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Collins Dictionary Flashcards

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1
Q

abdicate

A

If a king or queen abdicates, he or she gives up being king or queen.

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2
Q

aberrant

A

Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.

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3
Q

aberrant

A

Aberrant means unusual and not socially acceptable.

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4
Q

aberration

A

An aberration is an incident or way of behaving that is not typical.

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5
Q

abhor

A

If you abhor something, you hate it very much, especially for moral reasons.

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6
Q

abject

A

You use abject to emphasize that a situation or quality is extremely bad.

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7
Q

abjure

A

If you abjure something such as a belief or way of life, you state publicly that you will give it up or that you reject it.

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8
Q

ablute

A

thoroughly washed

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9
Q

abnegation

A

a giving up of rights, etc.; self-denial; renunciation

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10
Q

abstruse

A

You can describe something as abstruse if you find it difficult to understand, especially when you think it could be explained more simply.

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11
Q

accede

A
  1. If you accede to someone’s request or demands, you do what they ask.
  2. When a member of a royal family accedes to the throne, they become king or queen.
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12
Q

acquiesce

A

If you acquiesce in something, you agree to do what someone wants or to accept what they do.

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13
Q

acrid

A

An acrid smell or taste is strong and sharp, and usually unpleasant.

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14
Q

adage

A

An adage is something that people often say and that expresses a general truth about some aspect of life.

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15
Q

addelpated

A

having an addle brain; muddled; stupid

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16
Q

addle

A

If something addles someone’s mind or brain, they become confused and unable to think properly.

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17
Q

admonish

A

If you admonish someone, you tell them very seriously that they have done something wrong.

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18
Q

adulation

A

Adulation is uncritical admiration and praise of someone or something.

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19
Q

adumbrate

A
  1. to outline in a shadowy way; sketch
  2. to suggest beforehand; foreshadow in a vague way
  3. to obscure; overshadow
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20
Q

adust

A
  1. scorched; burned
  2. parched
  3. sunburned
  4. sallow and melancholy
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21
Q

aeonian

A

lasting for eons; eternal

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22
Q

afflatus

A

inspiration or powerful impulse, as of an artist or poet

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23
Q

agape

A

If you describe someone as having their mouth agape, their mouth is open very wide, often because they are very surprised by something.

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24
Q

agelast

A

a person who never laughs

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25
Q

agraphia

A

the partial or total loss of the ability to write

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26
Q

ajar

A

If a door is ajar, it is slightly open.

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27
Q

alameda

A

in the Southwest, a walk shaded as by alamos

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28
Q

allograph

A
  1. any of the ways a unit of a writing system, as the letter of an alphabet, is formed or shaped
  2. any of the units or combinations of units that can represent a single phoneme, morpheme, syllable, etc.
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29
Q

altitudinarian

A
  1. relating to high ideals
  2. a person who has lofty ideals
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30
Q

amalgamate

A

When two or more things, especially organizations, amalgamate or are amalgamated, they become one large thing.

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31
Q

ambivalent

A

If you say that someone is ambivalent about something, they seem to be uncertain whether they really want it, or whether they really approve of it.

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32
Q

ameliorate

A

If someone or something ameliorates a situation, they make it better or easier in some way.

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33
Q

amour

A

An amour is a love affair, especially one that is kept secret.

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34
Q

anaphora

A

repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses, lines of verse, etc.

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35
Q

anathema

A

If something is anathema to you, you strongly dislike it.

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36
Q

ancilla

A

an aid for use as in understanding or accomplishing something; often, specif., a handbook, or manual

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37
Q

anent

A

concerning; as regards; about

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38
Q

animus

A

If a person has an animus against someone, they have a strong feeling of dislike for them, even when there is no good reason for it.

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39
Q

anomia

A

the inability to name objects or to recognize the written or spoken names of objects

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40
Q

antiscian

A
  1. relating to a person living on the other side of the equator at the same meridian
  2. a person living on the other side of the equator at the same meridian
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41
Q

apocrypha

A

any writings, anecdotes, etc., of doubtful authenticity or authorship

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42
Q

apophenia

A

the tendency to perceive a connection or meaningful pattern between unrelated or random things (such as objects or ideas)

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43
Q

apoplectic

A

If someone is apoplectic, they are extremely angry about something.

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44
Q

apostasy

A

If someone is accused of apostasy, they are accused of abandoning their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles.

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45
Q

apostate

A

An apostate is someone who has abandoned their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles.

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46
Q

appraise

A

If you appraise something or someone, you consider them carefully and form an opinion about them.

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47
Q

apricate

A
  1. to sunbathe or bask in the sun
  2. to expose to sunlight
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48
Q

aprocryphal

A

An apocryphal story is one that is probably not true or did not happen, but that may give a true picture of someone or something.

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49
Q

arabesque

A

a complex and elaborate decorative design of intertwined lines suggesting flowers, foliage, animals, geometric patterns, etc., used in drawing, painting, low relief, metalwork, etc.

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50
Q

arabesque

A
  1. a sinuous, spiraling, undulating, or serpentine line or linear motif
  2. a pose in ballet in which the dancer stands on one leg with one arm extended in front and the other leg and arm extended behind
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51
Q

ardent

A

Ardent is used to describe someone who has extremely strong feelings about something or someone.

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52
Q

arduous

A

Something that is arduous is difficult and tiring, and involves a lot of effort.

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53
Q

ascribe

A

If you ascribe an event or condition to a particular cause, you say or consider that it was caused by that thing.

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54
Q

aslant

A

on a slant; slantingly; obliquely

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55
Q

astringent

A

having a harsh, biting quality

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56
Q

august

A

Someone or something that is august is dignified and impressive.

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57
Q

auspice

A
  1. a watching for omens in the flight of birds; divination
  2. an omen, esp. a favorable one
  3. approval and support; guiding sponsorship; patronage
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58
Q

Barmecidal

A

giving only the illusion of plenty; Barmecidal

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59
Q

beatitude

A

perfect blessedness or happiness

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60
Q

behest

A

an order, command, or request

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61
Q

beleaguer

A
  1. to besiege by encircling, as with an army
  2. to beset, as with difficulties; harass
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62
Q

belligerent

A

A belligerent person is hostile and aggressive.

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63
Q

benediction

A
  1. A benediction is a kind of Christian prayer.
  2. You can refer to something that makes people feel protected and at peace as a benediction.
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64
Q

bequeath

A

If you bequeath your money or property to someone, you legally state that they should have it when you die.

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65
Q

bereft

A

If a person or thing is bereft of something, they no longer have it.

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66
Q

bevy

A

A bevy of people is a group of people all together in one place

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67
Q

bloviate

A

to speak at some length bombastically or rhetorically

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68
Q

boisterous

A

Someone who is boisterous is noisy, lively, and full of energy.

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69
Q

boisterous

A

Someone who is boisterous is noisy, lively, and full of energy.

