for·tu·itous\fȯr-ˈtü-ə-təs, -ˈtyü-, fər-\
adjective
: happening by chance
: having or showing good luck
Full Definition
1 : occurring by chance
2 a : fortunate, lucky
b : coming or happening by a lucky chance
synonyms see accidental
for·tu·itous·ly adverb
for·tu·itous·ness noun
Examples
your arrival just before the thunderstorm was fortuitous
firmly believes that the creation of the universe was something other than just the fortuitous coming together of particles of matter
Origin: Latin fortuitus; akin to Latin fort-, fors chance — more at fortune.
First use: 1653
Synonyms: fluky (also flukey), fortunate, happy, heaven-sent, lucky, providential
Antonyms: hapless, ill-fated, ill-starred, luckless, star-crossed, unfortunate, unhappy, unlucky
Usage: Sense 2a has been influenced in meaning by fortunate. It has been in standard if not elevated use for some 70 years, but is still disdained by some critics. Sense 2b, a blend of 1 and 2a, is virtually unnoticed by the critics. Sense 1 is the only sense commonly used in negative constructions.
Incoherent
in·co·her·ent-ənt\
adjective
: not able to talk or express yourself in a clear way that can be easily understood
: not logical or well-organized : not easy to understand
Full Definition
: lacking coherence: as
a : lacking cohesion : loose
b : lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance : inconsistent
c : lacking normal clarity or intelligibility in speech or thought
in·co·her·ent·ly adverb
Examples
the thriller’s incoherent plot left movie audiences wondering who did what
a driveway covered with incoherent gravel
First use: 1626
Synonyms: choppy, disconnected, disjointed, unconnected
Antonyms: coherent, connected
Ilk
ilk\ˈilk\
pronoun
chiefly Scottish
: same — used with that especially in the names of landed families
Origin: Middle English, from Old English ilca, from *i- that, the same (akin to Gothic is he, Latin, he, that) + *lik- form (whence Old English līc body) — more at iterate, like.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: breed, class, description, feather, genre, sort, kidney, kind, like, manner, nature, order, species, strain, stripe, type, variety
2ilk
noun
: sort or kind
Full Definition
: sort, kind
First use: 1790
Synonyms: breed, class, description, feather, genre, sort, kidney, kind, like, manner, nature, order, species, strain, stripe, type, variety
3ilk
pronoun
chiefly Scottish
: each
Origin: Middle English, adjective & pron., from Old English ylc, ǣlc — more at each.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: breed, class, description, feather, genre, sort, kidney, kind, like, manner, nature, order, species, strain, stripe, type, variety
Prestigious
pres·ti·gious\pre-ˈsti-jəs, -ˈstē- also prə-\
adjective
1 archaic : of, relating to, or marked by illusion, conjuring, or trickery
2 : having prestige : honored
pres·ti·gious·ly adverb
pres·ti·gious·ness noun
Examples
a nutritional study that has been published by a prestigious medical journal
the most prestigious social club in town
Origin: Latin praestigiosus, from praestigiae.
First use: 1546
Synonyms: esteemed, estimable, name, respectable, recognized, reputable, reputed, respected
Antonyms: disreputable
Placard
plac·ard\ˈpla-kərd, -ˌkärd\ noun \: a large notice or sign put up in a public place or carried by people Full Definition 1 : a notice posted in a public place : poster 2 : a small card or metal plaque Origin: Middle English placquart formal document, from Middle French placard, from plaquer to make adhere, plate — more at plaque. First use: 1560 Synonyms: bill, poster Synonyms: 1post 2plac·ard\-ˌkärd, -kərd\ transitive verb 1 a : to cover with or as if with posters b : to post in a public place 2 : to announce by or as if by posting First use: 1813 Synonyms: bill, poster Synonyms: 1post
Integral
in·te·gral\ˈin-ti-grəl (usually so in mathematics); in-ˈte-grəl also -ˈtē- also ÷ˈin-trə-gəl\
adjective
: very important and necessary
Full Definition
1 a : essential to completeness : constituent
b (1) : being, containing, or relating to one or more mathematical integers (2) : relating to or concerned with mathematical integration or the results of mathematical integration
c : formed as a unit with another part <a>
2 : composed of constituent parts
3 : lacking nothing essential : entire
in·te·gral·i·ty \ˌin-tə-ˈgra-lə-tē\ noun
in·te·gral·ly \ˈin-ti-grə-lē; in-ˈte-grə- also -ˈtē-\ adverb
Origin: (see integer ).
First use: 1551
Synonyms: built-in, constitutional, constitutive, essential, hardwired, immanent, inborn, inbred, indigenous, ingrain, ingrained (also engrained), innate, inherent, intrinsic, native, natural
Antonyms: adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic
2in·te·gral\ˈin-ti-grəl (usually so in mathematics); in-ˈte-grəl also -ˈtē- also ÷ˈin-trə-gəl\
noun
: the result of a mathematical integration — compare definite integral indefinite integral
Origin: (see integer ).
