1100 -yellow deck Flashcards

Question

Prudent

Answer 1

: 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

Answer 2

: 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

Answer 3

: 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

Answer 4

``` : having or showing feelings that are very strong or too strong Full Definition 1 : very hot : burning 2 : marked by often extreme fervor 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 ```

Answer 5

: 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

Answer 6

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

Answer 7

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

Answer 8

: 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

Answer 9

: 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 ; 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

Answer 10

: 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

Answer 11

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

Answer 12

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

Answer 13

``` : 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 ```

Answer 14

: 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

Answer 15

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

Answer 16

: 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

Answer 17

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

Answer 18

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 ```

Answer 19

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

Answer 20

``` : 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 ```

Answer 21

: 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

Answer 22

: 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.

Answer 23

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 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 ``` noun archaic : something that is very deep; specifically : the depths of the sea Origin: (see 1profound ). First use: 1621 ```

Answer 24

: 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

Answer 25

adjective : very small or too small in amount : having little meaning, importance, or worth Full Definition 1 : inferior, trashy 2 : mean, despicable 3 : trivial 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.

Answer 26

adjective : not important Full Definition 1 : commonplace, ordinary 2 a : of little worth or importance b : relating to or being the mathematically simplest case; specifically : characterized by having all variables equal to zero 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.

Answer 27

: 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 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

Answer 28

``` 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

Answer 29

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 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

Answer 30

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 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

Answer 31

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 ; 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

Answer 32

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

Answer 33

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 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

Answer 34

``` 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 ```

Answer 35

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.

Answer 36

: 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 ```

Answer 37

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 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.

Answer 38

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 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

Answer 39

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

Answer 40

: 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

Answer 41

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

Answer 42

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

Answer 43

: 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

Answer 44

: 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.

Answer 45

: 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

Answer 46

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

Answer 47

``` 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 ```

Answer 48

``` 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 ```

Answer 49

``` : 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 ```

Answer 50

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 ```

Answer 51

: 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

Answer 52

adjective : equal tosomething in value, meaning, or effect Full Definition : equivalent in value, significance, or effect Origin: obsolete tantamount, noun, equivalent, from Anglo-French tant amunter to amount to as much. First use: 1641

Answer 53

: 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

Answer 54

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

Answer 55

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 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

Answer 56

: 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

Answer 57

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 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. 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

Answer 58

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.

Answer 59

``` 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 ```

Answer 60

: 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

Answer 61

: 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

Answer 62

``` 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 ```

Answer 63

: 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

Answer 64

``` 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 ```

Answer 65

``` adjective : having a lot of space Full Definition 1 : comfortably or conveniently spacious : roomy 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 ```

Answer 66

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

Answer 67

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 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

Answer 68

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 b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance 2 a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired b : retentive 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.

Answer 69

``` 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 ```

Answer 70

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

Answer 71

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

Answer 72

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

Answer 73

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

Answer 74

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

Answer 75

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.

Answer 76

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

Answer 77

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

Answer 78

``` adjective : pretending to be morally better than other people Full Definition 1 : hypocritically pious or devout 2 obsolete : possessing sanctity : holy sanc·ti·mo·nious·ly adverb sanc·ti·mo·nious·ness noun First use: 1603 ```

Answer 79

: 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

Answer 80

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

Answer 81

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

Answer 82

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

Answer 83

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

Answer 84

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

Answer 85

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

Answer 86

``` 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 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 ```

Answer 87

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]

Answer 88

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 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

Answer 89

: 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

Answer 90

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 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

Answer 91

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

Answer 92

``` 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 ```

Answer 93

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

Answer 94

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

Answer 95

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

Answer 96

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

Answer 97

: 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

Answer 98

: 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

Answer 99

: 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

Answer 100

``` : having or showing feelings that are very strong or too strong Full Definition 1 : very hot : burning 2 : marked by often extreme fervor 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 ```

Answer 101

: 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

Answer 102

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

Answer 103

: 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

Answer 104

: 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 ; 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

Answer 105

: 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

Answer 106

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

Answer 107

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

Answer 108

``` : 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 ```

Answer 109

: 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

Answer 110

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

Answer 111

: 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

Answer 112

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

Answer 113

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 ```

Answer 114

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

Answer 115

``` : 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 ```

Answer 116

: 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

Answer 117

: 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.

Answer 118

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 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 ``` noun archaic : something that is very deep; specifically : the depths of the sea Origin: (see 1profound ). First use: 1621 ```

Answer 119

: 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

Answer 120

adjective : very small or too small in amount : having little meaning, importance, or worth Full Definition 1 : inferior, trashy 2 : mean, despicable 3 : trivial 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.

Answer 121

adjective : not important Full Definition 1 : commonplace, ordinary 2 a : of little worth or importance b : relating to or being the mathematically simplest case; specifically : characterized by having all variables equal to zero 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.

Answer 122

: 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 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

Answer 123

``` 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

Answer 124

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 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

Answer 125

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 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

Answer 126

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 ; 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

Answer 127

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

Answer 128

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 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

Answer 129

``` 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 ```

Answer 130

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.

Answer 131

: 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 ```

Answer 132

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 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.

Answer 133

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

Answer 134

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

Answer 135

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 3 a : marked by honest sincere expression 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

Answer 136

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

Answer 137

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

Answer 138

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

Answer 139

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 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

Answer 140

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

Answer 141

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

Answer 142

co·pi·ous\ˈkō-pē-əs\ adjective : very large in amount or number Full Definition 1 a : yielding something abundantly b : plentiful in number 2 a : full of thought, information, or matter b : profuse or exuberant in words, expression, or style 3 : present in large quantity : taking place on a large scale synonyms see plentiful co·pi·ous·ly adverb co·pi·ous·ness noun Examples a copious rush of words just poured out of the two friends who hadn't seen each other in years Origin: Middle English, from Latin copiosus, from copia abundance, from co- + ops wealth — more at opulent. First use: 14th century Synonyms: profuse, galore, gushing, lavish, riotous Antonyms: dribbling, trickling

Answer 143

ve·he·ment\ˈvē-ə-mənt\ adjective : showing strong and often angry feelings : very emotional Full Definition : marked by forceful energy : powerful : as a : intensely emotional : impassioned, fervid b (1) : deeply felt (2) : forcibly expressed c : bitterly antagonistic ve·he·ment·ly adverb Examples vehement complaints about the restaurant's poor service despite the vehement opposition of the club's treasurer, the motion was passed a vehement defender of the rights of minorities Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin vehement-, vehemens, vement-, vemens. First use: 15th century Synonyms: aggressive, assertive, dynamic, energetic, forceful, full-blooded, muscular, resounding, strenuous, emphatic, vigorous, violent Antonyms: nonassertive, nonemphatic, unemphatic

Answer 144

ve·he·ment\ˈvē-ə-mənt\ adjective : showing strong and often angry feelings : very emotional Full Definition : marked by forceful energy : powerful : as a : intensely emotional : impassioned, fervid b (1) : deeply felt (2) : forcibly expressed c : bitterly antagonistic ve·he·ment·ly adverb Examples vehement complaints about the restaurant's poor service despite the vehement opposition of the club's treasurer, the motion was passed a vehement defender of the rights of minorities Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin vehement-, vehemens, vement-, vemens. First use: 15th century Synonyms: aggressive, assertive, dynamic, energetic, forceful, full-blooded, muscular, resounding, strenuous, emphatic, vigorous, violent Antonyms: nonassertive, nonemphatic, unemphatic

Answer 145

na·ive adjective : having or showing a lack of experience or knowledge : innocent or simple Full Definition 1 : marked by unaffected simplicity : artless, ingenuous 2 a : deficient in worldly wisdom or informed judgment; especially : credulous b : not previously subjected to experimentation or a particular experimental situation ; also : not having previously used a particular drug (as marijuana) c : not having been exposed previously to an antigen 3 a : self-taught, primitive b : produced by or as if by a self-taught artist synonyms see natural Other forms: na·iv·er; na·iv·est na·ive·ly or na·ïve·ly adverb na·ive·ness noun Examples a first-time buyer who was so naive that he believed the salesman's spiel and paid good money for the rusty and broken-down car the young girl gave honest and naive answers to the social worker's probing questions we get piles of junk mail because you are naive enough to keep entering these dumb contests Variants: or na·ïve \nä-ˈēv, nī-\ Origin: French naïve, feminine of naïf, from Old French, inborn, natural, from Latin nativus native. First use: 1654 Synonyms: aw-shucks, dewy, dewy-eyed, green, ingenuous, innocent, naïf (or naif), primitive, simple, simpleminded, uncritical, unknowing, unsophisticated, unsuspecting, unsuspicious, unwary, unworldly, wide-eyed Antonyms: cosmopolitan, experienced, knowing, sophisticated, worldly, worldly-wise

Answer 146

pen·u·ry\ˈpen-yə-rē\ noun : the state of being very poor : extreme poverty Full Definition 1 : a cramping and oppressive lack of resources (as money); especially : severe poverty 2 : extreme and often niggardly frugality synonyms see poverty Examples lived in a time when single women like herself faced a lifetime of genteel penury Origin: Middle English, from Latin penuria, paenuria want; perhaps akin to Latin paene almost. First use: 14th century Synonyms: beggary, destituteness, destitution, impecuniosity, impecuniousness, impoverishment, indigence, necessity, need, neediness, pauperism, penuriousness, poverty, poorness, want Antonyms: affluence, opulence, richness, wealth, wealthiness

Answer 147

ig·no·min·i·ous\ˌig-nə-ˈmi-nē-əs\ adjective : causing disgrace or shame Full Definition 1 : marked with or characterized by disgrace or shame : dishonorable 2 : deserving of shame or infamy : despicable 3 : humiliating, degrading ig·no·min·i·ous·ly adverb ig·no·min·i·ous·ness noun Examples some of his friends considered the job of janitor to be an ignominious fate for the laid-off executive the prison guards degraded themselves with their inhumane, ignominious treatment of the prisoners First use: 15th century Synonyms: discreditable, disgraceful, dishonorable, disreputable, infamous, louche, notorious, opprobrious, shady, shameful, shoddy, shy, unrespectable Antonyms: honorable, reputable, respectable

Answer 148

cov·et\ˈkə-vət\ : to want (something that you do not have) very much Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to wish for earnestly 2 : to desire (what belongs to another) inordinately or culpably intransitive verb : to feel inordinate desire for what belongs to another synonyms see desire cov·et·able \-və-tə-bəl\ adjective cov·et·er \-tər\ noun cov·et·ing·ly \-tiŋ-lē\ adverb Examples I've been coveting that sleek sports car in the showroom for some time now Origin: Middle English coveiten, from Anglo-French coveiter, from Vulgar Latin *cupidietare, from Latin cupiditat-, cupiditas desire, from cupidus desirous, from cupere to desire. First use: 14th century Synonyms: ache (for), desire, crave, desiderate, die (for), hanker (for or after), hunger (for), itch (for), jones (for) [slang], long (for), lust (for or after), pant (after), pine (for), repine (for), salivate (for), sigh (for), thirst (for), want, wish (for), yearn (for), yen (for)

Answer 149

per·fid·i·ous\(ˌ)pər-ˈfi-dē-əs\ adjective : not able to be trusted : showing that someone cannot be trusted Full Definition : of, relating to, or characterized by perfidy synonyms see faithless per·fid·i·ous·ly adverb per·fid·i·ous·ness noun Examples a perfidious campaign worker revealed the senator's strategy to his leading rival for the nomination First use: 1572 Synonyms: disloyal, false, fickle, inconstant, faithless, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue Antonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, faithful, fast, loyal, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true

Answer 150

in·gra·ti·ate\in-ˈgrā-shē-ˌāt\ : to gain favor or approval for (yourself) by doing or saying things that people like Full Definition transitive verb : to gain favor or favorable acceptance for by deliberate effort — usually used with with Other forms: in·gra·ti·at·ed; -at·ing in·gra·ti·a·tion \-ˌgrā-shē-ˈā-shən\ noun in·gra·tia·to·ry \-ˈgrā-sh(ē-)ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective Origin: 2in- + Latin gratia grace. First use: 1621

Answer 151

con·front\kən-ˈfrənt\ : to oppose or challenge (someone) especially in a direct and forceful way : to directly question the action or authority of (someone) : to deal with (something, such as a problem or danger) ; especially : to deal with (something) in an honest and direct way Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to face especially in challenge : oppose 2 a : to cause to meet : bring face-to-face b : to meet face-to-face : encounter con·front·al \-ˈfrən-təl\ noun con·front·er noun Examples you must confront your fear in order to conquer it Origin: Middle French confronter to border on, confront, from Medieval Latin confrontare to bound, from Latin com- + front-, frons forehead, front. First use: circa 1568 Synonyms: beard, brave, brazen, breast, face, dare, defy, outbrave, outface Antonyms: dodge, duck, funk, shirk, sidestep

Answer 152

ser·vile\ˈsər-vəl, -ˌvī(-ə)l\ adjective : very obedient and trying too hard to please someone Full Definition 1 : of or befitting a slave or a menial position 2 : meanly or cravenly submissive : abject synonyms see subservient ser·vile·ly \-və(l)-lē, -ˌvī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb ser·vile·ness \-vəl-nəs, -ˌvī(-ə)l-\ noun ser·vil·i·ty \(ˌ)sər-ˈvi-lə-tē\ noun Examples had always maintained a servile attitude around people with money Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French servil, from Latin servilis, from servus slave. First use: 15th century Synonyms: base, humble, menial, abject, slavish

Answer 153

``` an·tip·a·thy\an-ˈti-pə-thē\ noun : a strong feeling of dislike Full Definition 1 obsolete : opposition in feeling 2 : settled aversion or dislike 3 : an object of aversion synonyms see enmity Other forms: plural an·tip·a·thies Examples I feel no antipathy towards any of my opponents in the tournament cruelty to animals is one of my most deeply felt antipathies Origin: Latin antipathia, from Greek antipatheia, from antipathēs of opposite feelings, from anti- + pathos experience — more at pathos. First use: 1592 Synonyms: animosity, animus, antagonism, enmity, bad blood, bitterness, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor Antonyms: amity ```

Answer 154

vo·li·tion\vō-ˈli-shən, və-\ noun : the power to make your own choices or decisions Full Definition 1 : an act of making a choice or decision; also : a choice or decision made 2 : the power of choosing or determining : will vo·li·tion·al \-ˈlish-nəl, -ˈli-shə-nəl\ adjective Examples Tourette's syndrome is a neurological disorder marked by recurrent tics and vocalizations that are beyond the sufferer's volition or control left the church of her own volition, not because she was excommunicated Origin: French, from Medieval Latin volition-, volitio, from Latin vol- (stem of velle to will, wish) + -ition-, -itio (as in Latin position-, positio position) — more at will. First use: 1615 Synonyms: accord, autonomy, choice, self-determination, free will, will

Answer 155

so·journ\ˈsō-ˌjərn, sō-ˈ\ noun : a period of time when you stay in a place as a traveler or guest Full Definition : a temporary stay Origin: Middle English sojorn, from Anglo-French sujur, sujurn, from sujurner (see 2sojourn ). First use: 13th century Synonyms: visit, stay, tarry Synonyms: crash [slang], visit, stay, tarry 2so·journ\ˈsō-ˌjərn, sō-ˈ\ intransitive verb : to stay as a temporary resident : stop so·journ·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French sujurner, sejurner, from Vulgar Latin *subdiurnare, from Latin sub under, during + Late Latin diurnum day — more at up, journey. First use: 14th century Synonyms: visit, stay, tarry Synonyms: crash [slang], visit, stay, tarry

Answer 156

aus·tere\ȯ-ˈstir also -ˈster\ adjective : simple or plain : not fancy of a person : having a serious and unfriendly quality : having few pleasures : simple and harsh Full Definition 1 a : stern and cold in appearance or manner b : somber, grave 2 : morally strict : ascetic 3 : markedly simple or unadorned 4 : giving little or no scope for pleasure 5 of a wine : having the flavor of acid or tannin predominant over fruit flavors usually indicating a capacity for aging synonyms see severe aus·tere·ly adverb aus·tere·ness noun Examples an austere conductor who is as tough on himself as he is on the orchestra an austere fortress at the top of some formidable cliffs for the private office of the CEO of the large corporation, the room is unexpectedly austere Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin austerus, from Greek austēros harsh, severe; akin to Greek hauos dry — more at sere. First use: 14th century Synonyms: severe, authoritarian, flinty, hard, harsh, heavy-handed, ramrod, rigid, rigorous, stern, strict, tough Antonyms: clement, forbearing, gentle, indulgent, lax, lenient, tolerant

Answer 157

fe·lic·i·tous\fi-ˈli-sə-təs\ adjective : very well suited for some purpose or situation Full Definition 1 : very well suited or expressed : apt 2 : pleasant, delightful synonyms see fit fe·lic·i·tous·ly adverb fe·lic·i·tous·ness noun Examples a felicitous accompaniment to dinner is provided by a harpist on weekends at the restaurant the museum's restaurant is featuring a French menu as a felicitous complement to the current show on French Impressionism First use: 1789 Synonyms: agreeable, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, dreamy, dulcet, enjoyable, pleasant, good, grateful, gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, tasty, welcome Antonyms: disagreeable, pleasureless, unpalatable, unpleasant, unwelcome

Answer 158

hal·cy·on\ˈhal-sē-ən\ noun 1 : a bird identified with the kingfisher and held in ancient legend to nest at sea about the time of the winter solstice and to calm the waves during incubation 2 : kingfisher Origin: Middle English alceon, from Latin halcyon, from Greek alkyōn, halkyōn. First use: 14th century Synonyms: calm, hushed, lown [dialect], peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, still, stilly, tranquil, untroubled Antonyms: agitated, angry, inclement, restless, rough, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, unquiet, unsettled 2halcyon adjective : very happy and successful Full Definition 1 : of or relating to the halcyon or its nesting period 2 a : calm, peaceful b : happy, golden c : prosperous, affluent First use: 1601 Synonyms: calm, hushed, lown [dialect], peaceful, placid, quiet, serene, still, stilly, tranquil, untroubled Antonyms: agitated, angry, inclement, restless, rough, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent, unquiet, unsettled

Answer 159

ten·a·ble\ˈte-nə-bəl\ adjective : capable of being defended against attack or criticism Full Definition : capable of being held, maintained, or defended : defensible, reasonable ten·a·bil·i·ty \ˌte-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun ten·a·ble·ness noun ten·a·bly \ˈte-nə-blē\ adverb Examples the soldiers' encampment on the open plain was not tenable, so they retreated to higher ground the tenable theory that a giant meteor strike set off a chain of events resulting in the demise of the dinosaurs Origin: Middle French, from Old French, from tenir to hold, from Latin tenēre — more at thin. First use: 1579 Synonyms: defendable, defensible Antonyms: indefensible, untenable

Answer 160

su·per·flu·ous\su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs\ adjective : beyond what is needed : not necessary Full Definition 1 a : exceeding what is sufficient or necessary : extra b : not needed : unnecessary 2 obsolete : marked by wastefulness : extravagant su·per·flu·ous·ly adverb su·per·flu·ous·ness noun Examples cleared off all the superfluous stuff on his desk to make room for the new computer Origin: Middle English, from Latin superfluus, literally, running over, from superfluere to overflow, from super- + fluere to flow — more at fluid. First use: 15th century Synonyms: excess, extra, redundant, supererogatory, spare, supernumerary, surplus