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70
Q

braggart

A
  1. an offensively boastful person
  2. bragging; boastful
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71
Q

bruit

A
  1. clamor
  2. rumor
  3. to spread a report of; rumor often with about
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72
Q

brumal

A

of, characteristic of, or relating to winter; wintry

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73
Q

burgeon

A

If something burgeons, it grows or develops rapidly.

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74
Q

burlesque

A

A burlesque is a performance or a piece of writing that makes fun of something by copying it in an exaggerated way. You can also use burlesque to refer to a situation in real life that is like this.

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75
Q

caducity

A
  1. the infirmity or weakness of old age; senility
  2. frailty; transitoriness
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76
Q

calumny

A

Calumny or a calumny is an untrue statement made about someone in order to reduce other people’s respect and admiration for them.

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77
Q

capitulate

A

If you capitulate, you stop resisting and do what someone else wants you to do.

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78
Q

capricious

A

Someone who is capricious often changes their mind unexpectedly.

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79
Q

carnal

A

Carnal feelings and desires are sexual and physical, without any spiritual element.

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80
Q

cashmere

A

Cashmere is a kind of very fine, soft wool.

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81
Q

cavalcade

A

A cavalcade is a procession of people on horses or in cars or carriages

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82
Q

cavalier

A

If you describe a person or their behavior as cavalier, you are criticizing them because you think that they do not consider other people’s feelings or take account of the seriousness of a situation.

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83
Q

censorious

A

If you describe someone as censorious, you do not like the way they strongly disapprove of and criticize someone else’s behavior.

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84
Q

cerulean

A

a deep blue colour; azure

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85
Q

chafe

A

If your skin chafes or is chafed by something, it becomes sore as a result of something rubbing against it.

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86
Q

chauvinist

A
  1. militant, unreasoning, and boastful devotion to one’s country; jingoism
  2. unreasoning devotion to one’s race, sex, etc. with contempt for other races, the opposite sex, etc.
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87
Q

chiaroscuro

A

Chiaroscuro is the use of light and shade in a picture, or the effect produced by light and shade in a place.

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88
Q

chimerical

A
  1. imaginary; fantastic; unreal
  2. absurd; impossible
  3. indulging in unrealistic fancies; visionary
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89
Q

chintzy

A

If you describe something as chintzy, you mean that it is showy and looks cheap.

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90
Q

chorale

A
  1. A chorale is a piece of music sung as part of a church service.
  2. A chorale is a group of people who sing together.
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91
Q

churlish

A

Someone who is churlish is unfriendly, bad-tempered, or impolite.

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92
Q

clarion

A
  1. a trumpet of the Middle Ages producing clear, sharp, shrill tones
  2. the sound of a clarion, or a sound like this
  3. clear, sharp, and ringing
  4. to announce forcefully or loudly
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93
Q

clathrate

A

resembling a net or lattice

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94
Q

clement

A

Clement weather is pleasantly mild and dry.

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95
Q

coalesce

A

If two or more things coalesce, they come together and form a larger group or system.

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96
Q

epistemic

A

of or having to do with knowledge or the act or ways of knowing

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97
Q

coeval

A
  1. of the same age or period; contemporary
  2. a contemporary
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98
Q

cogent

A

A cogent reason, argument, or example is strong and convincing.

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99
Q

cognoscenti

A

The cognoscenti are the people who know a lot about a particular subject.

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100
Q

commensurate

A

If the level of one thing is commensurate with another, the first level is in proportion to the second.

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101
Q

concinnity

A

a skillful arrangement of parts; harmony; elegance, esp. of literary style

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102
Q

concomitant

A

Concomitant is used to describe something that happens at the same time as another thing and is connected with it.

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103
Q

concordance

A

If there is concordance between two things, they are similar to each other or consistent with each other.

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104
Q

concupiscent

A
  1. lustful or sensual
  2. eagerly desirous
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105
Q

conflagration

A

A conflagration is a fire that burns over a large area and destroys property.

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106
Q

conflate

A

If you conflate two or more descriptions or ideas, or if they conflate, you combine them in order to produce a single one.

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107
Q

congeneric

A

belonging to the same group, esp (of animals or plants) belonging to the same genus

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108
Q

consign

A

To consign something or someone to a place where they will be forgotten about, or to an unpleasant situation or place, means to put them there.

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109
Q

contretemps

A

A contretemps is a small disagreement that is rather embarrassing.

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110
Q

copacetic

A

good, excellent, fine, etc.

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111
Q

corpulent

A

If you describe someone as corpulent, you mean they are fat.

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112
Q

coruscate

A

to give off flashes of light; glitter; sparkle

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113
Q

countenance

A
  1. If someone will not countenance something, they do not agree with it and will not allow it to happen.
  2. Someone’s countenance is their face.
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114
Q

covetous

A

A covetous person has a strong desire to possess something, especially something that belongs to another person.

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115
Q

crenulate

A

having tiny notches or scallops, as some leaves or shells

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116
Q

crepitate

A

to make slight, sharp, repeated crackling sounds; crackle

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117
Q

crepuscular

A

Crepuscular means relating to twilight.

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118
Q

cretonne

A

a heavy, unglazed, printed cotton or linen cloth, used for curtains, slipcovers, etc.

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119
Q

crone

A

A crone is an insulting word for an old woman.

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120
Q

cur

A

A cur is an unfriendly dog, especially a mongrel.

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121
Q

curmudgeon

A

If you call someone a curmudgeon, you do not like them because they are mean or bad-tempered.

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122
Q

Cyclopean

A
  1. huge; gigantic; enormous; massive
  2. of the Cyclopes
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123
Q

daedal

A
  1. skillfully made
  2. highly wrought
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124
Q

dalliance

A

If two people have a brief romantic relationship, you can say that they have a dalliance with each other, especially if they do not take it seriously.

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125
Q

dally

A

If you dally, you act or move very slowly, wasting time

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126
Q

damask

A

Damask is a type of heavy cloth with a pattern woven into it.

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127
Q

debouch

A
  1. to come forth from a narrow or shut-in place into open country
  2. to come forth; emerge
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128
Q

defalcate

A

to steal or misuse funds entrusted to one’s care; embezzle

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129
Q

defenestrate

A

to throw (a person or a thing) out of a window

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130
Q

degringolade

A

a rapid descent or deterioration

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131
Q

dejected

A

If you are dejected, you feel miserable or unhappy, especially because you have just been disappointed by something.

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132
Q

delectable

A

If you describe something, especially food or drink, as delectable, you mean that it is very pleasant.

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133
Q

dell

A

A dell is a small valley which has trees growing in it.

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134
Q

demagogue

A

If you say that someone such as a politician is a demagogue you are criticizing them because you think they try to win people’s support by appealing to their emotions rather than using reasonable arguments.

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135
Q

denigrate

A

If you denigrate someone or something, you criticize them unfairly or insult them.

