hspt_level2 Flashcards
scapegoat
scapegoat - (noun) someone who bears the blame for others_ acts; someone hated for no apparent reason. Although Buckner_s error was only one reason the Red Sox lost; many fans made him the scapegoat; booing him mercilessly.
decorous
decorous - (adjective) having good taste; proper; appropriate. Prior to her visit to Buckingham Palace; the young woman was instructed to demonstrate the most decorous behavior. decorum (noun).
exasperate
exasperate - (verb) to irritate or annoy. Because she was trying to study; Sharon was exasperated by the yelling of her neighbors_ children.
culpable
culpable - (adjective) deserving blame; guilty. Although he committed the crime; because he was mentally ill he should not be considered culpable for his actions. culpability (noun).
flagrant
flagrant - (adjective) obviously wrong; offensive. Nixon was forced to resign the presidency after a series of flagrant crimes against the U.S. Constitution. flagrancy (noun).
mutable
mutable - (adjective) likely to change. A politician_s reputation can be highly mutable; as seen in the case of Harry Truman_ mocked during his lifetime; revered afterward.
pellucid
pellucid - (adjective) very clear; transparent; easy to understand. The water in the mountain stream was cold and pellucid. Thanks to the professor_s pellucid explanation; I finally understand relativity theory.
disconcert
disconcert - (verb) to confuse or embarrass. When the hallway bells began to ring halfway through her lecture; the speaker was disconcerted and didn_t know what to do.
obsolete
obsolete - (adjective) no longer current; old-fashioned.
W. H. Auden said that his ideal landscape would include water wheels; wooden grain mills; and other forms of obsolete machinery.
precocious
precocious - (adjective) mature at an unusually early age.
Picasso was so precocious as an artist that; at nine; he is said to have painted far better pictures than his teacher.
deter
deter - (verb) to discourage from acting.
The best way to deter crime is to ensure that criminals will receive swift and certain punishment.
deterrent (adjective).
hierarchy
hierarchy - (noun) a ranking of people; things; or ideas from highest to lowest.
A cabinet secretary ranks just below the president and vice president in the hierarchy of the executive branch. hierarchical (adjective).
inviolable
inviolable - (adjective) impossible to attack or trespass upon.
In the president’s remote hideaway at Camp David, guarded by the Secret Service, his privacy is, for once, inviolable.
denigrate
denigrate - (verb) to criticize or belittle.
The firm’s new president tried to explain his plans for improving the company without appearing to denigrate the work of his predecessor. denigration (noun).
encroach
encroach - (verb) to go beyond acceptable limits; to trespass.
By quietly seizing more and more authority, Robert Moses continually encroached on the powers of other government leaders.
encroachment (noun).
diffident
diffident - (adjective) hesitant; reserved; shy.
Someone with a diffident personality should pursue a career that involves little public contact. diffidence (noun).
inoculate
inoculate - (verb) to prevent a disease by infusing with a disease causing organism.
Pasteur found he could prevent rabies by inoculating patients with the virus that causes the disease. inoculation (noun).
nonchalant
nonchalant - (adjective) appearing to be unconcerned.
Unlike the other players on the football team who pumped their fists when their names were announced, John ran on the field with a nonchalant wave.
liability
liability - (noun) an obligation or debt; a weakness or drawback.
The insurance company had a liability of millions of dollars after the town was destroyed by a tornado.
Slowness afoot is a serious liability in an aspiring basketball player.
liable(adjective).
condolence
condolence - (noun) pity for someone else’s sorrow or loss; sympathy.
After the sudden death of Princess Diana, thousands of messages of condolence were sent to her family. condole (verb).
detractor
detractor - (noun) someone who belittles or disparages.
Neil Diamond has many detractors who consider his music boring, inane, and sentimental.
detract (verb).
gregarious
gregarious - (adjective) enjoying the company of others; sociable.
Naturally gregarious, Emily is a popular member of several clubs and a sought-after lunch companion.
inherent
inherent - (adjective) naturally part of something.
Compromise is inherent in democracy, since everyone cannot get his or her way.
surfeit
surfeit - (noun) an excess.
Most American families have a surfeit of food and drink on Thanksgiving Day.
emissary
emissary - (noun) someone who represents another.
In an effort to avoid a military showdown, former President Jimmy Carter was sent as an emissary to Korea to negotiate a settlement.
transient
transient - (adjective) passing quickly.
Long-term visitors to this hotel pay a different rate than transient guests who stay for just a day or two.
fragility
fragility - (noun) the quality of being easy to break; delicacy; weakness.
Because of their fragility, few stained-glass windows from the early Middle Ages have survived.
fragile (adjective).
anomaly
anomaly - (noun) something different or irregular.
Since my son has a history of failing classes, his good grades are a welcome anomaly.
arbitrary
arbitrary - (adjective) based on random or merely personal preference.
Both computers cost the same and had the same features, so in the end I made an arbitrary decision about which one to buy.
usurper
usurper - (noun) someone who takes a place or possession without the right to do so.
Kennedy’s most devoted followers tended to regard later presidents as usurpers, holding the of ice they felt he or his brothers should have held.
usurp (verb)
catalytic
catalytic - (adjective) bringing about; causing; or producing some result.
The conditions for revolution existed in America by 1765; the disputes about taxation that arose later were the catalytic events that sparked the rebellion. catalyze (verb).
validate
validate - (verb) to officially approve or confirm.
The election of the president is validated when the members of the Electoral College meet to confirm the choice of the voters.
valid (adjective); validity (noun).
morose
morose - (adjective) gloomy; sullen.
After Chuck’s girlfriend dumped him, he lay around the house for a couple of days, feeling morose.
tenacious
tenacious - (adjective) clinging; sticky; or persistent.
Tenacious in pursuit of her goal, she applied for the grant unsuccessfully four times before it was finally approved.
tenacity (noun).
prominence
prominence - (noun) the quality of standing out; fame.
Barack Obama rose to political prominence after his keynote address to the 2004 Democratic National Convention.
prominent (adjective).
criterion
criterion - (noun) a standard of measurement or judgment.
In choosing a design for the new taxicabs; reliability will be our main criterion.
criteria (plural).
malinger
malinger - (verb) to pretend incapacity or illness to avoid a duty or work
During the labor dispute; hundreds of employees malingered; forcing the company to slow production and costing it millions in profits.
conciliatory
conciliatory - (adjective) seeking agreement; compromise; or reconciliation.
Despite his conciliatory gesture, Franklin could not forgive the man who accidentally shot his dog.
perfidious
perfidious - (adjective) disloyal; treacherous.
Although he was one of the most talented generals of the American Revolution, Benedict Arnold is remembered today as a perfidious betrayer of his country.
proliferate
proliferate - (verb) to increase or multiply.
Over the past twenty-five years, high-tech companies have proliferated in northern California, Massachusetts, and Seattle.
proliferation (noun).
intrusive
intrusive - (adjective) forcing a way in without being welcome.
The legal requirement of a search warrant is supposed to protect Americans from intrusive searches by the police.
intrude (verb); intrusion (noun).
disparage
disparage - (verb) to speak disrespectfully about; to belittle.
Many political ads today both praise their own candidate and disparage his or her opponent.
disparagement (noun); disparaging (adjective).
guileless
guileless - (adjective) without cunning; innocent.
Deborah’s guileless personality and complete honesty make it hard for her to survive in the harsh world of politics.
inconsequential
inconsequential - (adjective) of little importance.
When the flat screen TV was delivered; it was a different shade of gray than I expected; but the difference was inconsequential.
temerity
temerity - (noun) boldness; rashness; excessive daring.
Only someone who didn’t understand the danger would have the temerity to try to climb Everest without a guide.
repudiate
repudiate - (verb) to reject; to renounce.
After it became known that Duke had been a leader of the Ku Klux Klan, most Republican leaders repudiated him.
repudiation (noun).
vindicate
vindicate - (verb) to confirm; justify; or defend.
Although the new evidence seems to vindicate the defendant of the breaking and entering charges, there is still the matter of the assault.
chaos
chaos - (noun) disorder; confusion; chance.
The first few moments after the explosion were pure chaos: no one was sure what had happened; and the area was filled with people running and yelling. chaotic (adjective).
relevance
relevance - (noun) connection to the matter at hand; pertinence.
Testimony in a criminal trial may be admitted only if it has clear relevance to the question of guilt or innocence.
relevant (adjective).
nocturnal
nocturnal - (adjective) of the night; active at night.
Travelers on the Underground Railroad escaped from slavery to the North by a series of nocturnal flights.
The eyes of nocturnal animals must be sensitive in dim light.
dissonance
dissonance - (noun) lack of music harmony; lack of agreement between ideas.
There is a great deal of dissonance between what a liar says and does.
enhance
enhance - (verb) to improve in value or quality.
New kitchen appliances will enhance your house and increase the amount of money you’ll make when you sell it.
enhancement (noun).
surrogate
surrogate - (noun) a substitute.
When the congressman died, his wife was named to serve the rest of his term as a surrogate. surrogate (adjective).
salvage
salvage - (verb) to save from wreck or ruin.
After the hurricane destroyed her home; she was able to salvage only a few of her belongings.
durable
durable - (adjective) long lasting.
Denim is a popular material for work clothes because it is strong and durable.
incompatible
incompatible - (adjective) unable to exist together; conflicting.
Many people hold seemingly incompatible beliefs: for example; supporting the death penalty while believing in the sacredness of human life. incompatibility (noun).
squander
squander - (verb) to use up carelessly; to waste.
Those who had made donations to the charity were outraged to learn that its director had squandered millions on fancy dinners and first class travel.
untimely
untimely - (adjective) out of the natural or proper time.
The untimely death of a youthful Princess Diana seemed far more tragic than Mother Teresa’s death of old age.
carping
carping - (adjective) unfairly or excessively critical.
New York is famous for its demanding critics, but none is harder to please than the carping John Simon; said to have singlehandedly destroyed many acting careers. carp (verb).
destitute
destitute - (adjective) very poor.
Years of rule by a dictator who stole the wealth of the country had left the people of the Philippines destitute. destitution (noun).
emollient
emollient - (noun) something that softens or soothes.
