manhattan prep vocab Flashcards
abate
reduce or diminish
aberration
something that stands out or is abnormal
acclaim
great praise or approval
accord
agreement
acquisitiveness
desire to acquire more, especially an excessive desire
acreage
land measured in acres
adherent
a person who sticks to a belief or cause
ad-lib
make something up on the spot, give an unprepared speech; freely, as needed, according to desire
adopt
take and make one’s own
advent
a coming into being or use
adverse
unfavorable, opposed
agency
the ability to use power or influence
aggravate
make worse
altogether
completely, overall
ambivalent
not decisively one or the other
amortize
gradually pay off a debt, or gradually write off an asset
analogous
corresponding in a particular way
annex
to add on, or something that has been added on
annihiliate
completely destroy
annul
make void or null, cancel, abolish
anoint
rub or sprinkle oil on, especially as part of a ceremony that makes something sacred; to crown
antithetical
totally opposed to
application
act or result of applying
apprentice
a person who works for someone else in order to learn a trade
arbiter
judge, umpire, person empowered to decide matters at hand
aprocryphal
of doubtful authenticity
archaic
characteristic of an earlier period, ancient, primitive
aristocracy
a hereditary ruling class, nobility
artifact
any object made by humans, especially those from an earlier time
ascribe
give credit
assert
affirm, claim, state or express
assimilation
the process by which a minority group adopts the customs and way of life of a larger group, or the process by which any new thing being introduced begins to “blend in”
attain
achieve
attribute
give credit to
atypical
not typical
backfire
to produce an unexpected and unwanted result
balance
the remaining part or leftover amount
baldly
plainly, explicitly; bluntly
balloon
swell or puff out; increase rapidly
befall
happen to, usually referring to something bad
belie
contradict or misrepresent
benevolent
expressing goodwill, helping others
benign
harmless; kind or beneficent, not cancerous
blight
disease that kills plants rapidly, or any cause of decay or destruction; ruin or cause to wither
blunt
to dull, weaken, or make less effective
blur
to make blurry, unclear, indistinct
bogus
fake, fraudulent
bolster
strengthen or support
broad
wide, large; in the open; liberal, tolerant; covering a wide scope of things
brook
suffer or tolerate; a small stream
buffer
something the separates two groups who potentially do not get along
bureaucracy
government characterized by many bureaucrats and petty administrators; excessive, seemingly meaningless requirements
bygone
past, former; that which is in the past
bypass
avoid, go around; ignore
canon
body of accepted rules, standards, or artistic works
chancy
risky, not having a certain outcome
channel
to direct or guide along a particular course
check
restrained, held back; safeguard, limitation
chronological
arranged in or relating to time order
clamor
noisy uproar or protest, as from a crowd; a loud, continuous noise
clan
traditional social unit or division of a tribe consisting of a number of families derived from a common ancestor
cloak
to cover or conceal
coalesce
come together, unite; fuse together
coercion
force; use of pressure or threats to force someone to do something
coexistence
existing at the same time or in the same place
cogent
very convincing, logical
cognitive
related to thinking
collude
conspire; cooperate for illegal or fraudulent purposes
compliant
obeying, submissive; following the requirements
compound
add interest to the principal and accrued interest; increase
compromise
reduce the quality or value of something
concede
give in, admit, yield; acknowledge reluctantly; grant or give up
condone
overlook, tolerate, regard as harmless
confer
consult, compare; bestow or give
consequently
as a result, therefore
considerable
large, significant
considerations
factors to be considered in making a decision
consolidate
unite, combine, solidify, make coherent
contemplative
contemplating, thoughtful, meditative
contend
assert, make an argument in favor of; strive, compete, struggle
contextualize
place in context, such as giving the background or circumstances
contract
shrink, pull together and thus become smaller; get or acquire
conventional
traditional, customary
converge
move toward one another or towards a common point; unite
conversely
in an opposite way; on the other hand
convoluted
twisted; very complicated
copious
plentiful, bountiful
corresponding
accompanying; having the same or almost the same relationship
corroborate
support, add evidence to
countenance
approve or tolerate
counterintuitive
against what a person would intuitively expect
counterpoint
contrasting item, opposite; a complement; the use of contrasts or interplay in a work of art
counterproductive
defeating the purpose; preventing the intended goal
credibility
believability, trustworthiness
culminate
reach the highest point or final stage
currency
money; the act of being passed from person-to-person; general acceptance or a period of time during which something is accepted
curtail
cut short or reduce
cynical
