# MY RANDOM WORDS Flashcards

Question 1

Q

Word for: a person who does not have normal intelligence but who has very unusual mental abilities that other people do not have

Question 2

Q

words for:

to recall past experiences, events, etc

Answer

A

reminisce, bethink, retrospect, recall etc

Question 3

Q

dissolute

Answer

A

used to describe someone (such as a person who often gets drunk) whose way of living is considered morally wrong
lacking restraint; especially : marked by indulgence in things (as drink or promiscuous sex) deemed vices

Question 4

Q

Word for: a constitutional predisposition toward a particular state or condition and especially one that is abnormal or diseased

Answer

A

diathesis

Question 5

Q

ludicrous

Answer

A

: very foolish

1 : amusing or laughable through obvious absurdity, incongruity, exaggeration, or eccentricity

2 : meriting derisive laughter or scorn as absurdly inept, false, or foolish

Question 6

Q

myriad

Answer

A

noun
: a very large number ofthings

1 : ten thousand

2 : a great number <a></a>

Origin: Greek myriad-, myrias, from myrioi countless, ten thousand.

Question 7

Q

What is word: to disqualify (oneself) as judge in a particular case; broadly : to remove (oneself) from participation to avoid a conflict of interest

Question 8

Q

elude

Answer

A

: to avoid or escape (someone or something) by being quick, skillful, or clever

: to fail to be understood or remembered by (someone)

: to fail to be achieved by (someone)

Question 9

Q

veracity

Answer

A

: truth or accuracy
: the quality of being truthful or honest

1 : devotion to the truth : truthfulness
2 : power of conveying or perceiving truth
3 : conformity with truth or fact : accuracy
4 : something true

Question 10

Q

pedantic

Answer

A

adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being a pedant(see pedant )
2 : narrowly, stodgily, and often ostentatiously learned
3 : unimaginative, pedestrian

Question 11

Q

decry

Answer

A

: to say publicly and forcefully that you regard (something) as bad, wrong, etc.

Full Definition
1 : to depreciate (as a coin) officially or publicly
2 : to express strong disapproval of

Question 12

Q

Ignoble

Answer

A

adjective
: not deserving respect : not noble or honorable
Full Definition
1 : of low birth or common origin : plebeian
2 : characterized by baseness, lowness, or meanness

Question 13

Q

Apollonian

Answer

A

adjective
1 : of, relating to, or resembling the god Apollo
2 : harmonious, measured, ordered, or balanced in character — compare dionysian

Question 14

Q

Dionysian

Answer

A

adjective
1 a : of or relating to Dionysius
b : of or relating to the theological writings once mistakenly attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite
2 a : devoted to the worship of Dionysus
b : characteristic of Dionysus or the cult of worship of Dionysus; especially : being of a frenzied or orgiastic character — compare apollonian

Question 15

Q

mulligan

Answer

A

noun

: a free shot sometimes given a golfer in informal play when the previous shot was poorly played

Question 16

Q

occlusion

Answer

A

noun
1 : the act of occluding : the state of being occluded: as
a : the complete obstruction of the breath passage in the articulation of a speech sound
b : the bringing of the opposing surfaces of the teeth of the two jaws into contact; also : the relation between the surfaces when in contact
c : the inclusion or sorption of gas trapped during solidification of a material

2 : the front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm front and lifting the warm air above the earth’s surface

Question 17

Q

perturb

Answer

A

: to cause (someone) to be worried or upset

Full Definition
1 : to cause to be worried or upset : disquiet
2 : to throw into confusion : disorder
3 : to cause to experience a perturbation
synonyms see discompose

Question 18

Q

dissipate

Answer

A

: to cause (something) to spread out and disappear
: to separate into parts and disappear or go away
: to use all or a lot of (something, such as money or time) in a foolish way
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to break up and drive off (as a crowd)
b : to cause to spread thin or scatter and gradually vanish
2 : to be extravagant or dissolute in the pursuit of pleasure; especially : to drink to excess
synonyms see scatter

Question 19

Q

scruple

Answer

A

a minute part or quantity : iota

2.
a : an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action
b: the quality or state of being scrupulous
c: mental reservation
synonyms see qualm

to be unwilling to dosomething because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc.
Full Definition
a: to have scruples
b: to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : hesitate

Question 20

Q

Word for: : to make (someone) feel afraid or upset and unable to think clearly
Full Definition
1 : to deprive of courage, strength, or steadiness
2 : to cause to become nervous : upset

Question 21

Q

languish

Answer

A

: to continue for a long time without activity or progress in an unpleasant or unwanted situation
Full Definition
1 a : to be or become feeble, weak, or enervated
b : to be or live in a state of depression or decreasing vitality
2 a : to become dispirited
b : to suffer neglect
3 : to assume an expression of grief or emotion appealing for sympathy

Question 22

Q

abstruse

Answer

A

adjective
: hard to understand
Full Definition
: difficult to comprehend : recondite

Question 23

Q

abortive

Answer

A

adjective
\: failing to achieve the desired result : not successful
Full Definition
1 obsolete : prematurely born
2 : fruitless, unsuccessful
3 : imperfectly formed or developed
4 : tending to cut short

Question 24

Q

furtive

Answer

A

adjective
\: done in a quiet and secret way to avoid being noticed
Full Definition
1 a : done by stealth : surreptitious 
b : expressive of stealth : sly 
2 : obtained underhandedly : stolen
synonyms see secret

Question 25

Q

Word for: of a child : having or showing the qualities or abilities of an adult at an unusually early age

Answer

A

precocious

Question 26

Q

Conscription

Answer

A

noun
: the practice of ordering people by law to serve in the armed forces

Full Definition
: compulsory enrollment of persons especially for military service : draft

Question 27

Q

Word for: involving death or violence in a way that is strange, frightening, or unpleasant
Full Definition
1 : having death as a subject : comprising or including a personalized representation of death
2 : dwelling on the gruesome
3 : tending to produce horror in a beholder

Answer

A

macabre (adj)

synonyms: ghastly

Question 28

Q

palliative

Answer

A

noun
medical : something that reduces the effects or symptoms of a medical condition without curing it
: something that is intended to make a bad situation seem better but that does not really improve the situation
Full Definition
: something that palliates

Question 29

Q

Word for : to keep (a person or group) apart from other people

law : to take (property) until a debt has been paid

Answer

A

sequester

Question 30

Q

Word for : (noun) the places you go to or plan to go to on a journey ; also : a document in which the places you will be going to are listed

Answer

A

itinerary

Question 31

Q

pernicious

Answer

A

adjective
: causing great harm or damage often in a way that is not easily seen or noticed

Full Definition
1 : highly injurious or destructive : deadly
2 archaic : wicked

per·ni·cious·ly adverb
per·ni·cious·ness noun

Examples
the pernicious effects of illegal narcotics on society

Question 32

Q

assuage

Answer

A

transitive verb
: to make (something, such as an unpleasant feeling) less painful, severe, etc.

Full Definition
1 : to lessen the intensity of (something that pains or distresses) : ease
2 : pacify, quiet
3 : to put an end to by satisfying : appease, quench

synonyms see relieve

Other forms: as·suaged; as·suag·ing

Question 33

Q

Word for: noun : the nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies (as the sun, moon, and earth during a solar or lunar eclipse) in a gravitational system

Question 34

Q

Word for: noun : a political principle or policy directed toward the incorporation of an area within the boundaries of their historically or ethnically related political unit

Answer

A

irredentism

Question 35

Q

visceral

Answer

A

adjective
: coming from strong emotions and not from logic or reason

medical : of or relating to the viscera

Full Definition
1 : felt in or as if in the internal organs of the body : deep <a>
2 : not intellectual : instinctive, unreasoning
3 : dealing with crude or elemental emotions : earthy <a>
4 : of, relating to, or located on or among the viscera : splanchnic</a></a>

Question 36

Q

contrived

Answer

A

adjective
: having an unnatural or false appearance or quality

Full Definition
: having an unnatural or false appearance or quality : artificial, labored <a></a>

Examples
The movie’s contrived ending was a big disappointment.
The results of the test seemed somewhat contrived.

Origin: (see contrive ).
First use: 15th century

Question 37

Q

Word for: intransitive verb:
: to burn slowly without flames but usually with smoke
: to feel a strong emotion but keep it hidden
: to be felt strongly by someone without being directly shown or expressed

Answer

A

smolder or smoulder

Question 38

Q

Word for: adjective : including things taken from many different sources

Full Definition
1 : selecting what appears to be best in various doctrines, methods, or styles

2 : composed of elements drawn from various sources; also : heterogeneous

Question 39

Q

word for: noun: mob rule

Answer

A

ochlocracy

Question 40

Q

cabal

Answer

A

noun
: a small group of people who work together secretly

Full Definition
1 : the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government); also : a group engaged in such artifices and intrigues
2 : club, group <a></a>

synonyms see plot

Question 41

Q

prolepsis

Answer

A

noun

: anticipation: as

a : the representation or assumption of a future act or development as if presently existing or accomplished

b : the application of an adjective to a noun in anticipation of the result of the action of the verb (as in “while yon slow oxen turn the furrowed plain”)

Other forms: plural pro·lep·ses-ˌsēz\
pro·lep·tic -ˈlep-tik\ adjective
pro·lep·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin: Greek prolēpsis, from prolambanein to take beforehand, from pro- before + lambanein to take — more at latch.

Question 42

Q

Word for: noun
: something that has been done and cannot be changed

Full Definition
: a thing accomplished and presumably irreversible

Answer

A

fait accompli

Question 43

Q

trenchant

Answer

A

adjective
: very strong, clear, and effective

Full Definition
1 : keen, sharp
2 : vigorously effective and articulate <a>; also : caustic
3 a : sharply perceptive : penetrating <a>
b : clear-cut, distinct</a></a>

Question 44

Q

idiosyncratic

Answer

A

noun
: an unusual way in which a particular person behaves or thinks
: an unusual part or feature of something

Full Definition
1 a : a peculiarity of constitution or temperament : an individualizing characteristic or quality
b : individual hypersensitiveness (as to a drug or food)
2 : characteristic peculiarity (as of temperament); broadly : eccentricity

= quirk

Question 45

Q

Word for:
adjective
: used when people are speaking in an informal way
: using an informal style

Answer

A

colloquial

Question 46

Q

Word for:
adjective
: used when people are speaking in an informal way
: using an informal style

Answer

A

colloquial

Question 47

Q

Word for: verb (used with object),

to bind or fasten together.
Logic. to link (facts) together by a general description or by a hypothesis that applies to them all.

Answer

A

colligate

col·li·gat·ed, col·li·gat·ing

Question 48

Q

Word for: noun: One that foreshadows the approach of something.
verb tr.: To signal the arrival of something

Answer

A

Harbinger

Question 49

Q

Word for:
adjective

: full of sadness or sorrow : very sad especially in an exaggerated or insincere way

excessively mournful

Answer

A

lugubrious

Question 50

Q

Word for: noun:

the gradual recovery of health and strength after illness.

Answer

A

convalescence

Question 51

Q

qua

Answer

A

preposition:
: in the character or role of (someone or something)

Full Definition
: in the capacity or character of : as

Examples
The artist qua artist is less interesting to me than the artist as a human being.

Question 52

Q

Word for: noun:

intentional or conscious neglect

Answer

A

dereliction

Question 53

Q

Word for:

transitive verb
: to make (someone or something) weak : to reduce the strength of (someone or something)

Full Definition
: to impair the strength of : enfeeble

synonyms see weaken

Answer

A

debilitate

Question 54

Q

disquiet

Answer

A

transitive verb
: to make (someone) worried or nervous

Full Definition
: to take away the peace or tranquillity of : disturb, alarm

synonyms see discompose

Question 55

Q

Word for:
noun
: great happiness
: something that is pleasing and well chosen
: a talent for speaking or writing in a very effective way

Question 56

Q

Word for:
noun
: a sudden change ; especially : a sudden change in someone’s mood or behavior

Full Definition
1 a : a sudden, impulsive, and seemingly unmotivated notion or action
b : a sudden usually unpredictable condition, change, or series of changes

2 : a disposition to do things impulsively

Question 57

Q

quirk

Answer

A

noun
: an unusual habit or way of behaving
: something strange that happens by chance

Full Definition
1 a : an abrupt twist or curve
b : a peculiar trait : idiosyncrasy
c : accident, vagary <a></a>

2 : a groove separating a bead or other molding from adjoining members

Question 58

Q

entrench

Answer

A

: to place (someone or something) in a very strong position that cannot easily be changed

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to place within or surround with a trench especially for defense
b : to place (oneself) in a strong defensive position
c : to establish solidly

2 : to cut into : furrow; specifically : to erode downward so as to form a trench

Question 59

Q

Word for: noun:
: a Christian festival held on January 6 in honor of the coming of the three kings to the infant Jesus Christ

: a moment in which you suddenly see or understand something in a new or very clear way

Question 60

Q

trite

Answer

A

adjective

: not interesting or effective because of being used too often : not fresh or original

Question 61

Q

Word for:
verb tr.: To distort a message, document, transmission, etc.

noun: An instance of distorting a message, document etc

Question 62

Q

restive

Answer

A

restless; unable to become still, silent or calm; unable to control

Question 63

Q

extant

Answer

A

In existence, still existing

Question 64

Q

Word for:

intransitive verb

: to show that you believe you are more intelligent or better than other people

: to do something that you usually do not do because you believe you are too important to do it

Full Definition

1 a : to descend to a less formal or dignified level : unbend
b : to waive the privileges of rank

2 : to assume an air of superiority

Answer

A

condescend

Examples

I will not condescend to answer the sore loser’s charge that I cheated in order to win the race
wealthy people who tend to be condescending toward their poor relations

Answer 56

A

debauchery

Answer 57

A

petrichor

Answer 58

A

-noun

: a sensation of pricking, tingling, or creeping on the skin that has no objective cause

Answer 59

A

griffonage

Answer 60

A

verb: to write or draw very quickly or carelessly

Answer 61

A

palindrome

Answer 62

A

noun:
(Chess) a situation in which a player is limited to move that cost pieces or have damaging positional effect

a situation of having no options left to achieve something or which inadvertently sacrifices something valuable to stay on the course

Answer 63

A

crapulous

Answer 64

A

vorfreude : German vor- (= before) + -freude (= joy, happiness)

Answer 65

A

googleganger

Answer 66

A

noun: Bland intellectual fare: insipid or simplistic ideas, entertainment, writing, etc.

Answer 67

A

equable

Synonyms: balmy, clement, genial, gentle, mild, moderate, soft, temperate

Antonyms: harsh, inclement, intemperate, severe

Answer 68

A

: a feeling of guilt or regret ( chiefly US)

Full Definition

1 a : anxiety arising from awareness of guilt
b : distress of mind over an anticipated action or result

2 : a twinge of misgiving : scruple

synonyms see penitence, qualm

Answer 69

A

proclivity

Answer 70

A

a substance that abrades or wears down

abrasive (adj)

causing abrasion
sharply disagreeable; rigorous; “the harsh facts of court delays”; “an abrasive character”

Answer 71

A

deplorable

= contemptible, despicable, grubby (=covered with dirt; grimy), repugnant, appalling, abominable, abhorrent

Answer 72

A

transitive verb

: to avoid (something) especially because you do not think it is right, proper, etc.

Full Definition
: to avoid habitually especially on moral or practical grounds : shun

synonyms see escape
es·chew·al -əl\ noun

Examples
the minister eschews involvement in local politics, since he doesn’t want to diminish his moral authority in the community

Answer 73

A

transitive verb:

: to cause or allow (something, such as part of your body) to hit something very hard or forcefully

: to hit (someone or something) very hard or forcefully

: to hurt or damage (something) by hitting or beating

Answer 74

A

virulent

= acerbic, malevolent, spiteful, malicious, vicious, malignant, hateful

Answer 75

A

psephology

Answer 76

A

attrition

Answer 77

A

contempt

= disdain; scorn.

Answer 78

A

noun
: a strong feeling of dislike

Full Definition
1 obsolete : opposition in feeling
2 : settled aversion or dislike
3 : an object of aversion

= animosity, animus, antagonism, enmity, bad blood, bitterness, gall, grudge, hostility, jaundice, rancor

Answer 79

A

—noun, plural ver·i·ties for 2

the state or quality of being true; accordance with fact or reality: to question the verity of a statement.

something that is true, as a principle, belief, idea, or statement: the eternal verities.

noun: truth

accuracy, veracity, verisimilitude

Antonyms

falseness

Answer 80

A

adjective
: confident and hopeful

Full Definition

1 : bloodred

2 a : consisting of or relating to blood
b : bloodthirsty, sanguinary
c of the complexion : ruddy

3 : having blood as the predominating bodily humor; also : having the bodily conformation and temperament held characteristic of such predominance and marked by sturdiness, high color, and cheerfulness

4 : confident, optimistic

Answer 81

A

Pollyanna

Answer 82

A

penance

= penitence, contrition, repentance

Answer 83

A

prescience

Answer 84

A

Also, infection:

noun
: a rise or fall in the sound of a person’s voice : a change in the pitch or tone of a person’s voice

grammar : a change in the form of a word that occurs when it has a particular use

: a form of a word that occurs when it has a particular use : an inflected form

Full Definition

1 : the act or result of curving or bending : bend

2 : change in pitch or loudness of the voice

3 a : the change of form that words undergo to mark such distinctions as those of case, gender, number, tense, person, mood, or voice
b : a form, suffix, or element involved in such variation
c : accidence

4 a : change in curvature of an arc or curve from concave to convex or conversely
b : inflection point

Examples
the inflection of the river is even more obvious when viewed from the summit of the nearby mountain

Answer 85

A

injunction

in·junc·tive -ˈjəŋ(k)-tiv\ adjective

Examples
in the cult there were injunctions for and against everything, as nothing was a matter of personal choice

Answer 86

A

euphemism

Answer 87

A

soph. ism / sophistry

soph. ist

Answer 88

A

transitive verb
: to regard (something abstract) as a material or concrete thing

Other forms: re·ified; re·ify·ing

Answer 89

A

transitive verb
: to make (something) illegal : to not allow (something)

Full Definition
1 : to publish the name of as condemned to death with the property of the condemned forfeited to the state

2 : to condemn or forbid as harmful or unlawful : prohibit

Other forms: pro·scribed; pro·scrib·ing
pro·scrib·er noun

Examples
regulations proscribe the use of electronic devices on board a plane while it is landing

Origin: Latin proscribere to publish, proscribe, from pro- before + scribere to write — more at scribe.
First use: 1560

Answer 90

A

noun
: the act of no longer caring for, using, or doing something : the act of abandoning something

: the condition of being no longer cared for
law : failure to do your job or duty : failure to do what you should do

Full Definition
1 a : an intentional abandonment
b : the state of being abandoned

2 : a recession of water leaving permanently dry land

3 a : intentional or conscious neglect : delinquency
b : fault, shortcoming

Examples
the family’s shameful dereliction of their pets at the end of the summer season

the ski area was not held responsible for the injury on account of the skier’s own manifest dereliction

both sentries were to be court-martialed for dereliction of duty

Synonyms: abandonment, desertion, forsaking

Antonyms: reclamation

Answer 91

A

insinuation (in.sin.u.a.tion)

Answer 92

A

pantomime (pan.to.mime)

Origin: Latin pantomimus, from pant- + mimus mime.

Answer 93

A

adjective:
: likely to have or produce good results

Full Definition
1 : favorably disposed : benevolent
2 : being a good omen : auspicious 
3 : tending to favor : advantageous
synonyms see favorable

Answer 94

A

—adjective
> general; universal.

> interreligious or interdenominational: an ecumenical marriage.
including or containing a mixture of diverse elements or styles; mixed: an ecumenical meal of German, Italian, and Chinese dishes.

> pertaining to the whole Christian church.
promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world.
of or pertaining to a movement (ecumenical movement) especially among Protestant groups since the 1800s, aimed at achieving universal Christian unity and church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.

Answer 95

A

verb (used without object), vied, vy·ing.

to strive in competition or rivalry with another; contend for superiority:

Swimmers from many nations were vying for the title.

Answer 96

A

noun

the act of killing one’s father, mother, or other close relative.
a person who commits such an act.

Answer 97

A

inveterate

Full Definition
1 : firmly established by long persistence

2 : confirmed in a habit : habitual

in·vet·er·ate·ly adverb

Examples
he has an inveterate tendency to tell some very tall tales
the man is an inveterate liar who only rarely tells the truth

Answer 98

A

syn·cre·tism\ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌti-zəm, ˈsin-\
noun

: the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion.

1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice

2 : the fusion of two or more originally different inflectional forms

syn·cre·tist -tist\ noun or adjective
syn·cre·tis·tic \ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈtis-tik, ˌsin-\ adjective

Origin: New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkrētismos federation of Cretan cities, from syn- + Krēt-, Krēs Cretan.

Answer 99

A

—noun

mental or emotional stability or composure, especially under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium.

Answer 100

A

noun
: language or behavior that is false or meant to deceive people
: someone or something that is not honest or true
: a hard peppermint candy

= nonsense, drivel

Answer 101

A

noun
1 : the state or fact of being subjected to hatred and contempt as a result of a despicable act or blameworthy circumstance

2 : hatred and condemnation accompanied by loathing or contempt : detestation

3 : disrepute or infamy attached to something : opprobrium

Examples
time did nothing to diminish the odium in which the traitor lived out his days

Origin: Latin, hatred, from odisse to hate; akin to Old English atol terrible, Greek odyssasthai to be angry.

Answer 102

A

profligate

adjective: immoral, corrupt, debauched, depraved, dissipated, dissolute, iniquitous, promiscuous,

Antonyms

good, moral

Answer 103

A

obeisance

Full Definition
1 : a movement of the body made in token of respect or submission : bow

2 : acknowledgment of another’s superiority or importance : homage

obei·sant -sənt\ adjective

obei·sant·ly adverb

Origin: Middle English obeisaunce obedience, obeisance, from Anglo-French obeisance, from obeissant, present participle of obeir to obey.

Answer 104

A

noun
: a very skillful and successful effort or performance
Full Definition

: a feat or display of strength, skill, or ingenuity

Other forms: plural tours de force \same\

Examples
The book/film is a tour de force.

Her performance in the play was a real tour de force.

Origin: French.
First use: 1802
Synonyms: deed, exploit, number, stunt, feat, trick

Answer 105

A

ver·i·ta·ble\ˈver-ə-tə-bəl\

adjective
: true or real

Full Definition
: being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary — often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor <a>
ver·i·ta·ble·ness noun
ver·i·ta·bly -blē\ adverb
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from verité.
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 106

A

transitive verb

: to criticize (someone or something) very harshly

Full Definition

1 : to wear off the skin of : abrade

2 : to censure scathingly

Other forms: ex·co·ri·at·ed; ex·co·ri·at·ing
ex·co·ri·a·tion (ˌ)ek-ˌskȯr-ē-ˈā-shən\ noun

Examples
the mayor had hardly been in office for a month before she was being excoriated for problems of very long standing
the manacles had badly excoriated the prisoner’s wrists
Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin excoriatus, past participle of excoriare, from Latin ex- + corium skin, hide — more at cuirass.
First use: 15th century

Answer 107

A

tru·cu·lent\ˈtrə-kyə-lənt also ˈtrü-\ adjective

tru·cu·lent·ly adverb

Examples
die-hard fans who became truculent and violent after their team’s loss
a theater critic who was notorious for his titanically truculent reviews
truculent warlords who spared not even the children
Origin: Latin truculentus, from truc-, trux savage; perhaps akin to Middle Irish trú doomed person.
First use: circa 1540
Synonyms: aggressive, agonistic, argumentative, assaultive, bellicose, brawly, chippy, combative, confrontational, contentious, discordant, disputatious, feisty, gladiatorial, militant, pugnacious, quarrelsome, scrappy, belligerent, warlike
Antonyms: nonaggressive, nonbelligerent, pacific, peaceable, peaceful, unbelligerent, uncombative, uncontentious

Answer 108

A

per·fi·dy\ˈpər-fə-dē\

noun

: the act of betraying someone or something : the state of not being loyal

Full Definition
1 : the quality or state of being faithless or disloyal : treachery
2 : an act or an instance of disloyalty
Other forms: plural per·fi·dies
Examples
he decided to forgive his wife’s perfidy, choosing to ascribe it to a moment of uncharacteristic weakness
the full cost—both in compromised intelligence and in human life—of the double agent’s perfidy is not yet known
Origin: Latin perfidia, from perfidus faithless, from per- detrimental to + fides faith — more at per-, faith.
First use: 1592
Synonyms: disloyalty, faithlessness, falseness, falsity, inconstancy, perfidiousness, infidelity, unfaithfulness
Antonyms: allegiance, constancy, devotedness, devotion, faith, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty

Answer 109

A

tem·po·rize\ˈtem-pə-ˌrīz\

intransitive verb

Full Definition
1 : to act to suit the time or occasion : yield to current or dominant opinion
2 : to draw out discussions or negotiations so as to gain time noun
tem·po·riz·er noun
Origin: Middle French temporiser, from Medieval Latin temporizare to pass the time, from Latin tempor-, tempus.
First use: 1579

Answer 110

A

verb (used with object), be·hooved, be·hoov·ing.

> to be necessary or proper for, as for moral or ethical considerations; be incumbent on: It behooves the court to weigh evidence impartially.

> to be worthwhile to, as for personal profit or advantage: It would behoove you to be nicer to those who could help you.

Answer 111

A

ambivalence (am·biv·a·lence\am-ˈbi-və-lən(t)s)

am·biv·a·lent -lənt\ adjective
am·biv·a·lent·ly adverb

Origin: International Scientific Vocabulary.
First use: 1909

Answer 112

A

chauvinism

> religious chauvinism

> male chauvinism

= jingoism

Answer 113

A

prov·e·nance\ˈpräv-nən(t)s, ˈprä-və-ˌnän(t)s\

noun

: the origin or source of something

Full Definition
1 : origin, source
2 : the history of ownership of a valued object or work of art or literature

Origin: French, from provenir to come forth, originate, from Latin provenire, from pro- forth + venire to come — more at pro-, come.

Answer 114

A

ma·raud\mə-ˈrȯd\ intransitive verb

ma·raud·er noun

Examples
just for kicks, bored teenagers marauded neighborhood houses while their owners were away

Origin: French marauder.
First use: 1711

Synonyms: despoil, loot, ransack, pillage, plunder, sack

Answer 115

A

re·vanche\rə-ˈväⁿsh\

noun

: revenge; especially : a usually political policy designed to recover lost territory or status

re·vanch·ism -ˈväⁿ-ˌshi-zəm\ noun

Origin: French, from Middle French, alteration of revenche — more at revenge.

First use: 1853

Answer 116

A

un·couth\ən-ˈküth\

adjective
: behaving in a rude way : not polite or socially acceptable

Full Definition
1 a archaic : not known or not familiar to one : seldom experienced : uncommon, rare
b obsolete : mysterious, uncanny
2 a : strange or clumsy in shape or appearance : outlandish
b : lacking in polish and grace : rugged
c : awkward and uncultivated in appearance, manner, or behavior : rude

un·couth·ly adverb
un·couth·ness noun

Examples
will not tolerate any uncouth behavior, such as eating with one’s mouth open

the movie’s uncouth humor seemed to be purposely offensive

Origin: Middle English, from Old English uncūth, from un- + cūth familiar, known; akin to Old High German kund known, Old English can know — more at can.

Synonyms: boorish, churlish, classless, cloddish, loutish, clownish

Antonyms: civilized, cultivated, cultured, genteel, polished, refined, smooth, tasteful, ultrarefined, well-bred

Answer 117

A

prejudice

Answer 118

A

loath

adjective
: not wanting or willing to dosomething

Full Definition
: unwilling to do something contrary to one’s ways of thinking : reluctant

synonyms see disinclined
loath·ness noun

Examples
She was loath to admit her mistakes.
He was loath to reveal his secrets.

Variants: also loth \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\ or loathe \ˈlōth, ˈlōth\

Origin: Middle English loth loathsome, from Old English lāth; akin to Old High German leid loathsome, Old Irish lius loathing.

Synonyms: cagey (also cagy), disinclined, dubious, indisposed, hesitant (also loth or loathe), reluctant, reticent

Antonyms: disposed, inclined

Answer 119

A

brig·and\ˈbri-gənd\

noun
: a robber who travels with others in a group

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

Answer 120

A

intransitive verb

: to agree too easily or eagerly to do what someone else wants you to do

: to obey someone with power in a way that seems weak

Full Definition
1 : to show obsequious deference : fawn
2 : to kneel and touch the forehead to the ground in token of homage, worship, or deep respect

Answer 121

A

exonerate

ex·on·er·at·ed, ex·on·er·at·ing.

> Related forms
ex·on·er·a·tion, noun 
ex·on·er·a·tive, adjective 
ex·on·er·a·tor, noun 
un·ex·on·er·at·ed, adjective 
un·ex·on·er·a·tive, adjective

Can be confused: exculpate, exonerate, inculpate.

Answer 122

A

—verb (used with object), in·cul·pat·ed, in·cul·pat·ing.

> to charge with fault; blame; accuse.

> to involve in a charge; incriminate.

—Related forms
in·cul·pa·tion, noun
in·cul·pa·to·ry [in-kuhl-puh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , adjective

Can be confused: 1. exculpate, exonerate, inculpate ; 2. exculpatory, inculpatory.

Answer 123

A

—verb (used with object), ex·cul·pat·ed, ex·cul·pat·ing.

to clear from a charge of guilt or fault; free from blame; vindicate.

—Related forms
ex·cul·pa·ble [ik-skuhl-puh-buh l] , adjective 
ex·cul·pa·tion, noun 
non·ex·cul·pa·ble, adverb 
non·ex·cul·pa·tion, noun 
self-ex·cul·pa·tion, noun 
un·ex·cul·pa·ble, adjective 
un·ex·cul·pat·ed, adjective

Can be confused: exculpate, exonerate, inculpate.

Answer 124

A

ca·jole\kə-ˈjōl\

transitive verb
: to persuade someone to do something or to give you something by making promises or saying nice things

Full Definition
1 a : to persuade with flattery or gentle urging especially in the face of reluctance : coax
b : to obtain from someone by gentle persuasion
2 : to deceive with soothing words or false promises
Other forms: ca·joled; ca·jol·ing
ca·jole·ment -ˈjōl-mənt\ noun
ca·jol·er noun
ca·jol·ery -ˈjō-lə-rē\ noun
Examples
cajoled her into doing his laundry for him
Origin: French cajoler.
First use: 1630
Synonym discussion: cajole coax soft-soap blandish wheedle mean to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions. cajole suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections . coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect . soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain . blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions . wheedle suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading .

Answer 125

A

: generally believed to be something

Full Definition
1 : commonly accepted or supposed
2 : assumed to exist or to have existed

pu·ta·tive·ly adverb

Examples
the putative reason for her dismissal was poor job performance

Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin putativus, from Latin putatus, past participle of putare to think.

Synonyms: assumed, evident, ostensible, ostensive, presumed, prima facie, apparent, reputed, seeming, supposed

Answer 126

A

noun
: the appearance of a person’s face : a person’s expression

transitive verb
: to accept, support, or approve of (something)

Answer 127

A

proletariat

Answer 128

A

bourgeoisie

Answer 129

A

desiderium (not to be confused with “desideratum/desiderata”= something wanted or needed/ some things wanted r needed)

Answer 130

A

MEANING:
verb tr.: To get something or to persuade someone to do something by deception or flattery.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Old French aveugle (blind), from Latin ab- (away from) + oculus (eye). Earliest documented use: 1513.

Answer 131

A

inculcate

Answer 132

A

dirigisme

Answer 133

A

zeitgeist

Answer 134

A

: to feel sorrow or regret for (something)

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to feel penitence, remorse, or regret for

intransitive verb
: to feel sorrow, remorse, or regret

Other forms: rued; ru·ing

Synonyms: bemoan, deplore, lament, repent, regret

Answer 135

A

adjective

: refusing to change your behavior or your ideas

: difficult to deal with, remove, etc.

Full Definition

1 : perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion

2 : not easily subdued, remedied, or removed

ob·sti·nate·ly adverb
ob·sti·nate·ness noun

Examples
the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others

Answer 136

A

noun
: the lack of good sense or judgment

: a foolish act or idea : foolish behavior

: a very unusual or fancy building that was built in a garden for decoration or amusement in the past

Answer 137

A

eloquent (e.lo.quent)

Full Definition
1 : marked by forceful and fluent expression
2 : vividly or movingly expressive or revealing

el·o·quent·ly adverb

Examples

an eloquent writer and speaker, Elizabeth Cady Stanton was one of the founders of the women’s rights movement

in an eloquent gesture, the defeated general was graciously given back his sword at the surrender ceremonies

President Kennedy’s eloquent inaugural address is often credited with inspiring a whole generation

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin eloquent-, eloquens, from present participle of eloqui to speak out, from e- + loqui to speak.

Synonyms: articulate, fluent, silver-tongued, well-spoken

Antonyms: inarticulate, ineloquent, unvocal

Answer 138

A

deference

Answer 139

A

—noun, plural as·per·i·ties.

harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner; severity; acrimony: The cause of her anger did not warrant such asperity.

hardship; difficulty; rigor: the asperities of polar weather.
roughness of surface; unevenness.

something rough or harsh.

Answer 140

A

—noun

Ecclesiastical.

an elementary book containing a summary of the principles of the Christian religion, especially as maintained by a particular church, in the form of questions and answers.
the contents of such a book.

> a similar book of instruction in other subjects.

> > a series of formal questions put, as to political candidates, to bring out their views.

catechetical instruction.

—Related forms
cat·e·chis·mal, adjective

Can be confused: cataclysm

Answer 141

A

—noun

> any violent upheaval, especially one of a social or political nature.

> Physical Geography. a sudden and violent physical action producing changes in the earth’s surface.

an extensive flood; deluge.

Can be confused: catechism.

Answer 142

A

con·do·min·i·um\ˌkän-də-ˈmi-nē-əm\

noun

Answer 143

A

poi·gnant\ˈpȯi-nyənt sometimes ˈpȯi(g)-nənt\

adjective
: causing a strong feeling of sadness

Full Definition

1 : pungently pervasive <a></a>

2 a (1) : painfully affecting the feelings : piercing (2) : deeply affecting : touching 
b : designed to make an impression : cutting

3 a : pleasurably stimulating
b : being to the point : apt

synonyms see pungent, moving

Answer 144

A

pathos

Origin: Greek, suffering, experience, emotion, from paschein (aor. pathein) to experience, suffer; perhaps akin to Lithuanian kęsti to suffer.

Answer 145

A

adjective
: experienced or felt by watching, hearing about, or reading about someone else rather than by doing something yourself

Full Definition

1 a : serving instead of someone or something else
b : that has been delegated

2 : performed or suffered by one person as a substitute for another or to the benefit or advantage of another : substitutionary <a></a>

3 : experienced or realized through imaginative or sympathetic participation in the experience of another <a></a>

4 : occurring in an unexpected or abnormal part of the body instead of the usual one

vi·car·i·ous·ly adverb
vi·car·i·ous·ness noun

Origin: Latin vicarius, from vicis change, alternation, stead — more at week.

Answer 146

A

adjective

1 : shod with calked shoe

2 : marked by tyrannical force

roughshod

adverb

: without thinking or caring about the opinions, rights, or feelings of others

Full Definition
: in a roughly forceful manner

Answer 147

A

un·bri·dled-ˈbrī-dəld\

adjective
: not controlled or limited : done, felt, or expressed in a free and uncontrolled way

Full Definition
1 : unrestrained
2 : not confined by a bridle

Examples
a case that was solved only because of one detective’s unbridled determination to bring the killer to justice

Synonyms: abandoned, intemperate, raw, runaway, unbounded, rampant, unchecked, uncontrolled, unhampered, unhindered, unrestrained

Antonyms: bridled, checked, constrained, controlled, curbed, governed, hampered, hindered, restrained, temperate

Answer 148

A

re·pa·tri·ate(ˌ)rē-ˈpā-trē-ˌāt, -ˈpa-\

transitive verb

Answer 149

A

par·take\pär-ˈtāk, pər-\

: to have a share or part of something along with others
: to join with others indoing something : to take part insomething
: to have some of the qualities ofsomething

Full Definition

intransitive verb
1 : to take part in or experience something along with others
2 : to have a portion (as of food or drink)
3 : to possess or share a certain nature or attribute

transitive verb
: to take part in

synonyms see share
Other forms: par·took-ˈtu̇k\; par·tak·en-ˈtā-kən\; par·tak·ing

par·tak·er noun

Examples
we should all partake of the city’s rich cultural offerings while we have the opportunity
“let us partake,” our minister declared, unfolding his napkin and eyeing the feast laid out before us
Origin: back-formation from partaker, alteration of part taker.
First use: 1561
Synonyms: participate, share

Answer 150

A

ex·tri·cate\ˈek-strə-ˌkāt\

Full Definition

b : to distinguish from a related thing
2 : to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty

Other forms: ex·tri·cat·ed; ex·tri·cat·ing
ex·tri·ca·ble \ik-ˈstri-kə-bəl, ek-ˈ, ˈek-(ˌ)\ adjective
ex·tri·ca·tion \ˌek-strə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

Examples
you’ve woven such a web of lies that it’s hard to see how you can extricate yourself now
Origin: Latin extricatus, past participle of extricare, from ex- + tricae trifles, perplexities.
First use: 1601
Synonym discussion: extricate disentangle untangle disencumber disembarrass mean to free from what binds or holds back. extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation . disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things . disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down . disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders .

Answer 151

A

—noun, plural ex·i·gen·cies.

exigent state or character; urgency.

Usually, exigencies. the need, demand, or requirement intrinsic to a circumstance, condition, etc.: the exigencies of city life.

a case or situation that demands prompt action or remedy; emergency: He promised help in any exigency.

Also, ex·i·gence.

Answer 152

A

—noun

the state or quality of being nonchalant; cool indifference or lack of concern; casualness.

= noun: apathy

casualness, composure, disregard, indifference, insouciance

Answer 153

A

in·sou·ci·ance\in-ˈsü-sē-ən(t)s, aⁿ-süs-ˈyäⁿs\

noun
: a relaxed and calm state : a feeling of not worrying about anything

Full Definition
: lighthearted unconcern : nonchalance

in·sou·ci·ant \in-ˈsü-sē-ənt, aⁿ-süs-yäⁿ\ adjective
in·sou·ci·ant·ly \in-ˈsü-sē-ənt-lē\ adverb

Examples
wandered into the meeting with complete insouciance to the fact that she was late

Origin: French, from in- + soucier to trouble, disturb, from Old French, from Latin sollicitare — more at solicit.

Answer 154

A

sul·ly\ˈsə-lē\

transitive verb

: to damage or ruin the good quality of (something)

Full Definition
: to make soiled or tarnished : defile

Other forms: sul·lied; sul·ly·ing

Origin: Middle English *sullien, probably alteration (influenced by Anglo-French suillier, soiller to soil) of sulen to soil, from Old English sylian.
First use: 15th century

Answer 155

A

—preposition, adverb

Chiefly South Midland and Southern U.S. between.
—Idioms

betwixt and between,
neither the one nor the other; in a middle or unresolved position: Not wanting to side with either her father or her mother, she was betwixt and between.

Answer 156

A

—adjective

having, inclined to have, or characterized by lascivious or lustful thoughts, desires, etc.

causing lasciviousness or lust.

having a restless desire or longing.

—Related forms
pru·ri·ence, pru·ri·en·cy, noun
pru·ri·ent·ly, adverb

= lascivious, licentious, salacious, libidinous, lustful, horny,

Answer 157

A

pliant

—Related forms
pli·an·cy, pli·ant·ness, noun 
pli·ant·ly, adverb 
non·pli·an·cy, noun 
non·pli·ant, adjective 
non·pli·ant·ly, adverb 
non·pli·ant·ness, noun 
un·pli·an·cy, noun 
un·pli·ant, adjective 
un·pli·ant·ly, adverb 
un·pli·ant·ness, noun

Answer 158

A

resilience

Answer 159

A

—noun, plural cal·um·nies.

a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something: The speech was considered a calumny of the administration.

the act of uttering calumnies; slander; defamation.

Answer 160

A

—adjective

forbidden, as by law; prohibited.

Answer 161

A

—adjective

being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless: a quiescent mind.

—Related forms
qui·es·cent·ly, adverb
qui·es·cence, qui·es·cen·cy, noun

Answer 162

A

con·va·lesce\ˌkän-və-ˈles\

intransitive verb

Answer 163

A

jeer\ˈjir\

: to shout insulting words at someone : to laugh at or criticize someone in a loud and angry way

Full Definition
intransitive verb

: to speak or cry out with derision or mockerytransitive verb
: to deride with jeers : taunt

synonyms see scoff

jeer·er noun
jeer·ing·ly -iŋ-lē\ adverb

Synonyms: deride, gibe (or jibe), ridicule, laugh (at), mock, scout, shoot down, skewer

2jeer
noun
\: a jeering remark or sound : taunt
First use: 1625
Synonyms: bird [chiefly British], boo, Bronx cheer, hiss, hoot, catcall, raspberry, razz, snort
Antonyms: cheer

Answer 164

A

intransitive verb
: to avoid telling the truth by not directly answering a question

Full Definition
: to deviate from the truth : equivocate

synonyms see lie

Other forms: pre·var·i·cat·ed; pre·var·i·cat·ing
pre·var·i·ca·tion -ˌver-ə-ˈkā-shən, -ˈva-rə-\ noun
pre·var·i·ca·tor -ˈver-ə-ˌkā-tər, -ˈva-rə-\ noun

Examples
during the hearings the witness was willing to prevaricate in order to protect his friend

Origin: Latin praevaricatus, past participle of praevaricari to act in collusion, literally, to straddle, from prae- + varicare to straddle, from varus bowlegged.

Answer 165

A

strad·dle\ˈstra-dəl\
1>
: to sit or ride with a leg on either side of (something)
: to be on both sides of (something)
: to have parts that are in (different places, regions, etc.)

2> 
noun
1 : the act or position of one who straddles
2 : a noncommittal or equivocal position
3 : spread

Answer 166

A

dep·re·date\ˈde-prə-ˌdāt\

transitive verb
: to lay waste : plunder, ravage

intransitive verb
: to engage in plunder

Other forms: dep·re·dat·ed; dep·re·dat·ing
dep·re·da·tion \ˌde-prə-ˈdā-shən\ noun
de·pre·da·tor \ˈde-prə-ˌdā-tər, di-ˈpre-də-\ noun
de·pre·da·to·ry \di-ˈpre-də-ˌtȯr-ē, ˈde-pri-də-\ adjective
Origin: Late Latin depraedatus, past participle of depraedari, from Latin de- + praedari to plunder — more at prey.

Answer 167

A

col·lo·qui·al\kə-ˈlō-kwē-əl\

adjective
: used when people are speaking in an informal way
: using an informal style

Full Definition
1 : of or relating to conversation : conversational
2 a : used in or characteristic of familiar and informal conversation; also : unacceptably informal
b : using conversational style

colloquial noun

col·lo·qui·al·i·ty -ˌlō-kwē-ˈa-lə-tē\ noun
col·lo·qui·al·ly -ˈlō-kwē-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples
the new coworker’s rudeness soon began—to use a colloquial expression—to rub me the wrong way
a colloquial essay on what makes a marriage successful

Synonyms: conversational, informal, nonformal, nonliterary, unbookish, unliterary, vernacular, vulgar

Antonyms: bookish, formal, learned, literary

Answer 168

A

—adjective

characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly: an erudite professor; an erudite commentary.

Synonyms: educated, knowledgeable; wise, sapient.

—Related forms
er·u·dite·ly, adverb 
er·u·dite·ness, noun 
non·er·u·dite, adjective 
non·er·u·dite·ly, adverb 
non·er·u·dite·ness, noun 
un·er·u·dite, adjective

Answer 169

A

—verb (used with object), chid·ed or chid [chid] Show IPA, chid·ed or chid or chid·den [chid-n] Show IPA, chid·ing.

> to express disapproval of; scold; reproach: The principal chided the children for their thoughtless pranks.

> to harass, nag, impel, or the like by chiding: She chided him into apologizing.

—verb (used without object), chid·ed or chid [chid] Show IPA, chid·ed or chid or chid·den [chid-n] Show IPA, chid·ing.

to scold or reproach; find fault.

Answer 170

A

sur·rep·ti·tious\ˌsər-əp-ˈti-shəs, ˌsə-rəp-, sə-ˌrep-\

adjective

: done in a secret way

Full Definition
1 : done, made, or acquired by stealth : clandestine
2 : acting or doing something clandestinely : stealthy <a></a>

synonyms see secret
sur·rep·ti·tious·ly adverb

Examples
a private investigator adept at taking surreptitious pictures of adulterous couples

Origin: Middle English, from Latin surrepticius, from surreptus, past participle of surripere to snatch secretly, from sub- + rapere to seize — more at rapid.

Synonyms: backstairs, behind-the-scenes, clandestine, covert, furtive, hole-and-corner, hugger-mugger, hush-hush, private, privy, sneak, sneaking, sneaky, stealth, stealthy, secret, undercover, underground, underhand, underhanded

Antonyms: open, overt, public

Answer 171

A

black·leg\ˈblak-ˌleg, -ˌlāg\

noun
: a person who works while other employees are on strike

Full Definition
1 : a usually fatal toxemia especially of young cattle caused by a soil bacterium (Clostridium chauvoei)
2 : a cheating gambler : swindler
3 chiefly British : a worker hostile to trade unionism or acting in opposition to union policies : scab

Answer 172

A

transitive verb
: to defeat (someone or something) easily and thoroughly
Full Definition
: to thrash or punish severely; especially : to defeat decisively

Other forms: trounced; trounc·ing

Examples
Their opponents trounced them in the final game.
our candidate trounced her opponent in the election, winning with 76% of the vote

Answer 173

A

—noun

> a defeat attended with disorderly flight; dispersal of a defeated force in complete disorder: to put an army to rout; to put reason to rout.

> any overwhelming defeat: a rout of the home team by the state champions.

> a tumultuous or disorderly crowd of persons.
the rabble or mob.

Law. a disturbance of the public peace by three or more persons acting together in a manner that suggests an intention to riot although they do not actually carry out the intention.
a large, formal evening party or social gathering.
Archaic. a company or band of people.

—verb (used with object)

to disperse in defeat and disorderly flight: to rout an army.

to defeat decisively: to rout an opponent in conversation.

Answer 174

A

—verb (used without object)

to protest strongly or attack vehemently with words; rail (usually followed by against ): to inveigh against isolationism.

—Related forms
in·veigh·er, noun
un·in·veigh·ing, adjective

Answer 175

A

—noun

extreme or excessive economy or frugality; stinginess; niggardliness.

Answer 176

A

—verb (used with object), ex·pro·pri·at·ed, ex·pro·pri·at·ing.

to take possession of, especially for public use by the right of eminent domain, thus divesting the title of the private owner: The government expropriated the land for a recreation area.

to dispossess (a person) of ownership: The revolutionary government expropriated the landowners from their estates.

to take (something) from another’s possession for one’s own use: He expropriated my ideas for his own article.

Answer 177

A

di·ri·gisme\di-ri-ˈzhi-zəm, dē-rē-ˈzhēs-mə\

noun
: economic planning and control by the state

di·ri·giste \di-ri-ˈzhēst, dē-rē-\ adjective

Origin: French, from diriger to direct (from Latin dirigere) + -isme -ism.

First use: 1947

Answer 178

A

pos·ter·i·ty\pä-ˈster-ə-tē\

noun
: people in the future
Full Definition
1 : the offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation
2 : all future generations
Examples
an association for people who have claims for being the posterity of Thomas Jefferson
Origin: Middle English posterite, from Anglo-French pusterité, from Latin posteritat-, posteritas, from posterus coming after.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: fruit, get, issue, offspring, progeny, seed, spawn

Answer 179

A

presentment

= premonition, portent, forboding

Answer 180

A

mal·fea·sance\ˌmal-ˈfē-zən(t)s\
noun

law : illegal or dishonest activity especially by a public official or a corporation

Full Definition
: wrongdoing or misconduct especially by a public official

Examples
a campaign to impeach the governor for malfeasance in office

Origin: mal- + obsolete feasance doing, execution.

Synonyms: misconduct, misbehavior, misdoing, wrongdoing

Answer 181

A

deportment

Answer 182

A

puis·sant-sənt, -sənt\

adjective
: having puissance : powerful

Examples
one of the nation’s most respected and puissant advocates for the rights of minorities

Synonyms: heavy, heavy-duty, influential, mighty, potent, powerful, important, significant, strong

Antonyms: helpless, impotent, insignificant, little, powerless, unimportant, weak

Answer 183

A

—verb (used without object)

to speak or shout derisively; scoff or gibe rudely: Don’t jeer unless you can do better.

—verb (used with object)

to shout derisively at; taunt.

to treat with scoffs or derision; mock.

to drive away by derisive shouts (followed by out of, off, etc.): They jeered the speaker off the stage.

—noun

a jeering utterance; derisive or rude gibe.

—Related forms
jeer·er, noun 
jeer·ing·ly, adverb 
un·jeered, adjective 
un·jeer·ing, adjective

Answer 184

A

—adjective

> of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or resembling the literary work of Franz Kafka: the Kafkaesque terror of the endless interrogations.

> marked by a senseless, disorienting, often menacing complexity: Kafkaesque bureaucracies.

Answer 185

A

—noun

a feeling of utter weariness and discontent resulting from satiety or lack of interest; boredom: The endless lecture produced an unbearable ennui.

Answer 186

A

adjective
\: brief and direct in a way that may seem rude or unfriendly
Full Definition
1 : smoothly elegant : polished
2 : using few words : devoid of superfluity <a>; also : short, brusque 
synonyms see concise
Other forms: ters·er; ters·est
terse·ly adverb
terse·ness noun

Answer 187

A

in·dict·ment\in-ˈdīt-mənt\
noun
law : an official written statement charging a person with a crime
: the act of officially charging someone with a crime : the act of indicting someone
: an expression or statement of strong disapproval

Full Definition
1 a : the action or the legal process of indicting
b : the state of being indicted
2 : a formal written statement framed by a prosecuting authority and found by a jury (as a grand jury) charging a person with an offense
3 : an expression of strong disapproval
Examples
that prosecutor gets an indictment for 90% of his cases
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: complaint, count, charge, rap

Answer 188

A

noun
: something that is done in order to pretend something is true when it is not really true
: a game in which players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who is not allowed to speak

Full Definition
1 : a word represented in riddling verse or by picture, tableau, or dramatic action
2 plural : a game in which some of the players try to guess a word or phrase from the actions of another player who may not speak
3 : an empty or deceptive act or pretense

Examples
put on a convincing charade to keep her from knowing about the surprise party
Origin: French, from Occitan charrado chat, from charrá to chat, chatter.
First use: 1776

Synonyms: act, airs, masquerade, disguise, facade (also façade), front, guise, playacting, pose, pretense (or pretence), put-on, semblance, show

Answer 189

A

shib·bo·leth\ˈshi-bə-ləth also -ˌleth\

noun

: an old idea, opinion, or saying that is commonly believed and repeated but that may be seen as old-fashioned or untrue

: a word or way of speaking or behaving which shows that a person belongs to a particular group

Full Definition
1 a : a word or saying used by adherents of a party, sect, or belief and usually regarded by others as empty of real meaning
b : a widely held belief
c : truism, platitude

2 a : a use of language regarded as distinctive of a particular group
b : a custom or usage regarded as distinguishing one group from others

Examples
we knew that their claim of giving “the best deal in town” was just a shibboleth

there’s a lot of truth in the shibboleth that if you give some people an inch, they’ll take a mile

Origin: Hebrew shibbōleth stream; from the use of this word in Judg 12:6 as a test to distinguish Gileadites from Ephraimites.

First use: 1638
Synonyms: banner, catchphrase, cry, slogan, tagline, watchword

Answer 190

A

ex·tri·cate\ˈek-strə-ˌkāt\

transitive verb
: to free or remove (someone or something) fromsomething (such as a trap or a difficult situation)

Full Definition
1 a archaic : unravel
b : to distinguish from a related thing
2 : to free or remove from an entanglement or difficulty

Other forms: ex·tri·cat·ed; ex·tri·cat·ing
ex·tri·ca·ble \ik-ˈstri-kə-bəl, ek-ˈ, ˈek-(ˌ)\ adjective
ex·tri·ca·tion \ˌek-strə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

Examples
you’ve woven such a web of lies that it’s hard to see how you can extricate yourself now

Origin: Latin extricatus, past participle of extricare, from ex- + tricae trifles, perplexities.

Synonym discussion: extricate disentangle untangle disencumber disembarrass mean to free from what binds or holds back. extricate implies the use of care or ingenuity in freeing from a difficult position or situation . disentangle and untangle suggest painstaking separation of a thing from other things . disencumber implies a release from something that clogs or weighs down . disembarrass suggests a release from something that impedes or hinders .

Answer 191

A

com·men·su·rate\kə-ˈmen(t)s-rət, -ˈmen(t)sh-; -ˈmen(t)-sə-, -shə-\

adjective

: equal or similar to something in size, amount, or degree

Full Definition
1 : equal in measure or extent : coextensive
2 : corresponding in size, extent, amount, or degree : proportionate
3 : commensurable 1
com·men·su·rate·ly adverb
com·men·su·ra·tion -ˌmen(t)-sə-ˈrā-shən, -shə-\ noun
Examples
was given a job commensurate with her abilities and experience
Origin: Late Latin commensuratus, from Latin com- + Late Latin mensuratus, past participle of mensurare to measure, from Latin mensura measure — more at measure.
First use: 1641
Synonyms: commensurable, proportional, proportionate
Antonyms: disproportionate

Answer 192

A

be·at·i·tude\bē-ˈa-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\
noun

Examples
not from earthly riches but from the milk of human kindness comes true beatitude

Origin: Latin beatitudo, from beatus.

Synonyms: happiness, blessedness, bliss, blissfulness, felicity, gladness, joy, warm fuzzies

Antonyms: calamity, ill-being, misery, sadness, unhappiness, wretchedness

Answer 193

A

tor·por\ˈtȯr-pər\
noun

: a state of not being active and having very little energy

Full Definition
1 a : a state of mental and motor inactivity with partial or total insensibility
b : a state of lowered physiological activity typically characterized by reduced metabolism, heart rate, respiration, and body temperature that occurs in varying degrees especially in hibernating and estivating animals

2 : apathy, dullness
synonyms see lethargy

Examples
after a lifetime of setbacks, defeats, and failures, he could only greet the latest bad news with a resigned fatalism and dull torpor

following a gut-busting Thanksgiving dinner, we spent the rest of the day lounging about in a contented torpor

Origin: Middle English, from Latin, from torpēre.