She used a hand cream as an emollient on her dry; work-roughened hands. emollient (adjective).
dominant
dominant - (adjective) greatest in importance or power.
Turner’s Frontier Thesis suggests that the existence of the frontier had a dominant influence on American culture. dominate (verb); domination (noun).
innocuous
innocuous - (adjective) harmless; inoffensive. I was surprised that Melissa took offense at such an innocuous joke.
formidable
formidable - (adjective) awesome; impressive; or frightening. According to his plaque in the Baseball Hall of Fame; pitcher Tom Seaver turned the New York Mets _from lovable losers into formidable foes._
fugitive
fugitive - (noun) someone trying to escape. When two prisoners broke out of the local jail; police were warned to keep an eye out for the fugitives. fugitive (adjective).
therapeutic
therapeutic - (adjective) curing or helping to cure. Hot-water spas were popular in the nineteenth century among the sickly; who believed that soaking in the water had therapeutic effects. therapy (noun).
rationale
rationale - (noun) an underlying reason or explanation. Looking at the sad faces of his employees; it was hard for the company president to explain the rationale for closing the business.
vicarious
vicarious - (adjective) experienced through someone else_s actions by way of the imagination. Great literature broadens our minds by giving us vicarious participation in the lives of other people.
lurid
lurid - (adjective) shocking; gruesome. While the serial killer was on the loose; the newspapers were filled with lurid stories about his crimes.
abrasive
abrasive - (adjective) irritating; grinding; rough. The manager_s rude; abrasive way of criticizing the workers was bad for morale. abrasion (noun).
impute
impute - (verb) to credit or give responsibility to; to attribute. Although Helena_s comments embarrassed me; I don_t impute any ill will to her; I think she didn_t realize what she was saying. imputation (noun).
induce
induce - (verb) to cause. The doctor prescribed a medicine that was supposed to induce a lowering of the blood pressure. induction (noun).
refurbish
refurbish - (verb) to fix up; renovate. It took three days_ work by a team of carpenters; painters; and decorators to completely refurbish the apartment.
remorse
remorse - (noun) a painful sense of guilt over wrongdoing. In Poe_s story The Tell-Tale Heart; a murderer is driven insane by remorse over his crime. remorseful (adjective).
antiseptic
antiseptic - (adjective) fighting infection; extremely clean. A wound should be washed with an antiseptic solution. The all-white of ices were bare and almost antiseptic in their starkness.
convoluted
convoluted - (adjective) twisting; complicated; intricate. Tax law has become so convoluted that it_s easy for people to accidentally violate it. convolute (verb); convolution (noun).
disruptive
disruptive - (adjective) causing disorder; interrupting. When the senator spoke at our college; angry demonstrators picketed; heckled; and engaged in other disruptive activities. disrupt (verb); disruption (noun).
dissipate
dissipate - (verb) to spread out or scatter. The windows and doors were opened; allowing the smoke that had filled the room to dissipate. dissipation (noun).
terminate
terminate - (verb) to end; to close. The Olympic Games terminate with a grand ceremony attended by athletes from every participating country. terminal (noun); termination (noun).
indeterminate
indeterminate - (adjective) not definitely known. The college plans to enroll an indeterminate number of students; the size of the class will depend on the number of applicants and how many accept offers of admission. determine (verb).
derivative
derivative - (adjective) taken from a particular source. When a person first writes poetry; her poems are apt to be derivative of whatever poetry she most enjoys reading. derivation (noun); derive (verb).
novice
novice - (noun) beginner. Lifting your head before you finish your swing is a typical mistake committed by the novice at golf.
unstinting
unstinting - (adjective) giving freely and generously. Eleanor Roosevelt was much admired for her unstinting efforts on behalf of the poor.
verdant
verdant - (adjective) green with plant life. Southern England is famous for its verdant countryside filled with gardens and small farms. verdancy (noun).
diversion
diversion - (noun) a distraction or pastime. During the two hours he spent in the doctor_s waiting room; the game on his cell phone was a welcome diversion. divert (verb).
dissemble
dissemble - (verb) to pretend; to simulate. When the police questioned her about the crime; she dissembled innocence.
unparalleled
unparalleled - (adjective) with no equal; unique. Tiger Woods_s victory in the Masters golf tournament by a full twelve strokes was an unparalleled accomplishment.
utilitarian
utilitarian - (adjective) purely of practical benefit. The design of the Model T car was simple and utilitarian; lacking the luxuries found in later models.
elated
elated - (adjective) excited and happy; exultant. When the New England Patriots_ last; desperate pass was dropped; the elated fans of the New York Giants began to celebrate. elate (verb); elation (noun).
circumscribe
circumscribe - (verb) to define by a limit or boundary. Originally; the role of the executive branch of government was clearly circumscribed; but that role has greatly expanded over time. circumscription (noun).
contemporary
contemporary - (adjective) modern; current; from the same time. I prefer old-fashioned furniture rather than contemporary styles. The composer Vivaldi was roughly contemporary with Bach. contemporary (noun).
cohesive
cohesive - (adjective) sticking together; unified. An effective military unit must be a cohesive team; all its members working together for a common goal. cohere (verb); cohesion (noun).
extol
extol - (verb) to greatly praise. At the party convention; speaker after speaker rose to extol their candidate for the presidency.
genial
genial - (adjective) friendly; gracious. A good host welcomes all visitors in a warm and genial fashion.
diligent
diligent - (adjective) working hard and steadily. Through diligent efforts; the townspeople were able to clear away the debris from the flood in a matter of days. diligence (noun).
exacerbate
exacerbate - (verb) to make worse or more severe. The roads in our town already have too much traffic; building a new shopping mall will exacerbate the problem.
mitigate
mitigate - (verb) to make less severe; to relieve. Wallace certainly committed the assault; but the verbal abuse he_d received helps to explain his behavior and somewhat mitigates his guilt. mitigation (noun).
inundate
inundate - (verb) to flood; to overwhelm. As soon as the playoff tickets went on sale; eager fans inundated the box of ice with orders.
longevity
longevity - (noun) length of life; durability. The reduction in early deaths from infectious diseases is responsible for most of the increase in human longevity over the past two centuries.
munificent
munificent - (adjective) very generous; lavish. Ted Turner_s billion-dollar donation to the United Nations was one of the most munificent acts of charity in history. munificence (noun).
truculent
truculent - (adjective) aggressive; hostile; belligerent. Hitler_s truculent behavior in demanding more territory for Germany made it clear that war was inevitable. truculence (noun).
vivacious
vivacious - (adjective) lively; sprightly. The role of Maria in The Sound of Music is usually played by a charming; vivacious young actress. vivacity (noun).
diminutive
diminutive - (adjective) unusually small; tiny. Children are fond of Shetland ponies because their diminutive size makes them easy to ride. diminution (noun).
elusive
elusive - (adjective) hard to capture; grasp; or understand. Though everyone thinks they know what _justice_ is; when you try to define the concept precisely; it proves to be quite elusive.
remedial
remedial - (adjective) serving to remedy; cure; or correct some condition. Affirmative action can be justified as a remedial step to help minority members overcome the effects of past discrimination. remediation (noun); remedy (verb).
deleterious
deleterious - (adjective) harmful. About thirty years ago; scientists proved that working with asbestos could be deleterious to one_s health; producing cancer and other diseases.
insipid
insipid - (adjective) flavorless; uninteresting. Some TV shows are so insipid that you can watch them while reading without missing a thing. insipidity (noun).
renunciation
renunciation - (noun) the act of rejecting or refusing something. King Edward VII_s renunciation of the British throne was caused by his desire to marry an American divorcee; something he couldn_t do as king. renounce (verb).
contrite
contrite - (adjective) sorry for past misdeeds. The public is often willing to forgive celebrities who are involved in some scandal; as long as they appear contrite. contrition (noun).
interminable
interminable - (adjective) endless or seemingly endless. Addressing the United Nations; Castro announced; _We will be brief__ then delivered an interminable 4-hour speech.
rhapsodize
rhapsodize - (verb) to praise in a wildly emotional way. That critic is such a huge fan of Toni Morrison that she will surely rhapsodize over the writer_s next novel. rhapsodic (adjective).
astute
astute - (adjective) observant; intelligent; and shrewd. Safire_s years of experience in Washington and his personal acquaintance with many political insiders made him an astute commentator on politics.
tactile
tactile - (adjective) relating to the sense of touch. The thick brush strokes and gobs of color give the paintings of van Gogh a strongly tactile quality. tactility (noun).
fraternize
fraternize - (verb) to associate with on friendly terms. Although baseball players aren_t supposed to fraternize with their opponents; players from opposing teams often chat before games. fraternization (noun).
discrepancy
discrepancy - (noun) a difference or variance between two or more things. The discrepancies between the two witnesses_ stories show that one of them must be lying. discrepant (adjective).
solace
solace - (verb) to comfort or console. There was little the rabbi could say to solace the husband after his wife_s death. solace (noun).
laudatory
laudatory - (adjective) giving praise. The ads for the movie are filled with laudatory comments from critics.
discreet
discreet - (adjective) showing good judgment in speech and behavior. Be discreet when discussing confidential business matters_ don_t talk among strangers on the elevator; for example. discretion (noun).
pallid
pallid - (adjective) pale; dull. Working all day in the coal mine had given him a pallid complexion. The new musical offers only pallid entertainment: the music is lifeless; the acting dull; the story absurd.
efficacious
efficacious - (adjective) able to produce a desired effect. Though thousands of people today are taking herbal supplements to treat depression; researchers have not yet proved them efficacious. efficacy (noun).
equanimity
equanimity - (noun) calmness of mind; especially under stress. FDR had the gift of facing the great crises of his presidency_the Depression and the Second World War_with equanimity and even humor.
euphoric
euphoric - (adjective) a feeling of extreme happiness and wellbeing; elation. One often feels euphoric during the earliest days of a new love affair. euphoria (noun).
collaborate
collaborate - (verb) to work together. To create a truly successful movie; the director; writers; actors; and many others must collaborate closely. collaboration ( no un); collaborative (adjective).
consensus
consensus - (noun) general agreement among a group. Among Quakers; voting traditionally is not used; instead; discussion continues until the entire group forms a consensus.