Answer 161

``` mo·ti·vate\ˈmō-tə-ˌvāt\ : to give (someone) a reason for doing something : to be a reason for (something) Full Definition transitive verb : to provide with a motive : impel Other forms: mo·ti·vat·ed; mo·ti·vat·ing mo·ti·va·tive \-ˌvā-tiv\ adjective mo·ti·va·tor \-ˌvā-tər\ noun First use: 1836 ```

Answer 162

na·scent\ˈna-sənt, ˈnā-\ adjective : beginning to exist : recently formed or developed Full Definition : coming or having recently come into existence Examples one of the leading figures in the nascent civil-rights movement Origin: Latin nascent-, nascens, present participle of nasci to be born — more at nation. First use: circa 1624 Synonyms: aborning, budding, inceptive, inchoate, incipient Antonyms: adult, full-blown, full-fledged, mature, ripe, ripened

Answer 163

ra·tio·nal·ize\ˈrash-nə-ˌlīz, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlīz\ : to think about or describe something (such as bad behavior) in a way that explains it and makes it seem proper, more attractive, etc. : to find ways to make (something, such as an industry, a company, etc.) waste less time, effort, and money Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to bring into accord with reason or cause something to seem reasonable: as a : to substitute a natural for a supernatural explanation of b : to attribute (one's actions) to rational and creditable motives without analysis of true and especially unconscious motives ; broadly : to create an excuse or more attractive explanation for 2 : to free (a mathematical expression) from irrational parts 3 : to apply the principles of scientific management to (as an industry or its operations) for a desired result (as increased efficiency) intransitive verb : to provide plausible but untrue reasons for conduct Other forms: ra·tio·nal·ized; ra·tio·nal·iz·ing ra·tio·nal·iz·able \ˌrash-nə-ˈlī-zə-bəl, ˌra-shə-nə-ˈlī-\ adjective ra·tio·nal·i·za·tion \ˌrash-nə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌra-shə-nə-lə-\ noun ra·tio·nal·iz·er \ˈrash-nə-ˌlī-zər, ˈra-shə-nə-ˌlī-\ noun Examples rationalized his decision to buy the new car by noting that it was more fuel efficient than his old vehicle First use: 1803 Synonyms: account (for), attribute, explain away, explain

Answer 164

ther·a·py\ˈther-ə-pē\ noun : the treatment of physical or mental illnesses Full Definition : therapeutic treatment especially of bodily, mental, or behavioral disorder Other forms: plural ther·a·pies Examples talking over my problem with you has been good therapy Origin: New Latin therapia, from Greek therapeia, from therapeuein. First use: circa 1846 Synonyms: antidote, corrective, curative, rectifier, remedy, therapeutic, cure

Answer 165

icon·o·clast\-ˌklast\ noun : a person who criticizes or opposes beliefs and practices that are widely accepted Full Definition 1 : a person who destroys religious images or opposes their veneration 2 : a person who attacks settled beliefs or institutions icon·o·clas·tic \(ˌ)ī-ˌkä-nə-ˈklas-tik\ adjective icon·o·clas·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples notorious as an iconoclast, that music critic isn't afraid to go after sacred cows Origin: Medieval Latin iconoclastes, from Middle Greek eikonoklastēs, literally, image destroyer, from Greek eikono- + klan to break — more at clast. First use: 1641 Synonyms: bohemian, boho, counterculturist, deviant, enfant terrible, free spirit, heretic, nonconformist, individualist, loner, lone ranger, lone wolf, maverick, nonconformer Antonyms: conformer, conformist

Answer 166

er·u·dite\ˈer-ə-ˌdīt, ˈer-yə-\ adjective : having or showing knowledge that is learned by studying Full Definition : having or showing knowledge that is gained by studying : possessing or displaying erudition er·u·dite·ly adverb Examples the most erudite people in medical research attended the conference an erudite lecture on the latest discoveries in astronomy the erudite language of a textbook on philosophy Origin: Middle English erudit, from Latin eruditus, from past participle of erudire to instruct, from e- + rudis rude, ignorant. First use: 15th century Synonyms: educated, knowledgeable, learned, lettered, literate, scholarly, well-read Antonyms: benighted, dark, ignorant, illiterate, uneducated, unlearned, unlettered, unscholarly

Answer 167

pho·bia\ˈfō-bē-ə\ noun : an extremely strong dislike or fear of someone or something Full Definition : an exaggerated usually inexplicable and illogical fear of a particular object, class of objects, or situation Origin: -phobia. First use: 1786

Answer 168

ger·mane\(ˌ)jər-ˈmān\ adjective : relating to a subject in an appropriate way Full Definition 1 obsolete : closely akin 2 : being at once relevant and appropriate : fitting synonyms see relevant ger·mane·ly adverb Examples my personal opinion isn't germane to our discussion of the facts of the case Origin: Middle English germain, literally, having the same parents, from Anglo-French. First use: 14th century Synonyms: applicable, apposite, apropos, pertinent, material, pointed, relative, relevant Antonyms: extraneous, immaterial, impertinent, inapplicable, inapposite, irrelative, irrelevant, pointless

Answer 169

ver·ti·go\ˈvər-ti-ˌgō\ noun : a feeling of dizziness caused especially by being in a very high place Full Definition 1 a : a sensation of motion in which the individual or the individual's surroundings seem to whirl dizzily b : a dizzy confused state of mind 2 : disordered vertiginous movement as a symptom of disease in lower animals; also : a disease (as gid) causing this Other forms: plural ver·ti·goes or ver·ti·gos Origin: Middle English, from Latin vertigin-, vertigo, from vertere to turn. First use: 15th century

Answer 170

``` con·du·cive\kən-ˈdü-siv, -ˈdyü-\ adjective : making it easy, possible, or likely for something to happen or exist Full Definition : tending to promote or assist con·du·cive·ness noun Examples the claim that the state's long-standing antitax attitude is conducive to entrepreneurship the noisy environment of the dorms was not very conducive to studying Origin: (see conduce ). First use: 1646 Synonyms: facilitative Antonyms: unhelpful, useless ```

Answer 171

glib\ˈglib\ adjective : said or done too easily or carelessly : showing little preparation or thought : speaking in a smooth, easy way that is not sincere Full Definition 1 a : marked by ease and informality : nonchalant b : showing little forethought or preparation : offhand c : lacking depth and substance : superficial 2 archaic : smooth, slippery 3 : marked by ease and fluency in speaking or writing often to the point of being insincere or deceitful Other forms: glib·ber; glib·best glib·ly adverb glib·ness noun Examples Politicians need to do more than provide glib answers to difficult questions. glib generalizations the actor's glib portrayal of a drug addict Origin: probably modification of Low German glibberig slippery. First use: 1584

Answer 172

ho·mo·ge·neous\ˌhō-mə-ˈjē-nē-əs, -nyəs\ adjective : made up of the same kind of people or things Full Definition 1 : of the same or a similar kind or nature 2 : of uniform structure or composition throughout 3 : having the property that if each variable is replaced by a constant times that variable the constant can be factored out : having each term of the same degree if all variables are considered ho·mo·ge·neous·ly adverb ho·mo·ge·neous·ness noun Origin: Medieval Latin homogeneus, homogenus, from Greek homogenēs, from hom- + genos kind — more at kin. First use: 1641

Answer 173

mal·lea·ble\ˈma-lē-ə-bəl, ˈmal-yə-bəl, ˈma-lə-bəl\ adjective : capable of being stretched or bent into different shapes : capable of being easily changed or influenced Full Definition 1 : capable of being extended or shaped by beating with a hammer or by the pressure of rollers 2 a : capable of being altered or controlled by outside forces or influences b : having a capacity for adaptive change synonyms see plastic mal·lea·bil·i·ty \ˌma-lē-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌmal-yə-, ˌma-lə-\ noun Examples malleable cookie dough the cult leader took advantage of the malleable, compliant personalities of his followers Origin: Middle English malliable, from Medieval Latin malleabilis, from malleare to hammer, from Latin malleus hammer — more at maul. First use: 14th century Synonyms: plastic, moldable, shapable (or shapeable), waxy Antonyms: established, fixed, immutable, inelastic, inflexible, invariable, nonmalleable, ramrod, set, unadaptable, unalterable, unbudgeable, unchangeable

Answer 174

leg·er·de·main\ˌle-jər-də-ˈmān\ noun : skill in using your hands to perform magic tricks Full Definition 1 : sleight of hand 2 : a display of skill or adroitness Examples the illusionist's show is an entertaining blend of legerdemain and over-the-top showmanship the reduction of the deficit is due in part to financial legerdemain that masks the true costs of running the government Origin: Middle English, from Middle French leger de main light of hand. First use: 15th century Synonyms: conjuring, hocus-pocus, magic, prestidigitation

Answer 175

trend\ˈtrend\ intransitive verb 1 a : to extend in a general direction : follow a general course b : to veer in a new direction : bend 2 a : to show a tendency : incline b : to become deflected : shift Origin: Middle English, to turn, revolve, from Old English trendan; akin to Middle High German trendel disk, spinning top. First use: 1598 Synonyms: current, direction, drift, leaning, run, tendency, tide, wind Synonyms: incline, run, tend, lean Antonyms: straighten

Answer 176

pro·cras·ti·nate\prə-ˈkras-tə-ˌnāt, prō-\ : to be slow or late about doing something that should be done : to delay doing something until a later time because you do not want to do it, because you are lazy, etc. Full Definition transitive verb : to put off intentionally and habituallyintransitive verb : to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done synonyms see delay Other forms: pro·cras·ti·nat·ed; pro·cras·ti·nat·ing pro·cras·ti·na·tion \-ˌkras-tə-ˈnā-shən\ noun pro·cras·ti·na·tor \-ˈkras-tə-ˌnā-tər\ noun Origin: Latin procrastinatus, past participle of procrastinare, from pro- forward + crastinus of tomorrow, from cras tomorrow. First use: 1588

Answer 177

``` stag·nant\ˈstag-nənt\ adjective : not flowing : not active, changing, or progressing Full Definition 1 a : not flowing in a current or stream b : stale 2 : not advancing or developing stag·nan·cy \-nən(t)-sē\ noun stag·nant·ly adverb Origin: (see stagnate ). First use: 1666 ```

Answer 178

fa·tal\ˈfā-təl\ adjective : causing death : causing ruin or failure Full Definition 1 obsolete : fated 2 : fateful 3 a : of or relating to fate b : resembling fate in proceeding according to a fixed sequence c : determining one's fate 4 a : causing death b : bringing ruin c : causing failure synonyms see deadly Examples I made the fatal mistake of sharing my secret with the office's biggest blabbermouth that snake's venom is fatal unless the victim is given the antidote almost immediately Origin: Middle English, from Latin fatalis, from fatum fate. First use: 14th century Synonyms: calamitous, cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), catastrophic, damning, destructive, disastrous, fateful, ruinous, unfortunate Antonyms: healthful, healthy, nonfatal, nonlethal, wholesome

Answer 179

``` pas·sé\pa-ˈsā\ adjective 1 : past one's prime 2 a : outmoded b : behind the times Origin: French, from past participle of passer. First use: 1775 Synonyms: antiquated, archaic, dated, démodé, demoded, fossilized, kaput (also kaputt), medieval (also mediaeval), moribund, mossy, moth-eaten, neolithic, Noachian, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, obsolete, prehistoric (also prehistorical), rusty, Stone Age, superannuated ```

Answer 180

fac·et\ˈfa-sət\ noun : a part or element ofsomething : a small, flat surface on a jewel Full Definition 1 : a small plane surface (as on a cut gem) — see brilliant illustration 2 : any of the definable aspects that make up a subject (as of contemplation) or an object (as of consideration) 3 : the external corneal surface of an ommatidium 4 : a smooth flat circumscribed anatomical surface (as of a bone) fac·et·ed or fac·et·ted \ˈfa-sə-təd\ adjective Examples there are so many facets to Benjamin Franklin: statesman, scientist, inventor, American original Origin: French facette, diminutive of face. First use: 1625 Synonyms: angle, aspect, hand, phase, side

Answer 181

foist\ˈfȯist\ : to force someone to accept (something that is not good or not wanted) Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant b : to force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit 2 : to pass off as genuine or worthy Examples scams that foist high funeral expenses on grieving customers He foisted his prejudices upon his young students. phony paintings foisted (off) on naïve buyers Origin: probably from obsolete Dutch vuisten to take into one's hand, from Middle Dutch vuysten, from vuyst fist; akin to Old English fȳst fist. First use: circa 1587 Synonyms: fob off, palm, palm off, pass off, wish

Answer 182

ca·pit·u·late\kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlāt\ : to stop fighting an enemy or opponent : to admit that an enemy or opponent has won : to stop trying to fight or resist something : to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing Full Definition intransitive verb 1 archaic : parley, negotiate 2 a : to surrender often after negotiation of terms b : to cease resisting : acquiesce synonyms see yield Other forms: ca·pit·u·lat·ed; ca·pit·u·lat·ing Examples one side finally capitulated when it became clear that they couldn't win the argument the city reluctantly capitulated to the invaders after a three-day siege Origin: Medieval Latin capitulatus, past participle of capitulare to distinguish by heads or chapters, from Late Latin capitulum. First use: 1596 Synonyms: blink, bow, budge, yield, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, relent, submit, succumb, surrender Antonyms: resist

Answer 183

au·dac·i·ty\ȯ-ˈda-sə-tē\ noun : a confident and daring quality that is often seen as shocking or rude : an audacious quality Full Definition 1 : the quality or state of being audacious: as a : intrepid boldness b : bold or arrogant disregard of normal restraints 2 : an audacious act — usually used in plural synonyms see temerity Other forms: plural au·dac·i·ties Examples I can't believe she had the audacity to tell me to shut up! Origin: Middle English audacite, from Latin audac-, audax. First use: 15th century Synonyms: audaciousness, effrontery, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), crust, face, gall, nerve, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, temerity

Answer 184

stig·ma·tize\ˈstig-mə-ˌtīz\ transitive verb : to describe or regard (something, such as a characteristic or group of people) in a way that shows strong disapproval Full Definition 1 a archaic : brand b : to describe or identify in opprobrious terms 2 : to mark with stigmata Other forms: stig·ma·tized; stig·ma·tiz·ing stig·ma·ti·za·tion \ˌstig-mə-tə-ˈzā-shən\ noun First use: 1585

Answer 185

tan·ta·lize\ˈtan-tə-ˌlīz\ : to cause (someone) to feel interest or excitement about something that is very attractive, appealing, etc. Full Definition transitive verb : to tease or torment by or as if by presenting something desirable to the view but continually keeping it out of reachintransitive verb : to cause one to be tantalized Other forms: tan·ta·lized; tan·ta·liz·ing tan·ta·liz·er noun Origin: Tantalus. First use: 1597

Answer 186

doc·ile\ˈdä-səl also -ˌsī(-ə)l, especially British ˈdō-ˌsī(-ə)l\ adjective : easily taught, led, or controlled Full Definition 1 : easily taught 2 : easily led or managed : tractable synonyms see obedient doc·ile·ly \ˈdä-sə(l)-lē\ adverb do·cil·i·ty \dä-ˈsi-lə-tē, dō-\ noun Examples a docile young pony that went wherever it was led Origin: Latin docilis, from docēre to teach; akin to Latin decēre to be fitting — more at decent. First use: 15th century Synonyms: amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, obedient, law-abiding, submissive, tractable Antonyms: balky, contrary, contumacious, defiant, disobedient, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, noncompliant, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, refractory, restive, unamenable, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful (or wilful)

Answer 187

chi·ca·nery\-ˈkān-rē, -ˈkā-nə-\ noun : actions or statements that trick people into believing something that is not true : deception or trickery Full Definition 1 : deception by artful subterfuge or sophistry : trickery 2 : a piece of sharp practice (as at law) : trick Other forms: plural chi·ca·ner·ies Examples that candidate only won the election through chicanery First use: 1609 Synonyms: artifice, chicane, trickery, gamesmanship, hanky-panky, jiggery-pokery, jugglery, legerdemain, skulduggery (or skullduggery), subterfuge, wile

Answer 188

``` re·tort\ri-ˈtȯrt\ transitive verb 1 : to pay or hurl back : return 2 a : to make a reply to b : to say in reply 3 : to answer (as an argument) by a counter argumentintransitive verb 1 : to answer back usually sharply 2 : to return an argument or charge 3 : retaliate Origin: Latin retortus, past participle of retorquēre, literally, to twist back, hurl back, from re- + torquēre to twist — more at torture. First use: circa 1557 2retort noun : a quick, witty, or cutting reply; especially : one that turns back or counters the first speaker's words synonyms see answer First use: 1600 3re·tort\ri-ˈtȯrt, ˈrē-ˌ\ noun : a vessel or chamber in which substances are distilled or decomposed by heat Origin: Middle French retorte, from Medieval Latin retorta, from Latin, feminine of retortus; from its shape. First use: 1605 4re·tort\ri-ˈtȯrt, ˈrē-ˌ\ transitive verb : to treat (as oil shale) by heating in a retort First use: 1850 ```

Answer 189

ret·i·cent\ˈre-tə-sənt\ adjective : not willing to tell people about things Full Definition 1 : inclined to be silent or uncommunicative in speech : reserved 2 : restrained in expression, presentation, or appearance 3 : reluctant synonyms see silent ret·i·cent·ly adverb Examples the panel decided to investigate the fraud charges against the company, which has always been reticent about its internal operations her husband is by nature a reticent person, and she resigned herself to that fact long ago understandably, she's reticent about becoming involved with another evangelical religious sect Origin: Latin reticent-, reticens, present participle of reticēre to keep silent, from re- + tacēre to be silent — more at tacit. First use: circa 1834 Synonyms: close, closemouthed, dark, secretive, tight-mouthed, uncommunicative Antonyms: communicative, open

Answer 190

tac·it\ˈta-sət\ adjective : expressed or understood without being directly stated Full Definition 1 : expressed or carried on without words or speech 2 : implied or indicated (as by an act or by silence) but not actually expressed tac·it·ly adverb tac·it·ness noun Examples we have a tacit agreement that if I wash the dishes, she dries them and puts them away Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French tacite, from Latin tacitus silent, from past participle of tacēre to be silent; akin to Old High German dagēn to be silent. First use: 1576 Synonyms: implied, implicit, unexpressed, unspoken, unvoiced, wordless Antonyms: explicit, express, expressed, spoken, stated, voiced

Answer 191

vac·il·late\ˈva-sə-ˌlāt\ : to repeatedly change your opinions or desires Full Definition intransitive verb 1 a : to sway through lack of equilibrium b : fluctuate, oscillate 2 : to waver in mind, will, or feeling : hesitate in choice of opinions or courses synonyms see hesitate Other forms: vac·il·lat·ed; vac·il·lat·ing vac·il·lat·ing·ly \-ˌlā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb vac·il·la·tor \-ˌlā-tər\ noun Examples vacillated for so long that someone else stepped in and made the decision Origin: Latin vacillatus, past participle of vacillare to sway, waver — more at wink. First use: 1597 Synonyms: balance, dither, falter, halt, hang back, scruple, shilly-shally, stagger, teeter, hesitate, waver, wobble (also wabble) Antonyms: dive (in), plunge (in)

Answer 192

be·lat·ed\bi-ˈlā-təd, bē-\ adjective : happening or coming very late or too late Full Definition 1 : delayed beyond the usual time 2 : existing or appearing past the normal or proper time be·lat·ed·ly adverb be·lat·ed·ness noun Examples a belated birthday card Origin: past participle of belate (to make late). First use: 1670 Synonyms: behind, behindhand, late, delinquent, latish, overdue, tardy Antonyms: early, inopportune, precocious, premature, unseasonable, untimely

Answer 193

de·crep·it\di-ˈkre-pət\ adjective : old and in bad condition or poor health Full Definition 1 : wasted and weakened by or as if by the infirmities of old age 2 a : impaired by use or wear : worn-out b : fallen into ruin or disrepair 3 : dilapidated, run-down synonyms see weak de·crep·it·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Latin decrepitus. First use: 15th century

Answer 194

im·per·turb·able\ˌim-pər-ˈtər-bə-bəl\ adjective : very calm : very hard to disturb or upset Full Definition : marked by extreme calm, impassivity, and steadiness : serene synonyms see cool im·per·turb·abil·i·ty \-ˌtər-bə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun im·per·turb·ably \-ˈtər-bə-blē\ adverb Examples the chef was absolutely imperturbable—even when the kitchen caught on fire Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin imperturbabilis, from Latin in- + perturbare to perturb. First use: 15th century Synonyms: unflappable, nerveless, unshakable Antonyms: perturbable, shakable (or shakeable)

Answer 195

Ma·chi·a·vel·lian\ˌma-kē-ə-ˈve-lē-ən, -ˈvel-yən\ adjective : using clever lies and tricks in order to get or achieve something : clever and dishonest Full Definition 1 : of or relating to Machiavelli or Machiavellianism 2 : suggesting the principles of conduct laid down by Machiavelli; specifically : marked by cunning, duplicity, or bad faith Machiavellian noun Examples yet another tale of a power-mad dictator with a Machiavellian plan to take over the world Origin: Niccolo Machiavelli. First use: 1572 Synonyms: cutthroat, immoral, unprincipled, unconscionable, unethical, unscrupulous Antonyms: ethical, moral, principled, scrupulous

Answer 196

2staunch\ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch\ adjective : very devoted or loyal to a person, belief, or cause Full Definition 1 a : watertight, sound b : strongly built : substantial 2 : steadfast in loyalty or principle synonyms see faithful staunch·ly adverb staunch·ness noun Examples She is a staunch advocate of women's rights. He's a staunch believer in the value of regular exercise. I'm one of his staunchest supporters. Variants: also stanch \ˈstȯnch, ˈstänch, ˈstanch\ Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French estanche, feminine of estanc, from estancher to stanch — more at stanch. First use: 15th century Synonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, devout, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, faithful (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue Antonyms: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue

Answer 197

un·con·scio·na·ble\-ˈkän(t)-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective : extremely bad, unfair, or wrong : going far beyond what is usual or proper Full Definition 1 : not guided or controlled by conscience : unscrupulous 2 a : excessive, unreasonable b : shockingly unfair or unjust un·con·scio·na·bil·i·ty \ˌən-ˌkän(t)-sh(ə-)nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun un·con·scio·na·ble·ness \ˌən-ˈkän(t)-sh(ə-)nə-bəl-nəs\ noun un·con·scio·na·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples an unconscionable number of errors for an important government report a politician with an unconscionable disregard for the truth First use: 1565 Synonyms: baroque, devilish, exorbitant, extravagant, extreme, fancy, immoderate, inordinate, insane, intolerable, lavish, overdue, overextravagant, overmuch, overweening, plethoric, steep, stiff, towering, excessive, undue, unmerciful Antonyms: middling, moderate, modest, reasonable, temperate

Answer 198

Pan·de·mo·ni·um\ˌpan-də-ˈmō-nē-əm\ noun 1 : the capital of Hell in Milton's Paradise Lost 2 : the infernal regions : hell 3 not capitalized : a wild uproar : tumult Origin: New Latin, from Greek pan- + daimōn evil spirit — more at demon. First use: 1667

Answer 199

op·pro·bri·um\-brē-əm\ noun : very strong disapproval or criticism of a person or thing especially by a large number of people Full Definition 1 : something that brings disgrace 2 a : public disgrace or ill fame that follows from conduct considered grossly wrong or vicious b : contempt, reproach Examples saw no reason why “secretary” should suddenly become a term of opprobrium among the politically correct the opprobrium that was long attached to the convicted embezzler's name Origin: Latin, from opprobrare to reproach, from ob in the way of + probrum reproach; akin to Latin pro forward and to Latin ferre to carry, bring — more at ob-, for, bear. First use: 1656 Synonyms: dishonor, disgrace, reflection, reproach, scandal Antonyms: credit, honor

Answer 200

flay\ˈflā\ : to beat or whip (someone or something) in a very violent and severe way Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : skin 2 : to criticize harshly : excoriate 3 : lash 1b Examples He was flayed by the media for his thoughtless comments. her husband flayed her constantly for her incessant shopping Origin: Middle English flen, from Old English flēan; akin to Old Norse flā to flay, Lithuanian plėšti to tear. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: baste, bawl out, berate, call down, castigate, chastise, chew out, dress down, scold, hammer, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rag, rail (at or against), rant (at), rate, ream (out), rebuke, reprimand, reproach, score, tongue-lash, upbraid

Answer 201

de·mean·or\di-ˈmē-nər\ noun : a person's appearance and behavior : the way someone seems to be to other people Full Definition : behavior toward others : outward manner synonyms see bearing Examples the director of the opera company has a haughty demeanor that can be irritating Origin: 1demean (see 1demean ). First use: 15th century Synonyms: actions, address, bearing, comportment, conduct, behavior, deportment, geste (also gest) [archaic]

Answer 202

de·lin·ea·tion\-ˌli-nē-ˈā-shən\ noun 1 : the act of delineating 2 : something made by delineating de·lin·ea·tive \-ˈli-nē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective Examples his simple but striking delineations of Dutch landscapes a finely wrought delineation of a young woman's first experience with romantic love First use: 1570 Synonyms: cartoon, drawing, sketch de·lin·eate\di-ˈli-nē-ˌāt, dē-\ : to clearly show or describe (something) Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to indicate or represent by drawn or painted lines b : to mark the outline of 2 : to describe, portray, or set forth with accuracy or in detail Other forms: de·lin·eat·ed; de·lin·eat·ing de·lin·ea·tor \-nē-ˌā-tər\ noun Examples the man's roly-poly shape was softly delineated by the glow of the fire the story does a remarkable job of delineating the emotions that immigrants feel upon their arrival in a strange country Origin: Latin delineatus, past participle of delineare, from de- + linea line. First use: 1559 Synonyms: define, outline, silhouette, sketch, trace

Answer 203

vin·di·cate\ˈvin-də-ˌkāt\ : to show that (someone) should not be blamed for a crime, mistake, etc. : to show that (someone) is not guilty : to show that (someone or something that has been criticized or doubted) is correct, true, or reasonable Full Definition transitive verb 1 obsolete : to set free : deliver 2 : avenge 3 a : to free from allegation or blame b (1) : confirm, substantiate (2) : to provide justification or defense for : justify c : to protect from attack or encroachment : defend 4 : to maintain a right to synonyms see exculpate, maintain Other forms: vin·di·cat·ed; vin·di·cat·ing vin·di·ca·tor \-ˌkā-tər\ noun Examples vowed that the evidence would completely vindicate him recent discoveries have generally vindicated the physicist's theories Origin: Latin vindicatus, past participle of vindicare to lay claim to, avenge, from vindic-, vindex claimant, avenger. First use: circa 1571 Synonyms: absolve, acquit, clear, exonerate, exculpate Antonyms: criminate, incriminate

Answer 204

hei·nous\ˈhā-nəs\ adjective : very bad or evil : deserving of hate or contempt Full Definition : hatefully or shockingly evil : abominable hei·nous·ly adverb hei·nous·ness noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French hainus, heinous, from haine hate, from hair to hate, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German haz hate — more at hate. First use: 14th century

Answer 205

re·dress\ri-ˈdres\ : to correct (something that is unfair or wrong) Full Definition transitive verb 1 a (1) : to set right : remedy (2) : to make up for : compensate b : to remove the cause of (a grievance or complaint) c : to exact reparation for : avenge 2 archaic a : to requite (a person) for a wrong or loss b : heal synonyms see correct re·dress·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French redresser to set upright, restore, redress, from re- + dresser to set straight — more at dress. First use: 14th century Synonyms: damages, indemnification, indemnity, quittance, recompense, recoupment, compensation, remuneration, reparation, reprisal(s), requital, restitution, satisfaction Synonyms: avenge, requite, retaliate, revenge, venge [archaic]

Answer 206

in·frac·tion\in-ˈfrak-shən\ noun : an act that breaks a rule or law Full Definition : the act of infringing : violation in·fract \in-ˈfrakt\ transitive verb Examples speeding is only a minor infraction, but vehicular homicide is a serious felony Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin infraction-, infractio, from Latin, subduing, from infringere to break — more at infringe. First use: 15th century Synonyms: contravention, breach, infringement, transgression, trespass, violation Antonyms: noninfringement, nonviolation, observance

Answer 207

tur·pi·tude\ˈtər-pə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\ noun : a very evil quality or way of behaving Full Definition : inherent baseness : depravity ; also : a base act Examples pictorial advertisements for chic clothing and fragrances in which drug addiction and other forms of moral turpitude are depicted as alternative fashion statements Origin: Middle French, from Latin turpitudo, from turpis vile, base. First use: 15th century Synonyms: abjection, corruptness, debasement, debauchery, decadence, decadency, degeneracy, degenerateness, degeneration, degradation, demoralization, depravity, dissipatedness, dissipation, dissoluteness, libertinage, libertinism, perversion, pervertedness, rakishness, corruption

Answer 208

vi·tu·per·a·tion\(ˌ)vī-ˌtü-pə-ˈrā-shən, və-, -ˈtyü-\ noun : harsh and angry criticism Full Definition 1 : sustained and bitter railing and condemnation : vituperative utterance 2 : an act or instance of vituperating synonyms see abuse Examples sick of the vituperation coming from ungrateful visitors, the put-upon webmaster took down the site's free webcam, which had afforded views of the town's picturesque harbor First use: 15th century Synonyms: billingsgate, fulmination, invective, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, abuse

Answer 209

cal·lous\ˈka-ləs\ adjective : not feeling or showing any concern about the problems or suffering of other people Full Definition 1 a : being hardened and thickened b : having calluses 2 a : feeling no emotion b : feeling or showing no sympathy for others : hard-hearted cal·lous·ly adverb cal·lous·ness noun Origin: Middle English, from Latin callosus, from callum, callus callous skin. First use: 15th century Synonyms: affectless, hard, case-hardened, cold-blooded, compassionless, desensitized, hard-boiled, hard-hearted, heartless, indurate, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, insensitive, ironhearted, merciless, obdurate, pachydermatous, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, slash-and-burn, soulless, stony (also stoney), stonyhearted, take-no-prisoners, thick-skinned, uncharitable, unfeeling, unmerciful, unsparing, unsympathetic Antonyms: charitable, compassionate, humane, kindhearted, kindly, merciful, sensitive, softhearted, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted 2cal·lous\ˈka-ləs\ transitive verb : to make callous (see 1callous ) Origin: (see 1callous ). First use: 1834 Synonyms: affectless, hard, case-hardened, cold-blooded, compassionless, desensitized, hard-boiled, hard-hearted, heartless, indurate, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, insensitive, ironhearted, merciless, obdurate, pachydermatous, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, slash-and-burn, soulless, stony (also stoney), stonyhearted, take-no-prisoners, thick-skinned, uncharitable, unfeeling, unmerciful, unsparing, unsympathetic Antonyms: charitable, compassionate, humane, kindhearted, kindly, merciful, sensitive, softhearted, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted

Answer 210