First use: circa 1741
Synonyms: built-in, constitutional, constitutive, essential, hardwired, immanent, inborn, inbred, indigenous, ingrain, ingrained (also engrained), innate, inherent, intrinsic, native, natural
Antonyms: adventitious, extraneous, extrinsic</a>
Remuneration
re·mu·ner·a·tion\ri-ˌmyü-nə-ˈrā-shən\
noun
: an amount of money paid to someone for the work that person has done
Full Definition
1 : something that remunerates : recompense, pay
2 : an act or fact of remunerating
Examples
customers who are tardy in their remuneration will be subject to extra charges
the vandals were ordered to pay the property owners thousands of dollars in remuneration
we can’t accept your remuneration for services provided until we officially bill you
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: compensation, disbursement, giving, paying, remitment, remittance, payment
Antonyms: nonpayment
Nominal
nom·i·nal\ˈnä-mə-nəl, ˈnäm-nəl\
adjective
: existing as something in name only : not actual or real
: very small in amount
Full Definition
1 : of, relating to, or being a noun or a word or expression taking a noun construction
2 a : of, relating to, or constituting a name
b : bearing the name of a person
3 a : existing or being something in name or form only
b : of, being, or relating to a designated or theoretical size that may vary from the actual : approximate noun
: a word or word group functioning as a noun
Origin: (see 1nominal ).
First use: 1904
Synonyms: formal, paper, titular
Antonyms: big, consequential, considerable, important, material, significant
Expunge
ex·punge\ik-ˈspənj\
: to remove (something) completely
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion
2 : to efface completely : destroy
3 : to eliminate (as a memory) from one’s consciousness
Other forms: ex·punged; ex·pung·ing
ex·pung·er noun
Examples
time and the weather have expunged any evidence that a thriving community once existed here
Origin: Latin expungere to mark for deletion by dots, from ex- + pungere to prick — more at pungent.
First use: 1602
Synonyms: abolish, black out, blot out, cancel, clean (up), efface, eradicate, erase, annihilate, exterminate, extirpate, liquidate, obliterate, root (out), rub out, snuff (out), stamp (out), sweep (away), wipe out
Flamboyant
flam·boy·ant\flam-ˈbȯi-ənt\
adjective
: having a very noticeable quality that attracts a lot of attention
Full Definition
1 often capitalized : characterized by waving curves suggesting flames
2 : marked by or given to strikingly elaborate or colorful display or behavior <a>
flam·boy·ant·ly adverb
Origin: French, from present participle of flamboyer to flame, from Old French, from flambe.
First use: 1832
Synonyms: arresting, bodacious, bold, brilliant, catchy, commanding, conspicuous, dramatic, emphatic, eye-catching, noticeable, grabby, kenspeckle [chiefly Scottish], marked, noisy, prominent, pronounced, remarkable, showy, splashy, striking
Antonyms: inconspicuous, unemphatic, unflamboyant, unnoticeable, unobtrusive, unremarkable, unshowy</a>
Anathema
anath·e·ma\ə-ˈna-thə-mə\
noun
: someone or something that is very strongly disliked
Full Definition
1 a : one that is cursed by ecclesiastical authority
b : someone or something intensely disliked or loathed — usually used as a predicate nominative
2 a : a ban or curse solemnly pronounced by ecclesiastical authority and accompanied by excommunication
b : the denunciation of something as accursed
c : a vigorous denunciation : curse
Examples
uttered an anathema before driving the would-be robber from the his shop
the use of animals in the testing of cosmetics is anathema to animal-rights activists
Origin: Late Latin anathemat-, anathema, from Greek, thing devoted to evil, curse, from anatithenai to set up, dedicate, from ana- + tithenai to place, set — more at do.
First use: 1526
Synonyms: curse, ban, execration, imprecation, malediction, malison, winze [Scottish]
Antonyms: benediction, benison, blessing
Schism
schism\ˈsi-zəm, ˈski- also ˈshi-; among clergy usually ˈsi-\
noun
: a division among the members of a group that occurs because they disagree on something
Full Definition
1 : division, separation; also : discord, disharmony <a>
2 a : formal division in or separation from a church or religious body
b : the offense of promoting schism
Examples
a schism between leading members of the party
The controversy created a schism in the group.
The church was divided by schism.
Origin: Middle English scisme, from Anglo-French scisme, cisme, from Late Latin schismat-, schisma, from Greek, cleft, division, from schizein to split — more at shed.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: conflict, disaccord, discordance, discordancy, disharmony, dissension (also dissention), dissent, dissidence, dissonance, disunion, disunity, division, friction, infighting, inharmony, discord, strife, variance, war, warfare
Antonyms: accord, agreement, concord, concordance, harmony, peace</a>
Utopia
uto·pia\yu̇-ˈtō-pē-ə\
noun
: an imaginary place in which the government, laws, and social conditions are perfect
Full Definition
1 : an imaginary and indefinitely remote place
2 often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions
3 : an impractical scheme for social improvement
Examples
dreamed of one day retiring to a tropical utopia
Origin: Utopia, imaginary and ideal country in Utopia (1516) by Sir Thomas More, from Greek ou not, no + topos place.