hackneyed
hackneyed - (adjective) without originality; trite. When someone invented the phrase; _No pain; no gain;_ it was clever; but now it is so commonly heard that it seems hackneyed.
ineffable
ineffable - (adjective) difficult to describe or express. He gazed in silence at the sunrise over the Taj Mahal; his eyes reflecting an ineffable sense of wonder.
obsessive
obsessive - (adjective) haunted or preoccupied by an idea or feeling. His concern with cleanliness became so obsessive that he washed his hands twenty times every day. obsess (verb); obsession (noun).
placate
placate - (verb) to soothe or appease. The waiter tried to placate the angry customer with the offer of a free dessert. placatory (adjective).
vex
vex - (verb) to irritate; annoy; or trouble. It vexes me that she never helps with any chores around the house. vexation (noun).
divination
divination - (noun) the art of predicting the future. In ancient Greece; people wanting to know their fate would visit the priests at Delphi; supposedly skilled at divination. divine (verb).
persevere
persevere - (adjective) to continue despite difficulties. Although several of her teammates dropped out of the marathon; Gail persevered. perseverance (noun).
sully
sully - (verb) to soil; stain; or defile. Nixon_s misdeeds as president did much to sully the reputation of the American government.
allege
allege - (verb) to state without proof. Some have alleged that Foster was murdered; but all the evidence points to suicide. allegation (noun).
frugal
frugal - (adjective) spending little. With our last few dollars; we bought a frugal dinner: a loaf of bread and a piece of cheese. frugality (noun).
heinous
heinous - (adjective) very evil; hateful. The massacre by Pol Pot of more than a million Cambodians is one of the twentieth century_s most heinous crimes.
ambivalent
ambivalent - (adjective) having two or more contradictory feelings or attitudes; uncertain. She was ambivalent toward her impending marriage; at times she was eager to go ahead; while at other times she wanted to call it of . ambivalence (noun).
expertise
expertise - (noun) skill; mastery. The software company was eager to hire new graduates with programming expertise.
prolific
prolific - (adjective) producing many offspring or creations. With more than 300 books to his credit; Isaac Asimov was one of the most prolific writers of all time.
objective
objective - (adjective) dealing with observable facts rather than opinions or interpretations. When a legal case involves a shocking crime; it may be hard for a judge to remain objective in his rulings.
competent
competent - (adjective) having the skill and knowledge needed for a particular task; capable. Any competent lawyer can draw up a will. competence (noun).
idolatry
idolatry - (noun) the worship of a person; thing; or institution as a god. In Communist China; Chairman Mao was the subject of idolatry; his picture was displayed everywhere; and millions of Chinese memorized his sayings. idolatrous (adjective).
arable
arable - (adjective) able to be cultivated for growing crops. Rocky New England has relatively little arable farmland.
lenient
lenient - (adjective) mild; soothing; or forgiving. The judge was known for his lenient disposition; he rarely imposed long jail sentences on criminals. leniency (noun).
bourgeois
bourgeois - (adjective) middle class or reflecting middle-class values. The Dadaists of the 1920s produced art deliberately designed to of end bourgeois art collectors; with their taste for respectable; refined; uncontroversial pictures. bourgeois (noun).
predatory
predatory - (adjective) living by killing and eating other animals; exploiting others for personal gain. The tiger is the largest predatory animal native to Asia. Microsoft has been accused of predatory business practices that prevent other software companies from competing with it. predation (noun); predator (noun).
hypocrisy
hypocrisy - (noun) a false pretense of virtue. When the sexual misconduct of the television preacher was exposed; his followers were shocked at his hypocrisy. hypocritical (adjective).
refute
refute - (verb) to prove false. The company invited reporters to visit their plant in an effort to refute the charges of unsafe working conditions. refutation (noun).
sagacious
sagacious - (adjective) discerning; wise. Only a leader as sagacious as Nelson Mandela could have united South Africa so successfully and peacefully. sagacity (noun).
recuperate
recuperate - (verb) to regain health after an illness. Although Marie left the hospital two days after her operation; it took her a few weeks to fully recuperate. recuperation (noun); recuperative (adjective).
alacrity
alacrity - (noun) promptness; speed. Thrilled with the job offer; he accepted with alacrity__Before they can change their minds! _he thought. alacritous (adjective).
permeate
permeate - (verb) to spread through or penetrate. Little by little; the smell of gas from the broken pipe permeated the house.
invincible
invincible - (adjective) impossible to conquer or overcome. For three years at the height of his career; boxer Mike Tyson seemed invincible.
censure
censure - (noun) blame; condemnation. The news that the senator had harassed several women brought censure from many feminists. censure (verb).
nondescript
nondescript - (adjective) without distinctive qualities; drab. The bank robber_s clothes were nondescript; none of the witnesses could remember their color or style.
secrete
secrete - (verb) to emit; to hide. Glands in the mouth secrete saliva; a liquid that helps in digestion. The jewel thieves secreted the necklace in a tin box buried underground.
restitution
restitution - (noun) return of something to its original owner; repayment. Some Native American leaders are demanding that the U.S. government make restitution for the lands taken from them.
arcane
arcane - (adjective) little-known; mysterious; obscure. Eliot_s Waste Land is filled with arcane lore; including quotations in Latin; Greek; French; German; and Sanskrit. arcana (noun; plural).
misconception
misconception - (noun) a mistaken idea. Columbus sailed west with the misconception that he would reach the shores of Asia. misconceive (verb).
prosaic
prosaic - (adjective) everyday; ordinary; dull. _Paul_s Case_ tells the story of a boy who longs to escape from the prosaic life of a clerk into a world of wealth; glamour; and beauty.
resilient
resilient - (adjective) able to recover from difficulty. A professional athlete must be resilient; able to lose a game one day and come back the next with confidence and enthusiasm. resilience (noun).
cogent
cogent - (adjective) forceful and convincing. The committee members were won over to the project by the cogent arguments of the chairman. cogency (noun).
mundane
mundane - (adjective) everyday; ordinary; commonplace. Moviegoers in the 1930s liked the glamorous films of Fred Astaire because they provided an escape from the mundane problems of life during the Great Depression.
ambiguous
ambiguous - (adjective) having two or more possible meanings. The phrase; _Let_s table that discussion_ is ambiguous; some think it means; _Let_s discuss it now;_ while others think it means; _Let_s save it for later._ ambiguity (noun).
clandestine
clandestine - (adjective) secret; surreptitious. As a member of the underground; Balas took part in clandestine meetings to discuss ways of sabotaging the Nazi forces.
gullible
gullible - (adjective) easily fooled. When the sweepstakes entry form arrived bearing the message; _You may be a winner!_ my gullible neighbor tried to claim a prize. gullibility (noun).
obscure
obscure - (adjective) little known; hard to understand. Mendel was an obscure monk until decades after his death when his scientific work was finally discovered. Most people find the writings of James Joyce obscure; hence the popularity of books that explain his books. obscure (verb); obscurity (noun).
adversity
adversity - (noun) misfortune. It_s easy to be patient and generous when things are going well; a person_s true character is revealed under adversity. adverse (adjective).
abridge
abridge - (verb) to shorten; to reduce. The Bill of Rights is designed to prevent Congress from abridging the rights of Americans. abridgment (noun).
ostracize
ostracize - (verb) to exclude from a group. In Biblical times; those who suffered from the disease of leprosy were ostracized and forced to live alone. ostracism (noun).
arbiter
arbiter - (noun) someone able to settle disputes; a judge or referee. The public is the ultimate arbiter of commercial value; it decides what sells and what doesn_t.
consolation
consolation - (noun) relief or comfort in sorrow or suffering. Although we miss our dog very much; it is a consolation to know that she died quickly; without suffering. console (verb).
depose
depose - (verb) to remove from office; especially from a throne. Iran was once ruled by a monarch called the Shah; who was deposed in 1979.
desolate
desolate - (adjective) empty; lifeless; and deserted; hopeless; gloomy. Robinson Crusoe was shipwrecked and had to learn to survive alone on a desolate island. The murder of her husband left Mary Lincoln desolate. desolation (noun).
quell
quell - (verb) to quiet; to suppress. It took a huge number of police officers to quell the rioting.
ominous
ominous - (adjective) foretelling evil. Ominous black clouds gathered on the horizon; for a violent storm was fast approaching. omen (noun).
malevolence
malevolence - (noun) hatred; ill will. Critics say that Iago; the villain in Shakespeare_s Othello; seems to exhibit malevolence with no real cause. malevolent (adjective).
spontaneous
spontaneous - (adjective) happening without plan. When the news of Kennedy_s assassination broke; people everywhere gathered in a spontaneous effort to share their shock and grief. spontaneity (noun).
disclose
disclose - (verb) to make known; to reveal. Election laws require candidates to disclose the names of those who contribute large sums of money to their campaigns. disclosure (noun).
duress
duress - (noun) compulsion or restraint. Fearing that the police might beat him; he confessed to the crime; not willingly but under duress.
indomitable
indomitable - (adjective) unable to be conquered or controlled. The world admired the indomitable spirit of Nelson Mandela; he remained courageous despite years of imprisonment.
untenable
untenable - (adjective) impossible to defend. The theory that this painting is a genuine van Gogh became untenable when the artist who actually painted it came forth.
anachronistic
anachronistic - (adjective) out of the proper time. The reference; in Shakespeare_s Julius Caesar to _the clock striking twelve_ is anachronistic; since there were no striking timepieces in ancient Rome. anachronism (noun).
flamboyant
flamboyant - (adjective) very colorful; showy; or elaborate. At Mardi Gras; partygoers compete to show of the most wild and flamboyant outfits.
arid
arid - (adjective) very dry; boring and meaningless. The arid climate of Arizona makes farming difficult . Some find the law a fascinating topic; but for me it is an arid discipline. aridity (noun).
devious
devious - (adjective) tricky; deceptive. The CEO_s devious financial tactics were designed to enrich his firm while confusing or misleading government regulators.
intuitive
intuitive - (adjective) known directly; without apparent thought or effort. An experienced chess player sometimes has an intuitive sense of the best move to make; even if she can_t explain it. intuit (verb); intuition (noun).
florid
florid - (adjective) flowery; fancy; reddish. The grand ballroom was decorated in a florid style. Years of heavy drinking had given him a florid complexion.