Synonyms: apathy, casualness, complacence, disinterestedness, disregard, incuriosity, incuriousness, insouciance, nonchalance, indifference, unconcern

Antonyms: concern, interest, regard

Answer 194

A

jam·bo·ree\ˌjam-bə-ˈrē\
noun

: a large party or celebration with music and entertainment
: a large gathering of Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts

Full Definition
1 : a noisy or unrestrained carouse
2 a : a large festive gathering
b : a national or international camping assembly of Boy Scouts
3 : a long mixed program of entertainment

Examples
he was a bit remorseful when he returned to the farm after his jamboree in town

Synonyms: bender, binge, bust, carousal, drunk, carouse, spree, toot, wassail

Answer 195

A

he·do·nism\ˈhē-də-ˌni-zəm\
noun

: the belief that pleasure or happiness is the most important goal in life

Full Definition
1 : the doctrine that pleasure or happiness is the sole or chief good in life

2 : a way of life based on or suggesting the principles of hedonism

he·do·nist -nist\ noun
he·do·nis·tic \ˌhē-də-ˈnis-tik\ adjective
he·do·nis·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
their spring break trip to Mexico became an exercise in heedless hedonism

Origin: Greek hēdonē pleasure; akin to Greek hēdys sweet — more at sweet.
First use: 1856

Synonyms: carnality, debauchery, sensuality, sybaritism, voluptuousness

Antonyms: abstinence, asceticism, sobriety, temperance

Answer 196

A

jeop·ar·dy\ˈje-pər-dē\
noun

1 : exposure to or imminence of death, loss, or injury : danger

2 : the danger that an accused person is subjected to when on trial for a criminal offense

Examples
the city’s firefighters routinely put their lives in jeopardy by executing daring rescues

Origin: Middle English jeopardie, from Anglo-French juparti, jeuparti alternative, literally, divided game.

Synonyms: distress, endangerment, harm’s way, imperilment, danger, peril, risk, trouble

Antonyms: safeness, safety, secureness, security

Answer 197

A

cob·ble\ˈkä-bəl\
transitive verb

Full Definition
1 chiefly British : to mend or patch coarsely
2 : repair, make
3 : to make or put together roughly or hastily — often used with together or up

Other forms: cob·bled; cob·bling -b(ə-)liŋ\

Origin: Middle English coblen, perhaps back-formation from cobelere cobbler.
First use: 15th century

Answer 198

A

explicable

Answer 199

A

deportment

Answer 200

A

re·ca·pit·u·late\ˌrē-kə-ˈpi-chə-ˌlāt\

: to give a brief summary of something

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to restate briefly : summarize
b : to give new form or expression to

2 : to repeat the principal stages or phases of

intransitive verb
: sum up

Other forms: re·ca·pit·u·lat·ed; re·ca·pit·u·lat·ing

Examples
the professor told the students that their papers should not recapitulate the whole plot but should rather discuss in detail one particular incident they thought was interesting

Origin: Late Latin recapitulatus, past participle of recapitulare to restate by heads, sum up, from Latin re- + capitulum division of a book — more at chapter.

Synonyms: abstract, boil down, brief, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, outline, recap, summarize, reprise, sum up, synopsize, wrap up

Answer 201

A

puis·sance\ˈpwi-sən(t)s, ˈpyü-ə-sən(t)s, pyü-ˈi-sən(t)s\
noun

: strength, power

Examples
the president pledged to put the full puissance of the nation into the war effort

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French pussance, puissance, from pussant able, powerful, from poer to be able, be powerful — more at power.

Synonyms: energy, firepower, force, horsepower, might, muscle, potence, potency, power, sinew, strength, vigor

Antonyms: impotence, impotency, powerlessness, weakness

Answer 202

A

de·gus·ta·tion\ˌdē-ˌgəs-ˈtā-shən\
noun

: the action or an instance of tasting especially in a series of small portions

de·gust \di-ˈgəst, dē-\ transitive verb

Origin: French dégustation, from Latin degustation-, degustatio, from degustare to taste, from de- + gustare to taste — more at choose.
First use: circa 1656

Answer 203

A

> sa·vor
noun
: a good taste or smell
: the quality that makes something interesting or enjoyable

Full Definition
1 : the taste or smell of something
2 : a particular flavor or smell
3 : a distinctive quality

sa·vor·less -ləs\ adjective
sa·vor·ous \ˈsā-vər-əs, ˈsāv-rəs\ adjective
Variants: also sa·vour \ˈsā-vər\

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French savur, from Latin sapor, from sapere to taste — more at sage.

First use: 13th century
Synonyms: flavor, taste (also savour)

Antonyms: distastefulness, flatness, insipidity, staleness, tastelessness, unpalatability

>> savor
\: to enjoy the taste or smell of (something) for as long as possible
\: to enjoy (something) for a long time
Full Definition
intransitive verb
\: to have a specified smell or quality : smack
transitive verb
1 : to give flavor to : season
2 a : to have experience of : taste
b : to taste or smell with pleasure : relish
c : to delight in : enjoy 
Other forms: sa·vored also sa·voured; sa·vor·ing also sa·vour·ing\ˈsā-vər-iŋ, ˈsāv-riŋ\
sa·vor·er \ˈsā-vər-ər\ noun
Examples
He savored the aroma of the baking pies.
They savored every last morsel of food.
She was just savoring the moment.
Variants: also savour
First use: 14th century

Answer 204

A

dis·suade\di-ˈswād\

transitive verb
: to convince (someone) not to do something

Full Definition

1 a : to advise (a person) against something
b archaic : to advise against (an action)

2 : to turn from something by persuasion

Other forms: dis·suad·ed; dis·suad·ing
dis·suad·er noun

Examples
tried to dissuade her from her intention to drop out of college

Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French dissuader, from Latin dissuadēre, from dis- + suadēre to urge — more at sweet.
First use: 15th century

Answer 205

A

promulgate

Answer 206

A

dis·abuse\ˌdis-ə-ˈbyüz\

transitive verb
: to show or convince (someone) that a belief is incorrect

Full Definition
: to free from error, fallacy, or misconception

Examples
let me disabuse you of your foolish notions about married life

Origin: French désabuser, from dés- dis- + abuser to abuse.
First use: circa 1611

Answer 207

A

vouch·safe\vau̇ch-ˈsāf, ˈvau̇ch-ˌ\
transitive verb

: to give (something) to someone as a promise or a privilege

Full Definition

1 a : to grant or furnish often in a gracious or condescending manner
b : to give by way of reply

2 : to grant as a privilege or special favor
synonyms see grant

Other forms: vouch·safed; vouch·saf·ing
vouch·safe·ment \vau̇ch-ˈsāf-mənt\ noun

Origin: Middle English vouchen sauf to grant, consent, deign, from Anglo-French voucher salf.
First use: 14th century

Answer 208

A

dis·af·fect\ˌdis-ə-ˈfekt\

transitive verb
: to alienate the affection or loyalty of; also : to fill with discontent and unrest

synonyms see estrange

dis·af·fec·tion -ˈfek-shən\ noun

Examples
a disaffected boyfriend was responsible for the vandalism to her home

the troops were disaffected by the extension of their tours of duty
First use: 1635

Answer 209

A

foi·ble\ˈfȯi-bəl\

noun
: a minor fault in someone’s character or behavior

Full Definition

1 : the part of a sword or foil blade between the middle and point

2 : a minor flaw or shortcoming in character or behavior : weakness

synonyms see fault

Examples
could tolerate my uncle’s foibles because we loved him dearly
Origin: obsolete French (now faible), from obsolete foible weak, from Old French feble feeble.

First use: circa 1648

Synonyms: demerit, dereliction, failing, fault, frailty, shortcoming, sin, vice, want, weakness

Antonyms: merit, virtue

Answer 210

A

a fortiori

PRONUNCIATION:
(ah fort-tee-OR-ee, ay-for-shee-OR-eye)

MEANING:
adverb: For an even stronger reason; even more so.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin, literally, from the stronger. Earliest documented use: 1569.

USAGE:
“Basil found that he never actually knew the people whose picture appeared in papers or magazines, and the same would apply a fortiori, perhaps, to pictures of dogs.”
Alexander McCall Smith; A Conspiracy of Friends; Polygon; 2011.

See more usage examples of a fortiori in Vocabulary.com’s dictionary.

Answer 211

A

deign\ˈdān\

intransitive verb

: to condescend reluctantly and with a strong sense of the affront to one’s superiority that is involved : stoop

transitive verb
: to condescend to give or offer

Examples
She finally deigned to speak to me.
The actor walked by, not even deigning

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French deigner, from Latin dignare, dignari, from dignus worthy — more at decent.

Synonyms: condescend, stoop

Answer 212

A

lull\ˈləl\

: to cause (someone) to fall asleep or become sleepy
: to cause (someone) to feel safe and relaxed instead of careful and alert

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to cause to sleep or rest : soothe
2 : to cause to relax vigilance

Examples
The music lulled him to sleep.
He was lulled to sleep by her soothing voice.
lulled by the gentle rocking of the boat

Origin: Middle English; probably of imitative origin.

Synonyms: break, breath, breather, interruption, pause, recess
Synonyms: becalm, compose, calm, lullaby, quiet, quieten [chiefly British], salve, settle, soothe, still, tranquilize (also tranquillize)
Antonyms: agitate, discompose, disquiet, disturb, key (up), perturb, upset, vex

Answer 213

A

vol·u·ble\ˈväl-yə-bəl\

adjective

: talking a lot in an energetic and rapid way

Full Definition
1 : easily rolling or turning : rotating
2 : characterized by ready or rapid speech : glib, fluent

synonyms see talkative

vol·u·bil·i·ty \ˌväl-yə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
vol·u·ble·ness \ˈväl-yə-bəl-nəs\ noun
vol·u·bly -blē\ adverb

Origin: Middle English, from Latin volubilis, from volvere to roll; akin to Old English wealwian to roll, Greek eilyein to roll, wrap.

Answer 214

A

Pro·me·the·an\prə-ˈmē-thē-ən\

adjective

: of, relating to, or resembling Prometheus, his experiences, or his art; especially : daringly original or creative

Examples
it is only through the efforts of a Promethean pioneer that an art form advances

Synonyms: clever, imaginative, ingenious, innovational, innovative, innovatory, inventive, original, originative, creative

Antonyms: uncreative, unimaginative, uninventive, unoriginal

Answer 215

A

ri·poste\ri-ˈpōst\

noun
: a quick and clever reply

Full Definition
1 : a fencer’s quick return thrust following a parry
2 : a retaliatory verbal sally : retort
3 : a retaliatory maneuver or measure

riposte verb

Examples
he’s known for having a brilliant riposte to nearly any insult

Origin: French, modification of Italian risposta, literally, answer, from rispondere to respond, from Latin respondēre.
First use: 1707

Synonyms: comeback, repartee, retort

Answer 216

A

quan·da·ry\ˈkwän-d(ə-)rē\

noun

: a situation in which you are confused about what to do

Full Definition
: a state of perplexity or doubt

Other forms: plural quan·da·ries

Examples
I’m in a quandary about whether I should try to repair my stereo or buy a new one, even though I don’t have the money to do either

Synonyms: catch-22, double bind, dilemma

Answer 217

A

as·per·sion\ə-ˈspər-zhən, -shən\

noun

1 : a sprinkling with water especially in religious ceremonies

2 a : a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone’s reputation
b : the act of making such a charge : defamation

Answer 218

A

de·spair\di-ˈsper\

: to no longer have any hope or belief that a situation will improve or change

Full Definition

intransitive verb
: to lose all hope or confidence

transitive verb
obsolete : to lose hope for
de·spair·er noun

Origin: Middle English despeiren, from Anglo-French desperer, from Latin desperare, from de- + sperare to hope; akin to Latin spes hope — more at speed.

First use: 14th century

Synonyms: desperation, despond, despondence, despondency, forlornness, hopelessness, slough of despond

Antonyms: hope, hopefulness

Synonyms: despond, lose heart

Antonyms: brighten, cheer (up), perk (up)

Answer 219

A

pecking order

noun
: the way in which people or things in a group or organization are placed in a series of levels with different importance or status

Full Definition

1 : the basic pattern of social organization within a flock of poultry in which each bird pecks another lower in the scale without fear of retaliation and submits to pecking by one of higher rank; broadly : a dominance hierarchy in a group of social animals

2 : a social hierarchy

Examples
As an assistant manager, he was pretty low in the company’s pecking order.

the pecking order of Washington politics
Variants: also peck order

First use: 1928

Answer 220

A

—adjective

(of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more; uncultivated.
not in use; inactive: My creative energies have lain fallow this year.

—noun

land that has undergone plowing and harrowing and has been left unseeded for one or more growing seasons.
—verb (used with object)

to make (land) fallow for agricultural purposes.
—Related forms
fal·low·ness, noun
un·fal·lowed, adjective

fallow2
—adjective

pale-yellow; light-brown; dun.

Answer 221

A

per·func·to·ry\pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē\
adjective

—used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm because of habit or because it is expected

Full Definition
1 : characterized by routine or superficiality : mechanical <a>
2 : lacking in interest or enthusiasm
per·func·to·ri·ly -t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
per·func·to·ri·ness -t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun
Examples
the violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for
Origin: Late Latin perfunctorius, from Latin perfungi to accomplish, get through with, from per- through + fungi to perform — more at per-, function.
First use: 1593
Synonyms: apathetic, casual, complacent, disinterested, incurious, insensible, insouciant, nonchalant, indifferent, pococurante, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested
Antonyms: concerned, interested</a>

Answer 222

A

—adjective

(of land) plowed and left unseeded for a season or more; uncultivated.
not in use; inactive: My creative energies have lain fallow this year.

—noun

land that has undergone plowing and harrowing and has been left unseeded for one or more growing seasons.
—verb (used with object)

to make (land) fallow for agricultural purposes.
—Related forms
fal·low·ness, noun
un·fal·lowed, adjective

fallow2
—adjective

pale-yellow; light-brown; dun.

Answer 223

A

splurge\ˈsplərj\
noun

: an ostentatious effort, display, or expenditure

Origin: perhaps blend of splash and surge.
First use: 1830
2splurge
: to spend more money than usual on something for yourself
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to make a splurge
2 : to indulge oneself extravagantly — often used with on
transitive verb
: to spend extravagantly or ostentatiously
Other forms: splurged; splurg·ing
First use: 1843

Answer 224

A

as·per·sion\ə-ˈspər-zhən, -shən\
noun

1 : a sprinkling with water especially in religious ceremonies
2 a : a false or misleading charge meant to harm someone’s reputation
b : the act of making such a charge : defamation
First use: circa 1587

Answer 225

A

tes·ta·tor\ˈtes-ˌtā-tər, tes-ˈ\
noun
: a person who dies leaving a will or testament in force
Origin: Middle English testatour, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin testator, from Latin testari.
First use: 14th century

Answer 226

A

fris·son\frē-ˈsōⁿ\

noun
: a sudden strong feeling or emotion

Full Definition
: a brief moment of emotional excitement : shudder, thrill

Other forms: plural frissons -ˈsōⁿ(z)\

Examples
those two are still caught up in the giddy frisson of a new romance
Origin: French, shiver, from Old French friçon, from Late Latin friction-, frictio, from Latin, literally, friction (taken in Late Latin as derivative of frigēre to be cold).

Synonyms: bang, boot, charge, exhilaration, thrill, jollies, kick, rush, titillation, wallop

Answer 227

A

in·stru·men·tal·ism-ˌi-zəm\

noun
: a doctrine that ideas are instruments of action and that their usefulness determines their truth

First use: 1909

Answer 228

A

baby-talk

Answer 229

A

jad·ed\ˈjā-dəd\
adjective

: feeling or showing a lack of interest and excitement caused by having done or experienced too much of something

Full Definition
1 : fatigued by overwork : exhausted
2 : made dull, apathetic, or cynical by experience or by surfeit
jad·ed·ly adverb
jad·ed·ness noun
Examples
after that long bar exam, I’m too jaded for anything but a nap
even jaded sci-fi fans are finding this new space adventure fresh and exciting
Origin: (see 1jade ).
First use: 1600
Synonyms: all in, aweary [archaic], beat, beaten, bleary, burned-out (or burnt-out), bushed, dead, done, done in, drained, exhausted, fatigued, weary, knackered [British], limp, logy (also loggy), played out, pooped [slang], prostrate, spent, tapped out, tired, tuckered (out), washed-out, wearied, wiped out, worn, worn-out
Antonyms: unwearied

Answer 230

A

ex·e·ge·sis\ˌek-sə-ˈjē-səs, ˈek-sə-ˌ\
noun

: exposition, explanation; especially : an explanation or critical interpretation of a text

Other forms: plural ex·e·ge·ses-ˈjē-(ˌ)sēz\

Examples
a psychobiography that purports to be the definitive exegesis of the late president’s character

Origin: New Latin, from Greek exēgēsis, from exēgeisthai to explain, interpret, from ex- + hēgeisthai to lead — more at seek.

Synonyms: clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation, road map

Answer 231

A

gloat\ˈglōt\

: to show in an improper or selfish way that you are happy with your own success or another person’s failure

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to look or glance admiringly or amorously
2 : to observe or think about something with triumphant and often malicious satisfaction, gratification, or delight
gloat·er noun
gloat·ing·ly adverb
Origin: akin to Middle English glouten to scowl and perhaps to Old Norse glotta to grin scornfully.
First use: 1605

Answer 232

A

scha·den·freu·de\ˈshä-dən-ˌfrȯi-də\

noun
: a feeling of enjoyment that comes from seeing or hearing about the troubles of other people

Full Definition
Usage: often capitalized
: enjoyment obtained from the troubles of others
Origin: German, from Schaden damage + Freude joy.
First use: 1895

Answer 233

A

re·al·po·li·tik\rā-ˈäl-ˌpō-li-ˌtēk\

noun
: a system of politics based on a country’s situation and its needs rather than on ideas about what is morally right and wrong

Full Definition
Usage: often capitalized
: politics based on practical and material factors rather than on theoretical or ethical objectives

Origin: German, from real actual + Politik politics.
First use: 1914

Answer 234

A

noun
: the state of being despondent : dejection, hopelessness

Examples
in despondency because he couldn’t seem to settle into a lasting relationship
in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
never once gave into despondency and self-pity during her long recovery from her injuries in the car crash

Synonyms: blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despond, despondence, sadness, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, doldrums, dolefulness, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, glumness, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, miserableness, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sorrowfulness, unhappiness
Antonyms: bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, felicity, gladness, gladsomeness, happiness, heaven, intoxication, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness

Answer 235

A

ruc·tion\ˈrək-shən\
noun
1 : a noisy fight
2 : disturbance, uproar
Examples
the ruction ended with everyone involved getting arrested
the ruction outside the door prompted me to investigate what was going on
Origin: perhaps by shortening & alteration from insurrection.
First use: circa 1825
Synonyms: affray [chiefly British], broil, donnybrook, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée), rough-and-tumble, row, ruckus, brawl

Answer 236

A

—noun

a birth, an origination, or a growth, as that of a person, an organization, an idea, or a movement.

Answer 237

A

—noun Law.

a taking or receiving, as of the rents or profits of an estate.

Answer 238

A

—verb (used with object)

to burn or affect painfully with or as if with hot liquid or steam.

to heat to a temperature just short of the boiling point: to scald milk.

to parboil or blanch (fruit, vegetables, etc.).

—verb (used without object)

to be or become scalded.
—noun

a burn caused by the action of hot liquid or steam.
any similar condition, especially as the result of too much heat or sunlight.
Plant Pathology.
a blanching of the epidermis and adjacent tissues, which turn pale or dark brown, caused by extreme heat or sun exposure.
a condition resembling scald caused by improper conditions of growth or storage, as in apples, or by fungi, as in cranberries.
—Related forms
non·scald·ing, adjective
un·scald·ed, adjective
un·scald·ing, adjective

Answer 239

A

sto·chas·tic\stə-ˈkas-tik, stō-\

adjective

1 : random; specifically : involving a random variable <a></a>

2 : involving chance or probability : probabilistic <a></a>

sto·chas·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin: Greek stochastikos skillful in aiming, from stochazesthai to aim at, guess at, from stochos target, aim, guess — more at sting.
First use: 1934

Answer 240

A

aplomb\ə-ˈpläm, -ˈpləm\

noun

: confidence and skill shown especially in a difficult situation

Full Definition

: complete and confident composure or self-assurance : poise
synonyms see confidence

Examples
He showed/demonstrated great aplomb in dealing with the reporters.

He’s handled the reporters with great aplomb.

She speaks French and German with equal aplomb.

Origin: French, literally, perpendicularity, from Middle French, from a plomb, literally, according to the plummet.

Synonyms: equanimity, calmness, collectedness, composedness, composure, cool, coolness, countenance, equilibrium, imperturbability, placidity, repose, sangfroid, self-composedness, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness
Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, perturbation

Answer 241

A

con·ster·na·tion\ˌkän(t)-stər-ˈnā-shən\

noun

: a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion

Full Definition
: amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion

Origin: French or Latin; French, from Latin consternation-, consternatio, from consternare to throw into confusion, from com- + -sternare, probably from sternere to spread, strike down — more at strew.
First use: 1604

Answer 242

A

goad\ˈgōd\

noun
: a pointed rod used to make an animal move forward
: someone or something that urges or forces someone to do something

Full Definition

1 a : something that pains as if by pricking : thorn
b : something that urges or stimulates into action : spur
2 : a pointed rod used to urge on an animal

synonyms see motive
Examples
He was goaded (on) by a sense of duty.
The threat of legal action should goad them into complying/compliance.
Origin: Middle English gode, from Old English gād spear, goad; akin to Langobardic gaida spear, and perhaps to Sanskrit hinoti he urges on.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: boost, encouragement, impulse, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, momentum, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast
Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive
Synonyms: egg (on), encourage, exhort, urge, nudge, press, prod, prompt

Answer 243

A

im·pound\im-ˈpau̇nd\

: to use legal powers to get and hold (something)

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to shut up in or as if in a pound : confine
b : to seize and hold in the custody of the law
c : to take possession of
2 : to collect and confine (water) in or as if in a reservoir
First use: 15th century

Answer 244

A

com·mis·er·ate\kə-ˈmi-zə-ˌrāt\

: to express sadness or sympathy for someone who has experienced something unpleasant

Full Definition
intransitive verb
\: to feel or express sympathy : condole 
transitive verb
\: to feel or express sorrow or compassion for

Other forms: com·mis·er·at·ed; com·mis·er·at·ing
com·mis·er·at·ing·ly adverb
com·mis·er·a·tion -ˌmi-zə-ˈrā-shən\ noun
com·mis·er·a·tive -ˈmi-zə-ˌrā-tiv\ adjective

Origin: Latin commiseratus, past participle of commiserari, from com- + miserari to pity, from miser wretched.
First use: 1594

Answer 245

A

injunction \in-JUNK-shun\

noun1 : the act or an instance of enjoining : order, admonition 2 : a court order requiring a party to do or refrain from doing a specified act

Examples:
The family gathered in the room to hear the matriarch’s dying injunctions.

“A Superior Court judge Tuesday issued a preliminary injunction preventing a Santa Fe Springs wastewater plant from removing sludge from tanks … until a plan has been approved by the local air quality district.” — Mike Sprague, Whittier Daily News (California), October 7, 2014
Did you know?
Injunction derives, via Anglo-French and Late Latin, from the Latin verb injungere, which in turn derives from jungere, meaning “to join.” Like our verb enjoin, injungere means “to direct or impose by authoritative order or with urgent admonition.” (Not surprisingly, enjoin is also a descendant of injungere.) Injunction has been around in English since at least the 15th century, when it began life as a word meaning “authoritative command.” In the 16th century it developed a legal second sense applying to a court order. It has also been used as a synonym of conjunction, another jungere descendant meaning “union,” but that sense is extremely rare.

Answer 246

A

drub\ˈdrəb\

transitive verb

1 : to beat severely
2 : to berate critically
3 : to defeat decisivelyintransitive verb
: drum, stamp
Other forms: drubbed; drub·bing
drub·ber noun
drub·bing noun
Examples
a crowd was drubbing the purse snatcher when the police arrived on the scene
we drubbed our traditional football rivals so badly that it was basically no contest
Origin: perhaps from Arabic ḍaraba.
First use: 1634
Synonyms: bash, baste, bat, batter, belabor, belt, birch, bludgeon, buffet, bung up, club, curry, do, beat, fib [British], flog, hammer, hide, lace, lambaste (or lambast), lash, lather, lick, maul, mess (up), paddle, pelt, pommel, pound, pummel, punch out, rough (up), slate, slog, switch, tan, thrash, thresh, thump, tromp, wallop, whale, whip, whop (or whap), whup, work over

Answer 247

A

phys·i·og·no·my\ˌfi-zē-ˈä(g)-nə-mē\
noun
: the appearance of a person’s face : a person’s facial features
Full Definition
1 : the art of discovering temperament and character from outward appearance
2 : the facial features held to show qualities of mind or character by their configuration or expression
3 : external aspect; also : inner character or quality revealed outwardly
Other forms: plural phys·i·og·no·mies
Origin: Middle English phisonomie, from Anglo-French phisenomie, from Late Latin physiognomonia, physiognomia, from Greek physiognōmonia, from physiognōmōn judging character by the features, from physis nature, physique, appearance + gnōmōn interpreter — more at gnomon.
First use: 14th century

Answer 248

A

scrounge\ˈskrau̇nj\

: to persuade someone to give you (something) for free
: to get or find something by looking in different places, asking different people, etc.

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : steal, swipe
2 a : to get as needed by or as if by foraging, scavenging, or borrowing
b : finagle, wheedle — often used with up
intransitive verb
: to search about and turn up something needed from whatever source is available; also : to actively seek money, work, or sustenance from any available source

Other forms: scrounged; scroung·ing
scroung·er noun

Examples
I managed to scrounge enough money for a bus ticket.
I scrounged a few bucks off my friend for lunch.
She scrounged some money from her folks.

Origin: alteration of English dialect scrunge to wander about idly.
First use: circa 1909

Synonyms: scrape (up or together), eke (out), squeeze, wrest, wring

Answer 249

A

mo·nop·so·ny\mə-ˈnäp-sə-nē\

noun
: an oligopsony limited to one buyer
Other forms: plural mo·nop·so·nies
mo·nop·so·nis·tic -ˌnäp-sə-ˈnis-tik\ adjective
Origin: mon- + -opsony (as in oligopsony).
First use: 1933

Answer 250

A

in·ter·stice\in-ˈtər-stəs\

noun
: a small space that lies between things : a small break or gap in something

Full Definition
1 a : a space that intervenes between things; especially : one between closely spaced things
b : a gap or break in something generally continuous
2 : a short space of time between events
Other forms: plural in·ter·stic·es-stə-ˌsēz, -stə-səz\

Examples
there’s an occasional interstice in the tedium, but most of the novel is boring
pesky weeds growing in the interstices between the flagstones

Origin: Middle English, from Latin interstitium, from inter- + -stit-, -stes standing (as in superstes standing over) — more at superstition.

Synonyms: discontinuity, hiatus, hiccup (also hiccough), interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, gap, interval, parenthesis

Antonyms: continuation, continuity

Answer 251

A

evince\i-ˈvin(t)s\

: to show (something) clearly

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to constitute outward evidence of
2 : to display clearly : reveal
synonyms see show
Other forms: evinced; evinc·ing
evinc·ible -ˈvin(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective
Examples
She evinced an interest in art at an early age.
the teenager caught shoplifting seemed to evince no remorse
Origin: Latin evincere to vanquish, win a point, from e- + vincere to conquer — more at victor.
First use: 1604
Synonyms: bespeak, betray, communicate, declare, demonstrate, display, show, expose, give away, manifest, reveal

Answer 252

A

plen·i·po·ten·tia·ry\ˌple-nə-pə-ˈten(t)-sh(ə-)rē, -shē-ˌer-ē\

adjective

1 : invested with full power
2 : of or relating to a plenipotentiary

Origin: Medieval Latin plenipotentiarius, adjective & noun, from Late Latin plenipotent-, plenipotens.

plenipotentiary
noun
: a person (such as a diplomat) who has complete power to do business for a government

Full Definition
: a person and especially a diplomatic agent invested with full power to transact business

Other forms: plural plenipotentiaries

Answer 253

A

—adjective

roundabout; circuitous: ambagious reasoning.

—Related forms
am·ba·gious·ly, adverb
am·ba·gious·ness, noun

Answer 254

A

ten·u·ous\ˈten-yə-wəs, -yü-əs\

adjective
: not certain, definite, or strong : flimsy, weak, or uncertain
: very thin

Full Definition
1 : not dense : rare <a>
2 : not thick : slender <a>
3 a : having little substance or strength : flimsy, weak 
b : shaky 2a 
synonyms see thin
ten·u·ous·ly adverb
ten·u·ous·ness noun
Origin: Latin tenuis thin, slight, tenuous — more at thin.
First use: 1597

Answer 255

A

smug\ˈsməg\

adjective
: having or showing the annoying quality of people who feel very pleased or satisfied with their abilities, achievements, etc.

Full Definition
1 : trim or smart in dress : spruce
2 : scrupulously clean, neat, or correct : tidy
3 : highly self-satisfied

Other forms: smug·ger; smug·gest
smug·ly adverb
smug·ness noun

Examples
It’s OK to celebrate your success, but try not to be too smug about it.
You can wipe that smug look off your face.
a smug smile/expression

Origin: probably modification of Low German smuck neat, from Middle Low German, from smucken to dress; akin to Old English smoc smock.

Synonyms: assured, biggety (or biggity) [Southern&Midland], bigheaded, complacent, consequential, egoistic (also egoistical), egotistic (or egotistical), important, overweening, pompous, prideful, proud, self-conceited, self-important, self-opinionated, self-satisfied, conceited, stuck-up, swellheaded, vain, vainglorious

Antonyms: egoless, humble, modest, uncomplacent

Answer 256

A

tra·vail\trə-ˈvāl, ˈtra-ˌvāl\
noun
: a difficult experience or situation
: painful or difficult work or effort
Full Definition
1 a : work especially of a painful or laborious nature : toil
b : a physical or mental exertion or piece of work : task, effort
c : agony, torment
2 : labor, parturition
synonyms see work
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from travailler to torment, labor, journey, from Vulgar Latin *trepaliare to torture, from Late Latin trepalium instrument of torture, from Latin tripalis having three stakes, from tri- + palus stake — more at pole.
First use: 13th century
Synonyms: affliction, agony, anguish, excruciation, hurt, misery, pain, rack, strait(s), torment, torture, distress, tribulation, woe
Antonyms: fun, play
Synonyms: bang away, beaver (away), dig (away), drudge, endeavor, fag, grub, hump, hustle, moil, peg (away), plod, plow, plug, slave, slog, strain, strive, struggle, sweat, toil, labor, tug, work

Answer 257

A

moor·ing-iŋ\
noun
: a place where a boat or ship can be anchored or moored
: the anchors, ropes, and cables that are used to hold a boat or ship in place
Full Definition
1 : an act of making fast a boat or aircraft with lines or anchors
2 a : a place where or an object to which something (as a craft) can be moored
b : a device (as a line or chain) by which an object is secured in place
3 : an established practice or stabilizing influence : anchorage 2 — usually used in plural
First use: 15th century

Answer 258

A

trep·i·da·tion\ˌtre-pə-ˈdā-shən\

noun
: a feeling of fear that causes you to hesitate because you think something bad or unpleasant is going to happen

Full Definition
1 archaic : a tremulous motion : tremor
2 : a nervous or fearful feeling of uncertain agitation : apprehension
synonyms see fear

Examples
shaking with trepidation, I stepped into the old abandoned house

Origin: Latin trepidation-, trepidatio, from trepidare to tremble, from trepidus agitated; probably akin to Old English thrafian to urge, push, Greek trapein to press grapes.

Synonyms: alarm (also alarum), anxiety, dread, fearfulness, fright, horror, panic, scare, terror, fear

Answer 259

A

hu·bris\ˈhyü-brəs\

noun
: a great or foolish amount of pride or confidence

Full Definition
\: exaggerated pride or self-confidence
hu·bris·tic \hyü-ˈbris-tik\ adjective
Origin: Greek hybris.
First use: 1884

Answer 260

A

ac·o·lyte\ˈa-kə-ˌlīt, -kō-\
noun
: someone who follows and admires a leader
: someone who helps the person who leads a church service
Full Definition
1 : one who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties
2 : one who attends or assists : follower
Examples
a highly influential economist whose acolytes can be found at many major universities
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, acolit, from Medieval Latin acoluthus, from Middle Greek akolouthos, from Greek, adjective, following, from a-, ha- together (akin to Greek homos same) + keleuthos path.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: follower, adherent, convert, disciple, epigone, liege man, partisan (also partizan), pupil, votarist, votary
Antonyms: coryphaeus, leader

Answer 261

A

bib·u·lous\ˈbi-byə-ləs\

adjective
1 : highly absorbent
2 a : fond of alcoholic beverages
b : of, relating to, or marked by the consumption of alcoholic beverages

bib·u·lous·ly adverb
bib·u·lous·ness noun

Examples
special drying cloths that are so bibulous that they can absorb 10 times their weight in water
a campaign to make the bibulous fraternity brother a collegiate archetype of the past

Origin: Latin bibulus, from bibere to drink — more at potable.

Synonyms: absorbent, spongy, thirsty
Antonyms: nonabsorbent

Answer 262

A

qui·es·cent-sənt\

adjective
: not active

medical : not now developing or causing symptoms

Full Definition

1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest
2 : causing no trouble or symptoms
synonyms see latent
qui·es·cent·ly adverb
Examples
a group of quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast
Origin: Latin quiescent-, quiescens, present participle of quiescere to become quiet, rest, from quies.
First use: 1605
Synonyms: dull, inert, lethargic, inactive, sleepy, sluggish, torpid
Antonyms: active

Answer 263

A

ex·al·ta·tion\ˌeg-ˌzȯl-ˈtā-shən, ˌek-ˌsȯl-\

noun
: the act of raising someone or something in importance : the act of exalting someone or something or the state of being exalted
: a strong sense of happiness, power, or importance

Full Definition
1 : an act of exalting : the state of being exalted
2 : an excessively intensified sense of well-being, power, or importance
3 : an increase in degree or intensity
First use: 14th century

Answer 264

A

div·i·na·tion\ˌdi-və-ˈnā-shən\
noun
: the practice of using signs (such as an arrangement of tea leaves or cards) or special powers to predict the future
Full Definition
1 : the art or practice that seeks to foresee or foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge usually by the interpretation of omens or by the aid of supernatural powers
2 : unusual insight : intuitive perception
di·vi·na·to·ry \də-ˈvi-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, də-ˈvī-nə-, ˈdi-və-nə-\ adjective
Examples
if her powers of divination are so great, why doesn’t she know what the stock market will do?
Origin: Middle English divinacioun, from Latin divination-, divinatio, from divinare.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: augury

Answer 265

A

prov·i·dence\ˈprä-və-dən(t)s, -ˌden(t)s\
noun
1 a often capitalized : divine guidance or care
b capitalized : God conceived as the power sustaining and guiding human destiny
2 : the quality or state of being provident
Examples
practicing its customary providence, the snowbound family was able to make the meager stores last until help arrived
had the providence to lay in supplies before the storm hit
she trusted in Providence to see her through the crisis
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin providentia, from provident-, providens.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: frugality, husbandry, parsimony, penny-pinching, economy, scrimping, skimping, thrift
Antonyms: diseconomy, wastefulness

Answer 266

A

al·lu·sion\ə-ˈlü-zhən\

noun
: a statement that refers to something without mentioning it directly

Full Definition
1 : an implied or indirect reference especially in literature; also : the use of such references
2 : the act of making an indirect reference to something : the act of alluding to something

al·lu·sive -ˈlü-siv, -ziv\ adjective
al·lu·sive·ly adverb
al·lu·sive·ness noun

Origin: Late Latin allusion-, allusio, from Latin alludere (see allude ).
First use: 1612

Answer 267

A

de·liv·er·ance\di-ˈli-v(ə-)rən(t)s, dē-\

noun
: the state of being saved from something dangerous or unpleasant

Full Definition
1 : the act of delivering someone or something : the state of being delivered; especially : liberation, rescue
2 : something delivered; especially : an opinion or decision (as the verdict of a jury) expressed publicly

Examples
looked to the European powers for deliverance from their country’s cruel tyrant
the jury’s deliverance shocked the courtroom

Synonyms: salvation, rescue

Answer 268

A

re·lent\ri-ˈlent\

: to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing

: to become less severe, harsh, strong, determined, etc.

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 a : to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity 
b : to cease resistance : give in
2 : let up, slacken

transitive verb
obsolete : soften, mollify

synonyms see yield

Examples
the supervisor finally relented in the face of the petition, and allowed employees to take longer lunch breaks

the fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds

Origin: Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow — more at lithe.

Synonyms: blink, bow, budge, capitulate, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, yield, submit, succumb, surrender

Antonyms: resist

Answer 269

A

evis·cer·ate\i-ˈvi-sə-ˌrāt\

: to take out the internal organs of (an animal)

Full Definition

transitive verb
1 a : to take out the entrails of : disembowel
b : to deprive of vital content or force

2 : to remove an organ from (a patient) or the contents of (an organ)
intransitive verb

: to protrude through a surgical incision or suffer protrusion of a part through an incision

Other forms: evis·cer·at·ed; evis·cer·at·ing
evis·cer·a·tion -ˌvi-sə-ˈrā-shən\ noun

Examples
the ancient Egyptians would eviscerate the bodies of the dead as part of the process of mummifying them

Origin: Latin evisceratus, past participle of eviscerare, from e- + viscera viscera.

Synonyms: clean, disembowel, draw, gut

Answer 270

A

leitmotif \LYTE-moh-teef\

noun

1 : a melodic phrase or figure that accompanies the reappearance of an idea, person, or situation in a music drama

2 : a dominant recurring theme

Examples:
The overcoming of obstacles and a love of theater are the two leitmotifs of her autobiography.

“‘Collaboration’ is the author’s supporting theme, and he weaves it in throughout his anecdotes and character studies. Approached lazily, this kind of leitmotif would be more irritating than illuminating, but Isaacson fully commits.” — James Norton, The Christian Science Monitor, October 13, 2014

Did you know?
The English word leitmotif (or leitmotiv, as it is also spelled) comes from the German Leitmotiv, meaning “leading motive” and formed from leiten (“to lead”) and Motiv (“motive”). In its original sense, the word applies to opera music and was first used by writers interpreting the works of composer Richard Wagner, who was famous for associating a melody with a character or important dramatic element. Leitmotif is still commonly used with reference to music and musical drama but is now also used more broadly to refer to any recurring theme in the arts or in everyday life.

Answer 271

A

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

Answer 272

A

officious \uh-FISH-us\

adjective1 : volunteering one’s services where they are neither asked nor needed : meddlesome 2 : informal, unofficial

Examples:
Staff members view the new consultant as an officious individual offering unwanted feedback, but she is simply doing her job.

“During an interview this week with Morris News, Saxby, a Republican, said he is frustrated by the delay but attributes it more to officious federal bureaucrats than to partisan gamesmanship.” — Carla Caldwell, Atlanta Business Chronicle, April 2, 2014

Did you know?
Don’t mistake officious for a rare synonym of official. Both words stem from the Latin noun officium (meaning “service” or “office”), but they have very different meanings. When the suffix -osus (“full of”) was added to officium, Latin officiosus came into being, meaning “eager to serve, help, or perform a duty.” When this adjective was borrowed into English in the 16th century as officious, it carried the same meaning. Early in the 17th century, however, officious began to develop a negative sense describing a person who offers unwanted help. This pejorative sense has driven out the original “eager to help” sense to become the predominant meaning of the word in modern English. Officious can also mean “of an informal or unauthorized nature,” but that sense isn’t especially common.

Answer 273

A

gleichschaltung

PRONUNCIATION:
(GLYK-shalt-toong)

MEANING:
noun: The forced standardization of political, economic, and cultural institutions, as in an authoritarian state.

ETYMOLOGY:
From German gleichschalten (to bring into line), from gleich (same) + schalten (to switch, turn). The term was used by the Nazi regime for totalitarian control. Earliest documented use: 1933.

USAGE:
“I think they will see them as a small part of a pattern of the destruction of the independence not only of the medical profession, but of all professions, that is part of the great bureaucratic Gleichschaltung of British society.”
Theodore Dalrymple; In Defence of David Southall; The Spectator (London, UK); Sep 6, 2008.

Answer 274

A

fi·du·cia·ry-ˈdü-shē-ˌer-ē, -shə-rē, -ˈdyü-\
noun
: one that holds a fiduciary relation or acts in a fiduciary capacity
Other forms: plural fi·du·cia·ries
First use: 1631
2fiduciary
adjective
: relating to or involving trust (such as the trust between a customer and a professional)
Full Definition
: of, relating to, or involving a confidence or trust: as
a : held or founded in trust or confidence
b : holding in trust
c : depending on public confidence for value or currency
Origin: Latin fiduciarius, from fiducia confidence, trust, from fidere.

Answer 275

A

pall\ˈpȯl\
intransitive verb
1 : to lose strength or effectiveness
2 : to lose in interest or attraction
3 : dwindle
transitive verb
1 : to cause to become insipid
2 : to deprive of pleasure in something by satiating
synonyms see satiate
Examples
A pall of smoke hung over the village after the fire.
a pall of grief
The sad news cast a pall on/over the school.
Origin: Middle English, short for appallen to become pale — more at appall.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: bier, box, casket, coffin, sarcophagus
2pall
noun
: something (such as a cloud of smoke) that covers a place and makes it dark
: a heavy cloth that is used for covering a coffin, hearse, or tomb
Full Definition
1 : pallium 1a
2 a : a square of linen usually stiffened with cardboard that is used to cover the chalice
b (1) : a heavy cloth draped over a coffin (2) : a coffin especially when holding a body
3 a : something that covers or conceals; especially : an overspreading element that produces an effect of gloom <a> <a>
b : a feeling of gloom
Origin: Middle English, cloak, mantle, from Old English pæll, from Latin pallium.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: bier, box, casket, coffin, sarcophagus
3pall
transitive verb
: to cover with a pall : drape
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: bier, box, casket, coffin, sarcophagus</a></a>

Answer 276

A

in·su·per·a·ble(ˌ)in-ˈsü-p(ə-)rə-bəl

adjective

of a problem, difficulty, etc. : impossible to solve or get control of : impossible to overcome

Full Definition
: incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved
in·su·per·a·bly -blē\ adverb
Examples
the building project ran into insuperable financial difficulties and had to be scrapped
insuperable problems have arisen which make it very unlikely that we will ever finish this project
Origin: Middle English, from Latin insuperabilis, from in- + superare to surmount, from super over — more at over.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: bulletproof, impregnable, indomitable, invincible, insurmountable, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable, unstoppable
Antonyms: superable, surmountable, vincible, vulnerable

Answer 277

A

apocryphal
uh-POK-ruh-fuhl

adjective

of doubtful authorship or authenticity.
Ecclesiastical. a. ( initial capital letter ) of or pertaining to the Apocrypha. b. of doubtful sanction; uncanonical.
false; spurious: He told an apocryphal story about the sword, but the truth was later revealed.
This dialogue is fictitious, apocryphal , and libellous, and also deeply immoral, it respects neither throne nor altar…
– José Saramago, translated by Giovanni Pontiero , Baltasar and Blimunda , 1987

The story may be apocryphal , but attorneys and executives who know Geffen are more than willing to believe it–a tribute to his talent for corporate intrigue.
– Fred Goodman , “Who’s the Biggest Hollywood?” Spy , April, 1991

Apocryphal is derived from the Greek term apókryphos meaning “hidden, unknown, suprious.” Apocrypha was the name of a group of 14 books originally included in some versions of the Old Testament that were excluded from the Sacred Canon at Reformation for their disputed authenticity. Apocryphal entered English in the late 1500s.

Answer 278

A

gri·mace\ˈgri-məs, gri-ˈmās\

noun
: a facial expression in which your mouth and face are twisted in a way that shows disgust, disapproval, or pain

Full Definition
: a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain

grimace intransitive verb
gri·mac·er noun

Examples
he made a grimace when he tasted the medicine

Origin: French, from Middle French, alteration of grimache, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grīma mask.

Synonyms: face, frown, lower (also lour), moue, mouth, mow, mug, pout, scowl, snoot

Answer 279

A

adjective
: opposed to someone or something in a very angry or determined way that cannot be changed

Full Definition
: not placable : not capable of being appeased, significantly changed, or mitigated
im·pla·ca·bil·i·ty -ˌpla-kə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌplā-\ noun
im·pla·ca·bly -ˈpla-kə-blē, -ˈplā-\ adverb
Examples
an implacable judge who knew in his bones that the cover-up extended to the highest levels of government
an implacable dedication to the proposition that everyone is entitled to a quality education
Origin: Middle English, from Latin implacabilis, from in- + placabilis placable.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: adamant, adamantine, bullheaded, dogged, hard, hardened, hardheaded, hard-nosed, headstrong, immovable, obstinate, inconvincible, inflexible, intransigent, mulish, obdurate, opinionated, ossified, pat, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, self-opinionated, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding, willful (or wilful)
Antonyms: acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, compliant, complying, flexible, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding

Answer 280

A

—adjective Also, hal·cy·o·ni·an [hal-see-oh-nee-uh n], hal·cy·on·ic [hal-see-on-ik]

> calm; peaceful; tranquil: halcyon weather.

> rich; wealthy; prosperous: halcyon times of peace.

> happy; joyful; carefree: halcyon days of youth.

> of or pertaining to the halcyon or kingfisher.

—noun

> a mythical bird, usually identified with the kingfisher, said to breed about the time of the winter solstice in a nest floating on the sea, and to have the power of charming winds and waves into calmness.

> any of various kingfishers, especially of the genus Halcyon.
(initial capital letter) Classical Mythology, Alcyone (def 2).

Answer 281

A

sitzkrieg

PRONUNCIATION:
(SITS-kreeg)

MEANING:
noun: A period of war marked by little or no active hostilities.

ETYMOLOGY:
Modeled after German blitzkrieg, from sitzen (to sit) + Krieg (war). Earliest documented use: 1940.

NOTES:
In Sep 1939, France and Britain declared war on Germany, but didn’t launch a major ground offensive until the next year. This phase, from Sep 1939 to May 1940, came to be known as sitzkrieg or the sitting war. It has also been called by other names, such as the Phoney War, the Twilight War, and the Bore War (a pun on Boer Wars). Sitzkrieg needs sitzfleisch.

USAGE:
“This has been a period of lull: this war’s first, but not last, sitzkrieg.”
Michael Kelly; What Now?; The Atlantic Monthly (Boston); Oct 2002.

Answer 282

A

re·cu·sant-zənt\

noun

1 : an English Roman Catholic of the time from about 1570 to 1791 who refused to attend services of the Church of England and thereby committed a statutory offence

2 : one who refuses to accept or obey established authority
recusant adjective

Origin: Latin recusant-, recusans, present participle of recusare to reject, oppose, from re- + causari to give a reason, from causa cause, reason.

Answer 283

A

fam·ish\ˈfa-mish\

transitive verb

1 : to cause to suffer severely from hunger
2 archaic : to cause to starve to deathintransitive verb
1 archaic : starve
2 : to suffer for lack of something necessary <a></a>

fam·ish·ment -mənt\ noun
Origin: Middle English, probably alteration of famen, from Anglo-French afamer, from Vulgar Latin *affamare, from Latin ad- + fames.
First use: 15th century

Answer 284

A

sum·mum bo·num\ˌsu̇-məm-ˈbō-nəm, ˌsü-, ˌsə-\

noun

: the supreme good from which all others are derived

Origin: Latin.
First use: 1563

Answer 285

A

at·tri·tion\ə-ˈtri-shən, a-\

noun

: a reduction in the number of employees or participants that occurs when people leave because they resign, retire, etc., and are not replaced

: the act or process of weakening and gradually defeating an enemy through constant attacks and continued pressure over a long period of time

Full Definition
1 [Middle English attricioun, from Medieval Latin attrition-, attritio, from Latin] : sorrow for one’s sins that arises from a motive other than that of the love of God
2 : the act of rubbing together : friction; also : the act of wearing or grinding down by friction
3 : the act of weakening or exhausting by constant harassment, abuse, or attack <a>
4 : a reduction in numbers usually as a result of resignation, retirement, or death <a>
at·tri·tion·al -ˈtri-sh(ə-)nəl\ adjective
Examples
took the machinery out of operation since attrition had led to the main mechanism’s breaking
Origin: Latin attrition-, attritio, from atterere to rub against, from ad- + terere to rub — more at throw.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: corrosion, erosion, undermining, waste
Antonyms: buildup</a></a>

Answer 286

A

sa·do·mas·och·ism\ˌsā-(ˌ)dō-ˈma-sə-ˌki-zəm, ˌsa-, -ˈma-zə-\

noun

: sexual behavior that involves getting pleasure from causing or feeling pain

Full Definition
: the derivation of pleasure from the infliction of physical or mental pain either on others or on oneself

sa·do·mas·och·ist -kist\ noun or adjective
sa·do·mas·och·is·tic -ˌma-sə-ˈkis-tik, -ˌma-zə-\ adjective

Origin: International Scientific Vocabulary sadism + -o- + masochism.
First use: 1922

Answer 287

A

pre·sump·tu·ous\pri-ˈzəm(p)-chə-wəs, -chəs, -shəs\

adjective

: too confident especially in a way that is rude : done or made without permission, right, or good reason

Full Definition
: overstepping due bounds (as of propriety or courtesy) : taking liberties

pre·sump·tu·ous·ly adverb

pre·sump·tu·ous·ness noun

Examples
it’s a little presumptuous of you to assume that I’m your new best friend just because I invited you along
the presumptuous doctor didn’t even bother to explain to me the treatment that I would be receiving
the presumptuous salesclerk started picking out some very expensive accessories for the outfit I had just chosen
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French presumptious, from Late Latin praesumptuosus, irregular from praesumptio (see presume ).

Synonyms: bold, familiar, forward, free, immodest, overfamiliar, presuming

Antonyms: modest, unassuming

Answer 288

A

jin·go·ism\ˈjiŋ-(ˌ)gō-ˌi-zəm\

noun

: the feelings and beliefs of people who think that their country is always right and who are in favor of aggressive acts against other countries

Full Definition

: extreme chauvinism or nationalism marked especially by a belligerent foreign policy

jin·go·ist -ist\ noun or adjective
jin·go·is·tic \ˌjiŋ-gō-ˈis-tik\ adjective
jin·go·is·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
his loudmouthed jingoism will not win us any foreign allies
First use: 1878

Synonyms: chauvinism, nationalism, superpatriotism

Answer 289

A

per·func·to·ry\pər-ˈfəŋ(k)-t(ə-)rē\

adjective

—used to describe something that is done without energy or enthusiasm because of habit or because it is expected

Full Definition
1 : characterized by routine or superficiality : mechanical <a>
2 : lacking in interest or enthusiasm</a>

per·func·to·ri·ly -t(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
per·func·to·ri·ness -t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

Examples
the violinist delivered a perfunctory performance that displayed none of the passion and warmth he was once known for

Origin: Late Latin perfunctorius, from Latin perfungi to accomplish, get through with, from per- through + fungi to perform — more at per-, function.

Synonyms: apathetic, casual, complacent, disinterested, incurious, insensible, insouciant, nonchalant, indifferent, pococurante, unconcerned, uncurious, uninterested

Antonyms: concerned, interested

Answer 290

A

To assume something as true in a question that hasn’t been proven as true

Answer 291

A

pe·lag·ic\pə-ˈla-jik\

adjective

: relating to or living in the sea far from the shore

Full Definition
: of, relating to, or living or occurring in the open sea : oceanic

pelagic noun

Examples

among pelagic animals the undisputed king is the blue whale, the largest creature currently roaming the face of the earth

at one time pelagic whaling was the cornerstone of the island’s economy

Origin: Latin pelagicus, from Greek pelagikos, from pelagos sea — more at plagal.

Synonyms: maritime, oceanic, marine

Answer 292

A

—noun

intense homesickness; an irresistible compulsion to return home.

Answer 293

A

noun

1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia

2 often not capitalized
a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values
b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge

philistine adjective often capitalized
phi·lis·tin·ism -lə-ˌstē-ˌni-zəm; -ˈlis-tə-, -ˌtē-, -lə-stə-\ noun often capitalized

First use: 14th century

Answer 294

A

in·ex·o·ra·ble(ˌ)i-ˈneks-rə-bəl, -ˈnek-sə-, -ˈneg-zə-rə-\

adjective

: not able to be stopped or changed

Full Definition

: not to be persuaded, moved, or stopped : relentless

in·ex·o·ra·bil·i·ty (ˌ)i-ˌneks-rə-ˈbi-lə-tē, -ˌnek-sə-, -ˌneg-zə-\ noun
in·ex·o·ra·ble·ness -ˈneks-rə-bəl-nəs, -ˈnek-sə-, -ˈneg-zə-\ noun
in·ex·o·ra·bly -blē\ adverb

Origin: Latin inexorabilis, from in- + exorabilis pliant, from exorare to prevail upon, from ex- + orare to speak — more at oration.
First use: 1542

Answer 295

A

: to cause problems or difficulties for (someone or something)

Full Definition

transitive verb

1 : to set or stud with or as if with ornaments

2 : trouble, harass

3 a : to set upon : assail
b : to hem in : surround

Other forms: be·set; be·set·ting
be·set·ment -mənt\ noun

Examples
he’s been beset by a lack of self-confidence virtually his entire life
the unsuspecting tourists were suddenly beset by robbers

Origin: Middle English besetten, from Old English besettan, from be- + settan to set.

First use: before 12th century

Synonyms: agonize, anguish, bedevil, afflict, besiege, curse, excruciate, harrow, persecute, plague, rack, torment, torture

Answer 296

A

for·ti·tude\ˈfȯr-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

noun

: mental strength and courage that allows someone to face danger, pain, etc.