First use: 1597
Synonyms: Camelot, Cockaigne, Eden, Elysium, empyrean, fantasyland, heaven, lotusland, never-never land, New Jerusalem, nirvana, promised land, Shangri-la, paradise, Zion (also Sion)
Antonyms: anti-utopia, dystopia, hell
Timorous
tim·o·rous\ˈti-mə-rəs, ˈtim-rəs\
adjective
: easily frightened
Full Definition
1 : of a timid disposition : fearful
2 : expressing or suggesting timidity
tim·o·rous·ly adverb
tim·o·rous·ness noun
Examples
sensational news stories that seem designed to needlessly alarm an already timorous public
Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin timorosus, from Latin timor fear, from timēre to fear.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: fainthearted, fearful, fearsome, mousy (or mousey), scary, skittish, timid, shy, tremulous
Antonyms: adventuresome, adventurous, audacious, bold, daring, dashing, gutsy, hardy, venturesome, venturous
Ostentatious
os·ten·ta·tious\ˌäs-tən-ˈtā-shəs\
adjective
: displaying wealth, knowledge, etc., in a way that is meant to attract attention, admiration, or envy
Full Definition
: marked by or fond of conspicuous or vainglorious and sometimes pretentious display
synonyms see showy
os·ten·ta·tious·ly adverb
os·ten·ta·tious·ness noun
Examples
wears an ostentatious diamond ring on his little finger
an ostentatious man who desperately wants to impress people with his newly acquired wealth
Origin: (see ostentation ).
First use: 1673
Synonyms: flamboyant, flaring, flashy, garish, glitzy, loud, noisy, gaudy, razzle-dazzle, splashy, swank (or swanky)
Antonyms: conservative, quiet, understated, unflamboyant, unflashy
Truncate
2truncate
transitive verb
: to make (something) shorter
Full Definition
1 : to shorten by or as if by cutting off
2 : to replace (an edge or corner of a crystal) by a plane
Other forms: trun·cat·ed; trun·cat·ing
trun·ca·tion \trəŋ-ˈkā-shən, trən-\ noun
First use: circa 1727
Synonyms: abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut back, dock, elide, syncopate, shorten
Antonyms: elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract
Jaunty
jaun·ty\ˈjȯn-tē, ˈjän-\
adjective
: lively in manner or appearance : having or suggesting a lively and confident quality
Full Definition
1 archaic
a : stylish
b : genteel
2 : sprightly in manner or appearance : lively <a>
Other forms: jaun·ti·er; jaun·ti·est
jaun·ti·ly \ˈjȯn-tə-lē, ˈjän-\ adverb
jaun·ti·ness \ˈjȯn-tē-nəs, ˈjän-\ noun
Examples
oozing charm, the jaunty dance instructor literally swept the women off their feet
Origin: modification of French gentil.
First use: 1662
Synonyms: active, airy, animate, animated, bouncing, brisk, energetic, frisky, gay, lively, jazzy, kinetic, mettlesome, peppy, perky, pert, pizzazzy (or pizazzy), racy, snappy, spanking, sparky, spirited, sprightly, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy
Antonyms: dead, inactive, inanimate, lackadaisical, languid, languishing, languorous, leaden, lifeless, limp, listless, spiritless, vapid</a>
Fractious
frac·tious\ˈfrak-shəs\ adjective \: causing trouble : hard to manage or control \: full of anger and disagreement Full Definition 1 : tending to be troublesome : unruly <a> 2 : quarrelsome, irritable frac·tious·ly adverb frac·tious·ness noun Origin: fraction (discord) + -ous. First use: 1714
Subjugate
sub·ju·gate\ˈsəb-ji-ˌgāt\
transitive verb
: to defeat and gain control of (someone or something) by the use of force : to conquer and gain the obedience of (a group of people, a country, etc.)
