SAT Vocab

Question 1

Define the term ‘abase.’

Answer 1

To humiliate, degrade.

Example sentence: After being overthrown and abased, the deposed leader offered to bow down to his conqueror.

Question 2

Define the term ‘abate.’

Answer 2

To reduce, lessen.

Example sentence: The rain poured down for a while, then abated.

Question 3

Define the term ‘abdicate.’

Answer 3

To give up a position, usually one of leadership.

Example sentence: When he realized that the revolutionaries would surely win, the king abdicated his throne.

Question 4

Define the term ‘abduct.’

Answer 4

To kidnap, take by force.

Example sentence: The evildoers abducted the fairy princess from her happy home.

Question 5

Define the term ‘aberration.’

Answer 5

Something that differs from the norm.

Example sentence: In 1918, the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, but the success turned out to be an aberration, and the Red Sox have not won a World Series since.

Question 6

Define the term ‘abet.’

Answer 6

To aid, help, encourage.

Example sentence: The spy succeeded only because he had a friend on the inside to abet him.

Question 7

Define the term ‘abhor.’

Answer 7

To hate, detest.

Example sentence: Because he always wound up kicking himself in the head when he tried to play soccer, Oswald began to abhor the sport.

Question 8

Define the term ‘abide.’

Answer 8

1. To put up with. 2. To remain.

Example sentence: 1. Though he did not agree with the decision, Chuck decided to abide by it. 2. Despite the beating they’ve taken from the weather throughout the millennia, the mountains abide.

Question 9

Define the term ‘abject.’

Answer 9

Wretched, pitiful.

Example sentence: After losing all her money, falling into a puddle, and breaking her ankle, Eloise was abject.

Question 10

Define the term ‘abjure.’

Answer 10

To reject, renounce.

Example sentence: To prove his honesty, the President abjured the evil policies of his wicked predecessor.

Question 11

Define the term ‘abnegation.’

Answer 11

Denial of comfort to oneself.

Example sentence: The holy man slept on the floor, took only cold showers, and generally followed other practices of abnegation.

Question 12

Define the term ‘abort.’

Answer 12

To give up on a half-finished project or effort.

Example sentence: After they ran out of food, the men, attempting to jump rope around the world, had to abort and go home.

Question 13

Define the term ‘abridge.’

Answer 13

1. To cut down, shorten. 2. Shortened.

Example sentence: 1. The publisher thought the dictionary was too long and abridged it. 2. Moby-Dick is such a long book that even the abridged version is longer than most normal books.

Question 14

Define the term ‘abrogate.’

Answer 14

To abolish, usually by authority.

Example sentence: The Bill of Rights assures that the government cannot abrogate our right to a free press.

Question 15

Define the term ‘abscond.’

Answer 15

To sneak away and hide.

Example sentence: In the confusion, the super-spy absconded into the night with the secret plans.

Question 16

Define the term ‘absolution.’

Answer 16

Freedom from blame, guilt, sin.

Example sentence: Once all the facts were known, the jury gave Angela absolution by giving a verdict of not guilty.

Question 17

Define the term ‘abstain.’

Answer 17

To freely choose not to commit an action.

Example sentence: Everyone demanded that Angus put on the kilt, but he did not want to do it and abstained.

Question 18

Define the term ‘abstruse.’

Answer 18

Hard to comprehend.

Example sentence: Everyone else in the class understood geometry easily, but John found the subject abstruse.

Question 19

Define the term ‘accede’.

Answer 19

to agree

Example sentence: When the class asked the teacher whether they could play baseball instead of learn grammar, they expected him to refuse, but instead he acceded to their request.

Question 20

Define the term ‘accentuate’.

Answer 20

to stress, highlight

Example sentence: Psychologists agree that those people who are happiest accentuate the positive in life.

Question 21

Define the term ‘accessible’.

Answer 21

obtainable, reachable

Example sentence: After studying with SparkNotes and getting a great score on the SAT, Marlena happily realized that her goal of getting into an Ivy-League college was accessible.

Question 22

Define the term ‘acclaim’.

Answer 22

high praise

Example sentence: Greg’s excellent poem won the acclaim of his friends.

Question 23

Define the term ‘accolade’.

Answer 23

high praise, special distinction

Example sentence: Everyone offered accolades to Sam after he won the Nobel Prize.

Question 24

Define the term ‘accommodating’.

Answer 24

helpful, obliging, polite

Example sentence: Though the apartment was not big enough for three people, Arnold, Mark, and Zebulon were all friends and were accommodating to each other.

Question 25

Define the term 'accord'.

Answer 25

an agreement ## Footnote Example sentence: After much negotiating, England and Iceland finally came to a mutually beneficial accord about fishing rights off the cost of Greenland.

Question 26

Define the term 'accost'.

Answer 26

to confront verbally ## Footnote Example sentence: Though Antoinette was normally quite calm, when the waiter spilled soup on her for the fourth time in 15 minutes, she stood up and accosted the man.

Question 27

Define the term 'accretion'.

Answer 27

slow growth in size or amount ## Footnote Example sentence: Stalactites are formed by the accretion of minerals from the roofs of caves.

Question 28

Define the term 'acerbic'.

Answer 28

biting, bitter in tone or taste ## Footnote Example sentence: Jill became extremely acerbic and began to cruelly make fun of all her friends.

Question 29

Define the term 'acquiesce'.

Answer 29

to agree without protesting ## Footnote Example sentence: Though Mr. Correlli wanted to stay outside and work in his garage, when his wife told him that he had better come in to dinner, he acquiesced to her demands.

Question 30

Define the term 'acrimony'.

Answer 30

bitterness, discord ## Footnote Example sentence: Though they vowed that no girl would ever come between them, Biff and Trevor could not keep acrimony from overwhelming their friendship after they both fell in love with the lovely Teresa.

Question 31

Define the term 'acumen'.

Answer 31

keen insight ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of his mathematical acumen, Larry was able to figure out in minutes problems that took other students hours.

Question 32

Define the term 'acute'.

Answer 32

1. sharp, severe; 2. having keen insight ## Footnote Example sentence: 1. Arnold could not walk because the pain in his foot was so acute. 2. Because she was so acute, Libby instantly figured out how the magician pulled off his 'magic'.

Question 33

Define the term 'adamant'.

Answer 33

impervious, immovable, unyielding ## Footnote Example sentence: Though public pressure was intense, the President remained adamant about his proposal.

Question 34

Define the term 'adept'.

Answer 34

extremely skilled ## Footnote Example sentence: Tarzan was adept at jumping from tree to tree like a monkey.

Question 35

Define the term 'adhere'.

Answer 35

1. to stick to something; 2. to follow devoutly ## Footnote Example sentence: 1. We adhered the poster to the wall with tape. 2. He adhered to the dictates of his religion without question.

Question 36

Define the term 'admonish'.

Answer 36

to caution, criticize, reprove ## Footnote Example sentence: Joe's mother admonished him not to ruin his appetite by eating cookies before dinner.

Question 37

Define the term 'adorn'.

Answer 37

to decorate ## Footnote Example sentence: We adorned the tree with ornaments.

Question 38

Define the term 'adroit'.

Answer 38

skillful, dexterous ## Footnote Example sentence: The adroit thief could pick someone's pocket without attracting notice.

Question 39

Define the term 'adulation'.

Answer 39

extreme praise ## Footnote Example sentence: Though the book was pretty good, Marcy did not believe it deserved the adulation it received.

Question 40

Define the term 'adumbrate'.

Answer 40

to sketch out in a vague way ## Footnote Example sentence: The coach adumbrated a game plan, but none of the players knew precisely what to do.

Question 41

Define the term 'adverse'.

Answer 41

antagonistic, unfavorable, dangerous ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of adverse conditions, the hikers decided to give up trying to climb the mountain.

Question 42

Define the term 'advocate'.

Answer 42

1. to argue in favor of something; 2. a person who argues in favor of something ## Footnote Example sentence: 1. Arnold advocated turning left at the stop sign, even though everyone else thought we should turn right. 2. In addition to wanting to turn left at every stop sign, Arnold was also a great advocate of increasing national defense spending.

Question 43

Define the term 'aerial'.

Answer 43

somehow related to the air ## Footnote Example sentence: We watched as the fighter planes conducted aerial maneuvers.

Question 44

Define the term 'aesthetic'.

Answer 44

artistic, related to the appreciation of beauty ## Footnote Example sentence: We hired Susan as our interior decorator because she has such a fine aesthetic sense.

Question 45

Define the term 'affable'.

Answer 45

friendly, amiable ## Footnote Example sentence: People like to be around George because he is so affable and good-natured.

Question 46

Define the term 'affinity'.

Answer 46

a spontaneous feeling of closeness ## Footnote Example sentence: Jerry didn't know why, but he felt an incredible affinity for Kramer the first time they met.

Question 47

Define the term 'affluent'.

Answer 47

rich, wealthy ## Footnote Example sentence: Mrs. Grebelski was affluent, owning a huge house, three cars, and an island near Maine.

Question 48

Define the term 'affront'.

Answer 48

an insult ## Footnote Example sentence: Bernardo was very touchy and took any slight as an affront to his honor.

Question 49

Define the term 'aggrandize'.

Answer 49

to increase or make greater ## Footnote Example sentence: Joseph always dropped the names of the famous people his father knew as a way to aggrandize his personal stature.

Question 50

Define the term 'aggregate'.

Answer 50

1. a whole or total; 2. to gather into a mass ## Footnote Example sentence: 1. The three branches of the U.S. Government form an aggregate much more powerful than its individual parts. 2. The dictator tried to aggregate as many people into his army as he possibly could.

Question 51

Define the term 'aggrieved'.

Answer 51

distressed, wronged, injured ## Footnote Example sentence: The foreman mercilessly overworked his aggrieved employees.

Question 52

Define the term 'agile'.

Answer 52

quick, nimble ## Footnote Example sentence: The dogs were too slow to catch the agile rabbit.

Question 53

Define the term 'agnostic'.

Answer 53

believing that the existence of God cannot be proven or disproven ## Footnote Example sentence: Joey's parents are very religious, but he is agnostic.

Question 54

Define the term 'agriculture'.

Answer 54

farming ## Footnote Example sentence: It was a huge step in the progress of civilization when tribes left hunting and gathering and began to develop more sustainable methods of obtaining food, such as agriculture.

Question 55

Define the term 'aisle'.

Answer 55

a passageway between rows of seats ## Footnote Example sentence: Once we got inside the stadium, we walked down the aisle to our seats.

Question 56

Define the term 'alacrity'.

Answer 56

eagerness, speed ## Footnote Example sentence: For some reason, Chuck loved to help his mother whenever he could, so when his mother asked him to set the table, he did so with alacrity.

Question 57

Define the term 'alias'.

Answer 57

a false name or identity ## Footnote Example sentence: He snuck past the guards by using an alias and fake ID.

Question 58

Define the term 'allay'.

Answer 58

to soothe, ease ## Footnote Example sentence: The chairman of the Federal Reserve gave a speech to try to allay investors' fears about an economic downturn.

Question 59

Define the term 'allege'.

Answer 59

to assert, usually without proof ## Footnote Example sentence: The policeman had alleged that Marshall committed the crime, but after the investigation turned up no evidence, Marshall was set free.

Question 60

Define the term 'alleviate.'

Answer 60

To relieve, make more bearable ## Footnote Example sentence: This drug will alleviate the symptoms of the terrible disease, but only for a while.

Question 61

Define the term 'allocate.'

Answer 61

To distribute, set aside ## Footnote Example sentence: The Mayor allocated 30 percent of the funds for improving the town's schools.

Question 62

Define the term 'aloof.'

Answer 62

Reserved, distant ## Footnote Example sentence: The scientist could sometimes seem aloof, as if he didn't care about his friends or family, but really he was just thinking about quantum mechanics.

Question 63

Define the term 'altercation.'

Answer 63

A dispute, fight ## Footnote Example sentence: Jason and Lionel blamed one another for the car accident, leading to an altercation.

Question 64

Define the term 'amalgamate.'

Answer 64

To bring together, unite ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of his great charisma, the presidential candidate was able to amalgamate all Democrats and Republicans under his banner.

Question 65

Define the term 'ambiguous.'

Answer 65

Uncertain, variably interpretable ## Footnote Example sentence: Some people think Caesar married Cleopatra for her power, others believe he was charmed by her beauty. His actual reasons are ambiguous.

Question 66

Define the term 'ambivalent.'

Answer 66

Having opposing feelings ## Footnote Example sentence: My feelings about Calvin are ambivalent because on one hand he is a loyal friend, but on the other, he is a cruel and vicious thief.

Question 67

Define the term 'ameliorate.'

Answer 67

To improve ## Footnote Example sentence: The tense situation was ameliorated when Sam proposed a solution everyone could agree upon.

Question 68

Define the term 'amenable.'

Answer 68

Willing, compliant ## Footnote Example sentence: Our father was amenable when we asked him to drive us to the farm so we could go apple picking.

Question 69

Define the term 'amenity.'

Answer 69

An item that increases comfort ## Footnote Example sentence: Bill Gates's house is stocked with so many amenities, he never has to do anything for himself.

Question 70

Define the term 'amiable.'

Answer 70

Friendly ## Footnote Example sentence: An amiable fellow, Harry got along with just about everyone.

Question 71

Define the term 'amicable.'

Answer 71

Friendly ## Footnote Example sentence: Claudia and Jimmy got divorced, but amicably and without hard feelings.

Question 72

Define the term 'amorous.'

Answer 72

Showing love, particularly sexual ## Footnote Example sentence: Whenever Albert saw Mariah wear her slinky red dress, he began to feel quite amorous.

Question 73

Define the term 'amorphous.'

Answer 73

Without definite shape or type ## Footnote Example sentence: The effort was doomed from the start because the reasons behind it were so amorphous and hard to pin down.

Question 74

Define the term 'anachronistic.'

Answer 74

Being out of correct chronological order ## Footnote Example sentence: In this book you're writing, you say that the Pyramids were built after the Titanic sank, which is anachronistic.

Question 75

Define the term 'analgesic.'

Answer 75

Something that reduces pain ## Footnote Example sentence: Put this analgesic on the wound so that the poor man at least feels a little better.

Question 76

Define the term 'analogous.'

Answer 76

Similar to, so that an analogy can be drawn ## Footnote Example sentence: Though they are unrelated genetically, the bone structure of whales and fish is quite analogous.

Question 77

Define the term 'anarchist.'

Answer 77

One who wants to eliminate all government ## Footnote Example sentence: An anarchist, Carmine wanted to dissolve every government everywhere.

Question 78

Define the term 'anathema.'

Answer 78

A cursed, detested person ## Footnote Example sentence: I never want to see that murderer. He is an anathema to me.

Question 79

Define the term 'anecdote.'

Answer 79

A short, humorous account ## Footnote Example sentence: After dinner, Marlon told an anecdote about the time he got his nose stuck in a toaster.

Question 80

Define the term 'anesthesia.'

Answer 80

Loss of sensation ## Footnote Example sentence: When the nerves in his spine were damaged, Mr. Hollins suffered anesthesia in his legs.

Question 81

Define the term 'anguish.'

Answer 81

Extreme sadness, torment ## Footnote Example sentence: Angelos suffered terrible anguish when he learned that Buffy had died while combating a strange mystical force of evil.

Question 82

Define the term 'animated.'

Answer 82

Lively ## Footnote Example sentence: When he begins to talk about drama, which is his true passion, he becomes very animated.

Question 83

Define the term 'annex.'

Answer 83

1. To incorporate territory or space. 2. A room attached to a larger room or space. ## Footnote Example sentence: 1. After defeating them in battle, the Russians annexed Poland. 2. He likes to do his studying in a little annex attached to the main reading room in the library.

Question 84

Define the term 'annul.'

Answer 84

To make void or invalid ## Footnote Example sentence: After seeing its unforeseen and catastrophic effects, Congress sought to annul the law.

Question 85

Define the term 'anomaly.'

Answer 85

Something that does not fit into the normal order ## Footnote Example sentence: 'That rip in the space-time continuum is certainly a spatial anomaly,' said Spock to Captain Kirk.

Question 86

Define the term 'anonymous.'

Answer 86

Being unknown, unrecognized ## Footnote Example sentence: Mary received a love poem from an anonymous admirer.

Question 87

Define the term 'antagonism.'

Answer 87

Hostility ## Footnote Example sentence: Superman and Bizarro Superman shared a mutual antagonism and often fought.

Question 88

Define the term 'antecedent.'

Answer 88

Something that came before ## Footnote Example sentence: The great tradition of Western culture had its antecedent in the culture of Ancient Greece.

Question 89

Define the term 'antediluvian.'

Answer 89

Ancient ## Footnote Example sentence: The antediluvian man still believed that Eisenhower was president of the United States and that hot dogs cost a nickel.

Question 90

What does the term 'anthology' mean?

Answer 90

a selected collection of writings, songs, etc. ## Footnote Example sentence: The new anthology of Bob Dylan songs contains all his greatest hits and a few songs that you might never have heard before.

Question 91

What does the term 'antipathy' mean?

Answer 91

a strong dislike, repugnance ## Footnote Example sentence: I know you love me, but because you are a liar and a thief, I feel nothing but antipathy for you.

Question 92

What does the term 'antiquated' mean?

Answer 92

old, out of date ## Footnote Example sentence: That antiquated car has none of the features, like power windows and steering, that make modern cars so great.

Question 93

What does the term 'antiseptic' mean?

Answer 93

clean, sterile ## Footnote Example sentence: The antiseptic hospital was very bare, but its cleanliness helped to keep patients healthy.

Question 94

What does the term 'antithesis' mean?

Answer 94

the absolute opposite ## Footnote Example sentence: Your values, which hold war and violence in the highest esteem, are the antithesis of my pacifist beliefs.

Question 95

What does the term 'anxiety' mean?

Answer 95

intense uneasiness ## Footnote Example sentence: When he heard about the car crash, he felt anxiety because he knew that his girlfriend had been driving on the road where the accident occurred.

Question 96

What does the term 'apathetic' mean?

Answer 96

lacking concern, emotion ## Footnote Example sentence: Uninterested in politics, Bruno was apathetic about whether he lived under a capitalist or communist regime.

Question 97

What does the term 'apocryphal' mean?

Answer 97

fictitious, false, wrong ## Footnote Example sentence: Because I am standing before you, it seems obvious that the stories circulating about my demise were apocryphal.

Question 98

What does the term 'appalling' mean?

Answer 98

inspiring shock, horror, disgust ## Footnote Example sentence: The judge found the murderer's crimes and lack of remorse appalling.

Question 99

What does the term 'appease' mean?

Answer 99

to calm, satisfy ## Footnote Example sentence: When the child cries, the mother gives him candy to appease him.

Question 100

What does the term 'appraise' mean?

Answer 100

to assess the worth or value of ## Footnote Example sentence: A realtor will come over tonight to appraise our house.

Question 101

What are the two meanings of the term 'apprehend'?

