800 High-Frequency Words Flashcards
1
Q
abate
A
to decrease; reduce
NASA announced that it would delay the launch of the manned spacecraft until the radiation from the solar flares abated
2
Q
abdicate
A
to give up a position, right, or power
The appeals judge has abdicated his responsibility to review the findings of the high court
3
Q
aberrant
A
deviating from what is normal
When a person’s behavior becomes aberrant, his peers may become concerned that the individual is becoming deviant
4
Q
abeyance
A
temporary suppression or suspension
A good judge must hold his judgement in abeyance until all the facts in a case have been presented
5
Q
abject
A
miserable; pitiful
John Steinbeck’s novel The Grapes of Wrath portrays the abject poverty of many people during the Great Depression
6
Q
abjure
A
to reject; abandon formally
Most members of the Religious Society of Friends abjure the use of violence to settle disputes between nations
7
Q
abscise
A
to cut off or away
The surgeon abscised a small growth on the patient’s hand
8
Q
abscond
A
to depart secretly
A warrant is out for the arrest of a person believed to have absconded with three million dollars
9
Q
abstemious
A
moderate in appetite
Some research suggests that people with an abstemious lifestyle tend to live longer than people who indulge their appetites
10
Q
abstinence
A
the giving up of certain pleasures
The monk’s vow of abstinence includes all intoxicating substances
11
Q
abysmal
A
very bad
An example of abysmal living conditions would be an unheated room with bugs in it
12
Q
accretion
A
growth in size or increase in amount
Rocks formed by the slow accretion of limestone
13
Q
accrue
A
to accumulate; grow by additions
I’ll get back all the money I invested, plus any interest and dividends that have accrued
14
Q
adamant
A
uncompromising; unyielding
Despite widespread opposition to his plan, the party’s leader is adamant that it must move to the center to appeal to moderate voters
15
Q
adjunct
A
something added, attached, or joined
It assumes that the virtual is a substitute for the material realm, rather than an adjunct to it
16
Q
admonish
A
to caution or reprimand
The judge admonished the jury to discount testimony that had been ruled inadmissible
17
Q
adulterate
A
to corrupt or make impure
The unscrupulous company sells an adulterated version of the drug, and doesn’t inform consumers that they are getting a less efficacious drug than they think they are getting
18
Q
aesthetic
A
relating to beauty or art
The Gothic aesthetic dominated European art and architecture from approximately the twelfth to the fifteenth century
19
Q
affected
A
pretentious, phony
It has been argued that the emphasis on so-called “proper English” leads us to unnatural and affected speech
20
Q
affinity
A
fondness; liking; similarity
The female students in the class felt an affinity for the ancient Greek playwright Euripedes because he sympathized with women slaves
21
Q
aggrandize
A
to make larger or greater
One of the concerns of the framers of the U.S. Constitution was that one branch of government would try to aggrandize itself at the expense of the others
22
Q
alacrity
A
cheerful willingness; eagerness; speed
The football coach was pleased to see the team get to work on the task of improving its tackling skills with alacrity
23
Q
alchemy
A
medieval chemical philosophy based on changing metal into gold; a seemingly magical power or process of transmutation
Alchemy was the forerunner of the modern science of chemistry
24
Q
allay
A
to lessen; ease; soothe
Improvements in antivirus software have allayed many people’s fears of having their computers “infected” with malicious software
25
alleviate
to relieve; improve partially
All monies raised will go towards alleviating the suffering of survivors
26
alloy
a combination; a mixture of two or more metals
Scientists formulate alloys to create properties that are not possessed by natural metals or other substances
27
allure
the power to entice by charm; to entice by charm
Despite its romantic allure, gold has historically been a pretty lousy investment
28
amalgamate
to combine into a unified whole
In the early 1999, six municipalities were amalgamated into an enlarged city of Toronto, Canada
29
ambiguous
unclear or doubtful in meaning
Whether their other plans are ambiguous or meaningless is unclear
30
ambivalence
the state of having conflicting emotional attitudes
John felt some ambivalence about getting married before finishing college
31
ambrosia
something delicious; the food of the gods
The combination of flavors in the Moroccan baked eggplant was pure ambrosia
32
ameliorate
to improve
Improved social and economic conditions enhance health status and ameliorate problems of addiction
33
amenable
agreeable; cooperative; suited
The young writer is amenable to suggestions for improving her prose style to make it more interesting
34
amenity
something that increases comfort
Many amenities considered normal and necessary by people in developed countries, such as indoor plumbing, were luxuries only a few generations ago
35
amulet
ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits
The early Christian Church forbade the use of amulets, which had become common in the Roman Empire at the time the Christian Church began to develop
36
anachronism
something out of the proper time
When a character in a novel set in the 15th century uses a word, ‘taboo,’ that did not enter any European language until the 18th century, the attentive reader begins to look for anachronisms
37
analgesic
medication that reduces or eliminates pain
Because of the high incidence of breakthrough pain, it is important for patients to have immediate-release analgesic medication available
38
analogous
comparable
The psychology researcher's experiment postulates that the brain is analogous to a digital computer
39
anarchy
absence of government; state of disorder
When you have people losing trust in the system it leads to anarchy
40
aggregate
amounting to a whole; total
The aggregate wealth of a country includes private as well as public resources and possessions
41
anodyne
something that calms or soothes pain
Some people use alcohol as an anodyne to numb their emotional pain
42
anomalous
irregular; deviating from the norm
The psychologist discounted the anomalous behavior of the soldier
43
antecedent
something that comes before
It traces the historical antecedents to freed people's intense desire to become literate and demonstrates how the visions of enslaved African Americans emerged into plans and action once slavery ended
44
antediluvian
prehistoric
He has antediluvian notions about the role of women in the workplace
45
antipathy
dislike; hostility