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136
Q

deportment

A

Your deportment is the way you behave, especially the way you walk and move.

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137
Q

deprecate

A

If you deprecate something, you criticize it.

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138
Q

desultory

A

Something that is desultory is done in an unplanned and disorganized way, and without enthusiasm.

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139
Q

diatribe

A

A diatribe is an angry speech or article which is extremely critical of someone’s ideas or activities.

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140
Q

didactic

A

Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson.

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141
Q

didactic

A
  1. Something that is didactic is intended to teach people something, especially a moral lesson.
  2. Someone who is didactic tells people things rather than letting them find things out or discussing things.
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142
Q

dilettante

A

You can use dilettante to talk about someone who seems interested in a subject, especially in art, but who does not really know very much about it.

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143
Q

diminutive

A

A diminutive person or object is very small.

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144
Q

dint

A
  1. to dent
  2. to drive in with force
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145
Q

disavow

A

If you disavow something, you say that you are not connected with it or responsible for it.

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146
Q

disparage

A

If you disparage someone or something, you speak about them in a way which shows that you do not have a good opinion of them.

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147
Q

divan

A

A divan is a long soft seat that has no back or arms.

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148
Q

divest

A

If you divest yourself of something that you own or are responsible for, you get rid of it or stop being responsible for it.

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149
Q

doctrinaire

A

If you say that someone is doctrinaire or has a doctrinaire attitude, you disapprove of them because they have fixed principles which they try to force on other people.

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150
Q

doldrum

A
  1. low spirits; dull, gloomy, listless feeling
  2. sluggishness or complete inactivity; stagnation
  3. equatorial ocean regions noted for dead calms and light fluctuating breezes
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151
Q

domicile

A

Your domicile is the place where you live.

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152
Q

donnish

A

If you describe someone as donnish, you think they are rather serious and intellectual.

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153
Q

dote

A

If you say that someone dotes on a person or a thing, you mean that they love or care about them very much and ignore any faults they may have.

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154
Q

draconian

A

Draconian laws or measures are extremely harsh and severe.

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155
Q

droll

A

Something or someone that is droll is amusing or witty, sometimes in an unexpected way.

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156
Q

dulcet

A
  1. soothing or pleasant to hear; sweet-sounding; melodious
  2. sweet to taste or smell
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157
Q

eddy

A

An eddy is a movement in water or in the air that goes around and around instead of flowing in one continuous direction.

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158
Q

effeminate

A

If you describe a man or boy as effeminate, you think he behaves, looks, or sounds like a woman or girl.

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159
Q

effete

A

If you describe someone as effete, you are criticizing them for being weak and powerless.

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160
Q

effulgence

A

great brightness; radiance; brilliance

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161
Q

elephantine

A

If you describe something as elephantine, you mean that you think it is large and clumsy

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162
Q

eleutheromania

A

a manic yearning for freedom

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163
Q

elocution

A

Elocution is how clearly someone speaks or sings.

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164
Q

elucidate

A

If you elucidate something, you make it clear and easy to understand.

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165
Q

Elysian

A

in or like Elysium

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166
Q

emanate

A
  1. If a quality emanates from you, or if you emanate a quality, you give people a strong sense that you have that quality.
  2. If something emanates from somewhere, it comes from there.
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167
Q

emasculate

A

If someone or something is emasculated, they have been made weak and ineffective.

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168
Q

empyrean

A

of the empyrean; heavenly; sublime

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169
Q

ennui

A

Ennui is a feeling of being tired, bored, and dissatisfied.

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170
Q

ephemeral

A

If you describe something as ephemeral, you mean that it lasts only for a short time.

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171
Q

epistle

A

An epistle is a letter.

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172
Q

epithet

A

An epithet is an adjective or short phrase that is used as a way of criticizing or praising someone.

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173
Q

epoch

A

If you refer to a long period of time as an epoch, you mean that important events or great changes took place during it.

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174
Q

equipoise

A
  1. equal distribution of weight; state of balance, or equilibrium
  2. a weight or force that balances another; counterbalance
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175
Q

eschew

A

If you eschew something, you deliberately avoid doing it or becoming involved in it.

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176
Q

escutcheon

A

a shield or shield-shaped surface on which a coat of arms is displayed

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177
Q

espouse

A

If you espouse a particular policy, cause, or belief, you become very interested in it and give your support to it.

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178
Q

ethereal

A

Someone or something that is ethereal has a delicate beauty.

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179
Q

etiolate

A
  1. to cause to be pale and unhealthy
  2. to deprive of strength; weaken
  3. to blanch or bleach by depriving of sunlight
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180
Q

evince

A

If someone or something evinces a particular feeling or quality, they show that feeling or quality, often indirectly.

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181
Q

ex cathedra

A

with the authority that comes from one’s rank or office: often specif. with reference to papal pronouncements, on matters of faith or morals, that have authoritative finality

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182
Q

excoriate

A
  1. To excoriate a person or organization means to criticize them severely, usually in public.
  2. to strip, scratch, or rub off the skin of; flay, abrade, chafe, etc.
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183
Q

exculpate

A

to free from blame; declare or prove guiltless

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184
Q

execrable

A

If you describe something as execrable, you mean that it is very bad or unpleasant.

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185
Q

exhortation

A

If you exhort someone to do something, you try hard to persuade or encourage them to do it.

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186
Q

exhume

A

f a dead person’s body is exhumed, it is taken out of the ground where it is buried, especially so that it can be examined in order to find out how the person died.

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187
Q

exigent

A
  1. calling for immediate action or attention; urgent; critical
  2. requiring more than is reasonable; demanding; exacting
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188
Q

exorbitant

A

If you describe something such as a price or fee as exorbitant, you are emphasizing that it is much higher than it should be.

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189
Q

expatiate

A

to speak or write in great detail; elaborate or enlarge (on or upon)

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190
Q

expiate

A
  1. If you expiate guilty feelings or bad behavior, you do something to indicate that you are sorry for what you have done.
  2. to make amends or reparation for (wrongdoing or guilt); atone for
  3. to pay the penalty of; suffer for
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191
Q

expunge

A

If you expunge something, you get rid of it completely, because it causes problems or bad feelings.

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192
Q

facetious

A

If you say that someone is being facetious, you are criticizing them because they are making humorous remarks or saying things that they do not mean in a situation where they ought to be serious.

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193
Q

fastidious

A

If you say that someone is fastidious, you mean that they pay great attention to detail because they like everything to be very neat, accurate, and in good order.

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194
Q

feckless

A

If you describe someone as feckless, you mean that they lack determination or strength, and are unable to do anything properly.

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195
Q

fecund

A
  1. Land or soil that is fecund is able to support the growth of a large number of strong healthy plants.
  2. If you describe something as fecund, you approve of it because it produces a lot of good or useful things.
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196
Q

fervent

A

A fervent person has or shows strong feelings about something, and is very sincere and enthusiastic about it.