Answer 101

1. to seize, arrest 2. to perceive, understand, grasp ## Footnote Example sentence (meaning 1): The criminal was apprehended at the scene. Example sentence (meaning 2): The student has trouble apprehending concepts in math and science.

Question 102

What does the term 'approbation' mean?

Answer 102

praise ## Footnote Example sentence: The crowd welcomed the heroes with approbation.

Question 103

What does the term 'appropriate' mean?

Answer 103

to take, make use of ## Footnote Example sentence: The government appropriated the farmer's land without justification.

Question 104

What does the term 'aquatic' mean?

Answer 104

relating to water ## Footnote Example sentence: The marine biologist studies starfish and other aquatic creatures.

Question 105

What does the term 'arable' mean?

Answer 105

suitable for growing crops ## Footnote Example sentence: The farmer purchased a plot of arable land on which he will grow corn and sprouts.

Question 106

What does the term 'arbiter' mean?

Answer 106

one who can resolve a dispute, make a decision ## Footnote Example sentence: The divorce court judge will serve as the arbiter between the estranged husband and wife.

Question 107

What does the term 'arbitrary' mean?

Answer 107

based on factors that appear random ## Footnote Example sentence: The boy's decision to choose one college over another seems arbitrary.

Question 108

What does the term 'arbitration' mean?

Answer 108

the process or act of resolving a dispute ## Footnote Example sentence: The employee sought official arbitration when he could not resolve a disagreement with his supervisor.

Question 109

What does the term 'arboreal' mean?

Answer 109

of or relating to trees ## Footnote Example sentence: Leaves, roots, and bark are a few arboreal traits.

Question 110

What does the term 'arcane' mean?

Answer 110

obscure, secret, known only by a few ## Footnote Example sentence: The professor is an expert in arcane Lithuanian literature.

Question 111

What does the term 'archaic' mean?

Answer 111

of or relating to an earlier period in time, outdated ## Footnote Example sentence: In a few select regions of Western Mongolian, an archaic Chinese dialect is still spoken.

Question 112

What does the term 'archetypal' mean?

Answer 112

the most representative or typical example of something ## Footnote Example sentence: Some believe George Washington, with his flowing white hair and commanding stature, was the archetypal politician.

Question 113

What does the term 'ardor' mean?

Answer 113

extreme vigor, energy, enthusiasm ## Footnote Example sentence: The soldiers conveyed their ardor with impassioned battle cries.

Question 114

What does the term 'arid' mean?

Answer 114

excessively dry ## Footnote Example sentence: Little other than palm trees and cacti grow successfully in arid environments.

Question 115

What does the term 'arrogate' mean?

Answer 115

to take without justification ## Footnote Example sentence: The king arrogated the right to order executions to himself exclusively.

Question 116

What does the term 'artifact' mean?

Answer 116

a remaining piece from an extinct culture or place ## Footnote Example sentence: The scientists spent all day searching the cave for artifacts from the ancient Mayan civilization.

Question 117

What does the term 'artisan' mean?

Answer 117

a craftsman ## Footnote Example sentence: The artisan uses wood to make walking sticks.

Question 118

What does the term 'ascertain' mean?

Answer 118

to perceive, learn ## Footnote Example sentence: With a bit of research, the student ascertained that some plants can live for weeks without water.

Question 119

What does the term 'ascetic' mean?

Answer 119

practicing restraint as a means of self-discipline, usually religious ## Footnote Example sentence: The priest lives an ascetic life devoid of television, savory foods, and other pleasures.

Question 120

What does the term 'ascribe' mean?

Answer 120

to assign, credit, attribute to ## Footnote Example sentence: Some ascribe the invention of fireworks and dynamite to the Chinese.

Question 121

What does the term 'aspersion' mean?

Answer 121

a curse, expression of ill-will ## Footnote Example sentence: The rival politicians repeatedly cast aspersions on each other's integrity.

Question 122

What does the term 'aspire' mean?

Answer 122

to long for, aim toward ## Footnote Example sentence: The young poet aspires to publish a book of verse someday.

Question 123

What does the term 'assail' mean?

Answer 123

to attack ## Footnote Example sentence: At dawn, the war planes assailed the boats in the harbor.

Question 124

Define the term 'assess (v.).

Answer 124

to evaluate ## Footnote Example sentence: A crew arrived to assess the damage after the crash.

Question 125

Define the term 'assiduous (adj.).

Answer 125

hard-working, diligent ## Footnote Example sentence: The construction workers erected the skyscraper during two years of assiduous labor.

Question 126

Define the term 'assuage (v.).

Answer 126

to ease, pacify ## Footnote Example sentence: The mother held the baby to assuage its fears.

Question 127

Define the term 'astute (adj.).

Answer 127

very clever, crafty ## Footnote Example sentence: Much of Roger’s success in politics results from his ability to provide astute answers to reporters’ questions.

Question 128

Define the term 'asylum (n.)' (definition 1).

Answer 128

a place of refuge, protection, a sanctuary ## Footnote Example sentence: For Thoreau, the forest served as an asylum from the pressures of urban life.

Question 129

Define the term 'asylum (n.)' (definition 2).

Answer 129

an institution in which the insane are kept ## Footnote Example sentence: Once diagnosed by a certified psychiatrist, the man was put in an asylum.

Question 130

Define the term 'atone (v.).

Answer 130

to repent, make amends ## Footnote Example sentence: The man atoned for forgetting his wife’s birthday by buying her five dozen roses.

Question 131

Define the term 'atrophy (v.).

Answer 131

to wither away, decay ## Footnote Example sentence: If muscles do not receive enough blood, they will soon atrophy and die.

Question 132

Define the term 'attain (v.).

Answer 132

to achieve, arrive at ## Footnote Example sentence: The athletes strived to attain their best times in competition.

Question 133

Define the term 'attribute (v.)' (definition 1).

Answer 133

to credit, assign ## Footnote Example sentence: He attributes all of his success to his mother’s undying encouragement.

Question 134

Define the term 'attribute (n.)' (definition 2).

Answer 134

a facet or trait ## Footnote Example sentence: Among the beetle’s most peculiar attributes is its thorny protruding eyes.

Question 135

Define the term 'atypical (adj.).

Answer 135

not typical, unusual ## Footnote Example sentence: Screaming and crying is atypical adult behavior.

Question 136

Define the term 'audacious (adj.).

Answer 136

excessively bold ## Footnote Example sentence: The security guard was shocked by the fan’s audacious attempt to offer him a bribe.

Question 137

Define the term 'audible (adj.).

Answer 137

able to be heard ## Footnote Example sentence: The missing person’s shouts were unfortunately not audible.

Question 138

Define the term 'augment (v.).

Answer 138

to add to, expand ## Footnote Example sentence: The eager student seeks to augment his knowledge of French vocabulary by reading French literature.

Question 139

Define the term 'auspicious (adj.).

Answer 139

favorable, indicative of good things ## Footnote Example sentence: The tennis player considered the sunny forecast an auspicious sign that she would win her match.

Question 140

Define the term 'austere (adj.).

Answer 140

very bare, bleak ## Footnote Example sentence: The austere furniture inside the abandoned house made the place feel haunted.

Question 141

Define the term 'avarice (n.).

Answer 141

excessive greed ## Footnote Example sentence: The banker’s avarice led him to amass a tremendous personal fortune.

Question 142

Define the term 'avenge (v.).

Answer 142

to seek revenge ## Footnote Example sentence: The victims will take justice into their own hands and strive to avenge themselves against the men who robbed them.

Question 143

Define the term 'aversion (n.).

Answer 143

a particular dislike for something ## Footnote Example sentence: Because he’s from Hawaii, Ben has an aversion to autumn, winter, and cold climates in general.

Question 144

Define the term 'balk (v.).

Answer 144

to stop, block abruptly ## Footnote Example sentence: Edna’s boss balked at her request for another raise.

Question 145

Define the term 'ballad (n.).

Answer 145

a love song ## Footnote Example sentence: Greta’s boyfriend played her a ballad on the guitar during their walk through the dark woods.

Question 146

Define the term 'banal (adj.).

Answer 146

dull, commonplace ## Footnote Example sentence: The client rejected our proposal because they found our presentation banal and unimpressive.

Question 147

Define the term 'bane (n.).

Answer 147

a burden ## Footnote Example sentence: Advanced physics is the bane of many students’ academic lives.

Question 148

Define the term 'bard (n.).

Answer 148

a poet, often a singer as well ## Footnote Example sentence: Shakespeare is often considered the greatest bard in the history of the English language.

Question 149

Define the term 'bashful (adj.).

Answer 149

shy, excessively timid ## Footnote Example sentence: Frankie’s mother told him not to be bashful when he refused to attend the birthday party.

Question 150

Define the term 'battery (n.)' (definition 1).

Answer 150

a device that supplies power ## Footnote Example sentence: Most cars run on a combination of power from a battery and gasoline.

Question 151

Define the term 'battery (n.)' (definition 2).

Answer 151

assault, beating ## Footnote Example sentence: Her husband was accused of assault and battery after he attacked a man on the sidewalk.

Question 152

Define the term 'beguile (v.).

Answer 152

to trick, deceive ## Footnote Example sentence: The thief beguiled his partners into surrendering all of their money to him.

Question 153

Define the term 'behemoth (n.).

Answer 153

something of tremendous power or size ## Footnote Example sentence: The new aircraft carrier is among several behemoths that the Air Force has added to its fleet.

Question 154

Define the term 'benevolent (adj.).

Answer 154

marked by goodness or doing good ## Footnote Example sentence: Police officers should be commended for their benevolent service to the community.

Question 155

Define the term 'benign (adj.).

Answer 155

favorable, not threatening, mild ## Footnote Example sentence: We were all relieved to hear that the medical tests determined her tumor to be benign.

Question 156

Define the term 'bequeath (v.).

Answer 156

to pass on, give ## Footnote Example sentence: Jon’s father bequeathed his entire estate to his mother.

Question 157

Define the term 'berate (v.).

Answer 157

to scold vehemently ## Footnote Example sentence: The angry boss berated his employees for failing to meet their deadline.

Question 158

Define the term 'bereft (adj.).

Answer 158

devoid of, without ## Footnote Example sentence: His family was bereft of food and shelter following the tornado.

Question 159

Define the term 'beseech (v.).

Answer 159

to beg, plead, implore ## Footnote Example sentence: The servant beseeched the king for food to feed his starving family.

Question 160

Define the term 'bias (n.).

Answer 160

a tendency, inclination, prejudice ## Footnote Example sentence: The judge’s hidden bias against smokers led him to make an unfair decision.

Question 161

Define the term 'bilk (v.).

Answer 161

cheat, defraud ## Footnote Example sentence: The lawyer discovered that this firm had bilked several clients out of thousands of dollars.

Question 162

Define the term 'blandish (v.).

Answer 162

to coax by using flattery ## Footnote Example sentence: Rachel’s assistant tried to blandish her into accepting the deal.

Question 163

Define the term 'blemish (n.).

Answer 163

an imperfection, flaw ## Footnote Example sentence: The dealer agreed to lower the price because of the many blemishes on the surface of the wooden furniture.

Question 164

Define the term 'blight (n.)' (definition 1).

Answer 164

a plague, disease ## Footnote Example sentence: The potato blight destroyed the harvest and bankrupted many families.

Question 165

Define the term 'blight (n.)' (definition 2).

Answer 165

something that destroys hope ## Footnote Example sentence: His bad morale is a blight upon this entire operation.

Question 166

Define the term 'boisterous (adj.).

Answer 166

loud and full of energy ## Footnote Example sentence: The candidate won the vote after giving several boisterous speeches on television.

Question 167

Define the term 'bombastic (adj.).

Answer 167

excessively confident, pompous ## Footnote Example sentence: The singer’s bombastic performance disgusted the crowd.

Question 168

Define the term 'boon (n.).

Answer 168

a gift or blessing ## Footnote Example sentence: The good weather has been a boon for many businesses located near the beach.

Question 169

Define the term 'bourgeois (n.).

Answer 169

a middle-class person, capitalist ## Footnote Example sentence: Many businessmen receive criticism for their bourgeois approach to life.

Question 170

Define the term 'brazen (adj.).

Answer 170

excessively bold, brash ## Footnote Example sentence: Critics condemned the novelist’s brazen attempt to plagiarize Hemingway’s story.

Question 171

Define the term 'brusque (adj.).

Answer 171

short, abrupt, dismissive ## Footnote Example sentence: The captain’s brusque manner offended the passengers.

Question 172

Define the term 'buffet (v.)' (definition 1).

Answer 172

to strike with force ## Footnote Example sentence: The strong winds buffeted the ships, threatening to capsize them.

Question 173

Define the term 'buffet (n.)' (definition 2).

Answer 173

an arrangement of food set out on a table ## Footnote Example sentence: Rather than sitting around a table, the guests took food from our buffet and ate standing up.

Question 174

Define the term 'burnish (v.).

Answer 174

to polish, shine ## Footnote Example sentence: His mother asked him to burnish the silverware before setting the table.

Question 175

Define the term 'buttress.'

Answer 175

1. (v.) to support, hold up (The column buttresses the roof above the statue.) 2. (n.) something that offers support (The buttress supports the roof above the statues.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The column buttresses the roof above the statue.

Question 176

Define the term 'cacophony.'

Answer 176

(n.) tremendous noise, disharmonious sound (The elementary school orchestra created a cacophony at the recital.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The sounds coming from the construction site created a cacophony in the neighborhood.

Question 177

Define the term 'cadence.'

Answer 177

(n.) a rhythm, progression of sound (The pianist used the foot pedal to emphasize the cadence of the sonata.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The poet carefully crafted the cadence of the poem to create a melodic flow.

Question 178

Define the term 'cajole.'

Answer 178

(v.) to urge, coax (Fred’s buddies cajoled him into attending the bachelor party.) ## Footnote Example sentence: She cajoled her parents to let her go to the concert by promising to finish all her homework beforehand.

Question 179

Define the term 'calamity.'

Answer 179

(n.) an event with disastrous consequences (The earthquake in San Francisco was a calamity worse than any other natural disaster in history.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The sudden failure of the computer system was a calamity for the company, resulting in a loss of important data.

Question 180

Define the term 'calibrate.'

Answer 180

(v.) to set, standardize (The mechanic calibrated the car’s transmission to make the motor run most efficiently.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The scientist calibrated the instrument to ensure accurate measurements.

Question 181

Define the term 'callous.'

Answer 181

(adj.) harsh, cold, unfeeling (The murderer’s callous lack of remorse shocked the jury.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The boss's callous behavior towards his employees contributed to low morale in the workplace.

Question 182

Define the term 'calumny.'

Answer 182

(n.) an attempt to spoil someone else’s reputation by spreading lies (The local official’s calumny ended up ruining his opponent’s prospect of winning the election.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The tabloid published a calumny about the celebrity to damage her reputation.

Question 183

Define the term 'camaraderie.'

Answer 183

(n.) brotherhood, jovial unity (Camaraderie among employees usually leads to success in business.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The sports team developed a strong camaraderie, which helped them perform well together on the field.

Question 184

Define the term 'candor.'

Answer 184

(n.) honesty, frankness (We were surprised by the candor of the mayor’s speech because he is usually rather evasive.) ## Footnote Example sentence: She appreciated his candor in sharing his true feelings about the situation.

Question 185

Define the term 'canny.'

Answer 185

(adj.) shrewd, careful (The canny runner hung at the back of the pack through much of the race to watch the other runners, and then sprinted past them at the end.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The canny investor always makes smart financial decisions.

Question 186

Define the term 'canvas.'

Answer 186

1. (n.) a piece of cloth on which an artist paints (Picasso liked to work on canvas rather than on bare cement.) 2. (v.) to cover, inspect (We canvassed the neighborhood looking for clues.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The artist used a large canvas to create a mural on the side of the building.

Question 187

Define the term 'capacious.'

Answer 187

(adj.) very spacious (The workers delighted in their new capacious office space.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The house had a capacious living room that was perfect for hosting parties.

Question 188

Define the term 'capitulate.'

Answer 188

(v.) to surrender (The army finally capitulated after fighting a long costly battle.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The hostage takers capitulated when their demands were met by the authorities.

Question 189

Define the term 'capricious.'

Answer 189

(adj.) subject to whim, fickle (The young girl’s capricious tendencies made it difficult for her to focus on achieving her goals.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The weather in this region is notoriously capricious.

Question 190

Define the term 'captivate.'

Answer 190

(v.) to get the attention of, hold (The fireworks captivated the young boy, who had never seen such things before.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The author's new novel has captivated readers around the world.

Question 191

Define the term 'carouse.'

Answer 191

(v.) to party, celebrate (We caroused all night after getting married.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The friends caroused at the local pub to celebrate their team's victory.

Question 192

Define the term 'carp.'

Answer 192

(v.) to annoy, pester (The husband divorced his wife after listening to her carping voice for decades.) ## Footnote Example sentence: Please stop carping about the small details and focus on the bigger picture.

Question 193

Define the term 'catalog.'

Answer 193

1. (v.) to list, enter into a list (The judge cataloged the victim’s injuries before calculating how much money he would award.) 2. (n.) a list or collection (We received a catalog from J. Crew that displayed all of their new items.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The librarian cataloged the books according to their genres.

Question 194

Define the term 'catalyze.'

Answer 194

(v.) to charge, inspire (The president’s speech catalyzed the nation and resuscitated the economy.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The team's victory catalyzed a renewed sense of confidence and determination.

Question 195

Define the term 'caucus.'

Answer 195

(n.) a meeting usually held by people working toward the same goal (The ironworkers held a caucus to determine how much of a pay increase they would request.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The political party held a caucus to select their candidate for the upcoming election.

Question 196

Define the term 'caustic.'

Answer 196

(adj.) bitter, biting, acidic (The politicians exchanged caustic insults for over an hour during the debate.) ## Footnote Example sentence: His caustic remarks offended many people in the audience.

Question 197

Define the term 'cavort.'

Answer 197

(v.) to leap about, behave boisterously (The adults ate their dinners on the patio, while the children cavorted around the pool.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The puppies cavorted in the meadow, chasing each other and playing.

Question 198

Define the term 'censure.'

Answer 198

1. (n.) harsh criticism (The frustrated teenager could not put up with anymore of her critical mother’s censure.) 2. (v.) to rebuke formally (The principal censured the head of the English Department for forcing students to learn esoteric vocabulary.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The politician faced censure from the public after his controversial comments.

Question 199

Define the term 'cerebral.'

Answer 199

(adj.) related to the intellect (The books we read in this class are too cerebral—they don’t engage my emotions at all.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The professor's lectures are often cerebral and require critical thinking.

Question 200

Define the term 'chaos.'

Answer 200

(n.) absolute disorder (Mr. Thornton’s sudden departure for the lavatory plunged his classroom into chaos.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The traffic jam caused chaos on the roads, making it difficult for everyone to reach their destinations.

Question 201

Define the term 'chastise.'