purify
purify - (verb) to make pure; clean; or perfect. The new plant is supposed to purify the drinking water provided to everyone in the nearby towns. purification (noun).
absolve
absolve - (verb) to free from guilt; to exonerate. The criminal jury absolved Mr. Callahan of the murder of his neighbor. absolution (noun).
carnivorous
carnivorous - (adjective) meat-eating. The long; dagger-like teeth of the Tyrannosaurus make it obvious that this was a carnivorous dinosaur. carnivore (noun).
toxin
toxin - (noun) poison. DDT is a powerful toxin once used to kill insects but now banned in the United States because of the risk it poses to human life. toxic (adjective).
surreptitious
surreptitious - (adjective) done in secret. Because Iraq avoided weapons inspections; many believed it had a surreptitious weapons development program.
revere
revere - (verb) to admire deeply; to honor. Millions of people around the world revered Mother Teresa for her saintly generosity. reverence (noun); reverent (adjective).
incontrovertible
incontrovertible - (adjective) impossible to question. The fact that Alexandra_s fingerprints were the only ones on the murder weapon made her guilt seem incontrovertible.
utopia
utopia - (noun) an imaginary; perfect society. Those who founded the Oneida community dreamed that it could be a kind of utopia_a prosperous state with complete freedom and harmony. utopian (adjective).
recrimination
recrimination - (noun) a retaliatory accusation. After the governor called his opponent unethical; his opponent angrily replied with recriminations that the governor was a hypocrite. recriminate (verb); recriminatory (adjective).
portend
portend - (verb) to indicate a future event; to forebode. According to folklore; a red sky at dawn portends a day of stormy weather.
eradicate
eradicate - (verb) to destroy completely. American society has failed to eradicate racism; although some of its worst effects have been reduced.
resplendent
resplendent - (adjective) glowing; shining. In late December; midtown New York is resplendent with holiday lights and decorations. resplendence (noun).
ephemeral
ephemeral - (adjective) quickly disappearing; transient. Stardom in pop music is ephemeral; many of the top acts of ten years ago are forgotten today.
ornate
ornate - (adjective) highly decorated; elaborate. Baroque architecture is often highly ornate; featuring surfaces covered with carving; sinuous curves; and painted scenes.
truncate
truncate - (verb) to cut off. The poor copying job truncated the playwright_s manuscript: the last page ended in the middle of a scene; halfway through the first act.
circuitous
circuitous - (adjective) winding or indirect. We drove to the cottage by a circuitous route so we could see as much of the surrounding countryside as possible.
idiosyncratic
idiosyncratic - (adjective) peculiar to an individual; eccentric. Cyndi Lauper sings pop music in an idiosyncratic style; mingling high-pitched whoops and squeals with throaty gurgles. idiosyncrasy (noun).
profane
profane - (adjective) impure; unholy. It is inappropriate and rude to use profane language in a church. profane (verb); profanity(noun).
stagnate
stagnate - (verb) to become stale through lack of movement or change. Having had no contact with the outside world for generations; Japan_s culture gradually stagnated. stagnant (adjective); stagnation (noun).
timorous
timorous - (adjective) fearful; timid. The cowardly lion approached the throne of the wizard with a timorous look on his face.
venerate
venerate - (verb) to admire or honor. In Communist China; Chairman Mao Zedong was venerated as an almost god-like figure. venerable (adjective); veneration (noun).
frivolity
frivolity - (noun) lack of seriousness; levity. The frivolity of the Mardi Gras carnival is in contrast to the seriousness of the religious season of Lent that follows. frivolous (adjective).
volatile
volatile - (adjective) quickly changing; fleeting; transitory; prone to violence. Public opinion is notoriously volatile; a politician who is very popular one month may be voted out of office the next. volatility (noun).
fervent
fervent - (adjective) full of intense feeling; ardent; zealous. In the days just after his religious conversion; his piety was at its most fervent. fervid (adjective); fervor (noun).
cloying
cloying - (adjective) overly sweet or sentimental. The deathbed scenes in the novels of Dickens are famously cloying: as Oscar Wilde said; _One would need a heart of stone to read the death of Little Nell without dissolving into tears of laughter._
implicit
implicit - (adjective) understood without being openly expressed; implied. Although most clubs had no rules excluding minorities; many had an implicit understanding that no member of a minority group would be allowed to join.
impinge
impinge - (verb) to encroach upon; touch; or affect. You have a right to do whatever you want; so long as your actions don_t impinge on the rights of others.
serendipity
serendipity - (noun) the act of lucky; accidental discoveries. Great inventions sometimes come about through deliberate research and hard work; sometimes through pure serendipity. serendipitous (adjective).
plausible
plausible - (adjective) apparently believable. According to the judge; the defense attorney_s argument was both powerful and plausible. plausibility (noun).
apathy
apathy - (noun) lack of interest; concern; or emotion. Tom_s apathy toward his job could be seen in his lateness; his sloppy work; and his overall poor attitude. apathetic (adjective).
enervate
enervate - (verb) to reduce the energy or strength of someone or something. The extended exposure to the sun along with dehydration enervated the shipwrecked crew; leaving them almost too weak to spot the passing vessel.
capricious
capricious - (adjective) unpredictable; whimsical. The pop star Madonna has changed her image so many times that each new transformation now appears capricious rather than purposeful. caprice (noun).
foppish
foppish - (adjective) describing a man who is foolishly vain about his dress or appearance. The foppish character of the 1890s wore bright-colored spats and a top hat; in the 1980s; he wore fancy suspenders and a shirt with a contrasting collar. Fop (noun).
sedentary
sedentary - (adjective) requiring much sitting. When Officer Samson was given a desk job; she had trouble getting used to sedentary work after years on the street.
emigrate
emigrate - (verb) to leave one place or country to settle elsewhere. Millions of Irish emigrated to the New World in the wake of the great Irish famines of the 1840s. emigrant (noun); emigration (noun).
nurture
nurture - (verb) to nourish or help to grow. The money given by the National Endowment for the Arts helps nurture local arts organizations throughout the country. nurture (noun).
demure
demure - (adjective) modest or shy. The demure heroines of Victorian fiction have given way to today_s stronger; more opinionated; and more independent female characters.
disingenuous
disingenuous - (adjective) pretending to be candid; simple; and frank. When Texas billionaire H. Ross Perot ran for president; many considered his _jest plain folks_ style disingenuous.
belated
belated - (adjective) delayed past the proper time. She called her mother on January 5th to offer her a belated _Happy New Year._
gargantuan
gargantuan - (adjective) huge; colossal. The building of the Great Wall of China was one of the most gargantuan projects ever undertaken.
adaptable
adaptable - (adjective) able to be changed to be suitable for a new purpose. Some scientists say that the mammals outlived the dinosaurs because they were more adaptable to a changing climate. adapt (verb); adaptation (noun).
extenuate
extenuate - (verb) to make less serious. Jeanine_s guilt is extenuated by the fact that she was only twelve when she committed the theft. extenuating (adjective); extenuation (noun).
concise
concise - (adjective) expressed briefly and simply; succinct. Less than a page long; the Bill of Rights is a concise statement of the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. concision (noun).
opportunistic
opportunistic - (adjective) eagerly seizing chances as they arise. When Princess Diana died suddenly; opportunistic publishers quickly released books about her life and death. opportunism (noun).
scrutinize
scrutinize - (verb) to study closely. The lawyer scrutinized the contract; searching for any sentence that could pose a risk for her client. scrutiny (noun).
mimicry
mimicry - (noun) imitation; aping. The continued popularity of Elvis Presley has given rise to a class of entertainers who make a living through mimicry of _The King._ mimic (noun and verb).
irresolute
irresolute - (adjective) uncertain how to act; indecisive. The line in the ice cream shop grew as the irresolute child wavered between her two favorite ice cream flavors before finally choosing one. irresolution (noun).
egregious
egregious - (adjective) obvious; conspicuous; flagrant. It_s hard to imagine how the editor could allow such an egregious error to appear.
facile
facile - (adjective) easy; shallow or superficial. The one-minute political commercial favors a candidate with facile opinions rather than serious; thoughtful solutions. facilitate (verb); facility (noun).
consternation
consternation - (noun) shock; amazement; dismay. When a voice in the back of the church shouted out; _I know why they should not be married!_ the entire gathering was thrown into consternation.
ardor
ardor - (noun) a strong feeling of passion; energy; or zeal. The young revolutionary proclaimed his convictions with an ardor that excited the crowd. ardent (adjective).
malediction
malediction - (noun) curse. In the fairy tale _Sleeping Beauty;_ the princess is trapped in a death-like sleep because of the malediction uttered by an angry witch.
turbulent
turbulent - (adjective) agitated or disturbed. The night before the championship match; Martina was unable to sleep; her mind turbulent with fears and hopes. turbulence (noun).
vestige
vestige - (noun) a trace or remainder. Today_s tiny Sherwood Forest is the last vestige of a woodland that once covered most of England. vestigial (adjective).
mandate
mandate - (noun) order; command. The new policy of using only organic produce in the restaurant went into effect as soon as the manager issued his mandate about it. mandate (verb); mandatory (adjective).
invigorate
invigorate - (verb) to give energy to; to stimulate. As her car climbed the mountain road; Lucinda felt invigorated by the clear air and the cool breezes.
stoicism (noun).strenuous
stoicism (noun).strenuous - (adjective) requiring energy and strength. Hiking in the foothills of the Rockies is fairly easy; but climbing the higher peaks can be strenuous.
superfluous
superfluous - (adjective) more than is needed; excessive. Once you_ve won the debate; don_t keep talking; superfluous arguments will only bore and annoy the audience.
delineate
delineate - (verb) to outline or describe. Naturalists had long suspected the fact of evolution; but Darwin was the first to delineate a process_natural selection_through which evolution could occur. Delineation (noun).
trite
trite - (adjective) boring because of over-familiarity; hackneyed. Her letters were filled with trite expressions; like _All_s well that ends well_ and _So far so good._
tentative
tentative - (adjective) subject to change; uncertain. A firm schedule has not been established; but the Super Bowl in 2015 has been given the tentative date of February 1.
berate
berate - (verb) to scold or criticize harshly. The judge angrily berated the two lawyers for their unprofessional behavior.
substantiate
substantiate - (verb) verified or supported by evidence. The charge that Nixon had helped to cover up crimes was substantiated by his comments about it on a series of audio tapes. substantiated (adjective); substantiation (noun).