Full Definition

1 : strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage

2 obsolete : strength

Examples
it was only with the greatest fortitude that the Pilgrims were able to survive their first winter in Plymouth

Origin: Middle English, from Latin fortitudin-, fortitudo, from fortis.
First use: 12th century

Synonyms: backbone, constancy, fiber, grit, grittiness, guts, intestinal fortitude, pluck, spunk

Antonyms: spinelessness

Answer 297

A

in·su·lar\ˈin(t)-su̇-lər, -syu̇-, ˈin-shə-lər\

adjective

: separated from other people or cultures : not knowing or interested in new or different ideas

Full Definition

1 a : of, relating to, or constituting an island
b : dwelling or situated on an island

2 : characteristic of an isolated people; especially : being, having, or reflecting a narrow provincial viewpoint

3 : of or relating to an island of cells or tissue

in·su·lar·ism -lə-ˌri-zəm\ noun
in·su·lar·i·ty \ˌin(t)-su̇-ˈla-rə-tē, -syu̇-, ˌin-shə-ˈla-\ noun
in·su·lar·ly \ˈin(t)-su̇-lər-lē, -syu̇-, ˈin-shə-\ adverb

Examples
an insular community that is not receptive of new ideas, especially from outsiders

Origin: Late Latin insularis, from Latin insula island.
First use: 1611

Synonyms: illiberal, narrow, Lilliputian, little, narrow-minded, parochial, petty, picayune, provincial, sectarian, small, small-minded

Antonyms: broad-minded, catholic, cosmopolitan, liberal, open, open-minded, receptive, tolerant

Answer 298

A

cred·u·lous\ˈkre-jə-ləs\

adjective

: too ready to believe things : easily fooled or cheated

Full Definition

1 : ready to believe especially on slight or uncertain evidence

2 : proceeding from credulity

cred·u·lous·ly adverb
cred·u·lous·ness noun

Origin: Latin credulus, from credere.
First use: 1576

Answer 299

A

crass\ˈkras\

adjective

: having or showing no understanding of what is proper or acceptable : rude and insensitive

Full Definition

1 a : gross 6a; especially : having or indicating such grossness of mind as precludes delicacy and discrimination
b : being beneath one’s dignity
c —used as a pejorative intensifier

2 : guided by or indicative of base or materialistic values

synonyms see stupid

crass·ly adverb
crass·ness noun

Examples
A few people seemed shocked by her crass comments.
They were joking crassly about her appearance.

Origin: Latin crassus thick, gross.
First use: circa 1625

Synonyms: common, coarse, crude, gross, ill-bred, illiberal [archaic], incult, insensible, low, lowbred, lowbrow, raffish, rough, rough-hewn, roughneck, rude, rugged, tasteless, uncouth, uncultivated, uncultured, unpolished, unrefined, vulgar

Antonyms: civilized, cultivated, cultured, genteel, polished, refined, smooth, tasteful, ultrarefined, well-bred

Answer 300

A

adjective

: not easily stopped or pulled apart : firm or strong
: continuing for a long time
: very determined to do something

Full Definition

1 a : not easily pulled apart : cohesive <a>
b : tending to adhere or cling especially to another substance</a>

2 a : persistent in maintaining, adhering to, or seeking something valued or desired <a>
b : retentive <a></a></a>

synonyms see strong
te·na·ci·ous·ly adverb
te·na·cious·ness noun

Examples

a tenacious trainer, she adheres to her grueling swimming schedule no matter what

you’ll have a devil of a time getting those tenacious burrs off of your wool sweater

Origin: Latin tenac-, tenax tending to hold fast, from tenēre to hold.
First use: 1607

Synonyms: dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, pertinacious, persistent

Antonyms: nonadhesive

Answer 301

A

nos·trum\ˈnäs-trəm\
Synonyms: catholicon, elixir, cure–all, panacea, theriac
noun
: a suggested solution for a problem that will probably not succeed
: something that is used for treating illness, pain, etc., but that is not an accepted and effective medicine
Full Definition
1 : a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without scientific proof of its effectiveness
2 : a usually questionable remedy or scheme : panacea
Examples
a quack nostrum for cancer of all types
Origin: Latin, neuter of noster our, ours, from nos we — more at us.
First use: 1602

Answer 302

A

noun
: the crime of saying, writing, or doing something that encourages people to disobey their government

Full Definition
: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority

Origin: Middle English sedicioun, from Anglo-French sediciun, from Latin sedition-, seditio, literally, separation, from sed-, se- apart + ition-, itio act of going, from ire to go — more at secede, issue.
First use: 14th century

Answer 303

A

sa·do·mas·och·ism\ˌsā-(ˌ)dō-ˈma-sə-ˌki-zəm, ˌsa-, -ˈma-zə-\

noun

: sexual behavior that involves getting pleasure from causing or feeling pain

Full Definition

: the derivation of pleasure from the infliction of physical or mental pain either on others or on oneself

sa·do·mas·och·ist -kist\ noun or adjective
sa·do·mas·och·is·tic -ˌma-sə-ˈkis-tik, -ˌma-zə-\ adjective

Origin: International Scientific Vocabulary sadism + -o- + masochism.
First use: 1922

Answer 304

A

fick·le\ˈfi-kəl\

adjective

: changing often
: changing opinions often

Full Definition

: marked by lack of steadfastness, constancy, or stability : given to erratic changeableness

synonyms see inconstant

fick·le·ness noun
fick·ly \ˈfi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
a fickle friendship that was on and off over the years
when the family’s fortune disappeared, so did their fickle friends

Origin: Middle English fikel deceitful, inconstant, from Old English ficol deceitful; akin to Old English befician to deceive, and probably to Old English fāh hostile — more at foe.

Synonyms: capricious, changeable, changeful, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, skittish, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile, up in the air

Antonyms: certain, changeless, constant, immutable, invariable, predictable, settled, stable, stationary, steady, unchangeable, unchanging, unvarying

Answer 305

A

syn·cre·tism\ˈsiŋ-krə-ˌti-zəm, ˈsin-\

noun

1 : the combination of different forms of belief or practice

2 : the fusion of two or more originally different inflectional forms

syn·cre·tist -tist\ noun or adjective
syn·cre·tis·tic \ˌsiŋ-krə-ˈtis-tik, ˌsin-\ adjective

Origin: New Latin syncretismus, from Greek synkrētismos federation of Cretan cities, from syn- + Krēt-, Krēs Cretan.
First use: 1618

Answer 306

A

pro·pi·ti·ate\prō-ˈpi-shē-ˌāt\

: to make (someone) pleased or less angry by giving or saying something desired

Full Definition

transitive verb

: to gain or regain the favor or goodwill of : appease
synonyms see pacify

Other forms: pro·pi·ti·at·ed; pro·pi·ti·at·ing
pro·pi·ti·a·tor -ˌā-tər\ noun

Examples
the temple was once the site of sacrifices—both to honor the gods in times of plenty and to propitiate them in times of trouble
Origin: Latin propitiatus, past participle of propitiare, from propitius propitious.
First use: 1583
Synonyms: appease, assuage, conciliate, disarm, gentle, mollify, placate, pacify
Antonyms: anger, enrage, incense, inflame (also enflame), infuriate, ire, madden, outrage

Answer 307

A

—adjective

> general; universal.

> pertaining to the whole Christian church.

> promoting or fostering Christian unity throughout the world.

> of or pertaining to a movement (ecumenical movement) especially among Protestant groups since the 1800s, aimed at achieving universal Christian unity and church union through international interdenominational organizations that cooperate on matters of mutual concern.

> inter-religious or interdenominational: an ecumenical marriage.

> including or containing a mixture of diverse elements or styles; mixed: an ecumenical meal of German, Italian, and Chinese dishes.

Also, ec·u·men·ic, oecumenical, oecumenic.

—Related forms
ec·u·men·i·cal·ly, adverb 
non·ec·u·men·ic, adjective 
non·ec·u·men·i·cal, adjective 
non·oec·u·men·ic, adjective 
un·oec·u·men·ic, adjective

Answer 308

A

noun
: a powerful ruler

Full Definition
: ruler, sovereign; broadly : one who wields great power or sway

Examples
Charles inherited the position of potentate of the Holy Roman Empire from his grandfather, as well that of king of Spain from his father

Synonyms: autocrat, monarch, ruler, sovereign (also sovran)

Answer 309

A

pel·lu·cid\pə-ˈlü-səd\

adjective
: very clear

Full Definition
1 : admitting maximum passage of light without diffusion or distortion <a>
2 : reflecting light evenly from all surfaces
3 : easy to understand</a>

pel·lu·cid·ly \pə-ˈlü-səd-lē\ adverb

Examples
the pellucid waters that lap upon that island’s beaches
her poetry has a pellucid simplicity that betrays none of the sweat that went into writing it

Origin: Latin pellucidus, from per through + lucidus lucid — more at for.
First use: 1563

Synonyms: crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, clear, see-through, transparent
Antonyms: cloudy, opaque

Answer 310

A

fag end

noun
: the last and usually least appealing or interesting part of something

Full Definition

1 a : a poor or worn-out end : remnant
b : the extreme end

2 a : the last part or coarser end of a web of cloth
b : the untwisted end of a rope

Examples
He came in right at the fag end of the meeting.
a patchwork quilt sewn together from the fag ends of many bolts of cloth

Origin: earlier fag, from Middle English fagge flap.

Synonyms: end, 1scrap, leftover, oddment, remainder, remnant, stub

Answer 311

A

ac·cost\ə-ˈkȯst, -ˈkäst\

: to approach and speak to (someone) often in an angry, aggressive, or unwanted way

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to approach and speak to often in a challenging or aggressive way

Origin: Middle French accoster, ultimately from Latin ad- + costa rib, side — more at coast.
First use: 1597

Answer 312

A

epi·cy·cle\ˈe-pə-ˌsī-kəl\

noun

1 : in Ptolemaic astronomy : a circle in which a planet moves and which has a center that is itself carried around at the same time on the circumference of a larger circle

2 : a process going on within a larger one

epi·cy·clic \ˌe-pə-ˈsī-klik, -ˈsi-klik\ adjective

Origin: Middle English epicicle, from Late Latin epicyclus, from Greek epikyklos, from epi- + kyklos circle — more at wheel.
First use: 14th century

Answer 313

A

feck·less\ˈfek-ləs\
adjective
: having or resulting from a weak character or nature
Full Definition
1 : weak, ineffective
2 : worthless, irresponsible
feck·less·ly adverb
feck·less·ness noun
Examples
a well-intentioned but feckless response to the rise in school violence
Origin: Scots, from feck effect, majority, from Middle English (Scots) fek, alteration of Middle English effect.
First use: circa 1585
Synonyms: counterproductive, ineffective, hamstrung, ineffectual, inefficacious, inefficient, inexpedient
Antonyms: effective, effectual, efficacious, efficient, expedient, operant, ultraefficient

Answer 314

A

noun

1 : image, representation <a></a>

2 : an insubstantial form or semblance of
something : trace

Other forms: plural sim·u·la·cra -krə\ also sim·u·la·crums

Origin: Middle English, from Latin, from simulare.
First use: 15th century

Answer 315

A

epi·cy·cle\ˈe-pə-ˌsī-kəl\

noun

1 : in Ptolemaic astronomy : a circle in which a planet moves and which has a center that is itself carried around at the same time on the circumference of a larger circle

2 : a process going on within a larger one

epi·cy·clic \ˌe-pə-ˈsī-klik, -ˈsi-klik\ adjective

Origin: Middle English epicicle, from Late Latin epicyclus, from Greek epikyklos, from epi- + kyklos circle — more at wheel.
First use: 14th century

Answer 316

A

plan·e·tes·i·mal\ˌpla-nə-ˈte-sə-məl, -zə-məl\
noun
: any of numerous small celestial bodies that may have existed at an early stage of the development of the solar system
Origin: planet + -esimal (as in infinitesimal).
First use: 1903

Answer 317

A

noun
: a large pot

Full Definition
1 : a large kettle or boiler
2 : something resembling a boiling cauldron in intensity or degree of agitation <a></a>

Variants: also cal·dron \ˈkȯl-drən\

Origin: Middle English caudron, caldron, from Anglo-French cauderon, diminutive of caldere basin, from Late Latin caldaria, from feminine of Latin caldarius used for hot water, from calidus warm, from calēre to be warm — more at lee.
First use: 14th century

Answer 318

A

odi·ous\ˈō-dē-əs\

adjective
: causing hatred or strong dislike

Full Definition
: arousing or deserving hatred or repugnance : hateful <a></a>

odi·ous·ly adverb
odi·ous·ness noun

Examples
an odious and unforgivable insult
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin odiosus, from odium (see odium ).

First use: 14th century
Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, offensive, rancid, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly

Antonyms: innocuous, inoffensive

Answer 319

A

noun
1 : a subordinate diplomat who substitutes for an absent ambassador or minister
2 : a diplomat inferior in rank to an ambassador or minister who heads a mission when no ambassador or minister is assigned
Other forms: plural chargés d’affaires -ˌzhā-də-, -ˌzhāz-də-\
Origin: French, literally, one charged with affairs.
First use: 1767

Answer 320

A

noun
1 : disproof of a proposition by showing an absurdity to which it leads when carried to its logical conclusion
2 : the carrying of something to an absurd extreme
Origin: Late Latin, literally, reduction to the absurd.
First use: 1741

Answer 321

A

noun
: a feeling of being frustrated or annoyed because of failure or disappointment
Full Definition
: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
Origin: French, from chagrin sad.
First use: circa 1681
2cha·grin\shə-ˈgrin\
transitive verb
: to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating
Other forms: cha·grined -ˈgrind\; cha·grin·ing -ˈgri-niŋ\
Origin: (see 1chagrin ).
First use: 1733

Answer 322

A

ma·lin·ger\mə-ˈliŋ-gər\

: to pretend to be sick or injured in order to avoid doing work

Full Definition

intransitive verb
: to pretend or exaggerate incapacity or illness (as to avoid duty or work)

Other forms: ma·lin·gered; ma·lin·ger·ing -g(ə-)riŋ\
ma·lin·ger·er -gər-ər\ noun

Origin: French malingre sickly.
First use: 1820

Answer 323

A

ep·i·gram\ˈe-pə-ˌgram\

noun
: a short and clever poem or saying

Full Definition

1 : a concise poem dealing pointedly and often satirically with a single thought or event and often ending with an ingenious turn of thought

2 : a terse, sage, or witty and often paradoxical saying

3 : epigrammatic expression

ep·i·gram·ma·tism \ˌe-pə-ˈgra-mə-ˌti-zəm\ noun
ep·i·gram·ma·tist -ˈgra-mə-tist\ noun

Examples
Benjamin Franklin’s famous epigram, “Remember that time is money”

Origin: Middle English epigrame, from Latin epigrammat-, epigramma, from Greek, from epigraphein to write on, inscribe, from epi- + graphein to write — more at carve.

First use: 15th century
Synonyms: adage, aphorism, apothegm, byword, saying, maxim, proverb, saw, sententia, word

Answer 324

A

pec·ca·dil·lo\ˌpe-kə-ˈdi-(ˌ)lō\

noun
: a small mistake or fault that is not regarded as very bad or serious

Full Definition
: a slight offense

Other forms: plural pec·ca·dil·loes or pec·ca·dil·los

Origin: Spanish pecadillo, diminutive of pecado sin, from Latin peccatum, from neuter of peccatus, past participle of peccare.
First use: 1600

Answer 325

A

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

Answer 326

A

pre·cip·i·tate\pri-ˈsi-pə-ˌtāt\
: to cause (something) to happen quickly or suddenly
: to become separated from a liquid especially by a chemical process
: to cause (something solid) to become separated from a liquid especially by a chemical process
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to throw violently : hurl
b : to throw down
2 : to bring about especially abruptly
3 a : to cause to separate from solution or suspension
b : to cause (vapor) to condense and fall or depositintransitive verb
1 a : to fall headlong
b : to fall or come suddenly into some condition
2 : to move or act with violent or unwise speed
3 a : to separate from solution or suspension
b : to condense from a vapor and fall as rain or snow
Other forms: pre·cip·i·tat·ed; pre·cip·i·tat·ing
pre·cip·i·ta·tive -ˌtā-tiv\ adjective
pre·cip·i·ta·tor -ˌtā-tər\ noun
Origin: Latin praecipitatus, past participle of praecipitare, from praecipit-, praeceps (see precipice ).
First use: 1528
Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, hasty, precipitous, rash, rushed
Antonyms: deliberate, unhurried, unrushed
Synonyms: aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, effect, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot
Antonyms: antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason
Synonyms: pour, rain, storm
2pre·cip·i·tate\pri-ˈsi-pə-tət, -ˌtāt\
noun
: a solid substance that is separated from a liquid especially by a chemical process
Full Definition
1 : a substance separated from a solution or suspension by chemical or physical change usually as an insoluble amorphous or crystalline solid
2 : a product, result, or outcome of some process or action
Origin: New Latin praecipitatum, from Latin, neuter of praecipitatus (see 1precipitate ).
First use: 1594
Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, hasty, precipitous, rash, rushed
Antonyms: deliberate, unhurried, unrushed
Synonyms: aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, effect, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot
Antonyms: antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason
Synonyms: pour, rain, storm
3pre·cip·i·tate\pri-ˈsi-pə-tət\
adjective
: happening very quickly or too quickly without enough thought or planning
Full Definition
1 a : falling, flowing, or rushing with steep descent
b : precipitous, steep
2 : exhibiting violent or unwise speed
pre·cip·i·tate·ly adverb
pre·cip·i·tate·ness noun
Origin: (see 2precipitate ).
First use: 1615
Synonyms: cursory, drive-by, flying, gadarene, headlong, helter-skelter, hurried, overhasty, pell-mell, hasty, precipitous, rash, rushed
Antonyms: deliberate, unhurried, unrushed
Synonyms: aftereffect, aftermath, backwash, child, conclusion, consequence, corollary, development, fate, fruit, issue, outcome, outgrowth, effect, product, result, resultant, sequel, sequence, upshot
Antonyms: antecedent, causation, cause, occasion, reason
Synonyms: pour, rain, storm
Synonym discussion: precipitate headlong abrupt impetuous sudden mean showing undue haste or unexpectedness. precipitate stresses lack of due deliberation and implies prematureness of action . headlong stresses rashness and lack of forethought <a>. abrupt stresses curtness and a lack of warning or ceremony . impetuous stresses extreme impatience or impulsiveness . sudden stresses unexpectedness and sharpness or violence of action .</a>

Answer 327

A

noun
: a short, pithy, and instructive saying or formulation : aphorism
ap·o·theg·mat·ic \ˌa-pə-theg-ˈma-tik\ adjective
Examples
her mother endlessly repeated the apothegm “cleanliness is next to godliness”
Origin: Greek apophthegmat-, apophthegma, from apophthengesthai to speak out, from apo- + phthengesthai to utter.
First use: circa 1587
Synonyms: adage, aphorism, saying, byword, epigram, maxim, proverb, saw, sententia, word

Answer 328

A

pif·fle\ˈpi-fəl\
intransitive verb
: to talk or act in a trivial, inept, or ineffective way
Other forms: pif·fled; pif·fling -f(ə-)liŋ\
Origin: perhaps blend of piddle and trifle.
First use: circa 1878
Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, nonsense, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle
2piffle
noun
: words or ideas that are false or silly
Full Definition
: trivial nonsense
First use: 1890
Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, nonsense, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle

Answer 329

A

sim·per\ˈsim-pər\

: to smile in a way that is not sincere or natural

: to say (something) in a way that is not sincere or natural

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to smile in a silly mannertransitive verb
: to say with a simper
Other forms: sim·pered; sim·per·ing -p(ə-)riŋ\
sim·per·er -pər-ər\ noun
Origin: akin to Middle Dutch zimperlijc elegant, Dan dialect simper affected, coy.
First use: circa 1563

Answer 330

A

cai·tiff\ˈkā-təf\

adjective
: cowardly, despicable

caitiff noun

Origin: Middle English caitif, from Anglo-French caitif, chaitif wretched, despicable, from Latin captivus captive.
First use: 14th century

Answer 331

A

stodge\ˈstäj\

transitive verb
British
\: to stuff full especially with food
Other forms: stodged; stodg·ing
Origin: origin unknown.
First use: 1674
2stodge
noun
\: heavy food that makes you feel very full
Full Definition
British
\: something or someone stodgy
First use: 1825

Answer 332

A

sa·la·cious\sə-ˈlā-shəs\

adjective
: relating to sex in a way that is excessive or offensive

Full Definition
1 : arousing or appealing to sexual desire or imagination : lascivious
2 : lecherous, lustful

sa·la·cious·ly adverb
sa·la·cious·ness noun

Examples
the salacious Greek god Pan is generally portrayed as having the legs, horns, and ears of a goat

Origin: Latin salac-, salax, from salire to move spasmodically, leap — more at sally.

First use: circa 1645
Synonyms: concupiscent, goatish, horny, hot, hypersexual, itchy, lascivious, lecherous, lewd, libidinous, licentious, lubricious (or lubricous), oversexed, passionate, randy, lustful, satyric, wanton

Antonyms: frigid, undersexed

Answer 333

A

in·ure\i-ˈnu̇r, -ˈnyu̇r\

: to cause (someone) to be less affected by something unpleasant : to cause (someone) to be less sensitive to something unpleasant

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to accustom to accept something undesirable

intransitive verb
: to become of advantage

Other forms: in·ured; in·ur·ing
in·ure·ment -mənt\ noun

Examples
the hardship of army training inured her to the rigors of desert warfare

Origin: Middle English enuren, from in ure customary, from putten in ure to use, put into practice, part translation of Anglo-French mettre en ovre, en uevre.

First use: 15th century

Synonyms: fortify, indurate, harden, season, steel, strengthen, toughen

Antonyms: soften

Answer 334

A

noi·some\ˈnȯi-səm\

adjective
: very unpleasant or disgusting

Full Definition
1 : noxious, harmful
2 a : offensive to the senses and especially to the sense of smell
b : highly obnoxious or objectionable

synonyms see malodorous

noi·some·ly adverb
noi·some·ness noun

Examples
it’s no fun having asthma and living in an area with noisome smog
a noisome remark about my weight that stuck with me for days
the noisome air of the area of the city that was downwind of the dog food factory

Origin: Middle English noysome, from noy annoyance, alteration of anoi, from Anglo-French anui, from anuier to harass, annoy — more at annoy.
First use: 14th century

Synonyms: insalubrious, unhealthy, noxious, sickly, unhealthful, unwholesome

Antonyms: healthful, healthy

Answer 335

A

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

Answer 336

A

adjective
: difficult to control and often noisy
Full Definition
1 : marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness : clamorous
2 : stubbornly resistant to control : unruly
synonyms see vociferous
ob·strep·er·ous·ly adverb
ob·strep·er·ous·ness noun
Examples
an obstreperous crowd protesting the government’s immigration policy
the club’s president was at his wits’ end with obstreperous members who refused to cooperate
Origin: Latin obstreperus, from obstrepere to clamor against, from ob- against + strepere to make a noise.
First use: circa 1600
Synonyms: blatant, caterwauling, clamant, clamorous, vociferous, squawking, vociferant, vociferating, yawping (or yauping), yowling
Antonyms: amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable

Answer 337

A

adjective
: having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them
Full Definition
1 a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant
b : marked by arrogant assurance : domineering
2 : intensely compelling : urgent
synonyms see masterful
im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb
im·pe·ri·ous·ness noun
Examples
an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do
an imperious movie star who thinks she’s some sort of goddess
an office administrator with an imperious manner that really grates on people
Origin: Latin imperiosus, from imperium.
First use: 1540
Synonyms: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, bossy, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous
Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Answer 338

A

mel·lif·lu·ous\me-ˈli-flə-wəs, mə-\
adjective
: having a smooth, flowing sound
Full Definition
1 : having a smooth rich flow <a>
2 : filled with something (as honey) that sweetens
mel·lif·lu·ous·ly adverb
mel·lif·lu·ous·ness noun
Examples
a rich, mellifluous voice that gets her a lot of work in radio and TV commercials
Origin: Middle English mellyfluous, from Late Latin mellifluus, from Latin mell-, mel honey + fluere to flow; akin to Gothic milith honey, Greek melit-, meli.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: euphonious, lyrical, mellifluent, lyric, mellow, melodic, melodious, musical
Antonyms: unlyrical</a>

Answer 339

A

noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia
2 often not capitalized
a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values
b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge
philistine adjective often capitalized
phi·lis·tin·ism -lə-ˌstē-ˌni-zəm; -ˈlis-tə-, -ˌtē-, -lə-stə-\ noun often capitalized
First use: 14th century

Answer 340

A

pre·sen·ti·ment\pri-ˈzen-tə-mənt\
noun
: a feeling or belief that something is going to happen
Full Definition
: a feeling that something will or is about to happen : premonition
pre·sen·ti·men·tal -ˌzen-tə-ˈmen-təl\ adjective
Examples
a nagging presentiment of danger
Origin: French pressentiment, from Middle French, from pressentir to have a presentiment, from Latin praesentire to feel beforehand, from prae- + sentire to feel — more at sense.
First use: 1714
Synonyms: foreboding, presage, premonition, prognostication

Answer 341

A

noun
: belief that something is true
: the quality of being believed or accepted as something true or real
Full Definition
1 a : mental acceptance as true or real
b : credibility 1
2 : credentials — used in the phrase letters of credence
3 [Middle French, from Old Italian credenza] : a Renaissance sideboard used chiefly for valuable plate
4 : a small table where the bread and wine rest before consecration
synonyms see belief
Examples
I’m afraid I don’t put much credence in common gossip
a foolish theory that, incredibly, once had wide credence among educated people
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin credentia, from Latin credent-, credens, present participle of credere to believe, trust — more at creed.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: confidence, trust, faith, stock
Antonyms: distrust, mistrust

Answer 342

A

> rib·ald\ˈri-bəld also ˈri-ˌbȯld, ˈrī-ˌbȯld\

noun
: a ribald person

Origin: Middle English ribaud person of low status, scoundrel, lecher, from Anglo-French, from Old French riber to be debauched, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rīban to be in heat, copulate, literally, to rub.

Synonyms: bawdy, blue, coarse, crude, dirty, filthy, foul, gross, gutter, impure, indecent, lascivious, lewd, locker-room, nasty, pornographic, porny, profane, raunchy, obscene, smutty, stag, trashy, unprintable, vulgar, wanton, X-rated

Antonyms: clean, decent, G-rated, nonobscene, wholesome

> ribald
adjective
: referring to sex in a rude but amusing way
Full Definition
1 : crude, offensive
2 : characterized by or using coarse indecent humor
synonyms see coarse
First use: 1508
Synonyms: bawdy, blue, coarse, crude, dirty, filthy, foul, gross, gutter, impure, indecent, lascivious, lewd, locker-room, nasty, pornographic, porny, profane, raunchy, obscene, smutty, stag, trashy, unprintable, vulgar, wanton, X-rated
Antonyms: clean, decent, G-rated, nonobscene, wholesome

Answer 343

A

noun
: a drug that makes a person calm
: a statement that is intended to make people feel happier or calmer but that is not original or effective
Full Definition
1 : a binary compound of bromine with another element or a radical including some (as potassium bromide) used as sedatives
2 a : a commonplace or tiresome person : bore
b : a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion
Examples
a newspaper editorial offering the timeworn bromide that people should settle their differences peacefully
First use: 1830
Synonyms: banality, commonplace, chestnut, cliché (also cliche), groaner, homily, platitude, shibboleth, trope, truism

Answer 344

A

dis·abuse\ˌdis-ə-ˈbyüz\
: to show or convince (someone) that a belief is incorrect
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to free from error, fallacy, or misconception
Examples
let me disabuse you of your foolish notions about married life
Origin: French désabuser, from dés- dis- + abuser to abuse.
First use: circa 1611
Synonyms: disillusion, disenchant, undeceive

Answer 345

A

can·tan·ker·ous\kan-ˈtaŋ-k(ə-)rəs, kən-\

adjective
: often angry and annoyed

Full Definition
: difficult or irritating to deal with <a></a>

can·tan·ker·ous·ly adverb
can·tan·ker·ous·ness noun

Examples
a cantankerous old woman who insisted that nothing should ever be allowed to change

Origin: perhaps irregular from obsolete contack contention.

Synonyms: acid, bearish, bilious, bloody-minded [chiefly British], ill–tempered, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ornery, splenetic, surly

Antonyms: amiable, good-humored, good-natured, good-tempered

Answer 346

A

noun
1 : a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind

2 : a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically : any of various Christian doctrines concerning the Second Coming, the resurrection of the dead, or the Last Judgment

Other forms: plural es·cha·tol·o·gies
Origin: Greek eschatos last, farthest.
First use: 1844

Answer 347

A

prim

adjective

: very formal and proper
: easily shocked or upset by rude behavior, comments, etc.
: very neat in appearance

Full Definition
1 a : stiffly formal and proper : decorous
b : prudish
2 : neat, trim

Other forms: prim·mer; prim·mest
prim·ly adverb
prim·ness noun

Synonyms: antiseptic, bandbox, crisp, groomed, kempt, orderly, picked up, neat, shipshape, smug, snug, tidied, tidy, trig, trim, uncluttered, well-groomed

Antonyms: disheveled (or dishevelled), disordered, disorderly, messy, mussed, mussy, sloven, slovenly, unkempt, untidy

> prim
abbreviation
1 primary
2 primitive
Synonyms: antiseptic, bandbox, crisp, groomed, kempt, orderly, picked up, neat, shipshape, smug, snug, tidied, tidy, trig, trim, uncluttered, well-groomed
Antonyms: disheveled (or dishevelled), disordered, disorderly, messy, mussed, mussy, sloven, slovenly, unkempt, untidy

Answer 348

A

re·vile\ri-ˈvī(-ə)l\

: to speak about (someone or something) in a very critical or insulting way

Full Definition

transitive verb

: to subject to verbal abuse : vituperate
intransitive verb

: to use abusive language : rail

synonyms see scold

Other forms: re·viled; re·vil·ing
re·vile·ment -ˈvī(-ə)l-mənt\ noun
re·vil·er noun

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French reviler to despise, from re- + vil vile.
First use: 14th century

Answer 349

A

fe·cund\ˈfe-kənd, ˈfē-\
adjective
: producing or able to produce many babies, young animals, or plants
Full Definition
1 : fruitful in offspring or vegetation : prolific
2 : intellectually productive or inventive to a marked degree <a>
synonyms see fertile
fe·cun·di·ty \fi-ˈkən-də-tē, fe-\ noun
Examples
the Franklin stove, bifocals, and the lightning rod are just a few of the inventions that we owe to the fecund creativity of Benjamin Franklin
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin fecundus — more at feminine.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: cornucopian, fat, fertile, fructuous, fruitful, lush, luxuriant, productive, prolific, rich
Antonyms: barren, dead, infertile, sterile, unfertile, unfruitful, unproductive</a>

Answer 350

A

adjective
of a building or room : resembling a large cave :
very large

Full Definition
1 a : having caverns or cavities
b of animal tissue : composed largely of vascular sinuses and capable of dilating with blood to bring about the erection of a body part
2 : constituting or suggesting a cavern <a>
cav·ern·ous·ly adverb
First use: 15th</a>

Answer 351

A

ra·con·teur\ˌra-ˌkän-ˈtər, -kən-\

noun
: someone who is good at telling stories

Full Definition
: a person who excels in telling anecdotes

Origin: French, from Middle French, from raconter to tell, from Old French, from re- + aconter, acompter to tell, count — more at account.
First use: 1828

Answer 352

A

lit·a·ny\ˈli-tə-nē, ˈlit-nē\

noun

: a prayer in a Christian church service in which the people at the service respond to lines spoken by the person who is leading the service

: a long list of complaints, problems, etc.

Full Definition
1 : a prayer consisting of a series of invocations and supplications by the leader with alternate responses by the congregation
2 a : a resonant or repetitive chant <a>
b : a usually lengthy recitation or enumeration </a><a>
c : a sizable series or set </a><a>
Other forms: plural lit·a·nies
Origin: Middle English letanie, from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French, from Late Latin litania, from Late Greek litaneia, from Greek, entreaty, from litanos supplicant.
First use: 13th century</a>

Answer 353

A

scur·ry\ˈskər-ē, ˈskə-rē\

intransitive verb
: to move quickly and with short steps

Full Definition
1 : to move in or as if in a brisk pace : scamper
2 : to move around in an agitated, confused, or fluttering manner

Other forms: scur·ried; scur·ry·ing

scurry noun

Examples
everyone scurried back to work as soon as they saw the boss’s car pull into the parking lot

Origin: short for hurry-scurry, reduplication of hurry.

Synonyms: barrel, belt, blast, blaze, blow, bolt, bomb [slang], bowl, breeze, bundle, bustle, buzz, cannonball, careen, career, chase, course, crack (on), dash, drive, fly, hare, hasten, hie, highball, hotfoot (it), hump, hurl, hurtle, hustle, jet, jump, motor, nip, pelt, race, ram, rip, rocket, run, rush, rustle, scoot, hurry, scuttle, shoot, speed, step, tear, travel, trot, whirl, whisk, zip, zoom

Antonyms: crawl, creep, poke

Answer 354

A

dif·fi·dent\ˈdi-fə-dənt, -ˌdent\

adjective

: lacking confidence : not feeling comfortable around people

: very careful about acting or speaking

Full Definition
1 : hesitant in acting or speaking through lack of self-confidence
2 archaic : distrustful
3 : reserved, unassertive

synonyms see shy

dif·fi·dent·ly adverb

Examples
for someone who makes a living performing for other people, the actress is remarkably diffident in real life

Origin: Middle English, from Latin diffident-, diffidens, present participle of diffidere to distrust, from dis- + fidere to trust — more at bide.

Synonyms: backward, bashful, coy, demure, shy, introverted, modest, recessive, retiring, self-effacing, sheepish, withdrawn

Antonyms: extroverted (also extraverted), immodest, outgoing

Answer 355

A

ef·fu·sive\i-ˈfyü-siv, e-, -ziv\

adjective

: expressing a lot of emotion

Full Definition
1 : marked by the expression of great or excessive emotion or enthusiasm
2 archaic : pouring freely
3 : characterized or formed by a nonexplosive outpouring of lava

ef·fu·sive·ly adverb
ef·fu·sive·ness noun

Examples
often effusive no matter what the occasion, my aunt is even more so at weddings and funerals

Synonyms: demonstrative, emotional, touchy-feely, uninhibited, unreserved, unrestrained

Antonyms: inhibited, reserved, restrained, undemonstrative, unemotional

Answer 356

A

ob·strep·er·ous\əb-ˈstre-p(ə-)rəs, äb-\

adjective
: difficult to control and often noisy

Full Definition
1 : marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness : clamorous
2 : stubbornly resistant to control : unruly
synonyms see vociferous
ob·strep·er·ous·ly adverb
ob·strep·er·ous·ness noun
Examples
an obstreperous crowd protesting the government’s immigration policy
the club’s president was at his wits’ end with obstreperous members who refused to cooperate
Origin: Latin obstreperus, from obstrepere to clamor against, from ob- against + strepere to make a noise.
First use: circa 1600
Synonyms: blatant, caterwauling, clamant, clamorous, vociferous, squawking, vociferant, vociferating, yawping (or yauping), yowling
Antonyms: amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable

Answer 357

A

coy\ˈkȯi\

adjective
: having a shy or sweetly innocent quality that is often intended to be attractive or to get attention

: not telling or revealing all the information that could be revealed
Full Definition

1 a : shrinking from contact or familiarity
b : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness
2 : showing reluctance to make a definite commitment <a></a>

synonyms see shy

coy·ly adverb
coy·ness noun

Origin: Middle English, quiet, shy, from Anglo-French quoi, quei, koi quiet, from Latin quietus.

Synonyms: coquettish, demure, kittenish
Antonyms: uncoy

Answer 358

A

transitive verb
: to push a skewer through (food)
: to criticize (someone or something) very harshly
Full Definition
1 : to fasten or pierce with or as if with a skewer
2 : to criticize or ridicule sharply and effectively
Examples
skewer a marshmallow
Critics skewered the movie.
First use: 1701
Synonyms: gore, harpoon, jab, lance, peck, pick, pierce, pink, puncture, run through, impale, spear, spike, spit, stab, stick, transfix, transpierce

Answer 359

A

adjective
: not active

medical : not now developing or causing symptoms

Full Definition
1 : marked by inactivity or repose : tranquilly at rest
2 : causing no trouble or symptoms
synonyms see latent
qui·es·cent·ly adverb
Examples
a group of quiescent loungers recovering from the Thanksgiving feast
Origin: Latin quiescent-, quiescens, present participle of quiescere to become quiet, rest, from quies.
First use: 1605
Synonyms: dull, inert, lethargic, inactive, sleepy, sluggish, torpid
Antonyms: active

Answer 360

A

ribald

adjective
: referring to sex in a rude but amusing way

Full Definition
1 : crude, offensive
2 : characterized by or using coarse indecent humor

synonyms see coarse

Synonyms: bawdy, blue, coarse, crude, dirty, filthy, foul, gross, gutter, impure, indecent, lascivious, lewd, locker-room, nasty, pornographic, porny, profane, raunchy, obscene, smutty, stag, trashy, unprintable, vulgar, wanton, X-rated

Antonyms: clean, decent, G-rated, nonobscene, wholesome

Answer 361

A

onei·ric\ō-ˈnī-rik\

adjective
: of or relating to dreams : dreamy

onei·ri·cal·ly -ri-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin: Greek oneiros dream; akin to Armenian anurǰ dream.
First use: 1859

Answer 362

A

klatch

noun
1 : a gathering characterized usually by informal conversation
2 : group

Examples
his klatch of friends hasn’t changed all that much since college
Variants: also klatsch \ˈklach, ˈkläch\
Origin: German Klatsch gossip.
First use: 1941
Synonyms: body, bunch, circle, clan, clique, community, coterie, coven, crowd, fold, galère, gang (also klatsch), lot, network, pack, ring, set

Answer 363

A

welt·an·schau·ung\ˈvelt-ˌän-ˌshau̇-əŋ\
noun
Usage: often capitalized
: a comprehensive conception or apprehension of the world especially from a specific standpoint
Other forms: plural weltanschauungs -əŋz\ or welt·an·schau·ung·en -əŋ-ən\
Origin: German, from Welt world + Anschauung view.
First use: 1868

Answer 364

A

incommensurable \in-kuh-MEN-suh-ruh-bul\

adjective: not commensurable; broadly : lacking a basis of comparison in respect to a quality normally subject to comparison

Examples:
The two theories are incommensurable, making any attempt at comparison across disciplines ridiculous.

“Camus’ own predicament as an Algerian of European descent sympathetic to both sides of the Algerian War led him to recognize a collision of incommensurable truths and embrace classical moderation.” — Steven G. Kellman, The Texas Observer, December 2013

Did you know?
Commensurable means “having a common measure” or “corresponding in size, extent, amount, or degree.” Its antonym incommensurable generally refers to things that are unlike and incompatible, sharing no common ground (as in the “incommensurable theories” of the first example sentence), or to things that are very disproportionate, often to the point of defying comparison (“incommensurable crimes”). Both words entered English in the 1500s and were originally used (as they still can be) for numbers that have or don’t have a common divisor. They came to English by way of Middle French and Late Latin, ultimately deriving from the Latin noun mensura, meaning “measure.” Mensura is also an ancestor of commensurate (meaning “coextensive” or “proportionate”) and incommensurate (“disproportionate” or “insufficient”), which overlap in meaning with commensurable and incommensurable but are not exact synonyms.

Answer 365

A

sur·mise\sər-ˈmīz, ˈsər-ˌ\

noun
: a thought or idea based on scanty evidence : conjecture

Origin: Middle English, allegation, charge, from Anglo-French, from feminine of surmis, past participle of surmettre to place on, suppose, accuse, from Medieval Latin supermittere, from Late Latin, to place on, from Latin super- + mittere to let go, send.

Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition, conjecture

Synonyms: assume, conjecture, daresay, imagine, presume, speculate, suppose, guess, suspect, suspicion [chiefly dialect]

2 sur·mise\sər-ˈmīz\

transitive verb
: to form an opinion about something without definitely knowing the truth

Full Definition
: to form a notion of from scanty evidence : imagine, infer

Other forms: sur·mised; sur·mis·ing

Origin: Middle English, to allege, from surmise, noun.

Synonyms: guess, shot, supposition, conjecture

Synonyms: assume, conjecture, daresay, imagine, presume, speculate, suppose, guess, suspect, suspicion [chiefly dialect]

Answer 366

A

ten·den·tious\ten-ˈden(t)-shəs\

adjective
: strongly favoring a particular point of view in a way that may cause argument : expressing a strong opinion

Full Definition
: marked by a tendency in favor of a particular point of view : biased

ten·den·tious·ly adverb
ten·den·tious·ness noun
First use: 1900

Answer 367

A

3 se·gue\ˈse-(ˌ)gwā, ˈsā-\

noun
: a transition made without pause or interruption : the act or an instance of segueing (see 2segue )

Origin: (see 1segue ).

se·gue\ˈse-(ˌ)gwā, ˈsā-\

verb imperative
1 : proceed to what follows without pause — used as a direction in music
2 : perform the music that follows like that which has preceded — used as a direction in music
Origin: Italian, there follows, from seguire to follow, from Latin sequi — more at sue.

2se·gue\ˈse-(ˌ)gwā, ˈsā-\
intransitive verb
1 : to proceed without pause from one musical number or theme to another
2 : to make a transition without interruption from one activity, topic, scene, or part to another
Other forms: se·gued; se·gue·ing
Origin: (see 1segue ).
First use: circa 1913

Answer 368

A

noun
1 : a reception held by a person of distinction on rising from bed
2 : an afternoon assembly at which the British sovereign or his or her representative receives only men
3 : a reception usually in honor of a particular person
Origin: French lever, from Middle French, act of arising, from (se) lever to rise.
First use: 1672
2lev·ee\ˈle-vē\
noun
1 a : an embankment for preventing flooding
b : a river landing place : pier
2 : a continuous dike or ridge (as of earth) for confining the irrigation areas of land to be flooded
Origin: French levée, from Old French, act of raising, from lever to raise — more at lever.
First use: circa 1720
3lev·ee\ˈle-vē\
transitive verb
: to provide with a levee
Other forms: lev·eed; lev·ee·ing
First use: 1832

Answer 369

A

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

Answer 370

A

pur·loin(ˌ)pər-ˈlȯin, ˈpər-ˌ\

: to take (something that belongs to someone else)

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to appropriate wrongfully and often by a breach of trust

synonyms see steal

pur·loin·er noun

Examples
the studio stepped up security, fearing that someone might attempt to purloin a copy of the script for the show’s season finale

Origin: Middle English, to put away, misappropriate, from Anglo-French purluigner to prolong, postpone, set aside, from pur- forward + luin, loing at a distance, from Latin longe, from longus long — more at purchase, long.

Synonyms: appropriate, boost [slang], filch, heist, hook, lift, misappropriate, nick [British slang], nip, pilfer, pinch, pocket, steal, rip off, snitch, swipe, thieve

Answer 371

A

com·punc·tion\kəm-ˈpəŋ(k)-shən\

noun
: a feeling of guilt or regret ( chiefly US)

Full Definition
1 a : anxiety arising from awareness of guilt
b : distress of mind over an anticipated action or result

2 : a twinge of misgiving : scruple

synonyms see penitence, qualm

com·punc·tious -shəs\ adjective

Examples
throughout her school years she cheated without compunction

Origin: Middle English compunccioun, from Anglo-French compunction, from Late Latin compunction-, compunctio, from Latin compungere to prick hard, sting, from com- + pungere to prick — more at

Synonyms: qualm, misgiving, scruple

Answer 372

A

adjective
\: having a pleasant sound
Full Definition
\: pleasing to the ear
eu·pho·ni·ous·ly adverb
eu·pho·ni·ous·ness noun
Examples
an opera singer with an appropriately euphonious name
the doorbell had a noticeably euphonious chime
First use: 1774
Synonyms: lyric, lyrical, mellifluent, mellifluous, mellow, melodic, melodious, musical
Antonyms: unlyrical

Answer 373

A

noun
1 : the act or method of gerrymandering
2 : a district or pattern of districts varying greatly in size or population as a result of gerrymandering
Origin: Elbridge Gerry + salamander; from the shape of an election district formed during Gerry’s governorship of Massachusetts.
First use: 1812
2gerrymander
: to divide (a state, school district, etc.) into political units that give one group an unfair advantage
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to divide (a territorial unit) into election districts to give one political party an electoral majority in a large number of districts while concentrating the voting strength of the opposition in as few districts as possible
2 : to divide (an area) into political units to give special advantages to one group
Other forms: gerrymandered; gerrymander·ing-d(ə-)riŋ\
First use: 1812

Answer 374

A

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

Answer 375

A

maud·lin\ˈmȯd-lən\
adjective
: showing or expressing too much emotion especially in a foolish or annoying way
Full Definition
1 : drunk enough to be emotionally silly
2 : weakly and effusively sentimental
Examples
a maudlin movie about a lovable tramp
Origin: alteration of Mary Magdalene; from her depiction as a weeping penitent.
First use: 1509
Synonyms: chocolate-box, cloying, drippy, fruity, gooey, lovey-dovey, corny, mawkish, mushy, novelettish, saccharine, sappy, schmaltzy, sentimental, sloppy, slushy, soppy, soupy, spoony (or spooney), sticky, sugarcoated, sugary, wet
Antonyms: unsentimental

Answer 376

A

aes·thete
noun
: a person who recognizes and values beauty in art, music, etc.
Full Definition
: one having or affecting sensitivity to the beautiful especially in art
Variants: also es·thete \ˈes-ˌthēt, British usually ˈēs-\
Origin: back-formation from aesthetic.
First use: 1881

Answer 377

A

fick·le\ˈfi-kəl\

adjective
: changing often
: changing opinions often

Full Definition
: marked by lack of steadfastness, constancy, or stability : given to erratic changeableness

synonyms see inconstant

fick·le·ness noun
fick·ly \ˈfi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
a fickle friendship that was on and off over the years
when the family’s fortune disappeared, so did their fickle friends

Origin: Middle English fikel deceitful, inconstant, from Old English ficol deceitful; akin to Old English befician to deceive, and probably to Old English fāh hostile — more at foe.

Synonyms: capricious, changeable, changeful, flickery, fluctuating, fluid, inconsistent, inconstant, mercurial, mutable, skittish, temperamental, uncertain, unpredictable, unsettled, unstable, unsteady, variable, volatile, up in the air

Antonyms: certain, changeless, constant, immutable, invariable, predictable, settled, stable, stationary, steady, unchangeable, unchanging, unvarying

Answer 378

A

syn·cret·ic\sin-ˈkre-tik, siŋ-\

adjective
: characterized or brought about by syncretism : syncretistic <a></a>

adjective: characterized or brought about by a combination of different forms of belief or practice
Examples:
Dr. Portman practices a syncretic form of medicine, borrowing from both Eastern and Western medical traditions.

“Her CV cites disparate accomplishments as a scientist, writer, and artist—and teacher…. Moreover, her career arc represents a syncretic impulse that characterizes her general outlook on life.” — Glen Martin, Forbes, November 4, 2014
Did you know?
Syncretic has its roots in an ancient alliance. It’s a descendant of the Greek word synkrētismos, meaning “federation of Cretan cities”—syn- means “together, with,” and Krēt- means “Cretan.” The adjective first appeared in English in the mid-19th century, and the related noun syncretism debuted over 200 years earlier. Syncretic retains the idea of coalition and appears in such contexts as “syncretic religions,” “syncretic societies,” and even “syncretic music,” all describing things influenced by two or more styles or traditions. The word also has a specific application in linguistics, where it refers to a fusion of inflectional forms.

Answer 379

A

par·ve·nu\ˈpär-və-ˌnü, -ˌnyü\

noun
: a person from usually a low social position who has recently or suddenly become wealthy, powerful, or successful but who is not accepted by other wealthy, powerful, and successful people

Full Definition
: one that has recently or suddenly risen to an unaccustomed position of wealth or power and has not yet gained the prestige, dignity, or manner associated with it

Other forms: plural par·ve·nus-ˌn(y)üz\
parvenu adjective

Examples
the kind of trophy house that a parvenu buys to prove to people, and to himself, that he has indeed arrived

Origin: French, from past participle of parvenir to arrive, from Latin pervenire, from per through + venire to come — more at for, come.

Synonyms: arriviste, nouveau riche, upstart

Answer 380

A

in·eluc·ta·ble\ˌi-ni-ˈlək-tə-bəl\

adjective
: not able to be avoided or changed

Full Definition
: not to be avoided, changed, or resisted : inevitable

in·eluc·ta·bil·i·ty -ˌlək-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
in·eluc·ta·bly -ˈlək-tə-blē\ adverb

Examples
the ineluctable approach of winter had many worried about the cost of heating their homes

Origin: Latin ineluctabilis, from in- + eluctari to struggle clear of, from ex- + luctari to struggle, wrestle; akin to Latin luxus dislocated — more at lock.

Synonyms: certain, inevitable, ineludible, inescapable, necessary, sure, unavoidable, unescapable

Antonyms: avoidable, evadable, uncertain, unsure

Answer 381

A

maun·der\ˈmȯn-dər, ˈmän-\

: to talk for a long time in a boring way

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 chiefly British : grumble
2 : to wander slowly and idly
3 : to speak indistinctly or disconnectedly

Other forms: maun·dered; maun·der·ing -d(ə-)riŋ\
maun·der·er -dər-ər\ noun

Examples
maundered all over town on his day off
ask her a question and she’ll maunder for half an hour
a couple of mates maundering over their beer in a dark corner of the pub

Origin: probably imitative.

Synonyms: bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant (also galavant), kick around, knock (about), wander, meander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse

Antonyms: crow, delight, rejoice

Answer 382

A

adjective
: having a pleasant, spicy taste
: interesting and exciting

Full Definition
1 : engagingly provocative; also : having a lively arch charm
2 : agreeably stimulating to the palate; especially : spicy

synonyms see pungent

pi·quant·ly adverb
pi·quant·ness noun

Examples
a piquant tidbit of information about the new neighbors
the piquant cuisine of India boasts some highly spiced dishes

Origin: Middle French, from present participle of piquer.
First use: 1616

Synonyms: pert, poignant, pungent, salty, savory (also savoury), zesty, zingy

Antonyms: insipid, zestless

Answer 383

A

: to interrupt (someone, such as a speaker or performer) by shouting annoying or rude comments or questions
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to harass and try to disconcert with questions, challenges, or gibes : badger
synonyms see bait
Other forms: heck·led; heck·ling -k(ə-)liŋ\
heck·ler -k(ə-)lər\ noun
Examples
a controversial player who was constantly heckled by the fans
Origin: Middle English hekelen to dress flax, scratch, from heckele hackle; akin to Old High German hāko hook — more at hook.
First use: circa 1825
Synonyms: bait, hassle, haze, tease, needle, ride, taunt

Answer 384

A

tur·gid\ˈtər-jəd\

adjective
: very complicated and difficult to understand
: larger or fuller than normal because of swelling

Full Definition
1 : being in a state of distension : swollen, tumid ; especially : exhibiting turgor
2 : excessively embellished in style or language : bombastic, pompous

tur·gid·i·ty \ˌtər-ˈji-də-tē\ noun
tur·gid·ly \ˈtər-jəd-lē\ adverb
tur·gid·ness noun

Examples
turgid leeches having had their fill of blood

Origin: Latin turgidus, from turgēre to be swollen.

Synonyms: blown, distended, overinflated, puffed, swollen, tumescent, tumid, bloated, varicose (also varicosed)

Answer 385

A

re·nege\ri-ˈneg also -ˈnāg, -ˈnig; rē-\

: to refuse to do something that you promised or agreed to do

Full Definition

transitive verb
: deny, renounce

intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to make a denial
2 : revoke
3 : to go back on a promise or commitment

Other forms: re·neged; re·neg·ing
re·neg·er noun

Examples
my so-called best friend promised to help me move, only to renege come Saturday morning

refused to renege the principles by which she had always lived her life, even if it resulted in losing her business

Origin: Medieval Latin renegare.

Synonyms: back down, back off, back out, cop out, fink out, go back on

Antonyms: adhere (to)

Answer 386

A

ap·pur·te·nant\ə-ˈpərt-nənt, -ˈpər-tə-nənt\

adjective
1 : constituting a legal accompaniment
2 : auxiliary, accessory
appurtenant noun
Examples
a store selling tents, sleeping bags, and all manner of appurtenant equipment for a week of roughing it
Origin: Middle English apertenant, from Anglo-French appurtenant, present participle of apurtenir to belong — more at appertain.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: accessorial, accessory, auxiliary, peripheral, supplemental, supplementary
Antonyms: chief, main, principal

Answer 387

A

stul·ti·fy\ˈstəl-tə-ˌfī\

transitive verb
: to cause (someone or something) to become dull, slow, etc.

Full Definition
1 archaic : to allege or prove to be of unsound mind and hence not responsible
2 : to cause to appear or be stupid, foolish, or absurdly illogical
3 a : to impair, invalidate, or make ineffective : negate
b : to have a dulling or inhibiting effect on

Other forms: stul·ti·fied; stul·ti·fy·ing
stul·ti·fi·ca·tion \ˌstəl-tə-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

Origin: Late Latin stultificare to make foolish, from Latin stultus foolish; akin to Latin stolidus stolid.
First use: 1737

Answer 388

A

pro·di·gious\prə-ˈdi-jəs\

adjective
: amazing or wonderful : very impressive
: very big

Full Definition
1 a obsolete : being an omen : portentous
b : resembling or befitting a prodigy : strange, unusual (see prodigy )
2 : exciting amazement or wonder
3 : extraordinary in bulk, quantity, or degree : enormous

synonyms see monstrous

pro·di·gious·ly adverb
pro·di·gious·ness noun

Examples
stage magicians performing prodigious feats for rapt audiences
a prodigious supply of canned food kept in the basement for emergencies

Origin: (see prodigy ).

Synonyms: amazing, astonishing, astounding, awesome, awful, eye-opening, fabulous, miraculous, portentous, marvelous, staggering, stunning, stupendous, sublime, surprising, wonderful, wondrous

Antonyms: bantam, bitty, diminutive, infinitesimal, Lilliputian, little bitty, micro, microminiature, microscopic (also microscopical), midget, miniature, minuscule, minute, pocket, pygmy, teensy, teensy-weensy, teeny, teeny-weeny, tiny, wee

Answer 389

A

sang·froid\ˈsäⁿ-ˈf(r)wä\

noun
: the ability to stay calm in difficult or dangerous situations

Full Definition
: self-possession or imperturbability especially under strain

synonyms see equanimity

Examples
the professional gambler seemed to take both his wins and his losses with remarkable sangfroid

Origin: French sang-froid, literally, cold blood.

