1100 -yellow deck Flashcards
Innocuous
: not likely to bother or offend anyone
: causing no injury
Full Definition
1 : producing no injury : harmless
2 : not likely to give offense or to arouse strong feelings or hostility : inoffensive, insipid
in·noc·u·ous·ly adverb
in·noc·u·ous·ness noun
Examples
those innocuous lies we must tell every day if society is to remain civil
Origin: Latin innocuus, from in- + nocēre (see innocent ).
First use: 1598
Spurious
1 : of illegitimate birth : bastard
2 : outwardly similar or corresponding to something without having its genuine qualities : false
3 a : of falsified or erroneously attributed origin : forged
b : of a deceitful nature or quality
spu·ri·ous·ly adverb
spu·ri·ous·ness noun
Examples
a spurious Picasso painting that wouldn’t have fooled an art expert for a second
claimed that the governor’s election-year enthusiasm for conservation was spurious, since he had cut funding for state parks
the spurious son of Charles II, the Duke of Monmouth would later mount a rebellion in a disastrous attempt to claim the throne
Origin: Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin spurius false, from Latin, of illegitimate birth, from spurius, noun, bastard.
First use: 1598
Facetious
—used to describe speech that is meant to be funny but that is usually regarded as annoying, silly, or not proper
Full Definition
1 : joking or jesting often inappropriately : waggish
2 : meant to be humorous or funny : not serious <a>
synonyms see witty
fa·ce·tious·ly adverb
fa·ce·tious·ness noun
Examples
the essay is a facetious commentary on the absurdity of war as a solution for international disputes
a facetious and tasteless remark about people in famine-stricken countries being spared the problem of overeating
Origin: Middle French facetieux, from facetie jest, from Latin facetia.
First use: 1599</a>
Propensity
: a strong natural tendency to do something
Full Definition
: an often intense natural inclination or preference
synonyms see leaning
Other forms: plural pro·pen·si·ties
Examples
the criminal propensities of the family extended over several generations
a neighbor who has an unfortunate propensity for snooping
Origin: (see propense ).
First use: 1570
Synonyms: aptness, proneness, tendency, way
Fastidious
: very careful about how you do something
: liking few things : hard to please
: wanting to always be clean, neat, etc.
Full Definition
1 archaic : scornful
2 a : having high and often capricious standards : difficult to please
b : showing or demanding excessive delicacy or care
c : reflecting a meticulous, sensitive, or demanding attitude
3 : having complex nutritional requirements
fas·tid·i·ous·ly adverb
fas·tid·i·ous·ness noun
Examples
he is very fastidious about how he arranges his music collection, and woe to anyone who dares to mess around with it
Origin: Middle English, from Latin fastidiosus, from fastidium disgust, probably from fastus arrogance (probably akin to Latin fastigium top) + taedium irksomeness — more at tedium.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: choosy (or choosey), dainty, delicate, demanding, exacting, finicky, finical, finicking, fussbudgety, fussy, nice, old-maidish, particular, pernickety [chiefly British], persnickety, picky
Galvanize
: to cause (people) to become so excited or concerned about an issue, idea, etc., that they want to do something about it
: to cause (a force that is capable of causing change) to become active
: to cover (steel or iron) with a layer of zinc to prevent it from rusting
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to subject to the action of an electric current especially for the purpose of stimulating physiologically
b : to stimulate or excite as if by an electric shock
2 : to coat (iron or steel) with zinc; especially : to immerse in molten zinc to produce a coating of zinc-iron alloyintransitive verb
: to react as if stimulated by an electric shock
Other forms: gal·va·nized; gal·va·niz·ing
gal·va·ni·za·tion \ˌgal-və-nə-ˈzā-shən\ noun
gal·va·niz·er \ˈgal-və-ˌnī-zər\ noun
Examples
theatergoers were galvanized by the actor’s powerhouse performance as Hamlet
First use: 1802
Idyllic
\: very peaceful, happy, and enjoyable Full Definition 1 : pleasing or picturesque in natural simplicity 2 : of, relating to, or being an idyll idyl·li·cal·ly \-ˈdi-li-k(ə-)lē\ adverb First use: 1856
Gaudy
\: too bright and heavily decorated \: very large or impressive Full Definition 1 : ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented 2 : marked by extravagance or sometimes tasteless showiness : outlandish ; also : exceptional <a> Other forms: gaud·i·er; gaud·i·est gaud·i·ly \ˈgȯ-də-lē, ˈgä-\ adverb gaud·i·ness \ˈgȯ-dē-nəs, ˈgä-\ noun First use: 1582
Encumbrance
1 : something that encumbers : impediment, burden
2 : a claim (as a mortgage) against property
Examples
without the encumbrance of a heavy backpack, I could sprint along the trail
First use: 1535
Synonyms: balk, bar, block, chain, clog, cramp, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, fetter, handicap, hindrance, holdback, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, manacle, obstacle, obstruction, shackles, stop, stumbling block, trammel
Condescend
: to show that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people
: to do something that you usually do not do because you believe you are too important to do it
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 a : to descend to a less formal or dignified level : unbend
b : to waive the privileges of rank
2 : to assume an air of superiority
Examples
I will not condescend to answer the sore loser’s charge that I cheated in order to win the race
wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French condescendre, from Late Latin condescendere, from Latin com- + descendere to descend.
First use: 14th century
Candor
: the quality of being open, sincere, and honest
Full Definition
1 a : whiteness, brilliance
b obsolete : unstained purity
2 : freedom from prejudice or malice : fairness
3 archaic : kindliness
4 : unreserved, honest, or sincere expression : forthrightness
Examples
an interview in which the members of the rock band speak with candor about their recent squabbling
the desert sun shone down on the intrepid travelers with fiery candor
Origin: French & Latin; French candeur, from Latin candor, from candēre — more at candid.
First use: 14th century
Mortify
: to cause (someone) to feel very embarrassed and foolish
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to destroy the strength, vitality, or functioning of
2 : to subdue or deaden (as the body or bodily appetites) especially by abstinence or self-inflicted pain or discomfort
3 : to subject to severe and vexing embarrassment : shame
intransitive verb
1 : to practice mortification
2 : to become necrotic or gangrenous
Other forms: mor·ti·fied; mor·ti·fy·ing
Examples
was mortified by her children’s atrocious manners
Origin: Middle English mortifien, from Anglo-French mortifier, from Late Latin mortificare, from Latin mort-, mors.
First use: 14th century
Jocose
\: very cheerful Full Definition 1 : given to joking : merry 2 : characterized by joking : humorous synonyms see witty jo·cose·ly adverb jo·cose·ness noun jo·cos·i·ty \jō-ˈkä-sə-tē, jə-\ noun Examples the comedian's jocose introductions kept the awards ceremony from becoming a stodgy affair Origin: Latin jocosus, from jocus joke. First use: 1673
Malign
: causing or intended to cause harm
Full Definition
1 a : evil in nature, influence, or effect : injurious
b : malignant, virulent
2 : having or showing intense often vicious ill will : malevolent
synonyms see sinister
ma·lign·ly adverb
Origin: Middle English maligne, from Anglo-French, from Latin malignus, from male badly + gignere to beget — more at mal-, kin.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: bad [slang], bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, malevolent, malicious, hateful, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent
Antonyms: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious
Synonyms: asperse, blacken, calumniate, defame, libel, slander, smear, traduce, vilify
Omnipotent
\: having complete or unlimited power Full Definition 1 often capitalized : almighty 1 2 : having virtually unlimited authority or influence 3 obsolete : arrant om·nip·o·tent·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin omnipotent-, omnipotens, from omni- + potent-, potens potent. First use: 14th century Synonyms: all-powerful, almighty
Peremptory
—used to describe an order, command, etc., that you must obey without any questions or excuses
: having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they should be obeyed without question
Full Definition
1 a : putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay; specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a>
b : admitting of no contradiction
2 : expressive of urgency or command <a>
3 a : characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance
b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty <a>
synonyms see masterful
pe·remp·to·ri·ly -ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē; -ˌrem(p)-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
pe·remp·to·ri·ness -ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun
Examples
the governor’s peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand
a peremptory summons to appear before the committee
she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her
Origin: Middle English peremptorie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy, from per- thoroughly + emere to take — more at redeem.</a></a></a>
Zenith
: the strongest or most successful period of time
: the highest point reached in the sky by the sun, moon, etc.
Full Definition
1 : the point of the celestial sphere that is directly opposite the nadir and vertically above the observer — see azimuth illustration
2 : the highest point reached in the heavens by a celestial body
3 : culminating point : acme
Examples
at the zenith of her career as a dancer
Origin: Middle English cenyth, senyth, from Middle French cenit, from Medieval Latin, from Old Spanish zenit, modification of Arabic samt (al-ra’s) way (over one’s head).
First use: 14th century
Fledgling
: a young bird that has just become able to fly
: someone or something that is getting started in a new activity
Full Definition
Usage: often attributive
1 : a young bird just fledged
2 : an immature or inexperienced person
3 : one that is new <a>
Examples
at hockey he’s still a fledgling and needs to work on his basic skating skills
First use: 1830</a>
Precedent
Noun
: a similar action or event that happened at an earlier time
: something done or said that can be used as an example or rule to be followed in the future
: the usual or traditional way of doing something
Full Definition
1 : an earlier occurrence of something similar
2 a : something done or said that may serve as an example or rule to authorize or justify a subsequent act of the same or an analogous kind <a>
b : the convention established by such a precedent or by long practice
3 : a person or thing that serves as a model</a>
adjective
: prior in time, order, arrangement, or significance
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin praecedent-, praecedens, present participle of praecedere (see precede ).
First use: 15th century
Decorum
noun
: correct or proper behavior that shows respect and good manners
Full Definition
1 : literary and dramatic propriety : fitness
2 : propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
3 : orderliness
4 plural : the conventions of polite behavior
Examples
high standards of decorum are usually required when attending the opera
Origin: Latin, from neuter of decorus.
First use: 1568
Rustic
: of, relating to, or suitable for the country or people who live in the country
: made of rough wood
Full Definition
1 : of, relating to, or suitable for the country : rural
2 a : made of the rough limbs of trees
b : finished by rusticating <a>
3 a : characteristic of or resembling country people
b : lacking in social graces or polish
4 : appropriate to the country (as in plainness or sturdiness)
rus·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
rus·tic·i·ty \ˌrəs-ˈti-sə-tē\ noun
Variants: also rus·ti·cal -ti-kəl\
Origin: Middle English rustik, from Latin rusticus, from rus open land — more at room.
First use: 15th century</a>
Wheedle
: to persuade someone to do something or to give you something by saying nice things
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
2 : to gain or get by wheedling Examples
wheedled him into doing their work for them
Origin: origin unknown.