Eclectic
Eclectic - (adjective) drawn from many sources; varied; heterogeneous. The Mellon family art collection is an eclectic one; including works ranging from ancient Greek sculptures to modern paintings. eclecticism (noun).
pragmatism
pragmatism - (noun) a belief in approaching problems through practical rather than theoretical means. Roosevelt_s approach to the Great Depression was based on pragmatism: _Try something;_ he said. _If it doesn_t work; try something else._ pragmatic (adjective).
dogmatic
dogmatic - (adjective) holding firmly to a particular set of beliefs with little or no basis. Believers in Marxist doctrine tend to be dogmatic; ignoring evidence that contradicts their beliefs. dogmatism (noun).
insurgency
insurgency - (noun) uprising; rebellion. The angry townspeople had begun an insurgency bordering on downright revolution; they were collecting arms; holding secret meetings; and refusing to pay certain taxes. insurgent (adjective).
remuneration
remuneration - (noun) pay. In a civil lawsuit; the attorney often receives part of the financial settlement as his or her remuneration. remunerate (verb); remunerative (adjective).
empathy
empathy - (noun) imaginative sharing of the feelings; thoughts; or experiences of another. It_s easy for a parent to have empathy for the sorrow of another parent whose child has died. empathetic (adjective).
bombastic
bombastic - (adjective) inflated or pompous in style. Old-fashioned bombastic political speeches don_t work on television; which demands a more intimate style of communication. bombast (noun).
tangential
tangential - (adjective) touching lightly; only slightly connected or related. Having enrolled in a class on African-American history; the students found the teacher_s stories about his travels in South America of only tangential interest. tangent (noun).
opulent
opulent - (adjective) rich; lavish. The mansion of newspaper tycoon Hearst is famous for its opulent decor. opulence (noun).
predominant
predominant - (adjective) greatest in numbers or influence. Although hundreds of religions are practiced in India; the predominant faith is Hinduism. predominance (noun); predominate (verb).
propagate
propagate - (verb) to cause to grow; to foster. John Smithson_s will left his fortune for the founding of an institution to propagate knowledge; without saying whether that meant a university; a library; or a museum. propagation (noun).
latent
latent - (adjective) not currently obvious or active; hidden. Although he had committed only a single act of violence; the examining psychiatrist said it_s likely he always had a latent tendency toward violence. latency (noun).
auspicious
auspicious - (adjective) promising good fortune; propitious. The news that a team of British climbers had reached the summit of Everest seemed an auspicious sign for the reign of newly crowned Queen Elizabeth II.
disregard
disregard - (verb) to ignore; to neglect. If you don_t write a will; when you die; your survivors may disregard your wishes about how your property should be handled. disregard (noun).
transmute
transmute - (verb) to change in form or substance. In the Middle Ages; the alchemists tried to discover ways to transmute metals such as iron into gold. transmutation (noun).
scrupulous
scrupulous - (adjective) acting with extreme care; painstaking. Disney theme parks are famous for their scrupulous attention to small details. scruple (noun).
expansive
expansive - (adjective) broad and large; speaking openly and freely. The LBJ Ranch is located on an expansive tract of land in Texas. Over dinner; she became expansive in describing her dreams for the future.
reclusive
reclusive - (adjective) withdrawn from society. During the last years of her life; actress Greta Garbo led a reclusive existence; rarely appearing in public. recluse (noun).
reciprocate
reciprocate - (verb) to give and take mutually. If you_ll watch my children tonight; I_ll reciprocate by taking care of yours tomorrow. reciprocity (noun).
exemplary
exemplary - (adjective) worthy to serve as a model. The Baldrige Award is given to a company with exemplary standards of excellence in products and service. exemplar (noun); exemplify (verb).
provocative
provocative - (adjective) likely to stimulate emotions; ideas; or controversy. The demonstrators began chanting obscenities; a provocative act that they hoped would cause the police to lose control. provoke (verb); provocation (noun).
incumbent
incumbent - (noun) someone who occupies an office or position. It is often difficult for a challenger to win a seat in Congress from the incumbent. incumbency ( no un) ; incumbent (adjective).
diffuse
diffuse - (verb) to spread out; to scatter. The red dye quickly became diffused through the water; turning it a very pale pink. diffusion (noun).
malleable
malleable - (adjective) able to be changed; shaped; or formed by outside pressures. Gold is a very useful metal because it is so malleable. A child_s personality is malleable and deeply influenced by the things his or her parents say and do. malleability (noun).
discern
discern - (verb) to detect; notice; or observe. I could discern the shape of a whale of the starboard bow; but it was too far away to determine its size or species. discernment (noun).
embezzle
embezzle - (verb) to steal money or property that has been entrusted to your care. The church treasurer was found to have embezzled thousands of dollars by writing phony checks on the church bank account. embezzlement (noun).
emulate
emulate - (verb) to imitate or copy. The British band Oasis admitted their desire to emulate their idols; the Beatles. Emulation (noun).
obdurate
obdurate - (adjective) unwilling to change; stubborn; inflexible. Despite the many pleas he received; the governor was obdurate in his refusal to grant clemency to the convicted murderer.
dilatory
dilatory - (adjective) delaying; procrastinating. The lawyer used various dilatory tactics; hoping that his opponent would get tired of waiting for a trial and drop the case.
feral
feral - (adjective) wild. The garbage dump was inhabited by a pack of feral dogs that had escaped from their owners and become completely wild.
enmity
enmity - (noun) hatred; hostility; ill will. Long-standing enmity; like that between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland; is difficult to overcome.
insular
insular - (adjective) narrow or isolated in attitude or viewpoint. Americans are famous for their insular attitudes; they seem to think that nothing important has ever happened outside of their country. insularity (noun).
sustain
sustain - (verb) to keep up; to continue; to support. Because of fatigue; he was unable to sustain the effort needed to finish the marathon.
colloquial
colloquial - (adjective) informal in language; conversational. Some expressions from Shakespeare; such as the use of thou and thee; sound formal today but were colloquial English in Shakespeare_s time.
presumptuous
presumptuous - (adjective) going beyond the limits of courtesy or appropriateness. The senator winced when the presumptuous young staffer addressed him as _Chuck._ presume (verb); presumption (noun).
inarticulate
inarticulate - (adjective) unable to speak or express oneself clearly and understandably. A skilled athlete may be an inarticulate public speaker; as demonstrated by many post-game interviews.
divulge
divulge - (verb) to reveal. The people who count the votes for the Oscar awards are under strict orders not to divulge the names of the winners.
egotism
egotism - (noun) excessive concern with oneself; conceit. Robert_s egotism was so great that all he could talk about was the importance_and the brilliance_of his own opinions. egotistic (adjective).
replete
replete - (adjective) filled abundantly. Graham_s book is replete with wonderful stories about the famous people she has known.
conformity
conformity - (noun) agreement with or adherence to custom or rule. In my high school; conformity was the rule: everyone dressed the same; talked the same; and listened to the same music. conform (verb); conformist (noun; adjective).
inveterate
inveterate - (adjective) persistent; habitual. It_s very difficult for an inveterate gambler to give up the pastime. inveteracy (noun).
demagogue
demagogue - (noun) a leader who plays dishonestly on the prejudices and emotions of his followers. Senator Joseph McCarthy was a demagogue who used the paranoia of the anti Communist 1950s as a way of seizing fame and power in Washington. demagoguery (noun).
lucid
lucid - (adjective) clear and understandable. Hawking_s A Short History of the Universe is a lucid explanation of modern scientific theories about the origin of the universe. lucidity (noun).
toady
toady - (noun) someone who flatters a superior in hopes of gaining favor; a sycophant. _I can_t stand a toady!_ declared the movie mogul. _Give me someone who_ll tell me the truth_even if it costs him his job!_ toady (verb).
debunk
debunk - (verb) to expose as false or worthless. Magician James Randi loves to debunk psychics; mediums; clairvoyants; and others who claim supernatural powers.
effrontery
effrontery - (noun) shameless boldness. The sports world was shocked when a professional basketball player had the effrontery to choke his head coach during a practice session.
renovate
renovate - (verb) to renew by repairing or rebuilding. The television program This Old House shows how skilled craftspeople renovate houses. renovation (noun).
incorrigible
incorrigible - (adjective) impossible to manage or reform. Lou is an incorrigible trickster; constantly playing practical jokes no matter how much his friends complain.
cumulative
cumulative - (adjective) made up of successive additions. Smallpox was eliminated only through the cumulative efforts of several generations of doctors and scientists. accumulation (noun); accumulate (verb).
audacious
audacious - (adjective) bold; daring; adventurous. Her plan to cross the Atlantic single-handed in a 12-foot sailboat was audacious; if not reckless. audacity (noun).
polarize
polarize - (verb) to separate into opposing groups or forces. For years; the abortion debate has polarized the American people; with many people voicing extreme views and few trying to find a middle ground. polarization (noun).
pretentious
pretentious - (adjective) claiming excessive value or importance. For a shoe salesman to call himself a _Personal Foot Apparel Consultant_ seems awfully pretentious. pretension (noun).
condescending
condescending - (adjective) having an attitude of superiority toward another; patronizing. _What a cute little car!_ she remarked in a condescending style. _I suppose it_s the nicest one someone like you could afford!_ condescension (noun).
transgress
transgress - (verb) to go past limits; to violate. No one could fathom why the honor student transgressed by shoplifting hundreds of dollars of merchandise from his favorite clothing store. transgression (noun).
notorious
notorious - (adjective) famous; especially for evil actions or qualities. Warner Brothers produced a series of movies about notorious gangsters such as John Dillinger and Al Capone. notoriety (noun).
pariah
pariah - (noun) outcast. Accused of robbery; he became a pariah; his neighbors stopped talking to him; and people he_d considered friends no longer called.
assiduous
assiduous - (adjective) working with care; attention; and diligence. Although Karen is not a naturally gifted math student; by assiduous study she managed to earn an A in trigonometry. assiduity (noun).