Synonyms: aplomb, calmness, collectedness, composedness, composure, cool, coolness, countenance, equilibrium, imperturbability, placidity, repose, equanimity, self-composedness, self-possession, serenity, tranquillity (or tranquility), tranquilness

Antonyms: agitation, discomposure, perturbation

Answer 390

A

fete

noun
: a large party or celebration
: an outdoor event for raising money that usually includes competitions and things for sale
Full Definition
1 : festival
2 a : a lavish often outdoor entertainment
b : a large elaborate party
Examples
won a prize at the church/village fete
the heiress wanted to do something with her life other than shuttle from fete to fete
Variants: or fête \ˈfāt, ˈfet\
Origin: Middle English fete, from Middle French, from Old French feste — more at feast.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: affair, bash, binge, blast, blowout, do, event, party (or fête), function, get-together, powwow, reception, shindig
Synonyms: honor (or fête), recognize
2fete
: to honor (a person) or celebrate (something) with a large party or public celebration
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to honor or commemorate with a fete
2 : to pay high honor to
Other forms: fet·ed or fêt·ed; fet·ing or fêt·ing
Examples
They feted the winning team with banquets and parades.
She was feted for her contributions to science.
Variants: or fête
First use: 1814
Synonyms: affair, bash, binge, blast, blowout, do, event, party (or fête), function, get-together, powwow, reception, shindig

Answer 391

A

re·mon·strate\ˈre-mən-ˌstrāt, ri-ˈmän-\

: to disagree and argue or complain about something

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to present and urge reasons in opposition : expostulate — usually used with with
transitive verb
: to say or plead in protest, reproof, or opposition
Other forms: re·mon·strat·ed; re·mon·strat·ing
re·mon·stra·tion \ˌre-mən-ˈstrā-shən, ri-ˈman-\ noun
re·mon·stra·tive \ri-ˈmän(t)-strə-tiv\ adjective
re·mon·stra·tive·ly adverb
re·mon·stra·tor \ˈre-mən-ˌstrā-tər, ri-ˈmän-\ noun
Origin: Medieval Latin remonstratus, past participle of remonstrare to demonstrate, from Latin re- + monstrare to show — more at muster.
First use: 1695

Answer 392

A

rail·lery\ˈrā-lə-rē\

noun
: friendly joking about or with somebody

Full Definition
1 : good-natured ridicule : banter
2 : jest

Other forms: plural rail·ler·ies

Examples
Luke had to put up with a lot of raillery from his sister the first time he asked a girl for a date

Origin: French raillerie, from Middle French, from railler to mock.

Synonyms: backchat, badinage, chaff, give-and-take, jesting, joshing, persiflage, banter, repartee

Answer 393

A

de·sid·er·a·tum\di-ˌsi-də-ˈrä-təm, -ˌzi-, -ˈrā-\

noun
: something that is needed or wanted

Full Definition
: something desired as essential

Other forms: plural de·sid·er·a·ta -tə\
Origin: Latin, neuter of desideratus.
First use: 1652

Answer 394

A

sed·u·lous\ˈse-jə-ləs\
adjective
1 : involving or accomplished with careful perseverance
2 : diligent in application or pursuit <a>
synonyms see busy
sed·u·lous·ly adverb
sed·u·lous·ness noun
Examples
an impressively sedulous suitor, he was constantly sending her flowers and other tokens of his affection
Origin: Latin sedulus, from sedulo sincerely, diligently, from sed-, se without + dolus guile — more at suicide.
First use: 1540
Synonyms: active, assiduous, bustling, diligent, employed, engaged, hopping, industrious, laborious, occupied, busy, tied-up, working
Antonyms: idle, inactive, unbusy, unemployed, unoccupied</a>

Answer 395

A

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

Answer 396

A

ob·se·qui·ous\əb-ˈsē-kwē-əs, äb-\
adjective
: too eager to help or obey someone important
Full Definition
: marked by or exhibiting a fawning attentiveness
synonyms see subservient
ob·se·qui·ous·ly adverb
ob·se·qui·ous·ness noun
Origin: Middle English, compliant, from Latin obsequiosus, from obsequium compliance, from obsequi to comply, from ob- toward + sequi to follow — more at ob-, sue.
First use: 15th century

Answer 397

A

cav·a·lier\ˌka-və-ˈlir\

noun
1 : a gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship
2 : a mounted soldier : knight
3 capitalized : an adherent of Charles I of England
4 : gallant

Origin: Middle French, from Old Italian cavaliere, from Old Occitan cavalier, from Late Latin caballarius horseman, from Latin caballus.

Synonyms: assumptive, bumptious, arrogant, chesty, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, huffish, huffy, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, self-asserting, self-assertive, sniffy, stiff-necked, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Synonyms: gentleman

2cavalier

adjective
: having or showing no concern for something that is important or serious

Full Definition
1 : debonair
2 : marked by or given to offhand and often disdainful dismissal of important matters <a>
3 a capitalized : of or relating to the party of Charles I of England in his struggles with the Puritans and Parliament
b : aristocratic
c capitalized : of or relating to the English Cavalier poets of the mid-17th century</a>

ca·va·lier·ism -ˌi-zəm\ noun
cav·a·lier·ly adverb

Synonyms: assumptive, bumptious, arrogant, chesty, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, huffish, huffy, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, self-asserting, self-assertive, sniffy, stiff-necked, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Synonyms: gentleman

Answer 398

A

lim·pid\ˈlim-pəd\

adjective
: perfectly clear
: clear and simple in style

Full Definition
1 a : marked by transparency : pellucid
b : clear and simple in style
2 : absolutely serene and untroubled

synonyms see clear

lim·pid·i·ty \lim-ˈpi-də-tē\ noun
lim·pid·ly \ˈlim-pəd-lē\ adverb
lim·pid·ness noun

Examples
her eyes are the blue of a limpid stream of water
the limpid conscience of a man who is at peace with himself as he awaits death

Origin: French or Latin; French limpide, from Latin limpidus, perhaps from lympha water — more at lymph.

Synonyms: crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, clear, liquid, lucent, pellucid, see-through, transparent

Antonyms: cloudy, opaque

Answer 399

A

be·night·ed\bi-ˈnī-təd, bē-\

adjective
: having no knowledge or education

Full Definition
1 : overtaken by darkness or night
2 : existing in a state of intellectual, moral, or social darkness : unenlightened

be·night·ed·ly adverb
be·night·ed·ness noun

Examples
the poor benighted souls who do not know the joys of reading

Synonyms: analphabetic, ignorant, dark, illiterate, nonliterate, rude, simple, uneducated, uninstructed, unlearned, unlettered, unread, unschooled, untaught, untutored

Antonyms: educated, knowledgeable, lettered, literate, schooled, well-informed, well-read

Answer 400

A

noun
: a very old document on which the original writing has been erased and replaced with new writing
: something that has changed over time and shows evidence of that change
Full Definition
1 : writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
2 : something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface
Origin: Latin palimpsestus, from Greek palimpsēstos scraped again, from palin + psēn to rub, scrape; akin to Sanskrit psāti, babhasti he chews.
First use: 1825

Answer 401

A

ex·e·ge·sis\ˌek-sə-ˈjē-səs, ˈek-sə-ˌ\
noun
: exposition, explanation; especially : an explanation or critical interpretation of a text
Other forms: plural ex·e·ge·ses-ˈjē-(ˌ)sēz\
Examples
a psychobiography that purports to be the definitive exegesis of the late president’s character
Origin: New Latin, from Greek exēgēsis, from exēgeisthai to explain, interpret, from ex- + hēgeisthai to lead — more at seek.
First use: 1619
Synonyms: clarification, construction, elucidation, explanation, explication, exposition, illumination, illustration, interpretation, road map

Answer 402

A

ha·gio·graph·ic\ˌha-gē-ə-ˈgra-fik, ˌhā-, -jē-\
adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being hagiography; especially : excessively flattering <a>
2 : of or relating to the Hagiographa
Examples
a hagiographic portrait of one of the pioneers of the automotive age
Variants: also ha·gio·graph·i·cal -fi-kəl\
First use: 1819
Synonyms: adulatory, gushing, gushy, fulsome (also hagiographical), oily, oleaginous, soapy, unctuous</a>

Answer 403

A

so·le·cism\ˈsä-lə-ˌsi-zəm, ˈsō-\
noun
: a mistake in speech or writing
: an impolite or improper way of behaving
Full Definition
1 : an ungrammatical combination of words in a sentence; also : a minor blunder in speech
2 : something deviating from the proper, normal, or accepted order
3 : a breach of etiquette or decorum
so·le·cis·tic \ˌsä-lə-ˈsis-tik, ˌsō-\ adjective
Examples
the solecism of asking one’s hosts how much something in their house cost them
Origin: Latin soloecismus, from Greek soloikismos, from soloikos speaking incorrectly, literally, inhabitant of Soloi, from Soloi, city in ancient Cilicia where a substandard form of Attic was spoken.
First use: circa 1555
Synonyms: familiarity, faux pas, gaff, gaffe, indiscretion, impropriety
Antonyms: amenity, attention, civility, courtesy, formality, gesture, pleasantry

Answer 404

A

pa·lav·er\pə-ˈla-vər, -ˈlä-\
noun
: talk that is not important or meaningful
: excitement and activity caused by something that is not important
Full Definition
1 a : a long parley usually between persons of different cultures or levels of sophistication
b : conference, discussion
2 a : idle talk
b : misleading or beguiling speech
Origin: Portuguese palavra word, speech, from Late Latin parabola parable, speech.
First use: 1735
Synonyms: argument, argumentation, argy-bargy [chiefly British], back-and-forth, colloquy, confab, confabulation, conference, consult, consultation, council, counsel, debate, deliberation, dialogue (also dialog), give-and-take, discussion, parley, talk
Synonyms: babble, blab, cackle, chaffer [British], chatter, chin [slang], converse, gab, gabble, gas, jabber, jaw, kibitz (also kibbitz), natter, chat, patter, prate, prattle, rap, rattle, run on, schmooze (or shmooze), talk, twitter, visit
2palaver
intransitive verb
1 : to talk profusely or idly
2 : parley
transitive verb
: to use palaver to : cajole
Other forms: pa·lav·ered; pa·lav·er·ing \pə-ˈla-və-riŋ, -ˈlä-; -ˈlav-riŋ, -ˈläv-\
First use: 1773
Synonyms: argument, argumentation, argy-bargy [chiefly British], back-and-forth, colloquy, confab, confabulation, conference, consult, consultation, council, counsel, debate, deliberation, dialogue (also dialog), give-and-take, discussion, parley, talk
Synonyms: babble, blab, cackle, chaffer [British], chatter, chin [slang], converse, gab, gabble, gas, jabber, jaw, kibitz (also kibbitz), natter, chat, patter, prate, prattle, rap, rattle, run on, schmooze (or shmooze), talk, twitter, visit

Answer 405

A

tome\ˈtōm\
noun
: a very large, thick book
Full Definition
1 : a volume forming part of a larger work
2 : book; especially : a large or scholarly book
Examples
a long tome on European history
picked up a thick tome on the Roman Empire at a used book store
Origin: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin tomus, from Greek tomos section, roll of papyrus, tome, from temnein to cut; akin to Middle Irish tamnaid he lops, Polish ciąć to cut, and perhaps to Latin tondēre to shear.
First use: 1519
Synonyms: book, volume

Answer 406

A

un·be·com·ing\ˌən-bi-ˈkə-miŋ\

adjective
: not attractive : not becoming
: not appropriate or acceptable for a person in a particular job or position

Full Definition
: not becoming ; especially : not according with the standards appropriate to one’s position or condition of life
synonyms see indecorous
un·be·com·ing·ly -miŋ-lē\ adverb
un·be·com·ing·ness noun
Examples
boorish behavior that is unbecoming to an officer
First use: 1598
Synonyms: amiss, graceless, improper, inapposite, inapt, incongruous, incorrect, indecorous, inept, infelicitous, malapropos, perverse, unapt, inappropriate, unfit, unhappy, unseemly, unsuitable, untoward, wrong
Antonyms: appropriate, becoming, befitting, correct, decorous, felicitous, fit, fitting, genteel, happy, meet, proper, right, seemly, suitable

Answer 407

A

chasm\ˈka-zəm\

noun
: a deep hole or opening in the surface of the earth
: a major division, separation, or difference between two people, groups, etc.

Full Definition
1 : a deep cleft in the surface of a planet (as the earth) : gorge
2 : a marked division, separation, or difference

Examples
Leaders tried to bridge a chasm between the two religious groups.
a racial/cultural/economic chasm

Origin: Latin chasma, from Greek; akin to Latin hiare to yawn — more at yawn.

Synonyms: abysm, abyss, deep, gulf, ocean

Answer 408

A

scur·ri·lous\ˈskər-ə-ləs, ˈskə-rə-\

adjective
: said or done unfairly to make people have a bad opinion of someone

Full Definition
1 a : using or given to coarse language
b : vulgar and evil
2 : containing obscenities, abuse, or slander

scur·ri·lous·ly adverb
scur·ri·lous·ness noun

Examples
a scurrilous satire on the scandal that enveloped Washington

Synonyms: contumelious, invective, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), abusive, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory

Answer 409

A

pro·pa·gan·da\ˌprä-pə-ˈgan-də, ˌprō-\

noun
: ideas or statements that are often false or exaggerated and that are spread in order to help a cause, a political leader, a government, etc.

Full Definition
1 capitalized : a congregation of the Roman curia having jurisdiction over missionary territories and related institutions
2 : the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
3 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect

pro·pa·gan·dist -dist\ noun or adjective
pro·pa·gan·dis·tic -ˌgan-ˈdis-tik\ adjective
pro·pa·gan·dis·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin: New Latin, from Congregatio de propaganda fide Congregation for propagating the faith, organization established by Pope Gregory XV †1623.
First use: 1718

Answer 410

A

po·grom\ˈpō-grəm, ˈpä-; pō-ˈgräm, pə-\

noun
: the organized killing of many helpless people usually because of their race or religion

Full Definition
: an organized massacre of helpless people; specifically : such a massacre of Jews

Origin: Yiddish, from Russian, literally, devastation.
First use: 1903

2pogrom
transitive verb
: to massacre or destroy in a pogrom
First use: 1915

Answer 411

A

con·fec·tion\kən-ˈfek-shən\
noun
: a very sweet food
Full Definition
1 : the act or process of confecting
2 : something confected: as
a : a fancy dish or sweetmeat; also : a sweet food
b : a medicinal preparation usually made with sugar, syrup, or honey
c : a work of fine or elaborate craftsmanship
d : a light but entertaining theatrical, cinematic, or literary work
Examples
following the main course there were assorted confections so delicious-looking as to tempt even determined dieters
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: sweet, sweetmeat

Answer 412

A

con·fect\kən-ˈfekt\

transitive verb
1 : to put together from varied material
2 a : prepare
b : preserve

con·fect \ˈkän-ˌ\ noun

Examples
a cook who can confect a magnificent dinner from whatever ingredients are in the cupboards

Origin: Middle English, from Latin confectus, past participle of conficere to prepare — more at comfit.

Synonyms: assemble, build, construct, erect, fabricate, make, make up, piece, put up, raise, rear, set up

Antonyms: demount, disassemble, dismantle, dismember, knock down, strike, take down, tear down

Answer 413

A

tu·mul·tu·ous\tu̇-ˈməl-chə-wəs, tyu̇-, tə-, -chəs; -ˈməlch-wəs\

adjective
: loud, excited, and emotional
: involving a lot of violence, confusion, or disorder

Full Definition
1 : marked by tumult : loud, excited, and emotional

2 : tending or disposed to cause or incite a tumult

3 : marked by violent or overwhelming turbulence or upheaval

tu·mul·tu·ous·ly adverb
tu·mul·tu·ous·ness noun

Examples
one of the most tumultuous periods in the history of the region
watched the tumultuous weather from the dry safety of our house
after a tumultuous day of trading, the stock market was down 500 points
Origin: (see tumult ).

Synonyms: cataclysmal (or cataclysmic), stormy, tempestuous, convulsive, turbulent

Antonyms: nonviolent, peaceable, peaceful

Answer 414

A

sub·ver·sion\səb-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\

noun

1 : the act of subverting : the state of being subverted; especially : a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine a government or political system by persons working secretly from within

2 obsolete : a cause of overthrow or destruction

sub·ver·sion·ary -zhə-ˌner-ē, -shə-\ adjective
sub·ver·sive -ˈvər-siv, -ziv\ adjective or noun
sub·ver·sive·ly adverb
sub·ver·sive·ness noun

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin subversion-, subversio, from Latin subvertere.
First use: 14th century

Answer 415

A

prax·is\ˈprak-səs\

noun

1 : action, practice: as
a : exercise or practice of an art, science, or skill
b : customary practice or conduct

2 : practical application of a theory

Other forms: plural prax·es -ˌsēz\

Origin: Medieval Latin, from Greek, doing, action, from prassein to do, practice — more at practical.
First use: 1581

Answer 416

A

es·sen·tial·ism-ˌli-zəm\

noun

1 : an educational theory that ideas and skills basic to a culture should be taught to all alike by time-tested methods — compare progressivism

2 : a philosophical theory ascribing ultimate reality to essence embodied in a thing perceptible to the senses — compare nominalism

3 : the practice of regarding something (as a presumed human trait) as having innate existence or universal validity rather than as being a social, ideological, or intellectual construct

es·sen·tial·ist -list\ adjective or noun
First use: 1927

Answer 417

A

de·ferred
adjective
1 : withheld for or until a stated time <a>
2 : charged in cases of delayed handling <a>
First use: 1651</a></a>

Answer 418

A

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

Answer 419

A

suc·cu·lent\-lənt\
adjective
\: full of juice
of plants : having thick, heavy leaves or stems that store water
Full Definition
1 a : full of juice : juicy
b : moist and tasty : toothsome <a>
c of a plant : having fleshy tissues that conserve moisture
2 : rich in interest
suc·cu·lent·ly adverb
Origin: Latin suculentus, from sucus juice, sap; perhaps akin to Latin sugere to suck — more at suck.
First use: 1601
Synonyms: fleshy, pulpy, juicy
Antonyms: juiceless, sapless

Answer 420

A

noun
: a great or foolish amount of pride or confidence

Full Definition
: exaggerated pride or self-confidence

hu·bris·tic \hyü-ˈbris-tik\ adjective

Origin: Greek hybris.

First use: 1884

Answer 421

A

so·lip·sism\ˈsō-ləp-ˌsi-zəm, ˈsä-\

noun
: a theory in philosophy that your own existence is the only thing that is real or that can be known

Full Definition
: a theory holding that the self can know nothing but its own modifications and that the self is the only existent thing; also : extreme egocentrism

so·lip·sist \ˈsō-ləp-sist, ˈsä-ləp-, sə-ˈlip-\ noun
so·lip·sis·tic \ˌsō-ləp-ˈsis-tik, ˌsä-\ adjective
so·lip·sis·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin: Latin solus alone + ipse self.
First use: 1874

Answer 422

A

des·ul·to·ry\ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē also -zəl-\

adjective
: not having a plan or purpose
: done without serious effort

Full Definition
1 : marked by lack of definite plan, regularity, or purpose <a>
2 : not connected with the main subject
3 : disappointing in progress, performance, or quality <a> <a></a></a></a>

des·ul·to·ri·ly \ˌde-səl-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
des·ul·to·ri·ness \ˈde-səl-ˌtȯr-ē-nəs\ noun

Examples
a desultory search for something of interest on TV
a desultory discussion about the news of the day

Origin: Latin desultorius, literally, of a circus rider who leaps from horse to horse, from desilire to leap down, from de- + salire to leap — more at sally.

Synonyms: aimless, arbitrary, catch-as-catch-can, random, erratic, haphazard, helter-skelter, hit-or-miss, scattered, slapdash, stray

Antonyms: methodical (also methodic), nonrandom, orderly, organized, regular, systematic, systematized

Answer 423

A

oc·clu·sion\ə-ˈklü-zhən\

noun

1 : the act of occluding : the state of being occluded: as
a : the complete obstruction of the breath passage in the articulation of a speech sound
b : the bringing of the opposing surfaces of the teeth of the two jaws into contact; also : the relation between the surfaces when in contact
c : the inclusion or sorption of gas trapped during solidification of a material

2 : the front formed by a cold front overtaking a warm front and lifting the warm air above the earth’s surface

Origin: Latin occludere.
First use: circa 1645

Answer 424

A

pri·va·tion\prī-ˈvā-shən\ = deprivation
noun
: a lack or loss of the basic things that people need to live properly
Full Definition
1 : an act or instance of depriving : deprivation
2 : the state of being deprived; especially : lack of what is needed for existence
Examples
the constant privation of sleep was starting to affect my work
Origin: Middle English privacion, from Anglo-French, from Latin privation-, privatio, from privare to deprive.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: deprivation, loss

Answer 425

A

phy·lo·ge·net·ic\ˌfī-lō-jə-ˈne-tik\
adjective
1 : of or relating to phylogeny
2 : based on natural evolutionary relationships
3 : acquired in the course of phylogenetic development : racial
phy·lo·ge·net·i·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
Origin: International Scientific Vocabulary, from New Latin phylogenesis phylogeny, from phyl- + genesis.
First use: 1877

Answer 426

A

on·tog·e·ny\än-ˈtä-jə-nē\
noun
: the development or course of development especially of an individual organism
Origin: International Scientific Vocabulary.
First use: 1872

Answer 427

A

an·a·clit·ic\ˌa-nə-ˈkli-tik

adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by the direction of love toward an object (as the mother) that satisfies nonsexual needs (as hunger)

Origin: Greek anaklitos, verbal of anaklinein to lean upon, from ana- + klinein to lean — more at lean.
First use: 1922

Answer 428

A

ar·ti·fice\ˈär-tə-fəs\

noun
: dishonest or insincere behavior or speech that is meant to deceive someone

Full Definition
1 a : clever or artful skill : ingenuity
b : an ingenious device or expedient

2 a : an artful stratagem : trick
b : false or insincere behavior

synonyms see trick, art

Examples
used the artifice of saying his grandmother had died so that he could get the last seat on the plane
using their artifice, the Greeks crafted a hollow wooden horse to hide inside and thereby gained entry into the city of Troy
a painting that could only have been created with the artifice of a master

Origin: Middle French, from Latin artificium, from artific-, artifex artificer, from Latin art-, ars + facere.

Synonyms: trick, device, dodge, fetch, flimflam, gambit, gimmick, jig, juggle, knack, play, ploy, scheme, shenanigan, sleight, stratagem, wile

Antonyms: artlessness, ineptitude, ineptness, maladroitness

Answer 429

A

in·con·tro·vert·ible(ˌ)in-ˌkän-trə-ˈvər-tə-bəl\

adjective
: not able to be doubted or questioned

Full Definition
: not open to question : indisputable

in·con·tro·vert·ibly -blē\ adverb

Examples
incontrovertible facts that left the jury with no choice but to convict

Synonyms: accomplished, certain, inarguable, incontestable, irrefutable, indisputable, indubitable, irrefragable, positive, sure, unanswerable, unarguable, unchallengeable, undeniable, unquestionable

Antonyms: answerable, arguable, contradictable, controvertible, debatable, disputable, doubtable, moot, negotiable, problematic (also problematical), questionable, refutable

Answer 430

A

ide·a·tion\ˌī-dē-ˈā-shən\

noun
: the capacity for or the act of forming or entertaining ideas

Examples
caregivers are trained to watch for signs of depression and suicidal ideation—some patients are likely to put their fantasies to action

Synonyms: contrivance, creativity, fancy, fantasy (also phantasy), imagination, imaginativeness, invention, inventiveness, originality

Answer 431

A

ob·du·rate\ˈäb-də-rət, -dyə-; äb-ˈdu̇r-ət, əb-, -ˈdyu̇r-\

adjective
: refusing to do what other people want : not willing to change your opinion or the way you do
something

Full Definition
1 a : stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
b : hardened in feelings

2 : resistant to persuasion or softening influences

synonyms see inflexible

ob·du·rate·ly adverb
ob·du·rate·ness noun

Examples
the obdurate refusal of the crotchety old man to let the neighborhood kids retrieve their stray ball from his backyard
an obdurate farmer who could never be convinced to try a different method of fertilization

Origin: Middle English, from Latin obduratus, past participle of obdurare to harden, from ob- against + durus hard — more at during.

Synonyms: affectless, callous, case-hardened, cold-blooded, compassionless, desensitized, hard-boiled, hard-hearted, heartless, indurate, inhuman, inhumane, insensate, insensitive, ironhearted, merciless, hard, pachydermatous, pitiless, remorseless, ruthless, slash-and-burn, soulless, stony (also stoney), stonyhearted, take-no-prisoners, thick-skinned, uncharitable, unfeeling, unmerciful, unsparing, unsympathetic

Antonyms: charitable, compassionate, humane, kindhearted, kindly, merciful, sensitive, softhearted, sympathetic, tender, tenderhearted, warm, warmhearted

Answer 432

A

in·ure\i-ˈnu̇r, -ˈnyu̇r\

: to cause (someone) to be less affected by something unpleasant : to cause (someone) to be less sensitive tosomething unpleasant

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to accustom to accept something undesirable

intransitive verb
: to become of advantage

Other forms: in·ured; in·ur·ing
in·ure·ment -mənt\ noun

Examples
the hardship of army training inured her to the rigors of desert warfare

Origin: Middle English enuren, from in ure customary, from putten in ure to use, put into practice, part translation of Anglo-French mettre en ovre, en uevre.

Synonyms: fortify, indurate, harden, season, steel, strengthen, toughen

Antonyms: soften

Answer 433

A

whittle

: to cut or shape (a piece of wood) by cutting small pieces from it : to make or shape (something) from a piece of wood by cutting small pieces from it

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to pare or cut off chips from the surface of (wood) with a knife
b : to shape or form by so paring or cutting
2 : to reduce, remove, or destroy gradually as if by cutting off bits with a knife : pare
intransitive verb
1 : to cut or shape something (as wood) by or as if by paring it with a knife
2 : to wear oneself or another out with fretting
Other forms: whit·tled; whit·tling \ˈhwit-liŋ, ˈwit-; ˈhwi-təl-iŋ, ˈwi-\
whit·tler \ˈhwit-lər, ˈwit-; ˈhwi-təl-ər, ˈwi-\ noun
First use: 1552

Answer 434

A

sanc·ti·fy-ˌfī\

transitive verb
: to make (something) holy
: to give official acceptance or approval to (something)

Full Definition
1 : to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use : consecrate
2 : to free from sin : purify
3 a : to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to
b : to give moral or social sanction to
4 : to make productive of holiness or piety

Other forms: sanc·ti·fied; sanc·ti·fy·ing

Examples
received the sacrament of penance, whereby they were sanctified and restored to divine grace
sanctify the bread for Communion

Origin: Middle English seintefien, sanctifien, from Anglo-French seintefier, sanctifier, from Late Latin sanctificare, from Latin sanctus sacred — more at saint.

Synonyms: cleanse, purge, purify

Antonyms: deconsecrate, desacralize, desanctify

Answer 435

A

Anthropocene

PRONUNCIATION:
(AN-thruh-puh-seen)

MEANING:
noun: The geological period marked by a significant human impact on climate and the environment.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Greek anthropo- (human) + -cene (denoting a geological period), from Greek kainos (new). Ultimately from the Indo-European root ken (fresh, new, or young) which also gave us recent and Sanskrit kanya (young girl). Earliest documented use: 2000.

NOTES:
The Anthropocene is regarded as the time from the start of the Industrial Revolution onward. Eugene F. Stoermer, an American biologist, coined it and Paul Crutzen, a Dutch atmospheric chemist (and a Nobel laureate), popularized it. For more on the Anthropocene, see National Geographic.

USAGE:
“Nature as we know it is in constant flux, and even more so in the era of the Anthropocene. Humanity’s impacts on nature and biodiversity is far reaching and pervasive.”

Answer 436

A

pe·remp·to·ry\pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē\
adjective
—used to describe an order, command, etc., that you must obey without any questions or excuses
: having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they should be obeyed without question
Full Definition
1 a : putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay; specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a>
b : admitting of no contradiction
2 : expressive of urgency or command <a>
3 a : characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance
b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty <a>
synonyms see masterful
pe·remp·to·ri·ly -ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē; -ˌrem(p)-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
pe·remp·to·ri·ness -ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun
Examples
the governor’s peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand
a peremptory summons to appear before the committee
she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her
Origin: Middle English peremptorie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy, from per- thoroughly + emere to take — more at redeem.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, bossy, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous
Antonyms: elective, optional, voluntary</a></a></a>

Answer 437

A

bro·mide\ˈbrō-ˌmīd\

noun
: a drug that makes a person calm
: a statement that is intended to make people feel happier or calmer but that is not original or effective

Full Definition

1 : a binary compound of bromine with another element or a radical including some (as potassium bromide) used as sedatives

2 a : a commonplace or tiresome person : bore
b : a commonplace or hackneyed statement or notion

Examples
a newspaper editorial offering the timeworn bromide that people should settle their differences peacefully

Synonyms: banality, commonplace, chestnut, cliché (also cliche), groaner, homily, platitude, shibboleth, trope, truism

Answer 438

A

hack·neyed\ˈhak-nēd\

adjective
: not interesting, funny, etc., because of being used too often : not fresh or original

Full Definition
: lacking in freshness or originality

synonyms see trite

Examples
it’s hackneyed, but true—the more you save the more you earn

Synonyms: banal, cliché (also cliche), clichéd, cobwebby, commonplace, hack, hackney, stale, moth-eaten, musty, obligatory, shopworn, stereotyped, threadbare, timeworn, tired, trite, well-worn

Antonyms: fresh, new, novel, original, unclichéd, unhackneyed

Answer 439

A

drudg·ery\ˈdrəj-rē, ˈdrə-jə-rē\

noun
: boring, difficult, or unpleasant work

Full Definition
: dull, irksome, and fatiguing work : uninspiring or menial labor

synonyms see work

Other forms: plural drudg·er·ies

Examples
in the “good old days” household servants led lives filled with much drudgery and little pleasure

Synonyms: donkeywork, drudge, 1toil, fatigue, grind, labor, moil, slavery, sweat, travail

Antonyms: fun, play

Answer 440

A

unc·tu·ous\ˈəŋ(k)-chə-wəs, -chəs, -shwəs\

adjective
—used to describe someone who speaks and behaves in a way that is meant to seem friendly and polite but that is unpleasant because it is obviously not sincere

Full Definition
1 a : fatty, oily
b : smooth and greasy in texture or appearance
2 : plastic
3 : full of unction; especially : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality

unc·tu·ous·ly adverb
unc·tu·ous·ness noun

Examples
an unctuous effort to appear religious to the voters
an unctuous appraisal of the musical talent shown by the boss’s daughter

Origin: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French unctueus, from Medieval Latin unctuosus, from Latin unctus act of anointing, from unguere to anoint.

Synonyms: artificial, backhanded, counterfeit, double, double-dealing, double-faced, fake, feigned, hypocritical, Janus-faced, jive [slang], left-handed, lip, mealy, mealymouthed, Pecksniffian, phony (also phoney), phony-baloney (or phoney-baloney), pretended, two-faced, insincere

Antonyms: artless, candid, genuine, heartfelt, honest, sincere, undesigning, unfeigned

Answer 441

A

hoi pol·loi\ˌhȯi-pə-ˈlȯi\

noun plural
: ordinary people : people who are not rich, famous, etc.

Full Definition
: the general populace : masses

Examples
“I pay no attention to the opinions of the hoi polloi,” the writer sniffed
Origin: Greek, the many.

Synonyms: commoners, commons, crowd, herd, mass, millions, mob, multitude, people, plebeians, plebs, populace, public, rank and file

Antonyms: A-list, aristocracy, best, choice, corps d’elite, cream, elect, elite, fat, flower, pick, pink, pride, upper crust

Answer 442

A

in·vid·i·ous\in-ˈvi-dē-əs\

adjective
: unpleasant and likely to cause bad feelings in other people

Full Definition

1 : tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy

2 : envious

3 a : of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : obnoxious
b : of a kind to cause harm or resentment

in·vid·i·ous·ly adverb
in·vid·i·ous·ness noun

Examples
inevitably, his remarkable success attracted the invidious attention of the other sales representatives

Origin: Latin invidiosus envious, invidious, from invidia envy — more at envy.

Synonyms: covetous, green-eyed, envious, jaundiced, jealous, resentful

Antonyms: unenvious

Answer 443

A

dis·par·age\di-ˈsper-ij, -ˈspa-rij\

: to describe (someone or something) as unimportant, weak, bad, etc.

Full Definition

transitive verb
1 : to lower in rank or reputation : degrade

2 : to depreciate by indirect means (as invidious comparison) : speak slightingly about

synonyms see decry

Other forms: dis·par·aged; dis·par·ag·ing
dis·par·age·ment \-ij-mənt\ noun
dis·par·ag·er noun
dis·par·ag·ing adjective
dis·par·ag·ing·ly \-ij-iŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples
disparaged polo as a sport for the idle rich
Origin: Middle English, to degrade by marriage below one’s class, disparage, from Anglo-French desparager to marry below one’s class, from des- dis- + parage equality, lineage, from per peer.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, denigrate, deprecate, depreciate, derogate, diminish, dis (also diss) [slang], discount, dismiss, decry, kiss off, minimize, play down, poor-mouth, put down, run down, talk down, trash, trash-talk, vilipend, write off
Antonyms: acclaim, applaud, exalt, extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, magnify, praise

Answer 444

A

ex·ac·er·bate\ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt\

: to make (a bad situation, a problem, etc.) worse

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to make more violent, bitter, or severe

Other forms: ex·ac·er·bat·ed; ex·ac·er·bat·ing
ex·ac·er·ba·tion -ˌza-sər-ˈbā-shən\ noun

Examples
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city’s traffic problem

Origin: Latin exacerbatus, past participle of exacerbare, from ex- + acerbus harsh, bitter, from acer sharp — more at edge.

Synonyms: aggravate, complicate, worsen

Antonyms: allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, help, mitigate, relieve

Answer 445

A

ex·ac·er·bate\ig-ˈza-sər-ˌbāt\

: to make (a bad situation, a problem, etc.) worse

Full Definition

transitive verb
: to make more violent, bitter, or severe

Other forms: ex·ac·er·bat·ed; ex·ac·er·bat·ing
ex·ac·er·ba·tion -ˌza-sər-ˈbā-shən\ noun

Examples
a misconceived plan that only exacerbated the city’s traffic problem

Origin: Latin exacerbatus, past participle of exacerbare, from ex- + acerbus harsh, bitter, from acer sharp — more at edge.

Synonyms: aggravate, complicate, worsen

Antonyms: allay, alleviate, assuage, ease, help, mitigate, relieve

Answer 446

A

mal·a·prop·ism\ˈma-lə-ˌprä-ˌpi-zəm\

noun
: an amusing error that occurs when a person mistakenly uses a word that sounds like another word but that has a very different meaning

Full Definition
1 : the usually unintentionally humorous misuse or distortion of a word or phrase; especially : the use of a word sounding somewhat like the one intended but ludicrously wrong in the context
2 : malaprop
mal·a·prop·ist -ˌprä-pist\ noun

Origin: Mrs. Malaprop, character noted for her misuse of words in R. B. Sheridan’s comedy The Rivals (1775).
First use: 1849

Answer 447

A

lon·gueur\lōⁿ-ˈgœr\

noun
: a boring part of something (such as a book or play)

Full Definition
: a dull and tedious portion (as of a book) — usually used in plural

Other forms: plural longueurs -ˈgœr(z)\

Origin: French, literally, length.
First use: 1791

Answer 448

A

quin·tes·sence\kwin-ˈte-sən(t)s\
noun
1 : the fifth and highest element in ancient and medieval philosophy that permeates all nature and is the substance composing the celestial bodies
2 : the essence of a thing in its purest and most concentrated form
3 : the most typical example or representative
quin·tes·sen·tial \ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl\ adjective
quin·tes·sen·tial·ly adverb
Examples
the Parthenon in Greece was considered the quintessence of the perfectly proportioned building
a selfless desire to help others is the quintessence of the virtue of charity
Origin: Middle English, from Middle French quinte essence, from Medieval Latin quinta essentia, literally, fifth essence.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: acme, apotheosis, beau ideal, byword, classic, epitome, exemplar, ideal, perfection

Answer 449

A

chi·me·ra\kī-ˈmir-ə, kə-\
noun
: a monster from Greek mythology that breathes fire and has a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a snake’s tail
: something that exists only in the imagination and is not possible in reality
Full Definition
1 a capitalized : a fire-breathing she-monster in Greek mythology having a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail
b : an imaginary monster compounded of incongruous parts
2 : an illusion or fabrication of the mind; especially : an unrealizable dream <a>
3 : an individual, organ, or part consisting of tissues of diverse genetic constitution
Examples
a monster in the closet would not have been the first chimera that the boy had seen in his mind’s eye
Origin: Latin chimaera, from Greek chimaira she-goat, chimera; akin to Old Norse gymbr yearling ewe, Greek cheimōn winter — more at hibernate.
Synonyms: fantasy, conceit, daydream, delusion, dream, fancy, figment, hallucination, illusion, nonentity, phantasm (also fantasm), pipe dream, unreality, vision</a>

Answer 450

A

re·ify\ˈrā-ə-ˌfī, ˈrē-\

transitive verb
: to regard (something abstract) as a material or concrete thing

Other forms: re·ified; re·ify·ing

Origin: Latin res thing — more at real.
First use: 1854

Answer 451

A

ef·fu·sion\i-ˈfyü-zhən, e-\
noun
: something that is said or expressed too much or with a lot of emotion
: a flow of liquid or gas
Full Definition
1 : an act of effusing
2 : unrestrained expression of words or feelings
3 a (1) : the escape of a fluid from anatomical vessels by rupture or exudation (2) : the flow of a gas through an aperture whose diameter is small as compared with the distance between the molecules of the gas
b : the fluid that escapes
First use: 15th century

Answer 452

A

in·ef·fa·ble(ˌ)i-ˈne-fə-bəl\

adjective
: too great, powerful, beautiful, etc., to be described or expressed

Full Definition
1 a : incapable of being expressed in words : indescribable
b : unspeakable
2 : not to be uttered : taboo

in·ef·fa·bil·i·ty -ˌne-fə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
in·ef·fa·ble·ness -ˈne-fə-bəl-nəs\ noun
in·ef·fa·bly -blē\ adverb

Examples
an ineffable beauty descends upon the canyon as the sun begins to set

Origin: Middle English, from Latin ineffabilis, from in- + effabilis capable of being expressed, from effari to speak out, from ex- + fari to speak — more at ban.

Synonyms: incommunicable, indefinable, indescribable, inenarrable, inexpressible, nameless, uncommunicable, unspeakable, unutterable

Antonyms: communicable, definable, expressible, speakable

Answer 453

A

trudge\ˈtrəj\

: to walk slowly and heavily because you are tired or working very hard

Full Definition

intransitive verb
: to walk or march steadily and usually laboriously

transitive verb
: to trudge along or over

Other forms: trudged; trudg·ing
trudg·er noun

Examples
I was trudging through the snow.
She trudged up the hill.

First use: 1547
Synonyms: barge, clomp, clump, flog [British], flounder, galumph, lump, plod, pound, scuff, scuffle, shamble, shuffle, slog, slough, stamp, stomp, stumble, stump, tramp, tromp, lumber

Antonyms: breeze, coast, glide, slide, waltz, whisk

2trudge
noun
\: a long, slow walk that makes you tired
Full Definition
\: a long tiring walk : tramp
Examples
a trudge across the snow
First use: 1835
Synonyms: barge, clomp, clump, flog [British], flounder, galumph, lump, plod, pound, scuff, scuffle, shamble, shuffle, slog, slough, stamp, stomp, stumble, stump, tramp, tromp, lumber
Antonyms: breeze, coast, glide, slide, waltz, whisk

Answer 454

A

pare\ˈper\

: to carefully cut off the outside or the ends of (something)
: to make (something) smaller : to reduce (something) in size, amount, or number

Full Definition

transitive verb
1 : to trim off an outside, excess, or irregular part of

2 : to diminish or reduce by or as if by paring

Other forms: pared; par·ing
par·er noun

Examples
pare an apple
She was paring her fingernails.
Pare away any brown spots on the avocado.

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French parer to make, prepare, pare, from Latin parare to prepare, acquire; akin to Latin parere to give birth to, produce, Greek porein to give, present, Sanskrit pṛṇāti he gives.

Synonyms: bob, crop, cut, cut back, dock, lop (off), nip, clip, poll, prune, shave, shear, snip, trim

Answer 455

A

claque\ˈklak\
noun
1 : a group hired to applaud at a performance
2 : a group of sycophants
Origin: French, from claquer to clap, of imitative origin.
First use: 1848

Answer 456

A

gra·tu·itous\grə-ˈtü-ə-təs, -ˈtyü-\

adjective
: not necessary or appropriate

Full Definition
1 a : given unearned or without recompense
b : not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration
c : costing nothing : free

2 : not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted <a></a>

gra·tu·itous·ly adverb
gra·tu·itous·ness noun

Examples
they will throw in a gratuitous box of chocolates when you spend $30 or more in their shop
that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn’t need to be in the movie at all

Origin: Latin gratuitus, from gratus.

Synonyms: complimentary, costless, gratis, free
Antonyms: essential, indispensable, necessary, needed, needful, required

Answer 457

A

quea·sy
adjective
: having a sick feeling in the stomach : suffering from nausea
: having an unpleasantly nervous or doubtful feeling
Full Definition
1 a : causing nausea
b : suffering from nausea : nauseated
2 : full of doubt : hazardous
3 a : causing uneasiness
b (1) : delicate, squeamish (2) : ill at ease
Other forms: quea·si·er; quea·si·est
quea·si·ly -zə-lē\ adverb
quea·si·ness -zē-nəs\ noun
Examples
the youngster felt a little queasy after eating too much Easter candy
since I don’t know much about mechanical things, I’m always queasy when dealing with auto mechanics
Variants: also quea·zy \ˈkwē-zē\
Origin: Middle English coysy, qwesye.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: ill, nauseated, qualmish, nauseous (also queazy), queer, queerish, sick, sickish, squeamish
Antonyms: calm, collected, cool, easy, happy-go-lucky, nerveless, relaxed

Answer 458

A

emer·i·tus\i-ˈmer-ə-təs\

noun
: one retired from professional life but permitted to retain as an honorary title the rank of the last office held

Other forms: plural emer·i·ti-ə-ˌtī, -ˌtē\

2emeritus
adjective
: retired with an honorary title from an office or position especially in a university

Full Definition
1 : holding after retirement an honorary title corresponding to that held last during active service
2 : retired from an office or position — converted to emeriti after a plural

Origin: Latin, past participle of emereri to serve out one’s term, from e- + mereri, merēre to earn, deserve, serve — more at merit.

Answer 459

A

snarl\ˈsnär(-ə)l\
transitive verb
1 : to cause to become knotted and intertwined : tangle
2 : to make excessively complicatedintransitive verb
: to become snarled
snarl·er noun
Origin: Middle English, to trap, entangle, probably frequentative of snaren to snare.
First use: 14th century
2snarl
noun
1 : a tangle especially of hairs or thread : knot
2 : a tangled situation
snarly \ˈsnär-lē\ adjective
Origin: Middle English snarle snare, noose, probably from snarlen, verb.
First use: 1609
3snarl
intransitive verb
1 : to growl with a snapping, gnashing, or display of teeth
2 : to give vent to anger in surly languagetransitive verb
: to utter or express with a snarl or by snarling
snarl·er noun
Origin: frequentative of obsolete English snar to growl; akin to Middle Low German snorren to drone, rattle.
First use: 1589
4snarl
noun
: a surly angry growl
snarly \ˈsnär-lē\ adjective

Answer 460

A

spruce\ˈsprüs\

transitive verb
: to make spruce — often used with up

intransitive verb
: to make oneself spruce

Other forms: spruced; spruc·ing

Synonyms: dapper, natty, sharp, snappy, smart

Antonyms: disheveled (or dishevelled), frowsy (or frowzy), sloppy, slovenly, unkempt

2spruce

adjective
: neat, clean, or stylish in appearance

Full Definition
: neat or smart in appearance : trim

Other forms: spruc·er; spruc·est
spruce·ly adverb
spruce·ness noun

Examples
We spruced up the room with a fresh coat of paint.
I need to spruce myself up a bit before we go out to dinner.

Origin: perhaps from obsolete English Spruce leather leather imported from Prussia.

Synonyms: dapper, natty, sharp, snappy, smart

Antonyms: disheveled (or dishevelled), frowsy (or frowzy), sloppy, slovenly, unkempt

3spruce
noun
: a type of tree that has long, thin needles instead of leaves and that stays green throughout the year
: the wood of a spruce tree
Full Definition
1 a : any of a genus (Picea) of evergreen trees of the pine family with a conical head of dense foliage, flat or 4-sided needles, pendulous cones, and soft light wood
b : any of several coniferous trees (as Douglas fir) of similar habit
2 : the wood of a spruce
Other forms: plural spruc·es also spruce
Examples
He looked very spruce in his new suit.
a sprucely decorated room
Origin: obsolete Spruce Prussia, from Middle English, alteration of Pruce, from Anglo-French.
First use: 1670
Synonyms: dapper, natty, sharp, snappy, smart
Antonyms: disheveled (or dishevelled), frowsy (or frowzy), sloppy, slovenly, unkempt

Answer 461

A

ver·i·ta·ble\ˈver-ə-tə-bəl\
adjective
\: true or real
Full Definition
\: being in fact the thing named and not false, unreal, or imaginary — often used to stress the aptness of a metaphor <a>
ver·i·ta·ble·ness noun
ver·i·ta·bly \-blē\ adverb
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from verité.
First use: 15th century

Answer 462

A

in·clem·ent(ˌ)in-ˈkle-mənt, ˈin-klə-\

adjective
: having rain and storms

Full Definition
: lacking mildness: as
a archaic : severe in temper or action : unmerciful
b : physically severe : stormy

in·clem·ent·ly adverb

Examples
the weather report warned that the holiday weekend would be spoiled by inclement weather

Origin: Latin inclement-, inclemens, from in- + clement-, clemens clement.

Synonyms: bleak, dirty, foul, nasty, raw, rough, squally, stormy, tempestuous, turbulent

Antonyms: bright, clear, clement, cloudless, fair, sunny, sunshiny, unclouded

Answer 463

A

allograft

Answer 464

A

as·ce·sis\uh-SEES-is\
noun
: self-discipline, asceticism
Other forms: plural as·ce·ses -ˈsē-(ˌ)sēz\ also as·ke·ses -ˈskē-(ˌ)sēz\
Variants: also as·ke·sis \ə-ˈskē-səs\
Origin: Late Latin or Greek; Late Latin, from Greek askēsis, literally, exercise, from askein.
First use: 1873

Answer 465

A

be·night·ed\bi-ˈnī-təd, bē-\

adjective
: having no knowledge or education

Full Definition
1 : overtaken by darkness or night
2 : existing in a state of intellectual, moral, or social darkness : unenlightened

be·night·ed·ly adverb
be·night·ed·ness noun

Examples
the poor benighted souls who do not know the joys of reading

Synonyms: analphabetic, ignorant, dark, illiterate, nonliterate, rude, simple, uneducated, uninstructed, unlearned, unlettered, unread, unschooled, untaught, untutored

Antonyms: educated, knowledgeable, lettered, literate, schooled, well-informed, well-read

Answer 466

A

rep·a·ra·tion\ˌre-pə-ˈrā-shən\

noun

: money that a country or group that loses a war pays because of the damage, injury, deaths, etc., it has caused

: something that is done or given as a way of correcting a mistake that you have made or a bad situation that you have caused

Full Definition

1 a : a repairing or keeping in repair
b plural : repairs
2 a : the act of making amends, offering expiation, or giving satisfaction for a wrong or injury
b : something done or given as amends or satisfaction
3 : the payment of damages : indemnification; specifically : compensation in money or materials payable by a defeated nation for damages to or expenditures sustained by another nation as a result of hostilities with the defeated nation — usually used in plural

Examples
the government instituted a program of reparations to the descendants of Native Americans who were driven from their land

Origin: Middle English reparacion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin reparation-, reparatio, from Latin reparare.

Synonyms: damages, indemnification, indemnity, quittance, recompense, recoupment, redress, remuneration, compensation, reprisal(s), requital, restitution, satisfaction

Answer 467

A

to come to understand

Answer 468

A

mulct

—verb (used with object)

to deprive (someone) of something, as by fraud, extortion, etc.; swindle.
to obtain (money or the like) by fraud, extortion, etc.
to punish (a person) by fine, especially for a misdemeanor.
—noun

a fine, especially for a misdemeanor.
—Related forms
un·mulct·ed, adjective

Answer 469

A

men·ta·tion\men-ˈtā-shən\
noun
\: mental activity
Origin: Latin ment-, mens + English -ation.
First use: 1850

Answer 470

A

pe·remp·to·ry\pə-ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē\

adjective
—used to describe an order, command, etc., that you must obey without any questions or excuses

: having or showing the insulting attitude of people who think that they should be obeyed without question

Full Definition

1 a : putting an end to or precluding a right of action, debate, or delay; specifically : not providing an opportunity to show cause why one should not comply <a>
b : admitting of no contradiction</a>

2 : expressive of urgency or command </a><a></a>

3 a : characterized by often imperious or arrogant self-assurance
b : indicative of a peremptory attitude or nature : haughty </a><a></a>

synonyms see masterful

pe·remp·to·ri·ly -ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rə-lē; -ˌrem(p)-ˈtȯr-ə-lē\ adverb
pe·remp·to·ri·ness -ˈrem(p)-t(ə-)rē-nəs\ noun

Examples
the governor’s peremptory personal assistant began telling the crowd of reporters and photographers exactly where they had to stand
a peremptory summons to appear before the committee
she had such a peremptory approach to running the club that people started to avoid her

Origin: Middle English peremptorie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin & Latin; Late Latin peremptorius, from Latin, destructive, from perimere to take entirely, destroy, from per- thoroughly + emere to take — more at redeem.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, imperious, masterful, overbearing, bossy, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous
Antonyms: elective, optional, voluntary</a>

Answer 471

A

pique\ˈpēk\

noun
: a sudden feeling of annoyance or anger when someone has offended you

Full Definition
: a transient feeling of wounded vanity : resentment <a></a>

synonyms see offense

Examples
After a moment of pique, the senator responded calmly to his accusers.
He slammed the door in a fit of pique.

Origin: (see 2pique ).

Synonyms: dudgeon, huff, miff, offense (or offence), peeve, resentment, umbrage

Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], nettle, peeve, persecute, irritate, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, vex

2pique\ˈpēk\
: to cause (curiosity or interest)
: to make (someone) annoyed or angry
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to arouse anger or resentment in : irritate
2 a : to excite or arouse especially by a provocation, challenge, or rebuff
b : pride
synonyms see provoke
Other forms: piqued; piqu·ing
Examples
The package piqued my curiosity.
Brightly colored objects pique a baby’s interest.
I was piqued by his rudeness.
Origin: French piquer, literally, to prick — more at pike.
First use: 1669
Synonyms: dudgeon, huff, miff, offense (or offence), peeve, resentment, umbrage
Synonyms: aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, burn (up), chafe, eat, exasperate, frost, gall, get, grate, gripe, hack (off), irk, itch, nark [British], nettle, peeve, persecute, irritate, put out, rasp, rile, ruffle, spite, vex
3pi·qué
noun
1 : a durable ribbed clothing fabric of cotton, rayon, or silk
2 : decoration of a tortoiseshell or ivory object with inlaid fragments of gold or silver
Variants: or pi·que \pi-ˈkā, ˈpē-ˌ\
Origin: French piqué, from past participle of piquer to prick, quilt.

Answer 472

A

xe·no·pho·bia\ˌze-nə-ˈfō-bē-ə, ˌzē-\

noun
: fear or hatred of strangers or foreigners

Full Definition
: fear and hatred of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign

Origin: New Latin.1903, coined from Gk. xenos “foreign, strange” + phobos “fear” (see phobia). Earlier (c.1884) it meant “agoraphobia.” Related: Xenophobe.

First use: 1903

Answer 473

A

wist·ful\ˈwist-fəl\

adjective
: having or showing sad thoughts and feelings about something that you want to have or do and especially about something that made you happy in the past

Full Definition
1 : full of yearning or desire tinged with melancholy; also : inspiring such yearning <a></a>

2 : musingly sad : pensive <a></a>

wist·ful·ly -fə-lē\ adverb
wist·ful·ness noun

Origin: blend of wishful and obsolete English wistly intently.
First use: 1714

Answer 474

A

wade\ˈwād\

: to walk through water
: to move or proceed with difficulty
: to become involved in a discussion, situation, activity, etc., in a forceful, direct, or careless way

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to step in or through a medium (as water) offering more resistance than air

2 : to move or proceed with difficulty or labor

3 : to set to work or attack with determination or vigor — used with in or into

transitive verb
: to pass or cross by wading

Other forms: wad·ed; wad·ing
wad·able or wade·able \ˈwā-də-bəl\ adjective

Origin: Middle English, from Old English wadan; akin to Old High German watan to go, wade, Latin vadere to go.
First use: 13th century

Answer 475

A

se·di·tion\si-ˈdi-shən\

noun
: the crime of saying, writing, or doing something that encourages people to disobey their government

Full Definition
: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority

Origin: Middle English sedicioun, from Anglo-French sediciun, from Latin sedition-, seditio, literally, separation, from sed-, se- apart + ition-, itio act of going, from ire to go — more at secede, issue.
First use: 14th century

Answer 476

A

nos·trum\ˈnäs-trəm\

noun
: a suggested solution for a problem that will probably not succeed
: something that is used for treating illness, pain, etc., but that is not an accepted and effective medicine

Full Definition

1 : a medicine of secret composition recommended by its preparer but usually without scientific proof of its effectiveness

2 : a usually questionable remedy or scheme : panacea

Examples
a quack nostrum for cancer of all types

Origin: Latin, neuter of noster our, ours, from nos we — more at us.
First use: 1602
Synonyms: catholicon, elixir, cure–all, panacea, theriac

Answer 477

A

im·pu·ta·tion\ˌim-pyə-ˈtā-shən\
noun
1 : the act of imputing: as 
a : attribution, ascription 
b : accusation  
c : insinuation
2 : something imputed
im·pu·ta·tive \im-ˈpyü-tə-tiv\ adjective
im·pu·ta·tive·ly adverb
Examples
I resent the imputation that I'm nice to Grandmother because she has money
First use: 1581
Synonyms: innuendo, insinuation

Answer 478

A

cor·nu·co·pia\ˌkȯr-nə-ˈkō-pē-ə, -nyə-ˈ\
noun
: a container that is shaped like a horn and is full of fruits and flowers
: a great amount or source of something
Full Definition
1 : a curved goat’s horn overflowing with fruit and ears of grain that is used as a decorative motif emblematic of abundance
2 : an inexhaustible store : abundance
3 : a receptacle shaped like a horn or cone
cor·nu·co·pi·an -pē-ən\ adjective
Examples
even to the computer-addicted children, the old-fashioned toy chest was a cornucopia of delights
the rabbits found a cornucopia of food in the vegetable garden
a cornucopia filled with fruits and vegetables in celebration of the harvest
Origin: Late Latin, from Latin cornu copiae horn of plenty.
First use: 1508
Synonyms: argosy, mine, gold mine, mother lode, treasure trove, wellspring
Antonyms: deficiency, inadequacy, insufficiency, undersupply

Answer 479

A

con·ster·na·tion\ˌkän(t)-stər-ˈnā-shən\

noun
: a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion

Full Definition
: amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion

Origin: French or Latin; French, from Latin consternation-, consternatio, from consternare to throw into confusion, from com- + -sternare, probably from sternere to spread, strike down — more at strew.
First use: 1604

Answer 480

A

al·le·gor·i·cal\ˌa-lə-ˈgȯr-i-kəl, -ˈgär-\
adjective
1 : of, relating to, or having the characteristics of allegory
2 : having hidden spiritual meaning that transcends the literal sense of a sacred text
al·le·gor·i·cal·ly -k(ə-)lē\ adverb
al·le·gor·i·cal·ness -kəl-nəs\ noun
First use: 1528

Answer 481

A

hagridden1
— adjective

worried or tormented, as by a witch.
hagride2
— verb (used with object), hag·rode or ( Archaic ) hag·rid; hag·rid·den or ( Archaic ) hag·rid; hag·rid·ing.

to afflict with worry, dread, need, or the like; torment.
— Related forms
hag·rid·er, noun

Answer 482

A

yo·kel\ˈyō-kəl\

noun
—used as an insulting word for a person who lives in a small town or in the country far away from cities and is regarded as stupid

Full Definition
: a naive or gullible inhabitant of a rural area or small town

Examples
a lame comedy about the misadventures of yokels in the big city

Origin: perhaps from English dialect yokel green woodpecker, of imitative origin.