There has always been strong antipathy between the two groups
46
apathy
indifference
Apathy was high in the election because there was no major controversy or issue to arouse voter interest
47
apex
the highest point
In English literature, classicism reached its apex in the poetry of Alexander Pope and the other Augustans
48
apogee
the point in an orbit most distant from the body being orbited; the highest point
The Ottoman Empire reached its apogee in the seventeenth century, when it controlled a territory running from Budapest to North Africa
49
apothegm
a terse, witty saying
One of the best-known political apothegms was written by the British historian, Lord Acton: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely"
50
appease
to calm; pacify; placate
Many historians have criticized British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain for trying to appease Adolf Hitler
51
appellation
name
Beware of people claiming supernatural powers, and of those that try to impress you with pompous titles and appellations
52
apposite
strikingly appropriate and relevant
The writer searched two dictionaries and a thesaurus before finding the perfectly apposite word he was looking for
53
apprise
to inform
There is another reason for continuing to drive cars for personal travel even if we are fully apprised of all the immediate and more remote costs
54
approbation
praise; approval
The end result is an unremarkable, unmemorable movie that deserves neither praise nor approbation
55
appropriate
to take possession for one's own use; confiscate (pronounced uh-PROH-pree-ayt)
The invading army appropriated supplies from the houses of the local people
56
apropos
relevant
Next morning, the Blonde said, apropos of nothing: ‘You know, I really hated that restaurant last night'
57
arabesque
ornate design featuring intertwined curves; a ballet position in which one leg is extended in back while the other supports the weight of the body
The ballerina stunned the audience with her perfectly executed arabesque
58
archaeology
the study of material evidence of past human life
Carbon-14 dating is of great use in archaeology because it can determine the age of specimens as old as 35,000 years
59
ardor
great emotion or passion
I won't be surprised by the lack of ardor over his accomplishment
60
arduous
extremely difficult; laborious
The task of writing a research paper is arduous
61
argot
a specialized vocabulary used by a group
Writers of crime fiction often use the argot of criminals and detectives to create a realistic atmosphere
62
arrest
to stop; to seize
Temporary arrest of the patient's respiration made it easier for the doctor to perform surgery on him
63
artifact
item made by human craft
Each artifact recovered was catalogued and its exact location plotted with scaled diagrams
64
artless
guileless; natural
The basic designs of the bags are simple and seemingly artless - a clutch is a rectangle and a pink velvet holdall the simplest container with the handles made of knotted lengths of fabric
65
ascetic
one who practices self-denial
The writer's ascetic lifestyle helped her to concentrate on finishing her novel
66
asperity
severity; harshness of tone or manner; irritability
"Even Lizzie could have married him," said Mr Bennet with some asperity
67
aspersion
slander; false rumor
It must be read in context of the earlier exchange and the judge's aspersions on her integrity
68
assiduous
diligent; hard-working
Yet the result of this assiduous attention to presentation was that the image became too self-conscious
69
assuage
to make less severe
Trying to assuage the ruffled feelings of the masses by conducting such events in situations of necessity may be fine
70
astringent
harsh; severe
His less astringent manner could help him forge the strategic relationships his father couldn't
71
asylum
place of refuge or shelter
We provide asylum for those too ill to care for themselves
72
atavism
return of a trait after a period of absence
Some modern political theorists reject nationalism as tribal atavism
73
attenuate
to weaken
Modern digital radio equipment allows even signals that have been greatly attenuated to be transmitted
74
audacious
bold; daring
Although April is an audacious athlete, she does not participate in any dangerous sports
75
austere
stern; unadorned
Even though she appeared austere, my teacher was a very kind woman
76
autonomous
self-governing; independent
Native American nations are regarded as autonomous in many respects and thus not subject to a number of state and local laws
77
avarice
greed
The corporate world is plagued by avarice and a thirst for power
78
aver
to affirm; declare to be true
He averred that he was innocent
79
avocation
secondary occupation; an activity that you do regularly for enjoyment rather than as a job
He breeds dogs as an avocation
80
avuncular
like an uncle, benevolent and tolerant
He is known for his avuncular charm
81
axiomatic
taken for granted
It is axiomatic that good athletes have a strong mental attitude
82
bacchanalian
pertaining to riotous or drunken festivity; pertaining to revelry
A wild party at a college fraternity is an example of something that is bacchanalian
83
banal
commonplace; trite
The writer has a gift for making even the most banal observation seem important and original
84
banter
playful conversation
The governor engaged in some banter with reporters before getting to the serious business
85
bard
poet
The great bards of English literature have all been masters of the techniques of verse
86
bawdy
obscene
It was a bawdy film that is not appropriate for children
87
beatify
to sanctify; to bless; to ascribe virtue to
She was beatified by the Pope one hundred years after her death
88
bedizen
to dress in a vulgar, showy manner
Paul went to the costume party bedizened as a seventeenth century French aristocrat
89
behemoth
huge creature; anything very large and powerful
The newest SUV is a gas-guzzling behemoth that doesn't even fit in a standard parking space
90
belie
to contradict; misrepresent; give a false impression
The boxer's childlike face belies the ferocity with which he can attack opponents in the ring
91
beneficent
kindly; doing good
The beneficent couple are regular volunteers at a homeless shelter
92
bifurcate
to divide into two parts
The stream bifurcated into two narrow winding channels
93
blandishment
flattery
Despite the salesperson's blandishments, Donna did not buy the car
94
blasé
bored because of frequent indulgence; unconcerned
We were amazed by John's blasé attitude toward school; he seems to have made it a rule never to open a book
95
bolster
to give a boost to; prop up; support