First use: circa 1661
Synonyms: blandish, blarney, cajole, palaver, soft-soap, sweet-talk, coax
Jubilant
: feeling or expressing great joy : very happy
Full Definition
: exultant
ju·bi·lant·ly adverb
Examples
the nominee’s jubilant acceptance speech before the cheering crowd
First use: 1667
Charlatan
: a person who falsely pretends to know or be something in order to deceive people
Full Definition
1 : quack 2
2 : one making usually showy pretenses to knowledge or ability : fraud, faker
char·la·tan·ism -tə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
char·la·tan·ry -rē\ noun
Examples
the famed faith healer turned out to be a charlatan
Origin: Italian ciarlatano, alteration of cerretano, literally, inhabitant of Cerreto, from Cerreto, Italy.
First use: 1618
Prudent
: having or showing careful good judgment
Full Definition
: characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence: as
a : marked by wisdom or judiciousness
b : shrewd in the management of practical affairs
c : marked by circumspection : discreet
d : provident, frugal
synonyms see wise
pru·dent·ly adverb
Examples
her calm response was very prudent under the circumstances
it wouldn’t be prudent to ask for a raise while the company is having financial troubles
her many years of experience as a social worker have made her a prudent judge of character
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prudent-, prudens, contraction of provident-, providens — more at provident.
First use: 14th century
Ostensible
: seeming or said to be true or real but very possibly not true or real
Full Definition
1 : intended for display : open to view
2 : being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or real
synonyms see apparent
Examples
the ostensible reason for the meeting turned out to be a trick to get him to the surprise party
Origin: French, from Latin ostensus, past participle of ostendere to show, from obs-, ob- in the way + tendere to stretch — more at ob-, thin.
First use: circa 1771
Heresy
: a belief or opinion that does not agree with the official belief or opinion of a particular religion
Full Definition
1 a : adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma
b : denial of a revealed truth by a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church
c : an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
2 a : dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice
b : an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards
Other forms: plural her·e·sies
Examples
the heresy of asserting that Shakespeare was not a great writer
Origin: Middle English heresie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin haeresis, from Late Greek hairesis, from Greek, action of taking, choice, sect, from hairein to take.
First use: 13th century
Fervid
\: having or showing feelings that are very strong or too strong Full Definition 1 : very hot : burning 2 : marked by often extreme fervor <a> synonyms see impassioned fer·vid·ly adverb fer·vid·ness noun Examples at the school board meeting the librarian delivered a fervid speech defending the classic novel against would-be censors the fervid sands of Arabia, where T.E. Lawrence staked his claim to military glory Origin: Latin fervidus, from fervēre. First use: 1599
Propagate
: to make (something, such as an idea or belief) known to many people
: to produce (a new plant)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to cause to continue or increase by sexual or asexual reproduction
2 : to pass along to offspring
3 a : to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area : extend
b : to foster growing knowledge of, familiarity with, or acceptance of (as an idea or belief) : publicize
c : to transmit (as sound or light) through a mediumintransitive verb
1 : to multiply sexually or asexually
2 : increase, extend
3 : to travel through space or a material — used of wave energy (as light, sound, or radio waves)
Other forms: prop·a·gat·ed; prop·a·gat·ing
prop·a·ga·tive -ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
prop·a·ga·tor -ˌgā-tər\ noun
Examples
the dams along the river are interfering with the salmon’s ability to propagate
the various ways in which churches can propagate the faith
Origin: Latin propagatus, past participle of propagare to set slips, propagate, from propages slip, offspring, from pro- before + pangere to fasten — more at pro-, pact.
First use: circa 1570
Synonyms: breed, multiply, procreate, reproduce
Surfeit
Noun
: an amount that is too much or more than you need
Full Definition
1 : an overabundant supply : excess
2 : an intemperate or immoderate indulgence in something (as food or drink)
3 : disgust caused by excess
Origin: Middle English surfet, from Anglo-French, from surfaire to overdo, from sur- + faire to do, from Latin facere — more at do.
First use: 14th century
transitive verb
: to feed, supply, or give to surfeitintransitive verb
archaic : to indulge to satiety in a gratification (as indulgence of the appetite or senses)
synonyms see satiate
sur·feit·er noun
First use: 14th century
Anomaly
noun
: something that is unusual or unexpected : something anomalous
Full Definition
1 : the angular distance of a planet from its perihelion as seen from the sun
2 : deviation from the common rule : irregularity
3 : something anomalous : something different, abnormal, peculiar, or not easily classified
Other forms: plural anom·a·lies
Examples
her C grade is an anomaly, as she’s never made anything except A’s and B’s before
snow in July is an anomaly in most of the northern hemisphere
Origin: (see anomalous ).
First use: 1603
Milieu
: the physical or social setting in which people live or in which something happens or develops
Full Definition
: the physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops : environment
synonyms see background
Other forms: plural mi·lieus or mi·lieux -ˈyə(r)(z), -ˈyüz, -ˈyœ(z); -ˌyü(z)\
Examples
young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers
Origin: French, from Old French, midst, from mi middle (from Latin medius) + lieu place, from Latin locus — more at mid, stall.
First use: 1854
Strident
: sounding harsh and unpleasant
: expressing opinions or criticism in a very forceful and often annoying or unpleasant way
Full Definition
: characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound <a>; also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality
synonyms see loud, vociferous
stri·dent·ly adverb
Origin: Latin strident-, stridens, present participle of stridere, stridēre to make a harsh noise.
First use: circa 1656</a>
Deleterious
: damaging or harmful
Full Definition
: harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
synonyms see pernicious
del·e·te·ri·ous·ly adverb
del·e·te·ri·ous·ness noun
Examples
nicotine has long been recognized as a deleterious substance
Origin: Greek dēlētērios, from dēleisthai to hurt.
First use: 1643
Concomitant
adjective
: happening at the same time as something else
Full Definition
: accompanying especially in a subordinate or incidental way
con·com·i·tant·ly adverb
Origin: Latin concomitant-, concomitans, present participle of concomitari to accompany, from com- + comitari to accompany, from comit-, comes companion — more at count.
First use: 1607
noun
: something that happens at the same time as something else : a condition that is associated with some other condition
Full Definition
: something that accompanies or is collaterally connected with something else : accompaniment
Examples
hunger, a lack of education, and other concomitants of poverty
disease is all too often one of the concomitants of poverty
Origin: (see 1concomitant ).
First use: 1621
Lassitude
noun
formal + medical : the condition of being tired : lack of physical or mental energy
Full Definition
1 : a condition of weariness or debility : fatigue
2 : a condition of listlessness : languor
synonyms see lethargy
Examples
our lassitude was such that we couldn’t even be bothered to get more soda from the fridge
as his cancer progresses, his days are increasingly marked by lassitude and isolation from the outside world
Origin: Middle English, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus weary; probably akin to Old English læt late — more at late.
First use: 15th century
Efficacy
\: the power to produce a desired result or effect Full Definition \: the power to produce an effect Other forms: plural ef·fi·ca·cies Examples questioned the efficacy of the alarms in actually preventing auto theft Origin: (see efficacious ). First use: 13th century
Dissent
: to publicly disagree with an official opinion, decision, or set of beliefs
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to withhold assent
2 : to differ in opinion
Origin: Middle English, from Latin dissentire, from dis- + sentire to feel — more at sense.
First use: 15th century
noun
: public disagreement with an official opinion, decision, or set of beliefs
law : a statement by a judge giving reasons why the judge does not agree with the decision made by the other judges in a court case
Full Definition
: difference of opinion : as
a : religious nonconformity
b : a justice’s nonconcurrence with a decision of the majority —called also dissenting opinion
c : political opposition to a government or its policies
Examples
Church leaders permitted no dissent from church teachings.
He did everything in his power to suppress political dissent.
These dissents come from prominent scientists and should not be ignored.
First use: 1585
Arbiter
noun
: a person who is considered to be an authority on what is right, good, or proper
: a person who has the power to settle an argument between people
Full Definition
1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : judge
2 : a person or agency whose judgment or opinion is considered authoritative
Examples
the dean of student affairs is the proper arbiter when a student disputes a grade
Origin: Middle English arbitre, from Anglo-French, from Latin arbitr-, arbiter.
First use: 14th century
Ferment
: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo fermentation
2 : to be in a state of agitation or intense activitytransitive verb
1 : to cause to undergo fermentation
2 : to work up (as into a state of agitation) : foment
fer·ment·able -ˈmen-tə-bəl\ adjective
First use: 14th century
noun
: a situation in which there is much excitement and confusion caused by change
Full Definition
1 a : a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes
b : enzyme
2 a : a state of unrest : agitation
b : a process of active often disorderly development
Origin: Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast — more at barm.
First use: 15th century
Attenuate
1 : reduced especially in thickness, density, or force
2 : tapering gradually usually to a long slender point
Origin: Middle English attenuat, from Latin attenuatus, past participle of attenuare to make thin, from ad- + tenuis thin — more at thin.
First use: 15th century
: to make (something) weaker or less in amount, effect, or force
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to make thin or slender
2 : to make thin in consistency : rarefy
3 : to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of : weaken
4 : to reduce the severity, virulence, or vitality of
intransitive verb
: to become thin, fine, or less
Other forms: at·ten·u·at·ed; at·ten·u·at·ing
at·ten·u·a·tion -ˌten-yə-ˈwā-shən, -yü-ˈā-\ noun
First use: 1530
Incumbent
noun
: a person who holds a particular office or position
Full Definition
1 : the holder of an office or ecclesiastical benefice
2 : one that occupies a particular position or place
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin incumbent-, incumbens, present participle of incumbere to lie down on, from in- + -cumbere to lie down; akin to cubare to lie.
First use: 15th century
adjective \: holding an office or position Full Definition 1 : imposed as a duty : obligatory 2 : having the status of an incumbent (see 1incumbent ) ; especially : occupying a specified office 3 : lying or resting on something else 4 : bent over so as to rest on or touch an underlying surface Examples the incumbent president/mayor/senator incumbent members of Congress
Celerity
noun
: rapidity of motion or action
Examples
a journalist who writes his well-crafted stories with remarkable celerity
Origin: Middle English celerite, from Anglo-French, from Latin celeritat-, celeritas, from celer swift — more at hold.
First use: 15th century
Expedite
\: to cause (something) to happen faster Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to execute promptly 2 : to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up 3 : issue, dispatch Other forms: ex·pe·dit·ed; ex·pe·dit·ing Origin: Latin expeditus, past participle of expedire (see 1expedient ). First use: 15th century
Prodigious
: amazing or wonderful : very impressive
: very big
Full Definition
1 a obsolete : being an omen : portentous
b : resembling or befitting a prodigy : strange, unusual (see prodigy )
2 : exciting amazement or wonder
3 : extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree : enormous
synonyms see monstrous
pro·di·gious·ly adverb
pro·di·gious·ness noun
Examples
stage magicians performing prodigious feats for rapt audiences
a prodigious supply of canned food kept in the basement for emergencies
Origin: (see prodigy ).
First use: 15th century
Alleviate
: to reduce the pain or trouble of (something) : to make (something) less painful, difficult, or severe
Full Definition
transitive verb
: relieve, lessen: as
a : to make (as suffering) more bearable
b : to partially remove or correct
synonyms see relieve
Other forms: al·le·vi·at·ed; al·le·vi·at·ing
al·le·vi·a·tion -ˌlē-vē-ˈā-shən\ noun
al·le·vi·a·tor -ˈlē-vē-ˌā-tər\ noun
Examples
a car pool alleviates some of the stress of driving the kids to and from school every day
Origin: Late Latin alleviatus, past participle of alleviare, from Latin ad- + levis light — more at light.