Answer 201

(v.) to criticize severely (After being chastised by her peers for mimicking Britney Spears, Miranda dyed her hair black and affected a Gothic style.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The coach chastised the players for their poor performance in the game.

Question 202

Define the term 'cherish.'

Answer 202

(v.) to feel or show affection toward something (She continued to cherish her red plaid trousers, even though they had gone out of style and no longer fit her.) ## Footnote Example sentence: He deeply cherished the memories of his childhood spent at his grandparents' house.

Question 203

Define the term 'chide.'

Answer 203

(v.) to voice disapproval (Lucy chided Russell for his vulgar habits and sloppy appearance.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The teacher chided the students for talking during the lecture.

Question 204

Define the term 'choreography.'

Answer 204

(n.) the arrangement of dances (The plot of the musical was banal, but the choreography was stunning.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The choreography of the ballet performance was intricate and mesmerizing.

Question 205

Define the term 'chronicle.'

Answer 205

1. (n.) a written history (The library featured the newly updated chronicle of World War II.) 2. (v.) to write a history (Albert’s diary chronicled the day-to-day growth of his obsession with Cynthia.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The historian chronicled the events leading up to the revolution in his book.

Question 206

Define the term 'chronological.'

Answer 206

(adj.) arranged in order of time (Lionel carefully arranged the snapshots of his former girlfriends in chronological order, and then set fire to them.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The timeline displayed the events in a chronological order for easy understanding.

Question 207

Define the term 'circuitous.'

Answer 207

(adj.) roundabout (The bus’s circuitous route took us through numerous outlying suburbs.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The hiker took a circuitous path up the mountain, exploring various trails along the way.

Question 208

Define the term 'circumlocution.'

Answer 208

(n.) indirect and wordy language (The professor’s habit of speaking in circumlocutions made it difficult to follow his lectures.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The politician used circumlocution to avoid directly answering the question.

Question 209

Define the term 'circumscribed.'

Answer 209

(adj.) marked off, bounded (The children were permitted to play tag only within a carefully circumscribed area of the lawn.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The pilot was required to fly within a circumscribed airspace.

Question 210

Define the term 'circumspect.'

Answer 210

(adj.) cautious (Though I promised Rachel’s father I would bring her home promptly by midnight, it would have been more circumspect not to have specified a time.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The detective approached the crime scene with a circumspect manner, careful not to disturb any potential evidence.

Question 211

Define the term 'circumvent.'

Answer 211

(v.) to get around (The school’s dress code forbidding navel-baring jeans was circumvented by the determined students, who were careful to cover up with long coats when administrators were nearby.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The hacker found a way to circumvent the security system and gain access to the confidential data.

Question 212

Define the term 'clairvoyant.'

Answer 212

(adj.) able to perceive things that normal people cannot (Zelda’s uncanny ability to detect my lies was nothing short of clairvoyant.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The clairvoyant predicted the outcome of the game with surprising accuracy.

Question 213

Define the term 'clamor.'

Answer 213

1. (n.) loud noise (Each morning the birds outside my window make such a clamor that they wake me up.) 2. (v.) to loudly insist (Neville’s fans clamored for him to appear on stage, but he had passed out on the floor of his dressing room.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The protesters' clamor echoed through the streets, demanding justice.

Question 214

Define the term 'clandestine.'

Answer 214

(adj.) secret (Announcing to her boyfriend that she was going to the gym, Sophie actually went to meet Joseph for a clandestine liaison.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The spies met in a clandestine location to exchange classified information.

Question 215

Define the term 'cleave.'

Answer 215

1. (v.) to divide into parts (Following the scandalous disgrace of their leader, the entire political party cleaved into warring factions.) 2. (v.) to stick together firmly (After resolving their marital problems, Junior and Rosa cleaved to one another all the more tightly.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The lumberjack skillfully used his axe to cleave the log into smaller pieces.

Question 216

Define the term 'clemency.'

Answer 216

(n.) mercy (After he forgot their anniversary, Martin could only beg Maria for clemency.) ## Footnote Example sentence: The judge granted clemency to the defendant after considering the extenuating circumstances.

Question 217

Define the term 'clergy'.

Answer 217

Members of Christian holy orders. ## Footnote Though the villagers viewed the church rectory as quaint and charming, the clergy who lived there regarded it as a mildewy and dusty place that aggravated their allergies.

Question 218

Define the term 'cloying'.

Answer 218

Sickeningly sweet. ## Footnote Though Ronald was physically attractive, Maud found his constant compliments and solicitous remarks cloying.

Question 219

Define the term 'coagulate'.

Answer 219

To thicken or clot. ## Footnote The top layer of the pudding had coagulated into a thick skin.

Question 220

Define the term 'coalesce'.

Answer 220

To fuse into a whole. ## Footnote Gordon's ensemble of thrift-shop garments coalesced into a surprisingly handsome outfit.

Question 221

Define the term 'cobbler'.

Answer 221

A person who makes or repairs shoes. ## Footnote I had my neighborhood cobbler replace my worn-out leather soles with new ones.

Question 222

Define the term 'coerce'.

Answer 222

To make somebody do something by force or threat. ## Footnote The court decided that Vanilla Ice did not have to honor the contract because he had been coerced into signing it.

Question 223

Define the term 'cogent'.

Answer 223

Intellectually convincing. ## Footnote Irene's arguments in favor of abstinence were so cogent that I could not resist them.

Question 224

Define the term 'cognizant'.

Answer 224

Aware, mindful. ## Footnote Jake avoided speaking to women in bars because he was cognizant of the fact that drinking impairs his judgment.

Question 225

Define the term 'coherent'.

Answer 225

Logically consistent, intelligible. ## Footnote Renee could not figure out what Monroe had seen because he was too distraught to deliver a coherent statement.

Question 226

Define the term 'collateral'.

Answer 226

1. Secondary 2. Security for a debt. ## Footnote 1. Divorcing my wife had the collateral effect of making me poor, as she was the only one of us with a job or money. 2. Jacob left his watch as collateral for the $500 loan.

Question 227

Define the term 'colloquial'.

Answer 227

Characteristic of informal conversation. ## Footnote Adam's essay on sexual response in primates was marked down because it contained too many colloquial expressions.

Question 228

Define the term 'collusion'.

Answer 228

Secret agreement, conspiracy. ## Footnote The three law students worked in collusion to steal the final exam.

Question 229

Define the term 'colossus'.

Answer 229

A gigantic statue or thing. ## Footnote For 56 years, the ancient city of Rhodes featured a colossus standing astride its harbor.

Question 230

Define the term 'combustion'.

Answer 230

The act or process of burning. ## Footnote The unexpected combustion of the prosecution's evidence forced the judge to dismiss the case against Ramirez.

Question 231

Define the term 'commendation'.

Answer 231

A notice of approval or recognition. ## Footnote Jared received a commendation from Linda, his supervisor, for his stellar performance.

Question 232

Define the term 'commensurate'.

Answer 232

Corresponding in size or amount. ## Footnote Ahab selected a very long roll and proceeded to prepare a tuna salad sandwich commensurate with his enormous appetite.

Question 233

Define the term 'commodious'.

Answer 233

Roomy. ## Footnote Holden invited the three women to join him in the back seat of the taxicab, assuring them that the car was quite commodious.

Question 234

Define the term 'compelling'.

Answer 234

Forceful, demanding attention. ## Footnote Eliot's speech was so compelling that Lenore accepted his proposal on the spot.

Question 235

Define the term 'compensate'.

Answer 235

To make an appropriate payment for something. ## Footnote Reginald bought Sharona a new dress to compensate her for the one he spilled his ice cream on.

Question 236

Define the term 'complacency'.

Answer 236

Self-satisfied ignorance of danger. ## Footnote Colin tried to shock his friends out of their complacency by painting a frightening picture of what might happen to them.

Question 237

Define the term 'complement'.

Answer 237

To complete, make perfect. ## Footnote Ann's scarf complements her blouse beautifully, making her seem fully dressed even though she isn't wearing a coat.

Question 238

Define the term 'compliant'.

Answer 238

Ready to adapt oneself to another's wishes. ## Footnote Sue had very strong opinions about what to do on a first date, and Ted was absolutely compliant.

Question 239

Define the term 'complicit'.

Answer 239

Being an accomplice in a wrongful act. ## Footnote By keeping her daughter's affair a secret, Maddie became complicit in it.

Question 240

Define the term 'compliment'.

Answer 240

An expression of esteem or approval. ## Footnote I blushed crimson when Emma gave me a compliment on my new haircut.

Question 241

Define the term 'compound'.

Answer 241

1. To combine parts 2. A combination of different parts 3. A walled area containing a group of buildings. ## Footnote 1. The difficulty of finding a fire escape amid the smoke was compounded with the dangers posed by the panicking crowds. 2. My attraction to Donna was a compound of curiosity about the unknown, physical desire, and intellectual admiration. 3. When the fighting started, Joseph rushed into the family compound because it was safe and well defended.

Question 242

Define the term 'comprehensive'.

Answer 242

Including everything. ## Footnote She sent me a comprehensive list of the ingredients needed to cook rabbit soufflé.

Question 243

Define the term 'compress'.

Answer 243

To apply pressure, squeeze together. ## Footnote Lynn compressed her lips into a frown.

Question 244

Define the term 'compunction'.

Answer 244

Distress caused by feeling guilty. ## Footnote He felt compunction for the shabby way he'd treated her.

Question 245

Define the term 'concede'.

Answer 245

To accept as valid. ## Footnote Andrew had to concede that what his mother said about Diana made sense.

Question 246

Define the term 'conciliatory'.

Answer 246

Friendly, agreeable. ## Footnote I took Amanda's invitation to dinner as a very conciliatory gesture.

Question 247

Define the term 'concise'.

Answer 247

Brief and direct in expression. ## Footnote Gordon did not like to waste time, and his instructions to Brenda were nothing if not concise.

Question 248

Define the term 'concoct'.

Answer 248

To fabricate, make up. ## Footnote She concocted the most ridiculous story to explain her absence.

Question 249

Define the term 'concomitant'.

Answer 249

Accompanying in a subordinate fashion. ## Footnote His dislike of hard work carried with it a concomitant lack of funds.

Question 250

Define the term 'concord'.

Answer 250

Harmonious agreement. ## Footnote Julie and Harold began the evening with a disagreement, but ended it in a state of perfect concord.

Question 251

Define the term 'condolence'.

Answer 251

An expression of sympathy in sorrow. ## Footnote Brian lamely offered his condolences on the loss of his sister's roommate's cat.

Question 252

Define the term 'condone'.

Answer 252

To pardon, deliberately overlook. ## Footnote He refused to condone his brother's crime.

Question 253

Define the term 'conduit'.

Answer 253

A pipe or channel through which something passes. ## Footnote The water flowed through the conduit into the container.

Question 254

Define the term 'confection'.

Answer 254

A sweet, fancy food. ## Footnote We went to the mall food court and purchased a delicious confection.

Question 255

Define the term 'confidant'.

Answer 255

A person entrusted with secrets. ## Footnote Shortly after we met, she became my chief confidant.

Question 256

Define the term 'conflagration'.

Answer 256

Great fire. ## Footnote The conflagration consumed the entire building.

Question 257

Define the term 'confluence'.

Answer 257

A gathering together. ## Footnote A confluence of different factors made tonight the perfect night.

Question 258

Define the term 'conformist'.

Answer 258

One who behaves the same as others. ## Footnote Julian was such a conformist that he had to wait and see if his friends would do something before he would commit.

Question 259

Define the term 'confound'.

Answer 259

To frustrate, confuse. ## Footnote MacGuyver confounded the policemen pursuing him by covering his tracks.

Question 260

Define the term 'congeal'.

Answer 260

To thicken into a solid. ## Footnote The sauce had congealed into a thick paste.

Question 261

Define the term 'congenial (adj.).'

Answer 261

Pleasantly agreeable ## Footnote Example sentence: His congenial manner made him popular wherever he went.

Question 262

Define the term 'congregation (n.).'

Answer 262

A gathering of people, especially for religious services ## Footnote Example sentence: The priest told the congregation that he would be retiring.

Question 263

Define the term 'congruity (n.).'

Answer 263

The quality of being in agreement ## Footnote Example sentence: Bill and Veronica achieved a perfect congruity of opinion.

Question 264

Define the term 'connive (v.).'

Answer 264

To plot, scheme ## Footnote Example sentence: She connived to get me to give up my vacation plans.

Question 265

Define the term 'consecrate (v.).'

Answer 265

To dedicate something to a holy purpose ## Footnote Example sentence: Arvin consecrated his spare bedroom as a shrine to Christina.

Question 266

Define the term 'consensus (n.).'

Answer 266

An agreement of opinion ## Footnote Example sentence: The jury was able to reach a consensus only after days of deliberation.

Question 267

Define the term 'consign (v.).'

Answer 267

To give something over to another’s care ## Footnote Example sentence: Unwillingly, he consigned his mother to a nursing home.

Question 268

Define the term 'consolation (n.).'

Answer 268

An act of comforting ## Footnote Example sentence: Darren found Alexandra’s presence to be a consolation for his suffering.

Question 269

Define the term 'consonant (adj.).'

Answer 269

In harmony ## Footnote Example sentence: The singers’ consonant voices were beautiful.

Question 270

Define the term 'constituent (n.).'

Answer 270

An essential part ## Footnote Example sentence: The most important constituent of her perfume is something called ambergris.

Question 271

Define the term 'constrain (v.).'

Answer 271

To forcibly restrict ## Footnote Example sentence: His belief in nonviolence constrained him from taking revenge on his attackers.

Question 272

Define the term 'construe (v.).'

Answer 272

To interpret ## Footnote Example sentence: He construed her throwing his clothes out the window as a signal that she wanted him to leave.

Question 273

Define the term 'consummate (v.).'

Answer 273

To complete a deal; to complete a marriage ceremony through sexual intercourse ## Footnote Example sentence: Erica and Donald consummated their agreement in the executive boardroom.

Question 274

Define the term 'consumption (n.).'

Answer 274

The act of consuming ## Footnote Example sentence: Consumption of intoxicating beverages is not permitted on these premises.

Question 275

Define the term 'contemporaneous (adj.).'

Answer 275

Existing during the same time ## Footnote Example sentence: Though her novels do not feature the themes of Romanticism, Jane Austen’s work was contemporaneous with that of Wordsworth and Byron.

Question 276

Define the term 'contentious (adj.).'

Answer 276

Having a tendency to quarrel or dispute ## Footnote Example sentence: George’s contentious personality made him unpopular with his classmates.

Question 277

Define the term 'contravene (v.).'

Answer 277

To contradict, oppose, violate ## Footnote Example sentence: Edwidge contravened his landlady’s rule against overnight guests.

Question 278

Define the term 'contrite (adj.).'

Answer 278

Penitent, eager to be forgiven ## Footnote Example sentence: Blake’s contrite behavior made it impossible to stay angry at him.

Question 279

Define the term 'contusion (n.).'

Answer 279

Bruise, injury ## Footnote Example sentence: The contusions on his face suggested he’d been in a fight.

Question 280

Define the term 'conundrum (n.).'

Answer 280

Puzzle, problem ## Footnote Example sentence: Interpreting Jane’s behavior was a constant conundrum.

Question 281

Define the term 'convene (v.).'

Answer 281

To call together ## Footnote Example sentence: Jason convened his entire extended family for a discussion.

Question 282

Define the term 'convention 1. (n.).'

Answer 282

An assembly of people ## Footnote Example sentence: The hotel was full because of the cattle ranchers’ convention.

Question 283

Define the term 'convention 2. (n.).'

Answer 283

A rule, custom ## Footnote Example sentence: The cattle-ranchers have a convention that you take off your boots before entering their houses.

Question 284

Define the term 'convivial (adj.).'

Answer 284

Characterized by feasting, drinking, merriment ## Footnote Example sentence: The restaurant’s convivial atmosphere put me immediately at ease.

Question 285

Define the term 'convoluted (adj.).'

Answer 285

Intricate, complicated ## Footnote Example sentence: Grace’s story was so convoluted that I couldn’t follow it.

Question 286

Define the term 'copious (adj.).'

Answer 286

Profuse, abundant ## Footnote Example sentence: Copious amounts of Snapple were imbibed in the cafeteria.

Question 287

Define the term 'cordial (adj.).'

Answer 287

Warm, affectionate ## Footnote Example sentence: His cordial greeting melted my anger at once.

Question 288

Define the term 'coronation (n.).'

Answer 288

The act of crowning ## Footnote Example sentence: The new king’s coronation occurred the day after his father’s death.

Question 289

Define the term 'corpulence (adj.).'

Answer 289

Extreme fatness ## Footnote Example sentence: Henry’s corpulence did not make him any less attractive to his charming, svelte wife.

Question 290

Define the term 'corroborate (v.).'

Answer 290

To support with evidence ## Footnote Example sentence: Luke’s seemingly outrageous claim was corroborated by witnesses.

Question 291

Define the term 'corrosive (adj.).'

Answer 291

Having the tendency to erode or eat away ## Footnote Example sentence: The effect of the chemical was highly corrosive.

Question 292

Define the term 'cosmopolitan (adj.).'

Answer 292

Sophisticated, worldly ## Footnote Example sentence: Lloyd’s education and upbringing were cosmopolitan, so he felt right at home among the powerful and learned.

Question 293

Define the term 'counteract (v.).'

Answer 293

To neutralize, make ineffective ## Footnote Example sentence: The antidote counteracted the effect of the poison.

Question 294

Define the term 'coup 1. (n.).'

Answer 294

A brilliant, unexpected act ## Footnote Example sentence: Alexander pulled off an amazing coup when he got a date with Cynthia by purposely getting hit by her car.

Question 295

Define the term 'coup 2. (n.).'

Answer 295

The overthrow of a government and assumption of authority ## Footnote Example sentence: In their coup attempt, the army officers stormed the Parliament and took all the legislators hostage.

Question 296

Define the term 'covet (v.).'

Answer 296

To desire enviously ## Footnote Example sentence: I coveted Moses’s house, wife, and car.

Question 297

Define the term 'covert (adj.).'

Answer 297

Secretly engaged in ## Footnote Example sentence: Nerwin waged a covert campaign against his enemies, while outwardly appearing to remain friendly.

Question 298

Define the term 'credulity (n.).'

Answer 298

Readiness to believe ## Footnote Example sentence: His credulity made him an easy target for con men.

Question 299

Define the term 'crescendo (n.).'

Answer 299

A steady increase in intensity or volume ## Footnote Example sentence: The crescendo of the brass instruments gave the piece a patriotic feel.

Question 300

Define the term 'criteria (n.).'

Answer 300

Standards by which something is judged ## Footnote Example sentence: Among Mrs. Fields’s criteria for good cookies are that they be moist and chewy.

Question 301

Define the term 'culmination (n.).'

Answer 301

The climax toward which something progresses ## Footnote Example sentence: The culmination of the couple’s argument was the decision to divorce.

Question 302

Define the term 'culpable (adj.).'