``` clique\ˈklēk, ˈklik\ noun : a small group of people who spend time together and who are not friendly to other people Full Definition : a narrow exclusive circle or group of persons; especially : one held together by common interests, views, or purposes cliqu·ey \ˈklē-kē, ˈkli-\ adjective cliqu·ish \ˈkli-kish\ adjective cliqu·ish·ly adverb cliqu·ish·ness noun Examples high school cliques The students in the high school are very cliquish and unfriendly. cliquish attitudes Origin: French. First use: 1711 Synonyms: body, bunch, circle, clan, gang, community, coterie, coven, crowd, fold, galère, klatch (also klatsch), lot, network, pack, ring, set ```

Answer 211

rhet·o·ric\ˈre-tə-rik\ noun : language that is intended to influence people and that may not be honest or reasonable : the art or skill of speaking or writing formally and effectively especially as a way to persuade or influence people Full Definition 1 : the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a : the study of principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b : the study of writing or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion 2 a : skill in the effective use of speech b : a type or mode of language or speech; also : insincere or grandiloquent language 3 : verbal communication : discourse Examples the mayor's promise to fight drugs was just rhetoric, since there was no money in the city budget for a drug program great leaders have often been masters of rhetoric, which they have used for both good and ill Origin: Middle English rethorik, from Anglo-French rethorique, from Latin rhetorica, from Greek rhētorikē, literally, art of oratory, from feminine of rhētorikos of an orator, from rhētōr orator, rhetorician, from eirein to say, speak — more at word. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bombast, fustian, gas, grandiloquence, hot air, oratory, verbiage, wind Antonyms: inarticulateness

Answer 212

ex·tol : to praise (someone or something) highly Full Definition transitive verb : to praise highly : glorify Other forms: ex·tolled; ex·tol·ling ex·tol·ler noun ex·tol·ment \-ˈstōl-mənt\ noun Examples campaign literature extolling the candidate's military record Variants: also ex·toll \ik-ˈstōl\ Origin: Middle English, from Latin extollere, from ex- + tollere to lift up — more at tolerate. First use: 15th century Synonyms: bless, carol, celebrate, emblazon, exalt, praise (also extoll), glorify, hymn, laud, magnify, resound

Answer 213

men·tor\ˈmen-ˌtȯr, -tər\ noun : someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person Full Definition 1 capitalized : a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus' son Telemachus 2 a : a trusted counselor or guide b : tutor, coach men·tor·ship \-ˌship\ noun Origin: Latin, from Greek Mentōr. First use: 1616 Synonyms: coach, counsel, lead, guide, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor 2mentor : to teach or give advice or guidance to (someone, such as a less experienced person or a child) : to act as a mentor for (someone) Full Definition transitive verb : to serve as a mentor for : tutor Examples The young intern was mentored by the country's top heart surgeon. Our program focuses on mentoring teenagers. young boys in need of mentoring First use: 1976 Synonyms: coach, counsel, lead, guide, pilot, shepherd, show, tutor

Answer 214

fac·ile\ˈfa-səl\ adjective : too simple : not showing enough thought or effort : done or achieved in a way that is too easy : working, moving, or performing well and very easily Full Definition 1 a (1) : easily accomplished or attained (2) : shallow, simplistic b : used or comprehended with ease c : readily manifested and often lacking sincerity or depth 2 archaic : mild or pleasing in manner or disposition 3 a : ready, fluent b : poised, assured synonyms see easy fac·ile·ly \-sə(l)-lē\ adverb fac·ile·ness \-səl-nəs\ noun Examples the movie takes a facile look at what happens when teens enter into serious romantic relationships a few early facile victories misled the country into thinking that the war would be short and relatively painless Origin: Middle French, from Latin facilis, from facere to do — more at do. First use: 15th century Synonyms: superficial, one-dimensional, shallow, skin-deep Antonyms: deep, profound

Answer 215

vil·i·fy\ˈvi-lə-ˌfī\ : to say or write very harsh and critical things about (someone or something) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to lower in estimation or importance 2 : to utter slanderous and abusive statements against : defame synonyms see malign Other forms: vil·i·fied; vil·i·fy·ing vil·i·fi·er \-ˌfī(-ə)r\ noun Examples claimed that she had been vilified by the press because of her conservative views Origin: Middle English vilifien, from Late Latin vilificare, from Latin vilis cheap, vile. First use: 15th century Synonyms: asperse, blacken, calumniate, defame, libel, malign, smear, traduce, slander

Answer 216

elu·ci·date\i-ˈlü-sə-ˌdāt\ : to make (something that is hard to understand) clear or easy to understand Full Definition transitive verb : to make lucid especially by explanation or analysis intransitive verb : to give a clarifying explanation synonyms see explain Other forms: elu·ci·dat·ed; elu·ci·dat·ing elu·ci·da·tion \-ˌlü-sə-ˈdā-shən\ noun elu·ci·da·tive \-ˈlü-sə-ˌdā-tiv\ adjective elu·ci·da·tor \-ˌdā-tər\ noun Examples colored charts that really help to elucidate the points made in the text Origin: Late Latin elucidatus, past participle of elucidare, from Latin e- + lucidus lucid. First use: circa 1568 Synonyms: clarify, clear (up), construe, demonstrate, demystify, explain, explicate, expound, get across, illuminate, illustrate, interpret, simplify, spell out, unriddle Antonyms: obscure

Answer 217

``` cant\ˈkant\ adjective dial English : lively, lusty Origin: Middle English, probably from Middle Low German *kant. First use: 14th century ``` ``` 2cant transitive verb 1 : to give a cant or oblique edge to : bevel 2 : to set at an angle : tilt 3 chiefly British : to throw with a lurchintransitive verb 1 : to pitch to one side : lean 2 : slope Origin: 3cant. First use: circa 1543 ```

Answer 218

um·brage\ˈəm-brij\ noun : a feeling of being offended by what someone has said or done Full Definition 1 : shade, shadow 2 : shady branches : foliage 3 a : an indistinct indication : vague suggestion : hint b : a reason for doubt : suspicion 4 : a feeling of pique or resentment at some often fancied slight or insult synonyms see offense Examples took umbrage at the slightest suggestion of disrespect Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin umbraticum, neuter of umbraticus of shade, from umbratus, past participle of umbrare to shade, from umbra shade, shadow; akin to Lithuanian unksmė shadow. First use: 15th century Synonyms: dudgeon, huff, miff, offense (or offence), peeve, resentment, pique

Answer 219

mag·nan·i·mous\mag-ˈna-nə-məs\ adjective : having or showing a generous and kind nature Full Definition 1 : showing or suggesting a lofty and courageous spirit 2 : showing or suggesting nobility of feeling and generosity of mind mag·nan·i·mous·ly adverb mag·nan·i·mous·ness noun Examples a magnanimous donation to the town's animal shelter Origin: Latin magnanimus, from magnus great + animus spirit — more at much, animate. First use: 1567 Synonyms: big, chivalrous, elevated, gallant, great, greathearted, high, high-minded, lofty, lordly, noble, natural, sublime Antonyms: base, debased, degenerate, degraded, ignoble, low

Answer 220

va·pid\ˈva-pəd, ˈvā-\ adjective : not lively or interesting : dull or boring Full Definition : lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force : flat, dull synonyms see insipid va·pid·ly adverb va·pid·ness noun Origin: Latin vapidus flat-tasting; akin to Latin vappa flat wine and perhaps to Latin vapor steam. First use: circa 1656

Answer 221

un·wieldy\-ˈwēl-dē\ adjective : difficult to handle, control, or deal with because of being large, heavy, or complex Full Definition : not easily managed, handled, or used (as because of bulk, weight, complexity, or awkwardness) : cumbersome un·wield·i·ly \-ˈwēl-də-lē\ adverb un·wield·i·ness \-dē-nəs\ noun Examples an unwieldy machine that requires two people to operate it First use: 1530 Synonyms: awkward, bunglesome, clumsy, clunky, cranky, cumbrous, ponderous, ungainly, unhandy, cumbersome Antonyms: handy

Answer 222

vi·ti·ate\ˈvi-shē-ˌāt\ : to make (something) less effective : to ruin or spoil (something) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make faulty or defective : impair 2 : to debase in moral or aesthetic status 3 : to make ineffective synonyms see debase Other forms: vi·ti·at·ed; vi·ti·at·ing vi·ti·a·tion \ˌvi-shē-ˈā-shən\ noun vi·ti·a·tor \ˈvi-shē-ˌā-tər\ noun Examples believed that luxury vitiates even the most principled person numerous grammatical errors vitiate the effectiveness of your writing a penchant for coarse language vitiates what is otherwise a refined literary style Origin: Latin vitiatus, past participle of vitiare, from vitium fault, vice. First use: 1534 Synonyms: blemish, darken, mar, poison, spoil, stain, tarnish, touch, taint Antonyms: doctor, fix, mend, patch, rebuild, recondition, reconstruct, renovate, repair, revamp

Answer 223

prox·im·i·ty\präk-ˈsi-mə-tē\ noun : the state of being near Full Definition : the quality or state of being proximate : closeness Examples the proximity of the curtains to the fireplace was a cause of concern for the safety inspector Origin: Middle French proximité, from Latin proximitat-, proximitas, from proximus. First use: 15th century Synonyms: adjacency, closeness, contiguity, immediacy, nearness, propinquity, vicinity Antonyms: distance, remoteness

Answer 224

las·si·tude\ˈla-sə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\ 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 Synonyms: burnout, collapse, exhaustion, frazzle, fatigue, prostration, tiredness, weariness Antonyms: refreshment, rejuvenation, rejuvenescence, revitalization

Answer 225

fat·u·ous\ˈfa-chü-əs, -tyü-\ adjective : foolish or stupid Full Definition : complacently or inanely foolish : silly synonyms see simple fat·u·ous·ly adverb fat·u·ous·ness noun Examples the fatuous questions that the audience members asked after the lecture suggested to the oceanographer that they had understood little ignoring the avalanche warnings, the fatuous skiers continued on their course Origin: Latin fatuus foolish. First use: 1633 Synonyms: airheaded, birdbrained, bonehead, boneheaded, brain-dead, brainless, bubbleheaded, chuckleheaded, dense, dim, dim-witted, doltish, dopey (also dopy), dorky [slang], dull, dumb, dunderheaded, empty-headed, stupid, gormless [chiefly British], half-witted, knuckleheaded, lamebrain (or lamebrained), lunkheaded, mindless, oafish, obtuse, opaque, pinheaded, senseless, simple, slow, slow-witted, soft, softheaded, thick, thickheaded, thick-witted, unintelligent, unsmart, vacuous, weak-minded, witless Antonyms: apt, brainy, bright, brilliant, clever, fast, hyperintelligent, intelligent, keen, nimble, quick, quick-witted, sharp, sharp-witted, smart, supersmart, ultrasmart

Answer 226

con·tort\kən-ˈtȯrt\ : to twist into an unusual appearance or shape Full Definition transitive verb : to twist in a violent manner intransitive verb : to twist into or as if into a strained shape or expression synonyms see deform con·tor·tion \-ˈtȯr-shən\ noun con·tor·tive \-ˈtȯr-tiv\ adjective Examples the acrobat is able to contort his body so that it almost looks like a pretzel Origin: Middle English, from Latin contortus, past participle of contorquēre, from com- + torquēre to twist — more at torture. First use: 15th century Synonyms: deform, distort, misshape, screw, squinch, torture, warp

Answer 227

aug·ment\ȯg-ˈment\ : to increase the size or amount of (something) : to add something to (something) in order to improve or complete it Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense 2 : to add an augment to (see 2augment ) 3 : supplement intransitive verb : to become augmented synonyms see increase aug·ment·er or aug·men·tor \-ˈmen-tər\ noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French augmenter, from Late Latin augmentare, from Latin augmentum increase, from augēre to increase — more at eke. First use: 14th century Synonyms: accelerate, add (to), aggrandize, amplify, increase, boost, build up, compound, enlarge, escalate, expand, extend, hype, multiply, pump up, raise, swell, stoke, supersize, up Antonyms: abate, decrease, de-escalate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, lower, minify, reduce, subtract (from)

Answer 228

rep·er·toire\ˈre-pə(r)-ˌtwär\ noun : all the plays, songs, dances, etc., that a performer or group of performers knows and can perform : all the things that a person is able to do Full Definition 1 a : a list or supply of dramas, operas, pieces, or parts that a company or person is prepared to perform b : a supply of skills, devices, or expedients ; broadly : amount, supply c : a list or supply of capabilities 2 a : the complete list or supply of dramas, operas, or musical works available for performance b : the complete list or supply of skills, devices, or ingredients used in a particular field, occupation, or practice Examples the chef's repertoire of specialties seems to be limited, with several of the dishes appearing over and over again in slightly varied guises Origin: French répertoire, from Late Latin repertorium (see repertory ). First use: 1847 Synonyms: budget, force, fund, inventory, pool, supply, reservoir, stock

Answer 229

im·per·cep·ti·ble\ˌim-pər-ˈsep-tə-bəl\ adjective : impossible to see or notice Full Definition : not perceptible by a sense or by the mind : extremely slight, gradual, or subtle im·per·cep·ti·bly \-ˈsep-tə-blē\ adverb Examples a slight difference in hue between the two glasses that's imperceptible unless they're placed side by side Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin imperceptibilis, from Latin in- + Late Latin perceptibilis perceptible. First use: 15th century Synonyms: impalpable, inappreciable, indistinguishable, insensible Antonyms: appreciable, discernible (also discernable), palpable, perceptible, ponderable, sensible

Answer 230

sa·ga\ˈsä-gə also ˈsa-\ noun : a long and complicated story with many details : a long and complicated series of events : a long story about past heroes from Norway and Iceland Full Definition 1 : a prose narrative recorded in Iceland in the 12th and 13th centuries of historic or legendary figures and events of the heroic age of Norway and Iceland 2 : a modern heroic narrative resembling the Icelandic saga 3 : a long detailed account Origin: Old Norse — more at saw. First use: 1709

Answer 231

``` re·plen·ish\ri-ˈple-nish\ : to fill or build up (something) again Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to fill with persons or animals : stock b archaic : to supply fully : perfect c : to fill with inspiration or power : nourish 2 a : to fill or build up again b : to make good : replace intransitive verb : to become full : fill up again re·plen·ish·able \-ni-shə-bəl\ adjective re·plen·ish·er noun re·plen·ish·ment \-nish-mənt\ noun Origin: Middle English replenisshen, from Anglo-French repleniss-, stem of replenir to fill, from re- + plein full, from Latin plenus — more at full. First use: 14th century ```

Answer 232

``` quan·da·ry\ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē\ noun : a situation in which you are confused about what to do Full Definition : a state of perplexity or doubt Other forms: plural quan·da·ries Examples I'm in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don't have the money to do either Origin: origin unknown. First use: 1579 Synonyms: catch-22, double bind, dilemma ```

Answer 233

``` bla·sé\blä-ˈzā\ adjective 1 : apathetic to pleasure or excitement as a result of excessive indulgence or enjoyment : world-weary 2 : sophisticated, worldly-wise 3 : unconcerned synonyms see sophisticated Variants: also bla·se Origin: French. First use: 1819 ```

Answer 234

neg·li·gi·ble\ˈne-gli-jə-bəl\ adjective : very small or unimportant Full Definition : so small or unimportant or of so little consequence as to warrant little or no attention : trifling: a negligible error. neg·li·gi·bil·i·ty \ˌne-gli-jə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun neg·li·gi·bly \ˈne-gli-jə-blē\ adverb Examples the two cents in change was such a negligible sum that she left the store without bothering to take it the results from that small study of coffee drinkers are negligible and can be ignored there's a negligible chance I may make it to the picnic, but don't count on it Origin: Latin neglegere, negligere. First use: 1829 Synonyms: chicken, de minimis, footling, inconsequential, inconsiderable, insignificant, measly, Mickey Mouse, minute, niggling, no-account, nominal, paltry, peanut, petty, picayune, piddling, piddly, piffling, pimping, slight, trifling, trivial Antonyms: big, consequential, considerable, important, material, significant