Synonyms: bumpkin, chawbacon, churl, clodhopper, cornball, countryman, hayseed, hillbilly, provincial, rube, rustic, hick

Antonyms: cosmopolitan, cosmopolite, sophisticate

Answer 483

A

nu·mi·nous\ˈnü-mə-nəs, ˈnyü-\
adjective
: having a mysterious, holy, or spiritual quality
Full Definition
1 : supernatural, mysterious
2 : filled with a sense of the presence of divinity : holy
3 : appealing to the higher emotions or to the aesthetic sense : spiritual
nu·mi·nous·ness -nəs\ noun
Examples
some have sensed a numinous energy in the landscape around Sedona, Arizona
Origin: Latin numin-, numen numen.
First use: 1647
Synonyms: magic, magical, mystic, occult, weird

Answer 484

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 485

A

squea·mish\ˈskwē-mish\

adjective
: afraid to deal with or do things that might hurt or offend people
: having an unpleasantly nervous or doubtful feeling
: easily shocked, offended, or disgusted by unpleasant things

Full Definition
1 a : easily nauseated : queasy
b : affected with nausea
2 a : excessively fastidious or scrupulous in conduct or belief
b : easily offended or disgusted

squea·mish·ly adverb
squea·mish·ness noun

Examples
the rolling of the ship made her squeamish

Origin: Middle English squaymisch, modification of Anglo-French escoymous.

Synonyms: ill, nauseated, qualmish, queasy (also queazy), queer, queerish, sick, sickish, nauseous

Answer 486

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 487

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 488

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 489

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 490

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 491

A

wel·ter\ˈwel-tər\

intransitive verb
1 a : writhe, toss; also : wallow 
b : to rise and fall or toss about in or with waves
2 : to become deeply sunk, soaked, or involved
3 : to be in turmoil
Other forms: wel·tered; wel·ter·ing \-t(ə-)riŋ\
Origin: Middle English; akin to Middle Dutch welteren to roll, Old High German walzan, Lithuanian volioti, Latin volvere — more at voluble.
First use: 14th century
2welter
noun
1 : a state of wild disorder : turmoil
2 : a chaotic mass or jumble <a>
First use: 1596
3welter
noun
\: welterweight
First use: 1900</a>

Answer 492

A

mach·i·na·tion\ˌma-kə-ˈnā-shən, ˌma-shə-\

noun
1 : an act of machinating
2 : a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end

synonyms see plot
Examples
incredibly complicated machinations to assassinate the president that inevitably failed
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: conspiracy, design, intrigue, plot, scheme

Answer 493

A

gra·tu·itous\grə-ˈtü-ə-təs, -ˈtyü-\

adjective
: not necessary or appropriate

Full Definition
1 a : given unearned or without recompense
b : not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration
c : costing nothing : free

2 : not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted <a></a>

gra·tu·itous·ly adverb
gra·tu·itous·ness noun

Examples
they will throw in a gratuitous box of chocolates when you spend $30 or more in their shop

that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn’t need to be in the movie at all

Origin: Latin gratuitus, from gratus.

Synonyms: complimentary, costless, gratis, free

Antonyms: essential, indispensable, necessary, needed, needful, required</a>

Answer 494

A

cav·a·lier\ˌka-və-ˈlir\

noun
1 : a gentleman trained in arms and horsemanship
2 : a mounted soldier : knight
3 capitalized : an adherent of Charles I of England
4 : gallant

Origin: Middle French, from Old Italian cavaliere, from Old Occitan cavalier, from Late Latin caballarius horseman, from Latin caballus.

Synonyms: assumptive, bumptious, arrogant, chesty, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, huffish, huffy, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, self-asserting, self-assertive, sniffy, stiff-necked, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Synonyms: gentleman

2cavalier

adjective

: having or showing no concern for something that is important or serious

Full Definition
1 : debonair
2 : marked by or given to offhand and often disdainful dismissal of important matters <a>
3 a capitalized : of or relating to the party of Charles I of England in his struggles with the Puritans and Parliament
b : aristocratic
c capitalized : of or relating to the English Cavalier poets of the mid-17th century</a>

ca·va·lier·ism -ˌi-zəm\ noun
cav·a·lier·ly adverb

Synonyms: assumptive, bumptious, arrogant, chesty, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, huffish, huffy, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, self-asserting, self-assertive, sniffy, stiff-necked, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Synonyms: gentleman</a>

Answer 495

A

wile\ˈwī(-ə)l\

noun
1 : a trick or stratagem intended to ensnare or deceive; also : a beguiling or playful trick
2 : skill in outwitting : trickery, guile

synonyms see trick

Origin: Middle English wil, perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse vēl deceit, artifice.

Synonyms: artifice, device, dodge, fetch, flimflam, gambit, gimmick, jig, juggle, knack, play, ploy, scheme, shenanigan, sleight, stratagem, trick
Synonyms: allure, beguile, bewitch, captivate, enchant, fascinate, kill, magnetize, charm, witch [archaic]

2wile
transitive verb
1 : to lure by or as if by a magic spell : entice
2 [by alteration] : while
Other forms: wiled; wil·ing

Synonyms: artifice, device, dodge, fetch, flimflam, gambit, gimmick, jig, juggle, knack, play, ploy, scheme, shenanigan, sleight, stratagem, trick
Synonyms: allure, beguile, bewitch, captivate, enchant, fascinate, kill, magnetize, charm, witch [archaic]

Answer 496

A

ve·ne·re·al\və-ˈnir-ē-əl\

adjective
1 : of or relating to sexual pleasure or indulgence
2 a : resulting from or contracted during sexual intercourse
b : of, relating to, or affected with venereal disease <a>
c : involving the genital organs
ve·ne·re·al·ly adverb
Origin: Middle English venerealle, from Latin venereus, from vener-, venus love, sexual desire.
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 497

A

ca·su·ist·ry\ˈkazh-wə-strē, ˈka-zhə-\

noun

1 : a resolving of specific cases of conscience, duty, or conduct through interpretation of ethical principles or religious doctrine

2 : specious argument : rationalization

Other forms: plural ca·su·ist·ries

Answer 498

A

sen·ten·tious\sen-ˈten(t)-shəs\

adjective
: having or expessing strong opinions about what people should and should not do

Full Definition
1 a : given to or abounding in aphoristic expression
b : given to or abounding in excessive moralizing
2 : terse, aphoristic, or moralistic in expression : pithy, epigrammatic

sen·ten·tious·ly adverb
sen·ten·tious·ness noun

Examples
a sententious crank who has written countless letters to the editor about the decline in family values

memoirs that are filled with sententious observations on love, marriage, and happiness

Origin: Middle English, full of meaning, from Latin sententiosus, from sententia sentence, maxim.
First use: 1509
Synonyms: didactic, homiletic (or homiletical), moralistic, moralizing, preachy, sermonic
Antonyms: circuitous, circumlocutory, diffuse, long-winded, prolix, rambling, verbose, windy, wordy

Answer 499

A

tran·sub·stan·ti·a·tion-ˌstan(t)-shē-ˈā-shən\

noun
: the belief in some Christian religions that the bread and wine given at Communion become the body and blood of Jesus Christ when they are blessed

Full Definition
1 : an act or instance of transubstantiating or being transubstantiated
2 : the miraculous change by which according to Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox dogma the eucharistic elements at their consecration become the body and blood of Christ while keeping only the appearances of bread and wine
First use: 14th century

Answer 500

A

foist\ˈfȯist\

: to force someone to accept (something that is not good or not wanted)

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to introduce or insert surreptitiously or without warrant
b : to force another to accept especially by stealth or deceit
2 : to pass off as genuine or worthy

Examples
scams that foist high funeral expenses on grieving customers
He foisted his prejudices upon his young students.
phony paintings foisted (off) on naïve buyers

Origin: probably from obsolete Dutch vuisten to take into one’s hand, from Middle Dutch vuysten, from vuyst fist; akin to Old English fȳst fist.
First use: circa 1587
Synonyms: fob off, palm, palm off, pass off, wish

Answer 501

A

wal·low\ˈwä-(ˌ)lō\

: to spend time experiencing or enjoying something without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc.

: to roll about in deep mud or water

Full Definition

intransitive verb
1 : to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner

2 : to billow forth : surge

3 : to devote oneself entirely; especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : delight

4 a : to become abundantly supplied : luxuriate <a>
b : to indulge oneself immoderately</a>

5 : to become or remain helpless

wal·low·er \ˈwä-lə-wər\ noun

Origin: Middle English walwen, from Old English wealwian to roll — more at voluble.

2wallow
noun
1 : an act or instance of wallowing
2 a : a muddy area or one filled with dust used by animals for wallowing
b : a depression formed by or as if by the wallowing of animals
3 : a state of degradation or degeneracy
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 502

A

bed·lam·ite\ˈbed-lə-ˌmīt\
noun
\: madman, lunatic
bedlamite adjective
First use: 1589

Answer 503

A

ultracrepidarian
uhl-truh-krep-i-dair-ee-uh n

—adjective

noting or pertaining to a person who criticizes, judges, or gives advice outside the area of his or her expertise: The play provides a classic, simplistic portrayal of an ultracrepidarian mother-in-law.

—noun

an ultracrepidarian person.

—Related forms
ul·tra·crep·i·dar·i·an·ism, noun

Answer 504

A

in·sou·ci·ance\in-ˈsü-sē-ən(t)s, aⁿ-süs-ˈyäⁿs\

noun
: a relaxed and calm state : a feeling of not worrying about anything

Full Definition
: lighthearted unconcern : nonchalance

in·sou·ci·ant \in-ˈsü-sē-ənt, aⁿ-süs-yäⁿ\ adjective
in·sou·ci·ant·ly \in-ˈsü-sē-ənt-lē\ adverb

Examples
wandered into the meeting with complete insouciance to the fact that she was late

Origin: French, from in- + soucier to trouble, disturb, from Old French, from Latin sollicitare — more at solicit.

Synonyms: apathy, casualness, complacence, disinterestedness, disregard, incuriosity, incuriousness, indifference, nonchalance, torpor, unconcern

Antonyms: concern, interest, regard

Answer 505

A

seiche\ˈsāsh, ˈsēch\

noun
: an oscillation of the surface of a landlocked body of water (as a lake) that varies in period from a few minutes to several hours
Origin: French.
First use: circa 1839

Answer 506

A

whet\ˈhwet, ˈwet\

: to make (something, such as a person’s appetite or curiosity) sharper or stronger

Full Definition

transitive verb
1 : to sharpen by rubbing on or with something (as a stone)
2 : to make keen or more acute : excite, stimulate

Other forms: whet·ted; whet·ting
whet·ter noun

Origin: Middle English whetten, from Old English hwettan; akin to Old High German wezzen to whet, waz sharp.

Synonyms: edge, grind, hone, stone, strop, sharpen

Antonyms: blunt, dull

2whet
noun
1 dial
a : a spell of work done with a scythe between the time it is sharpened and the time it needs to be sharpened again
b : time, while
2 : something that sharpens or makes keen:
a : goad, incitement
b : appetizer; also : a drink of liquor
First use: circa 1628
Synonyms: edge, grind, hone, stone, strop, sharpen
Antonyms: blunt, dull

Answer 507

A

pro·phy·lax·is -ˈlak-səs\

noun
: measures designed to preserve health (as of an individual or of society) and prevent the spread of disease

Other forms: plural pro·phy·lax·es -ˈlak-ˌsēz\

Origin: New Latin, from Greek prophylaktikos.
First use: circa 1842

Answer 508

A

drea·ry\ˈdrir-ē\

adjective
: causing unhappiness or sad feelings : not warm, cheerful, etc.

Full Definition
1 : feeling, displaying, or reflecting listlessness or discouragement
2 : having nothing likely to provide cheer, comfort, or interest : gloomy, dismal

synonyms see dismal

Other forms: drea·ri·er; drea·ri·est
drea·ri·ly \ˈdrir-ə-lē\ adverb
drea·ri·ness \ˈdrir-ē-nəs\ noun

Examples
vowed that he would never take a desk job working in a dreary office

decided to see a professional counselor in order to save their dreary marriage

another dreary social event to suffer through

Origin: Middle English drery, from Old English drēorig sad, bloody, from drēor gore; akin to Old High German trūrēn to be sad, Gothic driusan to fall.

Synonyms: black, bleak, cheerless, chill, Cimmerian, cloudy, cold, comfortless, dark, darkening, depressing, depressive, desolate, dire, disconsolate, dismal, drear, gloomy, dreich [chiefly Scottish], elegiac (also elegiacal), forlorn, funereal, glum, godforsaken, gray (also grey), lonely, lonesome, lugubrious, miserable, morbid, morose, murky, plutonian, saturnine, sepulchral, solemn, somber (or sombre), sullen, sunless, tenebrific, tenebrous, wretched

Antonyms: bright, cheerful, cheering, cheery, comforting, cordial, festive, friendly, gay, heartwarming, sunshiny

Answer 509

A

bib·u·lous\ˈbi-byə-ləs\
adjective
1 : highly absorbent
2 a : fond of alcoholic beverages
b : of, relating to, or marked by the consumption of alcoholic beverages
bib·u·lous·ly adverb
bib·u·lous·ness noun
Examples
special drying cloths that are so bibulous that they can absorb 10 times their weight in water
a campaign to make the bibulous fraternity brother a collegiate archetype of the past
Origin: Latin bibulus, from bibere to drink — more at potable.
First use: 1675
Synonyms: absorbent, spongy, thirsty
Antonyms: nonabsorbent

Answer 510

A

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

Answer 511

A

di·dac·tic\dī-ˈdak-tik, də-\

adjective
: designed or intended to teach people something
—used to describe someone or something that tries to teach something (such as proper or moral behavior) in a way that is annoying or unwanted

Full Definition
1 a : designed or intended to teach
b : intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment
2 : making moral observations

di·dac·ti·cal -ti-kəl\ adjective
di·dac·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
di·dac·ti·cism -tə-ˌsi-zəm\ noun

Examples
the poet’s works became increasingly didactic after his religious conversion

Origin: Greek didaktikos, from didaskein to teach.

Synonyms: sermonic, homiletic (or homiletical), moralistic, moralizing, preachy, sententious

Answer 512

A

wise·crack\ˈwīz-ˌkrak\

noun
: a funny and smart comment or joke

Full Definition
: a clever or sarcastic remark

Synonyms: boff (or boffo), boffola, crack, drollery, funny, gag, giggle [chiefly British], jape, jest, josh, laugh, nifty, one-liner, pleasantry, quip, rib, sally, waggery, joke, witticism, yuk (or yuck also yak or yock) [slang]
Synonyms: banter, chaff, fool, fun, gag, jape, jest, jive, jolly, josh, kid, quip, joke, yuk (or yuck) [slang]

Answer 513

A

re·tort\ri-ˈtȯrt\

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

Answer 514

A

rue·ful\ˈrü-fəl\
adjective
: showing or feeling regret for something done
Full Definition
1 : exciting pity or sympathy : pitiable
2 : mournful, regretful
rue·ful·ly -fə-lē\ adverb
rue·ful·ness noun
Examples
the rueful faces of friends and family who had gathered to pay their last respects
a rueful youth who had come to ask for forgiveness for online bullying
the rueful, desperate poverty of people in parts of the Third World
First use: 13th century
Synonyms: aching, agonized, anguished, bemoaning, bewailing, bitter, deploring, doleful, dolesome, dolorous, funeral, grieving, heartbroken, lamentable, lugubrious, plaintive, plangent, regretful, mournful, sorrowful, sorry, wailing, weeping, woeful
Antonyms: impenitent, remorseless, unapologetic, unrepentant

Answer 515

A

pan·o·ply\ˈpa-nə-plē\
noun
: a group or collection that is impressive because it is so big or because it includes so many different kinds of people or things
Full Definition
1 a : a full suit of armor
b : ceremonial attire
2 : something forming a protective covering
3 a : a magnificent or impressive array
b : a display of all appropriate appurtenances
Other forms: plural pan·o·plies
Origin: Greek panoplia, from pan- + hopla arms, armor, plural of hoplon tool, weapon — more at hoplite.
First use: 1632

Answer 516

A

in·vid·i·ous\in-ˈvi-dē-əs\
adjective
: unpleasant and likely to cause bad feelings in other people
Full Definition
1 : tending to cause discontent, animosity, or envy
2 : envious
3 a : of an unpleasant or objectionable nature : obnoxious
b : of a kind to cause harm or resentment
in·vid·i·ous·ly adverb
in·vid·i·ous·ness noun
Examples
inevitably, his remarkable success attracted the invidious attention of the other sales representatives
Origin: Latin invidiosus envious, invidious, from invidia envy — more at envy.
First use: 1606
Synonyms: covetous, green-eyed, envious, jaundiced, jealous, resentful
Antonyms: unenvious

Answer 517

A

de·spon·den·cy-dən-sē\
noun
: the state of being despondent : dejection, hopelessness
Examples
in despondency because he couldn’t seem to settle into a lasting relationship
in their despondency they seemingly forgot that losing teams can become winning teams in a single season
never once gave into despondency and self-pity during her long recovery from her injuries in the car crash
First use: 1653
Synonyms: blue devils, blues, dejection, depression, desolation, despond, despondence, sadness, disconsolateness, dispiritedness, doldrums, dolefulness, downheartedness, dreariness, dumps, forlornness, gloom, gloominess, glumness, heartsickness, joylessness, melancholy, miserableness, mopes, mournfulness, oppression, sorrowfulness, unhappiness
Antonyms: bliss, blissfulness, ecstasy, elatedness, elation, euphoria, exhilaration, exuberance, exultation, felicity, gladness, gladsomeness, happiness, heaven, intoxication, joy, joyfulness, joyousness, jubilation, rapture, rapturousness

Answer 518

A

hind·sight\ˈhīn(d)-ˌsīt\
noun
: the knowledge and understanding that you have about an event only after it has happened
Full Definition
: perception of the nature of an event after it has happened
First use: 1866

Answer 519

A

spawn\ˈspȯn, ˈspän\
: to produce or lay eggs in water
: to cause (something) to develop or begin : to produce or create (something)
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to deposit or fertilize spawn
2 : to produce young especially in large numberstransitive verb
1 a : to produce or deposit (eggs) — used of an aquatic animal
b : to induce (fish) to spawn
c : to plant with mushroom spawn
2 : bring forth, generate
spawn·er noun
Examples
Salmon spawn in late summer or fall.
The health-food craze spawned a multimillion-dollar industry.
the incident that spawned a generation of student protests
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French espandre to spread out, shed, scatter, spawn, from Latin expandere to expand.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: fruit, get, issue, posterity, progeny, seed, offspring
Synonyms: beget, breed, bring, bring about, bring on, catalyze, cause, create, do, draw on, effectuate, engender, generate, induce, invoke, make, occasion, produce, prompt, result (in), effect, translate (into), work, yield

Answer 520

A

sub·ro·gate\ˈsə-brō-ˌgāt\

transitive verb
: to put in the place of another; especially : to substitute (as a second creditor) for another with regard to a legal right or claim

Other forms: sub·ro·gat·ed; sub·ro·gat·ing

Origin: Middle English, from Latin subrogatus, past participle of subrogare, surrogare — more at surrogate.

First use: 15th century

Answer 521

A

de·bil·i·ty\di-ˈbi-lə-tē, dē-\

noun
: physical weakness caused by illness or old age

Full Definition
: weakness, infirmity

Other forms: plural de·bil·i·ties

Examples
our grandmother’s debility is due in large part to her advanced age

Origin: Middle English debilite, from Middle French debilité, from Latin debilitat-, debilitas, from debilis, from de- de- + -bilis; akin to Sanskrit bala strength.

Synonyms: asthenia, debilitation, weakness, delicacy, enervation, enfeeblement, faintness, feebleness, fragility, frailness, frailty, infirmity, languidness, languor, listlessness, lowness, wimpiness

Antonyms: hardihood, hardiness, robustness, strength, vigor

Answer 522

A

stric·ture\ˈstrik-chər\
noun
: a law or rule that limits or controls something
: a strong criticism
Full Definition
1 a : an abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage; also : the narrowed part
b : a constriction of the breath passage in the production of a speech sound
2 : something that closely restrains or limits : restriction
3 : an adverse criticism : censure
Examples
the church’s strictures on the morals and mores of contemporary society
the new zoning strictures effectively make further development along the riverfront commercially unviable
Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin strictura, from Latin strictus, past participle.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: commination, condemnation, denunciation, excoriation, objurgation, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reproof, riot act, censure
Antonyms: citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement)

Answer 523

A

sniv·el\ˈsni-vəl\

intransitive verb
: to complain or cry in an annoying way

Full Definition
1 : to run at the nose
2 : to snuff mucus up the nose audibly : snuffle
3 : to cry or whine with snuffling
4 : to speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly emotional manner
Other forms: sniv·eled or sniv·elled; sniv·el·ing or sniv·el·ling\ˈsni-və-liŋ, ˈsniv-liŋ\
sniv·el·er \ˈsni-və-lər, ˈsniv-lər\ noun
Origin: Middle English, from Old English *snyflan; akin to Dutch snuffelen to snuffle, snuffen to sniff.
First use: 14th century

Answer 524

A

his·tri·on·ics-niks\

noun plural but singular or plural in construction
: behavior that is too emotional or dramatic : histrionic behavior

Full Definition
1 : theatrical performances
2 : deliberate display of emotion for effect
First use: 1864

Answer 525

A

im·pugn\im-ˈpyün\

: to criticize (a person’s character, intentions, etc.) by suggesting that someone is not honest and should not to be trusted

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to assail by words or arguments : oppose or attack as false or lacking integrity noun

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French empugner, from Latin inpugnare, from in- + pugnare to fight — more at pungent.

Answer 526

A

claque\ˈklak\
noun
1 : a group hired to applaud at a performance
2 : a group of sycophants
Origin: French, from claquer to clap, of imitative origin.
First use: 1848

Answer 527

A

ta·bu·la ra·sa\ˌta-byə-lə-ˈrä-zə, -sə\

noun
1 : the mind in its hypothetical primary blank or empty state before receiving outside impressions
2 : something existing in its original pristine state

Other forms: plural ta·bu·lae ra·sae -ˌlī-ˈrä-ˌzī, -ˌsī\
Origin: Latin, smoothed or erased tablet.
First use: 1535

Answer 528

A

ap·o·plec·tic\ˌa-pə-ˈplek-tik\

adjective
: very angry and excited
medical : relating to or caused by apoplexy

Full Definition
1 : of, relating to, or causing stroke
2 : affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of stroke
3 : of a kind to cause or apparently cause stroke ; also : greatly excited or angered

ap·o·plec·ti·cal·ly -ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
the coach was so apoplectic when the player missed the free throw that he threw his clipboard onto the court

Origin: French or Late Latin; French apoplectique, from Late Latin apoplecticus, from Greek apoplēktikos, from apoplēssein.

Synonyms: angered, angry, ballistic, cheesed off [chiefly British], choleric, enraged, foaming, fuming, furious, hopping, horn-mad, hot, incensed, indignant, inflamed (also enflamed), infuriate, infuriated, irate, ireful, livid, mad, outraged, rabid, rankled, riled, riley, roiled, shirty [chiefly British], sore, steamed up, steaming, teed off, ticked, wrathful, wroth

Antonyms: angerless, delighted, pleased

Answer 529

A

—adjective Also, pic·a·yun·ish, Informal.

of little value or account; small; trifling: a picayune amount.
petty, carping, or prejudiced: I didn’t want to seem picayune by criticizing.

—noun

(formerly, in Louisiana, Florida, etc.) a coin equal to half a Spanish real.
any small coin, as a five-cent piece.

Informal. an insignificant person or thing.

—Related forms
pic·a·yun·ish·ly, adverb
pic·a·yun·ish·ness, noun

Answer 530

A

veri·si·mil·i·tude-sə-ˈmi-lə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

noun
: the quality of seeming real

Full Definition
1 : the quality or state of being verisimilar
2 : something verisimilar

veri·si·mil·i·tu·di·nous -ˌmi-lə-ˈtüd-nəs, -ˈtyüd-; -ˈtü-də-nəs, -ˈtyü-\ adjective

Examples
the novel’s degree of verisimilitude is compromised by 18th-century characters who speak in very 21st-century English

Origin: Latin verisimilitudo, from verisimilis verisimilar, from veri similis like the truth.

Synonyms: literalism, naturalism, realism, representationalism, verismo

Answer 531

A

tut\a dental or alveolar click; often read as ˈtət\

interjection
—used to express disapproval or disbelief

2tut\ˈtət\

intransitive verb
: tut-tut

Other forms: tut·ted; tut·ting
First use: 1849

Answer 532

A

ob·lo·quy\ˈä-blə-kwē\

noun
: harsh or critical statements about someone
: the condition of someone who lost the respect of other people

Full Definition
1 : a strongly condemnatory utterance : abusive language
2 : the condition of one that is discredited : bad repute

synonyms see abuse

Other forms: plural ob·lo·quies

Examples
unable to mount a rational defense of her position, she unleashed a torrent of obloquy on her opponent
although he had beaten the murder rap, the accused murderer was condemned to live out his days in perpetual obloquy

Origin: Middle English obloquie, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin obloquium, from obloqui to speak against, from ob- against + loqui to speak.

Synonyms: billingsgate, fulmination, invective, abuse, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation

Antonyms: esteem, honor, respect

Answer 533

A

avow·al-ˈvau̇(-ə)l\

noun
: an open and public statement

Full Definition
: an open declaration or acknowledgment

Examples
with jingoism rampant, the peace candidate felt compelled to make an avowal of his patriotism

her own avowal that she was to blame for the accident

Synonyms: affirmation, assertion, asseveration, avouchment, protestation, claim, declaration, insistence, profession

Antonyms: disavowal

Answer 534

A

dis·sem·ble\di-ˈsem-bəl\

: to hide your true feelings, opinions, etc.

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to hide under a false appearance
2 : to put on the appearance of : simulate

intransitive verb
: to put on a false appearance : conceal facts, intentions, or feelings under some pretense

Other forms: dis·sem·bled; dis·sem·bling -b(ə-)liŋ\
dis·sem·bler -b(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples
he dissembled happiness at the news that his old girlfriend was getting married—to someone else
children learn to dissemble at a surprisingly early age

Origin: Middle English dissymblen, alteration of dissimulen, from Middle French dissimuler, from Latin dissimulare — more at dissimulate.

Synonyms: act, affect, assume, bluff, counterfeit, feign, fake, pass (for), pretend, profess, put on, sham, simulate

Answer 535

A

knav·ery\ˈnā-və-rē, ˈnāv-rē\

noun
1 a : rascality
b : a roguish or mischievous act
2 obsolete : roguish mischief

Other forms: plural knav·er·ies

Examples
the sort of frat-boy knaveries that become the stuff of campus legend
suspects some knavery going on in the political campaign

Synonyms: antic, caper, capriccio, dido, escapade, frolic, gag, jest, prank, monkeyshine(s), practical joke, rag [chiefly British], roguery, shavie [Scottish], shine(s), trick, waggery

Answer 536

A

liv·ery\ˈli-və-rē, ˈliv-rē\

noun
: the business of keeping vehicles that people can hire
: the colors or designs that are used on a company’s products, vehicles, etc.
: a special uniform worn by servants especially in the past

Full Definition
1 archaic : the apportioning of provisions especially to servants : allowance
2 a : the distinctive clothing or badge formerly worn by the retainers of a person of rank
b : a servant’s uniform
c : distinctive dress : garb
d chiefly British : an identifying design (as on a vehicle) that designates ownership
3 archaic
a : one’s retainers or retinue
b : the members of a British livery company
4 : the act of delivering legal possession of property
5 a : the feeding, stabling, and care of horses for pay
b : livery stable
c : a concern offering vehicles (as boats) for rent

Other forms: plural liv·er·ies

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French liveree, livree, literally, delivery, from liverer to deliver, from Latin liberare to free — more at liberate.
First use: 14th century

Synonyms: uniform, outfit

Answer 537

A

ruc·tion\ˈrək-shən\

noun
1 : a noisy fight
2 : disturbance, uproar

Examples
the ruction ended with everyone involved getting arrested
the ruction outside the door prompted me to investigate what was going on

Origin: perhaps by shortening & alteration from insurrection.

Synonyms: affray [chiefly British], broil, donnybrook, fracas, fray, free-for-all, melee (also mêlée), rough-and-tumble, row, ruckus, brawl

Answer 538

A

in·su·per·a·ble(ˌ)in-ˈsü-p(ə-)rə-bəl\

adjective
of a problem, difficulty, etc. : impossible to solve or get control of : impossible to overcome

Full Definition
: incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved

in·su·per·a·bly -blē\ adverb

Examples
the building project ran into insuperable financial difficulties and had to be scrapped
insuperable problems have arisen which make it very unlikely that we will ever finish this project

Origin: Middle English, from Latin insuperabilis, from in- + superare to surmount, from super over — more at over.

Synonyms: bulletproof, impregnable, indomitable, invincible, insurmountable, invulnerable, unbeatable, unconquerable, unstoppable

Antonyms: superable, surmountable, vincible, vulnerable

Answer 539

A

be·lea·guer\bi-ˈlē-gər, bē-\

: to cause constant or repeated trouble for (a person, business, etc.)

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : besiege
2 : trouble, harass

Other forms: be·lea·guered; be·lea·guer·ing-g(ə-)riŋ\
be·lea·guer·ment -mənt\ noun

Examples
beleaguered the castle for months

Origin: Dutch belegeren, from be- (akin to Old English be-) + leger camp; akin to Old High German legar bed — more at lair.

Synonyms: besiege, blockade, invest, leaguer [archaic]

Answer 540

A

via dolorosa

PRONUNCIATION:
(VY/VEE-uh dol-uh-RO-suh)

MEANING:
noun: A distressing journey or experience.

ETYMOLOGY:
After the route believed to have been taken by Jesus on his way to Calvary. From Latin via dolorosa (painful path), from via (path) + dolor (pain). Earliest documented use: 1878.

USAGE:
“David Cameron must offer a vision of hope at the end of the Via Dolorosa we must tread for the next few years.”
Max Hastings; The Ostrich Election; The Daily Mail (London, UK); Apr 9, 2010.

Answer 541

A

sab·o·teur\ˌsa-bə-ˈtər, -ˈtu̇r, -ˈtyu̇r\

noun
: a person who destroys or damages something deliberately : a person who performs sabotage

Full Definition
: one that practices sabotage

Origin: French, from saboter.
First use: 1921

Answer 542

A

cack–hand·ed\ˈkak-ˌhan-dəd\

adjective
: clumsy or awkward

Full Definition
1 British : left-handed 1
2 British : clumsy, awkward

Origin: English dialect cack, keck awkward.
First use: 1854
Synonyms: awkward, butterfingered, cack-handed [British], graceless, ham-fisted, ham-handed, handless, heavy-handed, left-handed, maladroit, unhandy
Antonyms: deft, dexterous (also dextrous), handy, sure-handed

Answer 543

A

clois·tered\ˈklȯi-stərd\

adjective
: separated from the rest of the world : protected from the problems and concerns of everyday life

Full Definition
1 : being or living in or as if in a cloister
2 : providing shelter from contact with the outside world

Examples
behind the stately townhouses lie cloistered gardens that the public never sees

Synonyms: secluded, covert, hidden, isolated, quiet, remote, retired, secret, sheltered

Answer 544

A

over·wrought-ˈrȯt\

adjective
: very excited or upset

Full Definition
1 : extremely excited : agitated
2 : elaborated to excess : overdone

Examples
became overwrought when she heard that her child was missing
the author’s prose is overwrought with purple passages and florid metaphors

Origin: past participle of overwork.

Synonyms: agitated, excited, frenzied, heated, hectic, hyperactive, overactive, feverish

Antonyms: austere, plain, severe, stark, unadorned

Answer 545

A

coy\ˈkȯi\

adjective
: having a shy or sweetly innocent quality that is often intended to be attractive or to get attention
: not telling or revealing all the information that could be revealed

Full Definition
1 a : shrinking from contact or familiarity
b : marked by cute, coquettish, or artful playfulness
2 : showing reluctance to make a definite commitment <a></a>

synonyms see shy

coy·ly adverb
coy·ness noun

Origin: Middle English, quiet, shy, from Anglo-French quoi, quei, koi quiet, from Latin quietus.

Synonyms: coquettish, demure, kittenish

Antonyms: uncoy
</a>

Answer 546

A

Geth·sem·a·ne\geth-ˈse-mə-nē\

noun
1 : the garden outside Jerusalem mentioned in Mark 14 as the scene of the agony and arrest of Jesus

2 : a place or occasion of great mental or spiritual suffering

Origin: Greek Gethsēmanē.

Answer 547

A

smarmy\ˈsmär-mē\

adjective
: behaving in a way that seems polite, kind, or pleasing but is not genuine or believable

Full Definition

1 : revealing or marked by a smug, ingratiating, or false earnestness <a></a>

2 : of low sleazy taste or quality

Other forms:
smarm·i·er; smarm·i·est
smarm·i·ly -mə-lē\ adverb
smarm·i·ness -mē-nəs\ noun

Examples

a smarmy salesman/politician

smarmy politeness

Origin: smarm to gush, slobber.
First use: 1924</a>

Answer 548

A

evince\i-ˈvin(t)s\

: to show (something) clearly

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to constitute outward evidence of
2 : to display clearly : reveal

synonyms see show

Other forms:
evinced; evinc·ing
evinc·ible -ˈvin(t)-sə-bəl\ adjective

Examples
She evinced an interest in art at an early age.
the teenager caught shoplifting seemed to evince no remorse

Origin: Latin evincere to vanquish, win a point, from e- + vincere to conquer — more at victor.

Synonyms: bespeak, betray, communicate, declare, demonstrate, display, show, expose, give away, manifest, reveal

Answer 549

A

can·vass

: to ask (the people in an area) what they think about a candidate, project, idea, etc.
: to talk to the people in an area in order to get them to support a candidate, project, idea, etc.
: to look at or consider (something) carefully
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 obsolete : to toss in a canvas sheet in sport or punishment
2 a : to examine in detail; specifically : to examine (votes) officially for authenticity
b : discuss, debate
3 : to go through (a district) or go to (persons) in order to solicit orders or political support or to determine opinions or sentiments
intransitive verb
: to seek orders or votes : solicit
Other forms: can·vassed; can·vas·sing
can·vass·er also can·vas·er noun
Variants: also can·vas \ˈkan-vəs\
First use: 1508
Synonyms: interview, poll, solicit, survey
2canvass
noun
: the act or an instance of canvassing; especially : a personal solicitation of votes or survey of public opinion
Variants: also canvas
First use: circa 1611
Synonyms: interview, poll, solicit, survey

Answer 550

A

ver·biage\ˈvər-bē-ij also -bij\

noun
: speech or writing that contains too many words or that uses words that are more difficult than necessary

Full Definition
1 : a profusion of words usually of little or obscure content
2 : manner of expressing oneself in words : diction

Examples
teachers loathe the verbiage that students resort to in order to pad a paper

the pretentious verbiage that one finds in the reviews of self-important art critics

as per the standard verbiage of military reports, the assault was launched at “0700 hours”

Origin: French, from Middle French verbier to chatter, alteration of Old French verboier, verbloier, from Old French (Picard dialect) werbler to trill — more at warble.
First use: circa 1721
Synonyms: circumlocution, diffuseness, diffusion, garrulity, garrulousness, logorrhea, long-windedness, periphrasis, prolixity, redundancy, verbalism, verboseness, verbosity, windiness, wordage, wordiness

Answer 551

A

som·me·lier\ˌsə-məl-ˈyā\

noun
: a waiter in a restaurant who is in charge of serving wine

Full Definition
: a waiter in a restaurant who has charge of wines and their service : a wine steward

Other forms: plural sommeliers -ˈyā(z)\

Origin: French, from Middle French soumelier official charged with transportation of supplies, from Old French, pack animal driver, probably alteration of *sommerier, from somier pack animal, from Medieval Latin saugmarius, from Late Latin sagma packsaddle — more at sumpter.
First use: 1829

Answer 552

A

ex·or·di·um\eg-ˈzȯr-dē-əm\
noun
: a beginning or introduction especially to a discourse or composition
Other forms: plural ex·or·diums or -dia-dē-ə\
ex·or·di·al -dē-əl\ adjective
Examples
in his exordium the author warns his readers that they should expect a radically different interpretation of the causes of the war
Origin: Latin, from exordiri to begin, from ex- + ordiri to begin — more at order.
First use: 1577
Synonyms: introduction, foreword, intro, preamble, preface, prelude, proem, prologue (also prolog), prolusion
Antonyms: epilogue (also epilog)

Answer 553

A

re·cid·i·vism\ri-ˈsi-də-ˌvi-zəm\

noun
: a tendency to relapse into a previous condition or mode of behavior; especially : relapse into criminal behavior

Answer 554

A

chafe\ˈchāf\

: to become irritated or annoyed : to feel impatient
: to cause soreness or damage by rubbing against something (such as your skin)
: to become sore or damaged from rubbing

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : irritate, vex
2 : to warm by rubbing especially with the hands
3 a : to rub so as to wear away : abrade
b : to make sore by or as if by rubbingintransitive verb
1 : to feel irritation, discontent, or impatience : fret
2 : to rub and thereby cause wear or irritation

Other forms: chafed; chaf·ing

Origin: Middle English chaufen to warm, from Anglo-French chaufer, from Vulgar Latin *calfare, alteration of Latin calefacere, from calēre to be warm + facere to make — more at lee, do.

Synonyms: abrade, excoriate, fret, gall, irritate
2chafe
noun
1 : a state of vexation : rage
2 : injury or wear caused by friction; also : friction, rubbing
First use: 1551
Synonyms: abrade, excoriate, fret, gall, irritate

Answer 555

A

sham·bol·ic\sham-ˈbä-lik\

adjective
: very messy or disorganized

Full Definition
chiefly British
\: obviously disorganized or confused
Origin: probably from shambles.
First use: 1970

Answer 556

A

pre·di·lec·tion\ˌpre-də-ˈlek-shən, ˌprē-\

noun
: a natural liking for something : a tendency to do or to be attracted to something

Full Definition
: an established preference for something

Examples
a young lad with a predilection for telling tall tales
Origin: French prédilection, from Medieval Latin praediligere to love more, prefer, from Latin prae- + diligere to love — more at diligent.
First use: 1742
Synonyms: affection, affinity, aptitude, bent, bias, bone, devices, disposition, genius, habitude, impulse, leaning, partiality, penchant, inclination, predisposition, proclivity, propensity, tendency, turn
Synonym discussion: predilection prepossession prejudice bias mean an attitude of mind that predisposes one to favor something. predilection implies a strong liking deriving from one’s temperament or experience <a>. prepossession suggests a fixed conception likely to preclude objective judgment of anything counter to it </a><a>. prejudice usually implies an unfavorable prepossession and connotes a feeling rooted in suspicion, fear, or intolerance </a><a>. bias implies an unreasoned and unfair distortion of judgment in favor of or against a person or thing </a><a>.</a>

Answer 557

A

ran·cid\ˈran(t)-səd\

adjective
of food : having a strong and unpleasant smell or taste from no longer being fresh
: full of anger and bitterness

Full Definition
1 : having a rank smell or taste
2 : offensive
ran·cid·i·ty \ran-ˈsi-də-tē\ noun
ran·cid·ness \ˈran(t)-səd-nəs\ noun
Examples
an unscrupulous food vendor who’s as rancid as the meat that he serves
Origin: Latin rancidus, from rancēre to be rancid.
First use: 1646
Synonyms: abhorrent, abominable, appalling, awful, disgusting, distasteful, dreadful, evil, foul, fulsome, gross, hideous, horrendous, horrible, horrid, loathsome, nasty, nauseating, nauseous, noisome, noxious, obnoxious, obscene, odious, offensive, repellent (also repellant), repugnant, repulsive, revolting, scandalous, shocking, sickening, ugly
Antonyms: innocuous, inoffensive

Answer 558

A

im·pri·ma·tur\ˌim-prə-ˈmä-ˌtu̇r, im-ˈpri-mə-ˌtu̇r, -ˌtyu̇r\

noun
: official approval

Full Definition
1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority
b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : sanction, approval
b : imprint
c : a mark of approval or distinction

Examples
could not begin the project without the boss’s imprimatur

Origin: New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress — more at impress.

Synonyms: approbation, blessing, favor, approval, OK (or okay)

Antonyms: disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor

Answer 559

A

ap·pur·te·nant\ə-ˈpərt-nənt, -ˈpər-tə-nənt\

adjective
1 : constituting a legal accompaniment
2 : auxiliary, accessory
appurtenant noun

Examples
a store selling tents, sleeping bags, and all manner of appurtenant equipment for a week of roughing it

Origin: Middle English apertenant, from Anglo-French appurtenant, present participle of apurtenir to belong — more at appertain.

Synonyms: accessorial, accessory, auxiliary, peripheral, supplemental, supplementary

Antonyms: chief, main, principal

Answer 560

A

so·lic·i·tude\sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

noun
: concern that someone feels about someone’s health, happiness, etc.

Full Definition
1 a : the state of being concerned and anxious
b : attentive care and protectiveness; also : an attitude of earnest concern or attention

2 : a cause of care or concern — usually used in plural

Examples
a growing solicitude over the possible results of the criminal investigation

she shows much more solicitude toward her aging parents than any of her siblings do

Synonyms: agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, anxiety, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry

Antonyms: unconcern

Answer 561

A

pre·mo·ni·tion\ˌprē-mə-ˈni-shən, ˌpre-\

noun
: a feeling or belief that something is going to happen when there is no definite reason to believe it will

Full Definition
1 : previous notice or warning : forewarning
2 : anticipation of an event without conscious reason : presentiment

Examples
she had a premonition that her cat would somehow get hurt that day

Origin: Middle English premunition, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin premunition-, premunitio, alteration of Late Latin praemonitio, from Latin praemonēre to warn in advance, from prae- + monēre to warn — more at mind.

Synonyms: foreboding, presage, presentiment, prognostication

Answer 562

A

—adjective Also, dys·pep·ti·cal.

pertaining to, subject to, or suffering from dyspepsia.
gloomy, pessimistic, and irritable.

—noun

a person subject to or suffering from dyspepsia (indigestion).

—Related forms
dys·pep·ti·cal·ly, adverb 
non·dys·pep·tic, adjective 
non·dys·pep·ti·cal, adjective 
non·dys·pep·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Answer 563

A

mor·dant\ˈmȯr-dənt\

adjective
: expressing harsh criticism especially in a way that is funny

Full Definition
1 : biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive <a>
2 : acting as a mordant
3 : burning, pungent</a>

synonyms see caustic

mor·dant·ly adverb

Origin: Middle French, present participle of mordre to bite, from Latin mordēre; perhaps akin to Sanskrit mṛdnāti he presses, rubs.

Synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, sarcastic, pungent, sardonic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart
</a>

Answer 564

A

an·he·do·nia\ˌan-(ˌ)hē-ˈdō-nē-ə, -nyə\

noun
: a psychological condition characterized by inability to experience pleasure in normally pleasurable acts

an·he·don·ic -ˈdä-nik\ adjective

Origin: New Latin, from 2a- + Greek hēdonē pleasure — more at hedonism.
First use: 1897

Answer 565

A

an·o·mie

noun
: social instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values; also : personal unrest, alienation, and uncertainty that comes from a lack of purpose or ideals

ano·mic \ə-ˈnä-mik, -ˈnō-\ adjective

Variants: also an·o·my \ˈa-nə-mē\

Origin: French anomie, from Middle French, from Greek anomia lawlessness, from anomos lawless, from a- + nomos law, from nemein to distribute — more at nimble.
First use: 1933

Answer 566

A

so·lic·i·tude\sə-ˈli-sə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

noun
: concern that someone feels about someone’s health, happiness, etc.

Full Definition
1 a : the state of being concerned and anxious
b : attentive care and protectiveness; also : an attitude of earnest concern or attention

2 : a cause of care or concern — usually used in plural

Examples
a growing solicitude over the possible results of the criminal investigation

she shows much more solicitude toward her aging parents than any of her siblings do

Synonyms: agita, agitation, anxiousness, apprehension, apprehensiveness, care, concern, concernment, disquiet, disquietude, fear, nervosity, nervousness, perturbation, anxiety, sweat, unease, uneasiness, worry

Antonyms: unconcern

Answer 567

A

pre·mo·ni·tion\ˌprē-mə-ˈni-shən, ˌpre-\

noun
: a feeling or belief that something is going to happen when there is no definite reason to believe it will

Full Definition
1 : previous notice or warning : forewarning
2 : anticipation of an event without conscious reason : presentiment

Examples
she had a premonition that her cat would somehow get hurt that day

Origin: Middle English premunition, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin premunition-, premunitio, alteration of Late Latin praemonitio, from Latin praemonēre to warn in advance, from prae- + monēre to warn — more at mind.

Synonyms: foreboding, presage, presentiment, prognostication

Answer 568

A

—adjective Also, dys·pep·ti·cal.

pertaining to, subject to, or suffering from dyspepsia.
gloomy, pessimistic, and irritable.

—noun

a person subject to or suffering from dyspepsia (indigestion).

—Related forms
dys·pep·ti·cal·ly, adverb 
non·dys·pep·tic, adjective 
non·dys·pep·ti·cal, adjective 
non·dys·pep·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Answer 569

A

mor·dant\ˈmȯr-dənt\

adjective
: expressing harsh criticism especially in a way that is funny

Full Definition
1 : biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive <a>
2 : acting as a mordant
3 : burning, pungent</a>

synonyms see caustic

mor·dant·ly adverb

Origin: Middle French, present participle of mordre to bite, from Latin mordēre; perhaps akin to Sanskrit mṛdnāti he presses, rubs.

Synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, sarcastic, pungent, sardonic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart
</a>

Answer 570

A

an·he·do·nia\ˌan-(ˌ)hē-ˈdō-nē-ə, -nyə\

noun
: a psychological condition characterized by inability to experience pleasure in normally pleasurable acts

an·he·don·ic -ˈdä-nik\ adjective

Origin: New Latin, from 2a- + Greek hēdonē pleasure — more at hedonism.
First use: 1897

Answer 571

A

an·o·mie

noun
: social instability resulting from a breakdown of standards and values; also : personal unrest, alienation, and uncertainty that comes from a lack of purpose or ideals

ano·mic \ə-ˈnä-mik, -ˈnō-\ adjective

Variants: also an·o·my \ˈa-nə-mē\

Origin: French anomie, from Middle French, from Greek anomia lawlessness, from anomos lawless, from a- + nomos law, from nemein to distribute — more at nimble.
First use: 1933

Answer 572

A

ap·ro·pos\ˌa-prə-ˈpō, ˈa-prə-ˌ\

adverb
1 : at an opportune time : seasonably
2 : by way of interjection or further comment : with regard to the present topic

Origin: French à propos, literally, to the purpose.

Synonyms: applicable, apposite, pertinent, germane, material, pointed, relative, relevant
Antonyms: extraneous, immaterial, impertinent, inapplicable, inapposite, irrelative, irrelevant, pointless
Synonyms: en passant, incidentally, by the by (or by the bye), by the way, in passing
Synonyms: about, apropos of, as far as, as for, as regards (also as respects), as to, concerning, of, on, regarding, respecting, touching, toward (or towards)

2ap·ro·pos\ˌa-prə-ˈpō, ˈa-prə-ˌ\

adjective
: suitable or appropriate

Full Definition
: being both relevant and opportune
synonyms see relevant

Examples
Apropos the proposed changes, I think more information is needed.
makes a number of telling observations apropos the current political situation

Synonyms: applicable, apposite, pertinent, germane, material, pointed, relative, relevant
Antonyms: extraneous, immaterial, impertinent, inapplicable, inapposite, irrelative, irrelevant, pointless
Synonyms: en passant, incidentally, by the by (or by the bye), by the way, in passing
Synonyms: about, apropos of, as far as, as for, as regards (also as respects), as to, concerning, of, on, regarding, respecting, touching, toward (or towards)

3ap·ro·pos\ˌa-prə-ˈpō, ˈa-prə-ˌ\
preposition
\: with regard to (something)
Full Definition
\: apropos of

Synonyms: applicable, apposite, pertinent, germane, material, pointed, relative, relevant
Antonyms: extraneous, immaterial, impertinent, inapplicable, inapposite, irrelative, irrelevant, pointless
Synonyms: en passant, incidentally, by the by (or by the bye), by the way, in passing
Synonyms: about, apropos of, as far as, as for, as regards (also as respects), as to, concerning, of, on, regarding, respecting, touching, toward (or towards)

Answer 573

A

shriv·el\ˈshri-vəl, especially Southern ˈsri-\

: to become dry and wrinkled from heat, cold, or old age
: to cause (something) to become dry and wrinkled

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to draw into wrinkles especially with a loss of moisture
2 a : to become reduced to inanition, helplessness, or inefficiency
b : dwindle

transitive verb
: to cause to shrivel

Other forms: shriv·eled or shriv·elled; shriv·el·ing or shriv·el·ling\ˈshri-vəl-iŋ, ˈsri-; ˈshriv-liŋ, ˈsriv-\

Answer 574

A

in·ves·ti·ture\in-ˈves-tə-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\

noun
: a formal ceremony at which someone is placed in an office or given an official rank

Full Definition
1 : the act of establishing in office or ratifying
2 : something that covers or adorns

Examples
the investiture of a new member of parliament

Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin investitura, from investitus, past participle of investire.

Synonyms: baptism, inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installment (also instalment), installation, investment

Answer 575

A

flum·mox\ˈflə-məks, -miks\
transitive verb
\: confuse
Examples
an actor who's easily flummoxed by any changes in the script
Origin: origin unknown.
First use: 1837
Synonyms: addle, baffle, bamboozle, beat, befog, befuddle, bemuse, bewilder, buffalo, confound, discombobulate, disorient, confuse, fox, fuddle, get, gravel, maze, muddle, muddy, mystify, perplex, pose, puzzle, vex

Answer 576

A

ev·a·nes·cent-sənt\

adjective
: lasting a very short time

Full Definition
: tending to vanish like vapor

synonyms see transient

Examples
beauty that is as evanescent as a rainbow

Origin: Latin evanescent-, evanescens, present participle of evanescere.

Synonyms: brief, deciduous, ephemeral, momentary, flash, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, impermanent, passing, short-lived, temporary, transient, transitory

Antonyms: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, enduring, eternal, everlasting, immortal, lasting, long-lived, permanent, perpetual, timeless, undying, unending

Answer 577

A

gam·bit\ˈgam-bət\

noun
: a planned series of moves at the beginning of a game of chess
: something done or said in order to gain an advantage or to produce a desired result

Full Definition
1 : a chess opening in which a player risks one or more pawns or a minor piece to gain an advantage in position
2 a (1) : a remark intended to start a conversation or make a telling point (2) : topic
b : a calculated move : stratagem

Examples
I couldn’t tell whether her earlier poor-mouthing had been sincere or just a gambit to get me to pick up the dinner check

Origin: Italian gambetto, literally, act of tripping someone, from gamba leg, from Late Latin gamba, camba, from Greek kampē bend; probably akin to Gothic hamfs maimed, Lithuanian kampas corner.

Synonyms: artifice, device, dodge, fetch, flimflam, trick, gimmick, jig, juggle, knack, play, ploy, scheme, shenanigan, sleight, stratagem, wile

Answer 578

A

in·ure\i-ˈnu̇r, -ˈnyu̇r\

: to cause (someone) to be less affected by something unpleasant : to cause (someone) to be less sensitive to something unpleasant

Full Definition
transitive verb
: to accustom to accept something undesirable

intransitive verb
: to become of advantage

Other forms:
in·ured; in·ur·ing
in·ure·ment -mənt\ noun

Examples
the hardship of army training inured her to the rigors of desert warfare

Origin: Middle English enuren, from in ure customary, from putten in ure to use, put into practice, part translation of Anglo-French mettre en ovre, en uevre.

Synonyms: fortify, indurate, harden, season, steel, strengthen, toughen
Antonyms: soften

Answer 579

A

de·noue·ment

noun
: the final part of something (such as a book, a play, or a series of events)

Full Definition
1 : the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
2 : the outcome of a complex sequence of events

Variants: also dé·noue·ment \ˌdā-ˌnü-ˈmäⁿ, dā-ˈnü-ˌ\

Origin: French dénouement, literally, untying, from Middle French desnouement, from desnouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des- de- + noer to tie, from Latin nodare, from nodus knot — more at node.
First use: 1705

Answer 580

A

Phi·lis·tine\ˈfi-lə-ˌstēn; fə-ˈlis-tən, -ˌtēn; ˈfi-lə-stən\

noun

1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia

2 often not capitalized
a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values
b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge
philistine adjective often capitalized

phi·lis·tin·ism -lə-ˌstē-ˌni-zəm; -ˈlis-tə-, -ˌtē-, -lə-stə-\ noun often capitalized
First use: 14th century

Answer 581

A

gri·mace\ˈgri-məs, gri-ˈmās\

noun
: a facial expression in which your mouth and face are twisted in a way that shows disgust, disapproval, or pain

Full Definition
: a facial expression usually of disgust, disapproval, or pain

grimace intransitive verb
gri·mac·er noun

Examples
he made a grimace when he tasted the medicine

Origin: French, from Middle French, alteration of grimache, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English grīma mask.