thinking the worst of others’ motivations; bitterly pessimistic
debase
degrade; lower in quality, value or rank; lower in moral quality
debilitating
weakening, disabling
debunk
expose, ridicule, or disprove false or exaggerated claims
decry
condemn openly
deem
judge; consider
deflect
cause to curve; turn aside, as in from a straight course; avoid
delimit
fix, mark, or define the boundaries of
denote
be a name or symbol for
deride
mock, scoff at, laugh contemptuously
deterrent
something that restrains or discourages
dichotomy
division into two parts or into two contradictory groups
disclosure
revealing, exposing the truth; something that has been revealed
discount
ignore, especially to ignore information because it is considered untrustworthy; to underestimate, minimize, regard with doubt
discredit
injure the reputation of, destroy credibility of or confidence in
discrepancy
difference or inconsistency
discrete
separate, distinct, detached, existing as individual parts
discretionary
subject to someone’s discretion or judgement
discriminating
judicious, discerning, having good judgement or insight
disinterested
unbiased, impartial; not taking a side
dismiss
put aside or reject, especially after only a brief consideration; allow to disperse or leave; fire from a job
disparate
distinct, different
dispatch
speed, promptness; send off or deal with in a speedy way
disperse
scatter, spread widely, cause to vanish
disseminate
scatter, spread about, broadcast
divest
deprive or strip of a rank, title, or of clothing or gear; to sell off holdings, as in opposite of invest
dovetail
join or fit together
dubious
doubtful, questionable, suspect
echelon
a level, rank, or grade; the people at that level
stratum
same as echelon
eclectic
selecting the best of everything or from many diverse sources
eclipse
one thing covering up another; to cover up, darken, or make less important
effectively
in a successful manner; in effect, but not officially
efficacy
the quality of being able to produce the intended effect
egalitarian
related to belief in the equality of all people
egregious
extraordinarily or conspicuously bad; glaring
emancipate
free from slavery or oppression
eminent
prominent, distinguished, of high rank
emphasize
give special force or attention to
empirical
coming from, based on, or able to be verified by experience or experimentation; not purely based on theory
emulate
copy in an attempt to equal or be better than
enigma
puzzle, mystery, riddle; mysterious or contradictory person
enjoy
receive pleasure from, benefit from
ensure
guarantee
insure
provide or obtain insurance for
enumerate
count or list; specify one-by-one
equitable
fair, equal, just
equivalence
the state of being equal or essentially equal
equivocate
use unclear language to deceive or avoid committing to a position
erratic
inconsistent, wandering, having no fixed course
erroneous
mistaken, in error
erstwhile
former, previous
escape velocity
the minimum velocity that an object must attain in order to completely escape a gravitational field
estimable
worthy of esteem, admirable; able to be estimated
ethos
the character, personality, or moral values specific to a person, group, or time period
exacerbate
make worse, inflame
exacting
very severe in making demands; requiring precise attention
execute
put into effect, do, perform
exhaustive
comprehensive, thorough, exhausting a topic or subject, accounting for all possibilities; draining, tending to exhaust
exotic
foreign, intriguingly unusual or strange
expansionist
wanting to expand, such as by conquering other countries
expedient
suitable, proper, effective
explicit
direct, clear, fully revealed
extraneous
irrelevant; foreign, coming from without, not belonging
extrapolate
conjecture about an unknown by projecting information about something known; predict by projecting past experience
facilitate
make easier, help the progress of
faction
a group within a larger organization, usually negative
faculty
an ability, often a mental ability
fading
declining
fashion
manner or way
fathom
understand deeply
finding
a discovery, report, or result of an experiment
fishy
suspicious, unlikely, questionable
fledgling
new or inexperienced
fleeting
passing quickly, transitory
foreshadow
indicate or suggest beforehand
forestall
delay, hinder, prevent by taking action beforehand
glacial
slow, cold, icy, unsympathetic; related to glaciers
grade
slant; blend
gradation
progression ir process taking place gradually, in stages
graft
join together plant part or skin so that two living things grow together; act of acquiring money or other benefits through illegal means, especially by abusing one’s power
grandstand
perform showily in an attempt to impress onlookers
guesswork
a set of guesses or estimates; work based on guesses or estimates
guile
clever deceit, cunning, craftiness
hallmark
a mark or indication of quality, purity, or genuineness; any distinguishing characteristic
hallucination
a delusion, a false or mistaken idea; seeing, sensing, or hearing things that aren’t there, such as from a mental disorder
handpick
pick by hand, personally select
hardly
almost or probably not, or not at all
hardy
bold, brave, capable of withstanding hardship, fatigue, cold, and so on