Answer 302

Deserving blame ## Footnote Example sentence: He was culpable of the crime, and was sentenced to perform community service for 75 years.

Question 303

Define the term 'cultivate (v.).'

Answer 303

To nurture, improve, refine ## Footnote Example sentence: At the library, she cultivated her interest in spy novels.

Question 304

Define the term 'cumulative (adj.).'

Answer 304

Increasing, building upon itself ## Footnote Example sentence: The cumulative effect of hours spent in the sun was a deep tan.

Question 305

Define the term 'cunning (adj.).'

Answer 305

Sly, clever at being deceitful ## Footnote Example sentence: The general devised a cunning plan to surprise the enemy.

Question 306

Define the term 'cupidity (n.).'

Answer 306

Greed, strong desire ## Footnote Example sentence: His cupidity made him enter the abandoned gold mine despite the obvious dangers.

Question 307

Define the term 'cursory (adj.).'

Answer 307

Brief to the point of being superficial ## Footnote Example sentence: Late for the meeting, she cast a cursory glance at the agenda.

Question 308

Define the term 'curt (adj.).'

Answer 308

Abruptly and rudely short ## Footnote Example sentence: Her curt reply to my question made me realize that she was upset at me.

Question 309

Define the term 'curtail (v.).'

Answer 309

To lessen, reduce ## Footnote Example sentence: Since losing his job, he had to curtail his spending.

Question 310

Define the term 'covert (adj.).'

Answer 310

Secretly engaged in ## Footnote Example sentence: Nerwin waged a covert campaign against his enemies, while outwardly appearing to remain friendly.

Question 311

Define the term 'credulity (n.).'

Answer 311

Readiness to believe ## Footnote Example sentence: His credulity made him an easy target for con men.

Question 312

Define the term 'crescendo (n.).'

Answer 312

A steady increase in intensity or volume ## Footnote Example sentence: The crescendo of the brass instruments gave the piece a patriotic feel.

Question 313

Define the term 'criteria (n.).'

Answer 313

Standards by which something is judged ## Footnote Example sentence: Among Mrs. Fields’s criteria for good cookies are that they be moist and chewy.

Question 314

Define the term 'culmination (n.).'

Answer 314

The climax toward which something progresses ## Footnote Example sentence: The culmination of the couple’s argument was the decision to divorce.

Question 315

Define the term 'culpable (adj.).'

Answer 315

Deserving blame ## Footnote Example sentence: He was culpable of the crime, and was sentenced to perform community service for 75 years.

Question 316

Define the term 'cultivate (v.).'

Answer 316

To nurture, improve, refine ## Footnote Example sentence: At the library, she cultivated her interest in spy novels.

Question 317

Define the term 'cumulative (adj.).'

Answer 317

Increasing, building upon itself ## Footnote Example sentence: The cumulative effect of hours spent in the sun was a deep tan.

Question 318

Define the term 'cunning (adj.).'

Answer 318

Sly, clever at being deceitful ## Footnote Example sentence: The general devised a cunning plan to surprise the enemy.

Question 319

Define the term 'cupidity (n.).'

Answer 319

Greed, strong desire ## Footnote Example sentence: His cupidity made him enter the abandoned gold mine despite the obvious dangers.

Question 320

Define the term 'cursory (adj.).'

Answer 320

Brief to the point of being superficial ## Footnote Example sentence: Late for the meeting, she cast a cursory glance at the agenda.

Question 321

Define the term 'curt (adj.).'

Answer 321

Abruptly and rudely short ## Footnote Example sentence: Her curt reply to my question made me realize that she was upset at me.

Question 322

Define the term 'curtail (v.).'

Answer 322

To lessen, reduce ## Footnote Example sentence: Since losing his job, he had to curtail his spending.

Question 323

Define the term 'daunting'.

Answer 323

intimidating, causing one to lose courage ## Footnote Example sentence: He kept delaying the daunting act of asking for a promotion.

Question 324

Define the term 'dearth'.

Answer 324

a lack, scarcity ## Footnote Example sentence: An eager reader, she was dismayed by the dearth of classic books at the library.

Question 325

Define the term 'debacle'.

Answer 325

a disastrous failure, disruption ## Footnote Example sentence: The elaborately designed fireworks show turned into a debacle when the fireworks started firing in random directions.

Question 326

Define the term 'debase'.

Answer 326

to lower the quality or esteem of something ## Footnote Example sentence: The large raise that he gave himself debased his motives for running the charity.

Question 327

Define the term 'debauch'.

Answer 327

to corrupt by means of sensual pleasures ## Footnote Example sentence: An endless amount of good wine and cheese debauched the traveler.

Question 328

Define the term 'debunk'.

Answer 328

to expose the falseness of something ## Footnote Example sentence: He debunked her claim to be the world's greatest chess player by defeating her in 18 consecutive matches.

Question 329

Define the term 'decorous'.

Answer 329

socially proper, appropriate ## Footnote Example sentence: The appreciative guest displayed decorous behavior toward his host.

Question 330

Define the term 'decry'.

Answer 330

to criticize openly ## Footnote Example sentence: The kind video rental clerk decried the policy of charging customers late fees.

Question 331

Define the term 'deface'.

Answer 331

to ruin or injure something's appearance ## Footnote Example sentence: The brothers used eggs and shaving cream to deface their neighbor's mailbox.

Question 332

Define the term 'defamatory'.

Answer 332

harmful toward another's reputation ## Footnote Example sentence: The defamatory gossip spreading about the actor made the public less willing to see the actor's new movie.

Question 333

Define the term 'defer'.

Answer 333

to postpone something; to yield to another's wisdom ## Footnote Example sentence: Ron deferred to Diane, the expert on musical instruments, when he was asked about buying a piano.

Question 334

Define the term 'deferential'.

Answer 334

showing respect for another's authority ## Footnote Example sentence: His deferential attitude toward her made her more confident in her ability to run the company.

Question 335

Define the term 'defile'.

Answer 335

to make unclean, impure ## Footnote Example sentence: She defiled the calm of the religious building by playing her banjo.

Question 336

Define the term 'deft'.

Answer 336

skillful, capable ## Footnote Example sentence: Having worked in a bakery for many years, Marcus was a deft bread maker.

Question 337

Define the term 'defunct'.

Answer 337

no longer used or existing ## Footnote Example sentence: They planned to turn the defunct schoolhouse into a community center.

Question 338

Define the term 'delegate'.

Answer 338

to hand over responsibility for something ## Footnote Example sentence: The dean delegated the task of finding a new professor to a special hiring committee.

Question 339

Define the term 'deleterious'.

Answer 339

harmful ## Footnote Example sentence: She experienced the deleterious effects of running a marathon without stretching her muscles enough beforehand.

Question 340

Define the term 'deliberate'.

Answer 340

intentional, reflecting careful consideration ## Footnote Example sentence: Though Mary was quite upset, her actions to resolve the dispute were deliberate.

Question 341

Define the term 'delineate'.

Answer 341

to describe, outline, shed light on ## Footnote Example sentence: She neatly delineated her reasons for canceling the project's funding.

Question 342

Define the term 'demagogue'.

Answer 342

a leader who appeals to a people's prejudices ## Footnote Example sentence: The demagogue strengthened his hold over his people by blaming immigrants for the lack of jobs.

Question 343

Define the term 'demarcation'.

Answer 343

the marking of boundaries or categories ## Footnote Example sentence: Different cultures have different demarcations of good and evil.

Question 344

Define the term 'demean'.

Answer 344

to lower the status or stature of something ## Footnote Example sentence: She refused to demean her secretary by making him order her lunch.

Question 345

Define the term 'demure'.

Answer 345

quiet, modest, reserved ## Footnote Example sentence: Though everyone else at the party was dancing and going crazy, she remained demure.

Question 346

Define the term 'denigrate'.

Answer 346

to belittle, diminish the opinion of ## Footnote Example sentence: The company decided that its advertisements would no longer denigrate the company's competitors.

Question 347

Define the term 'denounce'.

Answer 347

to criticize publicly ## Footnote Example sentence: The senator denounced her opponent as a greedy politician.

Question 348

Define the term 'deplore'.

Answer 348

to feel or express sorrow, disapproval ## Footnote Example sentence: We all deplored the miserable working conditions in the factory.

Question 349

Define the term 'depravity'.

Answer 349

wickedness ## Footnote Example sentence: Rumors of the ogre's depravity made the children afraid to enter the forest.

Question 350

Define the term 'deprecate'.

Answer 350

to belittle, depreciate ## Footnote Example sentence: Always over-modest, he deprecated his contribution to the local charity.

Question 351

Define the term 'derelict'.

Answer 351

abandoned, run-down ## Footnote Example sentence: Even though it was dangerous, the children enjoyed going to the deserted lot and playing in the derelict house.

Question 352

Define the term 'deride'.

Answer 352

to laugh at mockingly, scorn ## Footnote Example sentence: The bullies derided the foreign student's accent.

Question 353

Define the term 'derivative'.

Answer 353

taken directly from a source, unoriginal ## Footnote Example sentence: She was bored by his music because she felt that it was derivative and that she had heard it before.

Question 354

Define the term 'desecrate'.

Answer 354

to violate the sacredness of a thing or place ## Footnote Example sentence: They feared that the construction of a golf course would desecrate the preserved wilderness.

Question 355

Define the term 'desiccated'.

Answer 355

dried up, dehydrated ## Footnote Example sentence: The skin of the desiccated mummy looked like old paper.

Question 356

Define the term 'desolate'.

Answer 356

deserted, dreary, lifeless ## Footnote Example sentence: She found the desolate landscape quite a contrast to the hustle and bustle of the overcrowded city.

Question 357

Define the term 'despondent'.

Answer 357

feeling depressed, discouraged, hopeless ## Footnote Example sentence: Having failed the first math test, the despondent child saw no use in studying for the next and failed that one too.

Question 358

Define the term 'despot'.

Answer 358

one who has total power and rules brutally ## Footnote Example sentence: The despot issued a death sentence for anyone who disobeyed his laws.

Question 359

Define the term 'destitute'.

Answer 359

impoverished, utterly lacking ## Footnote Example sentence: The hurricane destroyed many homes and left many families destitute.

Question 360

Define the term 'deter'.

Answer 360

to discourage, prevent from doing ## Footnote Example sentence: Bob's description of scary snakes couldn't deter Marcia from traveling in the rainforests.

Question 361

Define the term 'devious'.

Answer 361

not straightforward, deceitful ## Footnote Example sentence: Not wanting to be punished, the devious girl blamed the broken vase on the cat.

Question 362

Define the term 'dialect'.

Answer 362

a variation of a language ## Footnote Example sentence: In the country's remote, mountainous regions, the inhabitants spoke a dialect that the country's other inhabitants had difficulty understanding.

Question 363

Define the term 'diaphanous'.

Answer 363

light, airy, transparent ## Footnote Example sentence: Sunlight poured in through the diaphanous curtains, brightening the room.

Question 364

Define the term 'didactic'.

Answer 364

1. intended to instruct, 2. overly moralistic ## Footnote Example sentence 1: She wrote up a didactic document showing new employees how to handle the company's customers. Example sentence 2: His didactic style of teaching made it seem like he wanted to persuade his students not to understand history fully, but to understand it from only one point of view.

Question 365

Define the term 'diffident'.

Answer 365

shy, quiet, modest ## Footnote Example sentence: While eating dinner with the adults, the diffident youth did not speak for fear of seeming presumptuous.

Question 366

Define the term 'diffuse'.

Answer 366

1. to scatter, thin out, break up, 2. not concentrated, scattered, disorganized ## Footnote Example sentence 1: He diffused the tension in the room by making a joke. Example sentence 2: In her writings, she tried unsuccessfully to make others understand her diffuse thoughts.

Question 367

Define the term 'dilatory'.

Answer 367

tending to delay, causing delay ## Footnote Example sentence: The general's dilatory strategy enabled the enemy to regroup.

Question 368

Define the term 'diligent'.

Answer 368

showing care in doing one's work ## Footnote Example sentence: The diligent researcher made sure to check her measurements multiple times.

Question 369

Define the term 'diminutive'.

Answer 369

small or miniature ## Footnote Example sentence: The bullies, tall and strong, picked on the diminutive child.

Question 370

Define the term 'dirge'.

Answer 370

a mournful song, especially for a funeral ## Footnote Example sentence: The bagpipers played a dirge as the casket was carried to the cemetery.

Question 371

Define the term 'disaffected'.

Answer 371

rebellious, resentful of authority ## Footnote Example sentence: Dismayed by Bobby's poor behavior, the parents sent their disaffected son to a military academy to be disciplined.

Question 372

Define the term 'disavow'.

Answer 372

to deny knowledge of or responsibility for ## Footnote Example sentence: Not wanting others to criticize her, she disavowed any involvement in the company's hiring scandal.

Question 373

Define the term 'discern'.

Answer 373

to perceive, detect ## Footnote Example sentence: Though he hid his emotions, she discerned from his body language that he was angry.

Question 374

Define the term 'disclose'.

Answer 374

to reveal, make public ## Footnote Example sentence: The CEO disclosed to the press that the company would have to fire several employees.

Question 375

Define the term 'discomfit'.

Answer 375

to thwart, baffle ## Footnote Example sentence: The normally cheery and playful children's sudden misery discomfited the teacher.

Question 376

Define the term 'discordant'.

Answer 376

not agreeing, not in harmony with ## Footnote Example sentence: The girls' sobs were a discordant sound amid the general laughter that filled the restaurant.

Question 377

Define the term 'discrepancy'.

Answer 377

difference, failure of things to correspond ## Footnote Example sentence: He was troubled by the discrepancy between what he remembered paying for the appliance and what his receipt showed he paid for it.

Question 378

Define the term 'discretion'.

Answer 378

the quality of being reserved in speech or action; good judgment ## Footnote Example sentence: Not wanting her patient to get overly anxious, the doctor used discretion in deciding how much to tell the patient about his condition.

Question 379

Define the term 'discursive'.

Answer 379

rambling, lacking order ## Footnote Example sentence: The professor's discursive lectures seemed to be about every subject except the one initially described.

Question 380

Define the term 'disdain'.

Answer 380

1. to scorn, hold in low esteem, 2. scorn, low esteem ## Footnote Example sentence 1: Insecure about their jobs, the older employees disdained the recently hired ones, who were young and capable. Example sentence 2: After learning of his immoral actions, Justine held Lawrence in disdain.

Question 381

disgruntled (adj.)

Answer 381

upset, not content ## Footnote The child believed that his parents had unjustly grounded him, and remained disgruntled for a week.

Question 382

disheartened (adj.)

Answer 382

feeling a loss of spirit or morale ## Footnote The team was disheartened after losing in the finals of the tournament.

Question 383

disparage (v.)

Answer 383

to criticize or speak ill of ## Footnote The saleswoman disparaged the competitor’s products to persuade her customers to buy what she was selling.

Question 384

disparate (adj.)

Answer 384

sharply differing, containing sharply contrasting elements ## Footnote Having widely varying interests, the students had disparate responses toward the novel.

Question 385

dispatch (v.)

Answer 385

to send off to accomplish a duty ## Footnote The carpenter dispatched his assistant to fetch wood.

Question 386

dispel (v.)

Answer 386

to drive away, scatter ## Footnote She entered the office as usual on Monday, dispelling the rumor that she had been fired.

Question 387

disperse (v.)

Answer 387

to scatter, cause to scatter ## Footnote When the rain began to pour, the crowd at the baseball game quickly dispersed.

Question 388

disrepute (n.)

Answer 388

a state of being held in low regard ## Footnote The officer fell into disrepute after it was learned that he had disobeyed the orders he had given to his own soldiers.

Question 389

dissemble (v.)

Answer 389

to conceal, fake ## Footnote Not wanting to appear heartlessly greedy, she dissembled and hid her intention to sell her ailing father’s stamp collection.

Question 390

disseminate (v.)

Answer 390

to spread widely ## Footnote The politician disseminated his ideas across the town before the election.

Question 391

dissent 1. (v.)

Answer 391

to disagree ## Footnote The principal argued that the child should repeat the fourth grade, but the unhappy parents dissented.

Question 392

dissent 2. (n.)

Answer 392

the act of disagreeing ## Footnote Unconvinced that the defendant was guilty, the last juror voiced his dissent with the rest of the jury.

Question 393

dissipate 1. (v.)

Answer 393

to disappear, cause to disappear ## Footnote The sun finally came out and dissipated the haze.

Question 394

dissipate 2. (v.)

Answer 394

to waste ## Footnote She dissipated her fortune on a series of bad investments.

Question 395

dissonance (n.)

Answer 395

lack of harmony or consistency ## Footnote Though the president of the company often spoke of the company as reliant solely upon its workers, her decision to increase her own salary rather than reward her employees revealed a striking dissonance between her alleged beliefs and her actions.

Question 396

dissuade (v.)

Answer 396

to persuade someone not to do something ## Footnote Worried that he would catch a cold, she tried to dissuade him from going out on winter nights.

Question 397

distend (v.)

Answer 397

to swell out ## Footnote Years of drinking beer caused his stomach to distend.

Question 398

dither (v.)

Answer 398

to be indecisive ## Footnote Not wanting to offend either friend, he dithered about which of the two birthday parties he should attend.

Question 399

divine (adj.)

Answer 399

godly, exceedingly wonderful ## Footnote Terribly fond of desserts, she found the rich chocolate cake to be divine.

Question 400

divisive (adj.)

Answer 400

causing dissent, discord ## Footnote Her divisive tactics turned her two friends against each other.

Question 401

divulge (v.)

Answer 401

to reveal something secret ## Footnote Pressured by the press, the government finally divulged the previously unknown information.

Question 402

docile (adj.)

Answer 402

easily taught or trained ## Footnote She successfully taught the docile puppy several tricks.

Question 403

dogmatic (adj.)

Answer 403

aggressively and arrogantly certain about unproved principles ## Footnote His dogmatic claim that men were better than women at fixing appliances angered everyone.

Question 404

dormant (adj.)

Answer 404

sleeping, temporarily inactive ## Footnote Though she pretended everything was fine, her anger lay dormant throughout the dinner party and exploded in screams of rage after everyone had left.

Question 405

dour (adj.)

Answer 405

stern, joyless ## Footnote The children feared their dour neighbor because the old man would take their toys if he believed they were being too loud.

Question 406

dubious (adj.)

Answer 406

doubtful, of uncertain quality ## Footnote Suspicious that he was only trying to get a raise, she found his praise dubious.

Question 407

duplicity (n.)

Answer 407

crafty dishonesty ## Footnote His duplicity involved convincing his employees to let him lower their salaries and increase their stock options, and then to steal the money he saved and run the company into the ground.

Question 408

duress (n.)

Answer 408

hardship, threat ## Footnote It was only under intense duress that he, who was normally against killing, fired his gun.

Question 409

dynamic (adj.)

Answer 409

actively changing ## Footnote The parents found it hard to keep up with the dynamic music scene with which their children had become very familiar.