Answer 235

ex·pe·di·ent\ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt\ adjective : providing an easy and quick way to solve a problem or do something Full Definition 1 : suitable for achieving a particular end in a given circumstance 2 : characterized by concern with what is opportune; especially : governed by self-interest ex·pe·di·ent·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin expedient-, expendiens, present participle of expedire to extricate, prepare, be useful, from ex- + ped-, pes foot — more at foot. First use: 14th century Synonyms: advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise 2ex·pe·di·ent\ik-ˈspē-dē-ənt\ noun : an easy and quick way to solve a problem or do something : an expedient solution Full Definition : something done or used to achieve a particular end usually quickly or temporarily : an expedient action or solution synonyms see resource Examples The government chose short-term/temporary expedients instead of a real economic policy. We can solve this problem by the simple expedient of taking out another loan. Origin: (see 1expedient ). First use: 1630 Synonyms: advisable, desirable, judicious, politic, prudent, tactical, wise Antonyms: impolitic, imprudent, inadvisable, inexpedient, injudicious, unwise Synonyms: makeshift, stopgap

Answer 236

cal·lous\ˈka-ləs\ adjective : not feeling or showing any concern about the problems or suffering of other people Full Definition 1 a : being hardened and thickened b : having calluses 2 a : feeling no emotion b : feeling or showing no sympathy for others : hard-hearted cal·lous·ly adverb cal·lous·ness noun Origin: Middle English, from Latin callosus, from callum, callus callous skin. First use: 15th century Synonyms: affectless, hard, case-hardened, cold-blooded, compassionless, desensitized, hard-boiled, hard-hearted, heartless, indurate, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, insensitive, ironhearted, merciless, obdurate, pachydermatous, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, slash-and-burn, soulless, stony (also stoney), stonyhearted, take-no-prisoners, thick-skinned, uncharitable, unfeeling, unmerciful, unsparing, unsympathetic Antonyms: charitable, compassionate, humane, kindhearted, kindly, merciful, sensitive, softhearted, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted

Answer 237

di·ver·si·ty\də-ˈvər-sə-tē, dī-\ noun : the quality or state of having many different forms, types, ideas, etc. : the state of having people who are different races or who have different cultures in a group or organization Full Definition 1 : the condition of having or being composed of differing elements : variety; especially : the inclusion of different types of people (as people of different races or cultures) in a group or organization 2 : an instance of being composed of differing elements or qualities : an instance of being diverse Other forms: plural di·ver·si·ties Examples the diversity of plant life on that tropical island is staggering there's considerable diversity in the platforms for the two major parties Origin: (see diverse ). First use: 14th century Synonyms: assortment, diverseness, variety, heterogeneity, heterogeneousness, manifoldness, miscellaneousness, multifariousness, multiplicity, variousness Antonyms: alikeness, analogousness, analogy, community, likeness, resemblance, sameness, similarity

Answer 238

en·nui\ˌän-ˈwē\ noun : a lack of spirit, enthusiasm, or interest Full Definition : a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction : boredom Examples the kind of ennui that comes from having too much time on one's hands and too little will to find something productive to do Origin: French, from Old French enui annoyance, from enuier to vex, from Late Latin inodiare to make loathsome — more at annoy. First use: 1732 Synonyms: blahs, doldrums, boredom, listlessness, restlessness, tedium, weariness

Answer 239

ar·ti·fice\ˈär-tə-fəs\ noun : dishonest or insincere behavior or speech that is meant to deceive someone Full Definition 1 a : clever or artful skill : ingenuity b : an ingenious device or expedient 2 a : an artful stratagem : trick b : false or insincere behavior synonyms see trick, art Examples used the artifice of saying his grandmother had died so that he could get the last seat on the plane using their artifice, the Greeks crafted a hollow wooden horse to hide inside and thereby gained entry into the city of Troy a painting that could only have been created with the artifice of a master Origin: Middle French, from Latin artificium, from artific-, artifex artificer, from Latin art-, ars + facere. First use: circa 1604 Synonyms: trick, device, dodge, fetch, flimflam, gambit, gimmick, jig, juggle, knack, play, ploy, scheme, shenanigan, sleight, stratagem, wile Antonyms: artlessness, ineptitude, ineptness, maladroitness

Answer 240

come·ly\ˈkəm-lē also ˈkōm- or ˈkäm-\ adjective : pleasing in appearance : pretty or attractive Full Definition 1 : pleasurably conforming to notions of good appearance, suitability, or proportion 2 : having a pleasing appearance : not homely or plain synonyms see beautiful Other forms: come·li·er; come·li·est come·li·ness noun Examples a brood of comely children that any parent would be proud to claim Origin: Middle English comly, alteration of Old English cȳmlic glorious, from cȳme lively, fine; akin to Old High German kūmig weak. First use: 13th century Synonyms: aesthetic (also esthetic or aesthetical or esthetical), attractive, beauteous, bonny (also bonnie) [chiefly British], beautiful, cute, drop-dead, fair, fetching, good, good-looking, goodly, gorgeous, handsome, knockout, likely, lovely, lovesome, pretty, ravishing, seemly, sightly, stunning, taking, well-favored Antonyms: grotesque, hideous, homely, ill-favored, plain, ugly, unaesthetic, unattractive, unbeautiful, uncomely, uncute, unhandsome, unlovely, unpleasing, unpretty, unsightly

Answer 241

fre·net·ic\fri-ˈne-tik\ adjective : filled with excitement, activity, or confusion : wild or frantic Full Definition : frenzied, frantic fre·net·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb fre·net·i·cism \-ˈne-tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun Examples the frenetic rush to get every member of the cast in place before the curtain went up Origin: Middle English frenetik insane, from Anglo-French, from Latin phreneticus, modification of Greek phrenitikos, from phrenitis inflammation of the brain, from phren-, phrēn diaphragm, mind. First use: 14th century Synonyms: delirious, ferocious, feverish, fierce, frantic, furious, frenzied, mad, rabid, violent, wild Antonyms: relaxed

Answer 242

ex·pur·gate\ˈek-spər-ˌgāt\ : to change (a written work) by removing parts that might offend people Full Definition transitive verb : to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous; especially : to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or presentation Other forms: ex·pur·gat·ed; ex·pur·gat·ing ex·pur·ga·tion \ˌek-spər-ˈgā-shən\ noun ex·pur·ga·tor \ˈek-spər-ˌgā-tər\ noun Examples the newspaper had to expurgate the expletive-laden speech that the criminal made upon being sentenced to life imprisonment Origin: Latin expurgatus, past participle of expurgare, from ex- + purgare to purge. First use: 1678 Synonyms: bowdlerize, clean (up), censor, launder, red-pencil

Answer 243

qualm\ˈkwäm also ˈkwȯm or ˈkwälm\ noun : a feeling of doubt or uncertainty about whether you are doing the right thing Full Definition 1 : a sudden attack of illness, faintness, or nausea 2 : a sudden access of usually disturbing emotion (as doubt or fear) 3 : a feeling of uneasiness about a point especially of conscience or propriety qualmy adjective Examples He accepted their offer without a qualm. She had/felt some qualms about moving to the big city. He had no qualms about accepting their offer.

Answer 244

be·grudge\bi-ˈgrəj, bē-\ : to think that someone does not deserve something : to regard (something) as not being earned or deserved : to give or allow (something) in a reluctant or unwilling way Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to give or concede reluctantly or with displeasure 2 : to look upon with disapproval t begrudge you your success—you earned it First use: 14th century Synonyms: envy, resent

Answer 245

art·less\ˈärt-ləs\ adjective : not false or artificial Full Definition 1 : lacking art, knowledge, or skill : uncultured 2 a : made without skill : crude b : free from artificiality : natural 3 : free from guile or craft : sincerely simple synonyms see natural art·less·ly adverb art·less·ness noun Examples a genuine and artless girl artless though it may be, our homemade doghouse has a certain charm to it First use: 1589 Synonyms: guileless, genuine, honest, ingenuous, innocent, naive (or naïve), natural, real, simple, sincere, true, unaffected, unpretending, unpretentious Antonyms: affected, artful, artificial, assuming, dishonest, dissembling, dissimulating, fake, false, guileful, insincere, phony (also phoney), pretentious

Answer 246

gra·tu·ity\grə-ˈtü-ə-tē, -ˈtyü-\ noun : an amount of money given to a person (such as a waiter or waitress) who has performed a service : an amount of money given to a retiring soldier or employee Full Definition : something given voluntarily or beyond obligation usually for some service; especially : tip Other forms: plural gra·tu·ities Examples for parties of eight or more, we automatically add a 15% gratuity onto the bill got a $100 gratuity in addition to his regular pay First use: 1540 Synonyms: 2tip, perquisite

Answer 247

man·i·fest\ˈma-nə-ˌfest\ adjective : able to be seen : clearly shown or visible : easy to understand or recognize Full Definition 1 : readily perceived by the senses and especially by the sense of sight 2 : easily understood or recognized by the mind : obvious synonyms see evident man·i·fest·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French manifeste, from Latin manifestus caught in the act, flagrant, obvious, perhaps from manus + -festus (akin to Latin infestus hostile). First use: 14th century Synonyms: apparent, bald, bald-faced, barefaced, bright-line, broad, clear-cut, crystal clear, decided, distinct, evident, lucid, luculent, luminous, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, open-and-shut, palpable, patent, pellucid, perspicuous, plain, ringing, straightforward, transparent, unambiguous, unambivalent, unequivocal, unmistakable Antonyms: ambiguous, clouded, cryptic, dark, enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, indistinct, mysterious, nonobvious, obfuscated, obscure, unapparent, unclarified, unclear, unclouded Synonyms: bespeak, betray, communicate, declare, demonstrate, display, evince, expose, give away, show, reveal Antonyms: disembody 2man·i·fest\ˈma-nə-ˌfest\ : to show (something) clearly Full Definition transitive verb : to make evident or certain by showing or displaying synonyms see show man·i·fest·er noun Examples Both sides have manifested a stubborn unwillingness to compromise. Their religious beliefs are manifested in every aspect of their lives. Love manifests itself in many different ways. Origin: (see 1manifest ). First use: 14th century Synonyms: apparent, bald, bald-faced, barefaced, bright-line, broad, clear-cut, crystal clear, decided, distinct, evident, lucid, luculent, luminous, clear, nonambiguous, obvious, open-and-shut, palpable, patent, pellucid, perspicuous, plain, ringing, straightforward, transparent, unambiguous, unambivalent, unequivocal, unmistakable Antonyms: ambiguous, clouded, cryptic, dark, enigmatic (also enigmatical), equivocal, indistinct, mysterious, nonobvious, obfuscated, obscure, unapparent, unclarified, unclear, unclouded Synonyms: bespeak, betray, communicate, declare, demonstrate, display, evince, expose, give away, show, reveal Antonyms: disembody

Answer 248

delve\ˈdelv\ : to search for information about something : to reach into a bag, container, etc., in order to find something Full Definition transitive verb archaic : excavate intransitive verb 1 : to dig or labor with or as if with a spade 2 a : to make a careful or detailed search for information b : to examine a subject in detail Other forms: delved; delv·ing delv·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Old English delfan; akin to Old High German telban to dig. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: antre, cavern, cave [archaic], grot, grotto

Answer 249

ca·pri·cious\kə-ˈpri-shəs, -ˈprē-\ adjective : changing often and quickly ; especially : often changing suddenly in mood or behavior : not logical or reasonable : based on an idea, desire, etc., that is not possible to predict Full Definition : governed or characterized by caprice : impulsive, unpredictable synonyms see inconstant ca·pri·cious·ly adverb ca·pri·cious·ness noun Examples capricious weather that was balmy one day and freezing cold the next a capricious woman who changed her mind dozens of times about what color to paint the bathroom Origin: (see caprice ). First use: 1601 Synonyms: fickle, changeable, changeful, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, skittish, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile Antonyms: certain, changeless, constant, immutable, invariable, predictable, settled, stable, stationary, steady, unchangeable, unchanging, unvarying

Answer 250

req·ui·site\ˈre-kwə-zət\ adjective : needed for a particular purpose Full Definition : essential, necessary requisite noun req·ui·site·ness noun Examples this new CD is the requisite album of the year for classical music lovers Origin: Middle English, from Latin requisitus, past participle of requirere. First use: 15th century Synonyms: all-important, critical, imperative, indispensable, integral, must-have, necessary, necessitous, needed, needful, required, essential, vital Antonyms: dispensable, inessential, needless, nonessential, unessential, unnecessary, unneeded

Answer 251

cur·ry\ˈkər-ē, ˈkə-rē\ transitive verb 1 : to clean the coat of (as a horse) with a currycomb 2 : to treat (tanned leather) especially by incorporating oil or grease 3 : beat, thrash Other forms: cur·ried; cur·ry·ing cur·ri·er noun curry favor Middle English currayen favel to curry a chestnut horse : to seek to gain favor by flattery or attention Origin: Middle English currayen, from Anglo-French cunreier, correier to prepare, curry, from Vulgar Latin *conredare, from Latin com- + a base of Germanic origin; akin to Gothic garaiths arrayed — more at ready. First use: 13th century 2cur·ry noun : a food, dish, or sauce in Indian cooking that is seasoned with a mixture of spices Full Definition 1 : a food, dish, or sauce in Indian cuisine seasoned with a mixture of pungent spices; also : a food or dish seasoned with curry powder 2 : curry powder Other forms: plural curries Variants: also cur·rie \ˈkər-ē, ˈkə-rē\ Origin: Tamil kaṟi (or a cognate word in a Dravidian language). First use: 1681

Answer 252

pall\ˈpȯl\ intransitive verb 1 : to lose strength or effectiveness 2 : to lose in interest or attraction 3 : dwindle transitive verb 1 : to cause to become insipid 2 : to deprive of pleasure in something by satiating synonyms see satiate Examples A pall of smoke hung over the village after the fire. a pall of grief The sad news cast a pall on/over the school. Origin: Middle English, short for appallen to become pale — more at appall. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bier, box, casket, coffin, sarcophagus 2pall noun : something (such as a cloud of smoke) that covers a place and makes it dark : a heavy cloth that is used for covering a coffin, hearse, or tomb Full Definition 1 : pallium 1a 2 a : a square of linen usually stiffened with cardboard that is used to cover the chalice b (1) : a heavy cloth draped over a coffin (2) : a coffin especially when holding a body 3 a : something that covers or conceals; especially : an overspreading element that produces an effect of gloom b : a feeling of gloom Origin: Middle English, cloak, mantle, from Old English pæll, from Latin pallium. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bier, box, casket, coffin, sarcophagus

Answer 253

``` suc·cu·lent\-lənt\ adjective : full of juice of plants : having thick, heavy leaves or stems that store water Full Definition 1 a : full of juice : juicy b : moist and tasty : toothsome c of a plant : having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture 2 : rich in interest suc·cu·lent·ly adverb Origin: Latin suculentus, from sucus juice, sap; perhaps akin to Latin sugere to suck — more at suck. First use: 1601 Synonyms: fleshy, pulpy, juicy Antonyms: juiceless, sapless 2succulent noun : a plant that stores water in its leaves or stems : a succulent plant Full Definition : a succulent plant (as a cactus or an aloe) Examples cacti and other succulents First use: 1825 Synonyms: fleshy, pulpy, juicy Antonyms: juiceless, sapless ```

Answer 254

sa·ti·ety\sə-ˈtī-ə-tē also ˈsā-sh(ē-)ə-\ noun : a feeling or condition of being full after eating food Full Definition 1 : the quality or state of being fed or gratified to or beyond capacity : surfeit, fullness 2 : the revulsion or disgust caused by overindulgence or excess Origin: Middle French satieté, from Latin satietat-, satietas, from satis. First use: 1541

Answer 255

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

Answer 256

pot·pour·ri\ˌpō-pu̇-ˈrē\ noun : a mixture of dried flower petals, leaves, and spices that is used to make a room smell pleasant : a collection of different things Full Definition 1 : a mixture of flowers, herbs, and spices that is usually kept in a jar and used for scent 2 : a miscellaneous collection : medley Examples a potpourri of hit songs from the last 10 years Origin: French pot pourri, literally, rotten pot. First use: 1749 Synonyms: agglomerate, agglomeration, alphabet soup, assortment, botch, clutter, collage, crazy quilt, farrago, gallimaufry, grab bag, gumbo, hash, hodgepodge, hotchpotch, jambalaya, jumble, jungle, litter, macédoine, medley, mélange, menagerie, miscellanea, mishmash, mixed bag, montage, motley, muddle, olio, olla podrida, omnium-gatherum, pastiche, patchwork, patchwork quilt, miscellany, ragbag, ragout, rummage, salad, salmagundi, scramble, shuffle, smorgasbord, stew, tumble, variety, welter

Answer 257

sanc·tion\ˈsaŋ(k)-shən\ noun : an action that is taken or an order that is given to force a country to obey international laws by limiting or stopping trade with that country, by not allowing economic aid for that country, etc. : official permission or approval Full Definition 1 : a formal decree; especially : an ecclesiastical decree 2 a obsolete : a solemn agreement : oath b : something that makes an oath binding 3 : the detriment, loss of reward, or coercive intervention annexed to a violation of a law as a means of enforcing the law 4 a : a consideration, principle, or influence (as of conscience) that impels to moral action or determines moral judgment b : a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards c : explicit or official approval, permission, or ratification : approbation 5 : an economic or military coercive measure adopted usually by several nations in concert for forcing a nation violating international law to desist or yield to adjudication Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin sanction-, sanctio, from sancire to make holy — more at sacred. First use: 15th century Synonyms: allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), permission, sufferance, warrant Antonyms: interdiction, prohibition, proscription Synonyms: accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, approve, warrant Antonyms: decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto 2sanction transitive verb : to officially accept or allow (something) Full Definition 1 : to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification) 2 : to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to synonyms see approve Other forms: sanc·tioned; sanc·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\ sanc·tion·able \-sh(ə-)nə-bəl\ adjective Examples The government has sanctioned the use of force. His actions were not sanctioned by his superiors. First use: 1778 Synonyms: allowance, authorization, clearance, concurrence, consent, granting, green light, leave, license (or licence), permission, sufferance, warrant Antonyms: interdiction, prohibition, proscription Synonyms: accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, homologate, OK (or okay), ratify, approve, warrant Antonyms: decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto

Answer 258

de·note\di-ˈnōt, dē-\ of a word : to have (something) as a meaning : to mean (something) : to show, mark, or be a sign of (something) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to serve as an indication of : betoken 2 : to serve as an arbitrary mark for 3 : to make known : announce 4 a : to serve as a linguistic expression of the notion of : mean b : to stand for : designate de·note·ment \-ˈnōt-mənt\ noun Examples a flashing red light that denotes danger the unkempt yard denotes a homeowner with little concern for the well-being of his neighborhood Origin: Middle French denoter, from Latin denotare, from de- + notare to note. First use: 1562 Synonyms: mean, express, import, intend, signify, spell

Answer 259

al·lude\ə-ˈlüd\ intransitive verb : to make indirect reference: comments alluding to an earlier discussion; broadly : refer Other forms: al·lud·ed; al·lud·ing Examples Mrs. Simons alluded to some health problems, without being specific Origin: Latin alludere, literally, to play with, from ad- + ludere to play — more at ludicrous. First use: 1533 Synonyms: hint, imply, indicate, infer, insinuate, intimate, suggest

Answer 260

in·sid·i·ous\in-ˈsi-dē-əs\ adjective : causing harm in a way that is gradual or not easily noticed Full Definition 1 a : awaiting a chance to entrap : treacherous b : harmful but enticing : seductive 2 a : having a gradual and cumulative effect : subtle b of a disease : developing so gradually as to be well established before becoming apparent in·sid·i·ous·ly adverb in·sid·i·ous·ness noun Origin: Latin insidiosus, from insidiae ambush, from insidēre to sit in, sit on, from in- + sedēre to sit — more at sit. First use: 1545

Answer 261

spate\ˈspāt\ noun : a large number of things that appear or happen in a short period of time Full Definition 1 : freshet, flood 2 a : a large number or amount b : a sudden or strong outburst : rush Examples A spate of books on the subject have come out recently. the recent spate There was a spate of corporate mergers in the 1980s. Origin: Middle English. First use: 15th century Synonyms: alluvion, bath, cataclysm, cataract, deluge, flood tide, inundation, Niagara, overflow, flood, torrent Antonyms: drought (also drouth)

Answer 262

prof·fer\ˈprä-fər\ : to offer or give (something) to someone Full Definition transitive verb : to present for acceptance : tender, offer Other forms: prof·fered; prof·fer·ing \-f(ə-)riŋ\ Origin: Middle English profren, from Anglo-French profrer, proffrir, porofrir, from por- forth (from Latin pro-) + offrir to offer — more at pro-. First use: 14th century Synonyms: offer, proposal, proposition, suggestion Synonyms: extend, give, offer, tender, trot out 2proffer noun : offer, suggestion First use: 14th century Synonyms: offer, proposal, proposition, suggestion Synonyms: extend, give, offer, tender, trot out

Answer 263

im·pi·ous\ˈim-pē-əs, (ˌ)im-ˈpī-\ adjective : feeling or showing a lack of respect for God : not pious Full Definition : not pious : lacking in reverence or proper respect (as for God or one's parents) : irreverent im·pi·ous·ly adverb Examples an impious act that horrified their pious mother Origin: Latin impius, from in- + pius pious. First use: 1542 Synonyms: blasphemous, irreverent, profane, sacrilegious Antonyms: pious, reverent

Answer 264

Ad·vent\ˈad-ˌvent, chiefly British -vənt\ noun 1 : the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas and observed by some Christians as a season of prayer and fasting 2 a : the coming of Christ at the Incarnation b : second coming 3 not capitalized : a coming into being or use Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin adventus, from Latin, arrival, from advenire. First use: 12th century

Answer 265

pro·pri·e·ty\prə-ˈprī-ə-tē\ noun : behavior that is accepted as socially or morally correct and proper : the state or quality of being correct and proper : rules of correct social behavior Full Definition 1 obsolete : true nature 2 obsolete : a special characteristic : peculiarity 3 : the quality or state of being proper or suitable : appropriateness 4 a : conformity to what is socially acceptable in conduct or speech b : fear of offending against conventional rules of behavior especially between the sexes c plural : the customs and manners of polite society Other forms: plural pro·pri·e·ties Examples some people miss the straitlaced propriety that was largely abandoned in the 1960s an etiquette columnist who insists that traditional proprieties are necessary in order to maintain a civil society I'm not sure about the propriety of serving champagne in these glasses Origin: Middle English propriete, from Anglo-French proprieté, propreté property, quality of a person or thing — more at property. First use: 14th century Synonyms: decorum, form, decency Antonyms: impropriety, indecency, indecorum

Answer 266