Profound
adjective
: having or showing great knowledge or understanding
: difficult to understand : requiring deep thought or wisdom
: very strongly felt
Full Definition
1 a : having intellectual depth and insight
b : difficult to fathom or understand
2 a : extending far below the surface
b : coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated <a>
3 a : characterized by intensity of feeling or quality
b : all encompassing : complete
pro·found·ly -ˈfau̇n(d)-lē\ adverb
pro·found·ness -ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs\ noun
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French parfunt, profond deep, from Latin profundus, from pro- before + fundus bottom — more at pro-, bottom.
First use: 14th century</a>
noun archaic \: something that is very deep; specifically : the depths of the sea Origin: (see 1profound ). First use: 1621
Usurp
: to take and keep (something, such as power) in a forceful or violent way and especially without the right to do so
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right
b : to take or make use of without right
2 : to take the place of by or as if by force : supplant
intransitive verb
: to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully
usur·pa·tion \ˌyü-sər-ˈpā-shən also ˌyü-zər-\ noun
usurp·er \yu̇-ˈsər-pər also -ˈzər-\ noun
Examples
Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor’s power.
attempting to usurp the throne
Have we allowed their lies to usurp the truth?
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French usorper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usu (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize — more at rapid.
First use: 14th century
Paltry
adjective
: very small or too small in amount
: having little meaning, importance, or worth
Full Definition
1 : inferior, trashy
2 : mean, despicable <a>
3 : trivial <a>
4 : meager, measly
Other forms: pal·tri·er; pal·tri·est
pal·tri·ness noun
Examples
a paltry, underhanded scheme to get someone fired
the hotel’s shabby, outdated exercise room was its paltry attempt at a health spa
just some paltry ruse to bilk the system
Origin: obsolete paltry trash, from dialect palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash; akin to Middle Low German palte rag.</a></a>
Trivial
adjective
: not important
Full Definition
1 : commonplace, ordinary
2 a : of little worth or importance <a>
b : relating to or being the mathematically simplest case; specifically : characterized by having all variables equal to zero <a>
3 : specific 4
triv·i·al·ist -ə-list\ noun
triv·i·al·ly -ə-lē\ adverb
Examples
why spend so much time on trivial decisions, like whether the soda should be regular or diet?
figured that restaurant customers wouldn’t notice such a trivial surcharge on their bill
Origin: Latin trivialis found everywhere, commonplace, from trivium crossroads, from tri- + via way — more at way.</a></a>
Condone
: to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong) : to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless <a>
synonyms see excuse
Other forms: con·doned; con·don·ing
con·don·able -ˈdō-nə-bəl\ adjective
con·don·er noun
Examples
he is too quick to condone his friend’s faults
Origin: Latin condonare to absolve, from com- + donare to give — more at donation.
First use: 1805</a>
Bizarre
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
Noun
: a flower with atypical striped marking
First use: circa 1753
Succinct
adjective
: using few words to state or express an idea
Full Definition
1 archaic
a : being girded
b : close-fitting
2 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words <a>
synonyms see concise
suc·cinct·ly -ˈsiŋ(k)t-lē, -ˈsiŋ-klē\ adverb
suc·cinct·ness -ˈsiŋt-nəs, -ˈsiŋk-nəs\ noun
Examples
a pocket guide that provides succinct explanations for rules of grammar and punctuation
Origin: Middle English, from Latin succinctus having one’s clothes gathered up by a belt, tightly wrapped, concise, from sub- + cinctus, past participle of cingere to gird — more at cincture.
First use: 15th century</a>
Menial
noun
: a person (such as a servant) who does boring or unpleasant work for little money : someone who does menial work
Full Definition
: a person doing menial work; specifically : a domestic servant or retainer
First use: 14th century
adjective
—used to describe boring or unpleasant work that does not require special skill and usually does not pay much money
Full Definition
1 : of or relating to servants : lowly
2 a : appropriate to a servant : humble, servile
b : lacking interest or dignity <a>
me·nial·ly adverb
Examples
low-paid menials
immigrants to that country faced fierce prejudice and could expect to find work only as menials
Origin: Middle English meynial, from Anglo-French meignal, from mesnee, mayné household, retinue, from Vulgar Latin *mansionata, from Latin mansion-, mansio dwelling — more at mansion.
First use: 15th century</a>
Venerable
adjective
: old and respected : valued and respected because of old age, long use, etc.
Full Definition
1 : deserving to be venerated — used as a title for an Anglican archdeacon or for a Roman Catholic who has been accorded the lowest of three degrees of recognition for sanctity
2 : made sacred especially by religious or historical association
3 a : calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments <a>; broadly : conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence adverb
Examples
the venerable old man was a cherished source of advice and wisdom for the villagers
a venerable tradition that colleges have been maintaining for centuries
Origin: (see venerate ).
First use: 15th century</a>
Extraneous
adjective
: not forming a necessary part of something : not important
Full Definition
1 : existing on or coming from the outside
2 a : not forming an essential or vital part
b : having no relevance
3 : being a number obtained in solving an equation that is not a solution of the equation
synonyms see extrinsic
ex·tra·ne·ous·ly adverb
ex·tra·ne·ous·ness noun
Examples
the architect’s streamlined modern style shuns any sort of extraneous ornamentation
the professor would have covered all of the course material if she had refrained from her extraneous remarks on just about everything
Origin: Latin extraneus — more at strange.
First use: 1638
Ambiguous
adjective
: able to be understood in more than one way : having more than one possible meaning
: not expressed or understood clearly
Full Definition
1 a : doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness
b : inexplicable
2 : capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways <a>
synonyms see obscure
am·big·u·ous·ly adverb
am·big·u·ous·ness noun
Examples
the exact reason for the change in plans is ambiguous, but I suspect it has something to do with money
Origin: Latin ambiguus, from ambigere to be undecided, from ambi- + agere to drive — more at agent.
First use: 1528</a>
Salubrious
adjective \: making good health possible or likely Full Definition \: favorable to or promoting health or well-being synonyms see healthful sa·lu·bri·ous·ly adverb sa·lu·bri·ous·ness noun sa·lu·bri·ty \-brə-tē\ noun Examples fresh air and exercise are always salubrious Origin: Latin salubris; akin to salvus safe, healthy — more at safe. First use: 1547
Archaic
adjective
: old and no longer used
: old and no longer useful
: of or relating to ancient times
Full Definition
1 : having the characteristics of the language of the past and surviving chiefly in specialized uses
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time : antiquated
3 capitalized : of or belonging to the early or formative phases of a culture or a period of artistic development; especially : of or belonging to the period leading up to the classical period of Greek culture
4 : surviving from an earlier period; specifically : typical of a previously dominant evolutionary stage
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period from about 8000 b.c. to 1000 b.c. and the North American cultures of that time
synonyms see old
ar·cha·i·cal·ly -i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Examples
a man with some archaic notions about the proper sphere for women
Origin: French or Greek; French archaïque, from Greek archaïkos, from archaios.
Emulate
: to try to be like (someone or something you admire)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to strive to equal or excel
b : imitate; especially : to imitate by means of an emulator
2 : to equal or approach equality with
Other forms: em·u·lat·ed; em·u·lat·ing
Origin: Latin aemulatus, past participle of aemulari, from aemulus rivaling.
First use: 1582
adjective obsolete \: emulous 1b Origin: (see 1emulate ). First use: 1602
Rabid
adjective
: affected with rabies
: having or expressing a very extreme opinion about or interest in something
Full Definition
1 a : extremely violent : furious
b : going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion <a>
2 : affected with rabies
ra·bid·i·ty \rə-ˈbi-də-tē, ra-, rā-\ noun
ra·bid·ly \ˈra-bəd-lē also ˈrā-\ adverb
ra·bid·ness noun
Examples
soccer fans whose rabid enthusiasm makes them go berserk when their team wins
he became rabid when the bank manager told him he would lose the family farm if he didn’t pay the mortgage
a rabid nationalism that leads people to attack immigrants and anyone else they perceive as being different
Origin: Latin rabidus mad, from rabere.</a>
Complacent
adjective
: satisfied with how things are and not wanting to change them
Full Definition
1 : marked by self-satisfaction especially when accompanied by unawareness of actual dangers or deficiencies : marked by complacency : self-satisfied <a>
2 : complaisant 1
3 : unconcerned
com·pla·cent·ly adverb
Examples
the auditors were taken aback by his complacent response to their findings of fraud
a complacent junior exec who was certain of his indispensability to the company
Origin: Latin complacent-, complacens, present participle of complacēre to please greatly, from com- + placēre to please — more at please.
First use: 1760</a>
Impetuous
adjective
: acting or done quickly and without thought : controlled by emotion rather than thought
Full Definition
1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action
synonyms see precipitate
im·pet·u·ous·ly adverb
im·pet·u·ous·ness noun
Debilitate
: to make (someone or something) weak : to reduce the strength of (someone or something)
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to impair the strength of : enfeeble
synonyms see weaken
Other forms: de·bil·i·tat·ed; de·bil·i·tat·ing
de·bil·i·ta·tion -ˌbi-lə-ˈtā-shən\ noun
Examples
the heart surgery debilitated the college athlete beyond his worst fears
Origin: Latin debilitatus, past participle of debilitare to weaken, from debilis weak.
First use: 1533
Occult
adjective
: of or relating to supernatural powers or practices
Full Definition
1 : not revealed : secret
2 : not easily apprehended or understood : abstruse, mysterious
3 : hidden from view : concealed
4 : of or relating to the occult
5 : not manifest or detectable by clinical methods alone ; also : not present in macroscopic amounts
oc·cult·ly adverb
Origin: Latin occultus, from past participle of occulere to cover up, from ob- in the way + -culere (akin to celare to conceal) — more at ob-, hell.
First use: 1533
transitive verb
: to shut off from view or exposure : cover, eclipse
oc·cult·er noun
Origin: Latin occultare, frequentative of occulere.
First use: 1500
noun
: matters regarded as involving the action or influence of supernatural or supernormal powers or some secret knowledge of them — used with the
First use: 1923
Somber
adjective
: very sad and serious
: having a dull or dark color
Full Definition
1 : so shaded as to be dark and gloomy
2 a : of a serious mien : grave
b : of a dismal or depressing character : melancholy
c : conveying gloomy suggestions or ideas
3 : of a dull or heavy cast or shade : dark colored
som·ber·ly adverb
som·ber·ness noun
Examples
the prison’s somber interrogation room has the desired effect of striking fear and despair into the prisoner
the somber occasion of a dear friend’s funeral
Variants: or som·bre \ˈsäm-bər\
Origin: French sombre.