hearken
listen, pay attention to
hedge
avoid commitment by leaving provisions for withdrawal or changing one’s mine; protect a bet by also betting on the other side
hegemony
domination, authority; influence by one country over others socially, culturally, or economically
heterogeneous
different in type, incongruous; composed of different types of elements
hierarchy
a ranked series; a classification of people according to rank, ability, and so on; a ruling body
holdings
property, such as land, capital, and stock
host
a large amount
hyperbole
deliberate exaggeration for effect
iconoclast
attacker of cherished beliefs or institutions
imminent
ready to occur, impending
immunity
the state of not being susceptible to disease; exemption from a duty or liability; exemption from legal punishment
impair
make worse, weaken
impartial
unbiased, fair
impasse
position or road from which there is no escape; deadlock; gridlock
impede
hold back, obstruct the progress of
impinge on
trespass, violate
implode
burst inward; metaphorically, to collapse or break down
imply
hint at, suggest, say without saying
impute
credit to, attribute to; lay blame or responsibility for
inadvertently
accidentally, carelessly, as a side effect
inasmuch
since, because
incentive
something that encourages greater action or effort, such as a reward
incidentally
not intentionally
incinerate
burn, reduce to ashes, cremate
inconsequential
insignificant, unimportant
incorporate
combine, unite; form a legal corporation; embody, give physical form to
indeterminate
not fixed or determined, indefinite; vague
indicative
indicating, suggestive of
induce
persuade or influence; bring about, cause to happen
inert
inactive; having little or no power to move
inevitable
not able to be avoided or escaped; certain
inexplicable
not able to be explained
inextricably
in a way such that one cannot untangle or escape something
infer
conclude from evidence or premises
inform
inspire, animate; give substance, essence, or context to; be the characteristic quality of
ingenuity
inventive skill, imagination, cleverness, especially in design
ingrained
deep-rooted, forming part of the very essence; worked into the fiber
inherent
existing as permanent, essential quality; intrinsic
initial
first, at the beginning
inordinate
excessive, not within proper limits, unrestrained
instrumental
serving as a means of doing something
insular
pertaining to an island; detached, standing alone; narrow-minded
interplay
interaction, reciprocal relationship or influence
intractable
difficult to control, manage, or manipulate; hard to cure; stubborn
intrepid
fearless, brave, enduring in the face of adversity
intrinsic
belonging to the essential nature of a thing
inundate
flood, cover with water, overwhelm
invaluable
priceless; so valuable that value cannot be measured
involved
complicated, intricate; confused or tangled
invulnerable
immune to attack; not vulnerable; impossible to damage, injure, and so on
isotope
forms of the same chemical element, but with different numbers of neutrons in the nucleus or different atomic weights
jettison
discard, cast off; throw items overboard in order to lighten a ship in an emergency
jumbo
unusually large, supersized
juncture
point in time, especially a point made critical due to a set of circumstances; the point at which two things join together
juxtapose
place side-by-side, either physically or in a metaphorical way, such as to make a comparison
kinetic
pertaining to motion
lackluster
not shiny; dull, mediocre; lacking brilliance of vitality
landmark
object, such as a building, that stands out and can be used to navigate by; a very important place or event
latent
potential; existing but not visible or active
lateral
sideways; related to or located at the side
lax
not strict; careless, loose, slack
laypeople
regular people, nonspecialists
levy
collect tax from or wage war on; act of collecting tax or amount owed; or the drafting of troops into military service
liberal
favorable to progress or reform; believing in maximum possible individual freedom; tolerant, open-minded; generous
lift
remove, such as a restriction; improve or lighten, such as a person’s mood
likewise
also, in addition to; similarly, in the same way
log
keep a record of, write down; travel for or at a certain distance or speed; a written record
machination
crafty scheme or plot
magma
molten material, such as very hot liquid rock, beneath or within the earth’s crust
magnate
very important or influential person, especially in business
makeshift
improvised, relating to a temporary substitute
jury-rig
assemble something quickly with whatever materials you have available
malleable
able to be bent, shaped, or adapted
tractable
capable of being easily led, taught, or controlled; malleable
manifest
obvious, apparent, perceptible to the eye; show, make clear, prove; a list of people or goods aboard a plane, ship, or train
mantle
layer of the earth between the crust and the core
maxim
a general truth or fundamental principle, especially expressed as a proverb or saying
max out
take to the limit, in a good or bad way
mediated by
brought about by means of; assisted as an intermediary