adversary
adversary - (noun) an enemy or opponent. When the former Soviet Union became an American ally; the United States lost a major adversary. adversarial (adjective).
perfunctory
perfunctory - (adjective) unenthusiastic; routine; or mechanical. When the play opened; the actors sparkled; but by the thousandth night their performance had become perfunctory.
interlocutor
interlocutor - (noun) someone taking part in a dialogue or conversation. Annoyed by the constant questions from someone in the crowd; the speaker challenged his interlocutor to offer a better plan. interlocutory (adjective).
ascetic
ascetic - (adjective) practicing strict self-discipline for moral or spiritual reasons. The so-called Desert Fathers were hermits who lived an ascetic life of fasting; study; and prayer. asceticism (verb).
indifferent
indifferent - (adjective) unconcerned; apathetic. The mayor_s small proposed budget for education suggests that he is indifferent to the needs of our schools. indifference (noun).
curtail
curtail - (verb) to shorten. The opening round of the golf tournament was curtailed by the severe thunderstorm.
authoritarian
authoritarian - (adjective) favoring or demanding blind obedience to leaders. Despite Americans_ belief in democracy; the American government has supported authoritarian regimes in other countries.
hedonist
hedonist - (noun) someone who lives mainly to pursue pleasure. Having inherited great wealth; he chose to live the life of a hedonist; traveling the world in luxury. hedonism (noun); hedonistic (adjective).
emend
emend - (verb) to correct. Before the letter is mailed; please emend the two spelling errors. emendation (noun).
inevitable
inevitable - (adjective) unable to be avoided. Once the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor; American involvement in World War II was inevitable. inevitability (noun).
divisive
divisive - (adjective) causing disagreement or disunity. Throughout history; race has been the most divisive issue in American society.
confidant
confidant - (noun) someone entrusted with another_s secrets. No one knew about Jane_s engagement except Sarah; her confidant. confide (verb); confidential (adjective).
pundit
pundit - (noun) someone who offers opinions in an authoritative style. The Sunday morning talk shows are filled with pundits; each with his or her own theory about the week_s political news.
exonerate
exonerate - (verb) to free from blame. Although the truck driver was suspected at first of being involved in the bombing; later evidence exonerated him. exoneration (noun); exonerative (adjective).
jeopardize
jeopardize - (verb) to put in danger. Terrorist attacks jeopardize the fragile peace in the Middle East. jeopardy (noun).
extrinsic
extrinsic - (adjective) not an innate part or aspect of something; external. The high price of old baseball cards is due to extrinsic factors; such as the nostalgia felt by baseball fans for the stars of their youth; rather than the inherent beauty or value of the cards themselves.
accentuate
accentuate - (verb) to emphasize; to stress. The overcast skies and chill winds only accentuate our gloomy mood. Accentuation (noun).
circumlocution
circumlocution - (noun) speaking in a roundabout way; wordiness. Legal documents often contain circumlocutions that make them difficult to understand.
gratuitous
gratuitous - (adjective) given freely or without cause. Since her opinion was not requested; her harsh criticism of his singing seemed a gratuitous insult.
atypical
atypical - (adjective) not typical; unusual. In The Razor_s Edge; Bill Murray; best known as a comic actor; gave an atypical dramatic performance.
espouse
espouse - (verb) to take up as a cause; to adopt. No politician in America today will openly espouse racism; although some behave and speak in racially prejudiced ways.
preamble
preamble - (noun) an introductory statement. The preamble to the Constitution begins with the famous words; _We the people of the United States of America…_
corroborating
corroborating - (adjective) supporting with evidence; confirming. A passerby who had witnessed the crime gave corroborating testimony about the presence of the accused person. corroborate (verb); corroboration (noun).
partisan
partisan - (adjective) reflecting strong allegiance to a particular party or cause. The vote on the president_s budget was strictly partisan: every member of the president_s party voted yes; and all others voted no. partisan (noun).
digress
digress - (verb) to wander from the main path or the main topic. My high school biology teacher loved to digress from science into personal anecdotes about his college adventures. digression (noun); digressive (adjective).
unpalatable
unpalatable - (adjective) distasteful; unpleasant. Although I agree with the candidate on many issues; I can_t vote for her because I find her position on capital punishment unpalatable.
expropriate
expropriate - (verb) to seize ownership of. When the Communists came to power in China; they expropriated most businesses and turned them over to government-appointed managers. expropriation (noun).
perceptive
perceptive - (adjective) quick to notice; observant. With his perceptive intelligence; Holmes was the first to notice the importance of this clue. perceptible (adjective); perception (noun).
disparity
disparity - (noun) difference in quality or kind. There is often a disparity between the kind of high-quality television people say they want and the low-brow programs they actually watch. disparate (adjective).
didactic
didactic - (adjective) intended to teach; instructive. The children_s TV show Sesame Street is designed to be both entertaining and didactic.
incremental
incremental - (adjective) increasing gradually by small amounts. Although the initial cost of the Medicare program was small; the incremental expenses have grown to be very large. increment (noun).
nuance
nuance - (noun) a subtle difference or quality. At first glance; Monet_s paintings of water lilies all look much alike; but the more you study them; the more you appreciate the nuances of color and shading that distinguish them.
proximity
proximity - (noun) closeness; nearness. Neighborhood residents were angry over the proximity of the sewage plant to the local school. proximate (adjective).
empirical
empirical - (adjective) based on experience or personal observation. Although many people believe in ESP; scientists have found no empirical evidence of its existence. empiricism (noun).
obtrusive
obtrusive - (adjective) overly prominent. Philip should sing more softly; his bass is so obtrusive that the other singers can barely be heard. obtrude (verb); obtrusion (noun).
tremulous
tremulous - (adjective) trembling or shaking; timid or fearful. Never having spoken in public before; he began his speech in a tremulous; hesitant voice.
punitive
punitive - (adjective) inflicting punishment. The jury awarded the plaintiff one million dollars in punitive damages; hoping to teach the defendant a lesson.
pathology
pathology - (noun) disease or the study of disease; extreme abnormality. Some people believe that high rates of crime are symptoms of an underlying social pathology. pathological (adjective).
stimulus
stimulus - (noun) something that excites a response or provokes an action. The arrival of merchants and missionaries from the West provided a stimulus for change in Japanese society. stimulate (verb).
impetuous
impetuous - (adjective) acting hastily or impulsively. Stuart_s resignation was an impetuous act; he did it without thinking; and he soon regretted it. impetuosity (noun).
potentate
potentate - (noun) a powerful ruler. The Tsar of Russia was one of the last hereditary potentates of Europe.
integrity
integrity - (noun) honesty; uprightness; soundness; completeness. _Honest Abe_ Lincoln is considered a model of political integrity. Inspectors examined the building_s support beams and foundation and found no reason to doubt its structural integrity.
simulated
simulated - (adjective) imitating something else; artificial. High quality simulated gems must be examined under a magnifying glass to be distinguished from real ones. simulate (verb); simulation (noun).
onerous
onerous - (adjective) heavy; burdensome. The hero Hercules was ordered to clean the Augean Stables; one of several onerous tasks known as _the labors of Hercules._ onus (noun).
adulation
adulation - (noun) extreme admiration. Few young actors have received greater adulation than did Marlon Brando after his performance in A Streetcar Named Desire. adulate (verb); adulatory (adjective).
indistinct
indistinct - (adjective) unclear; uncertain. We could see boats on the water; but in the thick morning fog their shapes were indistinct.
reconcile
reconcile - (verb) to make consistent or harmonious. FDR_s greatness as a leader can be seen in his ability to reconcile the demands and values of the varied groups that supported him. reconciliation (noun).
whimsical
whimsical - (adjective) based on a capricious; carefree; or sudden impulse or idea; fanciful; playful. Dave Barry_s Book of Bad Songs is filled with the kind of goofy jokes that are typical of his whimsical sense of humor. whim (noun).
deviate
deviate - (verb) to depart from a standard or norm. Having agreed upon a spending budget for the company; we mustn_t deviate from it; if we do; we may run out of money soon. deviation (noun).
reputable
reputable - (adjective) having a good reputation; respected. Find a reputable auto mechanic by asking your friends for recommendations based on their own experiences. reputation (noun); repute (noun).
felicitous
felicitous - (adjective) pleasing; fortunate; apt. The sudden blossoming of the dogwood trees on the morning of Matt_s wedding seemed a felicitous sign of good luck. felicity (noun).
camaraderie
camaraderie - (noun) a spirit of friendship. Spending long days and nights together on the road; the members of a traveling theater group develop a strong sense of camaraderie.
frenetic
frenetic - (adjective) chaotic; frantic. The floor of the stock exchange; filled with traders shouting and gesturing; is a scene of frenetic activity.
terrestrial
terrestrial - (adjective) of the Earth. The movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind tells the story of the first contact between beings from outer space and terrestrial humans.
composure
composure - (noun) calm; self-assurance. The company_s president managed to keep his composure during his speech even when the teleprompter broke down; leaving him without a script. composed (adjective).
procrastinate
procrastinate - (verb) to put off; to delay. If you habitually procrastinate; try this technique: never touch a piece of paper without either filing it; responding to it; or throwing it out. procrastination (noun).
interlude
interlude - (noun) an interrupting period or performance. The two most dramatic scenes in King Lear are separated; strangely; by a comic interlude starring the king_s jester.
irrational
irrational - (adjective) unreasonable. Richard knew that his fear of insects was irrational; but he was unable to overcome it. irrationality (noun).
derelict
derelict - (adjective) neglecting one_s duty. The train crash was blamed on a switchman who was derelict; having fallen asleep while on duty. dereliction (noun).
conundrum
conundrum - (noun) a riddle; puzzle; or problem. The question of why an all-powerful; all-loving God allows evil to exist is a conundrum many philosophers have pondered.
peruse
peruse - (verb) to examine or study. Caroline perused the contract carefully before she signed it. perusal (noun).
pugnacious
pugnacious - (adjective) combative; bellicose; truculent; ready to fight. Ty Cobb; the pugnacious outfielder for the Detroit Tigers; got into more than his fair share of brawls; both on and of the field. pugnacity (noun).
redoubtable
redoubtable - (adjective) inspiring respect; awe; or fear. Johnson_s knowledge; experience; and personal clout made him a redoubtable political opponent.