First use: 1760
Foment
: to cause or try to cause the growth or development of (something bad or harmful)
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to promote the growth or development of : rouse, incite
synonyms see incite
fo·ment·er noun
Examples
John Adams’s wife, Abigail, told him that if women were not remembered by the new American government, they would “foment a Rebellion and will not hold ourselves bound by any Laws in which we have no voice or Representation”
Origin: Middle English, to apply a warm substance to, from Late Latin fomentare, from Latin fomentum compress, from fovēre to heat, soothe; akin to Lithuanian degti to burn, Sanskrit dahati it burns.
First use: circa 1613
Glean
: to gather or collect (something) in a gradual way
: to search (something) carefully
: to gather grain or other material that is left after the main crop has been gathered
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to gather grain or other produce left by reapers
2 : to gather information or material bit by bit
transitive verb
1 a : to pick up after a reaper
b : to strip (as a field) of the leavings of reapers
2 a : to gather (as information) bit by bit
b : to pick over in search of relevant material
3 : find out
glean·able \ˈglē-nə-bəl\ adjective
glean·er noun
Examples
She gleaned her data from various studies.
He has a collection of antique tools gleaned from flea markets and garage sales.
They spent days gleaning the files for information.
Origin: Middle English glenen, from Anglo-French glener, from Late Latin glennare, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish doglenn he selects.
Quarry
: to dig or take (stone or other materials) from a quarry
: to make a quarry in (a place)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to dig or take from or as if from a quarry
2 : to make a quarry in
intransitive verb
: to delve in or as if in a quarry
Other forms: quar·ried; quar·ry·ing
Examples
Limestone is quarried in this area.
The stone used for these buildings was quarried from a nearby site.
an area where workers are quarrying for limestone
First use: 1774
noun
1 obsolete : a heap of the game killed in a hunt
2 : game; specifically : game hunted with hawks
3 : one that is sought or pursued : prey
noun
1 : an open excavation usually for obtaining building stone, slate, or limestone
2 : a rich source
noun
: a diamond-shaped pane of glass, stone, or tile
Discreet
adjective
: not likely to be seen or noticed by many people
Full Definition
1 : having or showing discernment or good judgment in conduct and especially in speech : prudent; especially : capable of preserving prudent silence
2 : unpretentious, modest
3 : unobtrusive, unnoticeable
dis·creet·ly adverb
dis·creet·ness noun
Examples
he was very discreet, only saying what was necessary
with a discreet gesture, she signalled to her husband that she was ready to leave the party
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French discret, from Medieval Latin discretus, from Latin, past participle of discernere to separate, distinguish between — more at discern.
First use: 14th century
Slovenly
adjective \: messy or untidy \: done in a careless way Full Definition 1 a : untidy especially in personal appearance b : lazily slipshod 2 : characteristic of a sloven slo·ven·li·ness noun slovenly adverb Examples for the sake of their image, the band members transformed themselves from clean-cut lads to slovenly rockers First use: circa 1568
Evanescent
adjective \: lasting a very short time Full Definition \: tending to vanish like vapor synonyms see transient Examples beauty that is as evanescent as a rainbow Origin: Latin evanescent-, evanescens, present participle of evanescere. First use: 1717
Abjure
\: to reject (something) formally Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to renounce upon oath b : to reject solemnly 2 : to abstain from : avoid Other forms: ab·jured; ab·jur·ing ab·jur·er noun Examples abjured some long-held beliefs when she converted to another religion a strict religious sect that abjures the luxuries, comforts, and conveniences of the modern world Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French abjurer, from Latin abjurare, from ab- + jurare to swear — more at jury. First use: 15th century
Penitent
adjective
: feeling or showing sorrow and regret because you have done something wrong
Full Definition
: feeling or expressing humble or regretful pain or sorrow for sins or offenses : repentant
pen·i·tent·ly adverb
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French penitent, from Latin paenitent-, paenitens, from present participle of paenitēre to cause regret, feel regret, perhaps from paene almost.
First use: 14th century
noun \: a person who is sorry for doing something wrong and asks for forgiveness : a penitent person Full Definition 1 : a person who repents of sin 2 : a person under church censure but admitted to penance or reconciliation especially under the direction of a confessor Examples penitents seeking God's forgiveness First use: 14th century
Reproach
: to speak in an angry and critical way to (someone) : to express disapproval or disappointment to (someone)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to express disappointment in or displeasure with (a person) for conduct that is blameworthy or in need of amendment
2 : to make (something) a matter of reproach (see 1reproach )
3 : to bring into discredit
synonyms see reprove
re·proach·able -ˈprō-chə-bəl\ adjective
re·proach·er noun
re·proach·ing·ly -ˈprō-chiŋ-lē\ adverb
Examples
She reproached her daughter for her selfishness.
He reproached himself for not telling the truth.
Origin: (see 1reproach ).
First use: 14th century
noun
1 : an expression of rebuke or disapproval
2 : the act or action of reproaching or disapproving
3 a : a cause or occasion of blame, discredit, or disgrace
b : discredit, disgrace
4 obsolete : one subjected to censure or scorn
re·proach·ful -fəl\ adjective
re·proach·ful·ly -fə-lē\ adverb
re·proach·ful·ness noun
Origin: Middle English reproche, from Anglo-French, from reprocher to reproach, from Vulgar Latin *repropiare to bring close, show, from Latin re- + prope near — more at approach.
First use: 14th century
Tantamount
adjective
: equal tosomething in value, meaning, or effect
Full Definition
: equivalent in value, significance, or effect <a>
Origin: obsolete tantamount, noun, equivalent, from Anglo-French tant amunter to amount to as much.
First use: 1641</a>
Allay
: to make (something) less severe or strong
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to subdue or reduce in intensity or severity : alleviate
2 : to make quiet : calm
intransitive verb
obsolete : to diminish in strength : subside
synonyms see relieve
Examples
a gentle breeze would allay the heat
Origin: Middle English alayen, from Old English ālecgan, from ā- (perfective prefix) + lecgan to lay — more at abide, lay.
First use: 14th century
Wary
adjective
: not having or showing complete trust in someone or something that could be dangerous or cause trouble
Full Definition
: marked by keen caution, cunning, and watchfulness especially in detecting and escaping danger
synonyms see cautious
Other forms: war·i·er; war·i·est
war·i·ly \ˈwer-ə-lē\ adverb
war·i·ness \ˈwer-ē-nəs\ noun
Examples
The store owner kept a wary eye on him.
Investors are increasingly wary about putting money into stocks.
They remain wary of the new plan.
Origin: 1ware, from Middle English war, ware, from Old English wær careful, aware, wary; akin to Old High German giwar aware, attentive, Latin vereri to fear, Greek horan to see.
First use: 15th century
Connoisseur
noun
: a person who knows a lot about something (such as art, wine, food, etc.) : an expert in a particular subject
Full Definition
1 : expert; especially : one who understands the details, technique, or principles of an art and is competent to act as a critical judge
2 : one who enjoys with discrimination and appreciation of subtleties <a>
con·nois·seur·ship -ˌship\ noun
Examples
a forthcoming exhibit at the art museum that is eagerly awaited by connoisseurs of ancient Greek pottery
works that are highly prized by connoisseurs of art glass
Origin: obsolete French (now connaisseur), from Old French connoisseor, from connoistre to know, from Latin cognoscere — more at cognition.
First use: 1714</a>
Deter
: to cause (someone) to decide not to do something
: to prevent (something) from happening
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting
2 : inhibit
Other forms: de·terred; de·ter·ring
de·ter·ment -ˈtər-mənt\ noun
de·ter·ra·bil·i·ty -ˌtər-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
de·ter·ra·ble -ˈtər-ə-bəl\ adjective
Examples
we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail
Origin: Latin deterrēre, from de- + terrēre to frighten — more at terror.
First use: circa 1547
Site
noun
: the place where something (such as a building) is, was, or will be located
: a place where something important has happened
: a place that is used for a particular activity
Full Definition
1 a : the spatial location of an actual or planned structure or set of structures (as a building, town, or monuments)
b : a space of ground occupied or to be occupied by a building
2 a : the place, scene, or point of an occurrence or event <a>
b : one or more Internet addresses at which an individual or organization provides information to others ; especially : web site
Examples
Hard hats must be worn on the construction site.
They visited the site of their future house.
The company has chosen a new site for its office building.
Origin: Middle English, place, position, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French sit, site, from Latin situs, from sinere to leave, allow.</a>
transitive verb
: to place or build (something) in a particular location
Full Definition
: to place on a site or in position : locate
Other forms: sit·ed; sit·ing
Examples
The office building will be sited on this lot.
First use: 15th century
Vigil
noun
: an event or a period of time when a person or group stays in a place and quietly waits, prays, etc., especially at night
Full Definition
1 a : a watch formerly kept on the night before a religious feast with prayer or other devotions
b : the day before a religious feast observed as a day of spiritual preparation
c : evening or nocturnal devotions or prayers — usually used in plural
2 : the act of keeping awake at times when sleep is customary; also : a period of wakefulness
3 : an act or period of watching or surveillance : watch
Examples
kept vigil at their ailing son’s bedside the entire time he was in the hospital
Origin: Middle English vigile, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin vigilia watch on the eve of a feast, from Latin, wakefulness, watch, from vigil awake, watchful; akin to Latin vigēre to be vigorous, vegēre to enliven — more at wake.
Cumbersome
adjective \: hard to handle or manage because of size or weight \: complicated and hard to do \: long and difficult to read, say, etc. Full Definition 1 dial : burdensome, troublesome 2 : unwieldy because of heaviness and bulk 3 : slow-moving : ponderous synonyms see heavy cum·ber·some·ly adverb cum·ber·some·ness noun Examples a long-handled wrench that is too cumbersome for tight spots, such as under the sink Origin: (see 1cumber ). First use: 1535
Divulge
: to make (information) known : to give (information) to someone
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 archaic : to make public : proclaim
2 : to make known (as a confidence or secret)
synonyms see reveal
Other forms: di·vulged; di·vulg·ing
di·vul·gence -ˈvəl-jən(t)s\ noun
Examples
we tried to make him divulge the name of the winner, but he wouldn’t budge
Origin: Middle English, from Latin divulgare, from dis- + vulgare to make known, from vulgus mob.
First use: 15th century
Interrogate
: to ask (someone) questions in a thorough and often forceful way
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to question formally and systematically
2 : to give or send out a signal to (as a transponder) for triggering an appropriate response
synonyms see ask
Other forms: in·ter·ro·gat·ed; in·ter·ro·gat·ing
in·ter·ro·ga·tee -ˌter-ə-(ˌ)gā-ˈtē\ noun
in·ter·ro·ga·tion -ˌter-ə-ˈgā-shən\ noun
in·ter·ro·ga·tion·al -shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
Examples
interrogated him about where he’d gone the night before
police interrogated the murder suspect for hours on end
Origin: Latin interrogatus, past participle of interrogare, from inter- + rogare to ask — more at right.