``` nu·tri·tive\ˈnü-trə-tiv, ˈnyü-\ adjective : of or relating to nutrition Full Definition 1 : of or relating to nutrition 2 : nourishing nu·tri·tive·ly adverb Examples some people contend that whole wheat bread is significantly more nutritive than white bread First use: 14th century Synonyms: nourishing, nutrient, nutritional, nutritious Antonyms: nonnutritious, nonnutritive ```

Answer 267

sub·stan·ti·ate\səb-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌāt\ transitive verb : to prove the truth of (something) Full Definition 1 : to give substance or form to : embody 2 : to establish by proof or competent evidence : verify synonyms see confirm Other forms: sub·stan·ti·at·ed; sub·stan·ti·at·ing sub·stan·ti·a·tion \-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈā-shən\ noun sub·stan·ti·a·tive \-ˈstan(t)-shē-ˌā-tiv\ adjective Examples substantiated his claim to local mountaineering fame with a photo of himself on the summit of Mount McKinley Mr. MacGregor couldn't substantiate that it was Peter, and not some other rabbit, in the cabbage patch the artist's intense feelings are substantiated by his paintings' bold colors and broad brush strokes First use: 1657 Synonyms: demonstrate, prove, show, establish Antonyms: disprove

Answer 268

bo·gus\ˈbō-gəs\ adjective : not real or genuine : fake or false Full Definition : not genuine : counterfeit, sham bo·gus·ly adverb bo·gus·ness noun Examples for that price, you're only going to get furniture covered in bogus leather and not the real stuff the “designer” watches sold on the street are usually bogus there was often a lot of bogus conviviality at the company's parties Origin: obsolete argot bogus counterfeit money. First use: 1825 Synonyms: artificial, imitation, dummy, ersatz, factitious, fake, false, faux, imitative, man-made, mimic, mock, pretend, sham, simulated, substitute, synthetic Antonyms: genuine, natural, real

Answer 269

``` rau·cous\ˈrȯ-kəs\ adjective : loud and unpleasant to listen to : behaving in a very rough and noisy way Full Definition 1 : disagreeably harsh or strident : hoarse 2 : boisterously disorderly synonyms see loud rau·cous·ly adverb rau·cous·ness noun Examples the partying neighbors kept up their raucous laughter half the night Origin: Latin raucus hoarse; akin to Latin ravis hoarseness. First use: 1769 Synonyms: hell-raising, knockabout, rambunctious, boisterous, robustious, roisterous, rollicking, rowdy, rumbustious [chiefly British] Antonyms: orderly ```

Answer 270

shib·bo·leth\ˈshi-bə-ləth also -ˌleth\ noun : an old idea, opinion, or saying that is commonly believed and repeated but that may be seen as old-fashioned or untrue : a word or way of speaking or behaving which shows that a person belongs to a particular group Full Definition 1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning b : a widely held belief c : truism, platitude 2 a : a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group b : a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others Examples we knew that their claim of giving “the best deal in town” was just a shibboleth there's a lot of truth in the shibboleth that if you give some people an inch, they'll take a mile Origin: Hebrew shibbōleth stream; from the use of this word in Judg 12:6 as a test to distinguish Gileadites from Ephraimites. First use: 1638 Synonyms: banner, catchphrase, cry, slogan, tagline, watchword

Answer 271

ros·ter\ˈräs-tər also ˈrȯs- or ˈrōs-\ noun : a list of the people or things that belong to a particular group, team, etc. : a group of people or things whose names are included on a roster : a list that shows the order in which a job or duty is to be done by the members of a group Full Definition 1 a : a roll or list of personnel b : such a list giving the order in which a duty is to be performed c : the persons listed on a roster 2 : an itemized list Examples the roster of subscribers to the journal Origin: Dutch rooster, literally, gridiron; from the parallel lines. First use: 1727 Synonyms: canon, catalog (or catalogue), checklist, listing, menu, register, registry, roll, roll call, 1list, schedule, table

Answer 272

``` stunt\ˈstənt\ transitive verb : to hinder the normal growth, development, or progress of stunt·ed·ness noun Origin: English dialect stunt stubborn, stunted, abrupt, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stuttr scant — more at stint. First use: 1583 2stunt noun 1 : one (as an animal) that is stunted 2 : a check in growth 3 : a plant disease in which dwarfing occurs First use: 1725 3stunt noun 1 : an unusual or difficult feat requiring great skill or daring; especially : one performed or undertaken chiefly to gain attention or publicity 2 : a shifting or switching of the positions by defensive players at the line of scrimmage in football to disrupt the opponent's blocking efforts Origin: origin unknown. First use: 1878 4stunt intransitive verb : to perform or engage in a stunt First use: 1917 ```

Answer 273

at·ro·phy\ˈa-trə-fē\ noun medical : gradual loss of muscle or flesh usually because of disease or lack of use Full Definition 1 : decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue; also : arrested development or loss of a part or organ incidental to the normal development or life of an animal or plant 2 : a wasting away or progressive decline Other forms: plural at·ro·phies atro·phic \(ˌ)ā-ˈtrō-fik\ adjective atrophy \ˈa-trə-fē, -ˌfī\ verb Origin: Late Latin atrophia, from Greek, from atrophos ill fed, from a- + trephein to nourish. First use: 1601

Answer 274

maim\ˈmām\ : to injure (someone) very badly by violence Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to commit the felony of mayhem upon 2 : to mutilate, disfigure, or wound seriously maim·er noun Origin: Middle English maymen, mahaymen, from Anglo-French maheimer, mahaigner — more at mayhem. First use: 14th century Synonyms: cripple, disable, incapacitate, lame, mutilate 2maim noun 1 obsolete : serious physical injury; especially : loss of a member of the body 2 obsolete : a serious loss First use: 14th century Synonyms: cripple, disable, incapacitate, lame, mutilate

Answer 275

ame·lio·rate\ə-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrāt, -ˈmē-lē-ə-\ : to make (something, such as a problem) better, less painful, etc. Full Definition transitive verb : to make better or more tolerable intransitive verb : to grow better synonyms see improve Other forms: ame·lio·rat·ed; ame·lio·rat·ing ame·lio·ra·tion \-ˌmēl-yə-ˈrā-shən, -ˌmē-lē-ə-\ noun ame·lio·ra·tive \-ˈmēl-yə-ˌrā-tiv, -ˈmē-lē-ə-\ adjective ame·lio·ra·tor \-ˌrā-tər\ noun ame·lio·ra·to·ry \-rə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective Examples social legislation that must be given credit for ameliorating the lot of millions of deprived people Origin: alteration of meliorate (see meliorate ). First use: 1656 Synonyms: improve, amend, better, enhance, enrich, help, meliorate, perfect, refine, upgrade Antonyms: worsen

Answer 276

cyn·ic\ˈsi-nik\ noun : a person who has negative opinions about other people and about the things people do ; especially : a person who believes that people are selfish and are only interested in helping themselves Full Definition 1 capitalized : an adherent of an ancient Greek school of philosophers who held the view that virtue is the only good and that its essence lies in self-control and independence 2 : a faultfinding captious critic; especially : one who believes that human conduct is motivated wholly by self-interest cynic adjective Examples a cynic who believes that nobody does a good deed without expecting something in return Origin: Middle French or Latin, Middle French cynique, from Latin cynicus, from Greek kynikos, literally, like a dog, from kyn-, kyōn dog — more at hound. First use: 1542 Synonyms: misanthrope, naysayer, pessimist

Answer 277

unc·tu·ous\ˈəŋ(k)-chə-wəs, -chəs, -shwəs\ adjective —used to describe someone who speaks and behaves in a way that is meant to seem friendly and polite but that is unpleasant because it is obviously not sincere Full Definition 1 a : fatty, oily b : smooth and greasy in texture or appearance 2 : plastic 3 : full of unction; especially : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality unc·tu·ous·ly adverb unc·tu·ous·ness noun Examples an unctuous effort to appear religious to the voters an unctuous appraisal of the musical talent shown by the boss's daughter Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus act of anointing, from unguere to anoint. First use: 14th century Synonyms: artificial, backhanded, counterfeit, double, double-dealing, double-faced, fake, feigned, hypocritical, Janus-faced, jive [slang], left-handed, lip, mealy, mealymouthed, Pecksniffian, phony (also phoney), phony-baloney (or phoney-baloney), pretended, two-faced, insincere Antonyms: artless, candid, genuine, heartfelt, honest, sincere, undesigning, unfeigned

Answer 278

sub·ser·vi·ent\səb-ˈsər-vē-ənt\ adjective : very willing or too willing to obey someone else : less important than something or someone else Full Definition 1 : useful in an inferior capacity : subordinate 2 : serving to promote some end 3 : obsequiously submissive : truckling sub·ser·vi·ent·ly adverb Origin: Latin subservient-, subserviens, present participle of subservire (see subserve ). First use: circa 1626

Answer 279

in·iq·ui·ty\-kwə-tē\ noun : the quality of being unfair or evil : something that is unfair or evil Full Definition 1 : gross injustice : wickedness 2 : a wicked act or thing : sin Other forms: plural in·iq·ui·ties Examples the use of illegal narcotics is not only a destroyer of personal health but also an iniquity that undermines our society a nation still struggling with the aftereffects of the iniquity of slavery Origin: Middle English iniquite, from Anglo-French iniquité, from Latin iniquitat-, iniquitas, from iniquus uneven, from in- + aequus equal. First use: 14th century Synonyms: corruption, debauchery, depravity, immorality, iniquitousness, vice, libertinage, libertinism, licentiousness, profligacy, sin Antonyms: morality, virtue

Answer 280

be·nev·o·lent\bə-ˈnev-lənt, -ˈne-və-\ adjective : kind and generous : organized to do good things for other people Full Definition 1 a : marked by or disposed to doing good b : organized for the purpose of doing good 2 : marked by or suggestive of goodwill be·nev·o·lent·ly adverb be·nev·o·lent·ness noun Examples a benevolent willingness to provide veterinary services to low-income families at greatly reduced prices a benevolent businessman who has donated money and time to helping inner-city youths Origin: Middle English, from Latin benevolent-, benevolens, from bene + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish — more at will. First use: 15th century Synonyms: beneficent, humane, benignant, compassionate, good-hearted, kind, kindhearted, kindly, softhearted, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warmhearted Antonyms: atrocious, barbaric, barbarous, bestial, brutal, brute, brutish, callous, cold-blooded, cruel, fiendish, hard-hearted, heartless, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, sadistic, savage, truculent, uncompassionate, unfeeling, unkind, unkindly, unsympathetic, vicious, wanton

Answer 281

lar·gesse noun : the act of giving away money or the quality of a person who gives away money ; also : money that is given away Full Definition 1 : liberal giving (as of money) to or as if to an inferior; also : something so given 2 : generosity Variants: also lar·gess \lär-ˈzhes, lär-ˈjes also ˈlär-ˌjes\ Origin: Middle English largesse, from Anglo-French, from large. First use: 13th century

Answer 282

cri·te·ri·on\krī-ˈtir-ē-ən also krə-\ noun : something that is used as a reason for making a judgment or decision Full Definition 1 : a standard on which a judgment or decision may be based 2 : a characterizing mark or trait synonyms see standard Other forms: plural -ria \-ē-ə\ also cri·te·ri·ons Examples one criterion for grading these essays will be their conformity to the rules of traditional grammar an exceptionally high degree of physical risk is the preeminent criterion of an extreme sport Origin: Greek kritērion, from krinein to judge, decide — more at certain. First use: 1622 Synonyms: bar, barometer, benchmark, standard, gold standard, grade, mark, measure, metric, par, touchstone, yardstick Usage: The plural criteria has been used as a singular for over half a century . Many of our examples, like the two foregoing, are taken from speech. But singular criteria is not uncommon in edited prose, and its use both in speech and writing seems to be increasing. Only time will tell whether it will reach the unquestioned acceptability of agenda.

Answer 283

re·pent\ri-ˈpent\ : to feel or show that you are sorry for something bad or wrong that you did and that you want to do what is right Full Definition intransitive verb 1 : to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life 2 a : to feel regret or contrition b : to change one's mindtransitive verb 1 : to cause to feel regret or contrition 2 : to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for re·pent·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French repentir, from Medieval Latin repoenitēre, from Latin re- + Late Latin poenitēre to feel regret, alteration of Latin paenitēre — more at penitent. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bemoan, deplore, lament, regret, rue

Answer 284

mol·li·fy\ˈmä-lə-ˌfī\ : to make (someone) less angry : to calm (someone) down Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to soothe in temper or disposition : appease 2 : to reduce the rigidity of : soften 3 : to reduce in intensity : assuage, temper intransitive verb archaic : soften, relent synonyms see pacify Other forms: mol·li·fied; mol·li·fy·ing mol·li·fi·ca·tion \ˌmä-lə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun Examples an apology would probably mollify your friend a friendly gesture that did a lot to mollify their suspicions about the new neighbor Origin: Middle English mollifien, from Middle French mollifier, from Late Latin mollificare, from Latin mollis soft; akin to Greek amaldynein to soften, Sanskrit mṛdu soft, and probably to Greek malakos soft, amblys dull, Old English meltan to melt. First use: 15th century Synonyms: appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, pacify, placate, propitiate Antonyms: anger, enrage, incense, inflame (also enflame), infuriate, ire, madden, outrage

Answer 285

mer·ce·nary\ˈmər-sə-ˌner-ē, -ne-rē\ noun : a soldier who is paid by a foreign country to fight in its army : a soldier who will fight for any group or country that hires him Full Definition : one that serves merely for wages; especially : a soldier hired into foreign service Other forms: plural mer·ce·nar·ies Origin: Middle English, from Latin mercenarius, irregular from merced-, merces wages — more at mercy. First use: 14th century Synonyms: acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, covetous, grabby, grasping, greedy, moneygrubbing, rapacious 2mercenary adjective : hired to fight : caring only about making money Full Definition 1 : serving merely for pay or sordid advantage : venal; also : greedy 2 : hired for service in the army of a foreign country mer·ce·nar·i·ly \ˌmər-sə-ˈner-ə-lē, -ˈne-rə-\ adverb mer·ce·nar·i·ness \ˈmər-sə-ˌner-ē-nəs, -ˌne-rē-\ noun Examples mercenary armies a mercenary soldier His motives in choosing a career were purely mercenary. First use: 1532 Synonyms: acquisitive, avaricious, avid, coveting, covetous, grabby, grasping, greedy, moneygrubbing, rapacious

Answer 286

pa·ri·ah\pə-ˈrī-ə\ noun : a person who is hated and rejected by other people Full Definition 1 : a member of a low caste of southern India 2 : one that is despised or rejected : outcast Examples I felt like a pariah when I wore the wrong outfit to the dinner party Origin: Tamil paṟaiyan, literally, drummer. First use: 1613 Synonyms: castaway, castoff, leper, offscouring, outcast, reject

Answer 287

2aloof\ə-ˈlüf\ adjective : not involved with or friendly toward other people : not involved in or influenced by something Full Definition : removed or distant either physically or emotionally synonyms see indifferent aloof·ly adverb aloof·ness noun Origin: (see 1aloof ). First use: 1608 Synonyms: cool, antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, detached, distant, dry, frosty, offish, remote, standoff, standoffish, unbending, unclubbable, unsociable Antonyms: cordial, friendly, sociable, social, warm aloof\ə-ˈlüf\ adverb : at a distance Origin: obsolete aloof to windward, from 1a- + louf, luf luff. First use: 1523 Synonyms: cool, antisocial, asocial, buttoned-up, cold, cold-eyed, detached, distant, dry, frosty, offish, remote, standoff, standoffish, unbending, unclubbable, unsociable Antonyms: cordial, friendly, sociable, social, warm

Answer 288

prag·mat·ic\prag-ˈma-tik\ adjective : dealing with the problems that exist in a specific situation in a reasonable and logical way instead of depending on ideas and theories Full Definition 1 archaic a (1) : busy (2) : officious b : opinionated 2 : relating to matters of fact or practical affairs often to the exclusion of intellectual or artistic matters : practical as opposed to idealistic 3 : relating to or being in accordance with philosophical pragmatism(see pragmatism ) pragmatic noun prag·mat·i·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Examples a pragmatic man, not given to grand, visionary schemes Variants: also prag·mat·i·cal \-ti-kəl\ Origin: Latin pragmaticus skilled in law or business, from Greek pragmatikos, from pragmat-, pragma deed, from prassein to do — more at practical. First use: 1616 Synonyms: down-to-earth, earthy, hardheaded, matter-of-fact, practical, realistic (also pragmatical) Antonyms: blue-sky, idealistic, impractical, unrealistic, utopian, visionary

Answer 289

ves·tige\ˈves-tij\ noun : the last small part that remains of something that existed before : the smallest possible amount of something Full Definition 1 a (1) : a trace, mark, or visible sign left by something (as an ancient city or a condition or practice) vanished or lost (2) : the smallest quantity or trace b : footprint 1 2 : a bodily part or organ that is small and degenerate or imperfectly developed in comparison to one more fully developed in an earlier stage of the individual, in a past generation, or in closely related forms synonyms see trace ves·ti·gial \ve-ˈsti-jē-əl, -jəl\ adjective ves·ti·gial·ly adverb Examples a few strange words carved on a tree were the only vestige of the lost colony of Roanoke the fossilized vestige of a dinosaur that traversed that muddy landscape millions of years ago Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin vestigium footstep, footprint, track, vestige. First use: 15th century Synonyms: echo, ghost, relic, shadow, trace

Answer 290

guise\ˈgīz\ noun : one of several or many different ways in which something is seen, experienced, or produced : a way of seeming or looking that is not true or real Full Definition 1 : a form or style of dress : costume 2 a obsolete : manner, fashion b archaic : a customary way of speaking or behaving 3 a : external appearance : semblance b : pretext Examples They serve the same basic dish in various guises. She swindles people under the guise of friendship. a story about a demon in the guise of an angel Origin: Middle English gise, guise, from Anglo-French, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wīsa manner — more at wise. First use: 13th century Synonyms: act, airs, charade, disguise, facade (also façade), front, masquerade, playacting, pose, pretense (or pretence), put-on, semblance, show

Answer 291

nul·li·fy\ˈnə-lə-ˌfī\ : to make (something) legally null : to cause (something) to lose its value or to have no effect Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to make null; especially : to make legally null and void 2 : to make of no value or consequence Other forms: nul·li·fied; nul·li·fy·ing Examples the constitutional amendment that nullified Prohibition Origin: Late Latin nullificare, from Latin nullus. First use: 1595 Synonyms: abate, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, abolish, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, vacate, void

Answer 292

del·uge\ˈdel-ˌyüj, -ˌyüzh; ÷də-ˈlüj, ˈdā-ˌlüj\ noun : a large amount of rain that suddenly falls in an area : a situation in which a large area of land becomes completely covered with water : a large amount of things that come at the same time Full Definition 1 a : an overflowing of the land by water b : a drenching rain 2 : an overwhelming amount or number Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French deluje, from Latin diluvium, from diluere to wash away, from dis- + lavere to wash — more at lye. First use: 14th century Synonyms: alluvion, bath, cataclysm, cataract, flood, flood tide, inundation, Niagara, overflow, spate, torrent Antonyms: drought (also drouth) Synonyms: flood, drown, engulf, gulf, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp Antonyms: drain 2deluge : to give or send (someone) a large amount of things at the same time : to flood (a place) with water Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to overflow with water : inundate 2 : overwhelm, swamp Other forms: del·uged; del·ug·ing Examples The family was deluged with calls about the free puppies. The office is deluged with mail every day. Heavy rains deluged the region. First use: 1593 Synonyms: alluvion, bath, cataclysm, cataract, flood, flood tide, inundation, Niagara, overflow, spate, torrent Antonyms: drought (also drouth) Synonyms: flood, drown, engulf, gulf, inundate, overflow, overwhelm, submerge, submerse, swamp Antonyms: drain

Answer 293

fu·til·i·ty\fyü-ˈti-lə-tē\ noun 1 : the quality or state of being futile : uselessness 2 : a useless act or gesture Other forms: plural fu·til·i·ties First use: circa 1623 fu·tile\ˈfyü-təl, ˈfyü-ˌtī(-ə)l\ adjective : having no result or effect : pointless or useless Full Definition 1 : serving no useful purpose : completely ineffective 2 : occupied with trifles : frivolous fu·tile·ly \-təl-(l)ē, -ˌtī(-ə)l-lē\ adverb fu·tile·ness \-təl-nəs, -ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs\ noun Examples the prison is so well guarded that all attempts to escape have been futile the futile chatter of gossip columnists about the comings and goings of Hollywood celebrities Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin futilis brittle, pointless, probably from fu- (akin to fundere to pour) — more at found. First use: circa 1555 Synonyms: abortive, barren, bootless, empty, fruitless, ineffective, ineffectual, inefficacious, otiose, profitless, unavailing, unproductive, unprofitable, unsuccessful, useless, vain, in vain, no dice, not worth the candle, of no avail Antonyms: deadly, effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, fruitful, potent, productive, profitable, successful, virtuous