Synonyms: face, frown, lower (also lour), moue, mouth, mow, mug, pout, scowl, snoot

Answer 582

A

demur

noun
: an act of disagreeing about something

Full Definition
1 : hesitation (as in doing or accepting) usually based on doubt of the acceptability of something offered or proposed
2 : the act or an instance of objecting : protest

synonyms see qualm

Examples
She accepted the group’s decision without demur.
we accepted his offer to pay for our dinners without demur

Synonyms: challenge, complaint, objection, demurral, demurrer, difficulty, exception, expostulation, fuss, kick, protest, question, remonstrance, stink

Synonyms: object, except, expostulate, kick, protest, remonstrate

Answer 583

A

dis·pen·sa·tion\ˌdis-pən-ˈsā-shən, -ˌpen-\

noun
: permission to break a law or an official promise you have made : release from a rule, vow, or oath
: an act of providing something to people

Full Definition
1 a : a general state or ordering of things; specifically : a system of revealed commands and promises regulating human affairs
b : a particular arrangement or provision especially of providence or nature

2 a : an exemption from a law or from an impediment, vow, or oath
b : a formal authorization

3 a : the act of dispensing
b : something dispensed or distributed

dis·pen·sa·tion·al -shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Examples
the emergency dispensation of medicine to the sick

Synonyms: admeasurement, allocation, allotment, apportionment, disbursement, distribution, division, issuance

Answer 584

A

wince\ˈwin(t)s\

: to have an expression on your face for a very short time which shows that you are embarrassed or in pain

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to shrink back involuntarily (as from pain) : flinch

synonyms see recoil

Other forms: winced; winc·ing
wince noun

Examples
She winced (in pain) when she hit her elbow.
I wince with embarrassment whenever I think of that day.

Origin: Middle English wynsen to kick out, start, from Anglo-French *wincer, *guincer to shift direction, dodge, by-form of guenchir, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German wenken, wankōn to totter — more at wench.
First use: circa 1748
Synonyms: blench, cringe, quail, recoil, shrink, squinch, flinch

Answer 585

A

quin·quen·ni·al\kwin-ˈkwe-nē-əl, kwiŋ-\

adjective
1 : consisting of or lasting for five years
2 : occurring or being done every five years

quinquennial noun
quin·quen·ni·al·ly -nē-ə-lē\ adverb
First use: 15th century

Answer 586

A

1 ped·a·gogue

noun
: teacher, schoolmaster; especially : a dull, formal, or pedantic teacher

Examples
a pedagogue whose classroom lessons consisted entirely of reading directly from the textbook in a monotone

Variants: also ped·a·gog \ˈpe-də-ˌgäg\

Origin: Middle English pedagoge, from Latin paedagogus, from Greek paidagōgos, slave who escorted children to school, from paid- ped- + agōgos leader, from agein to lead — more at agent.
First use: 14th century

Synonyms: educationist [chiefly British], educator, instructor, teacher (also pedagog), preceptor, schoolteacher

2 ped·a·go·gy\ˈpe-də-ˌgō-jē also -ˌgä-, especially British -ˌgä-gē\

noun
: the art, science, or profession of teaching

Full Definition
: the art, science, or profession of teaching; especially : education

Answer 587

A

abandon*

noun
: a feeling or attitude of wild or complete freedom

Full Definition
: a thorough yielding to natural impulses; especially : enthusiasm, exuberance

Examples
They all danced with (wild) abandon.
She decided with reckless abandon to quit her job and move to Tahiti.

Synonyms: abandonment, ease, lightheartedness, naturalness, spontaneity, spontaneousness, unconstraint, uninhibitedness, unrestraint

Antonyms: constraint, restraint

Synonyms: deliver, give up, indulge, surrender, yield

Antonyms: deny

Answer 588

A

man·na\ˈma-nə\

noun
: food which according to the Bible was supplied by a miracle to the Israelites after they escaped from Egypt
: something needed that is received unexpectedly

Full Definition
1 a : food miraculously supplied to the Israelites in their journey through the wilderness
b : divinely supplied spiritual nourishment
c : a usually sudden and unexpected source of gratification, pleasure, or gain
2 a : the sweetish dried exudate of a Eurasian ash (especially Fraxinus ornus) that contains mannitol and has been used as a laxative and demulcent
b : a similar product excreted by a scale insect (Trabutina mannipara) feeding on the tamarisk

Examples
the announcement that there would be a sequel was manna to the many fans of the original movie
the company’s Christmas bonus was especially welcome manna this year

Origin: Middle English, from Old English, from Late Latin, from Greek, from Hebrew mān

Synonyms: delectation, feast, gas [slang], joy, kick, delight, pleasure, treat

Antonyms: affliction, bane, curse, evil, plague, scourge

Answer 589

A

con·flate\kən-ˈflāt\

transitive verb
1 a : to bring together : fuse
b : confuse
2 : to combine (as two readings of a text) into a composite whole

Other forms: con·flat·ed; con·flat·ing

Examples
be careful not to conflate gossip with real news
the movie conflates documentary footage and dramatized reenactments so seamlessly and ingeniously that viewers may not know what is real and what is not

Origin: Latin conflatus, past participle of conflare to blow together, fuse, from com- + flare to blow — more at blow.

Synonyms: confuse, confound, mistake, mix (up)

Antonyms: difference, differentiate, discriminate, distinguish, separate

Answer 590

A

pan·e·gy·ric\ˌpa-nə-ˈjir-ik, -ˈjī-rik\

noun
: something (such as a speech or a piece of writing) that praises someone or something

Full Definition
: a eulogistic oration or writing; also : formal or elaborate praise
synonyms see encomium

pan·e·gy·ri·cal -ˈjir-i-kəl, -ˈjī-ri-\ adjective
pan·e·gy·ri·cal·ly -k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
wrote a panegyric on the centennial of the Nobel laureate’s birth

Origin: Latin panegyricus, from Greek panēgyrikos, from panēgyrikos of or for a festival assembly, from panēgyris festival assembly, from pan- + agyris assembly; akin to Greek ageirein to gather.

Synonyms: accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, encomium, salutation, tribute

Answer 591

A

bowd·ler·ize\ˈbōd-lə-ˌrīz, ˈbau̇d-\

: to change (a book, play, movie, etc.) by removing parts that could offend people

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to expurgate (as a book) by omitting or modifying parts considered vulgar
2 : to modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content

Other forms:
bowd·ler·ized; bowd·ler·iz·ing
bowd·ler·i·za·tion \ˌbōd-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌbau̇d-\ noun
bowd·ler·iz·er noun

Examples
a bowdlerized version of “Gulliver’s Travels” that purportedly makes it unobjectionable for children

Origin: Thomas Bowdler †1825 English editor.

Synonyms: censor, clean (up), expurgate, launder, red-pencil

Answer 592

A

ha·gio·graph·ic\ˌha-gē-ə-ˈgra-fik, ˌhā-, -jē-\

adjective
1 : of, relating to, or being hagiography; especially : excessively flattering <a>
2 : of or relating to the Hagiographa</a>

Examples
a hagiographic portrait of one of the pioneers of the automotive age

Variants: also ha·gio·graph·i·cal -fi-kəl\

Synonyms: adulatory, gushing, gushy, fulsome (also hagiographical), oily, oleaginous, soapy, unctuous</a>

Answer 593

A

ve·nial\ˈvē-nē-əl, -nyəl\

adjective
: not serious

Full Definition
: of a kind that can be remitted : forgivable, pardonable; also : meriting no particular censure or notice : excusable

ve·nial·ly adverb
ve·nial·ness noun

Examples
taking the restaurant’s menu as a souvenir seems like a venial offense

Origin: Middle English, from Middle French veniel, from Late Latin venialis, from Latin venia favor, indulgence, pardon; akin to Latin venus love, charm — more at win.

Synonyms: condonable, excusable, forgivable, pardonable, remissible, remittable

Antonyms: indefensible, inexcusable, mortal, unforgivable, unjustifiable, unpardonable

Answer 594

A

pa·limp·sest\ˈpa-ləm(p)-ˌsest, pə-ˈlim(p)-\

noun
: a very old document on which the original writing has been erased and replaced with new writing
: something that has changed over time and shows evidence of that change

Full Definition
1 : writing material (as a parchment or tablet) used one or more times after earlier writing has been erased
2 : something having usually diverse layers or aspects apparent beneath the surface

Origin: Latin palimpsestus, from Greek palimpsēstos scraped again, from palin + psēn to rub, scrape; akin to Sanskrit psāti, babhasti he chews.
First use: 1825

Answer 595

A

sple·net·ic\spli-ˈne-tik, archaic ˈsple-nə-(ˌ)tik\

adjective
: very angry and annoyed

Full Definition
1 archaic : given to melancholy
2 : marked by bad temper, malevolence, or spite

splenetic noun
sple·net·i·cal·ly \spli-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples
the newspaper publisher’s splenetic editorials often struck fear into local politicians

Origin: Late Latin spleneticus, from Latin splen spleen.

Synonyms: acid, bearish, bilious, bloody-minded [chiefly British], cantankerous, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ornery, ill–tempered, surly

Antonyms: amiable, good-humored, good-natured, good-tempered

Answer 596

A

ran·kle\ˈraŋ-kəl\

: to cause (someone) to feel angry or irritated especially for a long time

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
2 : to feel anger and irritationtransitive verb
: to cause irritation or bitterness in

Other forms: ran·kled; ran·kling -k(ə-)liŋ\

Examples
that kind of rude treatment from a young person makes me rankle
it rankles me when some schools can’t even afford paper and pencils for the students

Origin: Middle English ranclen to fester, from Anglo-French rancler, from Old French draoncler, raoncler, from draoncle, raoncle festering sore, from Medieval Latin dracunculus, from Latin, diminutive of draco serpent — more at dragon.

Synonyms: burn, foam, fume, rage, boil, seethe, sizzle, steam, storm
Antonyms: delight, gratify, please

Answer 597

A

mawk·ish\ˈmȯ-kish\

adjective
: sad or romantic in a foolish or exaggerated way

Full Definition
1 : having an insipid often unpleasant taste
2 : sickly or puerilely sentimental

mawk·ish·ly adverb
mawk·ish·ness noun

Examples
a mawkish plea for donations to the charity

Origin: Middle English mawke maggot, probably from Old Norse mathkr — more at maggot.

Synonyms: chocolate-box, cloying, drippy, fruity, gooey, lovey-dovey, maudlin, corny, mushy, novelettish, saccharine, sappy, schmaltzy, sentimental, sloppy, slushy, soppy, soupy, spoony (or spooney), sticky, sugarcoated, sugary, wet

Antonyms: unsentimental

Answer 598

A

cap·tious\ˈkap-shəs\

adjective
1 : marked by an often ill-natured inclination to stress faults and raise objections
2 : calculated to confuse, entrap, or entangle in argument <a></a>

synonyms see critical

cap·tious·ly adverb
cap·tious·ness noun

Examples
a captious and cranky eater who’s never met a vegetable he didn’t hate

Origin: Middle English capcious, from Middle French or Latin; Middle French captieux, from Latin captiosus, from captio deception, verbal quibble, from capere to take — more at heave.

Synonyms: critical, carping, caviling (or cavilling), faultfinding, hypercritical, judgmental, overcritical, rejective

Antonyms: uncritical</a>

Answer 599

A

whee·dle\ˈhwē-dəl, ˈwē-\

: to persuade someone to do something or to give you something by saying nice things

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to influence or entice by soft words or flattery
2 : to gain or get by wheedling
Examples
wheedled him into doing their work for them

Synonyms: blandish, blarney, cajole, palaver, soft-soap, sweet-talk, coax

Answer 600

A

cha·toy·ant\shə-ˈtȯi-ənt\

adjective
: having a changeable luster or color with an undulating narrow band of white light <a></a>

Origin: French, from present participle of chatoyer to shine like a cat’s eyes.

2chatoyant
noun
: a chatoyant gem
First use: circa 1828</a>

Answer 601

A

—adjective

that impresses favorably; engaging or attractive: a confident and prepossessing young man.

—Related forms
pre·pos·sess·ing·ly, adverb 
pre·pos·sess·ing·ness, noun 
un·pre·pos·sess·ing, adjective 
un·pre·pos·sess·ing·ly, adverb

Answer 602

A

ac·o·lyte\ˈa-kə-ˌlīt, -kō-\

noun
: someone who follows and admires a leader
: someone who helps the person who leads a church service

Full Definition
1 : one who assists a member of the clergy in a liturgical service by performing minor duties
2 : one who attends or assists : follower

Examples
a highly influential economist whose acolytes can be found at many major universities

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French, acolit, from Medieval Latin acoluthus, from Middle Greek akolouthos, from Greek, adjective, following, from a-, ha- together (akin to Greek homos same) + keleuthos path.

Synonyms: follower, adherent, convert, disciple, epigone, liege man, partisan (also partizan), pupil, votarist, votary

Antonyms: coryphaeus, leader

Answer 603

A

spright·ly-lē\

adjective
: full of life and energy

Full Definition
1 : marked by a gay lightness and vivacity : spirited <a>
2 : having a distinctively piquant taste : zesty </a><a>
synonyms see lively</a>

Other forms:
spright·li·er; spright·li·est
spright·li·ness noun
sprightly adverb

Examples
a sprightly child who often claims to be too tired to move when it’s time to do chores

Origin: obsolete spright (sprite), alteration of sprite.

Synonyms: active, airy, animate, animated, bouncing, brisk, energetic, frisky, gay, jaunty, jazzy, kinetic, mettlesome, peppy, perky, pert, pizzazzy (or pizazzy), racy, snappy, spanking, sparky, spirited, lively, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy

Antonyms: dead, inactive, inanimate, lackadaisical, languid, languishing, languorous, leaden, lifeless, limp, listless, spiritless, vapid</a>

Answer 604

A

braid·ed\ˈbrā-dəd\

adjective
: formed with three or more parts woven together
: decorated with a piece of cord or ribbon made of three or more strands woven together : decorated with braid

Full Definition
1 a : made by intertwining three or more strands
b : ornamented with braid
2 : forming an interlacing network of channels <a></a>

Examples
braided hair
a braided rug
a hat with braided trim
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 605

A

throe\ˈthrō\

noun
1 : pang, spasm
2 plural : a hard or painful struggle

Examples
collapsed in the throes of agony
that third-world country is caught up in the throes of a democratic revolution

Origin: Middle English thrawe, throwe, from Old English thrawu, thrēa threat, pang; akin to Old High German drawa threat.

Synonyms: ache, pang, prick, shoot, smart, sting, stitch, pain, tingle, twinge

Answer 606

A

mytho·ma·nia\ˌmi-thə-ˈmā-nē-ə, -nyə\

noun
: an excessive or abnormal propensity for lying and exaggerating

mytho·ma·ni·ac -nē-ˌak\ noun or adjective

Origin: New Latin, from Greek mythos + Late Latin mania mania.
First use: circa 1909

Answer 607

A

Etymology
From em- +‎ plot +‎ -ment; coined by Paul Ricoeur.

Noun
emplotment (plural emplotments)

(historiography) The assembly of a series of historical events into a narrative with a plot.

1978, Hayden White, “The Historical Text As Literary Artifact”, re-printed in Geoffrey Roberts (editor), The History and Narrative Reader,[1] Routledge (2001), ISBN 041523249X, page 223,
Yet, I would argue, histories gain part of their explanatory effect by their success in making stories out of mere chronicles; and stories in turn are made out of chronicles by an operation which I have elsewhere called “emplotment.” And by emplotment I mean simply the encodation of the facts contained in the chronicle as components of specific kinds of plot structures, in precisely the way that Frye has suggested is the case with “fictions” in general.

Answer 608

A

ex·cres·cence\ik-ˈskre-sən(t)s, ek-\

noun
1 : a projection or outgrowth especially when abnormal
2 : a disfiguring, extraneous, or unwanted mark or part : blot
3 : by-product 2

Examples
concerned about the weird excrescence that seemed to be developing on his hand
local residents regard the hulking apartment building as a hideous excrescence on their once-lovely street
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: growth, excrescency, lump, neoplasm, tumor

Answer 609

A

red·o·lent-lənt\

adjective
: having a strong smell : full of a fragrance or odor
: causing thoughts or memories ofsomething

Full Definition
1 : exuding fragrance : aromatic
2 a : full of a specified fragrance : scented
b : evocative, suggestive <a></a>

synonyms see odorous

red·o·lent·ly adverb

Examples
my grandmother’s house always seemed to be redolent with the aroma of baking bread

Origin: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin redolent-, redolens, present participle of redolēre to emit a scent, from re-, red- + olēre to smell — more at odor.

Synonyms: ambrosial, aromatic, perfumed, fragrant, savory (also savoury), scented, sweet

Antonyms: fetid, foul, malodorous, noisome, putrid, rancid, rank, reeking, reeky, skunky, smelly, stenchful, stenchy, stinking, stinky, strong</a>

Answer 610

A

con·tin·u·um\kən-ˈtin-yü-əm\

noun
: a range or series of things that are slightly different from each other and that exist between two different possibilities

Full Definition
1 : a coherent whole characterized as a collection, sequence, or progression of values or elements varying by minute degrees

2 : the set of real numbers including both the rationals and the irrationals; broadly : a compact set which cannot be separated into two sets neither of which contains a limit point of the other

Other forms: plural con·tin·ua -yü-ə\ also con·tin·u·ums

Origin: Latin, neuter of continuus.
First use: 1646

Answer 611

A

spry\ˈsprī\

adjective
: full of life and energy

Full Definition
: nimble 1 <a></a>

Other forms: 
spri·er or spry·er \ˈsprī(-ə)r\; 
spri·est or spry·est \ˈsprī-əst\
spry·ly adverb
spry·ness noun

Examples
She’s 64 and still as spry as she was at 30.
an older woman who’s still surprisingly spry

Synonyms: agile, featly, feline, gracile, light, light-footed (also light-foot), lightsome, lissome (also lissom), lithe, lithesome, nimble, graceful

Antonyms: awkward, clumsy, gawky, graceless, klutzy, lumbering, ungainly, ungraceful</a>

Answer 612

A

wily\ˈwī-lē\

adjective
: full of clever tricks : very clever

Full Definition
: full of wiles : crafty <a></a>

synonyms see sly

Other forms:
wil·i·er; wil·i·est
wil·i·ly -lə-lē\ adverb
wil·i·ness -lē-nəs\ noun

Examples
She turned out to be a wily negotiator.
wily tactics

Synonyms: beguiling, cagey (also cagy), crafty, cunning, cute, designing, devious, dodgy [chiefly British], foxy, guileful, scheming, shrewd, slick, sly, subtle, tricky, artful

Antonyms: artless, guileless, ingenuous, innocent, undesigning</a>

Answer 613

A

strapping

adjective
of a person : tall, strong, and healthy

Full Definition
: having a vigorously sturdy constitution

2strapping
noun
1 : material for a strap
2 : straps
First use: 1818

Answer 614

A

re·fuse·nik

noun
1 : a Soviet citizen and especially a Jew refused permission to emigrate
2 : a person who refuses or declines something

Variants: also re·fus·nik \ri-ˈfyüz-(ˌ)nik\

Origin: part translation of Russian otkaznik, from otkaz refusal.
First use: 1974

Answer 615

A

ire\ˈī(-ə)r\

noun
: intense anger

Full Definition
: intense and usually openly displayed anger

synonyms see anger

ire transitive verb
ire·ful -fəl\ adjective

Examples
He directed his ire at the coworkers who reported the incident.
The proposal has raised/roused/provoked the ire of environmentalists.

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin ira; perhaps akin to Greek oistros gadfly, frenzy.

Synonyms: angriness, birse [chiefly Scottish], choler, furor, fury, indignation, irateness, anger, lividity, lividness, mad, madness, mood [archaic], outrage, rage, spleen, wrath, wrathfulness

Antonyms: delight, pleasure

Answer 616

A

in·cip·i·ent-ənt\

adjective
: beginning to develop or exist

Full Definition
: beginning to come into being or to become apparent

in·cip·i·ent·ly adverb

Examples
I have an incipient dislike and distrust of that guy, and I only met him this morning

Origin: Latin incipient-, incipiens, present participle of incipere to begin — more at inception.

Synonyms: aborning, budding, inceptive, inchoate, nascent
Antonyms: adult, full-blown, full-fledged, mature, ripe, ripened

Answer 617

A

par·ry\ˈper-ē, ˈpa-rē\

: to defend yourself by turning or pushing aside (a punch, a weapon, etc.)
: to avoid giving a direct answer to (a question) by being skillful or clever

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to ward off a weapon or blow
2 : to evade or turn aside somethingtransitive verb
1 : to ward off (as a blow)
2 : to evade especially by an adroit answer

Other forms: par·ried; par·ry·ing

parry noun

Origin: probably from French parez, imperative of parer to parry, from Old Occitan parar, from Latin parare to prepare — more at pare.

Answer 618

A

re·flu·ent-ənt\

adjective
: flowing back

Origin: Middle English, from Latin refluent-, refluens, present participle of refluere to flow back, from re- + fluere to flow — more at fluid.
First use: 15th century

Answer 619

A

noun: a person or group on whom one tries out an idea or opinion as a means of evaluating it

Examples:
Mika and Meg have used one another as sounding boards for the 15 years they’ve shared an office.

“Slade had met with Roelandt in the past to discuss some of the inventor’s ideas. He served as a sounding board for Roelandt and Frear as they improved the P5 and developed a pricing strategy.” — Rob Swenson, Sioux Falls Business Journal, March 3, 2015
Did you know?
Beginning during the Renaissance, a flat wooden canopy called a sounding board was placed over church pulpits, amplifying the sound of the preacher’s voice, carrying it to the farthest reaches of the church. Similarly, ideas can be spread by a figurative sounding board. A publication, for example, can be a sounding board for propaganda. That’s one modern sense of the word. But when sound bounces off a literal sounding board, not only does it reach more people, it also comes across more clearly. Likewise, “bouncing” ideas off another person can lend clarity to one’s thought processes. If someone comes to you and says “How does this sound?” and leaves with his or her mind made up (whether or not you’ve ventured a word), you have served as a very effective sounding board.

Answer 620

A

bask\ˈbask\

: to lie or relax happily in a bright and warm place
: to enjoy the attention and good feelings expressed by others

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to lie or relax in a pleasant warmth or atmosphere
2 : to take pleasure or derive enjoyment

transitive verb
obsolete : to warm by continued exposure to heat

Examples
We sat basking in the sun.
Tourists were basking on the beaches.
He stood before the audience, basking in their applause.

Origin: Middle English, probably from Old Norse bathask, reflexive of batha to bathe; akin to Old English bæth bath.

Synonyms: rest, kick back, loll, lounge, relax, repose

Answer 621

A

se·di·tion\si-ˈdi-shən\

noun
: the crime of saying, writing, or doing something that encourages people to disobey their government

Full Definition
: incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority

Origin: Middle English sedicioun, from Anglo-French sediciun, from Latin sedition-, seditio, literally, separation, from sed-, se- apart + ition-, itio act of going, from ire to go — more at secede, issue.
First use: 14th century

Answer 622

A

har·ry\ˈher-ē, ˈha-rē\

transitive verb
1 : to make a pillaging or destructive raid on : assault
2 : to force to move along by harassing
3 : to torment by or as if by constant attack
synonyms see worry
Other forms: har·ried; har·ry·ing
Origin: Middle English harien, from Old English hergian; akin to Old High German heriōn to lay waste, heri army, Greek koiranos ruler.
First use: before 12th century

Answer 623

A

re·lent\ri-ˈlent\

: to agree to do or accept something that you have been resisting or opposing
: to become less severe, harsh, strong, determined, etc.

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 a : to become less severe, harsh, or strict usually from reasons of humanity 
b : to cease resistance : give in
2 : let up, slacken

transitive verb
obsolete : soften, mollify

synonyms see yield

Examples
the supervisor finally relented in the face of the petition, and allowed employees to take longer lunch breaks
the fury of the storm relented, and the next day the sun finally broke through the clouds

Origin: Middle English, to melt, soften, from Anglo-French relenter, from re- + Latin lentare to bend, from lentus soft, pliant, slow — more at lithe.

Synonyms: blink, bow, budge, capitulate, concede, give in, knuckle under, quit, yield, submit, succumb, surrender

Antonyms: resist

Answer 624

A

in·ves·ti·ture\in-ˈves-tə-ˌchu̇r, -chər, -ˌtyu̇r, -ˌtu̇r\

noun
: a formal ceremony at which someone is placed in an office or given an official rank

Full Definition
1 : the act of establishing in office or ratifying
2 : something that covers or adorns

Examples
the investiture of a new member of parliament

Origin: Middle English, from Medieval Latin investitura, from investitus, past participle of investire.

Synonyms: baptism, inaugural, inauguration, induction, initiation, installment (also instalment), installation, investment

Answer 625

A

ex·pur·gate\ˈek-spər-ˌgāt\

: to change (a written work) by removing parts that might offend people

Full Definition
transitive verb
: to cleanse of something morally harmful, offensive, or erroneous; especially : to expunge objectionable parts from before publication or presentation

Other forms: ex·pur·gat·ed; ex·pur·gat·ing
ex·pur·ga·tion \ˌek-spər-ˈgā-shən\ noun
ex·pur·ga·tor \ˈek-spər-ˌgā-tər\ noun

Examples
the newspaper had to expurgate the expletive-laden speech that the criminal made upon being sentenced to life imprisonment

Origin: Latin expurgatus, past participle of expurgare, from ex- + purgare to purge.

Synonyms: bowdlerize, clean (up), censor, launder, red-pencil

Answer 626

A

con·fab·u·late\kən-ˈfa-byə-ˌlāt\

intransitive verb
1 : to talk informally : chat
2 : to hold a discussion : confer
3 : to fill in gaps in memory by fabrication

Other forms: con·fab·u·lat·ed; con·fab·u·lat·ing
con·fab·u·la·tion \kən-ˌfa-byə-ˈlā-shən\ noun
con·fab·u·la·tor \kən-ˈfa-byə-ˌlā-tər\ noun
con·fab·u·la·to·ry -lə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective

Examples
an Alzheimer’s support group in which caregivers can confabulate as well as commiserate

Origin: Latin confabulatus, past participle of confabulari, from com- + fabulari to talk, from fabula story — more at fable.

Synonyms: advise, confab, confer, consult, counsel, parley, powwow, treat

Answer 627

A

ver·dant\ˈvər-dənt\

adjective
: green with growing plants

Full Definition
1 a : green in tint or color
b : green with growing plants
2 : unripe in experience or judgment : green 9a, b

ver·dan·cy -dən(t)-sē\ noun
ver·dant·ly -dənt-lē\ adverb

Examples
a beautiful, verdant field

Origin: modification of Middle French verdoyant, from present participle of verdoyer to be green, from Old French verdoier, from verd, vert green, from Latin viridis, from virēre to be green.

Synonyms: green, grown, leafy, luxuriant, overgrown, lush

Antonyms: barren, leafless

Answer 628

A

pe·ter\ˈpē-tər\

intransitive verb
1 : to diminish gradually and come to an end : give out — usually used with out
2 : to become exhausted — usually used with

2peter
noun
often vulgar
\: penis
Origin: from the name Peter.
First use: circa 1902

Answer 629

A

pel·lu·cid\pə-ˈlü-səd\

adjective
: very clear

Full Definition
1 : admitting maximum passage of light without diffusion or distortion <a>
2 : reflecting light evenly from all surfaces
3 : easy to understand</a>

pel·lu·cid·ly \pə-ˈlü-səd-lē\ adverb

Examples

the pellucid waters that lap upon that island’s beaches

her poetry has a pellucid simplicity that betrays none of the sweat that went into writing it

Origin: Latin pellucidus, from per through + lucidus lucid — more at for.

Synonyms: crystal, crystal clear, crystalline, limpid, liquid, lucent, clear, see-through, transparent

Antonyms: cloudy, opaque</a>

Answer 630

A

sten·to·ri·an\sten-ˈtȯr-ē-ən\

adjective
: very loud

Full Definition
: extremely loud

synonyms see loud

Examples
the professor’s stentorian voice was enough to keep even the drowsiest student awake

Synonyms: blaring, blasting, booming, clamorous, clangorous, deafening, earsplitting, piercing, plangent, resounding, ringing, roaring, slam-bang, sonorous, loud, thundering, thunderous

Antonyms: gentle, low, soft

Answer 631

A

vo·lup·tu·ous\və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs, -shəs\

adjective
of a woman : very attractive because of having large hips and breasts
: giving pleasure to the senses

Full Definition
1 a : full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : luxurious <a> </a><a>
b : suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form
2 : given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications </a><a></a>

synonyms see sensuous

vo·lup·tu·ous·ly adverb
vo·lup·tu·ous·ness noun

Examples
the voluptuous richness of the music

Origin: Middle English, from Latin voluptuosus, irregular from voluptas pleasure, from volup pleasurable; akin to Greek elpesthai to hope, Latin velle to wish — more at will.

Synonyms: carnal, fleshly, luscious, lush, sensuous, sensual</a>

Answer 632

A

vo·lup·tu·ous\və-ˈləp(t)-shə-wəs, -shəs\

adjective
of a woman : very attractive because of having large hips and breasts
: giving pleasure to the senses

Full Definition
1 a : full of delight or pleasure to the senses : conducive to or arising from sensuous or sensual gratification : luxurious <a> </a><a>
b : suggesting sensual pleasure by fullness and beauty of form
2 : given to or spent in enjoyment of luxury, pleasure, or sensual gratifications </a><a></a>

synonyms see sensuous

vo·lup·tu·ous·ly adverb
vo·lup·tu·ous·ness noun

Examples
the voluptuous richness of the music

Origin: Middle English, from Latin voluptuosus, irregular from voluptas pleasure, from volup pleasurable; akin to Greek elpesthai to hope, Latin velle to wish — more at will.

Synonyms: carnal, fleshly, luscious, lush, sensuous, sensual</a>

Answer 633

A

ver·biage\ˈvər-bē-ij also -bij\

noun
: speech or writing that contains too many words or that uses words that are more difficult than necessary

Full Definition
1 : a profusion of words usually of little or obscure content
2 : manner of expressing oneself in words : diction

Examples

teachers loathe the verbiage that students resort to in order to pad a paper

the pretentious verbiage that one finds in the reviews of self-important art critics

as per the standard verbiage of military reports, the assault was launched at “0700 hours”

Origin: French, from Middle French verbier to chatter, alteration of Old French verboier, verbloier, from Old French (Picard dialect) werbler to trill — more at warble.

Synonyms: circumlocution, diffuseness, diffusion, garrulity, garrulousness, logorrhea, long-windedness, periphrasis, prolixity, redundancy, verbalism, verboseness, verbosity, windiness, wordage, wordiness

Answer 634

A

cat·a·ract\ˈka-tə-ˌrakt\
noun
medical : a condition in which a part of your eye (called the lens) becomes cloudy and you cannot see well
: a large waterfall
Full Definition
1 [Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French catharacte, from Medieval Latin cataracta, from Latin, portcullis] : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light
2 a obsolete : waterspout
b : waterfall; especially : a large one over a precipice
c : steep rapids in a river
d : downpour, flood
cat·a·rac·tous \ˌka-tə-ˈrak-təs\ adjective
Examples
the roaring cataract is one of the park’s most majestic sights
in spring the melting snows usually produce a cataract that inundates the valley
Origin: Latin cataracta waterfall, portcullis, from Greek kataraktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from kata- + arassein to strike, dash.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: cascade, waterfall, fall(s)
Antonyms: drought (also drouth)

Answer 635

A

flay\ˈflā\

: to beat or whip (someone or something) in a very violent and severe way

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to strip off the skin or surface of : skin
2 : to criticize harshly : excoriate
3 : lash 1b

Examples
He was flayed by the media for his thoughtless comments.
her husband flayed her constantly for her incessant shopping
Origin: Middle English flen, from Old English flēan; akin to Old Norse flā to flay, Lithuanian plėšti to tear.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: baste, bawl out, berate, call down, castigate, chastise, chew out, dress down, scold, hammer, jaw, keelhaul, lambaste (or lambast), lecture, rag, rail (at or against), rant (at), rate, ream (out), rebuke, reprimand, reproach, score, tongue-lash, upbraid

Answer 636

A

con·strict\kən-ˈstrikt\

: to make (something) narrower, smaller, or tighter
: to become narrower, smaller, or tighter
: to prevent or keep (something or someone) from developing freely

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to make narrow or draw together 
b : compress, squeeze 
2 : to stultify, stop, or cause to falter : inhibit

intransitive verb
: to become constricted

synonyms see contract
con·stric·tive -ˈstrik-tiv\ adjective

Examples
the vessel constricted, thereby reducing the flow of blood
constricted the opening with a clamp

Origin: Latin constrictus, past participle of constringere.

Synonyms: compress, condense, contract, shrink

Antonyms: balloon, expand, snowball, swell

Answer 637

A

con·ti·nence\ˈkän-tə-nən(t)s\

noun
1 : self-restraint; especially : a refraining from sexual intercourse
2 : the ability to retain a bodily discharge voluntarily

Examples
argued for a pregnancy-prevention program that did not put so much faith in the continence of teenagers
experiencing a moment of unusual continence, I refrained from returning her gratuitous insult
a religious sect that demanded nearly superhuman continence from its adherents

Synonyms: abstinence, chasteness, chastity, celibacy
Antonyms: disinhibition, incontinence, unconstraint

Answer 638

A

mien\ˈmēn\

noun
: a person’s appearance or facial expression
Full Definition
1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : demeanor
2 : appearance, aspect
synonyms see bearing

Examples
a kindly mien
He has the mien of an ancient warrior.
Origin: by shortening & alteration from 1demean.
First use: 1522
Synonyms: aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, appearance, outside, presence, regard [archaic]

Answer 639

A

in·dem·ni·ty\in-ˈdem-nə-tē\

noun
: a promise to pay for the cost of possible damage, loss, or injury
: a payment made to someone because of damage, loss, or injury

Full Definition
1 a : security against hurt, loss, or damage
b : exemption from incurred penalties or liabilities
2 a : indemnification 1
b : something that indemnifies
3 : fee-for-service — usually used attributively

Other forms: plural in·dem·ni·ties

Examples
the widow now lives on a pension and an indemnity from her late husband’s company

Synonyms: damages, indemnification, compensation, quittance, recompense, recoupment, redress, remuneration, reparation, reprisal(s), requital, restitution, satisfaction

Answer 640

A

re·ver·sion\ri-ˈvər-zhən, -shən\

noun
: an act or process of returning to an earlier condition or state
law : the returning of property to a former owner or to a person who received the right to it when the former owner died

Full Definition
1 a : the part of a simple estate remaining in the control of its owner after the owner has granted therefrom a lesser particular estate
b : a future interest in property left in the control of a grantor or the grantor’s successor
2 : the right of succession or future possession or enjoyment
3 a : an act or the process of returning (as to a former condition)
b : a return toward an ancestral type or condition : reappearance of an ancestral character
4 : an act or instance of turning the opposite way : the state of being so turned
5 : a product of reversion; specifically : an organism with an atavistic character : throwback
Examples
after the birth of his baby brother, the toddler temporarily underwent a kind of reversion, acting like a baby himself
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin reversion-, reversio act of returning, from revertere.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: retrogression, regression
Antonyms: advancement, development, evolution, progression

Answer 641

A

rap·proche·ment\ˌra-ˌprōsh-ˈmäⁿ, -ˌprȯsh-; ra-ˈprōsh-ˌ\

noun
: the development of friendlier relations between countries or groups of people who have been enemies

Full Definition
: establishment of or state of having cordial relations

Examples
an era of rapprochement between Mexico and the U.S. that was highlighted by a new trade agreement

Origin: French, from rapprocher to bring together, from Middle French, from re- + approcher to approach, from Old French aprochier, from Late Latin appropiare — more at approach.

Synonyms: communion, fellowship, rapport

Answer 642

A

wade\ˈwād\

: to walk through water
: to move or proceed with difficulty
: to become involved in a discussion, situation, activity, etc., in a forceful, direct, or careless way

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to step in or through a medium (as water) offering more resistance than air
2 : to move or proceed with difficulty or labor
3 : to set to work or attack with determination or vigor — used with in or into

transitive verb
: to pass or cross by wading

Other forms: wad·ed; wad·ing
wad·able or wade·able \ˈwā-də-bəl\ adjective

Origin: Middle English, from Old English wadan; akin to Old High German watan to go, wade, Latin vadere to go.

2wade
noun
: an act of wading <a>
First use: 1665</a>

Answer 643

A

Shadkhan (noun) plural shad·kha·nim [Yiddish, Ashkenazic Hebrew shaht-khaw-nim; Sephardic Hebrew shaht-khah-neem] Show IPA. English, shad·khans. Yiddish and Hebrew

Answer 644

A

cha·grin\shə-ˈgrin\

noun
: a feeling of being frustrated or annoyed because of failure or disappointment

Full Definition
: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure

Origin: French, from chagrin sad.

2cha·grin\shə-ˈgrin\

transitive verb
: to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating

Other forms: cha·grined -ˈgrind\; cha·grin·ing -ˈgri-niŋ\
Origin: (see 1chagrin ).
First use: 1733

Answer 645

A

in·gur·gi·tate\in-ˈgər-jə-ˌtāt\

transitive verb
: to swallow greedily or in large quantities : guzzle

Other forms: in·gur·gi·tat·ed; in·gur·gi·tat·ing
in·gur·gi·ta·tion (ˌ)in-ˌgər-jə-ˈtā-shən\ noun

Examples
with no time for fine dining, we just ingurgitated our food and went on our way

Origin: Latin ingurgitatus, past participle of ingurgitare, from in- + gurgit-, gurges whirlpool — more at voracious.

Synonyms: bolt, cram, devour, glut [archaic], gorge, gormandize, gulp, gobble, inhale, raven, scarf, scoff, slop, wolf

Answer 646

A

ram·bunc·tious\ram-ˈbəŋk-shəs\

adjective
: uncontrolled in a way that is playful or full of energy

Full Definition
: marked by uncontrollable exuberance : unruly

ram·bunc·tious·ly adverb
ram·bunc·tious·ness noun

Examples
that beach is often taken over by packs of rambunctious young people, so don’t go there expecting peace and quiet

Origin: probably alteration of rumbustious.

Synonyms: hell-raising, knockabout, boisterous, raucous, robustious, roisterous, rollicking, rowdy, rumbustious [chiefly British]

Antonyms: orderly

Answer 647

A

im·por·tu·nate\im-ˈpȯr-chə-nət, -tyu̇-nət\

adjective
: making repeated or annoying requests or demands
: causing annoyance or trouble

Full Definition
1 : troublesomely urgent : overly persistent in request or demand
2 : troublesome

im·por·tu·nate·ly adverb
im·por·tu·nate·ness noun

Examples
the demands of the chairmanship were becoming too importunate for me to continue without an assistant

Synonyms: burning, clamant, compelling, critical, crying, dire, emergent, exigent, imperative, imperious, acute, instant, necessitous, pressing, urgent

Antonyms: noncritical, nonurgent

Answer 648

A

re·crim·i·na·tion\ri-ˌkri-mə-ˈnā-shən\

noun
: an angry statement in which you accuse or criticize a person who has accused or criticized you

Full Definition
: a retaliatory accusation; also : the making of such accusations

re·crim·i·nate -ˈkri-mə-ˌnāt\ intransitive verb
re·crim·i·na·tive -ˌnā-tiv\ adjective
re·crim·i·na·to·ry -ˈkri-mə-nə-ˌtȯr-ē, -ˈkrim-nə-\

adjective
Origin: Medieval Latin recrimination-, recriminatio, from recriminare to make a retaliatory charge, from Latin re- + criminari to accuse — more at criminate.
First use: circa 1611

Answer 649

A

os·cu·late\ˈäs-kyə-ˌlāt\

transitive verb
: kiss

Other forms: os·cu·lat·ed; os·cu·lat·ing

Origin: Latin osculatus, past participle of osculari, from osculum kiss, from diminutive of os mouth — more at oral.
First use: circa 1656

Answer 650

A

hog·wash-ˌwȯsh, -ˌwäsh\

noun
: foolish or meaningless talk

Full Definition
1 : swill 2a, slop
2 : nonsense, balderdash

Examples
the librarian told us a lot of hogwash about how you can go to jail for having overdue books

Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, nonsense, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, piffle, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle

Answer 651

A

be·drag·gled\bi-ˈdra-gəld; bē-\

adjective
: wet or dirty from being in rain or mud

Full Definition
1 : soiled and stained by or as if by trailing in mud
2 : left wet and limp by or as if by rain
3 : dilapidated

Examples
the cat looked rather funny, all bedraggled and fit to be tied after her bath
found flood victims in bedraggled clothes

Synonyms: awash, bathed, wet, doused (also dowsed), drenched, dripping, logged, saturate, saturated, soaked, soaking, sodden, soggy, sopping, soppy, soused, washed, watered, waterlogged, water-soaked, watery

Antonyms: arid, dry, unwatered, waterless

Answer 652

A

ha·gi·og·ra·phy-gē-ˈä-grə-fē, -jē-\

noun
: a book about someone’s life that makes it seem better than it really is or was : a biography that praises someone too much
Full Definition
1 : biography of saints or venerated persons
2 : idealizing or idolizing biography

First use: 1821

Answer 653

A

staid\ˈstād\

adjective
: serious, boring, or old-fashioned
Full Definition
: marked by settled sedateness and often prim self-restraint : sober, grave

synonyms see serious

staid·ly adverb
staid·ness noun

Origin: from past participle of 3stay.

Synonyms: earnest, grave, humorless, no-nonsense, po-faced [British], sedate, severe, sober, sobersided, solemn, serious, uncomic, unsmiling, weighty

Antonyms: facetious, flip, flippant, humorous, jesting, jocular, joking, kittenish, ludic, playful

Answer 654

A

rope\ˈrōp\

noun
: a strong, thick string that is made by twisting many thin strings or fibers together
: a string on which a number of similar things are held together
: the special way things are done at a particular place or in a particular activity
Full Definition
1 a : a large stout cord of strands of fibers or wire twisted or braided together
b : a long slender strip of material used as rope
c : a hangman’s noose
d : lariat
2 : a row or string consisting of things united by or as if by braiding, twining, or threading
3 plural : special or basic techniques or procedures
4 : line drive
rope·like -ˌlīk\ adjective
on the ropes : in a defensive and often helpless position
Examples
Tie the end of the rope to the post.
She made a knot in the rope.
a six-foot length of rope
Origin: Middle English, from Old English rāp; akin to Old High German reif hoop.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: cable, lace, lacing, line, cord, string, wire
2rope
: to bind, fasten, or tie (something or someone) with a rope
: to catch (an animal) by throwing a circle of rope around it
: to use clever or tricky methods to get (someone) to do something
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to bind, fasten, or tie with a rope or cord
b : to partition, separate, or divide by a rope
c : lasso
2 : to draw as if with a rope : lure
intransitive verb
: to take the form of or twist in the manner of rope
Other forms: roped; rop·ing
rop·er noun
Examples
The dog was roped to the fence.
The boats were roped together at the dock.
Mountain climbers often rope themselves together for safety.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: cable, lace, lacing, line, cord, string, wire

Answer 655

A

ap·pa·rat·chik\ˌä-pə-ˈrä(t)-chik\
noun
: a very loyal member of an organization (such as a company or political party) who always obeys orders
Full Definition
1 : a member of a Communist apparat
2 : a blindly devoted official, follower, or member of an organization (as a corporation or political party) <a>
Other forms: plural ap·pa·rat·chiks also ap·pa·rat·chi·ki-chi-kē\
Origin: Russian, from apparat.
First use: 1941</a>

Answer 656

A

tor·rid\ˈtȯr-əd, ˈtär-\

adjective
: very hot and usually dry
: showing or expressing very strong feelings especially of sexual or romantic desire
: very difficult, uncomfortable, or unpleasant

Full Definition
1 a : parched with heat especially of the sun : hot
b : giving off intense heat : scorching
2 : ardent, passionate

tor·rid·i·ty \tȯ-ˈri-də-tē\ noun
tor·rid·ly \ˈtȯr-əd-lē, ˈtär-\ adverb
tor·rid·ness noun

Examples
the dry, torrid summers in southern Arizona
a torrid love affair

Origin: Latin torridus, from torrēre.

Synonyms: ardent, boiling, broiling, burning, fervent, fervid, fiery, piping hot, red, red-hot, roasting, scalding, scorching, searing, sultry, superheated, sweltering, hot, ultrahot, white-hot

Antonyms: algid, arctic, bitter, bone-chilling, cold, freezing, frigid, frozen, glacial, ice-cold, iced, icy

Answer 657

A

gen·u·flect\ˈjen-yə-ˌflekt\

: to kneel on one knee and then rise again as an act of respect
: to obey someone with power in a way that is seen as weak

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 a : to bend the knee
b : to touch the knee to the floor or ground especially in worship
2 : to be servilely obedient or respectful

gen·u·flec·tion \ˌjen-yə-ˈflek-shən\ noun

Origin: Late Latin genuflectere, from Latin genu knee + flectere to bend — more at knee.
First use: 1630

Answer 658

A

pru·ri·ent-ənt\

adjective
: having or showing too much interest in sex

Full Definition
: marked by or arousing an immoderate or unwholesome interest or desire; especially : marked by, arousing, or appealing to sexual desire

pru·ri·ent·ly adverb

Origin: Latin prurient-, pruriens, present participle of prurire to itch, crave; akin to Latin pruna glowing coal, Sanskrit ploṣati he singes, and probably to Latin pruina hoarfrost — more at freeze.
First use: 1592

Answer 659

A

de·sue·tude\ˈde-swi-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd, di-ˈsü-ə-, -ˈsyü-\

noun
: discontinuance from use or exercise : disuse

Examples
despite the long years of desuetude, the old manual typewriter seemed to work just fine

Origin: Middle English dissuetude, from Latin desuetudo, from desuescere to become unaccustomed, from de- + suescere to become accustomed; akin to Latin sodalis comrade — more at sib.

Synonyms: disuse, idleness, inactivity
Antonyms: use

Answer 660

A

cli·mac·ter·ic\klī-ˈmak-t(ə-)rik; ˌklī-ˌmak-ˈter-ik, -ˈtir-\
adjective
1 : constituting or relating to a climacteric
2 : critical, crucial
Origin: Latin climactericus, from Greek klimaktērikos, from klimaktēr critical point, literally, rung of a ladder, from klimak-, klimax ladder.
First use: 1582
Synonyms: apocalyptic (also apocalyptical), climactic
Synonyms: turning point, climax, corner, landmark, milepost, milestone, watershed
2climacteric
noun
1 : a major turning point or critical stage
2 a : menopause 1
b : andropause
3 : the marked and sudden rise in the respiratory rate of fruit just prior to full ripening
First use: circa 1630
Synonyms: apocalyptic (also apocalyptical), climactic
Synonyms: turning point, climax, corner, landmark, milepost, milestone, watershed

Answer 661

A

ca·su·ist·ry\ˈkazh-wə-strē, ˈka-zhə-\
noun
1. specious, deceptive, or oversubtle reasoning, especially in questions of morality; fallacious or dishonest application of general principles; sophistry.

the application of general ethical principles to particular cases of conscience or conduct.

Answer 662

A

con·dign\kən-ˈdīn, ˈkän-ˌ\

adjective
: deserved, appropriate

con·dign·ly adverb

Examples
a suspension without pay is condign punishment for breaking the company’s code of business ethics

Origin: Middle English condigne, from Anglo-French, from Latin condignus, from com- + dignus worthy — more at decent.

Synonyms: competent, just, deserved, due, fair, justified, merited, right, rightful, warranted

Antonyms: undeserved, undue, unfair, unjust, unjustified, unmerited, unwarranted

Answer 663

A

con·cu·pis·cence\kän-ˈkyü-pə-sən(t)s, kən-\

noun
: strong desire; especially : sexual desire

con·cu·pis·cent -sənt\ adjective

Examples
the Puritans did not condemn concupiscence but rather the satisfaction of it in ways they deemed illicit

according the church theologian St. Augustine, concupiscence is a consequence of original sin

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin concupiscentia, from Latin concupiscent-, concupiscens, present participle of concupiscere to desire ardently, from com- + cupere to desire.

Synonyms: desire, eroticism, horniness, hots, itch, lech, letch, libidinousness, lust, lustfulness, lustihood, passion, salaciousness

Answer 664

A

cloy\ˈklȯi\
transitive verb
: to surfeit with an excess usually of something originally pleasingintransitive verb
: to cause surfeit
synonyms see satiate
Origin: Middle English, to hinder, lame, alteration of acloyen to harm, maim, modification of Anglo-French encloer to nail, prick a horse with a nail in shoeing, from Medieval Latin inclavare, from Latin in + clavus nail.
First use: 1528

Answer 665

A

con·tu·ma·cious\ˌkän-tü-ˈmā-shəs, -tyü-ˈ, -chə-ˈ\

adjective
: stubbornly disobedient : rebellious

con·tu·ma·cious·ly adverb

Examples
the judge threatened to charge the contumacious witness with contempt of court

Synonyms: balky, contrary, disobedient, defiant, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, recusant, refractory, restive, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, wayward, willful (or wilful)

Antonyms: amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable

Answer 666

A

con·tu·me·li·ous\ˌkän-tü-ˈmē-lē-əs, -tyü-ˈ, -chə-ˈ\

adjective:

: insolently abusive and humiliating

con·tu·me·li·ous·ly adverb

Examples
a well-reasoned thesis that merited more than just a scornful, contumelious response

Synonyms: abusive, invective, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory

Answer 667

A

de·noue·ment

noun
: the final part of something (such as a book, a play, or a series of events)

Full Definition
1 : the final outcome of the main dramatic complication in a literary work
2 : the outcome of a complex sequence of events

Variants: also dé·noue·ment \ˌdā-ˌnü-ˈmäⁿ, dā-ˈnü-ˌ\

Origin: French dénouement, literally, untying, from Middle French desnouement, from desnouer to untie, from Old French desnoer, from des- de- + noer to tie, from Latin nodare, from nodus knot — more at node.
First use: 1705

Answer 668

A

sump·tu·ary\ˈsəm(p)-chə-ˌwer-ē\

adjective
1 : relating to personal expenditures and especially to prevent extravagance and luxury
2 : designed to regulate extravagant expenditures or habits especially on moral or religious grounds

Origin: Latin sumptuarius, from sumptus expense, from sumere to take, spend — more at consume.
First use: 1600

Answer 669

A

an·neal\ə-ˈnēl\

: to heat and then slowly cool (metal, glass, etc.) in order to make it stronger

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to heat and then cool (as steel or glass) usually for softening and making less brittle; also : to cool slowly usually in a furnace
b : to heat and then cool (double-stranded nucleic acid) in order to separate strands and induce combination at lower temperature with complementary strands
2 : strengthen, toughen

intransitive verb
: to be capable of combining with complementary nucleic acid by a process of heating and cooling

Origin: Middle English anelen to set on fire, from Old English onǣlan, from on + ǣlan to set on fire, burn, from āl fire; akin to Old English ǣled fire, Old Norse eldr.
First use: 1664

Answer 670

A

oro·tund\ˈȯr-ə-ˌtənd, ˈär-\

adjective
1 : marked by fullness, strength, and clarity of sound : sonorous
2 : pompous, bombastic
oro·tun·di·ty \ˌȯr-ə-ˈtən-də-tē, ˌär-\ noun

Examples
the tenor’s orotund voice was just what this soaring aria needs
a master of the orotund prose that is favored by academic journals of literary criticism

Origin: modification of Latin ore rotundo, literally, with round mouth.

Synonyms: golden, resonant, plangent, resounding, reverberant, reverberating, reverberative, ringing, rotund, round, sonorous, vibrant

Antonyms: unrhetorical

Answer 671

A

sal·ta·tion\sal-ˈtā-shən, sȯl-\

noun

1 a : the action or process of leaping or jumping
b : dance

2 a : the origin of a new species or a higher taxon in essentially a single evolutionary step that in some especially former theories is held to be due to a major mutation or to unknown causes — compare darwinism neo-darwinism punctuated equilibrium
b : mutation — used especially of bacteria and fungi

Origin: Latin saltation-, saltatio, from saltare to leap, dance, frequentative of salire to leap — more at sally.
First use: 1646

Answer 672

A

re·cur·sion\ri-ˈkər-zhən\

noun

1 : return 1

2 : the determination of a succession of elements (as numbers or functions) by operation on one or more preceding elements according to a rule or formula involving a finite number of steps

3 : a computer programming technique involving the use of a procedure, subroutine, function, or algorithm that calls itself one or more times until a specified condition is met at which time the rest of each repetition is processed from the last one called to the first — compare iteration

Origin: Late Latin recursion-, recursio, from recurrere.
First use: 1790

Answer 673

A

ex·ap·ta·tion\ˌeg-ˌzap-ˈtā-shən

—noun Biology.

a process in which a feature acquires a function that was not acquired through natural selection.
a feature having a function for which it was not originally adapted or selected.

a morphological or physiological feature that predisposes an organism to adapt to a different environment or lifestyle.

predisposition toward adaptation.

—Related forms
ex·apt·ed, adjective
ex·ap·tive [eg-zap-tiv, ig-, ek-sap-] , adjective

Answer 674

A

wal·low\ˈwä-(ˌ)lō\

: to spend time experiencing or enjoying something without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc.

: to roll about in deep mud or water

Full Definition

intransitive verb
1 : to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner
2 : to billow forth : surge
3 : to devote oneself entirely; especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : delight
4 a : to become abundantly supplied : luxuriate <a>
b : to indulge oneself immoderately
5 : to become or remain helpless</a>

wal·low·er \ˈwä-lə-wər\ noun

Origin: Middle English walwen, from Old English wealwian to roll — more at voluble.

2wallow
noun
1 : an act or instance of wallowing
2 a : a muddy area or one filled with dust used by animals for wallowing
b : a depression formed by or as if by the wallowing of animals
3 : a state of degradation or degeneracy
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 675

A

ba·thos\ˈbā-ˌthäs\

noun
: the sudden appearance of a silly idea or event in a book, movie discussion, etc., that is serious in tone

Full Definition
1 a : the sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style
b : anticlimax
2 : exceptional commonplaceness : triteness
3 : insincere or overdone pathos : sentimentalism

Examples
a novel that wallows in bathos

Origin: Greek, literally, depth.

Synonyms: sentimentality, gooeyness, lovey-doveyness, mawkishness, mush, mushiness, saccharinity, sappiness, sentimentalism, sloppiness, soppiness, syrup (also sirup)

Answer 676

A

gra·tu·itous\grə-ˈtü-ə-təs, -ˈtyü-\

adjective

: not necessary or appropriate

Full Definition
1 a : given unearned or without recompense
b : not involving a return benefit, compensation, or consideration
c : costing nothing : free
2 : not called for by the circumstances : unwarranted <a></a>

gra·tu·itous·ly adverb
gra·tu·itous·ness noun

Examples
they will throw in a gratuitous box of chocolates when you spend $30 or more in their shop
that violent scene was completely gratuitous and didn’t need to be in the movie at all

Origin: Latin gratuitus, from gratus.