mercurial
quickly and unpredictably changing moods; fickle, flighty
militarism
glorification of the military; government in which the military has a lot of power or in which the military is the top priority
mired
stuck, entangled in something, like a swamp or muddy area; soiled
morass
soft, swampy ground that a person can sink into; something that is so complicated and difficult to deal with that makes any progress impossible
quagmire
soft spongy wet ground that shakes or gives way under the foot; a difficult situation from which it is hard to escape
muck
mud, dirt, or a sticky natural substance such as animal waste; dirty with or as if with muck
modest
humble, simple rather than showy; decent, especially in terms of dress; small, limited
mores
customs, manners, or morals of a particular group
municipal
relating to local self-government
narrative
story, report, narrated account
nebula
a cloud of gas and dust in space that can form star-forming regions; a cloudy spot on a person’s eye
net
remaining after expenses or other factors have been deducted; ultimate; bring in as profit, or catch as in a net
nevertheless
however, even so, despite that, nonetheless
nonetheless
however, even so, despite that, nevertheless
nontrivial
important or big enough to matter; opposite of trivial
normative
implying or attempting to establish a norm; expressing value judgements or telling people what to do
nostalgia
longing for the past
nuances
subtle or delicate distinctions; small differences in tone, meaning, or expression
nucleus
structure within a cell containing the cell’s hereditary material; any central or essential part; core, kernel
offhand
casual, informal; done without preparation or forethought; rude in a short way, brusque
offset
counteract, compensate for
oligarchy
government by a few, especially by a class or a small group or clique
omit
remove, delete, take out
operative
operating; having influence, force, or effect; effective, key, significant
optimal
best, most desirable or favorable
oral narratives
stories told verbally, especially by people who are not literate or whose cultures do not have writing
outstrip
surpass, exceed; be larger or better than; leave behind
paradigm
model or pattern; worldview, set of shared assumptions or values
paradox
contradiction, or seeming contradiction that is actually true
paragon
model of excellence, perfect example
partial
biased, prejudiced, favoring one over others; having a special liking for something or someone; in part
patent
obvious, apparent, plain to see; a letter from a government guaranteeing an inventor the rights to their invention
peddle
travel around while selling; sell illegally; give out or disseminate
penumbra
outer parts of a shadow from an eclipse; any surrounding region, fringe, periphery; any area where something only partially exists
per
for each; by means of; according to
periodic
happening at regular intervals
perpetuate
make perpetual, cause to continue
physiological
relating to the normal functioning of a living thing
piggyback
depending on someone bigger or more important
pilot program
program planned as a test or trial
plutocratic
related to government by the wealthy
polarized
divided into sharply opposed groups
polemic
controversial argument, especially one attacking a specific idea
postulate
claim, assert; assume the truth or reality of in order to form an argument
pragmatic
practical; dealing with actual facts and reality
predatory
living by preying on other animals; given to plundering, exploiting, or destroying others for one’s own benefit
predisposed
having an inclination or tendency beforehand; susceptible
predominant
having the greatest importance or influence; most common, main
preempt
prevent; take the place of, supplant; take before someone else can
premise
proposition on which an argument is based, functional parts of an argument other than the conclusion; a building an its surrounding land
prey
an animal that is hunted and eaten
priceless
extremely valuable; so valuable that the worth cannot even be estimated
pristine
in an original, pure state; uncorrupted; very clean
progeny
offspring, descendants
prominent
projecting outward, sticking out; very noticeable
pronounced
distinct, strong, clearly indicated
propagate
breed, cause to multiply
prospective
potential, aspiring
proximity
closeness, the state of being near
psyche
the spirit or soul; the mind
qualified
modified, limited, conditional on something else
radiometric
method for determining the approximate age of an ancient object by measuring the amount of radioactivity it contains
recalcitrant
not obedient, resisting authority, hard to manage
recapitulate
summarize, repeat in a concise way
receptive
capable of or ready and willing to receive
reconvene
gather, come together again, such as for a meeting
redress
compensation or relief for injury or wrongdoing; set right, correct, remedy
refute
prove to be false
rehash
discuss or bring up again without adding anything new
remedial
providing a remedy, curative; correcting a deficient skill
reminiscent
looking back at the past; reminding of the past
render
give, submit, surrender; translate; declare formally; cause to become
repercussions