Answer 294

car·nage\ˈkär-nij\ noun : the killing of many people Full Definition 1 : the flesh of slain animals or men 2 : great and usually bloody slaughter or injury (as in battle) Examples the appalling carnage in that war-torn country requires that the outside world intervene Origin: French, from Medieval Latin carnaticum tribute consisting of animals or meat, from Latin carn-, caro. First use: 1614 Synonyms: bloodbath, butchery, massacre, death, holocaust, slaughter

Answer 295

tech·nol·o·gy\tek-ˈnä-lə-jē\ noun : the use of science in industry, engineering, etc., to invent useful things or to solve problems : a machine, piece of equipment, method, etc., that is created by technology Full Definition 1 a : the practical application of knowledge especially in a particular area : engineering 2 b : a capability given by the practical application of knowledge noun Origin: Greek technologia systematic treatment of an art, from technē art, skill + -o- + -logia -logy. First use: 1859

Answer 296

de·fame\di-ˈfām, dē-\ : to hurt the reputation of (someone or something) especially by saying things that are false or unfair Full Definition transitive verb 1 archaic : disgrace 2 : to harm the reputation of by libel or slander 3 archaic : accuse synonyms see malign Other forms: de·famed; de·fam·ing de·fam·er noun Examples of course I want to win the election, but I refuse to defame my opponent in order to do so so the harmless old woman was defamed of witchcraft Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French deffamer, diffamer, from Medieval Latin defamare, alteration of Latin diffamare, from dis- + fama reputation, fame. First use: 14th century Synonyms: asperse, blacken, calumniate, slander, libel, malign, smear, traduce, vilify Antonyms: absolve, acquit, clear, exculpate, exonerate, vindicate

Answer 297

plain·tiff\ˈplān-təf\ noun law : a person who sues another person or accuses another person of a crime in a court of law Full Definition : a person who brings a legal action — compare defendant Examples the judge ruled that the plaintiff's lawsuit was groundless, and he dismissed it Origin: Middle English plaintif, from Anglo-French, from pleintif, adjective. First use: 14th century Synonyms: complainant, suer Antonyms: defendant

Answer 298

li·bel\ˈlī-bəl\ noun : the act of publishing a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of someone Full Definition 1 a : a written statement in which a plaintiff in certain courts sets forth the cause of action or the relief sought b archaic : a handbill especially attacking or defaming someone 2 a : a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression b (1) : a statement or representation published without just cause and tending to expose another to public contempt (2) : defamation of a person by written or representational means (3) : the publication of blasphemous, treasonable, seditious, or obscene writings or pictures (4) : the act, tort, or crime of publishing such a libel Origin: Middle English, written declaration, from Anglo-French, from Latin libellus, diminutive of liber book. First use: 14th century Synonyms: aspersing, blackening, calumniation, calumny, character assassination, defamation, defaming, slander, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifying Synonyms: asperse, blacken, calumniate, defame, slander, malign, smear, traduce, vilify 2li·bel\ˈlī-bəl\ : to write and publish a false statement that causes people to have a bad opinion of (someone) Full Definition intransitive verb : to make libelous statementstransitive verb : to make or publish a libel against (see 1libel ) Other forms: li·beled or li·belled; li·bel·ing or li·bel·ling \-b(ə-)liŋ\ li·bel·er \-b(ə-)lər\ noun li·bel·ist \-bə-list\ noun Examples The jury found that the article libeled him. the court decided that the newspaper's reportage of the former mayor, while irresponsible, did not constitute an effort to libel him Origin: (see 1libel ). First use: 1588 Synonyms: aspersing, blackening, calumniation, calumny, character assassination, defamation, defaming, slander, libeling (or libelling), maligning, smearing, traducing, vilification, vilifying Synonyms: asperse, blacken, calumniate, defame, slander, malign, smear, traduce, vilify

Answer 299

ca·nard\kə-ˈnärd also -ˈnär\ noun : a false report or story : a belief or rumor that is not true Full Definition 1 a : a false or unfounded report or story; especially : a fabricated report b : a groundless rumor or belief 2 : an airplane with horizontal stabilizing and control surfaces in front of supporting surfaces; also : a small airfoil in front of the wing of an aircraft that can increase the aircraft's performance Examples it's a popular canard that the actress died under scandalous circumstances Origin: French, literally, duck; in sense 1, from Middle French vendre des canards à moitié to cheat, literally, to half-sell ducks. First use: 1851 Synonyms: tale, story, whisper

Answer 300

dep·re·cate\ˈde-pri-ˌkāt\ : to criticize or express disapproval of (someone or something) Full Definition transitive verb 1 a archaic : to pray against (as an evil) b : to seek to avert 2 : to express disapproval of 3 a : play down : make little of b : belittle, disparage Other forms: dep·re·cat·ed; dep·re·cat·ing dep·re·cat·ing·ly \-ˌkā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb dep·re·ca·tion \ˌde-pri-ˈkā-shən\ noun Examples movie critics tried to outdo one another in deprecating the comedy as the stupidest movie of the year deprecates TV sitcoms as childish and simpleminded Origin: Latin deprecatus, past participle of deprecari to avert by prayer, from de- + precari to pray — more at pray. First use: 1628 Synonyms: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, decry, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off Antonyms: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Answer 301

reputed adjective : said to be true, to exist, to have a specified identity, etc. Full Definition 1 : having a good repute : reputable 2 : being such according to reputation or general belief Examples this treatment is a reputed cure for colon cancer, but studies haven't confirmed that claim a reputed oceanographer whose excellent work is known internationally First use: 1549 Synonyms: assumed, evident, ostensible, ostensive, presumed, prima facie, putative, apparent, seeming, supposed Antonyms: disreputable

Answer 302

``` frail\ˈfrāl\ adjective : having less than a normal amount of strength or force : very weak : easily damaged or destroyed Full Definition 1 : easily led into evil 2 : easily broken or destroyed : fragile 3 a : physically weak b : slight, unsubstantial synonyms see weak frail·ly \ˈfrā(l)-lē\ adverb frail·ness noun Examples a frail child a frail old man I could barely hear her frail voice. Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French fraile, from Latin fragilis fragile, from frangere. First use: 14th century Synonyms: breakable, delicate, fragile, frangible Antonyms: infrangible, nonbreakable, strong, sturdy, tough, unbreakable ```

Answer 303

po·tent\ˈpō-tənt\ adjective 1 : having or wielding force, authority, or influence : powerful 2 : achieving or bringing about a particular result : effective 3 a : chemically or medicinally effective b : rich in a characteristic constituent 4 : able to copulate — usually used of the male po·tent·ly adverb Origin: Middle English, from Latin potent-, potens (present participle of posse to be able), from Latin potis, pote able; akin to Gothic brūthfaths bridegroom, Greek posis husband, Sanskrit pati master. First use: 15th century 2potent adjective of a heraldic cross : having flat bars across the ends of the arms — see cross illustration Origin: obsolete English potent crutch. First use: 1610

Answer 304

ex·co·ri·ate\ek-ˈskȯr-ē-ˌāt\ : to criticize (someone or something) very harshly Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to wear off the skin of : abrade 2 : to censure scathingly Other forms: ex·co·ri·at·ed; ex·co·ri·at·ing ex·co·ri·a·tion \(ˌ)ek-ˌskȯr-ē-ˈā-shən\ noun Examples the mayor had hardly been in office for a month before she was being excoriated for problems of very long standing the manacles had badly excoriated the prisoner's wrists Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin excoriatus, past participle of excoriare, from Latin ex- + corium skin, hide — more at cuirass. First use: 15th century Synonyms: abuse, assail, bash, belabor, blast, castigate, attack, jump (on), lambaste (or lambast), potshot, savage, scathe, slam, trash, vituperate

Answer 305

de·vout\di-ˈvau̇t\ adjective : deeply religious : devoted to a particular religion : loyal to something : devoted to a particular belief, organization, person, etc. : serious and sincere Full Definition 1 : devoted to religion or to religious duties or exercises 2 : expressing devotion or piety 3 a : devoted to a pursuit, belief, or mode of behavior : serious, earnest b : warmly sincere de·vout·ly adverb de·vout·ness noun Examples devout Red Sox fans never lost faith during the long World Series drought devout monks living a life of prayer and solitude Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin devotus, from Latin, past participle of devovēre. First use: 13th century Synonyms: constant, dedicated, devoted, faithful, down-the-line, fast, good, loyal, pious, staunch (also stanch), steadfast, steady, true, true-blue Antonyms: disloyal, faithless, false, fickle, inconstant, perfidious, recreant, traitorous, treacherous, unfaithful, untrue

Answer 306

di·min·u·tive\də-ˈmi-nyə-tiv\ noun : a word or suffix that indicates that something is small : an informal form of a name Full Definition 1 : a diminutive word, affix, or name 2 : a diminutive individual Origin: Middle English diminutif, from Medieval Latin diminutivum, alteration of Late Latin deminutivum, from neuter of deminutivus, adjective, from deminutus, past participle of deminuere. First use: 14th century Synonyms: bantam, small, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint, Lilliputian, little, pint-size (or pint-sized), pocket, pocket-size (also pocket-sized), puny, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, toylike, undersized (also undersize) Antonyms: big, biggish, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, husky, king-size (or king-sized), large, largish, outsize (also outsized), overscale (or overscaled), oversize (or oversized), sizable (or sizeable), substantial, tidy, whacking, whopping Synonyms: dwarf, midget, mite, peewee, pygmy (also pigmy), runt, scrub, shrimp, Tom Thumb Antonyms: behemoth, colossus, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan 2diminutive adjective : very small linguistics : indicating small size Full Definition 1 : indicating small size and sometimes the state or quality of being familiarly known, lovable, pitiable, or contemptible — used of affixes (as -ette, -kin, -ling) and of words formed with them (as kitchenette, manikin, duckling), of clipped forms (as Jim), and of altered forms (as Peggy) — compare augmentative 2 : exceptionally or notably small : tiny synonyms see small di·min·u·tive·ly adverb di·min·u·tive·ness noun Examples the diminutives “-ette” and “kitchenette” dik-diks, the diminutives of the antelope family First use: 14th century Synonyms: bantam, small, dinky, dwarfish, fine, half-pint, Lilliputian, little, pint-size (or pint-sized), pocket, pocket-size (also pocket-sized), puny, pygmy, shrimpy, slight, smallish, subnormal, toylike, undersized (also undersize) Antonyms: big, biggish, considerable, goodly, grand, great, handsome, husky, king-size (or king-sized), large, largish, outsize (also outsized), overscale (or overscaled), oversize (or oversized), sizable (or sizeable), substantial, tidy, whacking, whopping Synonyms: dwarf, midget, mite, peewee, pygmy (also pigmy), runt, scrub, shrimp, Tom Thumb Antonyms: behemoth, colossus, giant, jumbo, leviathan, mammoth, monster, titan

Answer 307

pro·fuse\prə-ˈfyüs, prō-\ adjective : given, produced, or existing in large amounts Full Definition 1 : pouring forth liberally : extravagant 2 : exhibiting great abundance : bountiful pro·fuse·ly adverb pro·fuse·ness noun Examples we received profuse thanks for our efforts a profuse rush of water from the collapsing dike Origin: Middle English, from Latin profusus, past participle of profundere to pour forth, from pro- forth + fundere to pour — more at found. First use: 15th century Synonyms: copious, galore, gushing, lavish, riotous Antonyms: dribbling, trickling

Answer 308

dul·cet\ˈdəl-sət\ adjective : pleasant to hear Full Definition 1 : sweet to the taste 2 : pleasing to the ear 3 : generally pleasing or agreeable dul·cet·ly adverb Examples although she flashed a dulcet smile, she was secretly seething with resentment Origin: Middle English doucet, from Anglo-French, from duz, douz sweet, from Latin dulcis; perhaps akin to Greek glykys sweet. First use: 14th century Synonyms: agreeable, blessed (also blest), congenial, darling, delectable, delicious, delightful, delightsome, dreamy, pleasant, enjoyable, felicitous, good, grateful, gratifying, heavenly, jolly, luscious, nice, palatable, pleasing, pleasurable, pretty, satisfying, savory (also savoury), sweet, tasty, welcome Antonyms: disagreeable, pleasureless, unpalatable, unpleasant, unwelcome

Answer 309

im·promp·tu\im-ˈpräm(p)-(ˌ)tü, -(ˌ)tyü\ noun 1 : something that is impromptu 2 : a musical composition suggesting improvisation Origin: French, from impromptu extemporaneously, from Latin in promptu in readiness. First use: 1683 Synonyms: ad hoc, ad-lib, down and dirty, extemporary, extempore, extemporaneous, improvisational, improvised, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, snap, spur-of-the-moment, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unrehearsed, unstudied Antonyms: considered, planned, premeditated, premeditative, prepared, rehearsed Synonyms: ad-lib, extemporization, improvisation, improv 2impromptu adjective : not prepared ahead of time : made or done without preparation Full Definition 1 : made, done, or formed on or as if on the spur of the moment : improvised 2 : composed or uttered without previous preparation : extemporaneous impromptu adverb First use: 1764 Synonyms: ad hoc, ad-lib, down and dirty, extemporary, extempore, extemporaneous, improvisational, improvised, offhand, offhanded, off-the-cuff, snap, spur-of-the-moment, unconsidered, unplanned, unpremeditated, unprepared, unrehearsed, unstudied Antonyms: considered, planned, premeditated, premeditative, prepared, rehearsed Synonyms: ad-lib, extemporization, improvisation, improv

Answer 310

ma·lev·o·lent\mə-ˈle-və-lənt\ adjective : having or showing a desire to cause harm to another person Full Definition 1 : having, showing, or arising from intense often vicious ill will, spite, or hatred 2 : productive of harm or evil ma·lev·o·lent·ly adverb Examples the novel grossly oversimplified the conflict as a struggle between relentlessly malevolent villains on one side and faultless saints on the other Origin: Latin malevolent-, malevolens, from male badly + volent-, volens, present participle of velle to wish — more at mal-, will. First use: 1509 Synonyms: bad [slang], bitchy, catty, cruel, despiteful, hateful, malicious, malign, malignant, mean, nasty, spiteful, vicious, virulent Antonyms: benevolent, benign, benignant, loving, unmalicious

Answer 311

rai·ment\ˈrā-mənt\ noun : clothing, garments Examples the prince exchanged his silken raiment for the pauper's humble homespun Origin: Middle English rayment, short for arrayment, from arrayen to array. First use: 15th century Synonyms: apparel, attire, clobber [British slang], clothes, costumery, dress, duds, garments, gear, habiliment(s), habit [archaic], rags, clothing, rig, rigging, threads, toggery, togs, vestiary, vestments, vesture, wear, wearables, weeds

Answer 312

brig·and\ˈbri-gənd\ noun : a robber who travels with others in a group Full Definition : one who lives by plunder usually as a member of a band : bandit brig·and·age \-gən-dij\ noun Origin: Middle English brigaunt, from Middle French brigand, from Old Italian brigante, from brigare to fight, from briga strife, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish bríg strength. First use: 14th century

Answer 313

cor·pu·lent\-lənt\ adjective : fat Full Definition : having a large bulky body : obese cor·pu·lent·ly adverb Examples a corpulent, elegantly dressed opera singer came out and sang, and we knew it was over Origin: Middle English, from Latin corpulentus, from corpus. First use: 14th century Synonyms: blubbery, chubby, fat, fleshy, full, gross, lardy, obese, overweight, plump, podgy [chiefly British], portly, pudgy, replete, roly-poly, rotund, round, tubby Antonyms: lean, skinny, slender, slim, spare, thin

Answer 314

wist·ful\ˈwist-fəl\ adjective : having or showing sad thoughts and feelings about something that you want to have or do and especially about something that made you happy in the past Full Definition 1 : full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy; also : inspiring such yearning 2 : musingly sad : pensive wist·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb wist·ful·ness noun Origin: blend of wishful and obsolete English wistly intently. First use: 1714

Answer 315

4rail intransitive verb : to revile or scold in harsh, insolent, or abusive language synonyms see scold rail·er noun Origin: Middle English, from Middle French railler to mock, probably from Old French reillier to growl, mutter, from Vulgar Latin *ragulare to bray, from Late Latin ragere to neigh. First use: 15th century 2rail transitive verb : to provide with a railing : fence First use: 14th century

Answer 316

ra·con·teur\ˌra-ˌkän-ˈtər, -kən-\ noun : someone who is good at telling stories Full Definition : a person who excels in telling anecdotes Origin: French, from Middle French, from raconter to tell, from Old French, from re- + aconter, acompter to tell, count — more at account. First use: 1828

Answer 317

rift\ˈrift\ noun : a situation in which two people, groups, etc., no longer have a friendly relationship : a deep crack or opening in the ground, a rock, etc. geology : a break in the Earth's crust Full Definition 1 a : fissure, crevasse b : fault 5 2 : a clear space or interval 3 : breach, estrangement Origin: Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Dan & Norwegian rift fissure, Old Norse rīfa to rive — more at rive. First use: 14th century Synonyms: check, chink, cleft, cranny, crevice, fissure, crack, split 2rift intransitive verb : to burst opentransitive verb 1 : cleave, divide : hills were rifted by the earthquake. 2 : penetrate First use: 14th century Synonyms: check, chink, cleft, cranny, crevice, fissure, crack, split

Answer 318

sul·len\ˈsə-lən\ adjective —used to describe an angry or unhappy person who does not want to talk, smile, etc. : gray and dark Full Definition 1 a : gloomily or resentfully silent or repressed b : suggesting a sullen state : lowering 2 : dull or somber in sound or color 3 : dismal, gloomy 4 : moving sluggishly sul·len·ly adverb sul·len·ness \ˈsə-lə(n)-nəs\ noun Examples sullen skies that matched our mood on the day of the funeral sullen and bored at his in-laws' house, he couldn't wait for the holidays to end Origin: Middle English solein solitary, from Anglo-French sulein, solain, perhaps from sol, soul single, sole + -ain after Old French soltain solitary, private, from Late Latin solitaneus, ultimately from Latin solus alone. First use: 14th century Synonyms: black, bleak, cheerless, chill, Cimmerian, cloudy, cold, comfortless, dark, darkening, depressing, depressive, desolate, dire, disconsolate, dismal, drear, dreary, dreich [chiefly Scottish], elegiac (also elegiacal), forlorn, funereal, glum, godforsaken, gray (also grey), lonely, lonesome, lugubrious, miserable, morbid, morose, murky, plutonian, saturnine, sepulchral, solemn, somber (or sombre), gloomy, sunless, tenebrific, tenebrous, wretched Antonyms: bright, cheerful, cheering, cheery, comforting, cordial, festive, friendly, gay, heartwarming, sunshiny

Answer 319

em·is·sary\ˈe-mə-ˌser-ē, -ˌse-rē\ noun : a person who is sent on a mission to represent another person or organization Full Definition 1 : one designated as the agent of another : representative 2 : a secret agent Other forms: plural em·is·sar·ies Examples most of the industrialized nations of the world sent emissaries to the conference on global warming the embassy's staff likely contains at least one emissary who reports to the home country's chief of intelligence Origin: Latin emissarius, from emissus, past participle of emittere. First use: 1607 Synonyms: agent, delegate, ambassador, envoy, legate, minister, representative

Answer 320

ru·mi·nate\ˈrü-mə-ˌnāt\ : to think carefully and deeply about something of an animal : to bring up and chew again what has already been chewed and swallowed Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to go over in the mind repeatedly and often casually or slowly 2 : to chew repeatedly for an extended periodintransitive verb 1 : to chew again what has been chewed slightly and swallowed : chew the cud 2 : to engage in contemplation : reflect synonyms see ponder Other forms: ru·mi·nat·ed; ru·mi·nat·ing ru·mi·na·tion \ˌrü-mə-ˈnā-shən\ noun ru·mi·na·tive \ˈrü-mə-ˌnā-tiv\ adjective ru·mi·na·tive·ly adverb ru·mi·na·tor \-ˌnā-tər\ noun Examples the minister hoped that the congregation would spend the remainder of the week ruminating the message of his sermon Origin: Latin ruminatus, past participle of ruminari to chew the cud, muse upon, from rumin-, rumen rumen; perhaps akin to Sanskrit romantha act of chewing the cud. First use: 1533 Synonyms: chew over, cogitate, consider, contemplate, debate, deliberate, entertain, eye, kick around, meditate, mull (over), perpend, pore (over), question, revolve, ponder, study, think (about or over), turn, weigh, wrestle (with)

Answer 321

``` liv·id\ˈli-vəd\ adjective : very angry : having a dark purplish color Full Definition 1 : discolored by bruising : black-and-blue 2 : ashen, pallid 3 : reddish 4 : very angry : enraged noun Examples the boss was livid when yet another deadline was missed her face was livid with fear Origin: French livide, from Latin lividus, from livēre to be blue; akin to Welsh lliw color and probably to Russian sliva plum. First use: 1622 Synonyms: angered, apoplectic, ballistic, cheesed off [chiefly British], choleric, enraged, foaming, fuming, furious, hopping, horn-mad, hot, incensed, indignant, inflamed (also enflamed), infuriate, infuriated, irate, ireful, angry, mad, outraged, rabid, rankled, riled, riley, roiled, shirty [chiefly British], sore, steamed up, steaming, teed off, ticked, wrathful, wroth Antonyms: angerless, delighted, pleased ```

Answer 322

mar·ti·net\ˌmär-tə-ˈnet\ noun : a person who is very strict and demands obedience from others Full Definition 1 : a strict disciplinarian 2 : a person who stresses a rigid adherence to the details of forms and methods Origin: Jean Martinet, 17th century French army officer. First use: 1737

Answer 323

2yen noun : a strong desire or propensity ; also : urge, craving Origin: obsolete English argot yen-yen craving for opium, from Chinese (Guangdong) yīn-yáhn, from yīn opium + yáhn craving. First use: 1906 ``` 3yen intransitive verb : to have an intense desire : long Other forms: yenned; yen·ning First use: circa 1919 ```