The president has visited the state several times to bolster his sagging popularity there
96
bombastic
pompous; using inflated language
Nearly lost in the senator's long, bombastic speech were several sensible ideas
97
boorish
rude; insensitive
Bob apologized for his boorish behavior at the party, saying he hadn't realized that it was such a formal occasion
98
bovine
cowlike
She stared at us with a stupid, bovine expression
99
brazen
bold; shameless
The brazen student irritated his teacher by saying that he could learn more from a day spent surfing the web than a day spent in school
100
broach
to mention for the first time
She was reluctant to broach the subject
101
bucolic
characteristic of the countryside; rustic; pastoral
The park is a bucolic expanse of land that is perfect for anyone wanting a quiet walk
102
burgeon
to flourish
They began importing supplies and products for the newly burgeoning field of photography
103
burnish
to polish
The highly burnished pottery may be based on metal prototypes
104
buttress
to reinforce; support
The mother had always been the buttress of our family in trying times
105
cacophonous
unpleasant or harsh-sounding
Even the finest orchestra makes a cacophonous racket when they're tuning their instruments in unison
106
cadge
to beg; sponge
An enduring image of the Great Depression in America is the out-of-work man cadging money
107
callous
thick-skinned; insensitive
Jim's terrible experiences have made him callous about the suffering of others
108
calumny
false and malicious accusation; slander
He was the target of calumny for his unpopular beliefs
109
canard
false, deliberately misleading story
Most politicians do not want to be associated with the old canard that big government in Washington can solve all of America's problems
110
canon
an established principle; a basis or standard for judgement; a group of literary works
The most important books in the western literary canon include many of Shakespeare's plays
111
cant
insincere talk; language of a particular group
Many of the beat artists of the 1950s reached against what they regarded as the can't bourgeois society
112
cantankerous
irritable; ill-humored
Many of us have in our mind the stereotype of the cantankerous old man who is constantly complaining
113
capricious
fickle
The court ruled that the punishment was arbitrary and capricious
114
captious
faultfinding; intending to entrap, as in an argument
The pedantic and captious critic seems incapable of appreciating the merits of even the most highly regarded books
115
cardinal
of foremost importance
The cardinal rule of any weight-loss diet must be limiting the intake of calories
116
carnal
of the flesh or body; related to physical appetites
The yogi's goal is to achieve nirvana through, among other things, the overcoming of carnal desires
117
carping
to find fault; complain
The carping old woman is not a favorite at the nursing home
118
cartography
science of making maps
Satellites in earth orbit take pictures of topography that have greatly aided cartography
119
caste
any of the hereditary social classes of Hindu society; social stratification
The untouchables are at the bottom of the thousands of castes that make up Indian society
120
castigation
punishment; chastisement; criticism
Many British writers recall with loathing the castigation they received at school
121
cataclysm
a violent upheaval tat causes great destruction and change
The French Revolution of 1789 was a cataclysm whose effects are still felt today
122
catalyst
something causing change
Among the catalysts of the Romantic movement were the libertarian ideals of the French Revolution
123
categorical
absolute; without exception
He issued a categorical denial about his involvement in the deal
124
caucus
smaller group within an organization
The workers formed an informal caucus to discuss their difficulties
125
causal
involving a cause
There is a causal link between poverty and crime
126
caustic
sarcastically biting; burning
The columnist's caustic comments on government policy did not win her any friends among officials
127
celestial
concerning the sky or heavens; sublime
Astronomers make use of the Doppler effect to measure the velocities and distance from Earth of stars and other celestial objects
128
centrifugal
moving away from a center
As the empire expanded, there was an ever-increasing centrifugal stress as remote colonies sought autonomy
129
centripetal
moving or directed toward a center
Astronomers calculate that the centripetal force exerted by the Earth's gravity on the Moon will keep the Moon in orbit around the Earth for billions of years
130
champion
to defend or support
Robin Hood is famous for championing the underdogs of England
131
chasten
to correct by punishment or reproof; to restrain or subdue
The child's behavior improved after she had been chastened by punishment
132
chicanery
trickery; fraud
The governor ordered an audit to investigate alleged financial chicanery
133
chivalry
the qualities idealized by knighthood such as bravery and gallantry toward women
Chivalry was rooted in Christian values, and the knight was bound to be loyal to Christian ideals
134
churlish
rude; boorish
It would be churlish for any dinner guest to express anything but gratitude for his host's generous hospitality
135
circuitous
roundabout
According to Hindu philosophy, some souls take a circuitous path through many births to reach God
136
clairvoyant
one who can predict the future; psychic
He didn't tell me about it and I'm not clairvoyant
137
clamor
noisy outcry; to cry out noisily
Over the past 12 years the voices clamoring for better protection of the Earth's rain forests have increased dramatically
The crowd clamored their disapproval of the plan
138
clique
a small, exclusive group
The principal of the high school is concerned that one clique of students is dominating the student council
139
cloister
to confine; seclude
The writer cloistered herself in a country house to finish her novel
140
coagulate
thicken; congeal
In normal individuals, blood begins to coagulate about 20 seconds after a wound is sustained
141
coalesce
to cause to become one
The ice masses coalesced into a glacier over time
142
coda
concluding part of a literary or musical composition; something that summarizes or concludes
The coda of the Danish composer Per Norgard's Sixth Symphony seems to return to the serene sounds of the opening
143
codify
to systemize
The state legislature voted to codify regulations governing banking fraud
144
cognizant
informed; conscious; aware
He is cognizant of his duties as a father
145
collage
artistic composition of materials pasted over a surface; an assemblage of diverse elements
We made collages in art class