benevolent
benevolent - (adjective) wishing or doing good. In old age; Carnegie used his wealth for benevolent purposes; donating large sums to found libraries and schools. benevolence (noun).
grandiose
grandiose - (adjective) overly large; pretentious; or showy. Among Hitler_s grandiose plans for Berlin was a gigantic building with a dome several times larger than any ever built. grandiosity (noun).
complacent
complacent - (adjective) smug; self-satisfied. Until recently; American auto makers were complacent; believing that they would continue to be successful with little effort. complacency (noun).
haughty
haughty - (adjective) overly proud. The fashion model strode down the runway; her hips thrust forward and a haughty expression; like a sneer; on her face. haughtiness (noun).
prudent
prudent - (adjective) wise; cautious; and practical. A prudent investor will avoid putting all of her money into any single investment. prudence (noun); prudential (adjective).
sanctimonious
sanctimonious - (adjective) showing false or excessive piety. The sanctimonious prayers of the TV preacher were interspersed with requests that the viewers send him money. sanctimony (noun).
incisive
incisive - (adjective) clear and direct expression. Franklin settled the debate with a few incisive remarks that summed up the issue perfectly.
inexorable
inexorable - (adjective) unable to be deterred; relentless. It_s difficult to imagine how the mythic character of Oedipus could have avoided his evil destiny; his fate appears inexorable.
narcissistic
narcissistic - (adjective) showing excessive love for oneself; egoistic. Andre_s room; decorated with photos of himself and the sports trophies he has won; suggests a narcissistic personality. narcissism (noun).
expiate
expiate - (verb) to atone for. The president_s apology to the survivors of the notorious Tuskegee experiments was his attempt to expiate the nation_s guilt over their mistreatment. expiation (noun).
convergence
convergence - (noun) the act of coming together in unity or similarity. A remarkable example of evolutionary convergence can be seen in the shark and the dolphin; two sea creatures that developed from different origins to become very similar in form. converge (verb).
stoic
stoic - (adjective) showing little feeling; even in response to pain or sorrow. A soldier must respond to the death of his comrades in stoic fashion; since the fighting will not stop for his grief.
submissive
submissive - (adjective) accepting the will of others; humble; compliant. At the end of Ibsen_s play A Doll_s House; Nora leaves her husband and abandons the role of submissive housewife.
belie
belie - (verb) to present a false or contradictory appearance. Lena Horne_s youthful appearance belied her long; distinguished career in show business.
intransigent
intransigent - (adjective) unwilling to compromise. Despite the mediator_s attempts to suggest a fair solution; the two parties were intransigent; forcing a showdown. intransigence (noun).
penitent
penitent - (adjective) feeling sorry for past crimes or sins. Having grown penitent; he wrote a long letter of apology; asking forgiveness.
lethargic
lethargic - (adjective) lacking energy; sluggish. Visitors to the zoo are surprised that the lions appear so lethargic; but; in the wild; lions sleep up to 18 hours a day. lethargy (noun).
staid
staid - (adjective) sedate; serious; and grave. This college is definitely not a _party school_; the students all work hard; and the campus has a reputation for being staid.
elliptical
elliptical - (adjective) very terse or concise in writing or speech; difficult to understand. Rather than speak plainly; she hinted at her meaning through a series of nods; gestures; and elliptical half sentences.
obstinate
obstinate - (adjective) stubborn; unyielding. Despite years of effort; the problem of drug abuse remains obstinate. obstinacy (noun).
aggressive
aggressive - (adjective) forceful; energetic; and attacking. Some believe that a football player needs a more aggressive style of play than a soccer player. aggression (noun).
protagonist
protagonist - (noun) the main character in a story or play; the main supporter of an idea. Leopold Bloom is the protagonist of James Joyce_s great novel Ulysses.
bereft
bereft - (adjective) lacking or deprived of something. Bereft of parental love; orphans sometimes grow up to be insecure.
reprehensible
reprehensible - (adjective) deserving criticism or censure. Although Pete Rose_s misdeeds were reprehensible; not all fans agree that he deserves to be excluded from the Baseball Hall of Fame. reprehend (verb); reprehension (noun).
extricate
extricate - (verb) to free from a difficult or complicated situation. Much of the humor in the TV show I Love Lucy comes in watching Lucy try to extricate herself from the problems she creates by fibbing or trickery. extricable (adjective).
tolerant
tolerant - (adjective) accepting; enduring. San Franciscans have a tolerant attitude about lifestyles: _Live and let live_ seems to be their motto. tolerate (verb); toleration (noun).
promulgate
promulgate - (verb) to make public; to declare. Lincoln signed the proclamation that freed the slaves in 1862; but he waited several months to promulgate it.
sequential
sequential - (adjective) arranged in an order or series. The courses for the chemistry major are sequential; you must take them in order; since each course builds on the previous ones. sequence (noun).
ingenious
ingenious - (adjective) showing cleverness and originality. The Post-it note is an ingenious solution to a common problem_ how to mark papers without spoiling them. ingenuity (noun).
variegated
variegated - (adjective) spotted with different colors. The brilliant; variegated appearance of butterflies makes them popular among collectors. variegation (noun).
perspicacity
perspicacity - (noun) keenness of observation or understanding. Journalist Murray Kempton was famous for the perspicacity of his comments on social and political issues. perspicacious (adjective).
parched
parched - (adjective) very dry; thirsty. After two months without rain; the crops were shriveled and parched by the sun. parch (verb).
alleviate
alleviate - (verb) to make lighter or more bearable. Although no cure for AIDS has been found; doctors are able to alleviate the suffering of those with the disease. alleviation (noun).
predilection
predilection - (noun) a liking or preference. To relax from his presidential duties; Kennedy had a predilection for spy novels featuring James Bond.
extant
extant - (adjective) currently in existence. Of the seven ancient Wonders of the World; only the pyramids of Egypt are still extant.
consummate
consummate - (verb) to complete; finish; or perfect. The deal was consummated with a handshake and the payment of the agreed upon fee. consummate (adjective); consummation (noun).
abstain
abstain - (verb) to refrain; to hold back. After his heart attack; William was warned by his doctor to abstain from smoking; drinking; and overeating. abstinence (noun); abstemious (adjective).
treacherous
treacherous - (adjective) untrustworthy or disloyal; dangerous or unreliable. Nazi Germany proved to be a treacherous ally; first signing a peace pact with the Soviet Union; then invading. Be careful crossing the rope bridge; parts are badly frayed and treacherous. treachery (noun).
cognizant
cognizant - (adjective) aware; mindful. Cognizant of the fact that it was getting late; the master of ceremonies cut short the last speech. cognizance (noun).
ostentatious
ostentatious - (adjective) overly showy; pretentious. To show of his wealth; the millionaire threw an ostentatious party featuring a full orchestra; a famous singer; and tens of thousands of dollars_ worth of food.
caustic
caustic - (adjective) burning; corrosive. No one was safe when the satirist H. L. Mencken unleashed his caustic wit.
debased
debased - (adjective) lowered in quality; character; or esteem. The quality of TV journalism has been debased by the many new tabloid-style talk shows. debase (verb).
languid
languid - (adjective) without energy; slow; sluggish; listless. The hot; humid weather of late August can make anyone feel languid. languish (verb); languor (noun).
penurious
penurious - (adjective) extremely frugal; stingy. Haunted by memories of poverty; he lived in penurious fashion; driving a twelve-year-old car and wearing only the cheapest clothes. penury (noun).
amplify
amplify - (verb) to enlarge; expand; or increase. Uncertain as to whether they understood; the students asked the teacher to amplify his explanation. amplification (noun).
punctilious
punctilious - (adjective) very concerned about proper forms of behavior and manners. A punctilious dresser like James would rather skip the party altogether than wear the wrong color tie. punctilio (noun).
fallacy
fallacy - (noun) an error in fact or logic. It_s a fallacy to think that _natural_ means _healthful_; after all; the deadly poison arsenic is completely natural. fallacious (adjective).
pervasive
pervasive - (adjective) spreading throughout. As news of the disaster reached the town; a pervasive sense of gloom could be felt. pervade (verb).
innate
innate - (adjective) inborn; native. Not everyone who takes piano lessons becomes a fine musician; which shows that music requires innate talent as well as training.
juxtapose
juxtapose - (verb) to put side by side. Juxtaposing the two editorials revealed the enormous differences in the writers_ opinions. juxtaposition (noun).
phlegmatic
phlegmatic - (adjective) sluggish and unemotional in temperament. It was surprising to see Tom; who is normally so phlegmatic; acting excited.
intrepid
intrepid - (adjective) fearless and resolute. Only an intrepid adventurer is willing to undertake the long and dangerous trip by sled to the South Pole. intrepidity (noun).
aesthetic
aesthetic - (adjective) relating to art or beauty. Mapplethorpe_s photos may be attacked on moral grounds; but no one questions their aesthetic value_they are beautiful. aestheticism (noun).
impartial
impartial - (adjective) fair; equal; unbiased. If a judge is not impartial; then all of her rulings are questionable. impartiality (noun).
anarchy
anarchy - (noun) absence of law or order. For several months after the Nazi government was destroyed; there was no effective government in parts of Germany; and anarchy ruled. anarchic (adjective).
mediocrity
mediocrity - (noun) the state of being middling or poor in quality. The New York Mets finished in ninth place in 1968 but won the world_s championship in 1969; going from horrible to great in a single year and skipping mediocrity. mediocre (adjective).
meticulous
meticulous - (adjective) very careful with details. Repairing watches calls for a craftsperson who is patient and meticulous.
tranquility
tranquility - (noun) freedom from disturbance or turmoil; calm. She moved from New York City to rural Vermont seeking the tranquility of country life. tranquil (adjective).
evanescent
evanescent - (adjective) vanishing like a vapor; fragile and transient. As she walked by; the evanescent fragrance of her perfume reached me for just an instant.
propriety
propriety - (noun) appropriateness. The principal questioned the propriety of the discussion the teacher had with her students about another instructor_s gambling addiction.
contaminate
contaminate - (verb) to make impure. Chemicals dumped in a nearby forest had seeped into the soil and contaminated the local water supply. contamination (noun).