Full Definition
1 : to bring under control and governance as a subject : conquer
2 : to make submissive : subdue
Other forms: sub·ju·gat·ed; sub·ju·gat·ing
sub·ju·ga·tion \ˌsəb-ji-ˈgā-shən\ noun
sub·ju·ga·tor \ˈsəb-ji-ˌgā-tər\ noun
Examples
explorers who subjugated the natives in the name of religion
Origin: Middle English, from Latin subjugatus, past participle of subjugare, from sub- + jugum yoke — more at yoke.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: dominate, overpower, pacify, subdue, subject, conquer, subordinate, vanquish
Importune
im·por·tune\ˌim-pər-ˈtün, -ˈtyün; im-ˈpȯr-ˌ, -chən\
adjective
: importunate
im·por·tune·ly adverb
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French importun, from Latin importunus, from in- + -portunus (as in opportunus fit) — more at opportune.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: appeal (to), beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, beg, petition, plead (to), pray, solicit, supplicate
2importune
: to ask (someone) for something or to do something in a repeated or annoying way
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to press or urge with troublesome persistence
b archaic : to request or beg for urgently
2 : annoy, trouble
intransitive verb
: to beg, urge, or solicit persistently or troublesomely
synonyms see beg
Other forms: importuned; importun·ing
im·por·tun·er noun
First use: 1530
Synonyms: appeal (to), beseech, besiege, conjure, entreat, impetrate, implore, beg, petition, plead (to), pray, solicit, supplicate
Incontrovertible
in·con·tro·vert·ible(ˌ)in-ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-tə-bəl\
adjective
: not able to be doubted or questioned
Full Definition
: not open to question : indisputable
in·con·tro·vert·ibly -blē\ adverb
Examples
incontrovertible facts that left the jury with no choice but to convict
First use: 1646
Synonyms: accomplished, certain, inarguable, incontestable, irrefutable, indisputable, indubitable, irrefragable, positive, sure, unanswerable, unarguable, unchallengeable, undeniable, unquestionable
Antonyms: answerable, arguable, contradictable, controvertible, debatable, disputable, doubtable, moot, negotiable, problematic (also problematical), questionable, refutable
Surreptitious
sur·rep·ti·tious\ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs, ˌsə-rəp-, sə-ˌrep-\
adjective
: done in a secret way
Full Definition
1 : done, made, or acquired by stealth : clandestine
2 : acting or doing something clandestinely : stealthy <a>
synonyms see secret
sur·rep·ti·tious·ly adverb
Examples
a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples
Origin: Middle English, from Latin surrepticius, from surreptus, past participle of surripere to snatch secretly, from sub- + rapere to seize — more at rapid.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, secret, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded
Antonyms: open, overt, public</a>
Haven
ha·ven\ˈhā-vən\
noun
: a place where you are protected from danger, trouble, etc.
Full Definition
1 : harbor, port
2 : a place of safety : refuge
3 : a place offering favorable opportunities or conditions <a>
haven transitive verb
Examples
this picturesque cove is one of the most popular havens on all of the cape for weekend yachtsmen
the cross-country skiers hoped desperately to find a cave, as a haven from the blizzard
Origin: Middle English, from Old English hæfen; akin to Middle High German habene harbor.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: anchorage, harborage, harbor, port</a>
Ultimate
ul·ti·mate\ˈəl-tə-mət\
adjective
: happening or coming at the end of a process, series of events, etc.
: greatest or most extreme
—used to refer to the original or basic source or cause of something
Full Definition
1 a : most remote in space or time : farthest
b : last in a progression or series : final
c : eventual 2
d : the best or most extreme of its kind : utmost
2 : arrived at as the last result
3 a : basic, fundamental
b : original 1
c : incapable of further analysis, division, or separation
synonyms see last
ul·ti·mate·ness noun
Origin: Medieval Latin ultimatus last, final, from Late Latin, past participle of ultimare to come to an end, be last, from Latin ultimus farthest, last, final, superl. of Latin *ulter situated beyond.
First use: 1640
Synonyms: consummate, last, max, maximum, most, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top, utmost, uttermost
Antonyms: least, minimal, minimum, slightest
2ultimate
noun
1 : something ultimate; especially : fundamental
2 : acme
3 capitalized : ultimate frisbee
Examples
This car is the ultimate in safety.
They provide their customers with the ultimate in service.
First use: 1681
Synonyms: consummate, last, max, maximum, most, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top, utmost, uttermost
Antonyms: least, minimal, minimum, slightest
3ul·ti·mate-mət, -ˌmāt\
verb
: end
Other forms: ul·ti·mat·ed; ul·ti·mat·ing
First use: circa 1834
Synonyms: consummate, last, max, maximum, most, nth, outside, paramount, supreme, top, utmost, uttermost
Eventuate
even·tu·ate\i-ˈven-chə-ˌwāt\
intransitive verb
: to come out finally : result, come about
Other forms: even·tu·at·ed; even·tu·at·ing
First use: 1789
Emit
emit\ē-ˈmit\
: to send (light, energy, etc.) out from a source
: to make (a certain sound)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to throw or give off or out (as light or heat)
b : to send out : eject
2 a : to issue with authority; especially : to put (as money) into circulation
b obsolete : publish
3 : to give utterance or voice to
Other forms: emit·ted; emit·ting
emit·ter noun
Examples
The telescope can detect light emitted by distant galaxies.
chimneys emitting thick, black smoke
The flowers of this plant emit a powerful odor.
Origin: Latin emittere to send out, from e- + mittere to send.