Answer 324

taut\ˈtȯt\ adjective : very tight from being pulled or stretched : not loose or slack : firm and strong : not loose or flabby : very tense Full Definition 1 a : having no give or slack : tightly drawn b : high-strung, tense 2 a : kept in proper order or condition b (1) : not loose or flabby (2) : marked by economy of structure and detail taut·ly adverb taut·ness noun Origin: Middle English tought, perhaps from tought, toughth fierce, tough, alteration of tough tough. First use: 14th century Synonyms: rigid, tense, tight Antonyms: lax, loose, slack

Answer 325

bag·a·telle\ˌba-gə-ˈtel\ noun 1 : trifle 1 2 : any of various games involving the rolling of balls into scoring areas 3 : a short literary or musical piece in light style Examples the question of who will pick up the coffee is a mere bagatelle in the overall planning of the conference Origin: French, from Italian bagattella. First use: 1633 Synonyms: trifle, child's play, frippery, nonproblem, nothing, picayune, shuck(s), small beer, small change, triviality

Answer 326

cal·low\ˈka-(ˌ)lō\ adjective —used to describe a young person who does not have much experience and does not know how to behave the way adults behave Full Definition : lacking adult sophistication : immature cal·low·ness \ˈka-lō-nəs, -lə-nəs\ noun Examples a story about a callow youth who learns the value of hard work and self-reliance Origin: Middle English calu bald, from Old English; akin to Old High German kalo bald, Old Church Slavic golŭ bare. First use: 1580 Synonyms: adolescent, green, immature, inexperienced, juvenile, puerile, raw, unfledged, unformed, unripe, unripened, wet behind the ears Antonyms: adult, experienced, grown-up, mature, ripe

Answer 327

ap·pall : to cause (someone) to feel fear, shock, or disgust Full Definition intransitive verb obsolete : weaken, fail transitive verb : to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay synonyms see dismay Other forms: ap·palled; ap·pall·ing Examples conditions inside the house overrun with cats simply appalled animal control officers Variants: also ap·pal \ə-ˈpȯl\ Origin: Middle English, from Middle French apalir, from Old French, from a- (from Latin ad-) + palir to grow pale, from Latin pallescere, inchoative of pallēre to be pale — more at fallow. First use: 14th century Synonyms: shock (also appal), floor, jolt, shake up

Answer 328

pen·chant\ˈpen-chənt, especially British ˈpäⁿ-ˌshäⁿ\ noun : a strong liking for something or a strong tendency to behave in a certain way Full Definition : a strong and continued inclination; broadly : liking synonyms see leaning Examples a penchant for sitting by the window and staring moodily off into space Origin: French, from present participle of pencher to incline, from Vulgar Latin *pendicare, from Latin pendere to weigh. First use: 1672 Synonyms: affection, affinity, aptitude, bent, bias, bone, devices, disposition, genius, habitude, impulse, leaning, partiality, inclination, predilection, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn

Answer 329

de·cap·i·tate\di-ˈka-pə-ˌtāt, dē-\ : to cut off the head of (a person or animal) Full Definition transitive verb : to cut off the head of : behead Other forms: de·cap·i·tat·ed; de·cap·i·tat·ing de·cap·i·ta·tion \-ˌka-pə-ˈtā-shən\ noun de·cap·i·ta·tor \-ˈka-pə-ˌtā-tər\ noun Examples a particularly gruesome series of murders in which the victims were decapitated Origin: Late Latin decapitatus, past participle of decapitare, from Latin de- + capit-, caput head — more at head. First use: circa 1611 Synonyms: behead, guillotine, head

Answer 330

ter·ma·gant\ˈtər-mə-gənt\ noun 1 capitalized : a deity erroneously ascribed to Islam by medieval European Christians and represented in early English drama as a violent character 2 : an overbearing or nagging woman : shrew Origin: Middle English. First use: 13th century Synonyms: battle-ax (or battle-axe), dragon lady, fury, harpy, harridan, shrew, virago, vixen ``` 2termagant adjective : overbearing, shrewish First use: circa 1598 Synonyms: battle-ax (or battle-axe), dragon lady, fury, harpy, harridan, shrew, virago, vixen ```

Answer 331

as·cer·tain\ˌa-sər-ˈtān\ : to learn or find out (something, such as information or the truth) Full Definition transitive verb 1 archaic : to make certain, exact, or precise 2 : to find out or learn with certainty synonyms see discover as·cer·tain·able \-ˈtā-nə-bəl\ adjective as·cer·tain·ment \-ˈtān-mənt\ noun Examples was immediately able to ascertain that the girl was uncomfortable talking about her life at home ascertained that their old colonial-era house had once functioned as a tavern Origin: Middle English acertainen to inform, give assurance to, from Anglo-French acerteiner, from a- (from Latin ad-) + certein, certain certain. First use: 15th century Synonyms: discover, catch on (to), find out, get on (to), hear, learn, realize, see, wise (up) Antonyms: miss, overlook, pass over

Answer 332

dor·mant\ˈdȯr-mənt\ adjective : not doing anything at this time : not active but able to become active Full Definition 1 : represented on a coat of arms in a lying position with the head on the forepaws 2 : marked by a suspension of activity: as a : temporarily devoid of external activity b : temporarily in abeyance yet capable of being activated 3 a : asleep, inactive b : having the faculties suspended : sluggish c : having biological activity suspended: as (1) : being in a state of suspended animation (2) : not actively growing but protected (as by bud scales) from the environment — used of plant parts 4 : associated with, carried out, or applied during a period of dormancy synonyms see latent Examples the bears lay dormant in their den during the winter the engine lay dormant in the garage until we found a use for it Origin: Middle English, fixed, stationary, from Anglo-French, from present participle of dormir to sleep, from Latin dormire; akin to Sanskrit drāti he sleeps. First use: circa 1500 Synonyms: asleep, dozing, napping, resting, sleeping, slumbering Antonyms: awake, sleepless, wakeful, wide-awake

Answer 333

bur·geon : to grow or develop quickly Full Definition intransitive verb 1 a : to send forth new growth (as buds or branches) : sprout b : bloom 2 : to grow and expand rapidly : flourish Examples the trout population in the stream is burgeoning now that the water is clean the spring flowers burgeoned once the warm weather set in for good chrysanthemums usually burgeon in early fall Variants: also bour·geon \ˈbər-jən\ Origin: Middle English burjonen, from Anglo-French burjuner, from burjun bud, from Vulgar Latin *burrion-, burrio, from Late Latin burra fluff, shaggy cloth. First use: 14th century Synonyms: accelerate, accumulate, appreciate, balloon, boom, build up, increase (also bourgeon), climb, enlarge, escalate, expand, gain, mount, multiply, mushroom, proliferate, rise, roll up, snowball, spread, swell, wax Antonyms: contract, decrease, diminish, dwindle, lessen, recede, wane

Answer 334

dis·sem·i·nate\di-ˈse-mə-ˌnāt\ : to cause (something, such as information) to go to many people Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to spread abroad as though sowing seed 2 : to disperse throughout Other forms: dis·sem·i·nat·ed; dis·sem·i·nat·ing dis·sem·i·na·tion \-ˌse-mə-ˈnā-shən\ noun dis·sem·i·na·tor \-ˈse-mə-ˌnā-tər\ noun Examples missionaries sent by their church to disseminate their faith Origin: Latin disseminatus, past participle of disseminare, from dis- + seminare to sow, from semin-, semen seed — more at semen. First use: 1566 Synonyms: broadcast, circulate, spread, propagate

Answer 335

po·ten·tate\ˈpō-tən-ˌtāt\ noun : a powerful ruler Full Definition : ruler, sovereign; broadly : one who wields great power or sway Examples Charles inherited the position of potentate of the Holy Roman Empire from his grandfather, as well that of king of Spain from his father First use: 15th century Synonyms: autocrat, monarch, ruler, sovereign (also sovran)

Answer 336

de·rive\di-ˈrīv, dē-\ : to take or get (something) from(something else) : to have something as a source : to come fromsomething Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source b : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance 2 : infer, deduce 3 archaic : bring 4 : to trace the derivation of intransitive verb : to have or take origin : come as a derivative synonyms see spring Other forms: de·rived; de·riv·ing de·riv·er noun Examples from the summit, he was able to derive his location from the position of several prominent landmarks Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream — more at run. First use: 14th century Synonyms: conclude, decide, deduce, infer, extrapolate, gather, judge, make out, reason, understand

Answer 337

pre·rog·a·tive\pri-ˈrä-gə-tiv\ noun : a right or privilege ; especially : a special right or privilege that some people have Full Definition 1 a : an exclusive or special right, power, or privilege: as (1) : one belonging to an office or an official body (2) : one belonging to a person, group, or class of individuals (3) : one possessed by a nation as an attribute of sovereignty b : the discretionary power inhering in the British Crown 2 : a distinctive excellence pre·rog·a·tived \-tivd\ adjective Examples it's your prerogative to refuse to attend religious services Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, from Latin praerogativa, Roman century voting first in the comitia, privilege, from feminine of praerogativus voting first, from praerogatus, past participle of praerogare to ask for an opinion before another, from prae- + rogare to ask — more at right. First use: 15th century Synonyms: appanage (also apanage), birthright, right

Answer 338

nep·o·tism\ˈne-pə-ˌti-zəm\ noun : the unfair practice by a powerful person of giving jobs and other favors to relatives Full Definition : favoritism (as in appointment to a job) based on kinship nep·o·tis·tic \ˌne-pə-ˈtis-tik\ adjective Origin: French népotisme, from Italian nepotismo, from nepote nephew, from Latin nepot-, nepos grandson, nephew — more at nephew. First use: 1670

Answer 339

dearth\ˈdərth\ noun : the state or condition of not having enough of something Full Definition 1 : scarcity that makes dear; specifically : famine 2 : an inadequate supply : lack Examples The dearth a dearth of evidence Origin: Middle English derthe, from Old English *dierth, from dēore dear. First use: 13th century Synonyms: crunch, deficiency, deficit, drought (also drouth), failure, famine, inadequacy, inadequateness, insufficiency, lack, lacuna, paucity, pinch, poverty, scantiness, scarceness, scarcity, shortage, undersupply, want Antonyms: abundance, adequacy, amplitude, opulence, plenitude, plenty, sufficiency, wealth

Answer 340

in·ter·ne·cine\ˌin-tər-ˈne-ˌsēn, -ˈnē-sən, -ˈnē-ˌsīn, -nə-ˈsēn; in-ˈtər-nə-ˌsēn\ adjective : occurring between members of the same country, group, or organization Full Definition 1 : marked by slaughter : deadly; especially : mutually destructive 2 : of, relating to, or involving conflict within a group Origin: Latin internecinus, from internecare to destroy, kill, from inter- + necare to kill, from nec-, nex violent death — more at noxious. First use: 1663

Answer 341

ty·ro\ˈtī-(ˌ)rō\ noun : a person who has just started learning or doing something : a beginner or novice Full Definition Usage: often attributive : a beginner in learning : novice synonyms see amateur Other forms: plural tyros Examples he's a good musician, but at 14, he's still a tyro and has a lot to learn Origin: Medieval Latin, from Latin tiro young soldier, tyro. First use: 1587 Synonyms: abecedarian, apprentice, babe, colt, cub, fledgling, freshman, greenhorn, neophyte, newbie, newcomer, novice, novitiate, punk, recruit, rook, rookie, tenderfoot, beginner, virgin Antonyms: old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Answer 342

soph·ist·ry\ˈsä-fə-strē\ noun : the use of reasoning or arguments that sound correct but are actually false : a reason or argument that sounds correct but is actually false Full Definition 1 : subtly deceptive reasoning or argumentation 2 : sophism 1 First use: 14th century

Answer 343

ob·lo·quy\ˈä-blə-kwē\ noun : harsh or critical statements about someone : the condition of someone who lost the respect of other people Full Definition 1 : a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language 2 : the condition of one that is discredited : bad repute synonyms see abuse Other forms: plural ob·lo·quies Examples unable to mount a rational defense of her position, she unleashed a torrent of obloquy on her opponent although he had beaten the murder rap, the accused murderer was condemned to live out his days in perpetual obloquy Origin: Middle English obloquie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin obloquium, from obloqui to speak against, from ob- against + loqui to speak. First use: 15th century Synonyms: billingsgate, fulmination, invective, abuse, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation Antonyms: esteem, honor, respect

Answer 344

fac·ti·tious\fak-ˈti-shəs\ adjective 1 : produced by humans rather than by natural forces 2 a : formed by or adapted to an artificial or conventional standard b : produced by special effort : sham fac·ti·tious·ly adverb fac·ti·tious·ness noun Examples presumably the statue is of factitious marble, because for that price you're not going to get the real stuff the factitious friendliness shown by the beauty-pageant contestants to one another Origin: Latin facticius, from factus, past participle of facere to make, do — more at do. First use: 1646 Synonyms: artificial, bogus, dummy, ersatz, imitation, fake, false, faux, imitative, man-made, mimic, mock, pretend, sham, simulated, substitute, synthetic Antonyms: genuine, natural, real

Answer 345

en·co·mi·um\en-ˈkō-mē-əm\ noun : glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise; also : an expression of this Other forms: plural en·co·mi·ums also -mia\-mē-ə\ Examples the encomiums bestowed on a teacher at her retirement ceremonies Origin: Latin, from Greek enkōmion, from en in + kōmos revel, celebration. First use: 1567 Synonyms: accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute

Answer 346

mu·nif·i·cent\myu̇-ˈni-fə-sənt\ adjective : very generous Full Definition 1 : very liberal in giving or bestowing : lavish 2 : characterized by great liberality or generosity synonyms see liberal mu·nif·i·cence \-sən(t)s\ noun mu·nif·i·cent·ly adverb Examples a munificent host who has presided over many charitable events at his mansion Origin: back-formation from munificence, from Latin munificentia, from munificus generous, from munus service, gift — more at mean. First use: 1581 Synonyms: bighearted, bounteous, bountiful, charitable, free, freehanded, freehearted, fulsome, liberal, generous, open, openhanded, unselfish, unsparing, unstinting Antonyms: cheap, close, closefisted, costive, illiberal [archaic], mingy, miserly, niggardly, parsimonious, penurious, selfish, stingy, stinting, tight, tightfisted, uncharitable, ungenerous

Answer 347

hy·per·bo·le\hī-ˈpər-bə-(ˌ)lē\ noun : language that describes something as better or worse than it really is Full Definition : extravagant exaggeration (as “mile-high ice-cream cones”) hy·per·bo·list \-list\ noun Examples “enough food to feed a whole army” is a common example of hyperbole Origin: Latin, from Greek hyperbolē excess, hyperbole, hyperbola, from hyperballein to exceed, from hyper- + ballein to throw — more at devil. First use: 15th century Synonyms: caricature, coloring, elaboration, embellishment, embroidering, embroidery, exaggeration, magnification, overstatement, padding, stretching Antonyms: meiosis, understatement

Answer 348

pre·var·i·cate\pri-ˈver-ə-ˌkāt, -ˈva-rə-\ : to avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question Full Definition intransitive verb : to deviate from the truth : equivocate synonyms see lie Other forms: pre·var·i·cat·ed; pre·var·i·cat·ing pre·var·i·ca·tion \-ˌver-ə-ˈkā-shən, -ˈva-rə-\ noun pre·var·i·ca·tor \-ˈver-ə-ˌkā-tər, -ˈva-rə-\ noun Examples during the hearings the witness was willing to prevaricate in order to protect his friend Origin: Latin praevaricatus, past participle of praevaricari to act in collusion, literally, to straddle, from prae- + varicare to straddle, from varus bowlegged. First use: circa 1631 Synonyms: fabricate, fib, 1lie

Answer 349

cha·ris·ma\kə-ˈriz-mə\ noun : a special charm or appeal that causes people to feel attracted and excited by someone (such as a politican) Full Definition 1 : a personal magic of leadership arousing special popular loyalty or enthusiasm for a public figure (as a political leader) 2 : a special magnetic charm or appeal Examples a movie star with great charisma Origin: Greek, favor, gift, from charizesthai to favor, from charis grace; akin to Greek chairein to rejoice — more at yearn. First use: 1930 Synonyms: allure, animal magnetism, appeal, attractiveness, captivation, charm, duende, enchantment, fascination, force field, glamour (also glamor), magic, magnetism, oomph, pizzazz (or pizazz), seductiveness, witchery Antonyms: repulsion, repulsiveness

Answer 350

geno·cide\ˈje-nə-ˌsīd\ noun : the deliberate killing of people who belong to a particular racial, political, or cultural group Full Definition : the deliberate and systematic destruction of a racial, political, or cultural group geno·cid·al \ˌje-nə-ˈsī-dəl\ adjective First use: 1944

Answer 351

im·preg·na·ble\im-ˈpreg-nə-bəl\ adjective : not able to be captured by attack : very strong : not likely to be weakened or changed Full Definition 1 : incapable of being taken by assault : unconquerable 2 : unassailable; also : impenetrable im·preg·na·bil·i·ty \(ˌ)im-ˌpreg-nə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun im·preg·na·ble·ness \im-ˈpreg-nə-bəl-nəs\ noun im·preg·na·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples an impregnable fortress that had foiled one invader after another over the centuries the castle's supposedly impregnable walls Origin: Middle English imprenable, from Middle French, from in- + prenable vulnerable to capture, from prendre to take — more at prize. First use: 15th century Synonyms: bulletproof, invincible, indomitable, insuperable, insurmountable, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable, unstoppable Antonyms: superable, surmountable, vincible, vulnerable

Answer 352

tox·ic\ˈtäk-sik\ adjective : containing poisonous substances Full Definition 1 : containing or being poisonous material especially when capable of causing death or serious debilitation 2 : exhibiting symptoms of infection or toxicosis 3 : extremely harsh, malicious, or harmful 4 : relating to or being an asset that has lost so much value that it cannot be sold on the market tox·ic·i·ty \täk-ˈsi-sə-tē\ noun Origin: Late Latin toxicus, from Latin toxicum poison, from Greek toxikon arrow poison, from neuter of toxikos of a bow, from toxon bow, arrow. First use: 1664 Synonyms: envenomed, poison, poisoned, poisonous, venomous Antonyms: nonpoisonous, nontoxic, nonvenomous Synonyms: bane, poison, toxin, venom

Answer 353

pa·tri·arch\ˈpā-trē-ˌärk\ noun : a man who controls a family, group, or government : an official (called a bishop) of very high rank in the Orthodox Church Full Definition 1 a : one of the scriptural fathers of the human race or of the Hebrew people b : a man who is father or founder c (1) : the oldest member or representative of a group (2) : a venerable old man d : a man who is head of a patriarchy 2 a : any of the bishops of the ancient or Eastern Orthodox sees of Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem or the ancient and Western see of Rome with authority over other bishops b : the head of any of various Eastern churches c : a Roman Catholic bishop next in rank to the pope with purely titular or with metropolitan jurisdiction 3 : a Mormon of the Melchizedek priesthood empowered to perform the ordinances of the church and pronounce blessings within a stake or prescribed jurisdiction Origin: Middle English patriarche, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin patriarcha, from Greek patriarchēs, from patria lineage (from patr-, patēr father) + -archēs -arch — more at father. First use: 13th century

Answer 354

neo·phyte\ˈnē-ə-ˌfīt\ noun : a person who has just started learning or doing something : a person who has recently joined a religious group Full Definition 1 : a new convert : proselyte 2 : novice 1 3 : tyro, beginner Examples neophytes are assigned an experienced church member to guide them through their first year a neophyte in snowboarding Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin neophytus, from Greek neophytos, from neophytos newly planted, newly converted, from ne- + phyein to bring forth — more at be. First use: 14th century Synonyms: convert, proselyte Antonyms: old hand, old-timer, vet, veteran

Answer 355

ex·ten·u·ate\ik-ˈsten-yə-ˌwāt, -yü-ˌāt\ transitive verb 1 a archaic : to make light of b : to lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of by making partial excuses : mitigate c obsolete : disparage 2 a archaic : to make thin or emaciated b : to lessen the strength or effect of Other forms: ex·ten·u·at·ed; ex·ten·u·at·ing ex·ten·u·a·tor \-ˌ(w)ā-tər\ noun ex·ten·u·a·to·ry \-(w)ə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective Examples don't even try to extenuate their vandalism of the cemetery with the old refrain of “Boys will be boys” Origin: Latin extenuatus, past participle of extenuare, from ex- + tenuis thin — more at thin. First use: 1529 Synonyms: deodorize, excuse, explain away, palliate, gloss (over), gloze (over), whitewash

Answer 356

fore·bod·ing\-ˈbō-diŋ\ noun : a feeling that something bad is going to happen Full Definition : the act of one who forebodes; also : an omen, prediction, or presentiment especially of coming evil : portent First use: 14th century Synonyms: baleful, dire, direful, doomy, ominous, ill, ill-boding, inauspicious, menacing, minatory, portentous, sinister, threatening Antonyms: unthreatening Synonyms: premonition, presage, presentiment, prognostication