First use: 15th century
Unmitigated
adjective \: complete and total Full Definition 1 : not lessened : unrelieved 2 : being so definitely what is stated as to offer little chance of change or relief un·mit·i·gat·ed·ly adverb un·mit·i·gat·ed·ness noun Examples it looks like another one of your get-rich-quick schemes has ended in unmitigated failure First use: 1599
Fluctuate
: to change level, strength, or value frequently
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to shift back and forth uncertainly
2 : to ebb and flow in wavestransitive verb
: to cause to fluctuate
synonyms see swing
Other forms: fluc·tu·at·ed; fluc·tu·at·ing
fluc·tu·a·tion \ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən, -chü-ˈā-\ noun
fluc·tu·a·tion·al -shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
Examples
temperatures will fluctuate between the low and high 50s today
Origin: Latin fluctuatus, past participle of fluctuare, from fluctus flow, wave, from fluere — more at fluid.
First use: 1634
Disheveled
adjective \: not neat or tidy Full Definition \: marked by disorder or disarray Examples a slovenly woman with disheveled hair and a cigarette hanging out of her mouth Variants: or di·shev·elled Origin: Middle English discheveled bareheaded, with disordered hair, part translation of Anglo-French deschevelé, from des- dis- + chevoil hair, from Latin capillus. First use: 1583
Commodious
adjective \: having a lot of space Full Definition 1 : comfortably or conveniently spacious : roomy <a> 2 archaic : handy, serviceable synonyms see spacious com·mo·di·ous·ly adverb com·mo·di·ous·ness noun Examples a house with exceptionally commodious closets Origin: Middle English, fertile, useful, modification of Medieval Latin commodosus, from Latin commodum convenience, from neuter of commodus. First use: 15th century
Antiquated
adjective
: very old and no longer useful, popular, or accepted : very old-fashioned or obsolete
Full Definition
1 : obsolete
2 : outmoded or discredited by reason of age : being out of style or fashion
3 : advanced in age
synonyms see old
Examples
saw an antiquated hand-cranked rope-making machine at the textiles museum
First use: 1601
Facade
noun
: the front of a building
: a way of behaving or appearing that gives other people a false idea of your true feelings or situation
Full Definition
1 : the front of a building; also : any face of a building given special architectural treatment <a>s facade of success collapsed when it was revealed that its financial officers had been cooking the books for years
Variants: also fa·çade \fə-ˈsäd\
Origin: French façade, from Italian facciata, from faccia face, from Vulgar Latin *facia.
First use: circa 1681</a>
Tenacious
adjective
: not easily stopped or pulled apart : firm or strong
: continuing for a long time
: very determined to do something
Full Definition
1 a : not easily pulled apart : cohesive <a>
b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance
2 a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired <a>
b : retentive <a>
synonyms see strong
te·na·ci·ous·ly adverb
te·na·cious·ness noun
Examples
a tenacious trainer, she adheres to her grueling swimming schedule no matter what
you’ll have a devil of a time getting those tenacious burrs off of your wool sweater
Origin: Latin tenac-, tenax tending to hold fast, from tenēre to hold.</a></a></a>
Asinine
adjective \: very stupid and silly Full Definition 1 : extremely or utterly foolish 2 : of, relating to, or resembling an ass synonyms see simple as·i·nine·ly adverb as·i·nin·i·ty \ˌa-sə-ˈni-nə-tē\ noun Examples it was asinine to run into the street like that Origin: Latin asininus, from asinus ass. First use: 15th century
Grimace
noun
: a facial expression in which your mouth and face are twisted in a way that shows disgust, disapproval, or pain
Full Definition
: a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain
grimace intransitive verb
gri·mac·er noun
Examples
he made a grimace when he tasted the medicine
Origin: French, from Middle French, alteration of grimache, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grīma mask.
First use: 1651
Calumny
noun
: an untrue statement that is made to damage someone’s reputation ; also : the act of making such statements
Full Definition
1 : a misrepresentation intended to harm another’s reputation
2 : the act of uttering false charges or misrepresentations maliciously calculated to harm another’s reputation
Other forms: plural cal·um·nies
ca·lum·ni·ous \kə-ˈləm-nē-əs\ adjective
ca·lum·ni·ous·ly adverb
Examples
a blogger whose site is little more than a foulmouthed forum for calumny and rumormongering
Origin: Middle English calumnye, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French calomnie, from Latin calumnia, from calvi to deceive; perhaps akin to Old English hōlian to slander, Greek kēlein to beguile.
First use: 15th century
Pittance
noun
: a very small amount of money
Full Definition
: a small portion, amount, or allowance; also : a meager wage or remuneration
Examples
the internship offers only a pittance for a salary, but it is a great opportunity to gain experience
Origin: Middle English pitance, from Anglo-French, piety, pity, dole, portion, from Medieval Latin pietantia, from pietant-, pietans, present participle of pietari to be charitable, from Latin pietas piety — more at pity.
First use: 14th century
Au courant
adjective
: knowing about the newest information, trends, etc.
: stylish or current
Full Definition
1 a : fully informed : up-to-date
b : fashionable, stylish
2 : fully familiar : conversant
Examples
au courant filmgoers have dismissed Hollywood’s latest effects-laden actioner as so last year
glossy magazines full of reed-thin models in au courant outfits
doctors try to stay au courant with the latest advances in medicine
Origin: French, literally, in the current.
First use: 1762
Unkempt
adjective
: not neat or orderly : messy or untidy
Full Definition
1 : not combed
2 : deficient in order or neatness ; also : rough, unpolished
Examples
an unkempt and cluttered room
the stereotype of the unkempt but brilliant scientist
Origin: Middle English unkemd, unkempt, from un- + kembed, kempt, past participle of kemben to comb, from Old English cemban; akin to Old High German chempen to comb, Old English camb comb — more at comb.
First use: 14th century
Noisome
adjective
: very unpleasant or disgusting
Full Definition
1 : noxious, harmful
2 a : offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell
b : highly obnoxious or objectionable
synonyms see malodorous
noi·some·ly adverb
noi·some·ness noun
Examples
it’s no fun having asthma and living in an area with noisome smog
a noisome remark about my weight that stuck with me for days
the noisome air of the area of the city that was downwind of the dog food factory
Origin: Middle English noysome, from noy annoyance, alteration of anoi, from Anglo-French anui, from anuier to harass, annoy — more at annoy.
Parable
noun
: a short story that teaches a moral or spiritual lesson ; especially : one of the stories told by Jesus Christ and recorded in the Bible
Full Definition
: example; specifically : a usually short fictitious story that illustrates a moral attitude or a religious principle
Examples
the parable in which the repentant sinner is compared to the returning prodigal son who is welcomed home
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin parabola, from Greek parabolē comparison, from paraballein to compare, from para- + ballein to throw — more at devil.
First use: 14th century
Lampoon
noun
: a piece of writing, a cartoon, etc., that mocks or makes fun of a well-known person or thing
Full Definition
: satire 1; specifically : a harsh satire usually directed against an individual
Origin: French lampon.
First use: 1645
: to publicly criticize (someone or something) in a way that causes laughter : to mock or make fun of (someone or something)
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to make the subject of a lampoon : ridicule
lam·poon·er noun
lam·poon·ery -ˈpü-nə-rē, -ˈpün-rē\ noun
Examples
He said such ridiculous things that he was often the target of lampoons in the press.
this classic musical is a lampoon of the movie business at the time when sound was introduced
First use: circa 1657
Sanctimonious
adjective \: pretending to be morally better than other people Full Definition 1 : hypocritically pious or devout <a> 2 obsolete : possessing sanctity : holy sanc·ti·mo·nious·ly adverb sanc·ti·mo·nious·ness noun First use: 1603
Whimsical
: unusual in a playful or amusing way : not serious
Full Definition
1 : full of, actuated by, or exhibiting whims (see whim ))
2 a : resulting from or characterized by whim or caprice; especially : lightly fanciful
b : subject to erratic behavior or unpredictable change
whim·si·cal·i·ty \ˌhwim-zə-ˈka-lə-tē, ˌwim-\ noun
whim·si·cal·ly \ˈhwim-zi-k(ə-)lē, ˈwim-\ adverb
whim·si·cal·ness -kəl-nəs\ noun
Examples
it’s hard to make plans with such a whimsical best friend
Origin: whimsy.
First use: 1653
Effrontery
noun
: a very confident attitude or way of behaving that is shocking or rude
Full Definition
: shameless boldness : insolence
synonyms see temerity
Other forms: plural ef·fron·ter·ies
Examples
the little squirt had the effrontery to deny eating any cookies, even with the crumbs still on his lips
Origin: French effronterie, ultimately from Medieval Latin effront-, effrons shameless, from Latin ex- + front-, frons forehead.
First use: 1697
Equanimity
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
Debacle
noun
: a great disaster or complete failure
Full Definition
1 : a tumultuous breakup of ice in a river
2 : a violent disruption (as of an army) : rout
3 a : a great disaster
b : a complete failure : fiasco
Examples
the financial debacle that was the stock market crash of 1929
the movie, which some had predicted would be a blockbuster, turned out to be the summer’s biggest debacle at the multiplexes
Variants: also dé·bâ·cle \also dā-ˈbäk(lə)\
Origin: French débâcle, from débâcler to clear, from Middle French desbacler, from des- de- + bacler to block, perhaps from Vulgar Latin *bacculare, from Latin baculum staff.
First use: 1802
Nonentity
non·en·ti·ty-ˈen-tə-tē, -ˈe-nə-\
noun
: a person who is not famous or important
Full Definition
1 : something that does not exist or exists only in the imagination
2 : nonexistence
3 : a person or thing of little consequence or significance
Examples
the arctic circle is a nonentity—you won’t see it on the way to the north pole
was so quiet he was almost a nonentity at the meeting
First use: circa 1600
Flabbergast
flab·ber·gast\ˈfla-bər-ˌgast\
: to shock or surprise (someone) very much
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to overwhelm with shock, surprise, or wonder : dumbfound
synonyms see surprise
flab·ber·gast·ing·ly -ˌgas-tiŋ-lē\ adverb
Examples
your decision to suddenly quit your job flabbergasts me
Origin: origin unknown.
First use: 1772
Synonyms: amaze, astonish, astound, bowl over, dumbfound (also dumfound), surprise, floor, rock, shock, startle, stun, stupefy, thunderstrike
Vivacious
vi·va·cious\və-ˈvā-shəs also vī-\
adjective
: happy and lively in a way that is attractive
Full Definition
: lively in temper, conduct, or spirit : sprightly
synonyms see lively
vi·va·cious·ly adverb
vi·va·cious·ness noun
Examples
an outgoing, vivacious girl who became a successful sales rep
the poem is a vivacious expression of his love for her
Origin: Latin vivac-, vivax long-lived, vigorous, high-spirited, from vivere to live.
First use: circa 1645
Gaunt
gaunt\ˈgȯnt, ˈgänt\ adjective \: very thin usually because of illness or suffering \: plain and unpleasant in appearance : desolate and gloomy Full Definition 1 : excessively thin and angular <a> 2 : barren, desolate synonyms see lean gaunt·ly adverb gaunt·ness noun Examples a small gaunt man He left the hospital looking tired and gaunt. gaunt leafless trees Origin: Middle English. First use: 15th century Synonyms: cadaverous, emaciated, haggard, skeletal, wasted
Mien
mien\ˈmēn\
noun
: a person’s appearance or facial expression
Full Definition
1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : demeanor
2 : appearance, aspect
synonyms see bearing
Examples
a kindly mien
He has the mien of an ancient warrior.