Question 410

ebullient (adj.)

Answer 410

extremely lively, enthusiastic ## Footnote She became ebullient upon receiving an acceptance letter from her first-choice college.

Question 411

eclectic (adj.)

Answer 411

consisting of a diverse variety of elements ## Footnote That bar attracts an eclectic crowd: lawyers, artists, circus clowns, and investment bankers.

Question 412

ecstatic (adj.)

Answer 412

intensely and overpoweringly happy ## Footnote The couple was ecstatic when they learned that they had won the lottery.

Question 413

edict (n.)

Answer 413

an order, decree ## Footnote The ruler issued an edict requiring all of his subjects to bow down before him.

Question 414

efface (v.)

Answer 414

to wipe out, obliterate, rub away ## Footnote The husband was so angry at his wife for leaving him that he effaced all evidence of her presence; he threw out pictures of her and gave away all her belongings.

Question 415

effervescent (adj.)

Answer 415

bubbly, lively ## Footnote My friend is so effervescent that she makes everyone smile.

Question 416

efficacious (adj.)

Answer 416

effective ## Footnote My doctor promised me that the cold medicine was efficacious, but I’m still sniffling.

Question 417

effrontery (n.)

Answer 417

impudence, nerve, insolence ## Footnote When I told my aunt that she was boring, my mother scolded me for my effrontery.

Question 418

effulgent (adj.)

Answer 418

radiant, splendorous ## Footnote The golden palace was effulgent.

Question 419

egregious (adj.)

Answer 419

extremely bad ## Footnote The student who threw sloppy joes across the cafeteria was punished for his egregious behavior.

Question 420

elaborate (adj.)

Answer 420

complex, detailed, intricate ## Footnote Dan always beats me at chess because he develops such an elaborate game plan that I can never predict his next move.

Question 421

elated (adj.)

Answer 421

overjoyed, thrilled ## Footnote When she found out she had won the lottery, the writer was elated.

Question 422

elegy (n.)

Answer 422

a speech given in honor of a dead person ## Footnote At the funeral, the widow gave a moving elegy describing her love for her husband.

Question 423

elicit (v.)

Answer 423

to bring forth, draw out, evoke ## Footnote Although I asked several times where the exit was, I elicited no response from the stone-faced policeman.

Question 424

eloquent (adj.)

Answer 424

expressive, articulate, moving ## Footnote The priest gave such an eloquent sermon that most churchgoers were crying.

Question 425

elucidate (v.)

Answer 425

to clarify, explain ## Footnote I didn’t understand why my friend was so angry with me, so I asked Janine to elucidate her feelings.

Question 426

elude (v.)

Answer 426

to evade, escape ## Footnote Despite an intense search, the robber continues to elude the police.

Question 427

emaciated (adj.)

Answer 427

very thin, enfeebled looking ## Footnote My sister eats a lot of pastries and chocolate but still looks emaciated.

Question 428

embellish (v.)

Answer 428

1. to decorate, adorn 2. to add details to, enhance ## Footnote My mom embellished the living room by adding lace curtains. When Harry told me that he had 'done stuff' on his vacation, I asked him to embellish upon his account.

Question 429

embezzle (v.)

Answer 429

to steal money by falsifying records ## Footnote The accountant was fired for embezzling $10,000 of the company's funds.

Question 430

emend (v.)

Answer 430

to correct or revise a written text ## Footnote If my sentence is incorrect, the editor will emend what I have written.

Question 431

eminent (adj.)

Answer 431

1. distinguished, prominent, famous 2. conspicuous ## Footnote Mr. Phillips is such an eminent scholar that every professor on campus has come to hear him lecture. There is an eminent stain on that shirt.

Question 432

emollient (adj.)

Answer 432

soothing ## Footnote This emollient cream makes my skin very smooth.

Question 433

emote (v.)

Answer 433

to express emotion ## Footnote The director told the actor he had to emote, or else the audience would have no idea what his character was going through.

Question 434

empathy (n.)

Answer 434

sensitivity to another's feelings as if they were one's own ## Footnote I feel such empathy for my sister when she's in pain that I cry too.

Question 435

empirical (adj.)

Answer 435

1. based on observation or experience 2. capable of being proved or disproved by experiment ## Footnote The scientist gathered empirical data on the growth rate of dandelions by studying the dandelions behind his house. That all cats hate getting wet is an empirical statement: I can test it by bathing my cat, Trinket.

Question 436

emulate (v.)

Answer 436

to imitate ## Footnote I idolize Britney Spears so much that I emulate everything she does: I wear her outfits, sing along to her songs, and date a boy named Justin.

Question 437

enamor (v.)

Answer 437

to fill with love, fascinate, usually used in passive form followed by 'of' or 'with' ## Footnote I grew enamored of that boy when he quoted my favorite love poem.

Question 438

encore (n.)

Answer 438

the audience's demand for a repeat performance; also the artist's performance in response to that demand ## Footnote At the end of the concert, all the fans yelled, 'Encore! Encore!' but the band did not come out to play again.

Question 439

encumber (v.)

Answer 439

to weigh down, burden ## Footnote At the airport, my friend was encumbered by her luggage, so I offered to carry two of her bags.

Question 440

enervate (v.)

Answer 440

to weaken, exhaust ## Footnote Writing these sentences enervates me so much that I will have to take a nap after I finish.

Question 441

enfranchise (v.)

Answer 441

to grant the vote to ## Footnote The Nineteenth Amendment enfranchised women.

Question 442

engender (v.)

Answer 442

to bring about, create, generate ## Footnote During the Olympics, the victories of U.S. athletes engender a patriotic spirit among Americans.

Question 443

enigmatic (adj.)

Answer 443

mystifying, cryptic ## Footnote That man wearing the dark suit and dark glasses is so enigmatic that no one even knows his name.

Question 444

enmity (n.)

Answer 444

ill will, hatred, hostility ## Footnote Mark and Andy have clearly not forgiven each other, because the enmity between them is obvious to anyone in their presence.

Question 445

ennui (n.)

Answer 445

boredom, weariness ## Footnote I feel such ennui that I don't look forward to anything, not even my birthday party.

Question 446

entail (v.)

Answer 446

to include as a necessary step ## Footnote Building a new fence entails tearing down the old one.

Question 447

enthrall (v.)

Answer 447

to charm, hold spellbound ## Footnote The sailor's stories of fighting off sharks and finding ancient treasures enthralled his young son.

Question 448

ephemeral (adj.)

Answer 448

short-lived, fleeting ## Footnote She promised she'd love me forever, but her 'forever' was only ephemeral: she left me after one week.

Question 449

epistolary (adj.)

Answer 449

relating to or contained in letters ## Footnote Some people call me 'Auntie's boy,' because my aunt and I have such a close epistolary relationship that we write each other every day.

Question 450

epitome (n.)

Answer 450

a perfect example, embodiment ## Footnote My mother, the epitome of good taste, always dresses more elegantly than I do.

Question 451

equanimity (n.)

Answer 451

composure ## Footnote Even though he had just been fired, Mr. Simms showed great equanimity by neatly packing up his desk and wishing everyone in the office well.

Question 452

equivocal (adj.)

Answer 452

ambiguous, uncertain, undecided ## Footnote His intentions were so equivocal that I didn't know whether he was being chivalrous or sleazy.

Question 453

erudite (adj.)

Answer 453

learned ## Footnote My Latin teacher is such an erudite scholar that he has translated some of the most difficult and abstruse ancient poetry.

Question 454

eschew (v.)

Answer 454

to shun, avoid ## Footnote George hates the color green so much that he eschews all green food.

Question 455

esoteric (adj.)

Answer 455

understood by only a select few ## Footnote Even the most advanced students cannot understand the physicist's esoteric theories.

Question 456

espouse (v.)

Answer 456

to take up as a cause, support ## Footnote I love animals so much that I espouse animal rights.

Question 457

ethereal (adj.)

Answer 457

heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined ## Footnote In her flowing silk gown and lace veil, the bride looked ethereal.

Question 458

etymology (n.)

Answer 458

the history of words, their origin and development ## Footnote From the study of etymology, I know that the word 'quixotic' derives from Don Quixote and the word 'gaudy' refers to the Spanish architect Gaudí.

Question 459

euphoric (adj.)

Answer 459

elated, uplifted ## Footnote I was euphoric when I found out that my sister had given birth to twins.

Question 460

evanescent (adj.)

Answer 460

fleeting, momentary ## Footnote My joy at getting promoted was evanescent because I discovered that I would have to work much longer hours in a less friendly office.

Question 461

evince (v.)

Answer 461

to show, reveal ## Footnote Christopher's hand-wringing and nail-biting evince how nervous he is about the upcoming English test.

Question 462

exacerbate (v.)

Answer 462

to make more violent, intense ## Footnote The gruesome and scary movie I saw last night exacerbated my fears of the dark.

Question 463

exalt (v.)

Answer 463

to glorify, praise ## Footnote Michael Jordan is the figure in basketball we exalt the most.

Question 464

exasperate (v.)

Answer 464

to irritate, irk ## Footnote George's endless complaints exasperated his roommate.

Question 465

excavate (v.)

Answer 465

to dig out of the ground and remove ## Footnote The pharaoh's treasures were excavated by archeologists in Egypt.

Question 466

exculpate (v.)

Answer 466

to free from guilt or blame, exonerate ## Footnote My discovery of the ring behind the dresser exculpated me from the charge of having stolen it.

Question 467

excursion (n.)

Answer 467

a trip or outing ## Footnote After taking an excursion to the Bronx Zoo, I dreamed about pandas and monkeys.

Question 468

execrable (adj.)

Answer 468

loathsome, detestable ## Footnote Her pudding is so execrable that it makes me sick.

Question 469

exhort (v.)

Answer 469

to urge, prod, spur ## Footnote Henry exhorted his colleagues to join him in protesting against the university's hiring policies.

Question 470

exigent (adj.)

Answer 470

urgent, critical ## Footnote The patient has an exigent need for medication, or else he will lose his sight.

Question 471

exonerate (v.)

Answer 471

to free from guilt or blame, exculpate ## Footnote The true thief's confession exonerated the man who had been held in custody for the crime.

Question 472

exorbitant (adj.)

Answer 472

excessive ## Footnote Her exorbitant praise made me blush and squirm in my seat.

Question 473

expedient (adj.)

Answer 473

advisable, advantageous, serving one's self-interest ## Footnote In his bid for reelection, the governor made an expedient move by tabling all controversial legislation.

Question 474

expiate (v.)

Answer 474

to make amends for, atone ## Footnote To expiate my selfishness, I gave all my profits to charity.

Question 475

expunge (v.)

Answer 475

to obliterate, eradicate ## Footnote Fearful of an IRS investigation, Paul tried to expunge all incriminating evidence from his tax files.

Question 476

expurgate (v.)

Answer 476

to remove offensive or incorrect parts, usually of a book ## Footnote The history editors expurgated from the text all disparaging and inflammatory comments about the Republican Party.

Question 477

extant (adj.)

Answer 477

existing, not destroyed or lost ## Footnote My mother's extant love letters to my father are in the attic trunk.

Question 478

extol (v.)

Answer 478

to praise, revere ## Footnote Violet extolled the virtues of a vegetarian diet to her meat-loving brother.

Question 479

extraneous (adj.)

Answer 479

irrelevant, extra, not necessary ## Footnote Personal political ambitions should always remain extraneous to legislative policy, but, unfortunately, they rarely are.

Question 480

extricate (v.)

Answer 480

to disentangle ## Footnote Instead of trying to mediate between my brother and sister, I extricated myself from the family tension entirely and left the house for the day.

Question 481

exult (v.)

Answer 481

to rejoice ## Footnote When she found out she won the literature prize, Mary exulted by dancing and singing through the school's halls.

Question 482

fabricate (v.)

Answer 482

to make up, invent ## Footnote When I arrived an hour late to class, I fabricated some excuse about my car breaking down on the way to school.

Question 483

façade (n.)

Answer 483

1. the wall of a building 2. a deceptive appearance or attitude ## Footnote Meet me in front of the museum's main façade. Despite my smiling façade, I am feeling melancholy.

Question 484

facile (adj.)

Answer 484

1. easy, requiring little effort 2. superficial, achieved with minimal thought or care, insincere ## Footnote This game is so facile that even a four-year-old can master it. The business was in such shambles that any solution seemed facile at best; nothing could really help it in the long-run.

Question 485

extirpate (v.)

Answer 485

to destroy, exterminate, cut out, pull out by the roots ## Footnote After I spilled red wine on my white blouse, my mother helped me extirpate the stain by scrubbing it with bleach.

Question 486

extraneous (adj.)

Answer 486

having no relevance or importance ## Footnote I didn't study for the math test, so I wrote a lot of extraneous notes in the margins of my paper to make it seem like I knew what I was talking about.

Question 487

Define the term 'fallacious.'

Answer 487

Incorrect, misleading. ## Footnote Example sentence: Emily offered me cigarettes on the fallacious assumption that I smoked.

Question 488

Define the term 'fastidious.'

Answer 488

Meticulous, demanding, having high and often unattainable standards. ## Footnote Example sentence: Mark is so fastidious that he is never able to finish a project because it always seems imperfect to him.

Question 489

Define the term 'fathom.'

Answer 489

To understand, comprehend. ## Footnote Example sentence: I cannot fathom why you like that crabby and mean-spirited neighbor of ours.

Question 490

Define the term 'fatuous.'

Answer 490

Silly, foolish. ## Footnote Example sentence: He considers himself a serious poet, but in truth, he only writes fatuous limericks.

Question 491

Define the term 'fecund.'

Answer 491

Fruitful, fertile. ## Footnote Example sentence: The fecund tree bore enough apples to last us through the entire season.

Question 492

Define the term 'felicitous.'

Answer 492

1. Well suited, apt. 2. Delightful, pleasing. ## Footnote Example sentence: While his comments were idiotic and rambling, mine were felicitous and helpful.

Question 493

Define the term 'feral.'

Answer 493

Wild, savage. ## Footnote Example sentence: That beast looks so feral that I would fear being alone with it.

Question 494

Define the term 'fervent.'

Answer 494

Ardent, passionate. ## Footnote Example sentence: The fervent protestors chained themselves to the building and shouted all night long.

Question 495

Define the term 'fetid.'

Answer 495

Having a foul odor. ## Footnote Example sentence: I can tell from the fetid smell in your refrigerator that your milk has spoiled.

Question 496

Define the term 'fetter.'

Answer 496

To chain, restrain. ## Footnote Example sentence: The dog was fettered to the parking meter.

Question 497

Define the term 'fickle.'

Answer 497

Shifting in character, inconstant. ## Footnote Example sentence: In Greek dramas, the fickle gods help Achilles one day, and then harm him the next.

Question 498

Define the term 'fidelity.'

Answer 498

Loyalty, devotion. ## Footnote Example sentence: Guard dogs are known for the great fidelity they show toward their masters.

Question 499

Define the term 'figurative.'

Answer 499

Symbolic. ## Footnote Example sentence: Using figurative language, Jane likened the storm to an angry bull.

Question 500

Define the term 'flabbergasted.'

Answer 500

Astounded. ## Footnote Example sentence: Whenever I read an Agatha Christie mystery novel, I am always flabbergasted when I learn the identity of the murderer.

Question 501

Define the term 'flaccid.'

Answer 501

Limp, not firm or strong. ## Footnote Example sentence: If a plant is not watered enough, its leaves become droopy and flaccid.

Question 502

Define the term 'flagrant.'

Answer 502

Offensive, egregious. ## Footnote Example sentence: The judge's decision to set the man free simply because that man was his brother was a flagrant abuse of power.

Question 503

Define the term 'florid.'

Answer 503

Flowery, ornate. ## Footnote Example sentence: The writer's florid prose belongs on a sentimental Hallmark card.

Question 504

Define the term 'flout.'

Answer 504

To disregard or disobey openly. ## Footnote Example sentence: I flouted the school's dress code by wearing a tie-dyed tank top and a pair of cut-off jeans.

Question 505

Define the term 'foil.'

Answer 505

To thwart, frustrate, defeat. ## Footnote Example sentence: Inspector Wilkens foiled the thieves by locking them in the bank along with their stolen money.

Question 506

Define the term 'forage.'

Answer 506

To graze, rummage for food. ## Footnote Example sentence: When we got lost on our hiking trip, we foraged for berries and nuts in order to survive.

Question 507

Define the term 'forbearance.'

Answer 507

Patience, restraint, toleration. ## Footnote Example sentence: The doctor showed great forbearance in calming down the angry patient who shouted insults at him.

Question 508

Define the term 'forestall.'

Answer 508

To prevent, thwart, delay. ## Footnote Example sentence: I forestalled the cold I was getting by taking plenty of vitamin C pills and wearing a scarf.

Question 509

Define the term 'forlorn.'

Answer 509

Lonely, abandoned, hopeless. ## Footnote Example sentence: Even though I had the flu, my family decided to go skiing for the weekend and leave me home alone, feeling feverish and forlorn.

Question 510

Define the term 'forsake.'

Answer 510

To give up, renounce. ## Footnote Example sentence: My New Year's resolution is to forsake smoking and drinking.

Question 511

Define the term 'fortitude.'

Answer 511

Strength, guts. ## Footnote Example sentence: Achilles' fortitude in battle is legendary.

Question 512

Define the term 'fortuitous.'

Answer 512

Happening by chance, often lucky or fortunate. ## Footnote Example sentence: After looking for Manuel and not finding him at home, Harriet had a fortuitous encounter with him at the post office.

Question 513

Define the term 'forum.'

Answer 513

A medium for lecture or discussion. ## Footnote Example sentence: Some radio talk-shows provide a good forum for political debate.

Question 514

Define the term 'foster.'

Answer 514

To stimulate, promote, encourage. ## Footnote Example sentence: To foster good health in the city, the mayor started a 'Get out and exercise!' campaign.

Question 515

Define the term 'fractious.'

Answer 515

Troublesome or irritable. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although the child insisted he wasn't tired, his fractious behavior—especially his decision to crush his cheese and crackers all over the floor—convinced everyone present that it was time to put him to bed.

Question 516

Define the term 'fraught.'

Answer 516

(Usually used with 'with') Filled or accompanied with. ## Footnote Example sentence: Her glances in his direction were fraught with meaning, though precisely what meaning remained unclear.

Question 517

Define the term 'frenetic.'

Answer 517

Frenzied, hectic, frantic. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the hours between night and morning, the frenetic pace of city life slows to a lull.

Question 518

Define the term 'frivolous.'

Answer 518

Of little importance, trifling. ## Footnote Example sentence: Someday, all that anxiety about whether your zit will disappear before the prom will seem totally frivolous.

Question 519

Define the term 'frugal.'

Answer 519

Thrifty, economical. ## Footnote Example sentence: Richard is so frugal that his diet consists almost exclusively of catfish and chicken liver—the two most inexpensive foods in the store.

Question 520

Define the term 'furtive.'