146
commensurate
proportional
Her new position came with a commensurate level of responsibility
147
compendium
brief, comprehensive summary
He published a compendium of folk tales
148
complacent
self-satisfied
The strong economy has made people complacent
149
complaisant
overly polite; willing to please; obliging
Although France and Germany have a close relationship, neither would consider the other a complaisant ally
150
complement
something that completes or makes up a whole
The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit
151
compliant
yielding
The young negotiator is trying to learn the skill of being open to proposals by the other side without seeming too compliant
152
compunction
uneasiness caused by guilt
He feels no compunction about his crimes
153
concave
curving inward
Concave lenses are used in glasses to compensate for myopia (nearsightedness)
154
conciliatory
overcoming distrust or hostility
The leader of the country made conciliatory statements assuring the world that his country did not intend to acquire nuclear weapons
155
concoct
to invent
The various human cultures have concocted a great many explanations to describe the beginning of the Earth, life, and humanity
156
concomitant
existing concurrently
The drug's risks increase with the concomitant use of alcohol
157
condone
to overlook voluntarily; forgive
He is too quick to condone his friend's faults
158
confound
to baffle; perplex; mix up
Everyone seemed confounded by the question
159
congenial
similar in tastes and habits; friendly; suited to
The town is a congenial place for raising children
160
conjugal
pertaining to marriage agreement
The newlyweds were still in a rapturous state of conjugal happiness
161
connoisseur
one who enjoys with discrimination and appreciation of subtleties
She is a connoisseur of African art
162
conscript
a person who is forced to serve in the armed forces
As the war continued, the body of enlisted soldiers was supplemented by an increasing number of conscripts
163
consecrate
to declare sacred
The church will be opened after a ceremony to consecrate it
164
contend
to assert
The team is expected to contend for the championship this year
165
contentious
quarrelsome; causing quarrel
After a contentious debate, members of the committee finally voted to approve the funding
166
contiguous
touching; neighboring; connecting without a break
Connecticut and Massachusetts are contiguous states
167
continence
self-control; abstention from sexual activity
Experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult
168
contrite
very sorrowful for a wrong
Being contrite is not enough to spare you an arrest if you're caught shoplifting
169
contumacious
disobedient; rebellious
The judge threatened to charge the contumacious witness with contempt of court
170
conundrum
riddle; puzzle with no solution
The paradoxical statement "This statement is false" presents us with a conundrum
171
convention
practice widely observed in a group; custom; accepted
172
converge
to approach; come together; tend to meet
173
convex
curved outward
174
convivial
sociable
175
convoluted
twisted; complicated
176
copious
abundant; plentiful
177
coquette
woman who flirts
178
cornucopia
horn overflowing with fruit and grain; state of abundance
179
cosmology
study of the universe as a totality; theory of the origin and structure of the universe
180
covert
hidden; secret
181
covetous
desiring something owned by another
182
cozen
to mislead by trick or fraud; deceive
183
craven
cowardly
184
credence
acceptance of something as true
185
credo
statement of belief or principle; creed
186
daunt
to discourage; intimidate; dishearten
187
dearth
scarcity
188
debauchery
corruption
189
decorum
proper behavior
190
defame
to malign; harm someone's reputation
191
default
to fail to act
192
deference
respect; regard for another's wish
193
defunct
no longer existing
194
delineate
to represent or depict
195
demographic
related to population balance
196
demotic
pertaining to people
197
demur
to express doubt
198
denigrate
to slur someone's reputation
199
denizen
an inhabitant; a regular visitor
200
denouement
outcome; unraveling of the plot of a play or work of literature
201
deride
to mock
202
derivative
something derived; unoriginal
203
desiccate
to dry completely
204
desuetude
state of disuse
205
desultory
random; disconnected; rambling
206
deterrent
something that discourages or hinders
207
detraction
the act of taking away; derogatory comment on a person's character
208
diaphanous
transparent; fine-textured; insubstantial; vague
209
diatribe
bitter verbal attack
210
dichotomy
division into two usually contradictory parts
211
diffidence
shyness; lack of confidence
212
diffuse
to spread out
213
digression
act of straying from the main point
214
dirge
funeral hymn
215
disabuse
to free from a misconception
216
discerning
perceptive; exhibiting keen insight and good judgment
217
discomfit
to make uneasy; disconcert
218
discordant
not in tune
219
discredit
to dishonor; disgrace; cause to be doubted
220
discrepancy
difference between
221
discrete
constituting a separate thing; distinct
222
discretion
quality of showing self-restraint in speech or actions; circumspection; freedom to act on one's own
223
disingenuous
not candid; crafty
224
disinterested
unprejudiced; objective
225
disjointed
lacking order or coherence; dislocated
226
dismiss
put away from consideration; reject
227
disparage
to belittle
228
disparate
dissimilar
229
dissemble
to pretend; disguise one's motive
230
disseminate
to spread; to scatter; disperse
231
dissident
person who disagrees about beliefs, etc.
232
dissolution
disintegration; debauchery
233
dissonance
discord; lack of harmony
234
distend
to expand; swell out
235
distill
extract the essential elements
236
distrait
inattentive; preoccupied
237
diverge
to vary; go in different directions from the same point
238
divest
to strip; deprive; rid
239
divulge
to make known something that is a secret
240
doctrinaire
relating to a person who cannot compromise about points of a theory or doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding
241
document
to provide with written evidence to support
242
doggerel
poor verse
243
dogmatic
stating opinions without proof
244
dormant
inactive
245
dross
waste; worthless matter; trivial matter
246
dupe
to deceive; trick
247
ebullient
exhilarated; enthusiastic
248
eclectic
selecting from various sources
249
effervescence
state of high spirits or liveliness; the process of bubbling as gas escapes
250
effete
depleted of vitality; overrefined; decadent
251
efficacy
efficiency; effectiveness
252
effrontery
shameless boldness; presumptuousness
253
egoism