consequences, usually negative
respectively
in the order given
reticent
not talking much; private, restrained, reserved
returns
profits
revamp
renovate, redo, revise; a restructuring, upgrade, overhaul
rife
happening frequently, abundant, currently being reported
rudimentary
elementary, relating to the basics; undeveloped, primitive
sanction
permission or approval; a legal action by one or more countries against another country to get it to comply
satire
literary device in which foolishness or badness is attacked through humor, irony, or making fun of something or someone
save
but or except
scant
not enough or barely enough
scarcely
hardly, barely, by a small margin
scrutiny
close, careful observation
seemingly
apparently, outwardly appearing to be a certain way
settled
fixed, established, concluded
siphon
tube for sucking liquid out of something
skeptical
doubting, especially in a scientific way
sketchy
like a sketch, incomplete, imperfect, superficial
skirt
border, lie along the edge of, go around; evade
slew
a large number or quantity
slight
small, not very important, slender or delicate; treat as though not important; snub, ignore; a discourtesy
smelt
fuse or melt ore in order to separate out metal
sparing
holding back or being wise in the use of resources; deficient
spate
sudden outpouring or rush; flood
spearhead
be the leader of
staggered
starting and ending at different times, especially occurring in overlapping intervals
static
fixed, not moving or changing, lacking vitality
stratum
one of many layers, such as in a rock formation or in the classes of a society
subjective
existing in the mind of relating to one’s own thoughts, opinions, or emotions; personal, individual, based on feelings
subjugation
conquering, domination, enslavement
subordinate
having a lower order or rank, inferior, secondary
subset
a set that is contained within a larger set
subvert
overthrow, corrupt, cause the downfall of
succeeding
coming after or following
suffrage
the right tovote
surge
sudden, transient increase, heavy swelling motion like that of waves
suppress
prohibit, curtail, force the end of
surpass
transcend, exceed, go beyond
synchronized
happening at the same time, simultaneous, in unison
syntax
the rules governing grammar and how words join to make sentences, the study of these rules, or any system or orderly arrangement
synthesis
combining two or more things to create a unified whole
table
postpone discussion of until later
tardy
late, not on time
taxonomy
science or technique of classification
temperament
natural personality
temperance
moderation, self-control, especially regarding alcohol or other desires or pleasures; total abstinence from alcohol
terrestrial
relating to the earth or to land; worldly
thenceforth
from that time forward
theoretically
in theory, but not necessarily in reality
thesis
proposition supported by an argument
thorny
controversial, full of difficulties
tides
periodic rise and fall of the ocean about every 12 hours, caused by the attraction of the sun and moon
token
sing, symbol, mark, badge; souvenir, memento; sample, or person, thing, idea take to represent an entire group
trajectory
the curved path of an object in flight
transient
moving around, not settled; temporary, not lasting
transmute
transform, change from one form to another
transplantation
moving from one place to another
truce
suspension of fighting for a specified period because of mutual agreement; cease-fire, armistice
undergird
strengthen, support; opposite of undermine
undermine
weaken, cause to collapse by digging away at the foundation; injure or attack in a secretive or underhanded way
underpin
strengthen, corroborate, support from below
underscore
emphasize or, literally, to underline text
undifferentiated
not distinguished from one another, the same
unfettered
free, liberated
unforeseeable
not able to be predicted
stipend
a fixed sum of money paid periodically for services or to defray expenses
unprecedented
never before known or seen, without having happened previously
untempered
not toned down; not moderated, controlled, or counterbalanced
untenable
not defendable, not able to be lived in
unwarranted
not justified or authorized
utopian
related to ideal of perfection; unrealistically idealistic
via
through, by means of, by way of
wanting
lacking, insufficient, or not good enough
warranted
justified, authorized
whereas
while on the contrary, considering that
whet
stimulate, make keen or eager
wholesale
sale of goods in quantity to resellers; extensive, in a large way
winnow
sift, analyze critically, separate the useful part from the worthless part
yoke
a frame for attaching animals to each other and to a plow or other equipment, or a bar across a person’s shoulders to help carry buckets of water
homily
a religious discourse which is intended primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction
coda
the concluding passage of a piece or movement, typically forming an addition to the basic structure; a concluding event, remark, or section
abreast
side by side and facing the same way; alongside or level with something; up to date with the latest news, idea, or information
askance