Answer 520

Secretive, sly. ## Footnote Example sentence: Jane's placement of her drugs in her sock drawer was not as furtive as she thought, as the sock drawer is the first place most parents look.

Question 521

Define the term 'garish.'

Answer 521

Gaudy, in bad taste. ## Footnote Example sentence: Mrs. Watson has poor taste and covers every object in her house with a garish gold lamé.

Question 522

Define the term 'garrulous.'

Answer 522

Talkative, wordy. ## Footnote Example sentence: Some talk show hosts are so garrulous that their guests can't get a word in edgewise.

Question 523

Define the term 'genial.'

Answer 523

Friendly, affable. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although he's been known to behave like a real jerk, I would say that my brother is an overall genial guy.

Question 524

Define the term 'gluttony.'

Answer 524

Overindulgence in food or drink. ## Footnote Example sentence: Ada's fried chicken tastes so divine, I don't know how anyone can call gluttony a sin.

Question 525

Define the term 'goad.'

Answer 525

To urge, spur, incite to action. ## Footnote Example sentence: Jim may think he's not going to fight Billy, but Billy will goad Jim on with insults until he throws a punch.

Question 526

Define the term 'gourmand.'

Answer 526

Someone fond of eating and drinking. ## Footnote Example sentence: My parents, who used to eat little more than crackers and salad, have become real gourmands in their old age.

Question 527

Define the term 'grandiloquence.'

Answer 527

Lofty, pompous language. ## Footnote Example sentence: The student thought her grandiloquence would make her sound smart, but neither the class nor the teacher bought it.

Question 528

Define the term 'grandiose.'

Answer 528

On a magnificent or exaggerated scale. ## Footnote Example sentence: Margaret planned a grandiose party, replete with elephants, trapeze artists, and clowns.

Question 529

Define the term 'gratuitous.'

Answer 529

Uncalled for, unwarranted. ## Footnote Example sentence: Every morning the guy at the donut shop gives me a gratuitous helping of ketchup packets.

Question 530

Define the term 'gregarious.'

Answer 530

Drawn to the company of others, sociable. ## Footnote Example sentence: Well, if you're not gregarious, I don't know why you would want to go to a singles party!

Question 531

Define the term 'grievous.'

Answer 531

Injurious, hurtful; serious or grave in nature. ## Footnote Example sentence: Electrocuting the inmate without being sure of his guilt would be a truly grievous mistake.

Question 532

Define the term 'guile.'

Answer 532

Deceitful, cunning, sly behavior. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of his great guile, the politician was able to survive scandal after scandal.

Question 533

Define the term 'hackneyed.'

Answer 533

Unoriginal, trite. ## Footnote Example sentence: A girl can only hear 'I love you' so many times before it begins to sound hackneyed and meaningless.

Question 534

Define the term 'hallowed.'

Answer 534

Revered, consecrated. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the hallowed corridors of the cathedral, the disturbed professor felt himself to be at peace.

Question 535

Define the term 'hapless.'

Answer 535

Unlucky. ## Footnote Example sentence: My poor, hapless family never seems to pick a sunny week to go on vacation.

Question 536

Define the term 'harangue.'

Answer 536

1. A ranting speech. 2. To give such a speech. ## Footnote Example sentence: Everyone had heard the teacher's harangue about gum chewing in class before.

Question 537

Define the term 'hardy.'

Answer 537

Robust, capable of surviving through adverse conditions. ## Footnote Example sentence: I too would have expected the plants to be dead by mid-November, but apparently they're very hardy.

Question 538

Define the term 'harrowing.'

Answer 538

Greatly distressing, vexing. ## Footnote Example sentence: The car crash was a harrowing experience, but I have a feeling that the increase in my insurance premiums will be even more upsetting.

Question 539

Define the term 'haughty.'

Answer 539

Disdainfully proud. ## Footnote Example sentence: The superstar's haughty dismissal of her costars will backfire on her someday.

Question 540

Define the term 'hedonist.'

Answer 540

One who believes pleasure should be the primary pursuit of humans. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because he's such a hedonist, I knew Murray would appreciate the 11 cases of wine I bought him for his birthday.

Question 541

Define the term 'hegemony.'

Answer 541

Domination over others. ## Footnote Example sentence: Britain's hegemony over its colonies was threatened once nationalist sentiment began to spread around the world.

Question 542

Define the term 'heinous.'

Answer 542

Shockingly wicked, repugnant. ## Footnote Example sentence: The killings were made all the more heinous by the fact that the murderer first tortured his victims for three days.

Question 543

Define the term 'heterogeneous.'

Answer 543

Varied, diverse in character. ## Footnote Example sentence: I hate having only one flavor so I always buy the swirled, or should I say heterogeneous, type of ice cream.

Question 544

Define the term 'hiatus.'

Answer 544

A break or gap in duration or continuity. ## Footnote Example sentence: The hiatus in service should last two or three months—until the cable lines are repaired.

Question 545

Define the term 'hierarchy'.

Answer 545

A system with ranked groups, usually according to social, economic, or professional class. ## Footnote Example sentence: Women found it very difficult to break into the upper ranks of the department's hierarchy.

Question 546

Define the term 'hypocrisy'.

Answer 546

Pretending to believe what one does not. ## Footnote Example sentence: Once the politician began passing legislation that contradicted his campaign promises, his hypocrisy became apparent.

Question 547

Define the term 'hypothetical'.

Answer 547

Supposed or assumed true, but unproven. ## Footnote Example sentence: Even though it has been celebrated by seven major newspapers, that the drug will be a success when tested in humans is still hypothetical.

Question 548

Define the term 'iconoclast'.

Answer 548

One who attacks common beliefs or institutions. ## Footnote Example sentence: Jane goes to one protest after another, but she seems to be an iconoclast rather than an activist with a progressive agenda.

Question 549

Define the term 'idiosyncratic'.

Answer 549

Peculiar to one person; highly individualized. ## Footnote Example sentence: I know you had trouble with the last test, but because your mistakes were highly idiosyncratic, I’m going to deny your request that the class be given a new test.

Question 550

Define the term 'idolatrous'.

Answer 550

Excessively worshipping one object or person. ## Footnote Example sentence: Xena’s idolatrous fawning over the band—following them on tour, starting their fan club, filming their documentary—is really beginning to get on my nerves.

Question 551

Define the term 'ignominious'.

Answer 551

Humiliating, disgracing. ## Footnote Example sentence: It was really ignominious to be kicked out of the dorm for having an illegal gas stove in my room.

Question 552

Define the term 'illicit'.

Answer 552

Forbidden, not permitted. ## Footnote Example sentence: The fourth-grader learned many illicit words from a pamphlet that was being passed around school.

Question 553

Define the term 'immerse'.

Answer 553

To absorb, deeply involve, engross. ## Footnote Example sentence: After breaking up with her boyfriend, Nancy decided to immerse herself in her work in order to avoid crying.

Question 554

Define the term 'immutable'.

Answer 554

Not changeable. ## Footnote Example sentence: The laws of physics are immutable and constant.

Question 555

Define the term 'impassive'.

Answer 555

Stoic, not susceptible to suffering. ## Footnote Example sentence: Stop being so impassive; it's healthy to cry every now and then.

Question 556

Define the term 'impeccable'.

Answer 556

Exemplary, flawless. ## Footnote Example sentence: If your grades were as impeccable as your sister's, then you too would receive a car for a graduation present.

Question 557

Define the term 'impecunious'.

Answer 557

Poor. ## Footnote Example sentence: 'I fear he's too impecunious to take me out tonight,' the bratty girl whined.

Question 558

Define the term 'imperative'.

Answer 558

1. Necessary, pressing. 2. A rule, command, or order. ## Footnote Example sentence: Her imperative to have the folders organized by midday was perceived as ridiculous by the others.

Question 559

Define the term 'impertinent'.

Answer 559

Rude, insolent. ## Footnote Example sentence: Most of your comments are so impertinent that I don't wish to dignify them with an answer.

Question 560

Define the term 'impervious'.

Answer 560

Impenetrable, incapable of being affected. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of their thick layer of fur, many seals are almost impervious to the cold.

Question 561

Define the term 'impetuous'.

Answer 561

Rash; hastily done. ## Footnote Example sentence: Hilda's hasty slaying of the king was an impetuous, thoughtless action.

Question 562

Define the term 'impinge'.

Answer 562

1. To impact, affect, make an impression. 2. To encroach, infringe. ## Footnote Example sentence: The hail impinged the roof, leaving large dents. Example sentence: I apologize for impinging upon you like this, but I really need to use your bathroom. Now.

Question 563

Define the term 'implacable'.

Answer 563

Incapable of being appeased or mitigated. ## Footnote Example sentence: Watch out: once you shun Grandma's cooking, she is totally implacable.

Question 564

Define the term 'implement'.

Answer 564

1. An instrument, utensil, tool. 2. To put into effect, to institute. ## Footnote Example sentence: Do you have a knife or some other sort of implement that I could use to pry the lid off of this jar? Example sentence: After the first town curfew failed to stop the graffiti problem, the mayor implemented a new policy to use security cameras to catch perpetrators in the act.

Question 565

Define the term 'implicate'.

Answer 565

To involve in an incriminating way, incriminate. ## Footnote Example sentence: Even though Tom wasn't present at the time of the shooting, he was implicated by the evidence suggesting that he had supplied the shooters with guns.

Question 566

Define the term 'implicit'.

Answer 566

Understood but not outwardly obvious, implied. ## Footnote Example sentence: I know Professor Smith didn't actually say not to write from personal experience, but I think such a message was implicit in her instruction to use scholarly sources.

Question 567

Define the term 'impregnable'.

Answer 567

Resistant to capture or penetration. ## Footnote Example sentence: Though the invaders used battering rams, catapults, and rain dances, the fortress proved impregnable and resisted all attacks.

Question 568

Define the term 'impudent'.

Answer 568

Casually rude, insolent, impertinent. ## Footnote Example sentence: The impudent young man looked the princess up and down and told her she was hot even though she hadn't asked him.

Question 569

Define the term 'impute'.

Answer 569

To ascribe, blame. ## Footnote Example sentence: The CEO imputed the many typos in the letter to his lazy secretary.

Question 570

Define the term 'inane'.

Answer 570

Silly and meaningless. ## Footnote Example sentence: Some films are so inane that the psychology of the characters makes absolutely no sense.

Question 571

Define the term 'inarticulate'.

Answer 571

Incapable of expressing oneself clearly through speech. ## Footnote Example sentence: Though he spoke for over an hour, the lecturer was completely inarticulate and the students had no idea what he was talking about.

Question 572

Define the term 'incarnate'.

Answer 572

1. Existing in the flesh, embodied. 2. To give human form to. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the church pageant, I play the role of greed incarnate. Example sentence: The alien evaded detection by incarnating himself in a human form.

Question 573

Define the term 'incendiary'.

Answer 573

1. A person who agitates. 2. Inflammatory, causing combustion. ## Footnote Example sentence: If we catch the incendiary who screamed 'bomb' in the middle of the soccer match, we're going to put him in jail. Example sentence: Gas and lighter fluid are incendiary materials that should be kept out of hot storage areas.

Question 574

Define the term 'incessant'.

Answer 574

Unending. ## Footnote Example sentence: We wanted to go outside and play, but the incessant rain kept us indoors for two days.

Question 575

Define the term 'inchoate'.

Answer 575

Unformed or formless, in a beginning stage. ## Footnote Example sentence: The country's government is still inchoate and, because it has no great tradition, quite unstable.

Question 576

Define the term 'incisive'.

Answer 576

Clear, sharp, direct. ## Footnote Example sentence: The discussion wasn't going anywhere until her incisive comment allowed everyone to see what the true issues were.

Question 577

Define the term 'inclination'.

Answer 577

A tendency, propensity. ## Footnote Example sentence: Sarah has an inclination to see every foreign film she hears about, even when she's sure that she won't like it.

Question 578

Define the term 'incontrovertible'.

Answer 578

Indisputable. ## Footnote Example sentence: Only stubborn Tina would attempt to disprove the incontrovertible laws of physics.

Question 579

Define the term 'incorrigible'.

Answer 579

Incapable of correction, delinquent. ## Footnote Example sentence: You can buy Grandma nicotine gum all you want, but I think that after sixty-five years of smoking she's incorrigible.

Question 580

Define the term 'increment'.

Answer 580

An enlargement; the process of increasing. ## Footnote Example sentence: The workmen made the wall longer, increment by increment.

Question 581

Define the term 'incumbent'.

Answer 581

1. One who holds an office. 2. Obligatory. ## Footnote Example sentence: The incumbent senator is already serving his fifth term. Example sentence: It is incumbent upon this organization to offer aid to all who seek it.

Question 582

Define the term 'indefatigable'.

Answer 582

Incapable of defeat, failure, decay. ## Footnote Example sentence: Even after traveling 62 miles, the indefatigable runner kept on moving.

Question 583

Define the term 'indigenous'.

Answer 583

Originating in a region. ## Footnote Example sentence: Some fear that these plants, which are not indigenous to the region, may choke out the vegetation that is native to the area.

Question 584

Define the term 'indigent'.

Answer 584

Very poor, impoverished. ## Footnote Example sentence: I would rather donate money to help the indigent population than to the park sculpture fund.

Question 585

Define the term 'indignation'.

Answer 585

Anger sparked by something unjust or unfair. ## Footnote Example sentence: I resigned from the sorority because of my indignation at its hazing of new members.

Question 586

Define the term 'indolent'.

Answer 586

Lazy. ## Footnote Example sentence: Why should my indolent children, who can’t even pick themselves up off the couch to pour their own juice, be rewarded with a trip to the mall?

Question 587

Define the term 'indomitable'.

Answer 587

Not capable of being conquered. ## Footnote Example sentence: To be honest, Jim, my indomitable nature means I could never take orders from anyone, and especially not from a jerk like you.

Question 588

Define the term 'induce'.

Answer 588

To bring about, stimulate. ## Footnote Example sentence: Who knew that our decision to boycott school lunch would induce a huge riot?

Question 589

Define the term 'ineffable'.

Answer 589

Unspeakable, incapable of being expressed through words. ## Footnote Example sentence: It is said that the experience of playing with a dolphin is ineffable and can only be understood through direct encounter.

Question 590

Define the term 'inept'.

Answer 590

Not suitable or capable, unqualified. ## Footnote Example sentence: She proved how inept she was when she forgot three orders and spilled a beer in a customer's lap.

Question 591

Define the term 'inexorable'.

Answer 591

Incapable of being persuaded or placated. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I begged for hours, Mom was inexorable and refused to let me stay out all night after the prom.

Question 592

Define the term 'inextricable'.

Answer 592

Hopelessly tangled or entangled. ## Footnote Example sentence: Unless I look at the solution manual, I have no way of solving this inextricable problem.

Question 593

Define the term 'infamy'.

Answer 593

Notoriety, extreme ill repute. ## Footnote Example sentence: The infamy of his crime will not lessen as the decades pass.

Question 594

Define the term 'infusion'.

Answer 594

An injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one substance by another. ## Footnote Example sentence: The infusion of Eastern religion into Western philosophy created interesting new schools of thought.

Question 595

Define the term 'ingenious'.

Answer 595

Clever, resourceful. ## Footnote Example sentence: Her ingenious use of walnuts instead of the peanuts called for by the recipe was lauded by the other garden club members who found her cake delicious.

Question 596

Define the term 'ingenuous'.

Answer 596

Not devious; innocent and candid. ## Footnote Example sentence: He must have writers, but his speeches seem so ingenuous it’s hard to believe he’s not speaking from his own heart.

Question 597

Define the term 'inhibit'.

Answer 597

To prevent, restrain, stop. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I told you I needed the car last night, I hoped you would do the right thing and inhibit yourself from taking it.

Question 598

Define the term 'inane'.

Answer 598

Silly and meaningless. ## Footnote Example sentence: Some films are so inane that the psychology of the characters makes absolutely no sense.

Question 599

Define the term 'inarticulate'.

Answer 599

Incapable of expressing oneself clearly through speech. ## Footnote Example sentence: Though he spoke for over an hour, the lecturer was completely inarticulate and the students had no idea what he was talking about.

Question 600

Define the term 'incarnate'.

Answer 600

1. Existing in the flesh, embodied. 2. To give human form to. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the church pageant, I play the role of greed incarnate. Example sentence: The alien evaded detection by incarnating himself in a human form.

Question 601

Define the term 'incalid'.

Answer 601

1. A person who agitates. 2. Inflammatory, causing combustion. ## Footnote Example sentence: If we catch the incendiary who screamed 'bomb' in the middle of the soccer match, we're going to put him in jail. Example sentence: Gas and lighter fluid are incendiary materials that should be kept out of hot storage areas.

Question 602

Define the term 'incessant'.

Answer 602

Unending. ## Footnote Example sentence: We wanted to go outside and play, but the incessant rain kept us indoors for two days.

Question 603

Define the term 'inchoate'.

Answer 603

Unformed or formless, in a beginning stage. ## Footnote Example sentence: The country's government is still inchoate and, because it has no great tradition, quite unstable.

Question 604

Define the term 'incisive'.

Answer 604

Clear, sharp, direct. ## Footnote Example sentence: The discussion wasn't going anywhere until her incisive comment allowed everyone to see what the true issues were.

Question 605

Define the term 'inclination'.

Answer 605

A tendency, propensity. ## Footnote Example sentence: Sarah has an inclination to see every foreign film she hears about, even when she's sure that she won't like it.

Question 606

Define the term 'incontrovertible'.

Answer 606

Indisputable. ## Footnote Example sentence: Only stubborn Tina would attempt to disprove the incontrovertible laws of physics.

Question 607

Define the term 'incorrigible'.

Answer 607

Incapable of correction, delinquent. ## Footnote Example sentence: You can buy Grandma nicotine gum all you want, but I think that after sixty-five years of smoking she's incorrigible.

Question 608

Define the term 'increment'.

Answer 608

An enlargement; the process of increasing. ## Footnote Example sentence: The workmen made the wall longer, increment by increment.

Question 609

Define the term 'incumbent'.

Answer 609

1. One who holds an office. 2. Obligatory. ## Footnote Example sentence: The incumbent senator is already serving his fifth term. Example sentence: It is incumbent upon this organization to offer aid to all who seek it.

Question 610

Define the term 'indefatigable'.

Answer 610

Incapable of defeat, failure, decay. ## Footnote Example sentence: Even after traveling 62 miles, the indefatigable runner kept on moving.

Question 611

Define the term 'indigenous'.

Answer 611

Originating in a region. ## Footnote Example sentence: Some fear that these plants, which are not indigenous to the region, may choke out the vegetation that is native to the area.

Question 612

Define the term 'indigent'.

Answer 612

Very poor, impoverished. ## Footnote Example sentence: I would rather donate money to help the indigent population than to the park sculpture fund.

Question 613

Define the term 'indignation'.

Answer 613

Anger sparked by something unjust or unfair. ## Footnote Example sentence: I resigned from the sorority because of my indignation at its hazing of new members.