the tendency to see things in relation to oneself; self-centeredness
254
egotistical
excessively self-centered; conceited
255
elegy
poem or song expressing lamentation
256
elicit
to provoke; draw out
257
elixir
a substance believed to have the power to cure ills
258
Elysian
blissful; delightful
259
emaciated
thin and wasted
260
embellish
to adorn; decorate; enhance; make more attractive by adding details
261
emollient
soothing; mollifying
262
empirical
derived from observation or experiment
263
emulate
to imitate; copy
264
encomium
a formal expression of praise
265
endemic
inherent; belonging to an area
266
enervate
to weaken
267
engender
to cause; produce
268
enhance
to increase; improve
269
entomology
the scientific study of insects
270
enunciate
to pronounce clearly
271
ephemeral
short-lived; fleeting
272
epistemology
branch of philosophy that examines the nature of knowledge
273
equable
steady; unvarying; serene
274
equanimity
composure; calmness
275
equivocate
to intentionally use vague language
276
errant
mistaken; straying from the proper course
277
erudite
learned; scholarly
278
esoteric
hard to understand; known only to a few
279
essay
to make an attempt; subject to a test
280
estimable
admirable; possible to estimate
281
ethnocentric
based on the attitude that one's group is superior
282
etiology
causes or origins
283
etymology
origin and history of a word
284
eugenics
study of factors that influence the hereditary qualities of the human race and ways to improve these qualities
285
eulogy
high praise, especially of a person who has recently died
286
euphemism
use of agreeable or inoffensive language in place of unpleasant or offensive language
287
euphoria
a feeling of extreme happiness
288
euthanasia
mercy killing
289
evince
to show plainly; be an indication of
290
evocative
tending to call to mind or produce a reaction
291
exacerbate
to aggravate; make worse
292
exact
to force the payment of; demand and obtain by authority
293
exculpate
to clear of blame; vindicate
294
execrable
detestable; abhorrent
295
exhort
to urge by strong appeals
He exhorted his people to take back their land
296
exigency
crisis; urgent requirements
Astronauts must be prepared for exigencies such as damage to their spacecraft's life support system
297
existential
having to do with existence; based on experience; having to do with the philosophy of existentialism
Existential writers have argued that human beings are free, but that entails a burden of responsibility that makes them anxious
298
exorcise
to expel evil spirits; free from bad influences
The movie is about a priest who tries to exorcise demons from a young girl
299
expatiate
to speak or write at length
Every year the book club invites a famous author to come to expatiate on the art of writing
300
expatriate
to send into exile
People seeking asylum in another country are sometimes expatriated
301
expiate
to atone for
The pilgrims undertook their long journey to expiate their sins
302
explicate
to explain; interpret; clarify
303
expository
explanatory
304
extant
in existence; not lost
305
extemporaneous
unrehearsed
306
extirpate
to root up; to destroy
307
extraneous
not essential
308
extrapolation
the act of estimation by projecting known information
309
extrinsic
not inherent or essential
310
facetious
humorous
311
facilitate
to make less difficult
312
factotum
a person who does all sorts of work; a handyman
313
fallacious
based on a false idea or fact; misleading
314
fallow
plowed but not sowed; uncultivated
315
fatuous
foolishly self-satisfied
316
fauna
animals of a period or region
317
fawning
seeking favor by flattering
318
felicitous
suitably expressed; appropriate; well-chosen
319
fervor
warmth and intensity of emotion
320
fetid
having a bad smell
321
fetter
to bind; confine
322
fiat
arbitrary order; authorization
323
fidelity
loyalty; exact correspondence
324
filibuster
use of obstructive tactics in a legislature to block a passage of a law
325
finesse
to handle with a deceptive or evasive strategy; to use finesse, that is, refinement in performance
326
fissure
crevice
327
flag
to droop; grow weak
328
fledgling
beginner; novice
329
flora
plants of a region or era
330
florid
ruddy; reddish; flowery
331
flourish
an embellishment or ornamentation
332
flout
to treat scornfully
Despite repeated warnings, they have continued to flout the law
333
flux
flowing; a continuous moving
In some cultures time is conceptualized as a flux moving in one direction
334
foment
to incite; arouse
The government accused the newspaper of fomenting unrest in the country
335
forbearance
patience
The president was warned that great courage and forbearance would be required to see the war through a successful conclusion
336
forestall
to prevent; delay
The government took steps to forestall an economic downturn
337
formidable
menacing; threatening
By the middle of the nineteenth century the United States had become a formidable economic and military power
338
forswear
renounce; repudiate
When she became a U.S. citizen, Julia forswore allegiance to all other countries
339
founder
to sink; fail; collapse
Her career foundered, and she moved from job to job for several years
340
feral
existing in a wild or untamed state
Feral dogs returning to an untamed state after domestication sometimes form packs, becoming a threat to humans
341
fracas
a loud quarrel; brawl
The police were called in to break up a fracas that had erupted in the bar
342
fractious
quarrelsome; unruly; rebellious
343
fresco
a painting done on plaster
344
frieze
ornamental band on a wall
345
froward
stubbornly contrary; obstinately disobedient
346
frugality
thrift
347
fulminate
to attack loudly; denounce
348
fulsome
so excessive as to be disgusting
349
fusion
union; synthesis
350
futile
ineffective; useless; fruitless
351
gainsay
to deny; dispute; oppose
352
gambol
to frolic; leap playfully
353
garrulous
very talkative; wordy
354
gauche
coarse and uncouth; clumsy
355
geniality
cheerfulness; kindliness; sociability
356
gerrymander
to divide an area into voting districts in a way that favors a political party
357
glib
fluent in an insincere way; offhand
358
goad
to prod; urge on
359
gossamer
sheer; light and delicate, like cobwebs
360
gouge
to tear out; scoop out; overcharge
361
grandiloquent
pompous; bombastic
362
gregarious
sociable
363
grouse
to complain
364
guileless
free of cunning or deceit; artless
365
guise
outward appearance; false appearance; pretense
366
gullible
easily deceived
367
gustatory
affecting the sense of taste
368
halcyon
calm and peaceful; happy; golden; prosperous
369
hallowed
holy; sacred
370
harangue
long, pompous speech; tirade
371
harrowing
extremely distressing; terrifying
372
herbivorous