Synonyms: complimentary, costless, gratis, free

Antonyms: essential, indispensable, necessary, needed, needful, required</a>

Answer 677

A

wal·low\ˈwä-(ˌ)lō\

: to spend time experiencing or enjoying something without making any effort to change your situation, feelings, etc.

: to roll about in deep mud or water

Full Definition

intransitive verb
1 : to roll oneself about in a lazy, relaxed, or ungainly manner
2 : to billow forth : surge
3 : to devote oneself entirely; especially : to take unrestrained pleasure : delight
4 a : to become abundantly supplied : luxuriate <a>
b : to indulge oneself immoderately
5 : to become or remain helpless</a>

wal·low·er \ˈwä-lə-wər\ noun

Origin: Middle English walwen, from Old English wealwian to roll — more at voluble.

2wallow
noun
1 : an act or instance of wallowing
2 a : a muddy area or one filled with dust used by animals for wallowing
b : a depression formed by or as if by the wallowing of animals
3 : a state of degradation or degeneracy
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 678

A

ba·thos\ˈbā-ˌthäs\

noun
: the sudden appearance of a silly idea or event in a book, movie discussion, etc., that is serious in tone

Full Definition
1 a : the sudden appearance of the commonplace in otherwise elevated matter or style
b : anticlimax
2 : exceptional commonplaceness : triteness
3 : insincere or overdone pathos : sentimentalism

Examples
a novel that wallows in bathos

Origin: Greek, literally, depth.

Synonyms: sentimentality, gooeyness, lovey-doveyness, mawkishness, mush, mushiness, saccharinity, sappiness, sentimentalism, sloppiness, soppiness, syrup (also sirup)

Answer 679

A

im·pe·cu·nious\ˌim-pi-ˈkyü-nyəs, -nē-əs\

adjective

: having little or no money

Full Definition
: having very little or no money usually habitually : penniless

im·pe·cu·ni·os·i·ty -ˌkyü-nē-ˈä-sə-tē\ noun
im·pe·cu·nious·ly adverb
im·pe·cu·nious·ness noun

Examples
they were so impecunious that they couldn’t afford to give one another even token Christmas gifts

Origin: 1in- + obsolete English pecunious rich, from Middle English, from Latin pecuniosus, from pecunia money — more at fee.

Synonyms: beggared, beggarly, broke, destitute, dirt-poor, down-and-out, famished, hard up, poor, impoverished, indigent, necessitous, needful, needy, pauperized, penniless, penurious, poverty-stricken, skint [chiefly British], threadbare

Antonyms: affluent, deep-pocketed, fat, fat-cat, flush, moneyed (also monied), opulent, rich, silk-stocking, wealthy, well-heeled, well-off, well-to-do

Answer 680

A

be·night·ed\bi-ˈnī-təd, bē-\

adjective
: having no knowledge or education

Full Definition
1 : overtaken by darkness or night
2 : existing in a state of intellectual, moral, or social darkness : unenlightened

be·night·ed·ly adverb
be·night·ed·ness noun

Examples
the poor benighted souls who do not know the joys of reading

Synonyms: analphabetic, ignorant, dark, illiterate, nonliterate, rude, simple, uneducated, uninstructed, unlearned, unlettered, unread, unschooled, untaught, untutored

Antonyms: educated, knowledgeable, lettered, literate, schooled, well-informed, well-read

Answer 681

A

put–up·on\ˈpu̇t-ə-ˌpȯn, -ˌpän\

adjective
: feeling that someone is taking advantage of you or treating you unfairly

Full Definition
: imposed upon : taken advantage of

First use: 1866

Answer 682

A

dit·to\ˈdi-(ˌ)tō\
noun
: a pair of marks “ used underneath a word to save space and show that the word is repeated where the marks are
Full Definition
1 : a thing mentioned previously or above — used to avoid repeating a word — often symbolized by inverted commas or apostrophes
2 : a ditto mark
Other forms: plural dittos
Origin: Italian ditto, detto, past participle of dire to say, from Latin dicere — more at diction.
First use: circa 1639
Synonyms: akin, analogous, cognate, comparable, connate, correspondent, corresponding, alike, like, matching, parallel, resemblant, resembling, similar, such, suchlike
Antonyms: different, dissimilar, diverse, unakin, unlike
Synonyms: alike, correspondingly, also, likewise, similarly, so
Antonyms: differently, dissimilarly, otherwise
Synonyms: repeat, echo, parrot, quote, reecho
2dit·to\ˈdi-(ˌ)tō\
adjective
: having the same characteristics : similar
Origin: (see 1ditto ).
First use: 1776
Synonyms: akin, analogous, cognate, comparable, connate, correspondent, corresponding, alike, like, matching, parallel, resemblant, resembling, similar, such, suchlike
Antonyms: different, dissimilar, diverse, unakin, unlike
Synonyms: alike, correspondingly, also, likewise, similarly, so
Antonyms: differently, dissimilarly, otherwise
Synonyms: repeat, echo, parrot, quote, reecho
3dit·to\ˈdi-(ˌ)tō\
adverb
—used to say that whatever you have said about one person or thing is also true of another person or thing
—used in speech to show you agree with what someone has just said or have the same opinion
Full Definition
: as before or aforesaid : in the same manner
Origin: (see 1ditto ).
First use: 1706
Synonyms: akin, analogous, cognate, comparable, connate, correspondent, corresponding, alike, like, matching, parallel, resemblant, resembling, similar, such, suchlike
Antonyms: different, dissimilar, diverse, unakin, unlike
Synonyms: alike, correspondingly, also, likewise, similarly, so
Antonyms: differently, dissimilarly, otherwise
Synonyms: repeat, echo, parrot, quote, reecho
4dit·to\ˈdi-(ˌ)tō\
transitive verb
1 : to repeat the action or statement of
2 [from Ditto, a trademark] : to copy (as printed matter) on a duplicator
Origin: (see 1ditto ).
First use: 1725
Synonyms: akin, analogous, cognate, comparable, connate, correspondent, corresponding, alike, like, matching, parallel, resemblant, resembling, similar, such, suchlike
Antonyms: different, dissimilar, diverse, unakin, unlike
Synonyms: alike, correspondingly, also, likewise, similarly, so
Antonyms: differently, dissimilarly, otherwise
Synonyms: repeat, echo, parrot, quote, reecho

Answer 683

A

wry\ˈrī\

intransitive verb
: twist, writhe

transitive verb
: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry

Other forms: wried; wry·ing

Origin: Middle English wrien, from Old English wrigian to turn; akin to Middle High German rigel kerchief wound around the head, Greek rhiknos shriveled, Avestan urvisyeiti he turns.

2wry
adjective
: humorous in a clever and often ironic way
: showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc.

Full Definition
1 : having a bent or twisted shape or condition <a>; also : turned abnormally to one side </a><a>
2 : wrongheaded 1
3 : cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous</a>

Other forms: wry·er \ˈrī(-ə)r\; wry·est \ˈrī-əst\
wry·ly \ˈrī-lē\ adverb
wry·ness noun
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 684

A

be·la·bor\bi-ˈlā-bər, bē-\

: to talk about (something) for too long : to repeat or stress (something) too much or too often
: to attack or criticize (someone)

Full Definition

transitive verb
1 a : to attack verbally
b : to beat soundly
2 : to explain or insist on excessively

Examples
stop belaboring the fact that they’re already in debt
there’s no need to belabor other people’s flaws when you’re hardly perfect yourself

with a whip he belabored a horse almost to the point of death

Synonyms: dwell (on or upon), harp (on)

Antonyms: disregard, forget, ignore, overlook, overpass, pass over, slight, slur (over)

Answer 685

A

pi·a·nis·si·mo\ˌpē-ə-ˈni-sə-ˌmō\

adverb or adjective

music : very softly

Full Definition
: very softly — used as a direction in music

Origin: Italian, from piano softly.

2pianissimo

noun
: a passage played, sung, or spoken very softly
Other forms: plural pianissimi -(ˌ)mē\ or pianissimos

Answer 686

A

re·dact\ri-ˈdakt\

transitive verb
1 : to put in writing : frame
2 : to select or adapt (as by obscuring or removing sensitive information) for publication or release; broadly : edit
3 : to obscure or remove (text) from a document prior to publication or release

Origin: Middle English, from Latin redactus, past participle of redigere.
First use: 15th century

Answer 687

A

ir·re·den·tism-ˈden-ˌti-zəm\

noun
: a political principle or policy directed toward the incorporation of irredentas within the boundaries of their historically or ethnically related political unit

ir·re·den·tist -ˈden-tist\ noun or adjective
First use: 1883

Answer 688

A

bun·kum

noun
: foolish or untrue words or ideas

Full Definition
: insincere or foolish talk : nonsense

Examples
a cinematic depiction of the Middle Ages that was derided as pure bunkum by historians

Variants: or bun·combe \ˈbəŋ-kəm\

Origin: Buncombe county, North Carolina; from a remark made by its congressman, who defended an irrelevant speech by claiming that he was speaking to Buncombe.

Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, nonsense (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, piffle, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle

Answer 689

A

ca·su·ist·ry\ˈkazh-wə-strē, ˈka-zhə-\

noun

1 : a resolving of specific cases of conscience, duty, or conduct through interpretation of ethical principles or religious doctrine

2 : specious argument : rationalization

Other forms: plural ca·su·ist·ries
First use: 1723

Answer 690

A

one–up·man·ship\ˌwən-ˈəp-mən-ˌship\

noun

: behavior in which someone tries to get an advantage by doing, saying, or having better things than someone else

Full Definition
: the art or practice of outdoing or keeping one jump ahead of a friend or competitor

Variants: also one–ups·man·ship -ˈəps-mən-\
First use: 1952

Answer 691

A

as·say\ˈa-ˌsā, a-ˈsā\

noun
1 archaic : trial, attempt
2 : examination and determination as to characteristics (as weight, measure, or quality)
3 : analysis (as of an ore or drug) to determine the presence, absence, or quantity of one or more components; also : a test used in this analysis
4 : a substance to be assayed; also : the tabulated result of assaying
Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French assai, essai — more at essay.

Synonyms: anatomizing, anatomy, analysis, breakdown, deconstruction, dissection

Synonyms: anatomize, analyze, break down, cut, deconstruct, dissect

2as·say\a-ˈsā, ˈa-ˌsā\

: to test something (such as a metal or drug) to find out what it contains

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : try, attempt
2 a : to analyze (as an ore) for one or more specific components 
b : to judge the worth of : estimate

intransitive verb
: to prove up in an assay

as·say·er noun

Synonyms: anatomizing, anatomy, analysis, breakdown, deconstruction, dissection

Synonyms: anatomize, analyze, break down, cut, deconstruct, dissect

Answer 692

A

va·lence\ˈvā-lən(t)s\

noun

chemistry : the amount of power of an atom which is determined by the number of electrons the atom will lose, gain, or share when it forms compounds

Full Definition
1 : the degree of combining power of an element as shown by the number of atomic weights of a monovalent element (as hydrogen) with which the atomic weight of the element will combine or for which it can be substituted or with which it can be compared
2 a : relative capacity to unite, react, or interact (as with antigens or a biological substrate)
b : the degree of attractiveness an individual, activity, or thing possesses as a behavioral goal

Origin: Late Latin valentia power, capacity, from Latin valent-, valens, present participle of valēre to be strong — more at wield.
First use: 1884

Answer 693

A

fast·ness\ˈfas(t)-nəs\

noun

: a place that is difficult to get to or that can be easily defended if it is attacked

Full Definition
1 : the quality or state of being fast: as 
a : the quality or state of being fixed 
b : the quality or state of being swift 
c : colorfast quality 
d : resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
2 a : a fortified or secure place 
b : a remote and secluded place

Examples
the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he’d used any water
the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains
his uncompromising fastness to the cause of freedom was beyond question

Synonyms: celerity, speed, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speediness, swiftness, velocity

Antonyms: slowness, sluggishness

Answer 694

A

fast·ness\ˈfas(t)-nəs\

noun

: a place that is difficult to get to or that can be easily defended if it is attacked

Full Definition
1 : the quality or state of being fast: as 
a : the quality or state of being fixed 
b : the quality or state of being swift 
c : colorfast quality 
d : resistance (as of an organism) to the action of a usually toxic substance
2 a : a fortified or secure place 
b : a remote and secluded place

Examples
the amazing fastness with which the boy took his shower had us wondering if he’d used any water
the guerillas retreated to their network of hidden fastnesses deep within the mountains
his uncompromising fastness to the cause of freedom was beyond question

Synonyms: celerity, speed, fleetness, haste, hurry, quickness, rapidity, rapidness, speediness, swiftness, velocity

Antonyms: slowness, sluggishness

Answer 695

A

an·vil\ˈan-vəl\

noun
: a heavy iron block on which heated metal is shaped by hitting it with a hammer

Full Definition
1 : a heavy usually steel-faced iron block on which metal is shaped (as by hand hammering)
2 : incus
3 : the anvil–shaped top of a cumulonimbus

Origin: Middle English anfilt, from Old English; akin to Old High German anafalz anvil; akin to Latin pellere to beat — more at felt.

Answer 696

A

émi·nence grise\ā-mē-näⁿs-ˈgrēz\
noun
1 : a confidential agent; especially : one exercising unsuspected or unofficial power
2 : a respected authority; specifically : elder statesman
Other forms: plural éminences grises \same\
Origin: French, literally, gray eminence, nickname of Père Joseph (François du Tremblay) †1638 French monk and diplomat, confidant of Cardinal Richelieu who was known as Éminence Rouge red eminence; from the colors of their respective habits.
First use: 1925
Synonyms: doyen, elder, elder statesman, dean, nestor, senior
Antonyms: baby, junior

Answer 697

A

pil·lion\ˈpil-yən\

noun
: a seat for a passenger on a motorcycle
Full Definition
1 a : a light saddle for women consisting chiefly of a cushion
b : a pad or cushion put on behind a man’s saddle chiefly for a woman to ride on
2 chiefly British : a motorcycle or bicycle saddle for a passenger
Origin: Scottish Gaelic or Irish; Scottish Gaelic pillean, diminutive of peall covering, couch; Irish pillín, diminutive of peall covering, couch.
First use: 1503
2pillion
adverb
chiefly British
: on or as if on a pillion
First use: 1852

Answer 698

A

usu·fruc·tu·ary

\ˌyü-zə-ˈfrək-chə-ˌwer-ē, -sə-\
noun
1 : one having the usufruct of property
2 : one having the use or enjoyment of something
First use: circa 1618
2usufructuary
adjective
\: of, relating to, or having the character of a usufruct
First use: 1710

Answer 699

A

wring\ˈriŋ\

: to twist and squeeze (wet cloth, hair, etc.) to remove water
: to get (something) out of someone or something with a lot of effort
: to twist and break (an animal’s neck) in order to kill the animal

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to squeeze or twist especially so as to make dry or to extract moisture or liquid
2 : to extract or obtain by or as if by twisting and compressing
3 a : to twist so as to strain or sprain into a distorted shape <i>
b : to twist together (clasped hands) as a sign of anguish
4 : to affect painfully as if by wringing : torment <a></a></i>

intransitive verb
: squirm, writhe

Other forms: wrung \ˈrəŋ\; wring·ing \ˈriŋ-iŋ\

wring noun

Examples
I wrung the towel and hung it up to dry.
I wrung my hair and wrapped it in a towel.
The rag was wrung dry.

Origin: Middle English, from Old English wringan; akin to Old High German ringan to struggle, Lithuanian rengtis to bend down, Old English wyrgan to strangle — more at worry.

Synonyms: exact, wrest, extort</a></i>

Answer 700

A

ex·ult\ig-ˈzəlt\

: to feel or show great happiness
: to say (something) in a very excited and happy way

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 obsolete : to leap for joy
2 : to be extremely joyful : rejoice 
ex·ult·ing·ly \-ˈzəl-tiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples
the winners of the Super Bowl spent the next week exulting in their victory

Origin: Middle French exulter, from Latin exsultare, literally, to leap up, from ex- + saltare to leap — more at saltation.

Synonyms: crow, delight, exuberate, glory, jubilate, joy, kvell, rejoice, triumph, kick up one’s heels

Answer 701

A

bump·tious\ˈbəm(p)-shəs\

adjective
: proud or confident in a loud and rude way that annoys other people

Full Definition
: presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive : obtrusive

bump·tious·ly adverb
bump·tious·ness noun

Examples
a bumptious young man whose family wealth gave him a sense of entitlement

Origin: 1bump + -tious (as in fractious).

Synonyms: assumptive, arrogant, cavalier, chesty, haughty, highfalutin (also hifalutin), high-and-mighty, high-handed, high-hat, huffish, huffy, imperious, important, lofty, lordly, masterful, overweening, peremptory, pompous, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious, self-asserting, self-assertive, sniffy, stiff-necked, supercilious, superior, toplofty (also toploftical), uppish, uppity

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Answer 702

A

gut·tur·al\ˈgə-tə-rəl, ˈgə-trəl\

adjective
: formed or pronounced in the throat

Full Definition
1 : articulated in the throat
2 : velar
3 : being or marked by utterance that is strange, unpleasant, or disagreeable

guttural noun
gut·tur·al·ism \ˈgə-tə-rə-ˌli-zəm, ˈgə-trə-\ noun

Origin: Middle French, probably from Medieval Latin gutturalis, from Latin guttur throat.
First use: 1594

Answer 703

A

spright·ly-lē\
adjective
: full of life and energy
Full Definition
1 : marked by a gay lightness and vivacity : spirited <a>
2 : having a distinctively piquant taste : zesty </a><a>
synonyms see lively
Other forms: spright·li·er; spright·li·est
spright·li·ness noun
sprightly adverb
Examples
a sprightly child who often claims to be too tired to move when it’s time to do chores
Origin: obsolete spright (sprite), alteration of sprite.
First use: 1596
Synonyms: active, airy, animate, animated, bouncing, brisk, energetic, frisky, gay, jaunty, jazzy, kinetic, mettlesome, peppy, perky, pert, pizzazzy (or pizazzy), racy, snappy, spanking, sparky, spirited, lively, springy, vital, vivacious, zippy
Antonyms: dead, inactive, inanimate, lackadaisical, languid, languishing, languorous, leaden, lifeless, limp, listless, spiritless, vapid</a>

Answer 704

A

tur·gid\ˈtər-jəd\
adjective
: very complicated and difficult to understand
: larger or fuller than normal because of swelling
Full Definition
1 : being in a state of distension : swollen, tumid ; especially : exhibiting turgor
2 : excessively embellished in style or language : bombastic, pompous
tur·gid·i·ty \ˌtər-ˈji-də-tē\ noun
tur·gid·ly \ˈtər-jəd-lē\ adverb
tur·gid·ness noun
Examples
turgid leeches having had their fill of blood
Origin: Latin turgidus, from turgēre to be swollen.
First use: 1620
Synonyms: blown, distended, overinflated, puffed, swollen, tumescent, tumid, bloated, varicose (also varicosed)

Answer 705

A

con·ster·na·tion\ˌkän(t)-stər-ˈnā-shən\

noun
: a strong feeling of surprise or sudden disappointment that causes confusion

Full Definition
: amazement or dismay that hinders or throws into confusion

Origin: French or Latin; French, from Latin consternation-, consternatio, from consternare to throw into confusion, from com- + -sternare, probably from sternere to spread, strike down — more at strew.

Answer 706

A

ap·pre·hen·sive\ˌa-pri-ˈhen(t)-siv\

adjective
: afraid that something bad or unpleasant is going to happen : feeling or showing fear or apprehension about the future

Full Definition
1 : capable of understanding or quick to do so : discerning
2 : having awareness or knowledge of something : cognizant
3 : viewing the future with anxiety or alarm

synonyms see fearful

ap·pre·hen·sive·ly adverb
ap·pre·hen·sive·ness noun

Examples
I’m fully apprehensive of the options, I assure you

Origin: (see apprehension ).

Synonyms: alive, conscious, aware, cognizant, mindful, sensible, sentient, ware, witting

Antonyms: insensible, oblivious, unaware, unconscious, unmindful, unwitting

Answer 707

A

dis·qui·si·tion\ˌdis-kwə-ˈzi-shən\

noun
: a long speech or written report on a subject

Full Definition
: a formal inquiry into or discussion of a subject : discourse

Examples
Adam Smith’s celebrated disquisition on the factors contributing to the wealth of nations

Origin: Latin disquisition-, disquisitio, from disquirere to investigate, from dis- + quaerere to seek.

Synonyms: delving, inquiry, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study

Answer 708

A

san·guine\ˈsaŋ-gwən\

adjective
: confident and hopeful

Full Definition
1 : bloodred
2 a : consisting of or relating to blood
b : bloodthirsty, sanguinary
c of the complexion : ruddy
3 : having blood as the predominating bodily humor; also : having the bodily conformation and temperament held characteristic of such predominance and marked by sturdiness, high color, and cheerfulness
4 : confident, optimistic

san·guine·ly adverb
san·guine·ness -gwən-nəs\ noun
san·guin·i·ty \saŋ-ˈgwi-nə-tē, san-\ noun

Origin: Middle English sanguin, from Anglo-French, from Latin sanguineus, from sanguin-, sanguis (see sanguinary )).

Synonyms: bloody, bloody-minded, homicidal, murdering, murderous, sanguinary, bloodthirsty, sanguineous

Antonyms: ashen, ashy, doughy, livid, lurid, mealy, pale, paled, palish, pallid, pasty, peaked, peaky, sallow, sallowish, wan

2san·guine\ˈsaŋ-gwən\
noun
: a moderate to strong red
Origin: (see 1sanguine ).

Synonyms: bloody, bloody-minded, homicidal, murdering, murderous, sanguinary, bloodthirsty, sanguineous

Antonyms: ashen, ashy, doughy, livid, lurid, mealy, pale, paled, palish, pallid, pasty, peaked, peaky, sallow, sallowish, wan

Answer 709

A

foi·son\ˈfȯi-zən\

noun
1 archaic : rich harvest
2 chiefly Scottish : physical energy or strength
3 plural obsolete : resources

Origin: Middle English foisoun, from Anglo-French fuisun, foison, from Latin fusion-, fusio outpouring — more at fusion.
First use: 14th century

Answer 710

A

im·mis·ci·ble(ˌ)i(m)-ˈmi-sə-bəl\

adjective
: incapable of mixing or attaining homogeneity
im·mis·ci·bil·i·ty -ˌmi-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
First use: 1671

Answer 711

A

sua·sion\ˈswā-zhən\

noun
: the act of influencing or persuading

sua·sive \ˈswā-siv, -ziv\ adjective
sua·sive·ly adverb
sua·sive·ness noun

Examples
a defense lawyer uses not only legal arguments but also moral suasion to appeal to a jury’s sense of right and wrong

Origin: Middle English, from Latin suasion-, suasio, from suadēre to urge, persuade — more at sweet.

Synonyms: conversion, convincing, inducement, inducing, persuading, persuasion

Answer 712

A

ad·jure\ə-ˈju̇r\

: to urge or command (someone) to do something

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to command solemnly under or as if under oath or penalty of a curse
2 : to urge or advise earnestly

synonyms see beg

Other forms: ad·jured; ad·jur·ing

Examples
adjured them not to break the drug laws of any of the countries they would be visiting
by all that is holy, I adjure you to tell us the whereabouts of the missing child

Origin: Middle English, from Latin adjurare, from ad- + jurare to swear — more at jury.

Synonyms: advise, admonish, counsel

Antonyms: mind, obey

Answer 713

A

superannuated

adjective
: old and therefore no longer very effective or useful

Full Definition
1 : outmoded, old-fashioned
2 a : incapacitated or disqualified for active duty by advanced age
b : older than the typical member of a specified group <a></a>

Examples
a periodical that insists on using largely superannuated terms like “editress” and “aviatrix”

Origin: Medieval Latin superannuatus, past participle of superannuari to be too old, from Latin super- + annus year — more at annual.

Synonyms: antiquated, archaic, dated, démodé, demoded, fossilized, kaput (also kaputt), medieval (also mediaeval), moribund, mossy, moth-eaten, neolithic, Noachian, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé, prehistoric (also prehistorical), rusty, Stone Age, obsolete</a>

Answer 714

A

pro·fun·di·ty\prə-ˈfən-də-tē\
noun
1 a : intellectual depth
b : something profound or abstruse
2 : the quality or state of being profound or deep
Other forms: plural pro·fun·di·ties
Examples
a philosopher who is widely respected for the profundity of her thinking
Origin: Middle English profundite, from Latin profunditat-, profunditas depth, from profundus.
First use: 15th century
Synonyms: deepness, profoundness, depth

Answer 715

A

way·ward\ˈwā-wərd\

adjective
: tending to behave in ways that are not socially acceptable
: not going or moving in the intended direction

Full Definition
1 : following one’s own capricious, wanton, or depraved inclinations : ungovernable <a>
2 : following no clear principle or law : unpredictable
3 : opposite to what is desired or expected : untoward</a>

synonyms see contrary

way·ward·ly adverb
way·ward·ness noun

Examples
had always been the most wayward of their three children
an institution to which wayward teens were often sent

Origin: Middle English, short for awayward turned away, from away, adverb + -ward.

Synonyms: balky, contrary, contumacious, defiant, froward, incompliant, insubordinate, intractable, obstreperous, rebel, rebellious, recalcitrant, recusant, refractory, restive, ungovernable, unruly, untoward, disobedient, willful (or wilful)

Antonyms: amenable, biddable, compliant, conformable, docile, obedient, ruly, submissive, tractable</a>

Answer 716

A

im·pol·i·tic(ˌ)im-ˈpä-lə-ˌtik\

adjective
: not politic : unwise

im·po·lit·i·cal -pə-ˈli-ti-kəl\ adjective
im·po·lit·i·cal·ly -ˈli-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
im·pol·i·tic·ly -ˈpä-lə-ˌti-klē\ adverb
First use: circa 1600

Answer 717

A

dis·qui·si·tion\ˌdis-kwə-ˈzi-shən\
noun
: a long speech or written report on a subject
Full Definition
: a formal inquiry into or discussion of a subject : discourse
Examples
Adam Smith’s celebrated disquisition on the factors contributing to the wealth of nations
Origin: Latin disquisition-, disquisitio, from disquirere to investigate, from dis- + quaerere to seek.
First use: 1640
Synonyms: delving, inquiry, examen, examination, exploration, inquest, inquisition, investigation, probation, probe, probing, research, study

Answer 718

A

mien\ˈmēn\

noun
: a person’s appearance or facial expression

Full Definition
1 : air or bearing especially as expressive of attitude or personality : demeanor
2 : appearance, aspect

synonyms see bearing

Examples
a kindly mien
He has the mien of an ancient warrior.

Origin: by shortening & alteration from 1demean.

Synonyms: aspect, dress, figure, garb, look, appearance, outside, presence, regard [archaic]

Answer 719

A

cai·tiff\ˈkā-təf\

adjective
: cowardly, despicable

Full Definition
: cowardly, despicable

caitiff noun

Origin: Middle English caitif, from Anglo-French caitif, chaitif wretched, despicable, from Latin captivus captive.
First use: 14th century

Answer 720

A

2pinion

: to tie up (someone’s arms or legs) very tightly

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to disable or restrain by binding the arms
b : to bind fast : shackle
2 : to restrain (a bird) from flight especially by cutting off the pinion of one wing

Synonyms: chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, manacle, bind, shackle, trammel

Antonyms: unbind, unfetter, unshackle

Answer 721

A

in·cu·bus\ˈiŋ-kyə-bəs, ˈin-\

noun
: an evil spirit that lies on persons in their sleep especially : one that has sexual intercourse with women while they are sleeping compare succubus
: nightmare
: one that oppresses or burdens like a nightmare

Full Definition
1 : an evil spirit that lies on persons in their sleep; especially : one that has sexual intercourse with women while they are sleeping — compare succubus
2 : nightmare 2
3 : one that oppresses or burdens like a nightmare

Other forms: plural in·cu·bi -ˌbī, -ˌbē\ also
in·cu·bus·es

Origin: Middle English, from Late Latin, from Latin incubare.
First use: 13th century

Answer 722

A

en·co·mi·um\en-ˈkō-mē-əm\

noun
: glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise also : an expression of this

Full Definition
: glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise; also : an expression of this

Other forms: plural en·co·mi·ums also -mia-mē-ə\

Examples
the encomiums bestowed on a teacher at her retirement ceremonies

Origin: Latin, from Greek enkōmion, from en in + kōmos revel, celebration.

Synonyms: accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute
Synonym discussion: encomium eulogy panegyric tribute citation mean a formal expression of praise. encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing . eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person . panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment . tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act . citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree .

Answer 723

A

fraught\ˈfrȯḵt\

noun
: load, cargo

Full Definition
chiefly Scottish
: load, cargo

Origin: Middle English, freight, load, from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German vracht, vrecht.

Synonyms: abounding, abundant, awash, flush, rife, lousy, replete, swarming, teeming, thick, thronging

Antonyms: calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil

2fraught
: load, freight

Full Definition
transitive verb chiefly Scottish
: load, freight

Other forms: fraught·ed or fraught; fraught·ing

Origin: Middle English fraughten, from 1fraught.

Synonyms: abounding, abundant, awash, flush, rife, lousy, replete, swarming, teeming, thick, thronging

Antonyms: calming, comfortable, easy, peaceful, quiet, quieting, tranquil

3fraught\ˈfrȯt\

adjective
: causing or having a lot of emotional stress or worry

Full Definition
1 archaic
a : laden
b : well supplied or provided
2 : full of or accompanied by something specified — used with with <a>
3 : causing or characterized by emotional distress or tension : uneasy </a><a></a>

Origin: Middle English, from past participle of fraughten.

Synonyms: abounding, abundant, awash, flush, rife, lousy, replete, swarming, teeming, thick, thronging</a>

Answer 724

A

mis·ce·ge·na·tion(ˌ)mi-ˌse-jə-ˈnā-shən, ˌmi-si-jə-ˈnā-\

noun
: sexual relations or marriage between people of two different races (such as a white person and a black person)

Full Definition
: a mixture of races; especially : marriage, cohabitation, or sexual intercourse between a white person and a member of another race

mis·ce·ge·na·tion·al -shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective

Origin: irregular from Latin miscēre to mix + genus race — more at mix, kin.
First use: 1863

Answer 725

A

ret·ri·bu·tion\ˌre-trə-ˈbyü-shən\

noun
: punishment for doing something wrong

Full Definition
1 : recompense, reward
2 : the dispensing or receiving of reward or punishment especially in the hereafter
3 : something given or exacted in recompense; especially : punishment

Examples
the neighborhood is being torn apart by an endless cycle of gang violence and retribution

Origin: Middle English retribucioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin retribution-, retributio, from Latin retribuere to pay back, from re- + tribuere to pay — more at tribute.

Synonyms: payback, reprisal, requital, retaliation, revenge, vengeance

Answer 726

A

truck·le\ˈtrə-kəl\

intransitive verb
: to act in a subservient manner : submit

Full Definition
: to act in a subservient manner : submit

synonyms see fawn

Other forms:
truck·led; truck·ling -k(ə-)liŋ\
truck·ler -k(ə-)lər\ noun

Examples
the kind of guy who truckles to anyone who has even a suspicion of money

Origin: from the lower position of the truckle bed.

Synonyms: apple-polish, bootlick, fuss, kowtow, suck (up), toady, fawn

Answer 727

A

trum·pery\ˈtrəm-p(ə-)rē\

noun
: worthless nonsense
: trivial or useless articles : junk
: tawdry finery

Full Definition
1 a : worthless nonsense
b : trivial or useless articles : junk <a>
2 archaic : tawdry finery</a>

trumpery adjective

Examples
claims for weight-loss products that are based much more on Madison-Avenue trumpery than on bariatric science

Origin: Middle English (Scots) trompery deceit, from Middle French, from tromper to deceive.

Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, piffle, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, nonsense, twaddle</a>

Answer 728

A

maun·der\ˈmȯn-dər, ˈmän-\

: to talk for a long time in a boring way

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 chiefly British : grumble
2 : to wander slowly and idly
3 : to speak indistinctly or disconnectedly

Other forms:
maun·dered; maun·der·ing -d(ə-)riŋ\
maun·der·er -dər-ər\ noun

Examples
maundered all over town on his day off
ask her a question and she’ll maunder for half an hour
a couple of mates maundering over their beer in a dark corner of the pub

Origin: probably imitative.

Synonyms: bat, cruise, drift, float, gad (about), gallivant (also galavant), kick around, knock (about), wander, meander, mooch, ramble, range, roam, rove, traipse

Antonyms: crow, delight, rejoice

Answer 729

A

skul·dug·gery

noun
: secret or dishonest behavior or activity

Full Definition
: underhanded or unscrupulous behavior; also : a devious device or trick

Other forms: plural skul·dug·ger·ies

Examples
the company’s apparently healthy bottom line was merely an illusion, the result of years of accounting skulduggery

Variants:
skull·dug·gery \ˌskəl-ˈdə-g(ə-)rē, ˈskəl-ˌ\

Synonyms: artifice, chicane, chicanery, gamesmanship, hanky-panky, jiggery-pokery, jugglery, legerdemain, trickery (or skullduggery), subterfuge, wile

Answer 730

A

re·viv·i·fy\rē-ˈvi-və-ˌfī\

: to make (someone or something) strong, healthy, or active again

Full Definition
transitive verb
: to give new life to : revive
re·viv·i·fi·ca·tion -ˌvi-və-fə-ˈkā-shən\ noun

Examples
a new director hoping to revivify the region’s oldest repertory company
the new director hopes to revivify interest in the sports programs offered at the youth center

Origin: French révivifier, from Late Latin revivificare, from Latin re- + Late Latin vivificare to vivify.

Synonyms: freshen, recharge, recreate, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, rejuvenate, repair, restore, resuscitate, revitalize, revive, renew

Answer 731

A

po·ly·se·mous\ˌpä-lē-ˈsē-məs, pə-ˈli-sə-məs\

adjective
: having multiple meanings

Full Definition
: having multiple meanings

po·ly·se·my \pə-ˈli-sə-mē, ˈpä-lē-ˌsē-mē\ noun

Variants:
or po·ly·se·mic \ˌpä-lē-ˈsē-mik\

Origin: Late Latin polysemus, from Greek polysēmos, from poly- + sēma sign.
First use: 1884

Answer 732

A

en·tel·e·chy\en-ˈte-lə-kē, in-\

noun
: the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence
: a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

Full Definition
1 : the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence
2 : a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

Other forms: plural en·tel·e·chies

Origin: Late Latin entelechia, from Greek entelecheia, from entelēs complete (from en- 2en- + telos end) + echein to have — more at telos, scheme.
First use: 1593

Answer 733

A

po·ly·se·mous\ˌpä-lē-ˈsē-məs, pə-ˈli-sə-məs\

adjective
: having multiple meanings

Full Definition
: having multiple meanings

po·ly·se·my \pə-ˈli-sə-mē, ˈpä-lē-ˌsē-mē\ noun

Variants:
or po·ly·se·mic \ˌpä-lē-ˈsē-mik\

Origin: Late Latin polysemus, from Greek polysēmos, from poly- + sēma sign.
First use: 1884

Answer 734

A

en·tel·e·chy\en-ˈte-lə-kē, in-\

noun
: the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence
: a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

Full Definition
1 : the actualization of form-giving cause as contrasted with potential existence
2 : a hypothetical agency not demonstrable by scientific methods that in some vitalist doctrines is considered an inherent regulating and directing force in the development and functioning of an organism

Other forms: plural en·tel·e·chies

Origin: Late Latin entelechia, from Greek entelecheia, from entelēs complete (from en- 2en- + telos end) + echein to have — more at telos, scheme.
First use: 1593

Answer 735

A

di·a·lec·tic\ˌdī-ə-ˈlek-tik\

noun
philosophy : a method of examining and discussing opposing ideas in order to find the truth

Full Definition
1 : logic 1a(1)
2 a : discussion and reasoning by dialogue as a method of intellectual investigation; specifically : the Socratic techniques of exposing false beliefs and eliciting truth
b : the Platonic investigation of the eternal ideas
3 : the logic of fallacy
4 a : the Hegelian process of change in which a concept or its realization passes over into and is preserved and fulfilled by its opposite; also : the critical investigation of this process
b (1) usually plural but singular or plural in construction : development through the stages of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis in accordance with the laws of dialectical materialism (2) : the investigation of this process (3) : the theoretical application of this process especially in the social sciences
5 usually plural but singular or plural in construction
a : any systematic reasoning, exposition, or argument that juxtaposes opposed or contradictory ideas and usually seeks to resolve their conflict
b : an intellectual exchange of ideas
6 : the dialectical tension or opposition between two interacting forces or elements

Origin: Middle English dialetik, from Anglo-French dialetiqe, from Latin dialectica, from Greek dialektikē, from feminine of dialektikos of conversation, from dialektos.
First use: 14th century

Answer 736

A

po·ly·se·mous\ˌpä-lē-ˈsē-məs, pə-ˈli-sə-məs\

adjective
: having multiple meanings

Full Definition
: having multiple meanings

po·ly·se·my \pə-ˈli-sə-mē, ˈpä-lē-ˌsē-mē\ noun

Variants: or po·ly·se·mic \ˌpä-lē-ˈsē-mik\

Origin: Late Latin polysemus, from Greek polysēmos, from poly- + sēma sign.
First use: 1884

Answer 737

A

han·ker\ˈhaŋ-kər\

: to have a strong or constant desire for something

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to have a strong or persistent desire : yearn — often used with for or after

synonyms see long

Other forms:
han·kered; han·ker·ing -k(ə-)riŋ\
han·ker·er -kər-ər\ noun

Origin: probably from Dutch dialect hankeren.
First use: 1627

Answer 738

A

wry\ˈrī\

: twist, writhe
: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: twist, writhe

transitive verb
: to pull out of or as if out of proper shape : make awry

Other forms:
wried; wry·ing

Origin: Middle English wrien, from Old English wrigian to turn; akin to Middle High German rigel kerchief wound around the head, Greek rhiknos shriveled, Avestan urvisyeiti he turns.
First use: 14th century
2wry
adjective
: humorous in a clever and often ironic way
: showing both amusement and a feeling of being tired, annoyed, etc.
Full Definition
1 : having a bent or twisted shape or condition <a>; also : turned abnormally to one side </a><a>
2 : wrongheaded 1
3 : cleverly and often ironically or grimly humorous
Other forms: wry·er \ˈrī(-ə)r\; wry·est \ˈrī-əst\
wry·ly \ˈrī-lē\ adverb
wry·ness noun
First use: 15th century</a>

Answer 739

A

wrest\ˈrest\

: to pull (something) away fromsomeone by using violent twisting movements
: to take (something) fromsomeone with much effort

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to pull, force, or move by violent wringing or twisting movements
2 : to gain with difficulty by or as if by force, violence, or determined labor

Origin: Middle English wrasten, wresten, from Old English wrǣstan; akin to Old Norse reista to bend and probably to Old English wrigian to turn — more at wry.

Synonyms: corkscrew, prize, pry, pull, root (out), tear (out), uproot, extract, wring, yank

2wrest
noun
: the action of wresting : wrench
: a key or wrench used for turning pins in a stringed instrument (as a piano)

Full Definition
1 : the action of wresting : wrench
2 archaic : a key or wrench used for turning pins in a stringed instrument (as a piano)

Synonyms: corkscrew, prize, pry, pull, root (out), tear (out), uproot, extract, wring, yank

Answer 740

A

prec·i·pice\ˈpre-s(ə-)pəs\

noun
: a very steep side of a mountain or cliff
: a point where danger, trouble, or difficulty begins

Full Definition
1 : a very steep or overhanging place
2 : a hazardous situation; broadly : brink

Examples
scaled the steep precipice with the ease of an experienced climber

Origin: French, from Middle French, from Latin praecipitium, from praecipit-, praeceps headlong, from prae- + caput head — more at head.

Synonyms: barranca (also barranco), bluff, crag, escarpment, palisade, cliff, scar, scarp

Answer 741

A

mi·as·ma\mī-ˈaz-mə, mē-\

noun
: a heavy cloud of something unpleasant or unhealthy

Full Definition
1 : a vaporous exhalation formerly believed to cause disease; also : a heavy vaporous emanation or atmosphere <a>
2 : an influence or atmosphere that tends to deplete or corrupt ; also : an atmosphere that obscures : fog</a>

Other forms: 
plural mi·as·mas also mi·as·ma·ta \-mə-tə\
mi·as·mal \-məl\ adjective
mi·as·mat·ic \ˌmī-əz-ˈma-tik\ adjective
mi·as·mic \mī-ˈaz-mik, mē-\ adjective
mi·as·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Origin: New Latin, from Greek, defilement, from miainein to pollute.
First use: 1665</a>

Answer 742

A

Hy·dra\ˈhī-drə\

noun
: a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules and each head of which when cut off was replaced by two others
: a multifarious evil not to be overcome by a single effort
: a southern constellation of great length that lies south of Cancer, Sextans, Corvus, and Virgo and is represented on old maps by a serpent

Full Definition
1 : a many-headed serpent or monster in Greek mythology that was slain by Hercules and each head of which when cut off was replaced by two others
2 not capitalized : a multifarious evil not to be overcome by a single effort
3 [Latin (genitive Hydrae), from Greek] : a southern constellation of great length that lies south of Cancer, Sextans, Corvus, and Virgo and is represented on old maps by a serpent
4 not capitalized [New Latin, from Latin, Hydra] : any of numerous small tubular freshwater hydrozoan polyps (Hydra and related genera) having at one end a mouth surrounded by tentacles

Origin: Middle English Ydra, from Latin Hydra, from Greek.

Answer 743

A

con·tume·ly\kän-ˈtü-mə-lē, kən-, -ˈtyü-; ˈkän-tü-ˌmē-lē, -tyü-ˌ, -chə-ˌ; in “Hamlet” ˈkän-(ˌ)tyüm-lē or ˈkän-chəm-\
noun
: harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt also : an instance of such language or treatment
Full Definition
: harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt; also : an instance of such language or treatment
Other forms: plural con·tume·lies
Origin: Middle English contumelie, from Middle French, from Latin contumelia.
First use: 14th century

Answer 744

A

pro·tes·ta·tion\ˌprä-təs-ˈtā-shən, ˌprō-, -ˌtes-\

noun
: a strong statement that something is true when other people do not believe it is true

Full Definition
: the act of protesting : a solemn declaration or avowal
Examples
the governor went on television to make a passionate protestation of his innocence in the bribery scandal
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: affirmation, assertion, asseveration, avouchment, avowal, claim, declaration, insistence, profession
Antonyms: disavowal

Answer 745

A

bil·lings·gate\ˈbi-liŋz-ˌgāt, British usually -git\

noun
: coarsely abusive language

Full Definition
: coarsely abusive language

synonyms see abuse

Examples
the intemperate billingsgate to which the staff in customer service were sometimes subjected

Origin: Billingsgate, old gate and fish market, London, England.

Synonyms: abuse, fulmination, invective, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation

Answer 746

A

bur·sa·ry\ˈbər-sə-rē, ˈbərs-rē\

noun
: an amount of money that a student is given to help pay for college or university study : a scholarship or grant

Full Definition
1 : the treasury of a college or monastery
2 British : a monetary grant to a needy student : scholarship

Other forms: plural bur·sa·ries
Origin: Medieval Latin bursaria, from bursa.
First use: 1695

Answer 747

A

shill\ˈshil\

intransitive verb
: to talk about or describe someone or something in a favorable way because you are being paid to do it
Full Definition
1 : to act as a shill
2 : to act as a spokesperson or promoter
Origin: 2shill.
First use: circa 1914
2shill
noun
: one who acts as a decoy (as for a pitchman or gambler)
: one who makes a sales pitch or serves as a promoter
: pitch
Full Definition
1 a : one who acts as a decoy (as for a pitchman or gambler)
b : one who makes a sales pitch or serves as a promoter
2 : pitch 8a
Origin: perhaps short for shillaber, of unknown origin.
First use: circa 1916

Answer 748

A

huck·ster\ˈhək-stər\

noun
: someone who sells or advertises something in an aggressive, dishonest, or annoying way

Full Definition
1 : hawker, peddler
2 : one who produces promotional material for commercial clients especially for radio or television

huck·ster·ism -stə-ˌri-zəm\ noun

Origin: Middle English hukster, from Middle Dutch hokester, from hoeken to peddle.

Synonyms: hawker, peddler

2huckster

: haggle
: to deal in or bargain over
: to promote aggressively

Full Definition

intransitive verb
: haggle

transitive verb
1 : to deal in or bargain over
2 : to promote aggressively

Other forms: huck·stered; huck·ster·ing -st(ə-)riŋ\

Synonyms: hawker, peddler

Answer 749

A

per·ti·na·cious\ˌpər-tə-ˈnā-shəs\

adjective
: adhering resolutely to an opinion, purpose, or design
: perversely persistent
: stubbornly tenacious

Full Definition
1 a : adhering resolutely to an opinion, purpose, or design
b : perversely persistent
2 : stubbornly tenacious

synonyms see obstinate

per·ti·na·cious·ly adverb
per·ti·na·cious·ness noun
per·ti·nac·i·ty -ˈna-sə-tē\ noun

Examples

a pertinacious little boy who was determined to catch and collect reptiles

a pertinacious salesman who would simply not take “No!” for an answer

Origin: Latin pertinac-, pertinax, from per- thoroughly + tenac-, tenax tenacious, from tenēre.

Synonyms: dogged, insistent, patient, persevering, persistent, tenacious

Antonyms: acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, compliant, complying, flexible, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding

Answer 750

A

ob·sti·nate\ˈäb-stə-nət\

adjective
: refusing to change your behavior or your ideas
: difficult to deal with, remove, etc.

Full Definition
1 : perversely adhering to an opinion, purpose, or course in spite of reason, arguments, or persuasion
2 : not easily subdued, remedied, or removed

ob·sti·nate·ly adverb
ob·sti·nate·ness noun

Examples
the child was obstinate about wanting that specific toy, despite being offered several others

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French obstinat, Latin obstinatus, past participle of obstinare to be resolved, from ob- in the way + -stinare (akin to stare to stand).

Synonyms: adamant, adamantine, bullheaded, dogged, hard, hardened, hardheaded, hard-nosed, headstrong, immovable, implacable, inconvincible, inflexible, intransigent, mulish, obdurate, opinionated, ossified, pat, pertinacious, perverse, pigheaded, self-opinionated, self-willed, stiff-necked, stubborn, unbending, uncompromising, unrelenting, unyielding, willful (or wilful), deaf to reason

Antonyms: acquiescent, agreeable, amenable, compliant, complying, flexible, pliable, pliant, relenting, yielding

Synonym discussion: obstinate dogged stubborn pertinacious mulish mean fixed and unyielding in course or purpose. obstinate implies usually an unreasonable persistence . dogged suggests an admirable often tenacious and unwavering persistence . stubborn implies sturdiness in resisting change which may or may not be admirable <a>. pertinacious suggests an annoying or irksome persistence </a><a>. mulish implies a thoroughly unreasonable obstinacy </a><a>.</a>

Answer 751

A

éclat\ā-ˈklä, ˈā-ˌ\

noun
: ostentatious display : publicity
: dazzling effect : brilliance
: brilliant or conspicuous success

Full Definition
1 : ostentatious display : publicity
2 : dazzling effect : brilliance
3 a : brilliant or conspicuous success 
b : praise, applause

Origin: French, splinter, burst, éclat.
First use: 1672

Answer 752

A

pa·thos\ˈpā-ˌthäs, -ˌthȯs, -ˌthōs also ˈpa-\

noun
: a quality that causes people to feel sympathy and sadness

Full Definition
1 : an element in experience or in artistic representation evoking pity or compassion
2 : an emotion of sympathetic pity

Origin: Greek, suffering, experience, emotion, from paschein (aor. pathein) to experience, suffer; perhaps akin to Lithuanian kęsti to suffer.

Answer 753

A

re·cru·des·cence-ˈde-sən(t)s\

noun
: a new outbreak after a period of abatement or inactivity : renewal

Full Definition
: a new outbreak after a period of abatement or inactivity : renewal <a> </a><a>
First use: 1665</a>

Answer 754

A

fib\ˈfib\

noun
: an untrue statement about something minor or unimportant

Full Definition
: a trivial or childish lie

Examples
I have to admit that I told a fib when I said I enjoyed the movie.
Is she telling fibs again?

Origin: perhaps by shortening & alteration from fable.

Synonyms: fable, fabrication, fairy tale, falsehood, falsity, lie, mendacity, prevarication, story, tale, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), untruth, whopper

Antonyms: truth

2fib
: to tell a fib

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to tell a fib

synonyms see lie

Other forms: fibbed; fib·bing

fib·ber noun

Synonyms: fable, fabrication, fairy tale, falsehood, falsity, lie, mendacity, prevarication, story, tale, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), untruth, whopper

Antonyms: truth

3fib

verb
: pummel, beat

Full Definition
British
: pummel, beat

Other forms: fibbed; fib·bing

Origin: origin unknown.

Synonyms: fable, fabrication, fairy tale, falsehood, falsity, lie, mendacity, prevarication, story, tale, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), untruth, whopper

Answer 755

A

fo·gy

noun
: a person with old-fashioned ideas

Full Definition
: a person with old-fashioned ideas — usually used with old

Other forms: plural fogies also fogeys
fo·gy·ish or fo·gey·ish -gē-ish\ adjective
fo·gy·ism or fo·gey·ism -gē-ˌi-zəm\ noun

Examples
old fogies who said that rap music would never last

Variants: also fo·gey \ˈfō-gē\

Synonyms: antediluvian, Colonel Blimp, dodo, fossil, fud, fuddy-duddy, mossback, reactionary, stick-in-the-mud, stuffed shirt

Antonyms: hipster, modern, trendy

Answer 756

A

Man·i·chae·an

noun
: a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism originating in Persia in the third century a.d. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism
: a believer in religious or philosophical dualism

Full Definition
1 : a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism originating in Persia in the third century a.d. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism

2 : a believer in religious or philosophical dualism

Manichaean or Manichean adjective
Man·i·chae·an·ism or Man·i·che·an·ism \ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
Man·i·chae·ism or Man·i·che·ism \ˈma-nə-(ˌ)kē-ˌi-zəm\ noun
Variants: or Man·i·che·an \ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ən\ or Man·i·chee \ˈma-nə-ˌkē\

Origin: Late Latin manichaeus, from Late Greek manichaios, from Manichaios Manes diedab a.d. 276 Persian founder of the sect.
First use: 1556

Answer 757

A

mer·e·tri·cious\ˌmer-ə-ˈtri-shəs\

adjective
: attractive in a cheap or false way

Full Definition
1 : of or relating to a prostitute : having the nature of prostitution
2 a : tawdrily and falsely attractive
b : superficially significant : pretentious

synonyms see gaudy

mer·e·tri·cious·ly adverb
mer·e·tri·cious·ness noun

Origin: Latin meretricius, from meretric-, meretrix prostitute, from merēre to earn — more at merit.

Answer 758

A

Mu·zak\ˈmyü-ˌzak\

trademark
—used for recorded music that is played in public buildings or rooms (such as stores or offices)

Full Definition
—used for recorded background music

Answer 759

A

er·satz\ˈer-ˌsäts, -ˌzäts, er-ˈ; ˈər-ˌsats\

adjective

: copied from something else and usually not as good as the original

Full Definition
: being a usually artificial and inferior substitute or imitation

ersatz noun

Examples
like everything else the restaurant served, the whipped cream on the dessert was ersatz

Origin: German ersatz-, from Ersatz, noun, substitute.

Synonyms: artificial, bogus, dummy, imitation, factitious, fake, false, faux, imitative, man-made, mimic, mock, pretend, sham, simulated, substitute, synthetic
Antonyms: genuine, natural, real

Answer 760

A

drove\ˈdrōv\

noun
: a large group of people or animals that move or act together

Full Definition
1 : a group of animals driven or moving in a body
2 : a large number : crowd — usually used in plural especially with in

Examples
a drove of cattle
droves of students
People came in droves to hear her sing.

Origin: Middle English, from Old English drāf, from drīfan to drive — more at drive.

Synonyms: army, bike [chiefly Scottish], cram, crush, crowd, flock, herd, horde, host, legion, mass, mob, multitude, press, rout, scrum, swarm, throng

2drove

past of drive

Synonyms: army, bike [chiefly Scottish], cram, crush, crowd, flock, herd, horde, host, legion, mass, mob, multitude, press, rout, scrum, swarm, throng

Answer 761

A

an·tin·o·my\an-ˈti-nə-mē\

noun
: a contradiction between two apparently equally valid principles or between inferences correctly drawn from such principles
: a fundamental and apparently unresolvable conflict or contradiction

Full Definition
1 : a contradiction between two apparently equally valid principles or between inferences correctly drawn from such principles
2 : a fundamental and apparently unresolvable conflict or contradiction

Other forms: plural an·tin·o·mies
an·ti·nom·ic \ˌan-ti-ˈnä-mik\ adjective

Origin: German Antinomie, from Latin antinomia conflict of laws, from Greek, from anti- + nomos law — more at nimble.

Answer 762

A

noun
: the quality or state of being pusillanimous : cowardliness
Full Definition
: the quality or state of being pusillanimous : cowardliness
Examples
the pusillanimity shown by the press on this issue after the administration began applying pressure
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: cowardliness, cravenness, dastardliness, gutlessness, poltroonery, cowardice, spinelessness
Antonyms: bravery, courage, courageousness, daring, dauntlessness, doughtiness, fearlessness, gallantry, greatheartedness, guts, hardihood, heart, heroism, intrepidity, intrepidness, nerve, stoutness, valiance, valor, virtue

Answer 763

A

gad·fly\ˈgad-ˌflī\
noun
: someone who annoys people by being very critical

Full Definition
1 : any of various flies (as a horsefly, botfly, or warble fly) that bite or annoy livestock
2 : a person who stimulates or annoys especially by persistent criticism

Examples
a loud sports commentator who was a tactless gadfly during post-game interviews with the losing team

Origin: 1gad.
First use: 1593
Synonyms: annoyance, annoyer, bother, nuisance, gnawer, nudnik (also nudnick), pain, persecutor, pest, tease, teaser

Answer 764

A

2vet

: to investigate (someone) thoroughly to see if they should be approved or accepted for a job
: to check (something) carefully to make sure it is acceptable

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to provide veterinary care for (an animal) or medical care for (a person)
b : to subject (a person or animal) to a physical examination or checkup
2 a : to subject to usually expert appraisal or correction
b : to evaluate for possible approval or acceptance

Other forms: vet·ted; vet·ting
vet·ter noun

Examples
They vetted her thoroughly before offering her the job.
The book was vetted by several different editors.
He’s already vetted the plan, so we can start right away.