Answer 357

``` em·a·nate\ˈe-mə-ˌnāt\ : to come out froma source : to send (something) out : to give out (something) Full Definition intransitive verb : to come out from a source transitive verb : emit synonyms see spring Other forms: em·a·nat·ed; em·a·nat·ing Examples honeysuckle emanating such a sweet scent Origin: Latin emanatus, past participle of emanare, from e- + manare to flow. First use: 1756 Synonyms: cast, discharge, emit, evolve, exhale, expel, expire [archaic], give out, irradiate, issue, radiate, release, send (out), shoot, throw out, vent ```

Answer 358

2miscreant noun : a person who does something that is illegal or morally wrong Full Definition 1 : infidel, heretic 2 : one who behaves criminally or viciously First use: 14th century Synonyms: baddie (or baddy), beast, brute, caitiff, devil, evildoer, fiend, heavy, hound, knave, meanie (also meany), villain, monster, nazi, no-good, rapscallion, rascal, reprobate, rogue, savage, scalawag (or scallywag), scamp, scapegrace, scoundrel, varlet, wretch mis·cre·ant\ˈmis-krē-ənt\ adjective 1 : unbelieving, heretical 2 : depraved, villainous Origin: Middle English miscreaunt, from Anglo-French mescreant, present participle of mescreire to disbelieve, from mes- + creire to believe, from Latin credere — more at creed. First use: 14th century Synonyms: baddie (or baddy), beast, brute, caitiff, devil, evildoer, fiend, heavy, hound, knave, meanie (also meany), villain, monster, nazi, no-good, rapscallion, rascal, reprobate, rogue, savage, scalawag (or scallywag), scamp, scapegrace, scoundrel, varlet, wretch

Answer 359

pro·to·col\ˈprō-tə-ˌkȯl, -ˌkōl, -ˌkäl, -kəl\ noun : a system of rules that explain the correct conduct and procedures to be followed in formal situations : a plan for a scientific experiment or for medical treatment : a document that describes the details of a treaty or formal agreement between countries Full Definition 1 : an original draft, minute, or record of a document or transaction 2 a : a preliminary memorandum often formulated and signed by diplomatic negotiators as a basis for a final convention or treaty b : the records or minutes of a diplomatic conference or congress that show officially the agreements arrived at by the negotiators 3 a : a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services) b : a set of conventions governing the treatment and especially the formatting of data in an electronic communications system c : convention 3a,b 4 : a detailed plan of a scientific or medical experiment, treatment, or procedure Origin: Middle French prothocole, from Medieval Latin protocollum, from Late Greek prōtokollon first sheet of a papyrus roll bearing date of manufacture, from Greek prōt- prot- + kollan to glue together, from kolla glue; perhaps akin to Middle Dutch helen to glue. First use: 1541

Answer 360

cir·cu·i·tous\(ˌ)sər-ˈkyü-ə-təs\ adjective : not straight, short, and direct : not said or done simply or clearly Full Definition 1 : having a circular or winding course 2 : not being forthright or direct in language or action cir·cu·i·tous·ly adverb cir·cu·i·tous·ness noun Examples we took a circuitous route to the airport so as to avoid the massive traffic jam on the highway a circuitous explanation for what seems like a fairly basic concept Origin: perhaps from Medieval Latin circuitosus, from Latin circuitus. First use: 1664 Synonyms: indirect, circular, roundabout Antonyms: direct, straight, straightforward

Answer 361

knell\ˈnel\ transitive verb : to summon or announce by or as if by a knellintransitive verb 1 : to ring especially for a death, funeral, or disaster : toll 2 : to sound in an ominous manner or with an ominous effect Origin: Middle English, from Old English cnyllan; akin to Middle High German erknellen to toll. First use: before 12th century Synonyms: bong, chime, 2ring, peal, toll 2knell noun : a sound of a bell when it is rung slowly because someone has died Full Definition 1 : a stroke or sound of a bell especially when rung slowly (as for a death, funeral, or disaster) 2 : an indication of the end or the failure of something First use: before 12th century Synonyms: bong, chime, 2ring, peal, toll

Answer 362

in·sur·gent\-jənt\ noun : a person who fights against an established government or authority Full Definition 1 : a person who revolts against civil authority or an established government; especially : a rebel not recognized as a belligerent 2 : one who acts contrary to the policies and decisions of one's own political party Origin: Latin insurgent-, insurgens, present participle of insurgere to rise up, from in- + surgere to rise — more at surge. First use: 1765 Synonyms: rebellious, insurrectionary, mutinous, revolutionary Synonyms: rebel, insurrectionary, insurrectionist, mutineer, red, revolter, revolutionary, revolutionist 2insurgent adjective : rising in opposition to civil authority or established leadership : rebellious in·sur·gent·ly adverb First use: 1807 Synonyms: rebellious, insurrectionary, mutinous, revolutionary Synonyms: rebel, insurrectionary, insurrectionist, mutineer, red, revolter, revolutionary, revolutionist

Answer 363

ma·ca·bre\mə-ˈkäb; -ˈkä-brə, -bər; -ˈkäbrə\ adjective : involving death or violence in a way that is strange, frightening, or unpleasant Full Definition 1 : having death as a subject : comprising or including a personalized representation of death 2 : dwelling on the gruesome 3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder synonyms see ghastly Examples a macabre movie about animated corpses Origin: French, from (danse) macabre dance of death, from Middle French (danse de) Macabré. First use: 1889 Synonyms: appalling, atrocious, awful, dreadful, frightful, ghastly, grisly, gruesome (also grewsome), hideous, horrendous, horrid, horrific, horrifying, lurid, horrible, monstrous, nightmare, nightmarish, shocking, terrible, terrific

Answer 364

``` ram·i·fi·ca·tion\ˌra-mə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun : something that is the result of an action, decision, etc. Full Definition 1 a : branch, offshoot b : a branched structure 2 a : the act or process of branching b : arrangement of branches (as on a plant) 3 : consequence, outgrowth First use: 1665 ```

Answer 365

ra·pa·cious\rə-ˈpā-shəs\ adjective : always wanting more money, possessions, etc. : wanting more than is needed or deserved Full Definition 1 : excessively grasping or covetous 2 : living on prey 3 : ravenous synonyms see voracious ra·pa·cious·ly adverb ra·pa·cious·ness noun Examples nothing livens things up like a whole team of rapacious basketball players descending upon the pizza parlor rapacious mammals, such as coyotes, foxes, and bobcats rapacious plunderers who despoiled the tombs in the ancient pyramids Origin: Latin rapac-, rapax, from rapere to seize — more at rapid. First use: 1651 Synonyms: edacious, esurient, gluttonous, greedy, hoggish, piggish, voracious, ravenous, swinish

Answer 366

spe·cious\ˈspē-shəs\ adjective : falsely appearing to be fair, just, or right : appearing to be true but actually false Full Definition 1 obsolete : showy 2 : having deceptive attraction or allure 3 : having a false look of truth or genuineness : sophistic spe·cious·ly adverb spe·cious·ness noun Examples a specious argument that really does not stand up under close examination Origin: Middle English, visually pleasing, from Latin speciosus beautiful, plausible, from species. First use: 1513 Synonyms: beguiling, deceitful, deceiving, deluding, delusive, delusory, fallacious, false, misleading, deceptive Antonyms: aboveboard, forthright, nondeceptive, straightforward

Answer 367

glut\ˈglət\ transitive verb 1 : to fill especially with food to satiety 2 : to flood (the market) with goods so that supply exceeds demandintransitive verb : to eat gluttonously synonyms see satiate Other forms: glut·ted; glut·ting Examples a glut of oil on the market Origin: Middle English glouten, probably from Anglo-French glutir to swallow, from Latin gluttire — more at glutton. First use: 14th century

Answer 368

ris·i·ble\ˈri-zə-bəl\ adjective : deserving to be laughed at : very silly or unreasonable Full Definition 1 a : capable of laughing b : disposed to laugh 2 : arousing or provoking laughter; especially : laughable 3 : associated with, relating to, or used in laughter ris·i·bly \-blē\ adverb Examples a risible comment that made the whole class laugh the idea that people are meant to have wings is risible Origin: Late Latin risibilis, from Latin risus, past participle of ridēre to laugh. First use: 1557 Synonyms: antic, chucklesome, comedic, comic, comical, droll, farcical, hilarious, humoristic, humorous, hysterical (also hysteric), killing, laughable, ludicrous, ridiculous, riotous, funny, screaming, sidesplitting, uproarious Antonyms: humorless, lame, unamusing, uncomic, unfunny, unhumorous, unhysterical

Answer 369

dil·a·to·ry\ˈdi-lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective : causing a delay : tending to be late : slow to do something Full Definition 1 : tending or intended to cause delay 2 : characterized by procrastination : tardy dil·a·to·ri·ly \ˌdi-lə-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb dil·a·to·ri·ness \ˈdi-lə-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs\ noun Examples the homeowner is claiming that local firefighters were dilatory in responding to the call Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French dilatorie, Late Latin dilatorius, from Latin differre (past participle dilatus) to postpone, differ — more at differ, tolerate. First use: 15th century Synonyms: crawling, creeping, dallying, dawdling, slow, dillydallying, dragging, laggard, lagging, languid, leisurely, poking, poky (or pokey), sluggish, snaillike, snail-paced, tardy, unhurried Antonyms: barreling, bolting, breakneck, breathless, brisk, careering, dizzy, fast, fleet, flying, hasty, hurrying, lightning, meteoric, quick, racing, rapid, rocketing, running, rushing, scooting, scudding, scurrying, snappy, speeding, speedy, swift, warp-speed, whirling, whirlwind, whisking, zipping

Answer 370

de·noue·ment noun : the final part of something (such as a book, a play, or a series of events) Full Definition 1 : the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work 2 : the outcome of a complex sequence of events Variants: also dé·noue·ment \ˌdā-ˌnü-ˈmäⁿ, dā-ˈnü-ˌ\ Origin: French dénouement, literally, untying, from Middle French desnouement, from desnouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des- de- + noer to tie, from Latin nodare, from nodus knot — more at node. First use: 1705

Answer 371

``` do·lor·ous\ˈdō-lə-rəs also ˈdä-\ adjective : causing, marked by, or expressing misery or grief do·lor·ous·ly adverb do·lor·ous·ness noun Examples dolorous ballads of death and regret First use: 15th century Synonyms: aching, agonized, anguished, bemoaning, bewailing, bitter, deploring, doleful, dolesome, mournful, funeral, grieving, heartbroken, lamentable, lugubrious, plaintive, plangent, regretful, rueful, sorrowful, sorry, wailing, weeping, woeful ```

Answer 372

2en·er·vate\ˈe-nər-ˌvāt\ : to make (someone or something) very weak or tired Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to reduce the mental or moral vigor of 2 : to lessen the vitality or strength of synonyms see unnerve Other forms: en·er·vat·ed; en·er·vat·ing en·er·vat·ing·ly \-ˌvā-tiŋ-lē\ adverb en·er·va·tion \ˌe-nər-ˈvā-shən\ noun Origin: Latin enervatus, past participle of enervare, from e- + nervus sinew — more at nerve. First use: 1605 Synonyms: castrate, damp, dampen, deaden, desiccate, devitalize, dehydrate, geld, lobotomize, petrify Antonyms: brace, energize, enliven, invigorate, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify ener·vate\i-ˈnər-vət\ adjective : lacking physical, mental, or moral vigor : enervated First use: 1603 Synonyms: castrate, damp, dampen, deaden, desiccate, devitalize, dehydrate, geld, lobotomize, petrify Antonyms: brace, energize, enliven, invigorate, quicken, stimulate, vitalize, vivify

Answer 373

suf·frage\ˈsə-frij, sometimes -fə-rij\ noun : the right to vote in an election Full Definition 1 : a short intercessory prayer usually in a series 2 : a vote given in deciding a controverted question or electing a person for an office or trust 3 : the right of voting : franchise; also : the exercise of such right Examples even as the world entered the 21st century, some nations still did not permit women's suffrage Origin: in sense 1, from Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin suffragium, from Latin, vote, political support, from suffragari to support with one's vote; in other senses, from Latin suffragium. First use: 14th century Synonyms: ballot, enfranchisement, franchise, vote Antonyms: disenfranchisement

Answer 374

ca·bal\kə-ˈbäl, -ˈbal\ noun : a small group of people who work together secretly Full Definition 1 : the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government); also : a group engaged in such artifices and intrigues 2 : club, group synonyms see plot Origin: French cabale cabala, intrigue, cabal, from Medieval Latin cabbala cabala, from Late Hebrew qabbālāh, literally, received (lore). First use: 1614 Synonyms: 1ring, conspiracy, crew, gang, Mafia, mob, syndicate ``` 2cabal intransitive verb : to unite in or form a cabal Other forms: ca·balled; ca·bal·ling First use: 1678 Synonyms: 1ring, conspiracy, crew, gang, Mafia, mob, syndicate ```

Answer 375

``` odi·ous\ˈō-dē-əs\ adjective : causing hatred or strong dislike Full Definition : arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance : hateful odi·ous·ly adverb odi·ous·ness noun Examples an odious and unforgivable insult Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin odiosus, from odium (see odium ). First use: 14th 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, offensive, rancid, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly Antonyms: innocuous, inoffensive ```

Answer 376

pre·science\ˈpre-sh(ē-)ən(t)s, ˈprē-, -s(ē-)ən(t)s\ noun : the ability to know what will or might happen in the future Full Definition : foreknowledge of events: a : divine omniscience b : human anticipation of the course of events : foresight pre·scient \-sh(ē-)ənt, -s(ē-)ənt\ adjective pre·scient·ly adverb Examples most believers would probably agree that complete prescience is one of God's attributes parents who had the prescience to make everything in their house childproof before the arrival of their first baby Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin praescientia, from Latin praescient-, praesciens, present participle of praescire to know beforehand, from prae- + scire to know — more at science. First use: 14th century Synonyms: foreknowledge, foresight Antonyms: improvidence, myopia, shortsightedness

Answer 377

ver·ba·tim\(ˌ)vər-ˈbā-təm\ adverb : in the exact words : word for word Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin verbum word. First use: 15th century Synonyms: ad verbum, directly, exactly, word for word Antonyms: inexactly ``` 2ver·ba·tim\(ˌ)vər-ˈbā-təm\ adjective : in exactly the same words Full Definition : being in or following the exact words : word-for-word Origin: (see 1verbatim ). First use: 1613 Synonyms: ad verbum, directly, exactly, word for word Antonyms: inexactly ```

Answer 378

rev·er·ie noun : a state in which you are thinking about pleasant things Full Definition 1 : daydream 2 : the condition of being lost in thought Other forms: plural rev·er·ies Examples I was lost in reverie and didn't realize my flight was boarding until it was almost too late Variants: also rev·ery \ˈre-və-rē, ˈrev-rē\ Origin: French rêverie, from Middle French, delirium, from resver, rever to wander, be delirious. First use: 1654 Synonyms: daydreaming, study, trance, woolgathering

Answer 379

thes·pi·an\ˈthes-pē-ən\ adjective 1 capitalized : of or relating to Thespis 2 often capitalized [from the tradition that Thespis was the originator of the actor's role] : relating to the drama : dramatic First use: 1567 Synonyms: impersonator, mummer, player, thesp, actor, trouper Antonyms: nonactor ``` 2thespian noun : actor First use: 1827 Synonyms: impersonator, mummer, player, thesp, actor, trouper Antonyms: nonactor ```

Answer 380

des·pot\ˈdes-pət, -ˌpät\ noun : a ruler who has total power and who often uses that power in cruel and unfair ways : a person who has a lot of power over other people Full Definition 1 a : a Byzantine emperor or prince b : a bishop or patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church c : an Italian hereditary prince or military leader during the Renaissance 2 a : a ruler with absolute power and authority b : a person exercising power tyrannically Examples the despot exiled political dissidents to remote labor camps, where they were left to rot Origin: Middle French despote, from Greek despotēs master, lord, autocrat, from des- (akin to domos house) + -potēs (akin to posis husband); akin to Sanskrit dampati lord of the house — more at dome, potent. First use: 1585 Synonyms: caesar, dictator, führer (or fuehrer), oppressor, pharaoh, strongman, tyrannizer, tyrant, man on horseback

Answer 381

path·o·log·i·cal\ˌpa-thə-ˈlä-ji-kəl\ adjective : extreme in a way that is not normal or that shows an illness or mental problem medical : relating to or caused by disease : of or relating to the study of diseases : relating to pathology Full Definition 1 : of or relating to pathology 2 : altered or caused by disease; also : indicative of disease 3 : being such to a degree that is extreme, excessive, or markedly abnormal path·o·log·i·cal·ly \-ji-k(ə-)lē\ adverb Variants: also path·o·log·ic \-jik\ First use: 1688

Answer 382

ar·tic·u·late\är-ˈti-kyə-lət\ adjective : able to express ideas clearly and effectively in speech or writing : clearly expressed and easily understood Full Definition 1 a : divided into syllables or words meaningfully arranged : intelligible b : able to speak c : expressing oneself readily, clearly, or effectively ; also : expressed readily, clearly, or effectively 2 a : consisting of segments united by joints : jointed b : distinctly marked off ar·tic·u·late·ly adverb ar·tic·u·late·ness noun Origin: Latin articulatus jointed, past participle of articulare, from articulus (see 1article ). First use: 1586 Synonyms: eloquent, fluent, silver-tongued, well-spoken Antonyms: inarticulate, ineloquent, unvocal Synonyms: enunciate 2ar·tic·u·late\är-ˈti-kyə-ˌlāt\ : to express (something, such as an idea) in words : to say or pronounce (something, such as a word) in a way that can be clearly heard and understood : to connect with a joint or something that is like a joint Full Definition transitive verb 1 a : to give clear and effective utterance to : put into words noun Origin: (see 1articulate ). First use: 1551 Synonyms: eloquent, fluent, silver-tongued, well-spoken Antonyms: inarticulate, ineloquent, unvocal Synonyms: enunciate

Answer 383

gran·deur\ˈgran-jər, -ˌju̇r, -ˌd(y)u̇r, -d(y)ər\ noun : a great and impressive quality Full Definition 1 : the quality or state of being grand : magnificence 2 : an instance or example of grandeur Examples struck by the grandeur of the sun setting over the Golden Gate Bridge Origin: French, from Old French, from grand. First use: 1600 Synonyms: augustness, brilliance, gloriousness, glory, gorgeousness, magnificence, grandness, majesty, nobility, nobleness, resplendence, resplendency, splendidness, splendiferousness, splendor, stateliness, stupendousness, sublimeness, superbness

Answer 384

po·lem·ic\pə-ˈle-mik\ noun : a strong written or spoken attack against someone else's opinions, beliefs, practices, etc. : the art or practice of using language to defend or harshly criticize something or someone Full Definition 1 a : an aggressive attack on or refutation of the opinions or principles of another b : the art or practice of disputation or controversy — usually used in plural but singular or plural in construction 2 : an aggressive controversialist : disputant po·lem·i·cist \-ˈle-mə-sist\ noun Origin: French polémique, from Middle French, from polemique controversial, from Greek polemikos warlike, hostile, from polemos war; perhaps akin to Greek pelemizein to shake, Old English ealfelo baleful. First use: 1638

Answer 385

im·passe\ˈim-ˌpas, im-ˈ\ noun : a situation in which no progress seems possible Full Definition 1 a : a predicament affording no obvious escape b : deadlock 2 : an impassable road or way : cul-de-sac Examples in their bitter custody battle, the divorcing couple are at a total impasse the impossible impasse faced by those who opposed the war but did not want to seem disloyal to the troops Origin: French, from in- + passer to pass. First use: 1851 Synonyms: deadlock, gridlock, halt, logjam, Mexican standoff, stalemate, standoff, standstill

Answer 386

reg·i·men\ˈre-jə-mən also ˈre-zhə-\ noun : a plan or set of rules about food, exercise, etc., to make someone become or stay healthy Full Definition 1 a : a systematic plan (as of diet, therapy, or medication) especially when designed to improve and maintain the health of a patient b : a regular course of action and especially of strenuous training 2 : government, rule 3 : regime 1c Examples with the start of the new year, a new party will have regimen over the nation and, hopefully, bring some much-needed change Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin regimin-, regimen position of authority, direction, set of rules, from Latin, steering, control, from regere to direct. First use: 14th century Synonyms: administration, authority, governance, government, jurisdiction, regime (also régime), rule

Answer 387

den·i·grate\ˈde-ni-ˌgrāt\ : to say very critical and often unfair things about (someone) : to make (something) seem less important or valuable Full Definition transitive verb 1 : to attack the reputation of : defame adjective Examples theater critics have been denigrating her acting ability for years Origin: Latin denigratus, past participle of denigrare, from de- + nigrare to blacken, from nigr-, niger black. First use: 1526 Synonyms: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, disparage, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off Antonyms: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Answer 388

mor·tal\ˈmȯr-təl\ adjective : certain to die : causing death : possibly causing death Full Definition 1 : causing or having caused death : fatal 2 a : subject to death b : possible, conceivable c : deadly 3 3 : marked by unrelenting hostility 4 : marked by great intensity or severity 5 : human 6 : of, relating to, or connected with death synonyms see deadly Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French mortel, mortal, from Latin mortalis, from mort-, mors death — more at murder. First use: 14th century Synonyms: baleful, deathly, fatal, fell, killer, lethal, deadly, murderous, pestilent, terminal, vital Antonyms: healthful, healthy, nonfatal, nonlethal, wholesome Synonyms: baby, being, bird, bod [British], body, character, cookie (or cooky), creature, customer, devil, duck, egg, face, fish, guy, head, human being, individual, life, man, human, party, person, personage, scout, slob, sort, soul, specimen, stiff, thing, wight

Answer 389

in·flict\in-ˈflikt\ : to cause someone to experience or be affected by (something unpleasant or harmful) Full Definition transitive verb 1 : afflict 2 a : to give by or as if by striking b : to cause (something unpleasant) to be endured in·flict·er or in·flic·tor \-ˈflik-tər\ noun in·flic·tive \-tiv\ adjective Origin: Latin inflictus, past participle of infligere, from in- + fligere to strike — more at profligate. First use: 1566

Answer 390

guile\ˈgī(-ə)l\ noun : the use of clever and usually dishonest methods to achieve something Full Definition 1 : deceitful cunning : duplicity 2 obsolete : stratagem, trick guile·ful \-fəl\ adjective guile·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb guile·ful·ness noun Examples When they couldn't win by honest means, they resorted to guile. a shady salesman who usually relies on a combination of quick thinking and guile Origin: Middle English gile, from Anglo-French, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old English wigle divination — more at witch. First use: 13th century Synonyms: artfulness, artifice, caginess (also cageyness), canniness, craft, craftiness, cunningness, deviousness, foxiness, cunning, guilefulness, slickness, slyness, sneakiness, subtleness, subtlety, wiliness Antonyms: artlessness, forthrightness, good faith, guilelessness, ingenuousness, sincerity