relating to a herbivore, an animal that feeds on plants
373
hermetic
tightly sealed; magical
374
heterodox
unorthodox; not widely accepted
375
hieroglyphics
the symbols used in advanced mathematics; a system of writing in which pictorial symbols represent meaning or sounds; writing or symbols that are difficult to decipher
376
hirsute
covered with hair
377
histrionic
relating to exaggerated emotional behavior calculated for effect; theatrical arts or performances
378
homeostasis
automatic maintenance by an organisms of normal temperature, chemical balance, etc. within itself
379
homily
sermon; tedious moralizing lecture; platitude
380
homogenous
composed of identical parts; uniform in composition
381
hyperbole
purposeful exaggeration for effect
382
iconoclastic
attacking cherished traditions
383
idolatry
idol worship; blind or excessive devotion
384
igneous
produced by fire; volcanic
385
imbroglio
complicated situation; an entanglement
386
immutable
unchangeable
387
impair
to damage; injure
388
impassive
showing no emotion
389
impecunious
poor; having no money
390
impede
to hinder; block
391
impermeable
impossible to penetrate
392
imperturbable
not easily disturbed
393
impervious
impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
394
impinge
to strike; encroach
395
implacable
inflexible; incapable of being pleased
396
implausible
unlikely; unbelievable
397
implicit
implied; understood but not stated
398
implode
collapse inward violently
399
imprecation
curse
400
impute
to relate to a particular cause or source; attribute the fault to; assign as a characteristic
401
inadvertently
carelessly; unintentionally
402
incarnate
having bodily form
403
inchoate
imperfectly formed or formulated
404
incongruity
state of not fitting
405
inconsequential
insignificant; unimportant
406
incorporate
introduce something into another thing already in existence; combine
407
incursion
sudden invasion
408
indeterminate
uncertain; indefinite
409
indigence
poverty
410
indolent
habitually lazy; idle
411
ineluctable
not to be avoided or escaped; inevitable
412
inert
unable to move; sluggish
413
ingenuous
naive and trusting; lacking sophistication
414
inherent
firmly established by nature or habit
415
innocuous
harmless
416
insensible
unconscious; unresponsive
417
insinuate
to suggest; say indirectly; imply
418
insipid
lacking in flavor; dull
419
insouciant
indifferent; lacking concern or care
420
insularity
narrow-mindedness; isolation
421
insuperable
insurmountable; unconquerable
422
intangible
not material
423
interdict
to forbid; prohibit; to confront and halt the activities, advance, or entry of
424
internecine
deadly to both sides
425
interpolate
to insert; change by adding new words or material
426
interregnum
interval between reigns; gap in continuity
427
intimate
marked by close acquaintance
428
intractable
not easily managed
429
intransigence
stubbornness; refusal to compromise
430
introspective
contemplating one's own thoughts and feelings
431
inundate
to cover with water; overwhelm
432
inured
hardened; accustomed; used to
433
invective
verbal abuse
434
inveigh
to disapprove; protest vehemently
435
inveigle
to win over by flattery or coaxing
436
inveterate
confirmed; long-standing; deeply rooted
437
invidious
likely to provoke ill will; offensive
438
irascible
easily angered
439
irresolute
unsure of how to act; weak
440
itinerant
wandering from place to place; unsettled
441
itinerary
route of a traveler's journey
442
jaundiced
having a yellowish discoloration of the skin' affected by envy, resentment, or hostility
443
jibe
to be in agreement
444
jocose
fond of joking; jocular; playful
445
juggernaut
huge force destroying everything in its path
446
junta
group of people united in political intrigue
447
juxtapose
place side by side
448
kudos
fame; glory; honor
449
labile
likely to change
450
laconic
using few words
451
lambaste
to thrash verbally or physically
452
lascivious
lustful
453
lassitude
lethargy; sluggishness
454
latent
present but hidden; potential
455
laud
to praise
456
lethargic
inactive
457
levee
an embarkment that prevents a river from overflowing
458
levity
light manner or attitude
459
liberal
tolerant; broad-minded; generous; lavish
460
libertine
one without moral restraint
461
lucid
bright; clear; intelligible
462
lucre
money or profits
463
luminous
bright; brilliant; glowing
464
lustrous
shining
465
Machiavellian
crafty; double-dealing
466
machinations
plots or schemes
467
maelstrom
whirlpool; turmoil
468
magnanimity
generosity; nobility
469
malign
to speak evil of
470
malinger
to feign illness to escape duty
471
malleable
capable of being shaped by pounding; impressionable
472
maverick
dissenter
473
megalomania
delusions of power or importance
474
menagerie
a variety of animals kept together
475
mendacious
dishonest
476
mendicant
beggar
477
meretricious
gaudy; plausible but false; specious
478
mesmerize
to hypnotize
479
metamorphosis
change; transformation
480
metaphysics
a branch of philosophy that investigates the ultimate nature of reality
481
meteorological
concerned with the weather
482
meticulous
very careful; fastidious
483
mettle
courage; endurance
484
mettlesome
full of courage and fortitude; spirited
485
microcosm
a system having analogies to a larger system; small world
486
militate
to work against
487
minatory
threatening; menacing
488
miniscule
very small
489
minutia
petty details
490
misanthrope
one who hates humanity
491
miscellany
a mixture of writings on various subjects
492
miscreant
villain; criminal
493
misogynist
one who hates women
494
mitigate
to cause to become less harsh, severe, or painful; alleviate
495
mnemonic
related to memory; assisting memory
496
modicum
limited quantity
497
mollify
to soothe
498
monolithic
solid and uniform; constituting a single, unified whole
499
morose
ill-humored; sullen
500
motley
many colored; made up of many parts
501
multifarious
diverse
502
mundane
wordily as opposed to spiritual; concerned with the ordinary
503
necromancy
black magic
504
negate
to cancel out; nullify
505
neologism
new word or expression
506
neophyte
novice; beginner
507
nexus
a means of connection; a connected group or series; a center
508
nonplussed
bewildered
509
nostalgia
sentimental longing for a past time
510
nostrum
medicine or remedy of doubtful effectiveness; supposed cure
511
nugatory
trifling; invalid
512
obdurate
stubborn
513
obsequious
overly submissive
514
obsequy
funeral ceremony (often used in the plural, obsequies)
515
obviate
to make unnecessary; to anticipate and prevent
516
occlude
to shut; block
517
occult
relating to practices connected with supernatural phenomena
518
odyssey
a long, adventurous voyage; a quest
519