with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval; with a side-glance
demarcate
set the boundaries or limits of; separate or distinguish from
trumpet
announce something publicly, making it seem important
improvident
not having or showing foresight; spendthrift or thoughtless
spendthrift
a person who spends money in an extravagant, irresponsible way
inimical
tending to obstruct or harm; unfriendly, hostile
pragmatic
dealing with things sensibly and realistically in a way that’s based on practical rather than theoretical considerations
quixotic
extremely idealistic; unrealistic and impractical
gradiloquent
pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress
cajole
persuade to do something by sustained coaxing or flattery
mendacity
untruthfulness, lying
mendacious
given to or characterized by deception or falsehood or divergence from absolute truth
roundly
in a vehement or emphatic manner; so thoroughly as to leave no doubt; too plainly for politeness, bluntly
lauded
highly praised or admired
panned
severely criticized
insouciance
a casual lack of concern, indifference
listless
lacking energy or enthusiasm, enervated, lackadaisical
steward
supervise arrangements or keep order at; manage or look after
husband
use resources economically
upend
set or turn something on its end or upside down
galley
a kitchen in a ship or aircraft; a ship or boat propelled solely or chiefly by oars
counterfactual
relating to or expressing what has not happened or is not the case; a counterfactual conditional statement
derivative
imitative of the work of another artists, and usually disapproved of for that reason
torpid
mentally or physically inactive, lethargic; dormant, especially during hibernation
paean
a song or praise or triumph
panacea
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases
flagging
becoming tired or less dynamic; declining in strength
lissome
thin, supple, and graceful; lithesome
enervated
drained of energy or vitality
prolix
using or containing too many words; tediously lengthy speech or writing
prolific
present in large numbers or quantities, plentiful
profligate
recklessly extravagant or wasteful in the use of resources, prodigal; promiscuous and unprincipled
licentious
promiscuous and unprincipled in sexual matters
dissolute
overindulging in sensual pleasures
insidious
proceeding in a gradual, subtle way, but with very harmful effects
revivification
renewal or restoration of life
triage
the preliminary assessment of patients or casualties in order to determine the urgency or their need for treatment and the nature of treatment required
requite
make appropriate return for; return a favor to someone; respond to love or affection
quotidian
of or occurring every day, daily; ordinary or everyday, mundane
doyenne
the most respected or prominent woman in a particular field
serendipity
the fact of finding interesting or valuable things by chance
paucity
the presence of something in only small or insufficient quantities or amounts
mélange
a varied mixture; a medley
dearth
a scarcity or lack of something
tacit
understood or implied without being stated, implicit; unspoken
equable
not easily disturbed or angered, calm and even-tempered; not varying or fluctuating greatly
priggish
self-righteously moralistic and superior
impious
showing a lack of respect for god or religious; wicked
punctilious
showing great attention to detail or correct behavior, meticulous
punctilio
a fine or petty point of conduct or procedure
conscientious
wishing to do one’s work or duty well and thoroughly
philander
readily or frequently enter into casual sexual relationships with women
puckish
playful, especially in a mischievous way
prurient
having or encouraging an excessive interest in sexual matters, especially the sexual activity of others
wry
using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor; twisted into an expression of disgust, disappointment, or annoyance
wanton
deliberate and unprovoked; sexually unrestrained or having many casual sexual relationships
apportion
divide up and share out; assign
prescient
having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
preternatural
beyond what is normal or natural
pithy
containing much pithy, as of a fruit of a plant; terse and vigorously expressive language
terse
sparing in the use of words, abrupt
lionize
treat as an object of great interest or importance
indemnify
compensate someone for harm or loss; secure someone against legal liability for their actions
actuarial
relating to actuaries or their work of compiling and analyzing statistics to calculate insurance risks and premiums
acerbic
tasting sour or bitter; sharp and forthright
vicissitude
a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant; a change or variation occurring in the course of something
akimbo
with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards; flung out widely or haphazardly
providential
coming or happening by good luck especially unexpectedly
simpatico
of like mind or temperament, compatible
inured
accustomed to something, especially something unpleasant
maudlin
self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental
inveigle
persuade someone to do something by means of deception or flatter