First use: 1598
Synonyms: cast, discharge, emanate, evolve, exhale, expel, expire [archaic], give out, irradiate, issue, radiate, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent
Subterranean
sub·ter·ra·nean\ˌsəb-tə-ˈrā-nē-ən, -nyən\
adjective
: located or living under the surface of the ground
: existing or working in secret
Full Definition
1 : being, lying, or operating under the surface of the earth
2 : existing or working in secret : hidden <a>
sub·ter·ra·nean·ly also sub·ter·ra·neous·ly adverb
Examples
a subterranean bunker that supposedly could withstand even an atomic blast
Variants: also sub·ter·ra·neous -nē-əs, -nyəs\
Origin: Latin subterraneus, from sub- + terra earth — more at thirst.
First use: 1603
Synonyms: subsurface, belowground, underground
Antonyms: aboveground, surface</a>
Viable
vi·a·ble\ˈvī-ə-bəl\
adjective
: capable of being done or used
: capable of succeeding
: capable of living or of developing into a living thing
Full Definition
1 : capable of living; especially : having attained such form and development as to be normally capable of surviving outside the mother’s womb <a>
2 : capable of growing or developing
3 a : capable of working, functioning, or developing adequately
b : capable of existence and development as an independent unit
c (1) : having a reasonable chance of succeeding <a> (2) : financially sustainable <a>
vi·a·bil·i·ty \ˌvī-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
vi·a·bly \ˈvī-ə-blē\ adverb
Examples
more research will be required to see if this is a viable solution
Origin: French, from Middle French, from vie life, from Latin vita — more at vital.
First use: circa 1832
Synonyms: achievable, attainable, doable, feasible, practicable, realizable, possible, workable
Antonyms: hopeless, impossible, impracticable, infeasible, nonviable, unattainable, undoable, unfeasible, unrealizable, unviable, unworkable</a></a></a>
Incredulous
in·cred·u·lous(ˌ)in-ˈkre-jə-ləs, -dyə-ləs\
adjective
: not able or willing to believe something : feeling or showing a lack of belief
Full Definition
1 : unwilling to admit or accept what is offered as true : not credulous : skeptical
2 : incredible 1
3 : expressing incredulity
in·cred·u·lous·ly adverb
Examples
incredulous by nature, I’m of course very suspicious of anyone who claims to be able to communicate with the dead
an incredulous account of alien abduction that the tabloids had a field day with
Origin: Latin incredulus, from in- + credulus credulous.
First use: 1579
Synonyms: disbelieving, distrustful, doubting, skeptical, mistrustful, negativistic, questioning, show-me, suspecting, suspicious, unbelieving
Antonyms: credulous, gullible (also gullable), trustful, trusting, uncritical, unquestioning
Usage: Sense 2 was revived in the 20th century after a couple of centuries of disuse. Although it is a sense with good literary precedent—among others Shakespeare used it—many people think it is a result of confusion with incredible, which is still the usual word in this sense.
Permeate
per·me·ate\ˈpər-mē-ˌāt\
: to pass or spread through (something)
Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to diffuse through or penetrate somethingtransitive verb
1 : to spread or diffuse through <a>
2 : to pass through the pores or interstices of
Other forms: per·me·at·ed; per·me·at·ing
per·me·ative -ˌā-tiv\ adjective
Examples
the smell of freshly baked bread permeated the house
Origin: Latin permeatus, past participle of permeare, from per- through + meare to go, pass; akin to Middle Welsh mynet to go, Czech míjet to pass.
First use: 1656
Synonyms: interpenetrate, percolate (into), pervade, riddle, suffuse, transfuse</a>
Propitious
pro·pi·tious\prə-ˈpi-shəs\
adjective
: likely to have or produce good results
Full Definition
1 : favorably disposed : benevolent
2 : being a good omen : auspicious
3 : tending to favor : advantageous
synonyms see favorable
pro·pi·tious·ly adverb
pro·pi·tious·ness noun
Examples
the success of the first big movie in May was a propitious start for the summer season of blockbusters
a propitious time for starting a business
Origin: Middle English propycyous, from Anglo-French propicius, from Latin propitius, probably from pro- for + petere to seek — more at pro-, feather.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: auspicious, bright, encouraging, fair, golden, heartening, likely, optimistic, promising, hopeful, roseate, rose-colored, rosy, upbeat
Antonyms: bleak, dark, depressing, desperate, discouraging, disheartening, dismal, downbeat, dreary, gloomy, hopeless, inauspicious, pessimistic, unencouraging, unlikely, unpromising, unpropitious
Premise
prem·ise
noun
: a building and the area of land that it is on
: a statement or idea that is accepted as being true and that is used as the basis of an argument
Full Definition
1 a : a proposition antecedently supposed or proved as a basis of argument or inference; specifically : either of the first two propositions of a syllogism from which the conclusion is drawn
b : something assumed or taken for granted : presupposition
2 plural : matters previously stated; specifically : the preliminary and explanatory part of a deed or of a bill in equity
3 plural [from its being identified in the premises of the deed]
a : a tract of land with the buildings thereon
b : a building or part of a building usually with its appurtenances (as grounds)
Variants: also pre·miss \ˈpre-məs\
Origin: in sense 1, from Middle English premisse, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin praemissa, from Latin, feminine of praemissus, past participle of praemittere to place ahead, from prae- pre- + mittere to send; in other senses, from Middle English premisses, from Medieval Latin praemissa, from Latin, neuter plural of praemissus.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: given, hypothetical, if, postulate, assumption (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, supposition
Synonyms: hypothecate, hypothesize, postulate, assume, presume, presuppose, say, suppose
2pre·mise\ˈpre-məs also pri-ˈmīz\
transitive verb
1 a : to set forth beforehand as an introduction or a postulate
b : to offer as a premise in an argument
2 : postulate
3 : to base on certain assumptions
Other forms: pre·mised; pre·mis·ing
Origin: (see 1premise ).