Origin: by shortening & alteration from 1demean.
First use: 1522
Synonyms: aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, appearance, outside, presence, regard [archaic]
Hirsute
hir·sute\ˈhər-ˌsüt, ˈhir-, ˌhər-ˈ, hir-ˈ\
adjective
: having a lot of hair especially on the face or body
Full Definition
1 : hairy 1
2 : covered with coarse stiff hairs <a>
hir·sute·ness noun
Examples
wore a hirsute mask as part of his werewolf costume
Origin: Latin hirsutus; akin to Latin horrēre to bristle — more at horror.
First use: 1621</a>
Refute
: to prove that (something) is not true
: to say that (something) is not true
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to prove wrong by argument or evidence : show to be false or erroneous
2 : to deny the truth or accuracy of
Other forms: re·fut·ed; re·fut·ing
re·fut·able -ˈfyü-tə-bəl\ adjective
re·fut·ably -blē\ adverb
re·fut·er noun
Examples
while he was publicly refuting rumors of a merger, behind the scenes the CEO was working to effect that very outcome
the victories of African-American athlete Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics effectively refuted the racial views of the Nazis
Origin: Latin refutare to check, suppress, refute.
First use: 1545
Stupor
stu·por\ˈstü-pər, ˈstyü-\
noun
: a condition in which someone is not able to think normally because of being drunk, drugged, tired, etc.
Full Definition
1 : a condition of greatly dulled or completely suspended sense or sensibility <a>
2 : a state of extreme apathy or torpor resulting often from stress or shock : daze
synonyms see lethargy
Examples
shocked by news of impending layoffs, the workers shuffled through their shift in a quiet stupor
Origin: Middle English, from Latin, from stupēre.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: hebetude, languor, lassitude, listlessness, lethargy, torpor
Antonyms: vigor, vim, vitality, vivacity</a>
Wince
wince\ˈwin(t)s\
: to have an expression on your face for a very short time which shows that you are embarrassed or in pain
Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain) : flinch
synonyms see recoil
Other forms: winced; winc·ing
wince noun
Examples
She winced (in pain) when she hit her elbow.
I wince with embarrassment whenever I think of that day.
Origin: Middle English wynsen to kick out, start, from Anglo-French *wincer, *guincer to shift direction, dodge, by-form of guenchir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wenken, wankōn to totter — more at wench.
First use: circa 1748
Synonyms: blench, cringe, quail, recoil, shrink, squinch, flinch
Pensive
pen·sive\ˈpen(t)-siv\ adjective \: quietly sad or thoughtful Full Definition 1 : musingly or dreamily thoughtful 2 : suggestive of sad thoughtfulness pen·sive·ly adverb pen·sive·ness noun Examples rainy days often put her in a pensive mood Origin: Middle English pensif, from Anglo-French, from penser to think, from Latin pensare to ponder, frequentative of pendere to weigh — more at pendant. First use: 14th century Synonyms: broody, cogitative, meditative, melancholy, musing, contemplative, reflective, ruminant, ruminative, thoughtful Antonyms: unreflective
Cliche
cli·ché
noun
1 : a trite phrase or expression; also : the idea expressed by it
2 : a hackneyed theme, characterization, or situation
3 : something (as a menu item) that has become overly familiar or commonplace
cliché adjective
Variants: also cli·che \klē-ˈshā, ˈklē-ˌ, kli-ˈ\
Origin: French, literally, printer’s stereotype, from past participle of clicher to stereotype, of imitative origin.
First use: 1882
Synonyms: banality, bromide, chestnut, commonplace (also cliche), groaner, homily, platitude, shibboleth, trope, truism
Whet
whet\ˈhwet, ˈwet\
: to make (something, such as a person’s appetite or curiosity) sharper or stronger
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone)
2 : to make keen or more acute : excite, stimulate
Other forms: whet·ted; whet·ting
whet·ter noun
Origin: Middle English whetten, from Old English hwettan; akin to Old High German wezzen to whet, waz sharp.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: edge, grind, hone, stone, strop, sharpen
Antonyms: blunt, dull
Genre
genre\ˈzhän-rə, ˈzhäⁿ-; ˈzhäⁿr; ˈjän-rə\
noun
: a particular type or category of literature or art
Full Definition
1 : a category of artistic, musical, or literary composition characterized by a particular style, form, or content
2 : kind, sort
3 : painting that depicts scenes or events from everyday life usually realistically
Examples
a literary/film/musical genre
This book is a classic of the mystery genre.
Origin: French, from Middle French, kind, gender — more at gender.
First use: 1770
Synonyms: breed, class, description, feather, sort, ilk, kidney, kind, like, manner, nature, order, species, strain, stripe, type, variety
Venial
ve·nial\ˈvē-nē-əl, -nyəl\
adjective
: not serious
Full Definition
: of a kind that can be remitted : forgivable, pardonable; also : meriting no particular censure or notice : excusable
ve·nial·ly adverb
ve·nial·ness noun
Examples
taking the restaurant’s menu as a souvenir seems like a venial offense
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French veniel, from Late Latin venialis, from Latin venia favor, indulgence, pardon; akin to Latin venus love, charm — more at win.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: condonable, excusable, forgivable, pardonable, remissible, remittable
Antonyms: indefensible, inexcusable, mortal, unforgivable, unjustifiable, unpardonable
Prudent
: having or showing careful good judgment
Full Definition
: characterized by, arising from, or showing prudence: as
a : marked by wisdom or judiciousness
b : shrewd in the management of practical affairs
c : marked by circumspection : discreet
d : provident, frugal
synonyms see wise
pru·dent·ly adverb
Examples
her calm response was very prudent under the circumstances
it wouldn’t be prudent to ask for a raise while the company is having financial troubles
her many years of experience as a social worker have made her a prudent judge of character
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin prudent-, prudens, contraction of provident-, providens — more at provident.
First use: 14th century
Ostensible
: seeming or said to be true or real but very possibly not true or real
Full Definition
1 : intended for display : open to view
2 : being such in appearance : plausible rather than demonstrably true or real
synonyms see apparent
Examples
the ostensible reason for the meeting turned out to be a trick to get him to the surprise party
Origin: French, from Latin ostensus, past participle of ostendere to show, from obs-, ob- in the way + tendere to stretch — more at ob-, thin.
First use: circa 1771
Heresy
: a belief or opinion that does not agree with the official belief or opinion of a particular religion
Full Definition
1 a : adherence to a religious opinion contrary to church dogma
b : denial of a revealed truth by a baptized member of the Roman Catholic Church
c : an opinion or doctrine contrary to church dogma
2 a : dissent or deviation from a dominant theory, opinion, or practice
b : an opinion, doctrine, or practice contrary to the truth or to generally accepted beliefs or standards
Other forms: plural her·e·sies
Examples
the heresy of asserting that Shakespeare was not a great writer
Origin: Middle English heresie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin haeresis, from Late Greek hairesis, from Greek, action of taking, choice, sect, from hairein to take.
First use: 13th century
Fervid
\: having or showing feelings that are very strong or too strong Full Definition 1 : very hot : burning 2 : marked by often extreme fervor <a> synonyms see impassioned fer·vid·ly adverb fer·vid·ness noun Examples at the school board meeting the librarian delivered a fervid speech defending the classic novel against would-be censors the fervid sands of Arabia, where T.E. Lawrence staked his claim to military glory Origin: Latin fervidus, from fervēre. First use: 1599
Propagate
: to make (something, such as an idea or belief) known to many people
: to produce (a new plant)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to cause to continue or increase by sexual or asexual reproduction
2 : to pass along to offspring
3 a : to cause to spread out and affect a greater number or greater area : extend
b : to foster growing knowledge of, familiarity with, or acceptance of (as an idea or belief) : publicize
c : to transmit (as sound or light) through a mediumintransitive verb
1 : to multiply sexually or asexually
2 : increase, extend
3 : to travel through space or a material — used of wave energy (as light, sound, or radio waves)
Other forms: prop·a·gat·ed; prop·a·gat·ing
prop·a·ga·tive -ˌgā-tiv\ adjective
prop·a·ga·tor -ˌgā-tər\ noun
Examples
the dams along the river are interfering with the salmon’s ability to propagate
the various ways in which churches can propagate the faith
Origin: Latin propagatus, past participle of propagare to set slips, propagate, from propages slip, offspring, from pro- before + pangere to fasten — more at pro-, pact.
First use: circa 1570
Synonyms: breed, multiply, procreate, reproduce
Anomaly
noun
: something that is unusual or unexpected : something anomalous
Full Definition
1 : the angular distance of a planet from its perihelion as seen from the sun
2 : deviation from the common rule : irregularity
3 : something anomalous : something different, abnormal, peculiar, or not easily classified
Other forms: plural anom·a·lies
Examples
her C grade is an anomaly, as she’s never made anything except A’s and B’s before
snow in July is an anomaly in most of the northern hemisphere
Origin: (see anomalous ).
First use: 1603
Milieu
: the physical or social setting in which people live or in which something happens or develops
Full Definition
: the physical or social setting in which something occurs or develops : environment
synonyms see background
Other forms: plural mi·lieus or mi·lieux -ˈyə(r)(z), -ˈyüz, -ˈyœ(z); -ˌyü(z)\
Examples
young, innovative artists thrive in the freewheeling milieu that a big city offers
Origin: French, from Old French, midst, from mi middle (from Latin medius) + lieu place, from Latin locus — more at mid, stall.
First use: 1854
Strident
: sounding harsh and unpleasant
: expressing opinions or criticism in a very forceful and often annoying or unpleasant way
Full Definition
: characterized by harsh, insistent, and discordant sound <a>; also : commanding attention by a loud or obtrusive quality
synonyms see loud, vociferous
stri·dent·ly adverb
Origin: Latin strident-, stridens, present participle of stridere, stridēre to make a harsh noise.
First use: circa 1656</a>
Deleterious
: damaging or harmful
Full Definition
: harmful often in a subtle or unexpected way
synonyms see pernicious
del·e·te·ri·ous·ly adverb
del·e·te·ri·ous·ness noun
Examples
nicotine has long been recognized as a deleterious substance
Origin: Greek dēlētērios, from dēleisthai to hurt.
First use: 1643
Concomitant
adjective
: happening at the same time as something else
Full Definition
: accompanying especially in a subordinate or incidental way
con·com·i·tant·ly adverb
Origin: Latin concomitant-, concomitans, present participle of concomitari to accompany, from com- + comitari to accompany, from comit-, comes companion — more at count.
First use: 1607
noun
: something that happens at the same time as something else : a condition that is associated with some other condition
Full Definition
: something that accompanies or is collaterally connected with something else : accompaniment
Examples
hunger, a lack of education, and other concomitants of poverty
disease is all too often one of the concomitants of poverty
Origin: (see 1concomitant ).