officious
too helpful; meddlesome
520
olfactory
concerning the sense of smell
521
oligarchy
form of government in which power belongs to only a few leaders
522
onerous
burdensome
523
onomatopoeia
formation or use of words that imitate sounds of the actions they refer to
524
opprobrium
disgrace; contempt
525
ornithologist
scientist who studies birds
526
oscillate
to move back and forth
527
ostentatious
showy; trying to attract attention; pretentious
528
overweening
presumptuous; arrogant; overbearing
529
paean
song of joy or triumph; a fervent expression of joy
530
paleontology
a study of past geological eras through fossil remains
531
pallid
lacking color or liveliness
532
panegyric
elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
533
paragon
model of excellence or perfection
534
partisan
one-sided; committed to a party, group, or cause; prejudiced
535
pathological
departing from normal conditions
536
patois
a regional dialect; nonstandard speech; jargon
537
paucity
scarcity
538
pedantic
showing off learning
539
pellucid
transparent; translucent; easily understood
540
penchant
inclination
541
penury
extreme poverty
542
peregrination
a wandering from place to place
His peregrinations took him all over the world
543
peremptory
imperative; leaving no choice
544
perennial
present throughout the years; persistent
545
perfidious
faithless; disloyal; untrustworthy
546
perfunctory
superficial; not thorough; performed really as a duty
547
perigee
point in an orbit that is closest to the earth
548
permeable
penetrable
549
perturb
to disturb greatly; make uneasy or anxious; cause a body to deviate from its regular orbit
550
pervasive
spread throughout every part
551
petulant
rude; peevish
552
phlegmatic
calm in temperament
553
phoenix
mythical, immortal bird that lives for 500 years, burns itself to death, and rises from its ashes; anything that is restored after suffering great destruction
554
physiognomy
facial features
555
piety
devoutness
556
piquant
appealingly stimulating; pleasantly pungent; attractive
557
pique
fleeting feeling of hurt pride
558
placate
to lessen another's anger; to pacify
559
placid
calm
560
plaintive
melancholy; mournful
561
plasticity
condition of being able to be shaped or formed; pliability
562
platitude
stale, overused expression
563
platonic
spiritual; without sensual desire; theoretical
564
plethora
excess; overabundance
565
plumb
to determine the depth; to examine deeply
566
plummet
to fall; plunge
567
plutocracy
society ruled by the wealthy
568
porous
full of holes; permeable to liquids
569
poseur
person who affects an attitude or identity to impress others
570
pragmatic
practical
571
prate
to talk idly; chatter
572
prattle
meaningless; foolish talk
573
preamble
preliminary statement
574
precarious
uncertain
575
precept
principle; law
576
precipitate
to cause to happen; throw down from a height
577
precipitate
rash; hasty; sudden
578
precursor
forerunner; predecessor
579
preempt
to supersede; appropriate for oneself
580
prehensile
capable of grasping
581
premonition
forewarning; presentiment
582
presage
to foretell; indicate in advance
583
presumptuous
rude; improperly bold
584
preternatural
beyond the normal course of nature; supernatural
585
prevaricate
to quibble; evade the truth
586
primordial
original; existing from the beginning
587
pristine
untouched; uncorrupted
588
probity
honesty; high-mindedness
589
problematic
posing a problem; doubtful; unsettled
590
prodigal
wasteful; extravagant; lavish
591
profound
deep; not superficial
592
prohibitive
so high as to prevent the purchase or use of; preventing; forbidding
593
proliferate
to increase rapidly
594
propensity
inclination; tendency
595
propitiate
to win over; appease
596
propriety
correct conduct; fitness
597
proscribe
to condemn; forbid; outlaw
598
provident
providing for future needs; frugal
599
puissant
powerful
600
punctilious
careful in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
601
pungent
strong or sharp smell or taste; penetrating; caustic; to the point
602
purport
to profess; suppose; claim
603
pusillanimous
cowardly
604
quagmire
marsh; a difficult situation
605
quail
to cower; lose heart
606
qualified
limited; restricted
607
qualm
sudden feeling of faintness or nausea; uneasy feeling about the rightness of actions
608
query
to question
609
quibble
to argue over insignificant and irrelevant details
610
quiescent
inactive; still
611
quorum
a number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
612
raconteur
witty, skillful storyteller
613
rail
to scold with bitter or abusive language
614
raiment
clothing
615
ramification
implication; outgrowth; consequence
616
rarefied
refined
617
rationale
fundamental reason
618
rebus
puzzle in which pictures or symbols represent words
619
recalcitrant
resisting authority or control
620
recant
to retract a statement or opinion
621
recluse
a person who lives in seclusion and often in solitude
622
recondite
abstruse; profound
623
redoubtable
formidable; arousing fear; worthy of respect
624
refractory
stubborn; unmanageable; resisting ordinary methods of treatment
625
refulgent
brightly shining; resplendent
626
refute
to contradict; disprove
627
regale
to entertain
628
relegate
to consign an inferior position
629
remonstrate
to object or protest
630
renege
to go back on one's word
631
reparation
amends' compensation
632
repine
fret; complain
633
reprise
repetition, especially of a piece of music
634
reproach
to find fault with; blame
635
reprobate
morally unprincipled person
636
repudiate
to reject as having nor authority
637
rescind
to cancel
638
resolution
determination; resolve
639
resolve
determination; firmness of purpose
640
reticent
not speaking freely; reserved; reluctant
641
reverent
expressing deep respect; worshipful
642
riposte
retaliatory action or retort
643
rococo
excessively ornate; highly decorated; style of architecture in eighteenth-century Europe
644
rubric
title or heading; category; established mode of procedure or conduct; protocol
645
rue
to regret
646
ruse
trick; crafty stratagem; subterfuge
647
sage
wise
648
salacious
lascivious; lustful
649
salubrious
healthful
650
salutary
expecting an improvement; favorable to health
651
sanction
to approve; ratify; permit
652
sardonic
cynical; scornfully mocking
653
sartorial
pertaining to tailors
654
satiate
to satisfy
655
saturate
to soak thoroughly; imbue throughout
656
saturnine
gloomy
657
satyr
a creature that is half-man, half-beast with the horns and legs of a goat; is is a follower of Dionysos; a lecher
658
savor
to enjoy; have a distinctive flavor or smell
659
schematic
relating to or in the form of an outline or diagram
660
secrete
produce and release substance into organisms