hector
talk to someone in a bullying way
tremulous
shaking or quivering slightly; timid, nervous
coltish
energetic but awkward in one’s movements or behavior
obsequious
obedient or attentive to an excessive or servile degree
motley
incongruously varied in appearance or character, disparate
facetious
treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor, flippant
circumscribe
restrict something within limits
putative
generally considered or reputed to be
poignant
evoking a keen sense of sadness or regret; sharp or pungent in taste or smell
onerous
involving a great deal of effort, trouble, or difficulty, arduous
venal
showing or motivated by susceptibility to bribery; corrupt
labile
liable to change; easily altered
ignominious
deserving or causing public disgrace or shame
probity
the quality of having strong moral principles; honesty and decency
farcical
relating to or resembling farce, especially because of absurd or ridiculous aspects; laughable
desiccated
having had all moisture removed, dried out; lacking vitality or interest
excoriate
censure or criticize severely; damage or remove part of the surface of the skin
calumny
the making of false and defamatory statements, slander; a false and slanderous statement
obloquy
strong public condemnation, or disgrace brought about by public condemnation
garland
a wreath of flowers and leaves, worn on the head or hung as decoration; a prize or distinction
pedantry
excessive concern with minor details or rules
pedantic
excessively concerned with minor details or rules; overscrupulous
pulchritude
beauty
parsimony
extreme unwillingness to spend money or use resources
canny
having or showing shrewdness and good judgement, especially in money and business matters
desultory
lacking a plan, purpose, or enthusiasm; going constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way, unfocused; occurring randomly or occasionally
metastasis
the development of secondary malignant growth at a distance from a primary site of cancer
parlous
full of danger or uncertainty; precarious
semiotic
relating to signs and symbols
sangfroid
composure or coolness shown in danger or under trying circumstances
intrepid
fearless, adventurous
mercurial
subject to sudden or unpredictable changes of mood or mind
tirade
a long, angry speech of criticism or accusation
entreaty
an earnest or humble request
nadir
the lowest or most unsuccessful point in a situation
paragon
a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a particular quality
truism
a statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting
plaudits
expressions or praise or approval; the applause of an audience
expatiate
to move about freely or at will; to speak or write at length or in detail
distension
swelling, expanding by pressure from within
arcadian
relating to or constituting an ideal rural paradise
squalid
extremely dirty and unpleasant, especially as a result of poverty or neglect; showing or involving a contemptible lack of moral standards
contempt
the feeling that a person or a thing is worthless or beneath consideration
hinterland
the remote areas of a country away from the coast or the banks of major rivers; an area lying beyond what is visible or known
tony
fashionable among wealthy or stylish people
well-heeled
wealthy
effete
affected and overly refined; effeminate; no longer capable of effective action
tout
attempt to sell something, typically by a direct or persistent approach
halcyon
denoting a period of time in the past that was idyllically happy and peaceful
leery
cautious or wary due to realistic suspicions
diffident
modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
ratify
sign or give formal consent to, making it officially valid
purportedly
as appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; allegedly
congenial
pleasing or liked on account of having qualities or interests that are similar to one’s own; pleasant or agreeable due to being suited to one’s taste or inclination
dispensation
exemption from a rule or usual requirement; a political, religious, or social system prevailing at a particular time
earthy
direct and uninhibited, especially about sexual subjects or bodily functions
heuristic
enabling someone to discover or learn something for themselves
efficacious
successful in producing a desired or intended result; effective
dissipation
overindulgence in sensual pleasures; the squandering of money, energy, or resources
decamp
leave a place suddenly of secretly; break up or leave a military camp
solvent
having assets in excess of liabilities, able to pay one’s debts; able to dissolve other substances
supplant
supersede and replace
supersede
take the place of
imbue
inspire or permeate with
fatuous
silly and pointless
nonplussed
unsure about what to say, think, or do, perplexed; not bothered, surprised, or impressed by something
buttress
a structure of stone or brick built against a wall to strengthen or support it
dilettantes
a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge
acumen
the ability to make good judgements and take quick decisions
idealogue
one given to fanciful ideas or theories; someone who theorizes or speculates
hackneyed