First use: 1526
Synonyms: given, hypothetical, if, postulate, assumption (also premiss), presumption, presupposition, supposition
Jeopardize
jeop·ar·dize\ˈje-pər-ˌdīz\
: to put (something or someone) in danger
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to expose to danger or risk : imperil
Other forms: jeop·ar·dized; jeop·ar·diz·ing
Examples
don’t do anything that will jeopardize your place on the advisory board
First use: 1582
Synonyms: adventure, compromise, gamble (with), hazard, imperil, jeopard, endanger, menace, peril, risk, venture
Curtail
cur·tail(ˌ)kər-ˈtāl\
: to reduce or limit (something)
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to make less by or as if by cutting off or away some part
synonyms see shorten
cur·tail·er -ˈtā-lər\ noun
Examples
curtailed the school day because of the stormy weather
Origin: by folk etymology from earlier curtal to dock an animal’s tail, from curtal, noun, animal with a docked tail, from Middle French courtault — more at curtal.
First use: 1580
Synonyms: abbreviate, abridge, shorten, cut back, dock, elide, syncopate, truncate
Antonyms: elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract
Repress
re·press\ri-ˈpres\
: to not allow yourself to do or express (something)
: to not allow yourself to remember (something, such as an unpleasant event)
: to control (someone or something) by force
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to check by or as if by pressure : curb
b : to put down by force : subdue
2 a : to hold in by self-control
b : to prevent the natural or normal expression, activity, or development of
3 : to exclude from consciousness
4 : to inactivate (a gene or formation of a gene product) by allosteric combination at a DNA binding siteintransitive verb
: to take repressive action
re·press·ibil·i·ty -ˌpre-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
re·press·ible -ˈpre-sə-bəl\ adjective
re·pres·sive -ˈpre-siv\ adjective
re·pres·sive·ly adverb
re·pres·sive·ness noun
Examples
quickly repressed the rebellion in the provincial city and restored order
you can’t repress your feelings forever, so tell her how you feel about her
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French represser, from Latin repressus, past participle of reprimere to check, from re- + premere to press — more at press.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: clamp down (on), crack down (on), crush, put down, quash, quell, silence, slap down, snuff (out), squash, squelch, subdue, suppress
Surmise
sur·mise\sər-ˈmīz, ˈsər-ˌ\
noun
: a thought or idea based on scanty evidence : conjecture
Origin: Middle English, allegation, charge, from Anglo-French, from feminine of surmis, past participle of surmettre to place on, suppose, accuse, from Medieval Latin supermittere, from Late Latin, to place on, from Latin super- + mittere to let go, send.
First use: 1569
Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition, conjecture
Synonyms: assume, conjecture, daresay, imagine, presume, speculate, suppose, guess, suspect, suspicion [chiefly dialect]
2sur·mise\sər-ˈmīz\
transitive verb
: to form an opinion about something without definitely knowing the truth
Full Definition
: to form a notion of from scanty evidence : imagine, infer
Other forms: sur·mised; sur·mis·ing
Origin: Middle English, to allege, from surmise, noun.
First use: 1700
Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition, conjecture
Synonyms: assume, conjecture, daresay, imagine, presume, speculate, suppose, guess, suspect, suspicion [chiefly dialect]
Cryptic
cryp·tic\ˈkrip-tik\
adjective
: difficult to understand : having or seeming to have a hidden meaning
Full Definition
1 : secret, occult
2 a : having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning : mysterious
b : marked by an often perplexing brevity
3 : serving to conceal ; also : exhibiting cryptic coloration
4 : not recognized <a>
5 : employing cipher or code
synonyms see obscure
cryp·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Examples
puzzled by the cryptic e-mail message left on his computer
the oracle offered only cryptic predictions that could be interpreted any number of different ways
Origin: Late Latin crypticus, from Greek kryptikos, from kryptos.