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197
Q

fete

A
  1. A fete is a fancy party or celebration.
  2. If someone is feted, they are celebrated, welcomed, or admired by the public.
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198
Q

filch

A

If you say that someone filches something, you mean they steal it, especially when you do not consider this to be a very serious crime.

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199
Q

floe

A

An ice floe is a large area of ice floating in the sea

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200
Q

flounce

A

If you flounce somewhere, you walk there quickly with exaggerated movements, in a way that shows you are annoyed or upset.

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201
Q

folderol

A
  1. a showy but worthless trinket
  2. mere nonsense
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202
Q

foment

A

If someone or something foments trouble or violent opposition, they cause it to develop.

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203
Q

foray

A

If you make a foray into a new or unfamiliar type of activity, you start to become involved in it.

204
Q

torpid

A

If you are torpid, you are mentally or physically inactive, especially because you are feeling lazy or sleepy

205
Q

frenetic

A

If you describe an activity as frenetic, you mean that it is fast and energetic, but rather uncontrolled.

206
Q

frivolous

A

If you describe someone as frivolous, you mean they behave in a silly or light-hearted way, rather than being serious and sensible.

207
Q

fructuate

A

to bear fruit

208
Q

frugal

A

People who are frugal or who live frugal lives do not spend much money on themselves.

209
Q

fruitlet

A

a small fruit, esp. one of those forming an aggregate fruit, as the raspberry

210
Q

fugue

A

a period during which a person suffers from loss of memory, often begins a new life, and, upon recovery, remembers nothing of the amnesic phase

211
Q

fulgurant

A

to give off flashes of or like lightning

212
Q

fulminate

A

If you fulminate against someone or something, you criticize them angrily.

213
Q

furtive

A

If you describe someone’s behavior as furtive, you disapprove of them behaving as if they want to keep something secret or hidden.

214
Q

gaiety

A

Gaiety is a feeling, attitude, or atmosphere of liveliness and fun.

215
Q

gambit

A
  1. A gambit is an action or set of actions which you carry out in order to try to gain an advantage in a situation or game.
  2. A gambit is a remark which you make to someone in order to start or continue a conversation with them.
216
Q

gambol

A

If animals or people gambol, they run or jump about in a playful way.

217
Q

garrulous

A

If you describe someone as garrulous, you mean that they talk a great deal, especially about unimportant things.

218
Q

genial

A

Someone who is genial is kind and friendly.

219
Q

gentrify

A

When a street or area is gentrified, it becomes a more expensive place to live because wealthy people move into the area and buy the houses where people with less money used to live.

220
Q

gentry

A

The gentry are people of high social status or high birth.

221
Q

glaucous

A

bluish-green or yellowish-green

222
Q

glib

A

If you describe what someone says as glib, you disapprove of it because it implies that something is simple or easy, or that there are no problems involved, when this is not the case.

223
Q

gossamer

A

You use gossamer to indicate that something is very light, thin, or delicate.

224
Q

hapless

A

A hapless person is unlucky.

225
Q

harangue

A

If someone harangues you, they try to persuade you to accept their opinions or ideas in a forceful way.

226
Q

hermitage

A
  1. the place where a hermit lives
  2. a place where a person can live away from other people; secluded retreat
227
Q

hierophant

A
  1. in ancient Greece, a priest of a mystery cult
  2. a person confidently expounding, explaining, or promoting something mysterious or obscure as though appointed to do so
228
Q

hircine

A

of or like a goat; esp., smelling like a goat

229
Q

hobbledehoy

A

a boy or adolescent youth, esp. one who is awkward and gawky

230
Q

hoodwink

A

If someone hoodwinks you, they trick or deceive you.

231
Q

ideologue

A

An ideologue is the same as an ideologist.

232
Q

idyll

A

If you describe a situation as an idyll, you mean that it is idyllic.

233
Q

idyllic

A

If you describe something as idyllic, you mean that it is extremely pleasant, simple, and peaceful without any difficulties or dangers.

234
Q

ignoble

A

If you describe something as ignoble, you mean that it is bad and something to be ashamed of.

235
Q

ignominy

A

Ignominy is shame or public disgrace.

236
Q

immanent

A

If you say that a quality is immanent in a particular thing, you mean that the thing has that quality, and cannot exist or be imagined without it.

237
Q

immure

A
  1. to shut up within or as within walls; imprison, confine, or seclude
  2. to entomb in a wall
238
Q

impertinent

A

If someone talks or behaves in a rather impolite and disrespectful way, you can say that they are being impertinent.

239
Q

importune

A

If someone importunes another person, they ask them for something or ask them to do something, in an annoying way.

240
Q

impudence

A

If you describe someone as impudent, you mean they are rude or disrespectful, or do something they have no right to do.

241
Q

inane

A

If you describe someone’s behavior or actions as inane, you think they are very silly or stupid.

242
Q

incarnate

A

If you say that someone is a quality incarnate, you mean that they represent that quality or are typical of it in an extreme form.

243
Q

incipient

A

An incipient situation or quality is one that is starting to happen or develop.

244
Q

incondite

A
  1. poorly constructed
  2. lacking finish or refinement; crude
245
Q

incontinent

A

Someone who is incontinent is unable to control urine or feces from coming out of their body.

246
Q

incubus

A

an evil spirit or demon thought in medieval times to descend upon and have sexual intercourse with women

247
Q

indefatigable

A

You use indefatigable to describe someone who never gets tired of doing something.

248
Q

indolent

A

Someone who is indolent is lazy.

249
Q

ingratiate

A

If someone tries to ingratiate themselves with you, they do things to try and make you like them.

250
Q

iniquity

A

You can refer to wicked actions or very unfair situations as iniquity.

251
Q

insipid

A
  1. If you describe food or drink as insipid, you dislike it because it has very little taste.
  2. If you describe someone or something as insipid, you mean they are dull and boring.
252
Q

insouciance

A

Insouciance is lack of concern shown by someone about something that they are expected to take more seriously

253
Q

intercession

A

Intercession is the act of interceding with someone.

254
Q

intonation

A

Your intonation is the way that your voice rises and falls as you speak.

255
Q

intransigent

A

If you describe someone as intransigent, you mean that they refuse to behave differently or to change their attitude to something.

256
Q

inure

A
  1. to make accustomed to something difficult, painful, etc.; habituate
  2. to come into use or take effect
257
Q

inveigh

A

If you inveigh against something, you criticize it strongly.

258
Q

investiture

A

An investiture is a ceremony in which someone is given an official title.

259
Q

invidious

A
  1. If you describe a task or job as invidious, you mean that it is unpleasant because it is likely to make you unpopular.
  2. An invidious comparison or choice between two things is an unfair one because the two things are very different or are equally good or bad.
260
Q

iridescent

A

Something that is iridescent has many bright colors that seem to keep changing.