expedite
expedite - (verb) to carry out promptly. As the flood waters rose; the governor ordered state agencies to expedite their rescue efforts.
transitory
transitory - (adjective) quickly passing. Public moods tend to be transitory; people may be anxious and angry one month but relatively content and optimistic the next. transition (noun).
mercurial
mercurial - (adjective) changing quickly and unpredictably. The mercurial personality of Robin Williams; with his many voices and styles; made him perfect for the role of the ever-changing genie in Aladdin.
suppress
suppress - (verb) to put down or restrain. As soon as the unrest began; thousands of helmeted police were sent into the streets to suppress the riots. suppression (noun).
effusive
effusive - (adjective) pouring forth one_s emotions very freely. Having won the Oscar for Best Actress; Sally Field gave an effusive acceptance speech in which she marveled; _You like me! You really like me!_ effusion (noun).
amiable
amiable - (adjective) likable; agreeable; friendly. He was an amiable lab partner; always smiling; on time; and ready to work. amiability (noun).
candor
candor - (noun) openness; honesty; frankness. In his memoir about the Vietnam War; former defense secretary McNamara described his mistakes with remarkable candor. candid (adjective).
exuberant
exuberant - (adjective) wildly joyous and enthusiastic. As the final seconds of the game ticked away; the fans of the winning team began an exuberant celebration. exuberance (noun).
discomfit
discomfit - (verb) to frustrate; thwart; or embarrass. Discomfited by the interviewer_s unexpected question; Peter could only stammer in reply. discomfiture (noun).
maturation
maturation - (noun) the process of becoming fully grown or developed. Free markets in the former Communist nations are likely to operate smoothly only after a long period of maturation. mature (adjective and verb); maturity (noun).
deduction
deduction - (noun) a logical conclusion; especially a specific conclusion based on general principles. Based on what is known about the effects of greenhouse gases on atmospheric temperature; scientists have made several deductions about the likelihood of global warming. deduce (verb).
antagonism
antagonism - (noun) hostility; conflict; opposition. As more and more reporters investigated the Watergate scandal; antagonism between Nixon and the press increased. antagonistic (adjective); antagonize (verb).
engender
engender - (verb) to produce; to cause. Countless disagreements over the proper use of national forests have engendered feelings of hostility between ranchers and environmentalists.
modicum
modicum - (noun) a small amount. The plan for your new business is well designed; with a modicum of luck; you should be successful.
responsive
responsive - (adjective) reacting quickly and appropriately. The new director of the Internal Revenue Service has promised to make the agency more responsive to public complaints. respond (verb); response (noun).
buttress
buttress - (noun) something that supports or strengthens; a projecting structure of masonry or wood. The endorsement of the American Medical Association is a powerful buttress for the claims made about this new medicine. The buttress on the south wall of the Medieval castle was beginning to crumble. buttress (verb).
decry
decry - (verb) to criticize or condemn. The workers continued to decry the lack of safety in their factory.
enthrall
enthrall - (verb) to enchant or charm. The Swedish singer Jenny Lind enthralled American audiences in the nineteenth century with her beauty and talent.
rancorous
rancorous - (adjective) expressing bitter hostility. Many Americans are disgusted by recent political campaigns; which seem more rancorous than ever before. rancor (noun).
critique
critique - (noun) a critical evaluation. The editor gave a detailed critique of the manuscript; explaining its strengths and its weaknesses. critique (verb).
circumvent
circumvent - (verb) to get around. When James was caught speeding; he tried to circumvent the law by offering the police officer a bribe.
insolence
insolence - (noun) an attitude or behavior that is bold and disrespectful. Some feel that news reporters who shout questions at the president are behaving with insolence. insolent (adjective).
invariable
invariable - (adjective) unchanging; constant. When writing a book; it was her invariable habit to rise at 6 a.m. and work at her desk from 7 to 12. invariability (noun).
prepossessing
prepossessing - (adjective) attractive. Smart; lovely; and talented; she has all the prepossessing qualities that mark a potential movie star.
dubious
dubious - (adjective) doubtful; uncertain. Despite the chairman_s attempts to convince the committee members that his plan would succeed; most of them remained dubious. dubiety (noun).
discredit
discredit - (verb) to cause disbelief in the accuracy of some statement or the reliability of a person. Although many people still believe in UFOs; among scientists the reports of _alien encounters_ have been thoroughly discredited.
tedium
tedium - (noun) boredom. For most people; watching the Weather Channel for 24 hours would be sheer tedium. tedious (adjective).
abbreviate
abbreviate - (verb) to make briefer; to shorten. Because time was running out; the speaker had to abbreviate his remarks. abbreviation (noun).
exculpate
exculpate - (verb) to free from blame or guilt. When someone else confessed to the crime; the previous suspect was exculpated. exculpation (noun); exculpatory (adjective).
incriminate
incriminate - (verb) to give evidence of guilt. The fifth amendment to the Constitution says that no one is required to reveal information that would incriminate him or her in a crime. incriminating (adjective).
servile
servile - (adjective) like a slave or servant; submissive. The tycoon demanded that his underlings behave in a servile manner; agreeing quickly with everything he said. servility (noun).
diverge
diverge - (verb) to move in different directions. Frost_s poem The Road Less Traveled tells of the choice he made when _Two roads diverged in a yellow wood._ divergence (noun); divergent (adjective).
fractious
fractious - (adjective) troublesome; unruly. Members of the British Parliament are often fractious; shouting insults and sarcastic questions during debates.
delegate
delegate - (verb) to give authority or responsibility. The president delegated the vice president to represent the administration at the peace talks. delegate (noun).
superficial
superficial - (adjective) on the surface only; without depth or substance. Her wound was superficial and required only a light bandage. His superficial attractiveness hides the fact that his personality is lifeless and his mind is dull. superficiality (noun).
spurious
spurious - (adjective) false; fake. The so-called Piltdown Man; supposed to be the fossil of a primitive human; turned out to be spurious; although who created the hoax is still uncertain.
disdain
disdain - (noun) contempt; scorn. The professor could not hide his disdain for those students who were perpetually late to his class. disdain (verb); disdainful (adjective).
temperance
temperance - (noun) moderation or restraint in feelings and behavior. Most professional athletes practice temperance in their personal habits; too much eating or drinking; they know; can harm their performance. temperate (adjective).
unheralded
unheralded - (adjective) little known; unexpected. In a year of big budget; much-hyped; mega-movies; this unheralded foreign film has surprised everyone with its popularity.
oblivious
oblivious - (adjective) unaware; unconscious. Karen practiced her oboe with complete concentration; oblivious to the noise and activity around her. oblivion (noun); obliviousness (noun).
lithe
lithe - (adjective) flexible and graceful. The ballet dancer was almost as lithe as a cat.
impeccable
impeccable - (adjective) flawless. The crooks printed impeccable copies of the Super Bowl tickets; making it impossible to distinguish them from the real ones.
inversion
inversion - (noun) a turning backwards; inside-out; or upside-down; a reversal. Latin poetry often features inversion of word order; for example; the first line of Virgil_s Aeneid: _Arms and the man I sing._ invert (verb); inverted (adjective).
unyielding
unyielding - (adjective) firm; resolute; obdurate. Despite criticism; Cuomo was unyielding in his opposition to capital punishment; he vetoed several death penalty bills as governor.
translucent
translucent - (adjective) letting some light pass through. Panels of translucent glass let daylight into the room while maintaining privacy.
raze
raze - (verb) to completely destroy; demolish. The old Coliseum building will soon be razed to make room for a new hotel.
affected
affected - (adjective) false; artificial. At one time; Japanese women were taught to speak in an affected high-pitched voice; which was thought girlishly attractive. affect (verb); affectation (noun).
mollify
mollify - (verb) to soothe or calm; to appease. Samantha tried to mollify the angry customer by promising him a full refund.
proficient
proficient - (adjective) skillful; adept. A proficient artist; Louise quickly and accurately sketched the scene. proficiency (noun).
corrosive
corrosive - (adjective) eating away; gnawing; or destroying. Years of poverty and hard work had a corrosive effect on her beauty. corrode (verb); corrosion (noun).
talisman
talisman - (noun) an object supposed to have magical effects or qualities. Superstitious people sometimes carry a rabbit_s foot; a lucky coin; or some other talisman.
virtuoso
virtuoso - (noun) someone very skilled; especially in an art. Vladimir Horowitz was one of the great piano virtuosos of the twentieth century. virtuosity (noun).
plastic
plastic - (adjective) able to be molded or reshaped. Because it is highly plastic; clay is an easy material for beginning sculptors to use.
iconoclast
iconoclast - (noun) someone who attacks traditional beliefs or institutions. Comedian Stephen Colbert enjoys his reputation as an iconoclast; though people in power often resent his satirical jabs. iconoclasm (noun); iconoclastic (adjective).
mediate
mediate - (verb) to act to reconcile differences between two parties. During the baseball strike; both the players and the club owners were willing to have the president mediate the dispute. mediation (noun).
amicable
amicable - (adjective) friendly; peaceable. Although they agreed to divorce; their settlement was amicable and they remained friends afterward.
querulous
querulous - (adjective) complaining; whining. The nursing home attendant needed a lot of patience to care for the three querulous; unpleasant residents on his floor.
fortuitous
fortuitous - (adjective) lucky; fortunate. Although the mayor claimed credit for the falling crime rate; it was really caused by several fortuitous trends.
eminent
eminent - (adjective) noteworthy; famous. Vaclav Havel was an eminent author before he was elected president of the Czech Republic. eminence (noun).
acrimonious
acrimonious - (adjective) biting; harsh; caustic. The election campaign became acrimonious; as the candidates traded insults and accusations. acrimony (noun).
audible
audible - (adjective) able to be heard. Although she whispered; her voice was picked up by the microphone; and her words were audible throughout the theater. audibility (noun).
zealous
zealous - (adjective) filled with eagerness; fervor; or passion. A crowd of the candidate_s most zealous supporters greeted her at the airport with banners; signs; and a marching band. zeal (noun); zealot (noun); zealotry (noun).
credulity
credulity - (noun) willingness to believe; even with little evidence. Con artists fool people by taking advantage of their credulity. credulous (adjective).