661
sedition
behavior prompting rebellion
662
sedulous
diligent
663
seismic
relating to earthquakes; earthshaking
664
sensual
relating to the senses; gratifying the physical sense, especially sexual appetites
665
sensuous
relating to the senses; operating through the senses
666
sentient
aware; conscious; able to perceive
667
servile
submissive; obedient
668
sextant
navigation tool that determines latitude and longitude
669
shard
a piece of broken glass or pottery
670
sidereal
relating to the stars
671
simian
apelike; relating to apes
672
simile
comparison of one thing with another using "like" or "as"
673
sinecure
well-paying job or office that requires little or no work
674
singular
unique; extraordinary; odd
675
sinuous
winding; intricate; complex
676
skeptic
one who doubts
677
sobriety
seriousness
678
sodden
thoroughly soaked; saturated
679
solicitous
concerned; attentive; eager
680
soliloquy
literary or dramatic speech by one character, not addressed to others
681
solvent
able to meet financial obligations
682
somatic
relating to or affecting the body; corporeal
683
soporific
sleep producing
684
sordid
filthy; contemptible and corrupt
685
specious
seeming to be logical and sound, but not really so
686
spectrum
band of colors produced when sunlight passes through a prism; a broad range of related ideas or objects
687
spendthrift
person who spends money recklessly
688
sporadic
irregular
689
squalor
filthy, wretched condition
690
staccato
marked by abrupt, clear-cut sounds
691
stanch
to stop or check the flow of
692
stentorian
extremely loud
693
stigma
mark of disgrace or inferiority
694
stint
to be sparing
695
stipulate
to specify as an essential condition
696
stolid
having or showing little emotion
697
stratified
arranged in layers
698
striated
marked with thin, narrow grooves or channels
699
stricture
something that restrains; negative criticism
700
strident
loud; harsh; unpleasantly noisy
701
strut
to swagger; display to impress others
702
stultify
to impair or reduce to uselessness
703
stupefy
to dull the senses of; stun; astonish
704
stygian
dark and gloomy; hellish
705
subpoena
notice ordering someone to appear in court
706
subside
to settle down; grow quiet
707
substantiate
to support with proof or evidence
708
substantive
essential; pertaining to the substance
709
subsume
to include; incorporate
710
subversive
intended to undermine or overthrow, especially an established government
711
succor
relief; help in time of distress or want
712
suffrage
the right to vote
713
sundry
various
714
supersede
to replace, especially to displace as inferior or antiquated
715
supine
lying on the back; marked by lethargy
716
supplant
to replace; substitute
717
suppliant
beseeching
718
supplicant
one who asks humbly and earnestly
719
supposition
the act of assuming to be true or real
720
syllogism
form of deductive reasoning that has a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion
721
sylvan
related to the woods or forest
722
tacit
silently understood; implied
723
talisman
charm to bring good luck and avert misfortune
724
tangential
peripheral; digressing
725
tautology
unnecessary repetition
726
taxonomy
science of classification; in biology, the process of the classifying of organisms in categories
727
tenet
belief; doctrine
728
tenuous
weak; insubstantial
729
terrestrial
earthly; commonplace
730
theocracy
government by priests representing a god
731
thespian
an actor or actress
732
timbre
the characteristic quality of sound produced by a particular instrument or voice; tone color
733
tirade
long, violent speech; verbal assault
734
toady
flatterer; hanger-on; yes-man
735
tome
book, usually large and academic
736
torpor
lethargy; dormancy; sluggishness
737
torque
a turning or twisting force; the moment of a force; the measure of a force's tendency to produce twisting or turning and rotation around an axis
738
tortuous
having many twists and turns; highly complex
739
tout
to promote or praise energetically
740
tractable
obedient; yielding
741
transgression
act of trespassing or violating a law or rule
742
transient
temporary; short-lived; fleeting
743
translucent
partially transparent
744
travail
work, especially arduous work; tribulation; anguish
745
travesty
parody; exaggerated imitation; caricature
746
treatise
article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly
747
tremulous
trembling; quivering; frugal; timid
748
trepidation
fear and anxiety
749
truculence
aggressiveness; ferocity
750
tryst
agreement between lovers to meet; rendezvous
751
tumid
swollen; distended
752
turbid
muddy; opaque; in a state of great confusion
753
turgid
swollen; bloated; pompous
754
tutelary
serving as a guardian or protector
755
uncanny
mysterious; strange
756
undulating
moving in waves
757
unfeigned
not false; not made up; genuine
758
untenable
indefensible
759
untoward
not favorable; troublesome; adverse; unruly
760
usury
practice of lending money at exorbitant rates
761
vacillate
to waver; oscillate
762
vacuous
empty; void; lacking intelligence; purposeless
763
valedictory
pertaining to a farewell
764
vapid
tasteless; dull
765
variegated
varied; marked with different colors
766
vaunt
to boast; brag
767
venal
bribable; mercenary; corruptible
768
vendetta
prolonged feud marked by bitter hostility
769
venerate
to adore; honor; respect
770
veracious
truthful; accurate
771
verbose
wordy
772
vertigo
dizziness
773
vexation
irritation; annoyance; confusion; puzzlement
774
viable
practicable; capable of developing
775
vindictive
spiteful; vengeful; unforgiving
776
virtuoso
someone with masterly skills; expert musician
777
visage
countenance; appearance; aspect
778
viscous
thick, syrupy, and sticky
779
vitiate
to impair the quality of; corrupt morally; make inoperative
780
vituperative
using or containing harsh, abusive censure
781
vivisection
dissection, surgery, or painful experiments performed on a living animal for the purpose of scientific research
782
vogue
prevailing fashion or practice
783
volatile
tending to vary frequently; fickle
784
vortex
whirlpool; whirlwind; center or turbulence
785
warranted
justified
786
wary
careful; cautious
787
welter
to wallow or roll; toss about; be in turmoil
788
whimsical
fanciful; unpredictable
789
wistful
vaguely longing; sadly thoughtful
790
zealot
one who is fanatically devoted to a cause
791
libido
sexual desire
792
Lilliputian
extremely small
793
limn
to draw; describe
794
limpid
clear; transparent
795
linguistic
pertaining to language
796
litanya
lengthy recitation; repetitive chant
797
literati
scholarly or learned persons
798
litigation
legal proceedings
799
log
record of a voyage; record of daily activities
800
loquacious
talkative