First use: 1621
Lassitude
noun
formal + medical : the condition of being tired : lack of physical or mental energy
Full Definition
1 : a condition of weariness or debility : fatigue
2 : a condition of listlessness : languor
synonyms see lethargy
Examples
our lassitude was such that we couldn’t even be bothered to get more soda from the fridge
as his cancer progresses, his days are increasingly marked by lassitude and isolation from the outside world
Origin: Middle English, from Latin lassitudo, from lassus weary; probably akin to Old English læt late — more at late.
First use: 15th century
Efficacy
\: the power to produce a desired result or effect Full Definition \: the power to produce an effect Other forms: plural ef·fi·ca·cies Examples questioned the efficacy of the alarms in actually preventing auto theft Origin: (see efficacious ). First use: 13th century
Dissent
: to publicly disagree with an official opinion, decision, or set of beliefs
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to withhold assent
2 : to differ in opinion
Origin: Middle English, from Latin dissentire, from dis- + sentire to feel — more at sense.
First use: 15th century
noun
: public disagreement with an official opinion, decision, or set of beliefs
law : a statement by a judge giving reasons why the judge does not agree with the decision made by the other judges in a court case
Full Definition
: difference of opinion : as
a : religious nonconformity
b : a justice’s nonconcurrence with a decision of the majority —called also dissenting opinion
c : political opposition to a government or its policies
Examples
Church leaders permitted no dissent from church teachings.
He did everything in his power to suppress political dissent.
These dissents come from prominent scientists and should not be ignored.
First use: 1585
Arbiter
noun
: a person who is considered to be an authority on what is right, good, or proper
: a person who has the power to settle an argument between people
Full Definition
1 : a person with power to decide a dispute : judge
2 : a person or agency whose judgment or opinion is considered authoritative
Examples
the dean of student affairs is the proper arbiter when a student disputes a grade
Origin: Middle English arbitre, from Anglo-French, from Latin arbitr-, arbiter.
First use: 14th century
Ferment
: to go through a chemical change that results in the production of alcohol
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to undergo fermentation
2 : to be in a state of agitation or intense activitytransitive verb
1 : to cause to undergo fermentation
2 : to work up (as into a state of agitation) : foment
fer·ment·able -ˈmen-tə-bəl\ adjective
First use: 14th century
noun
: a situation in which there is much excitement and confusion caused by change
Full Definition
1 a : a living organism (as a yeast) that causes fermentation by virtue of its enzymes
b : enzyme
2 a : a state of unrest : agitation
b : a process of active often disorderly development
Origin: Middle English, from Latin fermentum yeast — more at barm.
First use: 15th century
Attenuate
1 : reduced especially in thickness, density, or force
2 : tapering gradually usually to a long slender point
Origin: Middle English attenuat, from Latin attenuatus, past participle of attenuare to make thin, from ad- + tenuis thin — more at thin.
First use: 15th century
: to make (something) weaker or less in amount, effect, or force
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to make thin or slender
2 : to make thin in consistency : rarefy
3 : to lessen the amount, force, magnitude, or value of : weaken
4 : to reduce the severity, virulence, or vitality of
intransitive verb
: to become thin, fine, or less
Other forms: at·ten·u·at·ed; at·ten·u·at·ing
at·ten·u·a·tion -ˌten-yə-ˈwā-shən, -yü-ˈā-\ noun
First use: 1530
Incumbent
noun
: a person who holds a particular office or position
Full Definition
1 : the holder of an office or ecclesiastical benefice
2 : one that occupies a particular position or place
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin incumbent-, incumbens, present participle of incumbere to lie down on, from in- + -cumbere to lie down; akin to cubare to lie.
First use: 15th century
adjective \: holding an office or position Full Definition 1 : imposed as a duty : obligatory 2 : having the status of an incumbent (see 1incumbent ) ; especially : occupying a specified office 3 : lying or resting on something else 4 : bent over so as to rest on or touch an underlying surface Examples the incumbent president/mayor/senator incumbent members of Congress
Celerity
noun
: rapidity of motion or action
Examples
a journalist who writes his well-crafted stories with remarkable celerity
Origin: Middle English celerite, from Anglo-French, from Latin celeritat-, celeritas, from celer swift — more at hold.
First use: 15th century
Expedite
\: to cause (something) to happen faster Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to execute promptly 2 : to accelerate the process or progress of : speed up 3 : issue, dispatch Other forms: ex·pe·dit·ed; ex·pe·dit·ing Origin: Latin expeditus, past participle of expedire (see 1expedient ). First use: 15th century
Prodigious
: amazing or wonderful : very impressive
: very big
Full Definition
1 a obsolete : being an omen : portentous
b : resembling or befitting a prodigy : strange, unusual (see prodigy )
2 : exciting amazement or wonder
3 : extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree : enormous
synonyms see monstrous
pro·di·gious·ly adverb
pro·di·gious·ness noun
Examples
stage magicians performing prodigious feats for rapt audiences
a prodigious supply of canned food kept in the basement for emergencies
Origin: (see prodigy ).
First use: 15th century
Alleviate
: to reduce the pain or trouble of (something) : to make (something) less painful, difficult, or severe
Full Definition
transitive verb
: relieve, lessen: as
a : to make (as suffering) more bearable
b : to partially remove or correct
synonyms see relieve
Other forms: al·le·vi·at·ed; al·le·vi·at·ing
al·le·vi·a·tion -ˌlē-vē-ˈā-shən\ noun
al·le·vi·a·tor -ˈlē-vē-ˌā-tər\ noun
Examples
a car pool alleviates some of the stress of driving the kids to and from school every day
Origin: Late Latin alleviatus, past participle of alleviare, from Latin ad- + levis light — more at light.
Profound
adjective
: having or showing great knowledge or understanding
: difficult to understand : requiring deep thought or wisdom
: very strongly felt
Full Definition
1 a : having intellectual depth and insight
b : difficult to fathom or understand
2 a : extending far below the surface
b : coming from, reaching to, or situated at a depth : deep-seated <a>
3 a : characterized by intensity of feeling or quality
b : all encompassing : complete
pro·found·ly -ˈfau̇n(d)-lē\ adverb
pro·found·ness -ˈfau̇n(d)-nəs\ noun
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French parfunt, profond deep, from Latin profundus, from pro- before + fundus bottom — more at pro-, bottom.
First use: 14th century</a>
noun archaic \: something that is very deep; specifically : the depths of the sea Origin: (see 1profound ). First use: 1621
Usurp
: to take and keep (something, such as power) in a forceful or violent way and especially without the right to do so
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to seize and hold (as office, place, or powers) in possession by force or without right
b : to take or make use of without right
2 : to take the place of by or as if by force : supplant
intransitive verb
: to seize or exercise authority or possession wrongfully
usur·pa·tion \ˌyü-sər-ˈpā-shən also ˌyü-zər-\ noun
usurp·er \yu̇-ˈsər-pər also -ˈzər-\ noun
Examples
Some people have accused city council members of trying to usurp the mayor’s power.
attempting to usurp the throne
Have we allowed their lies to usurp the truth?
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French usorper, from Latin usurpare to take possession of without legal claim, from usu (abl. of usus use) + rapere to seize — more at rapid.
First use: 14th century
Paltry
adjective
: very small or too small in amount
: having little meaning, importance, or worth
Full Definition
1 : inferior, trashy
2 : mean, despicable <a>
3 : trivial <a>
4 : meager, measly
Other forms: pal·tri·er; pal·tri·est
pal·tri·ness noun
Examples
a paltry, underhanded scheme to get someone fired
the hotel’s shabby, outdated exercise room was its paltry attempt at a health spa
just some paltry ruse to bilk the system
Origin: obsolete paltry trash, from dialect palt, pelt piece of coarse cloth, trash; akin to Middle Low German palte rag.</a></a>
Trivial
adjective
: not important
Full Definition
1 : commonplace, ordinary
2 a : of little worth or importance <a>
b : relating to or being the mathematically simplest case; specifically : characterized by having all variables equal to zero <a>
3 : specific 4
triv·i·al·ist -ə-list\ noun
triv·i·al·ly -ə-lē\ adverb
Examples
why spend so much time on trivial decisions, like whether the soda should be regular or diet?
figured that restaurant customers wouldn’t notice such a trivial surcharge on their bill
Origin: Latin trivialis found everywhere, commonplace, from trivium crossroads, from tri- + via way — more at way.</a></a>
Condone
: to forgive or approve (something that is considered wrong) : to allow (something that is considered wrong) to continue
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to regard or treat (something bad or blameworthy) as acceptable, forgivable, or harmless <a>
synonyms see excuse
Other forms: con·doned; con·don·ing
con·don·able -ˈdō-nə-bəl\ adjective
con·don·er noun
Examples
he is too quick to condone his friend’s faults
Origin: Latin condonare to absolve, from com- + donare to give — more at donation.
First use: 1805</a>
Bizarre
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
Noun
: a flower with atypical striped marking
First use: circa 1753
Succinct
adjective
: using few words to state or express an idea
Full Definition
1 archaic
a : being girded
b : close-fitting
2 : marked by compact precise expression without wasted words <a>
synonyms see concise
suc·cinct·ly -ˈsiŋ(k)t-lē, -ˈsiŋ-klē\ adverb
suc·cinct·ness -ˈsiŋt-nəs, -ˈsiŋk-nəs\ noun
Examples
a pocket guide that provides succinct explanations for rules of grammar and punctuation
Origin: Middle English, from Latin succinctus having one’s clothes gathered up by a belt, tightly wrapped, concise, from sub- + cinctus, past participle of cingere to gird — more at cincture.
First use: 15th century</a>
Menial
noun
: a person (such as a servant) who does boring or unpleasant work for little money : someone who does menial work
Full Definition
: a person doing menial work; specifically : a domestic servant or retainer
First use: 14th century
adjective
—used to describe boring or unpleasant work that does not require special skill and usually does not pay much money
Full Definition
1 : of or relating to servants : lowly
2 a : appropriate to a servant : humble, servile
b : lacking interest or dignity <a>
me·nial·ly adverb
Examples
low-paid menials
immigrants to that country faced fierce prejudice and could expect to find work only as menials
Origin: Middle English meynial, from Anglo-French meignal, from mesnee, mayné household, retinue, from Vulgar Latin *mansionata, from Latin mansion-, mansio dwelling — more at mansion.
First use: 15th century</a>
Venerable
adjective
: old and respected : valued and respected because of old age, long use, etc.
Full Definition
1 : deserving to be venerated — used as a title for an Anglican archdeacon or for a Roman Catholic who has been accorded the lowest of three degrees of recognition for sanctity
2 : made sacred especially by religious or historical association
3 a : calling forth respect through age, character, and attainments <a>; broadly : conveying an impression of aged goodness and benevolence adverb
Examples
the venerable old man was a cherished source of advice and wisdom for the villagers
a venerable tradition that colleges have been maintaining for centuries
Origin: (see venerate ).
First use: 15th century</a>
Extraneous
adjective
: not forming a necessary part of something : not important
Full Definition
1 : existing on or coming from the outside
2 a : not forming an essential or vital part
b : having no relevance
3 : being a number obtained in solving an equation that is not a solution of the equation
synonyms see extrinsic
ex·tra·ne·ous·ly adverb
ex·tra·ne·ous·ness noun
Examples
the architect’s streamlined modern style shuns any sort of extraneous ornamentation
the professor would have covered all of the course material if she had refrained from her extraneous remarks on just about everything
Origin: Latin extraneus — more at strange.