261
Q

irreverent

A

If you describe someone as irreverent, you mean that they do not show respect for people or things that are generally respected.

262
Q

jaunty

A

If you describe someone or something as jaunty, you mean that they are full of confidence and energy.

263
Q

jaunty

A

If you describe someone or something as jaunty, you mean that they are full of confidence and energy.

264
Q

jingoist

A
  1. a person who boasts of his or her patriotism and favors an aggressive, threatening, warlike foreign policy; chauvinist
265
Q

jocular

A

If you say that someone has a jocular manner, you mean that they are cheerful and often make jokes or try to make people laugh.

266
Q

knave

A

If someone calls a man a knave, they mean that he is dishonest and should not be trusted

267
Q

laud

A

If people laud someone, they praise and admire them.

268
Q

laudable

A

Something that is laudable deserves to be praised or admired.

269
Q

lave

A
  1. to wash or bathe
  2. to flow along or against
  3. to dip or pour with or as with a ladle
270
Q

lesion

A

A lesion is an injury or wound to someone’s body.

271
Q

levity

A

Levity is behavior that shows a tendency to treat serious matters in a nonserious way.

272
Q

lexical

A

Lexical means relating to the words of a language.

273
Q

libelous

A

If a statement in a book, newspaper, or magazine is libelous, it wrongly accuses someone of something, and is therefore against the law.

274
Q

libertine

A

If you refer to someone as a libertine, you mean that they are sexually immoral and do not care about the effect their behavior has on other people.

275
Q

lieu

A
  1. If you do, get, or give one thing in lieu of another, you do, get, or give it instead of the other thing, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance.
  2. If you do, get, or give something in lieu, you do, get, or give it instead of something else, because the two things are considered to have the same value or importance.
276
Q

lilt

A

If someone’s voice has a lilt in it, the pitch of their voice rises and falls in a pleasant way, as if they were singing.

277
Q

litany

A

If you describe what someone says as a litany of things, you mean that you have heard it many times before, and you think it is boring or insincere.

278
Q

liturgy

A

A liturgy is a particular form of religious service, usually one that is set and approved by a branch of the Christian Church.

279
Q

lofty

A
  1. A lofty ideal or ambition is noble, important, and admirable.
  2. A lofty building or room is very high.
  3. If you say that someone behaves in a lofty way, you are critical of them for behaving in a proud and somewhat overbearing way, as if they think they are very important.
280
Q

loquacious

A

If you describe someone as loquacious, you mean that they talk a lot.

281
Q

ludic

A

expressive of a playful but aimless outlook

282
Q

lurid

A

If you say that something is lurid, you are critical of it because it involves a lot of violence, sex, or shocking detail.

283
Q

macabre

A

You describe something such as an event or story as macabre when it is strange and horrible or upsetting, usually because it involves death or injury.

284
Q

madrigal

A

A madrigal is a song sung by several singers without any musical instruments. Madrigals were popular in England in the sixteenth century.

285
Q

magnanimity

A

Magnanimity is kindness and generosity toward someone, especially after defeating them or being treated badly by them.

286
Q

magniloquent

A
  1. Magnanimity is kindness and generosity toward someone, especially after defeating them or being treated badly by them.
  2. boastful or bombastic
287
Q

malfeasance

A

wrongdoing or misconduct, esp. by a public official; commission of an act that is positively unlawful

288
Q

malodorous

A

Something that is malodorous has an unpleasant smell.

289
Q

manqué

A
  1. You use manqué to describe someone who has never had the type of job indicated, although they had the ability for it or wanted
  2. that falls short of the goal; unsuccessful or defective
  3. potential but unrealized; would-be placed after the noun it modifies [a scholar manqué]: also used of a woman, in which case it is spelled manˈquée
290
Q

mar

A

To mar something means to spoil or damage it.

291
Q

matitutinal

A

of or in the morning; early

292
Q

mauve

A

Something that is mauve is of a pale purple color.

293
Q

mawkish

A

You can describe something as mawkish when you think it is sentimental and silly.

294
Q

mendacious

A

A mendacious person is someone who tells lies. A mendacious statement is one that is a lie.

295
Q

mercurial

A

If you describe someone as mercurial, you mean that they frequently change their mind or mood without warning.

296
Q

metonymy

A

a figure of speech in which the name of one thing is used in place of that of another associated with or suggested by it ( Ex.: “the White House” for “the President”)

297
Q

miasma

A

You can describe something bad or confused that seems to be in the air all around you as a miasma.

298
Q

mire

A
  1. You can refer to an unpleasant or difficult situation as a mire of some kind.
  2. Mire is dirt or mud.
299
Q

miscible

A

that can be mixed

300
Q

morose

A

Someone who is morose is miserable, bad-tempered, and not willing to talk very much to other people.

301
Q

mystagogue

A

person who interprets religious mysteries or initiates others into them

302
Q

nacreous

A

like mother-of-pearl

303
Q

nascent

A

Nascent things or processes are just beginning, and are expected to become stronger or to grow bigger.

304
Q

natatorium

A

a swimming pool, esp. one indoors

305
Q

nebulous

A

If you describe something as nebulous, you mean that it is vague and not clearly defined or not easy to describe.

306
Q

neophyte

A

A neophyte is someone who is new to a particular activity.

307
Q

nepenthe

A
  1. a drug supposed by the ancient Greeks to cause forgetfulness of sorrow
  2. anything causing such forgetfulness
308
Q

nidor

A

the strong odour of cooking or burning animal products; thus, any strong unpleasant smell

309
Q

nisus

A
  1. effort; endeavor; impulse
  2. a seasonal desire to mate
  3. the muscular contractions used to expel waste, eggs, or a fetus from the body
310
Q

nondescript

A

If you describe something or someone as nondescript, you mean that their appearance is rather dull, and not at all interesting or attractive.

311
Q

obdurate

A

If you describe someone as obdurate, you think that they are being unreasonable in their refusal to change their decision or opinion.

312
Q

obeisance

A
  1. Obeisance to someone or something is great respect shown for them.
  2. An obeisance is a physical gesture, especially a bow, that you make in order to show your respect for someone or something.
313
Q

obfuscate

A

To obfuscate something means to deliberately make it seem confusing and difficult to understand.

314
Q

oblong

A

An oblong is a shape which has two long sides and two short sides and in which all the angles are right angles.

315
Q

obsequious

A

If you describe someone as obsequious, you are criticizing them because they are too eager to help or agree with someone more important than them.

316
Q

obstinate

A

If you describe someone as obstinate, you are being critical of them because they are very determined to do what they want, and refuse to change their mind or be persuaded to do something else.

317
Q

occident

A

the west

318
Q

occlusion

A
  1. to close, shut, or block (a passage)
  2. to prevent the passage of; shut in or out
  3. to conceal, hide, or obscure
319
Q

odious

A

If you describe people or things as odious, you think that they are hateful or disgusting.