First use: circa 1638
Synonyms: arcane, mysterious, deep, enigmatic (also enigmatical), impenetrable, inscrutable, mystic, occult, uncanny
Antonyms: accessible, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, plain, unambiguous, unequivocal</a>
Inchoate
in·cho·ate\in-ˈkō-ət, ˈin-kə-ˌwāt\
adjective
: not completely formed or developed yet
Full Definition
: being only partly in existence or operation : incipient; especially : imperfectly formed or formulated : formless, incoherent
in·cho·ate·ly adverb
in·cho·ate·ness noun
Examples
inchoate feelings of affection for a man whom she had, up till now, thought of as only a friend
Origin: Latin inchoatus, past participle of inchoare to start work on, perhaps from in- + cohum part of a yoke to which the beam of a plow is fitted.
First use: 1534
Synonyms: aborning, budding, inceptive, nascent, incipient
Antonyms: adult, full-blown, full-fledged, mature, ripe, ripened
Overt
overt\ō-ˈvərt, ˈō-(ˌ)vərt\ adjective \: easily seen : not secret or hidden Full Definition \: open to view : manifest overt·ly adverb overt·ness noun Examples overt hostility an overtly religious reference Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from past participle of ovrir to open, from Vulgar Latin *operire, alteration of Latin aperire. First use: 14th century
Relegate
rel·e·gate\ˈre-lə-ˌgāt\
: to put (someone or something) in a lower or less important position, rank, etc.
: to give (something, such as a job or responsibility) toanother person or group
: to move (a sports team) to a lower position in a league
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to send into exile : banish
2 : assign: as
a : to assign to a place of insignificance or of oblivion : put out of sight or mind
b : to assign to an appropriate place or situation on the basis of classification or appraisal
c : to submit to someone or something for appropriate action : delegate
d : to transfer (a sports team) to a lower ranking division
synonyms see commit
Other forms: rel·e·gat·ed; rel·e·gat·ing
rel·e·ga·tion \ˌre-lə-ˈgā-shən\ noun
Examples
courtiers and generals who incurred the emperor’s disfavor were soon relegated to the farther reaches of the empire
some psychologists argue that the syndrome should be relegated to a different class of autism
Origin: Latin relegatus, past participle of relegare, from re- + legare to send with a commission — more at legate.
First use: 1599
Synonyms: deport, displace, exile, expatriate, banish, transport
Inveigh
in·veigh\in-ˈvā\
intransitive verb
: to protest or complain bitterly or vehemently : rail
in·veigh·er noun
Examples
always inveighing against the high property taxes that they were forced to pay
Origin: Latin invehi to attack, inveigh, passive of invehere to carry in, from in- + vehere to carry — more at way.
First use: 1529
Synonyms: beef, bellyache, bitch, bleat, carp, caterwaul, crab, croak, fuss, gripe, grizzle, grouch, grouse, growl, grumble, grump, holler, complain, keen, kick, kvetch, maunder [chiefly British], moan, murmur, mutter, nag, repine, scream, squawk, squeal, wail, whimper, whine, whinge [British], yammer, yawp (or yaup), yowl
Antonyms: crow, delight, rejoice
Nettle
net·tle\ˈne-təl\
noun
: a tall plant that has leaves with hairs that sting you if you touch them
Full Definition
1 : any of a genus (Urtica of the family Urticaceae, the nettle family) of chiefly coarse herbs armed with stinging hairs
2 : any of various prickly or stinging plants other than the true nettles (genus Urtica)
Origin: Middle English, from Old English netel; akin to Old High German nazza nettle, Greek adikē.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], irritate, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, vex
2nettle
: to make (someone) angry
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to strike or sting with or as if with nettles
2 : to arouse to sharp but transitory annoyance or anger
synonyms see irritate
Other forms: net·tled; net·tling \ˈnet-liŋ, ˈne-təl-iŋ\
Examples
He decided to grasp the nettle and try to solve the problem himself.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], irritate, peeve, persecute, pique, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, vex
Aspire
as·pire\ə-ˈspī(-ə)r\
: to want to have or achieve something (such as a particular career or level of success)
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to seek to attain or accomplish a particular goal
2 : ascend, soar
Other forms: as·pired; as·pir·ing
as·pir·er noun
Examples
aspire to great deeds, and you have a better chance of doing good deeds
a tower aspiring towards the heavens
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French aspirer, from Latin aspirare, literally, to breathe upon, from ad- + spirare to breathe.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: aim, allow [chiefly Southern&Midland], intend, calculate, contemplate, design, go [chiefly Southern&Midland], look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose
Antonyms: decline, descend, dip, drop, fall (off), plunge
Havoc
hav·oc\ˈha-vək, -vik\
noun
: a situation in which there is much destruction or confusion
Full Definition
1 : wide and general destruction : devastation
2 : great confusion and disorder