Answer 765

A

de·trac·tion\di-ˈtrak-shən, dē-\

noun
: a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : belittling, disparagement
: a taking away

Full Definition
1 : a lessening of reputation or esteem especially by envious, malicious, or petty criticism : belittling, disparagement
2 : a taking away

de·trac·tive -ˈtrak-tiv\ adjective
de·trac·tive·ly adverb

Examples
her inevitable detraction of every new idea is annoying to the other club members
First use: 14th century

Synonyms: belittlement, denigration, deprecation, derogation, depreciation, diminishment, disparagement, put-down
Antonyms: aggrandizement, ennoblement, exaltation, glorification, magnification

Answer 766

A

re·fec·tion\ri-ˈfek-shən\

noun
: refreshment of mind, spirit, or body especially : nourishment
: the taking of refreshment
: food and drink together : repast

Full Definition
1 : refreshment of mind, spirit, or body; especially : nourishment
2 a : the taking of refreshment
b : food and drink together : repast

Examples
refections at the monastery are as spartan as the surroundings
Origin: Middle English refeccioun, from Anglo-French refectiun, from Latin refection-, refectio, from reficere to restore, from re- + facere to make — more at do.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: chow, feed, menu, mess, meal, repast, table

Answer 767

A

dis·trait\di-ˈstrā\

adjective
: apprehensively divided or withdrawn in attention : distracted

Full Definition
: apprehensively divided or withdrawn in attention : distracted

Examples
he grew more and more distrait as hours passed without confirmation that there were survivors of the plane crash

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French destreit, from Latin distractus.

Synonyms: agitated, delirious, distracted, frantic, distraught, frenzied, hysterical (also hysteric)

Antonyms: collected, composed, recollected, self-collected, self-composed, self-possessed, unhysterical

Answer 768

A

noun:

speech or writing designed to obscure, mislead, or impress; bunkum: The claims were just a lot of malarkey.

: foolish words or ideas

Full Definition
: insincere or foolish talk : bunkum

Examples
the old lady declared that everything politicians say is pure malarkey

Variants: also ma·lar·ky \mə-ˈlär-kē\
Origin: origin unknown.
First use: 1929

Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, nonsense (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, piffle, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle

Answer 769

A

ex·pend·able\ik-ˈspen-də-bəl\

adjective
: easily replaced : not worth saving : not meant to be saved : meant to be used and thrown away

Full Definition
: that may be expended: as
a : normally used up or consumed in service
b : more easily or economically replaced than rescued, salvaged, or protected

ex·pend·abil·i·ty -ˌspen-də-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun
First use: 1805

2expendable
noun
\: one that is expendable
Full Definition
\: one that is expendable — usually used in plural

Answer 770

A

pen·e·tra·lia\ˌpe-nə-ˈtrā-lē-ə\

noun plural
: the innermost or most private parts

Full Definition
: the innermost or most private parts
: the most private or secret things

Related forms  pen·e·tra·li·an, adjective

Origin: Latin, neuter plural of penetralis inner, from penetrare to penetrate.

Answer 771

A

scrooge\ˈskrüj\

noun
: a miserly person

Full Definition
Usage: often capitalized
: a miserly person

Examples
her father is a real scrooge and refuses to pay her way through college, even though he can easily afford it
Origin: Ebenezer Scrooge, character in the story A Christmas Carol (1843) by Charles Dickens.
First use: 1899

Synonyms: cheapskate, churl, hunks, niggard, penny-pincher, piker, miser, skinflint, tightwad

Answer 772

A

apoc·ry·phal\ə-ˈpä-krə-fəl\

adjective
: well-known but probably not true

Full Definition
1 : of doubtful authenticity : spurious
2 often capitalized : of or resembling the Apocrypha

synonyms see fictitious

apoc·ry·phal·ly -fə-lē\ adverb
apoc·ry·phal·ness noun
Origin: (see apocrypha ).

Answer 773

A

cy·no·sure\ˈsī-nə-ˌshu̇r, ˈsi-\

noun
: a person or thing that attracts a lot of attention or interest

Full Definition
1 capitalized : the northern constellation Ursa Minor; also : north star
2 : one that serves to direct or guide
3 : a center of attraction or attention

Examples
with an unwavering commitment to equal rights for all as his only cynosure
that company is the cynosure for anyone wishing to make it in the music business

Origin: Middle French & Latin; Middle French, Ursa Minor, guide, from Latin cynosura Ursa Minor, from Greek kynosoura, from kynos oura, literally, dog’s tail.
First use: 1565

Synonyms: compass, direction, focus, lodestar (also loadstar), polestar

Answer 774

A

as·cen·sion\ə-ˈsen(t)-shən\
noun
: the act of rising or ascending ; especially : the act of moving to a higher or more powerful position
: the Christian holiday that celebrates Jesus Christ’s journey to heaven after his death
Full Definition
: the act or process of ascending
Examples
her ascension from the freshman to the varsity team was evidence of how much she had improved in one season
Origin: Middle English, from Latin ascension-, ascensio, from ascendere.
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: ascent, climb, rise, rising, soar
Antonyms: descent, dip, dive, drop, fall, nosedive, plunge

Answer 775

A

ex·e·cra·ble\ˈek-si-krə-bəl\

adjective
: very bad

Full Definition
1 : deserving to be execrated : detestable
2 : very bad : wretched

ex·e·cra·ble·ness noun
ex·e·cra·bly -blē\ adverb

Examples

her execrable singing finally brought a complaint from the neighbors

another souvenir shop selling execrable knickknacks manufactured in some foreign sweatshop

a sordid murder case that was covered with execrable excess by the newspaper tabloids and cable news outlets
First use: 14th century

Synonyms: atrocious, awful, dismal, wretched, horrible, lousy, punk, rotten, sucky [slang], terrible

Antonyms: bitchin’ [slang], great, marvelous (or marvellous), wonderful

Answer 776

A

Verb: To chat Idly; gossip

Noun: idle chatting; gossiping

Answer 777

A

kvell\ˈkvel\
: to be extraordinarily proud : rejoice

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to be extraordinarily proud : rejoice

Examples
proud grandparents who kvell over every thing that their precious little darlings do

Origin: Yiddish kveln to be delighted, from Middle High German quellen to well, gush, swell.

First use: circa 1952
Synonyms: crow, delight, exuberate, glory, jubilate, joy, exult, rejoice, triumph

Answer 778

A

mor·dant\ˈmȯr-dənt\

adjective
: expressing harsh criticism especially in a way that is funny

Full Definition
1 : biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style : incisive <a>
2 : acting as a mordant
3 : burning, pungent</a>

synonyms see caustic

mor·dant·ly adverb

Origin: Middle French, present participle of mordre to bite, from Latin mordēre; perhaps akin to Sanskrit mṛdnāti he presses, rubs.

Synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, sarcastic, pungent, sardonic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart

2mordant
noun
: a chemical that fixes a dye in or on a substance by combining with the dye to form an insoluble compound
: a corroding substance used in etching

Full Definition
1 : a chemical that fixes a dye in or on a substance by combining with the dye to form an insoluble compound
2 : a corroding substance used in etching

Synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, sarcastic, pungent, sardonic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart
3mordant
\: to treat with a mordant
Full Definition
transitive verb
\: to treat with a mordant
First use: 1836
Synonyms: acerb, acerbic, acid, acidic, acidulous, acrid, barbed, biting, caustic, corrosive, cutting, sarcastic, pungent, sardonic, satiric (or satirical), scalding, scathing, sharp, smart-aleck, smart-alecky, smart-mouthed, snarky, tart</a>

Answer 779

A

molt\ˈmōlt\

biology : to lose a covering of hair, feathers, etc., and replace it with new growth in the same place

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to shed hair, feathers, shell, horns, or an outer layer periodicallytransitive verb
: to cast off (an outer covering) periodically; specifically : to throw off (the old cuticle) — used of arthropods

molt·er noun
Origin: alteration of Middle English mouten, from Old English -mūtian to change, from Latin mutare — more at mutable.

Synonyms: exfoliate, shed, slip, slough (also sluff)

Answer 780

A

pre·emp·tive-ˈem(p)-tiv\

adjective

: done to stop an unwanted act by another group, country, etc., from happening

Full Definition
1 a : of or relating to preemption
b : having power to preempt
2 of a bid in bridge : higher than necessary and intended to shut out bids by the opponents
3 : giving a stockholder first option to purchase new stock in an amount proportionate to his existing holdings
4 : marked by the seizing of the initiative : initiated by oneself <a></a>

pre·emp·tive·ly adverb</a>

Answer 781

A

in·dis·posed-ˈspōzd\

adjective
: slightly ill : not feeling well
: not willing or likely to do something

Full Definition
1 : slightly ill
2 : averse

Examples
one person in our reading group is very indisposed to choosing a racy book
stays home from work whenever he feels the least indisposed

Synonyms: cagey (also cagy), disinclined, dubious, hesitant, loath (also loth or loathe), reluctant, reticent

Antonyms: disposed, inclined

Answer 782

A

mol·ly·cod·dle\ˈmä-lē-ˌkä-dəl\
noun
: a pampered or effeminate man or boy
Full Definition
: a pampered or effeminate man or boy
Origin: Molly, nickname for Mary.
First use: 1833
Synonyms: cocker, coddle, cosset, dandle, indulge, baby, nurse, pamper, spoil, wet-nurse
Antonyms: abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, manhandle, mishandle, mistreat, misuse
2mollycoddle
: to treat (someone) with more kindness and attention than is appropriate : to treat (someone) too nicely or gently
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to treat with an excessive or absurd degree of indulgence and attention
synonyms see indulge
Other forms: mollycod·dled; mollycod·dling-ˌkäd-liŋ, -ˌkä-dəl-iŋ\
mol·ly·cod·dler -ˌkäd-lər, -ˌkä-dəl-ər\ noun
First use: 1864
Synonyms: cocker, coddle, cosset, dandle, indulge, baby, nurse, pamper, spoil, wet-nurse
Antonyms: abuse, ill-treat, ill-use, maltreat, manhandle, mishandle, mistreat, misuse

Answer 783

A

fes·ter\ˈfes-tər\

noun
: a suppurating sore : pustule

Full Definition
: a suppurating sore : pustule

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French festre, from Latin fistula pipe, fistulous ulcer.

Synonyms: boil, pock, hickey, papule, pimple, pustule, whelk, zit [slang]

Synonyms: break down, corrupt, decompose, disintegrate, decay, foul, mold, molder, perish [chiefly British], putrefy, rot, spoil

2fester

: to become painful and infected
: to become worse as time passes

Full Definition

intransitive verb
1 : to generate pus
2 : putrefy, rot
3 a : to cause increasing poisoning, irritation, or bitterness : rankle
b : to undergo or exist in a state of progressive deterioration

transitive verb
: to make inflamed or corrupt

Other forms: fes·tered; fes·ter·ing -t(ə-)riŋ\

Synonyms: boil, pock, hickey, papule, pimple, pustule, whelk, zit [slang]

Synonyms: break down, corrupt, decompose, disintegrate, decay, foul, mold, molder, perish [chiefly British], putrefy, rot, spoil

Answer 784

A

con·ceit\kən-ˈsēt\

noun
: too much pride in your own worth or goodness
: an idea that shows imagination

Full Definition
1 a (1) : a result of mental activity : thought (2) : individual opinion
b : favorable opinion; especially : excessive appreciation of one’s own worth or virtue
2 : a fancy item or trifle
3 a : a fanciful idea
b : an elaborate or strained metaphor
c : use or presence of such conceits in poetry
d : an organizing theme or concept

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from conceivre.

Synonyms: metaphor, figure of speech

Antonyms: humbleness, humility, modesty

Synonyms: imagine [chiefly dialect], conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy, fantasize, fantasy, feature, ideate, image, picture, see, vision, visualize

2conceit
: conceive, understand
: imagine
: to take a fancy to

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 obsolete : conceive, understand
2 chiefly dialect : imagine
3 dial British : to take a fancy to

Synonyms: metaphor, figure of speech

Antonyms: humbleness, humility, modesty

Synonyms: imagine [chiefly dialect], conceive, conjure (up), dream, envisage, envision, fancy, fantasize, fantasy, feature, ideate, image, picture, see, vision, visualize

Answer 785

A

pif·fle\ˈpi-fəl\

: to talk or act in a trivial, inept, or ineffective way

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to talk or act in a trivial, inept, or ineffective way
Other forms: pif·fled; pif·fling -f(ə-)liŋ\

Origin: perhaps blend of piddle and trifle.

Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, nonsense, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle

2piffle

noun
: words or ideas that are false or silly

Full Definition
: trivial nonsense

Synonyms: applesauce [slang], balderdash, baloney (also boloney), beans, bilge, blah (also blah-blah), blarney, blather, blatherskite, blither, bosh, bull [slang], bunk, bunkum (or buncombe), claptrap, codswallop [British], crapola [slang], crock, drivel, drool, fiddle, fiddle-faddle, fiddlesticks, flannel [British], flapdoodle, folderol (also falderal), folly, foolishness, fudge, garbage, guff, hogwash, hokeypokey, hokum, hoodoo, hooey, horsefeathers [slang], humbug, humbuggery, jazz, malarkey (also malarky), moonshine, muck, nerts [slang], nuts, nonsense, poppycock, punk, rot, rubbish, senselessness, silliness, slush, stupidity, taradiddle (or tarradiddle), tommyrot, tosh, trash, trumpery, twaddle

Answer 786

A

spar\ˈspär\

noun
: a stout pole
: a stout rounded usually wood or metal piece (as a mast, boom, gaff, or yard) used to support rigging
: any of the main longitudinal members of the wing of an airplane that carry the ribs

intransitive verb
: to box with someone as a form of training or practice
: to argue with someone in a friendly way
sparren to dart, spring.

3spar
noun
: a movement of offense or defense in boxing
: a sparring match or session

4spar
noun
: any of various nonmetallic usually cleavable and lustrous minerals

Answer 787

A

im·pe·ri·ous\im-ˈpir-ē-əs\

adjective

: having or showing the proud and unpleasant attitude of someone who gives orders and expects other people to obey them

Full Definition
1 a : befitting or characteristic of one of eminent rank or attainments : commanding, dominant
b : marked by arrogant assurance : domineering
2 : intensely compelling : urgent

synonyms see masterful

im·pe·ri·ous·ly adverb
im·pe·ri·ous·ness noun

Examples:

an imperious little boy who liked to tell the other scouts what to do

an imperious movie star who thinks she’s some sort of goddess

an office administrator with an imperious manner that really grates on people

Origin: Latin imperiosus, from imperium.

Synonyms: authoritarian, authoritative, autocratic (also autocratical), despotic, dictatorial, domineering, bossy, masterful, overbearing, peremptory, tyrannical (also tyrannic), tyrannous

Antonyms: humble, lowly, modest, unarrogant, unpretentious

Answer 788

A

as·per·i·ty\a-ˈsper-ə-tē, ə-, -ˈspe-rə-\

noun
: harshness of behavior or speech that expresses bitterness or anger
Full Definition

1 : rigor, severity
2 a : roughness of surface : unevenness; also : a tiny projection from a surface
b : roughness of sound
3 : roughness of manner or of temper : harshness

Other forms: plural as·per·i·ties

Examples
doesn’t like the asperity of most experimental music

she responded with such asperity that we knew she was deeply offended by the question

as a physically challenged person, he has encountered more than his share of asperities on the road to success

Origin: Middle English asprete, from Anglo-French aspreté, from aspre rough, from Latin asper, from Old Latin *absperos, from ab- ab- + -speros; akin to Sanskrit apasphura repelling, Latin spernere to spurn — more at spurn.

Synonyms: acerbity, acidity, acidness, acridity, acridness, acrimoniousness, acrimony, acuteness, edge, bite, bitterness, harshness, keenness, poignance, poignancy, pungency, roughness, sharpness, tartness

Antonyms: mildness, softness

Answer 789

A

req·ui·si·tion\ˌre-kwə-ˈzi-shən\
noun

: the act of formally requiring or calling upon someone to perform an action
: a formal demand made by one nation upon another for the surrender or extradition of a fugitive from justice
: the act of requiring something to be furnished

Full Definition
1 a : the act of formally requiring or calling upon someone to perform an action
b : a formal demand made by one nation upon another for the surrender or extradition of a fugitive from justice
2 a : the act of requiring something to be furnished
b : a demand or application made usually with authority: as (1) : a demand made by military authorities upon civilians for supplies or other needs (2) : a written request for something authorized but not made available automatically
3 : the state of being in demand or use
requisition transitive verb
Examples
a brand-new, top-notch computer was the new science teacher’s first requisition
Origin: Middle English requisicion, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French requisition, from Medieval Latin requisition-, requisitio, from Latin, act of searching, from requirere.

Answer 790

A

gauche\ˈgōsh\

adjective
: having or showing a lack of awareness about the proper way to behave : socially awkward

Full Definition
1 a : lacking social experience or grace; also : not tactful : crude  
b : crudely made or done <a>
2 : not planar 
synonyms see awkward

Other forms: sometimes gauch·er; sometimes gauch·est
gauche·ly adverb
gauche·ness noun

Examples
a gauche young man
He has gauche manners.
Would it be gauche of me to ask her how old she is?
Origin: French, literally, left.

Synonyms: clumsy, awkward, graceless, inelegant, rough-hewn, rustic (also rustical), stiff, stilted, uncomfortable, uneasy, ungraceful, wooden

Antonyms: graceful, suave, urbane</a>

Answer 791

A

singe\ˈsinj\
transitive verb
\: to burn (something) slightly
Full Definition
\: to burn superficially or lightly : scorch; especially : to remove the hair, down, or fuzz from usually by passing rapidly over a flame
Other forms: singed; singe·ing \ˈsin-jiŋ\
Origin: Middle English sengen, from Old English sæncgan, sengan; akin to Old High German bisengan to singe, Old Church Slavic isęknǫti to dry up.
First use: before 12th century
Synonyms: char, sear, scorch
2singe
noun
\: a slight burn : scorch
Full Definition
\: a slight burn : scorch
First use: 1658
Synonyms: char, sear, scorch

Answer 792

A

re·trench·ment-mənt\
noun
: reduction, curtailment specifically : a cutting of expenses
Full Definition
: reduction, curtailment; specifically : a cutting of expenses

Answer 793

A

Man·i·chae·an

noun
: a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism originating in Persia in the third century a.d. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism
: a believer in religious or philosophical dualism

Full Definition
1 : a believer in a syncretistic religious dualism originating in Persia in the third century a.d. and teaching the release of the spirit from matter through asceticism
2 : a believer in religious or philosophical dualism

Manichaean or Manichean adjective
Man·i·chae·an·ism or Man·i·che·an·ism \ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun
Man·i·chae·ism or Man·i·che·ism \ˈma-nə-(ˌ)kē-ˌi-zəm\ noun
Variants: or Man·i·che·an \ˌma-nə-ˈkē-ən\ or Man·i·chee \ˈma-nə-ˌkē\

Origin: Late Latin manichaeus, from Late Greek manichaios, from Manichaios Manes diedab a.d. 276 Persian founder of the sect.
First use: 1556
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Answer 794

A

man·a·cle\ˈma-ni-kəl\

noun
: either one of a set of two metal rings designed to lock around a person’s wrists or ankles

Full Definition
1 : a shackle for the hand or wrist : handcuff — usually used in plural
2 : something used as a restraint

Origin: Middle English manicle, from Anglo-French, from Latin manicula handle, diminutive of manicae shackles, armor for the hand, from manus hand — more at manual.

Synonyms: band, bind, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, handcuff(s), irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackle

Synonyms: chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, bind, pinion, shackle, trammel

Antonyms: unbind, unfetter, unshackle

2manacle
: to confine (the hands) with manacles
: to make fast or secure : bind broadly : to restrain from movement, progress, or action

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to confine (the hands) with manacles
2 : to make fast or secure : bind; broadly : to restrain from movement, progress, or action

synonyms see hamper

Other forms: man·a·cled; man·a·cling -k(ə-)liŋ\
First use: 14th century
Synonyms: band, bind, bracelet, chain, cuff(s), fetter, handcuff(s), irons, ligature, manacle(s), shackle
Synonyms: chain, enchain, enfetter, fetter, gyve, handcuff, bind, pinion, shackle, trammel
Antonyms: unbind, unfetter, unshackle

Answer 795

A

gar·nish·ment\ˈgär-nish-mənt\
noun
: ornament, garnish
: a legal summons or warning concerning the attachment of property to satisfy a debt
: a stoppage of a specified sum from wages to satisfy a creditor or a legal obligation (as child support)
Full Definition
1 : ornament, garnish
2 : a legal summons or warning concerning the attachment of property to satisfy a debt
3 : a stoppage of a specified sum from wages to satisfy a creditor or a legal obligation (as child support)
Examples
a high-end caterer whose dishes feature an array of over-the-top garnishments
First use: 1550
Synonyms: adornment, beautifier, caparison, doodad, embellisher, embellishment, frill, garnish, decoration, garniture, ornament, ornamentation, setoff, trim

Answer 796

A

fidg·et\ˈfi-jət\
noun
: uneasiness or restlessness as shown by nervous movements
: one that fidgets
Full Definition
1 : uneasiness or restlessness as shown by nervous movements — usually used in plural
2 [2fidget] : one that fidgets
Origin: irregular from fidge.
First use: 1674
Synonyms: fiddle, jerk, jig, jiggle, squiggle, squirm, thrash, thresh, toss, twist, twitch, wiggle, wriggle, writhe
2fidget
: to make a lot of small movements because you are nervous, bored, etc. : to move or act in a nervous or restless way
Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to move or act restlessly or nervouslytransitive verb
: to cause to move or act nervously
First use: 1754
Synonyms: fiddle, jerk, jig, jiggle, squiggle, squirm, thrash, thresh, toss, twist, twitch, wiggle, wriggle, writhe

Answer 797

A

fra·cas\ˈfrā-kəs, ˈfra-, British ˈfra-ˌkä\
noun
: a noisy argument or fight
Full Definition
: a noisy quarrel : brawl
Other forms: plural fra·cas·es -kə-səz\ or British frac·as -ˌkäz\
Examples
the police broke up the fracas in the bar and threw both combatants in the lockup
police preparing for any fracas that might follow the soccer game
Origin: French, din, row, from Italian fracasso, from fracassare to shatter.
First use: 1716

Answer 798

A

tes·ty\ˈtes-tē\

adjective
: becoming angry or annoyed easily

Full Definition
1 : easily annoyed : irritable
2 : marked by impatience or ill humor

Other forms: tes·ti·er; tes·ti·est
tes·ti·ly -tə-lē\ adverb
tes·ti·ness -tē-nəs\ noun

Examples
that coworker would be easier to get along with if she weren’t so testy all the time

Origin: Middle English testif, from Anglo-French, headstrong, from teste head — more at tester.

Synonyms: choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, peevish, perverse, pettish, petulant, prickly, quick-tempered, raspy, ratty, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, snarky, snippety, snippy, stuffy, irritable, waspish

Answer 799

A

in·vec·tive\in-ˈvek-tiv\

adjective
: of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse

Full Definition
: of, relating to, or characterized by insult or abuse

in·vec·tive·ly adverb
in·vec·tive·ness noun

Origin: Middle English invectif, from Middle French, from Latin invectivus, from invectus, past participle of invehere.

Synonyms: contumelious, abusive, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory

Synonyms: billingsgate, fulmination, abuse, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation

2invective
noun
: harsh or insulting words : rude and angry language
Full Definition
1 : an abusive expression or speech
2 : insulting or abusive language : vituperation
synonyms see abuse
First use: 1523
Synonyms: contumelious, abusive, opprobrious, scurrile (or scurril), scurrilous, truculent, vitriolic, vituperative, vituperatory
Synonyms: billingsgate, fulmination, abuse, obloquy, scurrility, vitriol, vituperation

Answer 800

A

par·ry\ˈper-ē, ˈpa-rē\

: to defend yourself by turning or pushing aside (a punch, a weapon, etc.)
: to avoid giving a direct answer to (a question) by being skillful or clever

Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to ward off a weapon or blow
2 : to evade or turn aside somethingtransitive verb
1 : to ward off (as a blow)
2 : to evade especially by an adroit answer

Other forms: par·ried; par·ry·ing
parry noun

Origin: probably from French parez, imperative of parer to parry, from Old Occitan parar, from Latin parare to prepare — more at pare.

Answer 801

A

ri·poste\ri-ˈpōst\

noun
: a quick and clever reply

Full Definition
1 : a fencer’s quick return thrust following a parry
2 : a retaliatory verbal sally : retort
3 : a retaliatory maneuver or measure

riposte verb

Examples
he’s known for having a brilliant riposte to nearly any insult

Origin: French, modification of Italian risposta, literally, answer, from rispondere to respond, from Latin respondēre.

Synonyms: comeback, repartee, retort

Answer 802

A

bat·ter\ˈba-tər\
: to beat with successive blows so as to bruise, shatter, or demolish
: bombard
: to subject to strong, overwhelming, or repeated attack
Full Definition
transitive verb
1 a : to beat with successive blows so as to bruise, shatter, or demolish
b : bombard
2 : to subject to strong, overwhelming, or repeated attack
3 : to wear or damage by hard usage or blows <a>
intransitive verb
: to strike heavily and repeatedly : beat
synonyms see maim
bat·ter·er -tər-ər\ noun
Origin: Middle English bateren, probably frequentative of batten to bat, from bat.
First use: 14th century
2batter
noun
: a mixture consisting chiefly of flour, egg, and milk or water and being thin enough to pour or drop from a spoon
: a mixture (as of flour and egg) used as a coating for food that is to be fried
: an instance of battering
Full Definition
1 a : a mixture consisting chiefly of flour, egg, and milk or water and being thin enough to pour or drop from a spoon
b : a mixture (as of flour and egg) used as a coating for food that is to be fried
2 : an instance of battering
Origin: Middle English bater, probably from bateren.
First use: 14th century
3batter
: to coat (food) with batter for frying
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to coat (food) with batter for frying
First use: 1973
4batter
noun
: a receding upward slope of the outer face of a structure
Full Definition
: a receding upward slope of the outer face of a structure
Origin: origin unknown.
First use: 1743
5batter
: to give a receding upward slope to (as a wall)
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to give a receding upward slope to (as a wall)
First use: circa 1882
6batter
noun
: one that bats especially : the player whose turn it is to bat
Full Definition
: one that bats; especially : the player whose turn it is to bat
First use: 1773
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Answer 803

A

her·me·neu·tic\ˌhər-mə-ˈnü-tik, -ˈnyü-\
noun
: the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)
: a method or principle of interpretation
Full Definition
1 plural but sing or plural in constr : the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible)
2 : a method or principle of interpretation
First use: 1737

Answer 804

A

oeu·vre\ˈə(r)-vrə, ˈœvrə\
noun
: all the works that a writer, an artist, or a composer has created
Full Definition
: a substantial body of work constituting the lifework of a writer, an artist, or a composer
Other forms: plural oeuvres \same\
Examples
a novel that occupies a relatively minor position in the author’s oeuvre
Origin: French œuvre, literally, work, from Old French ovre, Latin opera — more at opera.
First use: 1875
Synonyms: corpus

Answer 805

A

es·cheat\is-ˈchēt, ish-ˈchēt\
noun
: escheated property
: the reversion of lands in English feudal law to the lord of the fee when there are no heirs capable of inheriting under the original grant
: the reversion of property to the crown in England or to the state in the United States when there are no legal heirs
Full Definition
1 : escheated property
2 a : the reversion of lands in English feudal law to the lord of the fee when there are no heirs capable of inheriting under the original grant
b : the reversion of property to the crown in England or to the state in the United States when there are no legal heirs
Origin: Middle English eschete, from Anglo-French, reversion of property, from escheir to fall, devolve, from Vulgar Latin *excadēre, from Latin ex- + Vulgar Latin *cadēre to fall, from Latin cadere — more at chance.
First use: 14th century
2escheat
: to cause to revert by escheat
: to revert by escheat
Full Definition
transitive verb
: to cause to revert by escheatintransitive verb
: to revert by escheat
es·cheat·able -ˈchē-tə-bəl\ adjective
First use: 14th century

Answer 806

A

en·sconce\in-ˈskän(t)s\

: to firmly place or hide (someone or something)

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : shelter, conceal
2 : establish, settle

Other forms: en·sconced; en·sconc·ing

Examples
the kids had contentedly ensconced themselves on the couch before the TV
happily ensconced in her new home
ensconced the spare house key in a place where no intruder would think to look
Origin: en- + 2sconce.
First use: 1594
Synonyms: install, lodge, nestle, perch, roost, settle
Antonyms: display, exhibit

Answer 807

A

or·nery\ˈȯr-nə-rē, ˈär-; ˈȯrn-rē, ˈärn-\

adjective
: easily annoyed or angered
: difficult to deal with or control

Full Definition
: having an irritable disposition : cantankerous

Other forms: or·neri·er; or·neri·est
or·neri·ness noun

Examples
an ornery old man who always yells at the neighborhood kids to keep off his lawn
Origin: alteration of ordinary.
First use: 1816
Synonyms: acid, bearish, bilious, bloody-minded [chiefly British], cantankerous, disagreeable, dyspeptic, ill-humored, ill-natured, ill–tempered, splenetic, surly
Antonyms: amiable, good-humored, good-natured, good-tempered

Answer 808

A

eti·ol·o·gy\ˌē-tē-ˈä-lə-jē\
noun

1 : cause, origin; specifically : the cause of a disease or abnormal condition
2 : a branch of knowledge concerned with causes; specifically : a branch of medical science concerned with the causes and origins of diseases

Other forms: plural eti·ol·o·gies

Origin: Medieval Latin aetiologia statement of causes, from Greek aitiologia, from aitia cause.
First use: circa 1555

Answer 809

A

tru·ant\ˈtrü-ənt\

noun
: a student who misses school without permission

Full Definition
: one who shirks duty; especially : one who stays out of school without permission

Examples
an increasing number of truants

Origin: Middle English, vagabond, idler, from Anglo-French, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish trógán wretch, trúag wretched.

2truant
adjective
1 : shirking responsibility
2 : being, resembling, or characteristic of a truant
First use: 1561
3truant
intransitive verb
\: to idle away time especially while playing truant
First use: 1580

Answer 810

A

tru·ant\ˈtrü-ənt\

noun
: a student who misses school without permission

Full Definition
: one who shirks duty; especially : one who stays out of school without permission

Examples
an increasing number of truants

Origin: Middle English, vagabond, idler, from Anglo-French, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish trógán wretch, trúag wretched.

2truant
adjective
1 : shirking responsibility
2 : being, resembling, or characteristic of a truant
First use: 1561
3truant
intransitive verb
\: to idle away time especially while playing truant
First use: 1580

Answer 811

A

som·no·lent-lənt\

adjective
: tired and ready to fall alseep
: causing a person to fall asleep : very boring

Full Definition
1 : of a kind likely to induce sleep <a>
2 a : inclined to or heavy with sleep : drowsy
b : sleepy 2</a>

som·no·lent·ly adverb

Examples
trying to teach somnolent students on a very hot day
the somnolent hum of insects in the grass

Origin: Middle English sompnolent, from Anglo-French, fromLatin somnolentus, from somnus sleep; akin to Old Englishswefn sleep, Greek hypnos.

Synonyms: dozy, drowsy, slumberous (or slumbrous), sleepy

Antonyms: alert, awake, conscious, wakeful, wide-awake</a>

Answer 812

A

Mac·Guf·fin
noun
\: an object, event, or character in a film or story that serves to set and keep the plot in motion despite usually lacking intrinsic importance
Variants: or Mc·Guf·fin \mə-ˈgə-fən\
Origin: coined by Alfred Hitchcock.
First use: circa 1939

Answer 813

A

tru·ant\ˈtrü-ənt\
noun
: a student who misses school without permission
Full Definition
: one who shirks duty; especially : one who stays out of school without permission
Examples
an increasing number of truants
Origin: Middle English, vagabond, idler, from Anglo-French, of Celtic origin; akin to Old Irish trógán wretch, trúag wretched.
First use: 14th century
2truant
adjective
1 : shirking responsibility
2 : being, resembling, or characteristic of a truant
First use: 1561
3truant
intransitive verb
: to idle away time especially while playing truant
First use: 1580

Answer 814

A

cant·er\ˈkan-tər\
noun
: one who uses cant: as
a : beggar, vagabond
b : a user of professional or religious cant
First use: 1609
2can·ter\ˈkan-tər\
of a horse : to run fairly fast : to run at a canter
: to ride on a horse that is running fairly fast : to ride a horse at a canter
Full Definition
intransitive verb
1 : to move at or as if at a canter : lope
2 : to ride a horse at a cantertransitive verb
: to cause to go at a canter
Examples
The horses cantered across the grass.
We cantered off toward the lake.
Origin: short for obsolete canterbury, noun (canter), from Canterbury, England; from the supposed gait of pilgrims riding to Canterbury.
First use: 1706
3can·ter
noun
1 : a 3-beat gait resembling but smoother and slower than the gallop
2 : a ride at a canter

Answer 815

A

quarry1
— noun, plural quar·ries.

an excavation or pit, usually open to the air, from which building stone, slate, or the like, is obtained by cutting, blasting, etc.
an abundant source or supply.
— verb (used with object), quar·ried, quar·ry·ing.

to obtain (stone) from or as if from a quarry. 
to make a quarry in. 
— Related forms 
quar·ri·a·ble, quar·ry·a·ble, adjective 
un·quar·ried, adjective

quarry2
— noun, plural quar·ries.

an animal or bird hunted or pursued.
game, especially game hunted with hounds or hawks.
any object of search, pursuit, or attack.
quarry3
— noun, plural quar·ries.

a square stone or tile.
quarrel2(def 2).

Answer 816

A

red herring
noun
: something unimportant that is used to stop people from noticing or thinking about something important
Full Definition
1 : a herring cured by salting and slow smoking to a dark brown color
2 [from the practice of drawing a red herring across a trail to confuse hunting dogs] : something that distracts attention from the real issue
Examples
The argument is a red herring. It actually has nothing to do with the issue.
The plot of the mystery was full of red herrings.
First use: 15th century

Answer 817

A

head·long\-ˈlȯŋ\
adverb
\: with the head leading
\: without taking time to think about your actions
Full Definition
1 : headfirst 1
2 : without deliberation : recklessly 
3 : without pause or delay

Answer 818

A

noun, plural sci·am·a·chies.

an act or instance of fighting a shadow or an imaginary enemy.
Also, sciomachy.

Answer 819

A

pa·tri·cian\pə-ˈtri-shən\

noun
: a person who is a member of the highest social class

Full Definition
1 : a member of one of the original citizen families of ancient Rome
2 a : a person of high birth : aristocrat
b : a person of breeding and cultivation

patrician adjective

Examples
the Southern patricians who once resided in these stately plantation homes

Origin: Middle English patricion, from Anglo-French patrician, from Latin patricius, from patres senators, from plural of pater father — more at father.

First use: 15th century
Synonyms: aristocrat, blue blood, gentle, noble, gentleperson

Answer 820

A

snarky\ˈsnär-kē\

adjective
1 : crotchety, snappish
2 : sarcastic, impertinent, or irreverent in tone or manner

snark·i·ly -kə-lē\ adverb

Examples
working all day with such snarky jerks is exhausting
with champagne as a lubricant, she unleashed an unending series of snarky comments for the duration of the wedding reception

Origin: dialect snark to annoy, perhaps alteration of nark to irritate.

Synonyms: choleric, crabby, cranky, cross, crotchety, fiery, grouchy, grumpy, irascible, peevish, perverse, pettish, petulant, prickly, quick-tempered, raspy, ratty, short-tempered, snappish, snappy, irritable, snippety, snippy, stuffy, testy, waspish

Answer 821

A

schmooze or shmooze
(Variants: shmooze \ˈshmüz)

: to talk with someone in a friendly way often in order to get some advantage for yourself

Full Definition
intransitive verb
: to converse informally : chat; also : to chat in a friendly and persuasive manner especially so as to gain favor, business, or connectionstransitive verb
: to engage in schmoozing with

Other forms: schmoozed or shmoozed; schmooz·ing or shmooz·ing
schmooz·er \ˈshmü-zər\ noun

Examples
People will have time to schmooze during the cocktail hour.
spent every spare minute of the conference schmoozing with the industry’s power players

Variants: or shmooze \ˈshmüz\
Origin: Yiddish shmuesn, from schmues talk, from Hebrew shĕmu’ōth news, rumor.
First use: 1884
Synonyms: babble, blab, cackle, chaffer [British], chatter, chin [slang], converse, gab, gabble, gas, jabber, jaw, kibitz (also kibbitz), natter, palaver, patter, prate, prattle, rap, rattle, run on, chat (or shmooze), talk, twitter, visit
2schmooze
noun
1 : a gathering or time devoted to schmoozing
2 : casual talk that is often gossipy or ingratiating
Examples
had to master the art of the schmooze if she wanted to get ahead in the business
First use: 1949
Synonyms: backchat, cackle, causerie, chatter, chin music, chin-wag [slang], chitchat, confab, confabulation, gab, gabfest, gossip, jangle, jaw, natter [chiefly British], palaver, patter, rap, chat, small talk, table talk, talk, tête-à-tête

Answer 822

A

vi·gnette\vin-ˈyet, vēn-\
noun
: a short written description
: a short scene in a movie or play
: a picture or engraving in a book
Full Definition
1 : a running ornament (as of vine leaves, tendrils, and grapes) put on or just before a title page or at the beginning or end of a chapter; also : a small decorative design or picture so placed
2 a : a picture (as an engraving or photograph) that shades off gradually into the surrounding paper
b : the pictorial part of a postage stamp design as distinguished from the frame and lettering
3 a : a short descriptive literary sketch
b : a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie)
vi·gnett·ist -ˈye-tist\ noun
Examples
The play’s program features a little vignette about each member of the cast.
The film is a series of vignettes about living with cancer.
Origin: French, from Middle French vignete, from diminutive of vigne vine — more at vine.
First use: 1611
Synonyms: definition, delineation, depiction, picture, portrait, portraiture, portrayal, rendering, sketch, description
2vignette
transitive verb
1 : to finish (as a photograph) like a vignette
2 : to describe briefly
Other forms: vi·gnett·ed; vi·gnett·ing
vi·gnett·er noun
First use: 1853

Answer 823

A

snob·bery\ˈsnä-b(ə-)rē\

noun
: the behavior or attitude of people who think they are better than other people : the behavior or attitude of snobs

Full Definition
1 : snobbish conduct or character : snobbishness
2 : an instance of snobbery

Other forms: plural snob·ber·ies

Examples
the snobbery of some wine connoisseurs
First use: 1843

Answer 824

A

dis·in·ter\ˌdis-in-ˈtər\

: to take (a body) out of a grave or tomb : to dig up (a body)

Full Definition
transitive verb
1 : to take out of the grave or tomb
2 : to bring back into awareness or prominence; also : to bring to light : unearth

dis·in·ter·ment -mənt\ noun

Examples

The body was disinterred for further study.

the Egyptian mummy was carefully disinterred in hopes that it would yield secrets about the Old Kingdom

Synonyms: exhume, unearth

Antonyms: bury, entomb, inhume, inter, tomb

Answer 825

A

syl·van\ˈsil-vən\
noun
: one that frequents groves or woods
First use: 1565
2sylvan
adjective
: having a lot of woods or trees
Full Definition
1 a : living or located in the woods or forest
b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest
2 a : made, shaped, or formed of woods or trees
b : abounding in woods, groves, or trees : wooded
Origin: Medieval Latin silvanus, sylvanus, from Latin silva, sylva wood.
First use: circa 1583

Answer 826

A

syl·van\ˈsil-vən\
noun
: one that frequents groves or woods
First use: 1565
2sylvan
adjective
: having a lot of woods or trees
Full Definition
1 a : living or located in the woods or forest
b : of, relating to, or characteristic of the woods or forest
2 a : made, shaped, or formed of woods or trees
b : abounding in woods, groves, or trees : wooded
Origin: Medieval Latin silvanus, sylvanus, from Latin silva, sylva wood.
First use: circa 1583

Answer 827

A

banausic \buh-NAW-sik\
adjective

: relating to or concerned with earning a living — used pejoratively; also : utilitarian, practical

Examples:
“At the far end was a wooden board on which were hung saws, chisels, knives and other banausic instruments of the trade.” — Sebastian Faulk, Human Traces, 2005

Answer 828

A

invective \in-VEK-tiv\
noun

1 : an abusive expression or speech
2 : insulting or abusive language : vituperation

Examples:
“The ongoing collapse of responsible broadcast and cable journalism and the explosive role that social media has assumed in this campaign have made for a nasty brew of invective, slurs and accusations….” — Susan J. Douglas, In These Times, July 2016

“At a moment when American political discourse has descended to almost unimaginable levels of … invective, we need our teachers to model a better way to discuss our differences.” — Jonathan Zimmerman, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 14 Aug. 2016

Answer 829

A

macadam \muh-KAD-um\
noun

: a roadway or pavement of small closely packed broken stone
Examples:
The sloping, curved street saw light traffic and had a smooth macadam surface that made it popular with skateboarders.

“Littered on the beach are nearly a dozen big slabs of macadam and even larger chunks of concrete that have slid down the cliff.” — Chris Burrell, The Patriot Ledger (Quincy, Massachusetts), 20 Aug. 2016

Answer 830

A

ab initio \ab-ih-NISH-ee-oh\
adverb

: from the beginning
Examples:
“Like many of contemporary architecture’s most celebrated figures, [Zaha] Hadid is often presented as an artist who conceives her buildings entirely ab initio.” — Ellis Woodman, The Daily Telegraph (London), 3 Sept. 2012

Answer 831

A

gird\ˈgərd\

transitive verb

1 a : to encircle or bind with a flexible band (as a belt)
b : to make fast (as a sword by a belt or clothing with a cord)
c : surround
2 : provide, equip; especially : to invest with the sword of knighthood
3 : to prepare (oneself) for actionintransitive verb
: to prepare for action

Other forms: gird·ed \ˈgər-dəd\ or girt \ˈgərt\; gird·ing
gird one’s loins : to prepare for action : muster up one’s resources

Origin: Middle English, from Old English gyrdan; akin to Old English geard yard — more at yard.

2gird

transitive verb
: to sneer at : mock

intransitive verb
: gibe, rail

Origin: Middle English, to strike, thrust.

3gird

noun
: a sarcastic remark

Examples
in her farewell speech, the departing governor got in some retaliatory girds at the media

Synonyms: affront, barb, brickbat, cut, dart, dig, dis (also diss) [slang], epithet, insult, indignity, name, offense (or offence), outrage, personality, poke, put-down, sarcasm, slap, slight, slur

Answer 832

A

ef·fete\e-ˈfēt, i-\

adjective

: lacking strength, courage, or spirit
: resembling a woman

Full Definition
1 : no longer fertile
2 a : having lost character, vitality, or strength
b : marked by weakness or decadence
c : soft or delicate from or as if from a pampered existence ; also : characteristic of an effete person <a>
3 : effeminate 1 </a><a></a>

ef·fete·ly adverb
ef·fete·ness noun

Examples
effete members of the aristocracy
the soft, effete society that marked the final years of the Roman Empire

Origin: Latin effetus, from ex- + fetus fruitful — more at feminine.

Synonyms: decadent, decayed, degenerate, overripe, washed-up
Antonyms: undecadent</a>

Answer 833

A

te·mer·i·ty\tə-ˈmer-ə-tē\

noun
: the quality of being confident and unafraid of danger or punishment especially in a way that seems rude or foolish

Full Definition
1 : unreasonable or foolhardy contempt of danger or opposition : rashness, recklessness
2 : a rash or reckless act

Other forms: plural te·mer·i·ties

Examples
He was punished for his temerity.
she had the temerity to ask my boyfriend if she could go out with him should he and I ever break up

Origin: Middle English temeryte, from Latin temeritas, from temere blindly, recklessly; akin to Old High German demar darkness, Latin tenebrae, Sanskrit tamas.

Synonyms: audaciousness, audacity, brashness, brass, brassiness, brazenness, cheek, cheekiness, chutzpah (also chutzpa or hutzpah or hutzpa), crust, face, gall, nerve, nerviness, pertness, presumption, presumptuousness, sauce, sauciness, effrontery

Synonym discussion: temerity audacity hardihood effrontery nerve cheek gall chutzpah mean conspicuous or flagrant boldness. temerity suggests boldness arising from rashness and contempt of danger . audacity implies a disregard of restraints commonly imposed by convention or prudence . hardihood suggests firmness in daring and defiance . effrontery implies shameless, insolent disregard of propriety or courtesy . nerve cheek gall, and chutzpah are informal equivalents for effrontery .

Answer 834

A

bully pulpit

noun
: an important public position that allows a person to express beliefs and opinions to many people

Full Definition
: a prominent public position (as a political office) that provides an opportunity for expounding one’s views; also : such an opportunity

Examples
She uses her position as a famous actress as a bully pulpit.

First use: 1976

Answer 835

A

deft\ˈdeft\
adjective

: skillful and clever
: able to do something quickly and accurately

Full Definition
: characterized by facility and skill

synonyms see dexterous

deft·ly adverb
deft·ness \ˈdef(t)-nəs\ noun

Examples
The photographer is known for her deft use of lighting.
a luthier whose deft craftsmanship is prized by violinists the world over

Origin: Middle English defte gentle — more at daft.

Synonyms: adroit, artful, bravura, skillful, delicate, dexterous (also dextrous), expert, masterful, masterly, practiced (also practised), virtuoso, workmanlike

Antonyms: amateur, amateurish, artless, rude, unprofessional, unskillful

Answer 836

A

se·nes·cence\si-ˈne-sən(t)s\
noun

: the state of being old or the process of becoming old

Full Definition
1 : the state of being old : the process of becoming old
2 : the growth phase in a plant or plant part (as a leaf) from full maturity to death

se·nes·cent -sənt\ adjective

Origin: senescent, from Latin senescent-, senescens, present participle of senescere to grow old, from sen-, senex old.

Answer 837

A

im·pet·u·ous\im-ˈpech-wəs; -ˈpe-chə-, -chü-əs\
adjective

: acting or done quickly and without thought : controlled by emotion rather than thought

Full Definition
1 : marked by impulsive vehemence or passion
2 : marked by force and violence of movement or action

synonyms see precipitate
im·pet·u·ous·ly adverb
im·pet·u·ous·ness noun

Examples
He’s always been an impetuous young man.

Origin: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin impetuosus, from Latin impetus (see impetus ).
First use: 14th century

Answer 838

A

en·co·mi·um\en-ˈkō-mē-əm\
noun

: glowing and warmly enthusiastic praise; also : an expression of this

Other forms: plural en·co·mi·ums also -mia-mē-ə\

Examples
the encomiums bestowed on a teacher at her retirement ceremonies

Origin: Latin, from Greek enkōmion, from en in + kōmos revel, celebration.

Synonyms: accolade, citation, commendation, dithyramb, eulogium, eulogy, homage, hymn, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute

Synonym discussion:
• encomium eulogy panegyric tribute citation mean a formal expression of praise.
• encomium implies enthusiasm and warmth in praising a person or a thing .
• eulogy applies to a prepared speech or writing extolling the virtues and services of a person .
• panegyric suggests an elaborate often poetic compliment .
• tribute implies deeply felt praise conveyed either through words or through a significant act .
• citation applies to the formal praise of a person offered in a military dispatch or in awarding an honorary degree .

Answer 839

A

Catallaxy or catallactics is an alternative expression for the word “economy”.

Whereas the word economy suggests that people in a community possess a common and congruent set of values and goals, catallaxy suggests that the emergent properties of a market (prices, division of labor, growth, etc.) are the outgrowths of the diverse and disparate goals of the individuals in a community.

Catallaxy is derived from the Greek verb katalatto, which means “to exchange,” or “to become reconciled with,” or “to admit into the community,” or, “to change from an enemy into a friend.”

The cognate catallaxy, therefore, refers to a pattern of mutually beneficial interaction (“friendship”) that does not require that participants share the same ends.

Answer 840

A

vi·gnette\vin-ˈyet, vēn-\
noun

: a short written description
: a short scene in a movie or play
: a picture or engraving in a book

Full Definition
1 : a running ornament (as of vine leaves, tendrils, and grapes) put on or just before a title page or at the beginning or end of a chapter; also : a small decorative design or picture so placed

2 a : a picture (as an engraving or photograph) that shades off gradually into the surrounding paper
b : the pictorial part of a postage stamp design as distinguished from the frame and lettering

3 a : a short descriptive literary sketch
b : a brief incident or scene (as in a play or movie)

vi·gnett·ist -ˈye-tist\ noun

Examples
The play’s program features a little vignette about each member of the cast.
The film is a series of vignettes about living with cancer.

Origin: French, from Middle French vignete, from diminutive of vigne vine — more at vine.

Synonyms: definition, delineation, depiction, picture, portrait, portraiture, portrayal, rendering, sketch, description

2vignette
transitive verb
1 : to finish (as a photograph) like a vignette
2 : to describe briefly

Other forms: vi·gnett·ed; vi·gnett·ing

vi·gnett·er noun
First use: 1853

Answer 841

A

tor·pid\ˈtȯr-pəd\
adjective

: having or showing very little energy or movement : not active

Full Definition
1 a : having lost motion or the power of exertion or feeling : dormant, numb
b : sluggish in functioning or acting <a> </a><a>
2 : lacking in energy or vigor : apathetic, dull</a>

tor·pid·i·ty \tȯr-ˈpi-də-tē\ noun

Examples
a torpid sloth that refused to budge off its tree branch
my tongue and throat remained torpid for a time following the endoscopy

Origin: Middle English, from Latin torpidus, from torpēre to be sluggish or numb; akin to Lithuanian tirpti to become numb.

Synonyms: dull, inert, lethargic, quiescent, sleepy, sluggish, inactive

Antonyms: active</a>

Answer 842

A

post-truth (adjective): Relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.

Answer 843

A

dox (dɒks/)
verb informal

gerund or present participle: doxing

search for and publish private or identifying information about (a particular individual) on the Internet, typically with malicious intent.

“hackers and online vigilantes routinely dox both public and private figures”

Answer 844

A

vict·ual\ˈvi-təl\
noun
1 : food usable by people
2 plural : supplies of food : provisions
Origin: Middle English vitaille, victuayle, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin victualia, plural, provisions, victuals, from neuter plural of victualis of nourishment, from Latin victus nourishment, way of living, from vivere to live — more at quick.
First use: 15th century
2victual
transitive verb
\: to supply with foodintransitive verb
1 : eat
2 : to lay in provisions
Other forms: victualed or victualled; victual·ing or victual·ling
Examples
the navy was usually equipped, clothed and victualled by the Crown
that evening the travelers victualed sumptuously on partridge and venison
First use: 1558
Synonyms: board, cater, provision, feed

Answer 845

A

cha·grin\shə-ˈgrin\
noun
: a feeling of being frustrated or annoyed because of failure or disappointment
Full Definition
: disquietude or distress of mind caused by humiliation, disappointment, or failure
Examples
The fact that he’d been unable to attend the funeral was a source of chagrin for Ted.
She had gained five pounds over the winter, much to her chagrin.
He decided to get a tattoo, to the chagrin of his parents.
Origin: French, from chagrin sad.
First use: circa 1681
2cha·grin\shə-ˈgrin\
transitive verb
: to vex or unsettle by disappointing or humiliating
Other forms: cha·grined -ˈgrind\; cha·grin·ing -ˈgri-niŋ\
Origin: (see 1chagrin ).
First use: 1733

Answer 846

A

: official approval
Full Definition
1 a : a license to print or publish especially by Roman Catholic episcopal authority
b : approval of a publication under circumstances of official censorship
2 a : sanction, approval
b : imprint
c : a mark of approval or distinction
Examples
He gave the book his imprimatur.
could not begin the project without the boss’s imprimatur
Origin: New Latin, let it be printed, from imprimere to print, from Latin, to imprint, impress — more at impress.
First use: 1640
Synonyms: approbation, blessing, favor, approval, OK (or okay)
Antonyms: disapprobation, disapproval, disfavor

Answer 847

A

lit·ur·gy\ˈli-tər-jē\

noun
: a fixed set of ceremonies, words, etc., that are used during public worship in a religion

Full Definition
1 often capitalized : a eucharistic rite
2 : a rite or body of rites prescribed for public worship
3 : a customary repertoire of ideas, phrases, or observances

Other forms: plural lit·ur·gies

Examples
studying the liturgies of different religions
He was studying Christian liturgy.

Origin: Late Latin liturgia, from Greek leitourgia public service, from Greek (Attic) leïton public building (from Greek laos — Attic leōs — people) + -ourgia -urgy.
First use: 1560

Answer 848

A

ho·mol·o·gate\hō-ˈmä-lə-ˌgāt, hə-\

transitive verb
: sanction, allow; especially : to approve or confirm officially

Other forms: ho·mol·o·gat·ed; ho·mol·o·gat·ing
ho·mol·o·ga·tion -ˌmä-lə-ˈgā-shən\ noun

Examples
to be effectual, a judge must homologate the plea bargain between the district attorney and the defense

Origin: Medieval Latin homologatus, past participle of homologare to agree, from Greek homologein, from homologos.

First use: 1593
Synonyms: accredit, approbate, authorize, clear, confirm, finalize, formalize, approve, OK (or okay), ratify, sanction, warrant

Antonyms: decline, deny, disallow, disapprove, negative, reject, turn down, veto

Answer 849

A

pus·tule\ˈpəs-(ˌ)chül, -(ˌ)tyül, -(ˌ)tül\

noun

medical : a small bump on the skin that contains or produces pus
Full Definition

1 : a small circumscribed elevation of the skin containing pus and having an inflamed base
2 : a small often distinctively colored elevation or spot resembling a blister or pimple

Examples
smallpox’s characteristic pustules typically resulted in permanent scarring for survivors of the dreaded disease

Origin: Middle English, from Latin pustula; akin to Lithuanian pusti to blow, Greek physa breath.

Synonyms: boil, fester, hickey, papule, pimple, pock, whelk, zit [slang]

Answer 850

A

adjective
: feeling or showing a lack of interest and excitement caused by having done or experienced too much of something
Full Definition
1 : fatigued by overwork : exhausted
2 : made dull, apathetic, or cynical by experience or by surfeit
jad·ed·ly adverb
jad·ed·ness noun
Examples
He became jaded from years of work as a police officer.
a public jaded by political scandals
Origin: (see 1jade ).
First use: 1600
Synonyms: all in, aweary [archaic], beat, beaten, bleary, burned-out (or burnt-out), bushed, dead, done, done in, drained, exhausted, fatigued, weary, knackered [British], limp, logy (also loggy), played out, pooped [slang], prostrate, spent, tapped out, tired, tuckered (out), washed-out, wearied, wiped out, worn, worn-out
Antonyms: unwearied

Answer 851

A

pos·ter·i·ty\pä-ˈster-ə-tē\

Answer 852

A

Malinger (verb)

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