320
Q

oleaginous

A

oily; greasy; unctuous

321
Q

onerous

A

If you describe a task as onerous, you dislike having to do it because you find it difficult or unpleasant.

322
Q

opalescent

A

Opalescent means colorless or white like an opal, or changing color like an opal.

323
Q

orchidaceous

A

of, relating to, or belonging to the Orchidaceae, a family of flowering plants including the orchids

324
Q

orgulous

A

excessively proud; haughty; arrogant

325
Q

oscitancy

A

drowsiness, dullness, apathy, etc.

326
Q

ostensibly

A

apparently; seemingly

327
Q

ostentatious

A
  1. If you describe something as ostentatious, you disapprove of it because it is expensive and is intended to impress people
  2. If you describe someone as ostentatious, you disapprove of them because they want to impress people with their wealth or importance.
328
Q

palatial

A

A palatial house, hotel, or office building is very large and impressive.

329
Q

pallid

A
  1. Someone or something that is pallid is pale in an unattractive or unnatural way.
  2. You can describe something such as a performance or book as pallid if it is weak or not at all exciting.
330
Q

pallor

A

If you refer to the pallor of someone’s face or skin, you mean that it is pale and unhealthy.

331
Q

palpable

A

You describe something as palpable when it is obvious or intense and easily noticed.

332
Q

palpitate

A

If someone’s heart palpitates, it beats very fast in an irregular way, because they are frightened or anxious.

333
Q

palsied

A

Palsy is a medical condition in which a person is unable to move part of their body, or in which a part of their body shakes uncontrollably.

334
Q

panache

A

If you do something with panache, you do it in a confident, stylish, and elegant way.

335
Q

panoply

A

A panoply of things is a wide range of them, especially one that is considered impressive.

336
Q

paradisiacal

A

of, like, or fit for paradise

337
Q

parasol

A

A parasol is an object like an umbrella that provides shade from the sun.

338
Q

pariah

A

If you describe someone as a pariah, you mean that other people dislike them so much that they refuse to associate with them.

339
Q

paroxysm

A
  1. A paroxysm of emotion is a sudden, very strong occurrence of it.
  2. A paroxysm is a series of sudden, violent, uncontrollable movements that your body makes because you are coughing, laughing, or in great pain.
340
Q

parsimonious

A

Someone who is parsimonious is very unwilling to spend money.

341
Q

pastiche

A

A pastiche is something such as a piece of writing or music in which the style is copied from somewhere else, or which contains a mixture of different styles

342
Q

patronage

A

Patronage is the support and money given by someone to a person or a group such as a charity.

343
Q

paucity

A

If you say that there is a paucity of something, you mean that there is not enough of it.

344
Q

pedagogy

A

Pedagogy is the study and theory of the methods and principles of teaching.

345
Q

pejorative

A

A pejorative word or expression is one that expresses criticism of someone or something.

346
Q

pensive

A

If you are pensive, you are thinking deeply about something, especially something that worries you slightly.

347
Q

perambulate

A

When someone perambulates, they walk around for pleasure.

348
Q

perdition

A

If you say that someone is on the road to perdition, you mean that their behavior is likely to lead them to failure and punishment.

349
Q

perennial

A

You use perennial to describe situations or states that keep occurring or that seem to exist all the time; used especially to describe problems or difficulties.

350
Q

perfunctory

A

A perfunctory action is done quickly and carelessly, and shows a lack of interest in what you are doing.

351
Q

periscope

A

A periscope is a vertical tube that people inside submarines can look through to see above the surface of the water.

352
Q

perpetuity

A

If something is done in perpetuity, it is intended to last for ever.

353
Q

perspicacious

A

Someone who is perspicacious notices, realizes, and understands things quickly.

354
Q

petrichor

A

a sweet smell that is produced when rain falls on parched earth

355
Q

petulant

A

Someone who is petulant is unreasonably angry and upset in a childish way

356
Q

pharisaic

A

pretending to be highly moral or virtuous without actually being so; hypocritical

357
Q

philistine

A
  1. If you call someone a philistine, you mean that they do not care about or understand good art, music, or literature, and do not think that they are important.
  2. You can use philistine to describe people or organizations who you think do not care about or understand the value of good art, music, or literature.
358
Q

phonograph

A

A phonograph is a record player.

359
Q

pithy

A

A pithy comment or piece of writing is short, direct, and full of meaning.

360
Q

placate

A

If you placate someone, you do or say something to make them stop feeling angry.

361
Q

pejorative

A

A pejorative word or expression is one that expresses criticism of someone or something.

362
Q

pleat

A

A pleat in a piece of clothing is a permanent fold that is made in the cloth by folding one part over the other and sewing across the top end of the fold.

363
Q

pleonasm

A
  1. the use of more words than are necessary for the expression of an idea; redundancy ( Ex.: “ plenty enough”)
  2. an instance of this
  3. a redundant word or expression
364
Q

poignant

A

Something that is poignant affects you deeply and makes you feel sadness or regret.

365
Q

poltroon

A
  1. a thorough coward; craven
  2. cowardly
366
Q

popple

A
  1. to heave, toss, bubble, or ripple, as water in a choppy sea
  2. the action of poppling
367
Q

portend

A

If something portends an event or occurrence, it indicates that it is likely to happen in the future

368
Q

posh

A

If you describe something as posh, you mean that it is elegant, fashionable, and expensive.

369
Q

posthumous

A

Posthumous is used to describe something that happens after a person’s death but relates to something they did before they died.

370
Q

potentate

A

A potentate is a ruler who has complete power over their people

371
Q

praxis

A
  1. practice, as distinguished from theory, of an art, science, etc.
  2. established practice; custom
372
Q

prescind

A

to detach, abstract, or isolate (a meaning, one’s mind, etc.)

373
Q

profundity

A

Profundity is great intellectual depth and understanding.

374
Q

prosaic

A

Something that is prosaic is dull and uninteresting.

375
Q

proselyte

A

a person who has been converted from one religion to another, or from one belief, sect, party, etc. to another

376
Q

prosody

A
  1. the science or art of versification, including the study of metrical structure, stanza forms, etc.
377
Q

prosody

A

Quotidian activities or experiences are basic, everyday activities or experiences.

378
Q

prurient

A

If you describe someone as prurient, you mean that they show too much interest in sexual matters.

379
Q

puerile

A

If you describe someone or something as puerile, you mean that they are silly and childish.

380
Q

puissant

A

powerful; strong

381
Q

pundit

A

A pundit is a person who knows a lot about a subject and is often asked to give information or opinions about it to the public.

382
Q

purl

A
  1. to move in ripples or with a murmuring sound
  2. to move in eddies; swirl
  3. a purling stream or rill
  4. the murmuring sound of purling water
383
Q

purview

A

The purview of something such as an organization or activity is the range of things it deals with.