Origin: Middle English havok, from Anglo-French, modification of Old French havot plunder.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: chance-medley, confusion, disarrangement, disarray, dishevelment, disorder, disorderedness, disorderliness, disorganization, free-for-all, chaos, heck, hell, jumble, mare’s nest, mess, messiness, misorder, muddle, muss, shambles, snake pit, tumble, welter
Antonyms: order, orderliness
2havoc
transitive verb
: to lay waste : destroy
Other forms: hav·ocked; hav·ock·ing
First use: 1577
Synonyms: chance-medley, confusion, disarrangement, disarray, dishevelment, disorder, disorderedness, disorderliness, disorganization, free-for-all, chaos, heck, hell, jumble, mare’s nest, mess, messiness, misorder, muddle, muss, shambles, snake pit, tumble, welter
Antonyms: order, orderliness
Repulse
re·pulse\ri-ˈpəls\
: to force (someone) to stop attacking you
: to cause dislike or disgust in (someone)
: to reject (someone or something) in a rude or unfriendly way
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to drive or beat back : repel
2 : to repel by discourtesy, coldness, or denial
3 : to cause repulsion in
Other forms: re·pulsed; re·puls·ing
Origin: Latin repulsus, past participle of repellere to repel.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: brush-off, rebuff, cold shoulder, silent treatment, snub
Antonyms: open arms
Synonyms: gross out, nauseate, put off, repel, disgust, revolt, sicken, turn off
2repulse
noun
1 : rebuff, rejection
2 : the action of repelling an attacker : the fact of being repelled
First use: 1533
Synonyms: brush-off, rebuff, cold shoulder, silent treatment, snub
Antonyms: open arms
Synonyms: gross out, nauseate, put off, repel, disgust, revolt, sicken, turn off
Raze
raze\ˈrāz\
: to destroy (something, such as a building) completely
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a archaic : erase
b : to scrape, cut, or shave off
2 : to destroy to the ground : demolish
Other forms: razed; raz·ing
raz·er noun
Examples
The old factory was razed to make room for a parking lot.
an entire city block razed by a terrible fire
Origin: alteration of rase.
First use: 1536
Synonyms: annihilate, cream, decimate, demolish, desolate, devastate, do in, extinguish, nuke, pull down, pulverize, destroy, rub out, ruin, shatter, smash, tear down, total, vaporize, waste, wrack, wreck
Antonyms: build, construct, erect, put up, raise, rear, set up
Supine
su·pine\ˈsü-ˌpīn\
noun
1 : a Latin verbal noun having an accusative of purpose in -um and an ablative of specification in -u
2 : an English infinitive with to
Origin: Middle English supyn, from Late Latin supinum, from Latin, neuter of supinus, adjective.
First use: 15th century
2su·pine\su̇-ˈpīn, attributive also ˈsü-ˌpīn\
adjective
: lying on your back with your face upward
: willing to be controlled by others : weak or passive
Full Definition
1 a : lying on the back or with the face upward
b : marked by supination
2 : exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity; especially : mentally or morally slack
3 archaic : leaning or sloping backward
synonyms see prone, inactive
su·pine·ly \su̇-ˈpīn-lē\ adverb
su·pine·ness -ˈpīn-nəs\ noun
Origin: Middle English suppyne, from Latin supinus; akin to Latin sub under, up to — more at up.
Mammoth
mam·moth\ˈma-məth\
noun
: a type of large, hairy elephant that lived in ancient times and that had very long tusks that curved upward
: something that is very large
Full Definition
1 : any of a genus (Mammuthus) of extinct Pleistocene mammals of the elephant family distinguished from recent elephants by highly ridged molars, usually large size, very long tusks that curve upward, and well-developed body hair
2 : something immense of its kind <a>
Origin: Russian mamont, mamot.
First use: 1706
Synonyms: astronomical (also astronomic), Brobdingnagian, bumper, colossal, cosmic (also cosmical), cyclopean, elephantine, enormous, galactic, gargantuan, giant, gigantesque, gigantic, grand, herculean, heroic (also heroical), Himalayan, humongous (also humungous), immense, jumbo, king-size (or king-sized), leviathan, huge, massive, mega, mighty, monster, monstrous, monumental, mountainous, oceanic, pharaonic, planetary, prodigious, super, super-duper, supersize, supersized, titanic, tremendous, vast, vasty, walloping, whacking, whopping
Antonyms: bantam, bitty, diminutive, infinitesimal, Lilliputian, little bitty, micro, microminiature, microscopic (also microscopical), midget, miniature, minuscule, minute, pocket, pygmy, teensy, teensy-weensy, teeny, teeny-weeny, tiny, wee
Synonyms: behemoth, blockbuster, colossus, dinosaur, dreadnought, elephant, Goliath, jumbo, leviathan, giant, mastodon, monster, titan, whale, whopper
Antonyms: diminutive, dwarf, half-pint, midget, mite, peewee, pygmy (also pigmy), runt, shrimp
2mammoth
adjective
: very large
Full Definition
: of very great size
synonyms see enormous
Examples
a mammoth building
Renovating the house is a mammoth undertaking.
First use: 1802</a>
Incisive
in·ci·sive\in-ˈsī-siv\ adjective \: very clear and direct : able to explain difficult ideas clearly and confidently Full Definition \: impressively direct and decisive (as in manner or presentation) in·ci·sive·ly adverb in·ci·sive·ness noun First use: circa 1834