Question 614

Define the term 'indolent'.

Answer 614

Lazy. ## Footnote Example sentence: Why should my indolent children, who can’t even pick themselves up off the couch to pour their own juice, be rewarded with a trip to the mall?

Question 615

Define the term 'indomitable'.

Answer 615

Not capable of being conquered. ## Footnote Example sentence: To be honest, Jim, my indomitable nature means I could never take orders from anyone, and especially not from a jerk like you.

Question 616

Define the term 'induce'.

Answer 616

To bring about, stimulate. ## Footnote Example sentence: Who knew that our decision to boycott school lunch would induce a huge riot?

Question 617

Define the term 'ineffable'.

Answer 617

Unspeakable, incapable of being expressed through words. ## Footnote Example sentence: It is said that the experience of playing with a dolphin is ineffable and can only be understood through direct encounter.

Question 618

Define the term 'inept'.

Answer 618

Not suitable or capable, unqualified. ## Footnote Example sentence: She proved how inept she was when she forgot three orders and spilled a beer in a customer's lap.

Question 619

Define the term 'inexorable'.

Answer 619

Incapable of being persuaded or placated. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I begged for hours, Mom was inexorable and refused to let me stay out all night after the prom.

Question 620

Define the term 'inextricable'.

Answer 620

Hopelessly tangled or entangled. ## Footnote Example sentence: Unless I look at the solution manual, I have no way of solving this inextricable problem.

Question 621

Define the term 'infamy'.

Answer 621

Notoriety, extreme ill repute. ## Footnote Example sentence: The infamy of his crime will not lessen as the decades pass.

Question 622

Define the term 'infusion'.

Answer 622

An injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one substance by another. ## Footnote Example sentence: The infusion of Eastern religion into Western philosophy created interesting new schools of thought.

Question 623

Define the term 'ingenious'.

Answer 623

Clever, resourceful. ## Footnote Example sentence: Her ingenious use of walnuts instead of the peanuts called for by the recipe was lauded by the other garden club members who found her cake delicious.

Question 624

Define the term 'ingenuous'.

Answer 624

Not devious; innocent and candid. ## Footnote Example sentence: He must have writers, but his speeches seem so ingenuous it’s hard to believe he’s not speaking from his own heart.

Question 625

Define the term 'inhibit'.

Answer 625

To prevent, restrain, stop. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I told you I needed the car last night, I hoped you would do the right thing and inhibit yourself from taking it.

Question 626

Define the term 'inimical'.

Answer 626

Hostile, enemylike. ## Footnote Example sentence: I don’t see how I could ever work for a company that was so cold and inimical to me during my interviews.

Question 627

Define the term 'iniquity'.

Answer 627

Wickedness or sin. ## Footnote Example sentence: Your iniquity,' said the priest to the practical jokester, 'will be forgiven.'

Question 628

Define the term 'injunction'.

Answer 628

An order or official warning. ## Footnote Example sentence: After his house was toilet-papered for the fifth time, the mayor issued an injunction against anyone younger than 21 buying toilet paper.

Question 629

Define the term 'innate'.

Answer 629

Inborn, native, inherent. ## Footnote Example sentence: His incredible athletic talent is innate, he never trains, lifts weights, or practices.

Question 630

Define the term 'innocuous'.

Answer 630

Harmless, inoffensive. ## Footnote Example sentence: In spite of their innocuous appearance, these mushrooms are actually quite poisonous.

Question 631

Define the term 'innovate'.

Answer 631

To do something in an unprecedented way. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of the stiff competition, the company knew it needed to pour a lot of energy into innovating new and better products.

Question 632

Define the term 'innuendo'.

Answer 632

An insinuation. ## Footnote Example sentence: During the debate, the politician made several innuendos about the sexual activities of his opponent.

Question 633

Define the term 'inoculate'.

Answer 633

To introduce a microorganism, serum, or vaccine into an organism in order to increase immunity to illness; to vaccinate. ## Footnote Example sentence: I’ve feared needles ever since I was inoculated against 37 diseases at age one, but I have also never been sick.

Question 634

Define the term 'inquisitor'.

Answer 634

One who inquires, especially in a hostile manner. ## Footnote Example sentence: The inquisitor was instructed to knock on every door in town in order to find the fugitive.

Question 635

Define the term 'insatiable'.

Answer 635

Incapable of being satisfied. ## Footnote Example sentence: My insatiable appetite for melons can be a real problem in the winter.

Question 636

Define the term 'insidious'.

Answer 636

Appealing but imperceptibly harmful, seductive. ## Footnote Example sentence: Lisa’s insidious chocolate cake tastes so good but makes you feel so sick later on!

Question 637

Define the term 'insinuate'.

Answer 637

To suggest indirectly or subtly. ## Footnote Example sentence: I wish Luke and Spencer would stop insinuating that my perfect report card is the result of anything other than my superior intelligence and good work habits.

Question 638

Define the term 'insipid'.

Answer 638

Dull, boring. ## Footnote Example sentence: The play was so insipid, I fell asleep halfway through.

Question 639

Define the term 'insolent'.

Answer 639

Rude, arrogant, overbearing. ## Footnote Example sentence: That celebrity is so insolent, making fun of his fans right to their faces.

Question 640

Define the term 'instigate'.

Answer 640

To urge, goad. ## Footnote Example sentence: The demagogue instigated the crowd into a fury by telling them that they had been cheated by the federal government.

Question 641

Define the term 'insular'.

Answer 641

Separated and narrow-minded; tight-knit, closed off. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because of the sensitive nature of their jobs, those who work for the CIA must remain insular and generally only spend time with each other.

Question 642

Define the term 'insurgent'.

Answer 642

One who rebels. ## Footnote Example sentence: The insurgent snuck into and defaced a different classroom each night until the administration agreed to meet his demands.

Question 643

Define the term 'integral'.

Answer 643

Necessary for completeness. ## Footnote Example sentence: Without the integral ingredient of flour, you wouldn’t be able to make bread.

Question 644

Define the term 'interject'.

Answer 644

To insert between other things. ## Footnote Example sentence: During our conversation, the cab driver occasionally interjected his opinion.

Question 645

Define the term 'interlocutor'.

Answer 645

Someone who participates in a dialogue or conversation. ## Footnote Example sentence: When the officials could not come to an agreement over the correct cover of the flags, the prime minister acted as an interlocutor.

Question 646

Define the term 'interminable'.

Answer 646

Without possibility of end. ## Footnote Example sentence: The fact that biology lectures came just before lunch made them seem interminable.

Question 647

Define the term 'intimation'.

Answer 647

An indirect suggestion. ## Footnote Example sentence: Mr. Brinford’s intimation that he would soon pass away occurred when he began to discuss how to distribute his belongings among his children.

Question 648

Define the term 'intractable'.

Answer 648

Difficult to manipulate, unmanageable. ## Footnote Example sentence: There was no end in sight to the intractable conflict between the warring countries.

Question 649

Define the term 'intransigent'.

Answer 649

Refusing to compromise, often on an extreme opinion. ## Footnote Example sentence: The intransigent child said he would have 12 scoops of ice cream, or he would bang his head against the wall until his mother fainted from fear.

Question 650

Define the term 'intrepid'.

Answer 650

Brave in the face of danger. ## Footnote Example sentence: After scaling a live volcano prior to its eruption, the explorer was praised for his intrepid attitude.

Question 651

Define the term 'inundate'.

Answer 651

To flood with abundance. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because I am the star of a new sitcom, my fans are sure to inundate me with fan mail and praise.

Question 652

Define the term 'inure'.

Answer 652

To cause someone or something to become accustomed to a situation. ## Footnote Example sentence: Twenty years in the salt mines inured the man to the discomforts of dirt and grime.

Question 653

Define the term 'invective'.

Answer 653

An angry verbal attack. ## Footnote Example sentence: My mother’s irrational invective against the way I dress only made me decide to dye my hair green.

Question 654

Define the term 'inveterate'.

Answer 654

Stubbornly established by habit. ## Footnote Example sentence: I’m the first to admit that I’m an inveterate coffee drinker—I drink four cups a day.

Question 655

Define the term 'inviolable'.

Answer 655

Secure from assault. ## Footnote Example sentence: Nobody was ever able to break into Batman’s inviolable Batcave.

Question 656

Define the term 'irascible'.

Answer 656

Easily angered. ## Footnote Example sentence: At the smallest provocation, my irascible cat will begin scratching and clawing.

Question 657

Define the term 'iridescent'.

Answer 657

Showing rainbow colors. ## Footnote Example sentence: The bride’s large diamond ring was iridescent in the afternoon sun.

Question 658

Define the term 'irreverence'.

Answer 658

Disrespect. ## Footnote Example sentence: The irreverence displayed by the band that marched through the chapel disturbed many churchgoers.

Question 659

Define the term 'irrevocable'.

Answer 659

Incapable of being taken back. ## Footnote Example sentence: The Bill of Rights is an irrevocable part of American law.

Question 660

Define the term 'jubilant'.

Answer 660

Extremely joyful, happy. ## Footnote Example sentence: The crowd was jubilant when the firefighter carried the woman from the flaming building.

Question 661

Define the term 'judicious'.

Answer 661

Having or exercising sound judgment. ## Footnote Example sentence: When the judicious king decided to compromise rather than send his army to its certain death, he was applauded.

Question 662

Define the term 'juxtaposition'.

Answer 662

The act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison. ## Footnote Example sentence: The interior designer admired my juxtaposition of the yellow couch and green table.

Question 663

Define the term 'knell'.

Answer 663

The solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death. ## Footnote Example sentence: Echoing throughout our village, the funeral knell made the stormy day even more grim.

Question 664

Define the term 'kudos'.

Answer 664

Praise for an achievement. ## Footnote Example sentence: After the performance, the reviewers gave the opera singer kudos for a job well done.

Question 665

Define the term 'laceration'.

Answer 665

A cut, tear. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because he fell off his bike into a rosebush, the paperboy’s skin was covered with lacerations.

Question 666

Define the term 'laconic'.

Answer 666

Terse in speech or writing. ## Footnote Example sentence: The author’s laconic style has won him many followers who dislike wordiness.

Question 667

Define the term 'languid'.

Answer 667

Sluggish from fatigue or weakness. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the summer months, the great heat makes people languid and lazy.

Question 668

Define the term 'larceny'.

Answer 668

Obtaining another’s property by theft or trickery. ## Footnote Example sentence: When my car was not where I had left it, I realized that I was a victim of larceny.

Question 669

Define the term 'largess'.

Answer 669

The generous giving of lavish gifts. ## Footnote Example sentence: My boss demonstrated great largess by giving me a new car.

Question 670

Define the term 'latent'.

Answer 670

Hidden, but capable of being exposed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Sigmund’s dream represented his latent paranoid obsession with other people’s shoes.

Question 671

Define the term 'laudatory'.

Answer 671

Expressing admiration or praise. ## Footnote Example sentence: Such laudatory comments are unusual from someone who is usually so reserved in his opinions.

Question 672

Define the term 'lavish'.

Answer 672

Given without limits. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because they had worked very hard, the performers appreciated the critic’s lavish praise.

Question 673

Define the term 'legerdemain'.

Answer 673

Deception, slight-of-hand. ## Footnote Example sentence: Smuggling the French plants through customs by claiming that they were fake was a remarkable bit of legerdemain.

Question 674

Define the term 'lenient'.

Answer 674

Demonstrating tolerance or gentleness. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because Professor Oglethorpe allowed his students to choose their final grades, the other teachers believed that he was excessively lenient.

Question 675

Define the term 'lethargic'.

Answer 675

In a state of sluggishness or apathy. ## Footnote Example sentence: When Jean Claude explained to his boss that he was lethargic and didn’t feel like working that day, the boss fired him.

Question 676

Define the term 'liability'.

Answer 676

Something for which one is legally responsible, usually involving a disadvantage or risk. ## Footnote Example sentence: The bungee-jumping tower was a great liability for the owners of the carnival.

Question 677

Define the term 'libertarian'.

Answer 677

Advocating principles of liberty and free will. ## Footnote Example sentence: The dissatisfied subjects overthrew the monarch and replaced him with a libertarian ruler who respected their democratic principles.

Question 678

Define the term 'licentious'.

Answer 678

Displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints. ## Footnote Example sentence: Marilee has always been fascinated by the licentious private lives of politicians.

Question 679

Define the term 'limpid'.

Answer 679

Clear, transparent. ## Footnote Example sentence: Mr. Johnson’s limpid writing style greatly pleased readers who disliked complicated novels.

Question 680

Define the term 'linchpin'.

Answer 680

Something that holds separate parts together. ## Footnote Example sentence: The linchpin in the prosecution’s case was the hair from the defendant’s head, which was found at the scene of the crime.

Question 681

Define the term 'lithe'.

Answer 681

Graceful, flexible, supple. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although the dancers were all outstanding, Jae Sun’s control of her lithe body was particularly impressive.

Question 682

Define the term 'litigant'.

Answer 682

Someone engaged in a lawsuit. ## Footnote Example sentence: When the litigants began screaming at each other, Judge Koch ordered them to be silent.

Question 683

Define the term 'lucid'.

Answer 683

Clear, easily understandable. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because Guenevere’s essay was so lucid, I only had to read it once to understand her reasoning.

Question 684

Define the term 'luminous'.

Answer 684

Brightly shining. ## Footnote Example sentence: The light of the luminous moon graced the shoulders of the beautiful maiden.

Question 685

Define the term 'lurid'.

Answer 685

Ghastly, sensational. ## Footnote Example sentence: Gideon’s story, in which he described a character torturing his sister’s dolls, was judged too lurid to be printed in the school’s literary magazine.

Question 686

Define the term 'maelstrom'.

Answer 686

A destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects. ## Footnote Example sentence: Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.

Question 687

Define the term 'magnanimous'.

Answer 687

Noble, generous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I had already broken most of her dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.

Question 688

Define the term 'malediction'.

Answer 688

A curse. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I was arrested for speeding, I screamed maledictions against the policeman and the entire police department.

Question 689

Define the term 'malevolent'.

Answer 689

Wanting harm to befall others. ## Footnote Example sentence: The malevolent old man sat in the park all day, tripping unsuspecting passersby with his cane.

Question 690

Define the term 'malleable'.

Answer 690

Capable of being shaped or transformed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maximillian’s political opinions were so malleable that anyone he talked to was able to change his mind instantly.

Question 691

Define the term 'mandate'.

Answer 691

An authoritative command. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the Old Testament, God mandates that no one should steal.

Question 692

Define the term 'manifest'.

Answer 692

Easily understandable, obvious. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I wrote the wrong sum on the chalkboard, my mistake was so manifest that the entire class burst into laughter.

Question 693

Define the term 'maelstrom'.

Answer 693

A destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects. ## Footnote Example sentence: Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.

Question 694

Define the term 'magnanimous'.

Answer 694

Noble, generous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I had already broken most of her dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.

Question 695

Define the term 'malediction'.

Answer 695

A curse. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I was arrested for speeding, I screamed maledictions against the policeman and the entire police department.

Question 696

Define the term 'malevolent'.

Answer 696

Wanting harm to befall others. ## Footnote Example sentence: The malevolent old man sat in the park all day, tripping unsuspecting passersby with his cane.

Question 697

Define the term 'malleable'.

Answer 697

Capable of being shaped or transformed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maximillian’s political opinions were so malleable that anyone he talked to was able to change his mind instantly.

Question 698

Define the term 'mandate'.

Answer 698

An authoritative command. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the Old Testament, God mandates that no one should steal.

Question 699

Define the term 'manifest'.

Answer 699

Easily understandable, obvious. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I wrote the wrong sum on the chalkboard, my mistake was so manifest that the entire class burst into laughter.

Question 700

Define the term 'maelstrom'.

Answer 700

A destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects. ## Footnote Example sentence: Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.

Question 701

Define the term 'magnanimous'.

Answer 701

Noble, generous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I had already broken most of her dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.

Question 702

Define the term 'malediction'.

Answer 702

A curse. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I was arrested for speeding, I screamed maledictions against the policeman and the entire police department.

Question 703

Define the term 'malevolent'.

Answer 703

Wanting harm to befall others. ## Footnote Example sentence: The malevolent old man sat in the park all day, tripping unsuspecting passersby with his cane.

Question 704

Define the term 'malleable'.

Answer 704

Capable of being shaped or transformed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maximillian’s political opinions were so malleable that anyone he talked to was able to change his mind instantly.

Question 705

Define the term 'mandate'.

Answer 705

An authoritative command. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the Old Testament, God mandates that no one should steal.

Question 706

Define the term 'manifest'.

Answer 706

Easily understandable, obvious. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I wrote the wrong sum on the chalkboard, my mistake was so manifest that the entire class burst into laughter.

Question 707

Define the term 'maelstrom'.

Answer 707

A destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects. ## Footnote Example sentence: Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.

Question 708

Define the term 'magnanimous'.

Answer 708

Noble, generous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I had already broken most of her dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.

Question 709

Define the term 'malediction'.

Answer 709

A curse. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I was arrested for speeding, I screamed maledictions against the policeman and the entire police department.

Question 710

Define the term 'malevolent'.

Answer 710

Wanting harm to befall others. ## Footnote Example sentence: The malevolent old man sat in the park all day, tripping unsuspecting passersby with his cane.

Question 711

Define the term 'malleable'.

Answer 711

Capable of being shaped or transformed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maximillian’s political opinions were so malleable that anyone he talked to was able to change his mind instantly.

Question 712

Define the term 'mandate'.

Answer 712

An authoritative command. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the Old Testament, God mandates that no one should steal.

Question 713

Define the term 'manifest'.

Answer 713

Easily understandable, obvious. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I wrote the wrong sum on the chalkboard, my mistake was so manifest that the entire class burst into laughter.

Question 714

Define the term 'maelstrom'.

Answer 714

A destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects. ## Footnote Example sentence: Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.

Question 715

Define the term 'magnanimous'.

Answer 715

Noble, generous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I had already broken most of her dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.

Question 716

Define the term 'malediction'.

Answer 716

A curse. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I was arrested for speeding, I screamed maledictions against the policeman and the entire police department.

Question 717

Define the term 'malevolent'.

Answer 717

Wanting harm to befall others. ## Footnote Example sentence: The malevolent old man sat in the park all day, tripping unsuspecting passersby with his cane.

Question 718

Define the term 'malleable'.

Answer 718

Capable of being shaped or transformed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maximillian’s political opinions were so malleable that anyone he talked to was able to change his mind instantly.

Question 719

Define the term 'mandate'.

Answer 719

An authoritative command. ## Footnote Example sentence: In the Old Testament, God mandates that no one should steal.

Question 720

Define the term 'manifest'.

Answer 720

Easily understandable, obvious. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I wrote the wrong sum on the chalkboard, my mistake was so manifest that the entire class burst into laughter.

Question 721

Define the term 'maelstrom'.

Answer 721

A destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects. ## Footnote Example sentence: Little did the explorers know that as they turned the next bend of the calm river a vicious maelstrom would catch their boat.