First use: 1638
Ambiguous
adjective
: able to be understood in more than one way : having more than one possible meaning
: not expressed or understood clearly
Full Definition
1 a : doubtful or uncertain especially from obscurity or indistinctness
b : inexplicable
2 : capable of being understood in two or more possible senses or ways <a>
synonyms see obscure
am·big·u·ous·ly adverb
am·big·u·ous·ness noun
Examples
the exact reason for the change in plans is ambiguous, but I suspect it has something to do with money
Origin: Latin ambiguus, from ambigere to be undecided, from ambi- + agere to drive — more at agent.
First use: 1528</a>
Salubrious
adjective \: making good health possible or likely Full Definition \: favorable to or promoting health or well-being synonyms see healthful sa·lu·bri·ous·ly adverb sa·lu·bri·ous·ness noun sa·lu·bri·ty \-brə-tē\ noun Examples fresh air and exercise are always salubrious Origin: Latin salubris; akin to salvus safe, healthy — more at safe. First use: 1547
Archaic
adjective
: old and no longer used
: old and no longer useful
: of or relating to ancient times
Full Definition
1 : having the characteristics of the language of the past and surviving chiefly in specialized uses
2 : of, relating to, or characteristic of an earlier or more primitive time : antiquated
3 capitalized : of or belonging to the early or formative phases of a culture or a period of artistic development; especially : of or belonging to the period leading up to the classical period of Greek culture
4 : surviving from an earlier period; specifically : typical of a previously dominant evolutionary stage
5 capitalized : of or relating to the period from about 8000 b.c. to 1000 b.c. and the North American cultures of that time
synonyms see old
ar·cha·i·cal·ly -i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Examples
a man with some archaic notions about the proper sphere for women
Origin: French or Greek; French archaïque, from Greek archaïkos, from archaios.
Emulate
: to try to be like (someone or something you admire)
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to strive to equal or excel
b : imitate; especially : to imitate by means of an emulator
2 : to equal or approach equality with
Other forms: em·u·lat·ed; em·u·lat·ing
Origin: Latin aemulatus, past participle of aemulari, from aemulus rivaling.
First use: 1582
adjective obsolete \: emulous 1b Origin: (see 1emulate ). First use: 1602
Rabid
adjective
: affected with rabies
: having or expressing a very extreme opinion about or interest in something
Full Definition
1 a : extremely violent : furious
b : going to extreme lengths in expressing or pursuing a feeling, interest, or opinion <a>
2 : affected with rabies
ra·bid·i·ty \rə-ˈbi-də-tē, ra-, rā-\ noun
ra·bid·ly \ˈra-bəd-lē also ˈrā-\ adverb
ra·bid·ness noun
Examples
soccer fans whose rabid enthusiasm makes them go berserk when their team wins
he became rabid when the bank manager told him he would lose the family farm if he didn’t pay the mortgage
a rabid nationalism that leads people to attack immigrants and anyone else they perceive as being different
Origin: Latin rabidus mad, from rabere.</a>
Unsavory
un·sa·vory-ˈsā-və-rē, -ˈsāv-rē\
adjective
: unpleasant or offensive
Full Definition
1 : insipid, tasteless
2 a : unpleasant to taste or smell
b : disagreeable, distasteful ; especially : morally offensive
Examples
an unsavory blend of spices that simply overwhelmed the fish’s delicate flavor
unsavory doings that ruined the couple’s good name in the community
hated the whole unsavory business of firing people
First use: 13th century
Synonyms: brackish, unappetizing, unpalatable, distasteful, yucky (also yukky)
Antonyms: appetizing, delectable, delicious, delish, palatable, savory (also savoury), tasty, toothsome, yummy
Degrade
de·grade\di-ˈgrād, dē-\
: to treat (someone or something) poorly and without respect
: to make the quality of (something) worse
: to cause (something complex) to break down into simple substances or parts
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to lower in grade, rank, or status : demote
b : to strip of rank or honors
c : to lower to an inferior or less effective level
d : to scale down in desirability or salability
2 a : to bring to low esteem or into disrepute
b : to drag down in moral or intellectual character : corrupt
3 : to impair in respect to some physical property
4 : to wear down by erosion
5 : to reduce the complexity of (a chemical compound) : decompose
intransitive verb
1 : to pass from a higher grade or class to a lower
2 of a chemical compound : to become reduced in complexity
de·grad·er noun
de·grad·ing·ly -ˈgrā-diŋ-lē\ adverb
Examples
the view that such a system degrades doctors to the status of medical employees who ultimately are not in charge of their patients’ health care
degrading the school’s animal mascot with a silly costume
the players degraded themselves with their crude antics off the field
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French degrader, from Late Latin degradare, from Latin de- + gradus step, grade — more at grade.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: break, bust, demote, disrate, downgrade, reduce
Antonyms: advance, elevate, promote, raise
Candid
can·did\ˈkan-dəd\
adjective
: expressing opinions and feelings in an honest and sincere way
photography : showing people acting in a natural way because they do not know that they are being photographed
Full Definition
1 : white
2 : free from bias, prejudice, or malice : fair <a>
3 a : marked by honest sincere expression <a>
b : indicating or suggesting sincere honesty and absence of deception
c : disposed to criticize severely : blunt
4 : relating to or being photography of subjects acting naturally or spontaneously without being posed
synonyms see frank
can·did·ly adverb
can·did·ness noun
Examples
a candid woman who never hesitates to say exactly what’s on her mind
a candid listing of the advantages and disadvantages of each medical insurance plan
Origin: French & Latin; French candide, from Latin candidus bright, white, from candēre to shine, glow; akin to Welsh can white, Sanskrit candati it shines.
First use: 1606
Synonyms: frank, direct, forthcoming, forthright, foursquare, freehearted, free-spoken, honest, open, openhearted, out-front, outspoken, plain, plainspoken, straight, straightforward, unguarded, unreserved, up-front
Antonyms: dissembling, uncandid, unforthcoming</a></a>
Grotesque
gro·tesque\grō-ˈtesk\
noun
1 a : a style of decorative art characterized by fanciful or fantastic human and animal forms often interwoven with foliage or similar figures that may distort the natural into absurdity, ugliness, or caricature
b : a piece of work in this style
2 : one that is grotesque
3 : sans serif
Origin: Middle French & Old Italian; Middle French, from Old Italian (pittura) grottesca, literally, cave painting, feminine of grottesco of a cave, from grotta.
First use: 1561
Synonyms: grating, harsh, jarring, unaesthetic
Antonyms: aesthetic (also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical)
Synonyms: monster, grotesquerie (also grotesquery), monstrosity, ogre
2grotesque
adjective
: very strange or ugly in a way that is not normal or natural
: extremely different from what is expected or usual
Full Definition
: of, relating to, or having the characteristics of the grotesque: as
a : fanciful, bizarre
b : absurdly incongruous
c : departing markedly from the natural, the expected, or the typical
synonyms see fantastic
gro·tesque·ly adverb
gro·tesque·ness noun
First use: 1603
Synonyms: grating, harsh, jarring, unaesthetic
Antonyms: aesthetic (also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical)
Synonyms: monster, grotesquerie (also grotesquery), monstrosity, ogre
Epitome
epit·o·me\i-ˈpi-tə-mē\
noun
: a perfect example : an example that represents or expresses something very well
Full Definition
1 a : a summary of a written work
b : a brief presentation or statement of something
2 : a typical or ideal example : embodiment
3 : brief or miniature form — usually used with in
ep·i·tom·ic \ˌe-pə-ˈtä-mik\ or ep·i·tom·i·cal -mi-kəl\ adjective
Examples
the golden rule is often cited as the epitome of moral conduct: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”
the prestigious prep school prides itself on being widely regarded as the epitome of tradition and old-fashioned values
Mahatma Gandhi is often cited as the epitome of resolute reformer who uses nonviolence to bring about social and political change
Origin: Latin, from Greek epitomē, from epitemnein to cut short, from epi- + temnein to cut — more at tome.
First use: 1520
Synonyms: abstract, breviary, brief, capsule, conspectus, digest, encapsulation, summary, inventory, outline, précis, recap, recapitulation, résumé (or resume also resumé), roundup, rundown, run-through, sum, summa, summarization, summing-up, sum-up, synopsis, wrap-up
Dexterity
dex·ter·i·ty\dek-ˈster-ə-tē, -ˈste-rə-\
noun
: the ability to use your hands skillfully
: the ability to easily move in a way that is graceful
: clever skill : the ability to think and act quickly and cleverly
Full Definition
1 : mental skill or quickness : adroitness
2 : readiness and grace in physical activity; especially : skill and ease in using the hands
Other forms: plural dex·ter·i·ties
Examples
the ambassador showed great dexterity in his handling of the touchy situation
the juggler needed lots of dexterity in order to keep all five balls in the air at the same time
Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French dexterité, from Latin dexteritat-, dexteritas, from dexter (see dexterous ).
First use: 1518
Synonyms: adroitness, cleverness, finesse, sleight
Antonyms: awkwardness, clumsiness, gaucheness, gawkiness, gawkishness, gracelessness, ham-handedness, heavy-handedness, klutziness, ungainliness
Repugnant
re·pug·nant-nənt\
adjective
: causing a strong feeling of dislike or disgust
Full Definition
1 : incompatible, inconsistent
2 archaic : hostile
3 : exciting distaste or aversion <a>
re·pug·nant·ly adverb
Examples
graffiti that featured absolutely repugnant racial slurs
technically speaking, it may not be a violation, but it is certainly repugnant to the spirit of the law
Origin: Middle English, opposed, contradictory, incompatible, from Anglo-French, from Latin repugnant-, repugnans, present participle of repugnare to fight against, from re- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, rancid, repellent (also repellant), offensive, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
Antonyms: innocuous, inoffensive</a>
Compassion
com·pas·sion\kəm-ˈpa-shən\
noun
: a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc.
Full Definition
: sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it
synonyms see pity
com·pas·sion·less -ləs\ adjective
Examples
treats the homeless with great compassion
has no compassion for people who squander their money
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin compassion-, compassio, from compati to sympathize, from Latin com- + pati to bear, suffer — more at patient.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: commiseration, sympathy, feeling
Antonyms: callousness, coldheartedness, hard-heartedness, heartlessness
Acme
ac·me\ˈak-mē\
noun
: the highest point of something
Full Definition
: the highest point or stage; also : one that represents perfection of the thing expressed
synonyms see summit
Examples
the acme of their basketball season was their hard-won victory over last year’s state champs
a movie that has come to be regarded as the acme of the Hollywood musical
Origin: Greek akmē point, highest point — more at edge.
First use: 1620
Synonyms: height, apex, apogee, capstone, climax, crescendo, crest, crown, culmination, head, high noon, high tide, high-water mark, meridian, ne plus ultra, noon, noontime, peak, pinnacle, sum, summit, tip-top, top, zenith
Antonyms: bottom, nadir, rock bottom