384
Q

pustule

A

A pustule is a small infected swelling on the skin.

385
Q

qua

A

in the function, character, or capacity of; as

386
Q

quandary

A

If you are in a quandary, you have to make a decision but cannot decide what to do.

387
Q

quiddity

A
  1. the essential quality of a thing
  2. a trifling distinction; quibble
388
Q

quiesce

A
  1. to become quiet or subdued
  2. (of a letter) to be made silent
389
Q

quondam

A

that was at one time; former

390
Q

rambunctious

A

A rambunctious person is energetic in a cheerful, noisy way.

391
Q

rancor

A

Rancor is a feeling of bitterness and anger.

392
Q

rapport

A

If two people or groups have a rapport, they have a good relationship in which they are able to understand each other’s ideas or feelings very well.

393
Q

raucous

A

A raucous sound is loud, harsh, and rather unpleasant.

394
Q

recondite

A

Recondite areas of knowledge or learning are difficult to understand, and not many people know about them.

395
Q

redolent

A

If something is redolent of something else, it has features that make you think of that other thing.

396
Q

refractory

A

Refractory people are difficult to deal with or control, usually because they are unwilling to obey orders.

397
Q

remora

A

anything that hinders or impedes

398
Q

repetend

A

a repeated sound, word, or phrase; refrain

399
Q

repose

A

Repose is a state in which you are resting and feeling calm.

400
Q

repose

A

Repose is a state in which you are resting and feeling calm.

401
Q

reprieve

A

A reprieve is a delay before a very unpleasant or difficult situation which may or may not take place.

402
Q

reticent

A

Someone who is reticent does not tell people about things.

403
Q

rigamarole

A

You can describe a long and complicated process as a rigmarole.

404
Q

rout

A

If an army, sports team, or other group routs its opponents, it defeats them completely and easily.

405
Q

russet

A

Russet is used to describe things that are reddish brown in color.

406
Q

sabbatical

A

A sabbatical is a period of time during which someone such as a university teacher can leave their ordinary work and travel or study.

407
Q

salacious

A

If you describe something such as a book or joke as salacious, you think that it deals with sexual matters in an unnecessarily detailed way.

408
Q

salient

A

The salient points or facts of a situation are the most important ones.

409
Q

scion

A

A scion of a rich or famous family is one of its younger or more recent members.

410
Q

screed

A

a long, tiresome speech or piece of writing

411
Q

scrupulous

A

Someone who is scrupulous takes great care to do what is fair, honest, or morally right.

412
Q

sedulous

A
  1. working hard and steadily; diligent
  2. constant; persistent
413
Q

sequacious

A

easily influenced or led; servile; compliant

414
Q

sequela

A
  1. a thing that follows; consequence
  2. a diseased condition following, and usually resulting from, a previous disease
415
Q

seraglio

A

the palace of a Turkish sultan

416
Q

serendipity

A

Serendipity is the luck some people have in finding or creating interesting or valuable things by chance

417
Q

seriatim

A

one after another in order; point by point; serial(ly)

418
Q

servile

A

If you say that someone is servile, you disapprove of them because they are too eager to obey someone or do things for them.

419
Q

sesquipedalian

A

using, or characterized by the use of, long words

420
Q

shadow play

A

a play produced by showing to the audience only the shadows of actors or puppets on a screen

421
Q

shivaree

A

a noisy demonstration or celebration; esp., a mock serenade with kettles, horns, etc. to a couple on their wedding night; charivari

422
Q

shorn

A

Shorn is the past participle of shear.

423
Q

shrewd

A

A shrewd person is able to understand and judge a situation quickly and to use this understanding to their own advantage.

424
Q

skein

A

A skein is a length of thread, especially wool or silk, wound loosely around itself.

425
Q

sobriquet

A

A sobriquet is a humorous name that people give someone or something.

426
Q

sojourn

A

A sojourn is a short stay in a place that is not your home.

427
Q

solecism

A
  1. a violation of the conventional usage, grammar, etc. of a language; ungrammatical use of words ( Ex.: “We done it” for “We did it”)
  2. a violation of good manners; breach of etiquette
  3. a mistake or impropriety
428
Q

solipsism

A
  1. the theory that the self can be aware of nothing but its own experiences and states
  2. the theory that nothing exists or is real but the self
429
Q

sonorous

A

A sonorous sound is deep and rich.

430
Q

sordid

A

If you describe someone’s behavior as sordid, you mean that it is immoral or dishonest.

431
Q

sough

A

a soft, low, murmuring, sighing, or rustling sound

432
Q

sough

A
  1. a soft, low, murmuring, sighing, or rustling sound
  2. to make a sough
433
Q

spastic

A
  1. Someone who is spastic is born with a disability which makes it difficult for them to control their muscles, especially in their arms and legs. Most people now refer to someone with this disability as having cerebral palsy.
  2. pertaining to, of the nature of, or characterized by spasm, esp. tonic spasm
  3. a person exhibiting such spasms
434
Q

spinster

A

A spinster is a woman who has never been married; used especially when talking about an old or middle-aged woman

435
Q

spurious

A

Something that is spurious seems to be genuine, but is false. A spurious argument or way of reasoning is incorrect, and so the conclusion is probably incorrect.

436
Q

squall

A

A squall is a sudden strong wind which often causes a brief, violent rainstorm or snowstorm.

437
Q

staccato

A

A staccato noise consists of a series of short, sharp, separate sounds.

438
Q

prosody

A
  1. the science or art of versification, including the study of metrical structure, stanza forms, etc.
  2. a particular system or style of versification and metrical structure
439
Q

stolid

A

If you describe someone as stolid, you mean that they do not show much emotion or are not very exciting or interesting.

440
Q

stringent

A

Stringent laws, rules, or conditions are very severe or are strictly controlled

441
Q

stupor

A

Someone who is in a stupor is almost unconscious and is unable to act or think normally, especially as a result of drink or drugs.

442
Q

sublet

A

If you sublet a building or part of a building, you allow someone to use it and you take rent from them, although you are not the owner and pay rent for it yourself.

443
Q

substratum

A

A substratum of something is a layer that lies under the surface of another layer, or a feature that is less obvious than other features.

444
Q

succint

A

Something that is succinct expresses facts or ideas clearly and in few words.

445
Q

succor

A
  1. Succor is help given to people who are suffering or in difficulties.
  2. If you succor someone who is suffering or in difficulties, you help them.
446
Q

suffuse

A

If something, especially a color or feeling, suffuses a person or thing, it gradually spreads over or through them.

447
Q

suffuse

A
  1. If something, especially a color or feeling, suffuses a person or thing, it gradually spreads over or through them.
  2. If something such as a book, movie, or piece of music is suffused with a quality, it is full of that quality.
448
Q

sumptuous

A

Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive

449
Q

sumptuous

A

Something that is sumptuous is grand and obviously very expensive.