having been overused, as of a phrase or idea; unoriginal and trite
modishness
quality or state of being fashionable, or elegance by virtue of being so
balkanize
divide into smaller mutually hostile states or groups
dissemble
conceal or disguise one’s true feelings or beliefs
defeasible
open in principle to revision, valid objection, forfeiture, or annulment
sinecure
a position requiring little or no work but giving the holder status or financial benefit
volubility
the quality of talking fluently, readily, or incessantly; talkativeness
perennial
lasting or existing for a long or apparently infinite time; enduring or continually recurring
asperity
harshness of tone and manner
asceticism
severe self-discipline and avoiding all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons
vituperation
bitter and abusive language
foible
a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone’s character
fastidious
very attentive to and concerned about accuracy and detail
specious
superficially plausible, but actually wrong
stolid
calm, dependable, and showing little emotion or animation
artful
clever or skillful, especially in a crafty or cunning way
callow
inexperienced and immature
plodding
slow-moving and unexciting; thorough and hard-working but lacking in imagination or intelligence
inchoate
just begun and so not fully formed or developed, rudimentary
sinuous
having many curves and turns; lithe and supple
contrite
feeling or expressing remorse at the recognition that one has done wrong
phlegmatic
having an unemotional and stolidly calm disposition
unflappable
having or showing calmness in a crisis
irascible
having or showing a tendency to be easily angered
jaundiced
affected by jaundice, in particular unnaturally yellow in complexion; affected by bitterness, resentment, or cynicism
blandishment
a flattering or pleasing statement or action used as a means of gently persuading someone to do something
apocryphal
of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true, such as of a story or statement
euphony
the quality of being pleasing to the ear; the tendency to make phonetic change for ease of pronunciation
sobriquet
a person’s nickname
extemporaneous
spoken or done without preparation
abjure
solemnly renounce, such as a belief, cause, or claim
renege
go back on a promise, undertaking, or contract
contravene
offend against a prohibition or order of; conflict with a right or principle, especially to its detriment
shrewd
having or showing sharp powers of judgement, astute
chary
cautiously or suspiciously reluctant to do something
burgeoning
beginning to grow or increase rapidly, flourishing
flummoxed
bewildered or perplexed, confounded
opprobrium
harsh criticism or censure; public disgrace arising from shameful conduct
manumit
release from slavery, set free
manacle
confine with manacles; shackle, fetter
adroit
clever or skillful
wallop
strike or hit very hard
laconic
using very few words
diatribe
a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something
demagogic
trying to win support by exciting the emotions of ordinary people rather than by having good or morally right ideas
belletristic
written and regarded for aesthetic value rather than content
gist
the substance or general meaning of speech or text
monastic
relating to monks, nuns, or others living under religious vows, or the buildings in which they live
hermetic
complete and airtight, as of a seal or closure; relating to an ancient occult tradition encompassing alchemy, astrology, and theosophy
hankering
a strong desire to have or do something
germane
relevant to a subject under consideration
congruent
in agreement or harmony
piecemeal
characterized by unsystematic partial measures taken over a period of time
sedulous
showing dedication and diligence
mordant
having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting
jurisprudent
relating to the theory or philosophy of law
trenchant
vigorous or incisive in expression or style
abase
behave in a way that belittles or degrades
zealous
showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective
zealot
a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals
epicurean
a person devoted to sensual enjoyment, especially that derived from fine food and drink
rejoinder
a reply, especially a sharp or witty one
recrimination
an accusation in response to one from someone else
acrimony
bitterness or ill feeling
dear
expensive
commiserate
express or feel sympathy or pity; sympathize
variegated
exhibiting different colors, especially as irregular patches or streaks; marked by variety
congealed
solidify or coagulate, especially by cooling; take shape or coalesce, especially to form a satisfying whole
profuse
very plentiful, abundant
expound
present and explain systematically and in detail
hobble
walk in an awkward way, typically because of pain from an injury; tie or strap together the legs of an animal to prevent it from straying
hamstring
cripple by cutting the hamstrings
assiduous
showing great care and perseverance
coup
an instance of successfully achieving something difficult
aggrieve
make someone unhappy and angry; give pain or trouble to, inflict injury on
cantankerous
difficult or irritating to deal with; cranky