450
Q

supercilious

A

If you say that someone is supercilious, you disapprove of them because they behave in a way that shows they think they are better than other people.

451
Q

surreptitious

A

A surreptitious action is done secretly.

452
Q

surreptitious

A

A surreptitious action is done secretly

453
Q

Svengali

A

a person who dominates or manipulates another, esp. with evil intentions

454
Q

sybarite

A
  1. a person born or living in ancient Sybaris
  2. anyone very fond of self-indulgence and luxury; voluptuary
455
Q

tabulate

A

To tabulate information means to arrange it in columns on a page so that it can be analyzed.

456
Q

taciturn

A

A taciturn person does not say very much and can seem unfriendly.

457
Q

tact

A

Tact is the ability to avoid upsetting or offending people by being careful not to say or do things that would hurt their feelings.

458
Q

tactile`

A
  1. If you describe someone as tactile, you mean that they tend to touch other people a lot when talking to them.
  2. Something such as fabric which is tactile is pleasant or interesting to touch.
  3. Tactile experiences or sensations are received or felt by touch.
459
Q

taupe

A

Something that is taupe is a pale brownish-gray color.

460
Q

tendentious

A

Something that is tendentious expresses a particular opinion or point of view very strongly, especially one that many people disagree with.

461
Q

indolent

A

Someone who is indolent is lazy.

462
Q

tepid

A

Water or another liquid that is tepid is slightly warm.

463
Q

testudinal

A

of or like a tortoise or its shell; testudinate

464
Q

tetchy

A

If you say that someone is tetchy, you mean they are bad-tempered and likely to get angry suddenly without an obvious reason.

465
Q

throng

A
  1. A throng is a large crowd of people.
  2. When people throng somewhere, they go there in great numbers.
466
Q

timorous

A
  1. If you describe someone as timorous, you mean that they are frightened and nervous of other people and situations.
  2. If you describe someone’s actions or decisions as timorous, you are criticizing them for being too cautious or weak, because the person is not very confident and is worried about the possible consequences of their actions.
467
Q

torrid

A
  1. Torrid weather is extremely hot and dry.
  2. A torrid relationship or incident involves very strong emotions connected with love and sex.
468
Q

transient

A
  1. Transient is used to describe a situation that lasts only a short time or is constantly changing.
  2. Transients are people who stay in a place for only a short time and then move somewhere else.
469
Q

treacle

A

Treacle is a thick, sweet, sticky liquid that is obtained when sugar is processed. It is used in making cakes and desserts such as steamed puddings.

470
Q

trenchant

A

You can use trenchant to describe something such as a criticism or comment that is very clear, effective, and forceful.

471
Q

truculent

A

If you say that someone is truculent, you mean that they are bad-tempered and aggressive.

472
Q

tumescent

A
  1. swelling; slightly tumid
  2. exhibiting or affected with many ideas or emotions; teeming
  3. pompous and pretentious, esp. in the use of language; bombastic
473
Q

ubiquity

A

If you talk about the ubiquity of something, you mean that it seems to be everywhere.

474
Q

ululate

A

If someone ululates, they make quickly repeated loud sounds, often to express sorrow or happiness.

475
Q

umbrage

A
  1. foliage, considered as shade-giving
  2. offense or resentment
476
Q

unctuous

A

If you describe someone as unctuous, you are critical of them because they seem to be full of praise, kindness, or interest, but are obviously insincere.

477
Q

unremit

A
  1. not remitted, as a debt
  2. unpardoned, as a sin
  3. steadily maintained; uninterrupted; constant
478
Q

ustulation

A

the use of heat to dry or scorch, esp. in preparing a medicine

479
Q

vagary

A
  1. Vagaries are unexpected and unpredictable changes in a situation or in someone’s behavior that you have no control over.
  2. an odd, eccentric, or unexpected action or bit of conduct
  3. an odd, whimsical, or freakish idea or notion; oddity; caprice
480
Q

venal

A

If you describe someone as venal, you disapprove of them because they are prepared to do almost anything in return for money, even things that are dishonest or immoral.

481
Q

venerable

A

A venerable person deserves respect because they are old and wise.

482
Q

venereal

A
  1. having to do with sexual love or intercourse
  2. serving to arouse sexual desire; aphrodisiac
  3. transmitted only or chiefly by sexual intercourse with an infected individual
483
Q

vermeil

A

gilded or gold-colored copper, bronze, or silver

484
Q

versimilitude

A

Verisimilitude is the quality of seeming to be true or real.

485
Q

vinculum

A
  1. that which binds; bond; tie
  2. a band or connecting fold
486
Q

vindicate

A

If a person or their decisions, actions, or ideas are vindicated, they are proved to be correct, after people have said that they were wrong.

487
Q

vindicitive

A

If you say that someone is vindictive, you are critical of them because they deliberately try to upset or cause trouble for someone who they think has done them harm.

488
Q

vitiate

A

If something is vitiated, its effectiveness is spoiled or weakened.

489
Q

vivify

A
  1. to give life to; animate
  2. to make more lively, active, striking, etc.
490
Q

voluptuous

A

If you describe a woman as voluptuous, you mean that she has large breasts and hips and may be considered attractive in a sexual way.

491
Q

wan

A

If you describe someone as wan, you mean that they look pale and tired.

492
Q

weal

A

A weal is a swelling made on someone’s skin by a blow, especially from something sharp or thin such as a sword or whip.

493
Q

whinge

A

If you say that someone is whingeing, you mean that they are complaining in an annoying way about something unimportant.

494
Q

winsome

A

If you describe a person or their actions or behavior as winsome, you mean that they are attractive and charming.

495
Q

yonderly

A
  1. aloof; reserved
  2. morose; gloomy
496
Q

yore

A

Of yore is used to refer to a period of time in the past.

497
Q

zugzwang

A

a position in which one player can move only with loss or severe disadvantage

498
Q

guile

A

Guile is the quality of being good at deceiving people in a clever way.

499
Q

beguile

A
  1. If something beguiles you, you are charmed and attracted by it.
  2. If someone beguiles you into doing something, they trick you into doing it.
500
Q

remonstrate

A

If you remonstrate with someone, you protest to them about something you do not approve of or agree with, and you try to get it changed or stopped.

501
Q

commodious

A

A commodious room or house is large and has a lot of space.

502
Q

foal

A
  1. A foal is a very young horse.
  2. When a female horse foals, it gives birth.
503
Q

frond

A

A frond is a long leaf which has an edge divided into lots of thin parts.

504
Q

despondent

A

If you are despondent, you are very unhappy because you have been experiencing difficulties that you think you will not be able to overcome.

505
Q

rill

A
  1. a little brook; rivulet
  2. to flow in or like a rill
506
Q

spate

A

A spate of things, especially unpleasant things, is a large number of them that happen or appear within a short period of time.

507
Q
A

Vocabulary (1 decks)

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