Question 722

Define the term 'magnanimous'.

Answer 722

Noble, generous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Although I had already broken most of her dishes, Jacqueline was magnanimous enough to continue letting me use them.

Question 723

Define the term 'malediction'.

Answer 723

A curse. ## Footnote Example sentence: When I was arrested for speeding, I screamed maledictions against the policeman and the entire police department.

Question 724

Define the term 'malevolent'.

Answer 724

Wanting harm to befall others. ## Footnote Example sentence: The malevolent old man sat in the park all day, tripping unsuspecting passersby with his cane.

Question 725

Define the term 'malleable'.

Answer 725

Capable of being shaped or transformed. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maximillian’s political opinions were so malleable that anyone he talked to was able to change his mind instantly.

Question 726

Manifest

Answer 726

to show plainly ## Footnote Example sentence: His illness first manifested itself with particularly violent hiccups.

Question 727

Manifold

Answer 727

diverse, varied ## Footnote Example sentence: The popularity of Dante’s Inferno is partly due to the fact that the work allows for manifold interpretations.

Question 728

Maudlin

Answer 728

weakly sentimental ## Footnote Example sentence: Although many people enjoy romantic comedies, I usually find them maudlin and shallow.

Question 729

Maverick

Answer 729

an independent, nonconformist person ## Footnote Example sentence: Andreas is a real maverick and always does things his own way.

Question 730

Mawkish

Answer 730

characterized by sick sentimentality ## Footnote Example sentence: Although some nineteenth-century critics viewed Dickens’s writing as mawkish, contemporary readers have found great emotional depth in his works.

Question 731

Maxim

Answer 731

a common saying expressing a principle of conduct ## Footnote Example sentence: Miss Manners’s etiquette maxims are both entertaining and instructional.

Question 732

Meager

Answer 732

deficient in size or quality ## Footnote Example sentence: My meager portion of food did nothing to satisfy my appetite.

Question 733

Medley

Answer 733

a mixture of differing things ## Footnote Example sentence: Susannah’s wardrobe contained an astonishing medley of colors, from olive green to fluorescent pink.

Question 734

Mendacious

Answer 734

having a lying, false character ## Footnote Example sentence: The mendacious content of the tabloid magazines is at least entertaining.

Question 735

Mercurial

Answer 735

characterized by rapid change or temperamentality ## Footnote Example sentence: Though he was widely respected for his mathematical proofs, the mercurial genius was impossible to live with.

Question 736

Meritorious

Answer 736

worthy of esteem or reward ## Footnote Example sentence: Manfred was given the congressional medal of honor for his meritorious actions.

Question 737

Metamorphosis

Answer 737

the change of form, shape, substance ## Footnote Example sentence: Winnifred went to the gym every day for a year and underwent a metamorphosis from a waif-like girl to an athletic woman.

Question 738

Meticulous

Answer 738

extremely careful with details ## Footnote Example sentence: The ornate needlework in the bride’s gown was a product of meticulous handiwork.

Question 739

Mitigate

Answer 739

to make less violent, alleviate ## Footnote Example sentence: When I had an awful sore throat, only warm tea would mitigate the pain.

Question 740

Moderate

Answer 740

1. not extreme 2. one who expresses moderate opinions ## Footnote Example sentence: 1. Luckily, the restaurant we chose had moderate prices; none of us have any money. 2. Because he found both the liberal and conservative proposals too excessive, Mr. Park sided with the moderates.

Question 741

Modicum

Answer 741

a small amount of something ## Footnote Example sentence: Refusing to display even a modicum of sensitivity, Henrietta announced her boss’s affair in front of the entire office.

Question 742

Modulate

Answer 742

to pass from one state to another, especially in music ## Footnote Example sentence: The composer wrote a piece that modulated between minor and major keys.

Question 743

Mollify

Answer 743

to soften in temper ## Footnote Example sentence: The police officer mollified the angry woman by giving her a warning instead of a ticket.

Question 744

Morass

Answer 744

a wet swampy bog; figuratively, something that traps and confuses ## Footnote Example sentence: When Theresa lost her job, she could not get out of her financial morass.

Question 745

Mores

Answer 745

the moral attitudes and fixed customs of a group of people ## Footnote Example sentence: Mores change over time; many things that were tolerated in 1975 are no longer seen as being socially acceptable.

Question 746

Morose

Answer 746

gloomy or sullen ## Footnote Example sentence: Jason’s morose nature made him very unpleasant to talk to.

Question 747

Multifarious

Answer 747

having great diversity or variety ## Footnote Example sentence: This Swiss Army knife has multifarious functions and capabilities. Among other things, it can act as a knife, a saw, a toothpick, and a slingshot.

Question 748

Mundane

Answer 748

concerned with the world rather than with heaven, commonplace ## Footnote Example sentence: He is more concerned with the mundane issues of day-to-day life than with spiritual topics.

Question 749

Munificence

Answer 749

generosity in giving ## Footnote Example sentence: The royal family’s munificence made everyone else in their country rich.

Question 750

Mutable

Answer 750

able to change ## Footnote Example sentence: Because fashion is so mutable, what is trendy today will look outdated in five years.

Question 751

Myriad

Answer 751

consisting of a very great number ## Footnote Example sentence: It was difficult to decide what to do Friday night because the city presented us with myriad possibilities for fun.

Question 752

Nadir

Answer 752

the lowest point of something ## Footnote Example sentence: My day was boring, but the nadir came when I accidentally spilled a bowl of spaghetti on my head.

Question 753

Nascent

Answer 753

in the process of being born or coming into existence ## Footnote Example sentence: Unfortunately, my brilliant paper was only in its nascent form on the morning that it was due.

Question 754

Nebulous

Answer 754

vaguely defined, cloudy ## Footnote Example sentence: The transition between governments meant that who was actually in charge was a nebulous matter.

Question 755

Nefarious

Answer 755

heinously villainous ## Footnote Example sentence: Although Dr. Meanman’s nefarious plot to melt the polar icecaps was terrifying, it was so impractical that nobody really worried about it.

Question 756

Negligent

Answer 756

habitually careless, neglectful ## Footnote Example sentence: Jessie’s grandfather called me a negligent fool after I left the door to his apartment unlocked even though there had been a recent string of robberies.

Question 757

Neophyte

Answer 757

someone who is young or inexperienced ## Footnote Example sentence: As a neophyte in the literary world, Malik had trouble finding a publisher for his first novel.

Question 758

Nocturnal

Answer 758

relating to or occurring during the night ## Footnote Example sentence: Jackie was a nocturnal person; she would study until dawn and sleep until the evening.

Question 759

Noisome

Answer 759

unpleasant, offensive, especially to the sense of smell ## Footnote Example sentence: Nobody would enter the stalls until the horse’s noisome leavings were taken away.

Question 760

Nomadic

Answer 760

wandering from place to place ## Footnote Example sentence: In the first six months after college, Jose led a nomadic life, living in New York, California, and Idaho.

Question 761

Nominal

Answer 761

trifling, insignificant ## Footnote Example sentence: Because he was moving the following week and needed to get rid of his furniture more than he needed money, Jordan sold everything for a nominal fee.

Question 762

Nonchalant

Answer 762

having a lack of concern, indifference ## Footnote Example sentence: Although deep down she was very angry, Marsha acted in a nonchalant manner when she found out that her best friend had used her clothing without asking.

Question 763

Nondescript

Answer 763

lacking a distinctive character ## Footnote Example sentence: I was surprised when I saw the movie star in person because she looked nondescript.

Question 764

Notorious

Answer 764

widely and unfavorably known ## Footnote Example sentence: Jacob was notorious for always arriving late at parties.

Question 765

Novice

Answer 765

a beginner, someone without training or experience ## Footnote Example sentence: Because we were all novices at yoga, our instructor decided to begin with the basics.

Question 766

Noxious

Answer 766

harmful, unwholesome ## Footnote Example sentence: Environmentalists showed that the noxious weeds were destroying the insects’ natural habitats.

Question 767

Nuance

Answer 767

a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression ## Footnote Example sentence: The nuances of the poem were not obvious to the casual reader, but the professor was able to point them out.

Question 768

Nurture

Answer 768

to assist the development of ## Footnote Example sentence: Although Serena had never watered the plant, which was about to die, Javier was able to nurture it back to life.

Question 769

Obdurate

Answer 769

unyielding to persuasion or moral influences ## Footnote Example sentence: The obdurate old man refused to take pity on the kittens.

Question 770

Obfuscate

Answer 770

to render incomprehensible ## Footnote Example sentence: The detective did not want to answer the newspaperman’s questions, so he obfuscated the truth.

Question 771

Oblique

Answer 771

diverging from a straight line or course, not straightforward ## Footnote Example sentence: Martin’s oblique language confused those who listened to him.

Question 772

Oblivious

Answer 772

lacking consciousness or awareness of something ## Footnote Example sentence: Oblivious to the burning smell emanating from the kitchen, my father did not notice that the rolls in the oven were burned until much too late.

Question 773

Obscure

Answer 773

unclear, partially hidden ## Footnote Example sentence: Because he was standing in the shadows, his features were obscure.

Question 774

Obsequious

Answer 774

excessively compliant or submissive ## Footnote Example sentence: Mark acted like Janet’s servant, obeying her every request in an obsequious manner.

Question 775

Obsolete

Answer 775

no longer used, out of date ## Footnote Example sentence: With the inventions of tape decks and CDs, which both have better sound and are easier to use, eight-track players are now entirely obsolete.

Question 776

Obstinate

Answer 776

not yielding easily, stubborn ## Footnote Example sentence: The obstinate child refused to leave the store until his mother bought him a candy bar.

Question 777

Obstreperous

Answer 777

noisy, unruly ## Footnote Example sentence: Billy’s obstreperous behavior prompted the librarian to ask him to leave the reading room.

Question 778

Obtuse

Answer 778

lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect ## Footnote Example sentence: Political opponents warned that the prime minister’s obtuse approach to foreign policy would embroil the nation in mindless war.

Question 779

Odious

Answer 779

instilling hatred or intense displeasure ## Footnote Example sentence: Mark was assigned the odious task of cleaning the cat’s litter box.

Question 780

Officious

Answer 780

offering one’s services when they are neither wanted nor needed ## Footnote Example sentence: Brenda resented Allan’s officious behavior when he selected colors that might best improve her artwork.

Question 781

Ominous

Answer 781

foreboding or foreshadowing evil ## Footnote Example sentence: The fortuneteller’s ominous words flashed through my mind as the hooded figure approached me in the alley.

Question 782

Onerous

Answer 782

burdensome ## Footnote Example sentence: My parents lamented that the pleasures of living in a beautiful country estate no longer outweighed the onerous mortgage payments.

Question 783

Define the term 'opulent.'

Answer 783

characterized by rich abundance verging on ostentation ## Footnote Example sentence: The opulent furnishings of the dictator’s private compound contrasted harshly with the meager accommodations of her subjects.

Question 784

Define the term 'oration.'

Answer 784

a speech delivered in a formal or ceremonious manner ## Footnote Example sentence: The prime minister was visibly shaken when the unruly parliament interrupted his oration about failed domestic policies.

Question 785

Define the term 'ornate.'

Answer 785

highly elaborate, excessively decorated ## Footnote Example sentence: The ornate styling of the new model of luxury car could not compensate for the poor quality of its motor.

Question 786

Define the term 'orthodox.'

Answer 786

conventional, conforming to established protocol ## Footnote Example sentence: The company’s profits dwindled because the management pursued orthodox business policies that were incompatible with new industrial trends.

Question 787

Define the term 'oscillate.'

Answer 787

to sway from one side to the other ## Footnote Example sentence: My uncle oscillated between buying a station wagon to transport his family and buying a sports car to satisfy his boyhood fantasies.

Question 788

Define the term 'ostensible.'

Answer 788

appearing as such, seemingly ## Footnote Example sentence: Jack’s ostensible reason for driving was that airfare was too expensive, but in reality, he was afraid of flying.

Question 789

Define the term 'ostentatious.'

Answer 789

excessively showy, glitzy ## Footnote Example sentence: On the palace tour, the guide focused on the ostentatious decorations and spoke little of the royal family’s history.

Question 790

Define the term 'ostracism.'

Answer 790

exclusion from a group ## Footnote Example sentence: Beth risked ostracism if her roommates discovered her flatulence.

Question 791

Define the term 'pacific.'

Answer 791

soothing ## Footnote Example sentence: The chemistry professor’s pacific demeanor helped the class remain calm after the experiment exploded.

Question 792

Define the term 'palatable.'

Answer 792

agreeable to the taste or sensibilities ## Footnote Example sentence: Despite the unpleasant smell, the exotic cheese was quite palatable.

Question 793

Define the term 'palette.'

Answer 793

a range of colors or qualities ## Footnote Example sentence: The palette of colors utilized in the painting was equaled only by the range of intense emotions the piece evoked.

Question 794

Define the term 'palliate.'

Answer 794

to reduce the severity of ## Footnote Example sentence: The doctor trusted that the new medication would palliate her patient’s discomfort.

Question 795

Define the term 'pallid.'

Answer 795

lacking color ## Footnote Example sentence: Dr. Van Helsing feared that Lucy’s pallid complexion was due to an unexplained loss of blood.

Question 796

Define the term 'panacea.'

Answer 796

a remedy for all ills or difficulties ## Footnote Example sentence: Doctors wish there was a single panacea for every disease, but sadly there is not.

Question 797

Define the term 'paradigm.'

Answer 797

an example that is a perfect pattern or model ## Footnote Example sentence: Because the new SUV was so popular, it became the paradigm upon which all others were modeled.

Question 798

Define the term 'paradox.'

Answer 798

An apparently contradictory statement that is perhaps true. ## Footnote Example sentence: The diplomat refused to acknowledge the paradox that negotiating a peace treaty would demand more resources than waging war.

Question 799

Define the term 'paragon.'

Answer 799

A model of excellence or perfection. ## Footnote Example sentence: The mythical Helen of Troy was considered a paragon of female beauty.

Question 800

Define the term 'paramount.'

Answer 800

Greatest in importance, rank, character. ## Footnote Example sentence: It was paramount that the bomb squad disconnect the blue wire before removing the fuse.

Question 801

Define the term 'pariah.'

Answer 801

An outcast. ## Footnote Example sentence: Following the discovery of his plagiarism, Professor Hurley was made a pariah in all academic circles.

Question 802

Define the term 'parody.'

Answer 802

A satirical imitation. ## Footnote Example sentence: A hush fell over the classroom when the teacher returned to find Deborah acting out a parody of his teaching style.

Question 803

Define the term 'parsimony.'

Answer 803

Frugality, stinginess. ## Footnote Example sentence: Many relatives believed that my aunt’s wealth resulted from her parsimony.

Question 804

Define the term 'partisan.'

Answer 804

A follower, adherent. ## Footnote Example sentence: The king did not believe that his rival could round up enough partisans to overthrow the monarchy.

Question 805

Define the term 'patent.'

Answer 805

Readily seen or understood, clear. ## Footnote Example sentence: The reason for Jim’s abdominal pain was made patent after the doctor performed a sonogram.

Question 806

Define the term 'pathology.'

Answer 806

A deviation from the normal. ## Footnote Example sentence: Dr. Hastings had difficulty identifying the precise nature of Brian’s pathology.

Question 807

Define the term 'pathos.'

Answer 807

An emotion of sympathy. ## Footnote Example sentence: Martha filled with pathos upon discovering the scrawny, shivering kitten at her door.

Question 808

Define the term 'paucity.'

Answer 808

Small in quantity. ## Footnote Example sentence: Gilbert lamented the paucity of twentieth-century literature courses available at the college.

Question 809

Define the term 'pejorative.'

Answer 809

Derogatory, uncomplimentary. ## Footnote Example sentence: The evening’s headline news covered an international scandal caused by a pejorative statement the famous senator had made in reference to a foreign leader.

Question 810

Define the term 'pellucid.'

Answer 810

Easily intelligible, clear. ## Footnote Example sentence: Wishing his book to be pellucid to the common man, Albert Camus avoided using complicated grammar when composing The Stranger.

Question 811

Define the term 'penchant.'

Answer 811

A tendency, partiality, preference. ## Footnote Example sentence: Jill’s dinner parties quickly became monotonous on account of her penchant for Mexican dishes.

Question 812

Define the term 'penitent.'

Answer 812

Remorseful, regretful. ## Footnote Example sentence: The jury’s verdict may have been more lenient if the criminal had appeared penitent for his gruesome crimes.

Question 813

Define the term 'penultimate.'

Answer 813

Next to last. ## Footnote Example sentence: Having smoked the penultimate cigarette remaining in the pack, Cybil discarded the last cigarette and resolved to quit smoking.

Question 814

Define the term 'penurious.'

Answer 814

Miserly, stingy. ## Footnote Example sentence: Stella complained that her husband’s penurious ways made it impossible to live the lifestyle she felt she deserved.

Question 815

Define the term 'perfidious.'

Answer 815

Disloyal, unfaithful. ## Footnote Example sentence: After the official was caught selling government secrets to enemy agents, he was executed for his perfidious ways.

Question 816

Define the term 'perfunctory.'

Answer 816

Showing little interest or enthusiasm. ## Footnote Example sentence: The radio broadcaster announced the news of the massacre in a surprisingly perfunctory manner.

Question 817

Define the term 'permeate.'

Answer 817

To spread throughout, saturate. ## Footnote Example sentence: Mrs. Huxtable was annoyed that the wet dog’s odor had permeated the furniture’s upholstery.

Question 818

Define the term 'pernicious.'

Answer 818

Extremely destructive or harmful. ## Footnote Example sentence: The new government feared that the Communist sympathizers would have a pernicious influence on the nation’s stability.

Question 819

Define the term 'perplex.'

Answer 819

To confuse. ## Footnote Example sentence: Brad was perplexed by his girlfriend’s suddenly distant manner.

Question 820

Define the term 'perspicacity.'

Answer 820

Shrewdness, perceptiveness. ## Footnote Example sentence: The detective was too humble to acknowledge that his perspicacity was the reason for his professional success.

Question 821

Define the term 'pert.'

Answer 821

Flippant, bold. ## Footnote Example sentence: My parents forgave Sandra’s pert humor at the dinner table because it had been so long since they had last seen her.

Question 822

Define the term 'pertinacious.'

Answer 822

Stubbornly persistent. ## Footnote Example sentence: Harry’s parents were frustrated with his pertinacious insistence that a monster lived in his closet. Then they opened the closet door and were eaten.

Question 823

Define the term 'perusal.'

Answer 823

A careful examination, review. ## Footnote Example sentence: The actor agreed to accept the role after a two-month perusal of the movie script.

Question 824

Define the term 'pervasive.'

Answer 824

Having the tendency to spread throughout. ## Footnote Example sentence: Stepping off the plane in Havana, I recognized the pervasive odor of sugar cane fields on fire.

Question 825

Define the term 'petulance.'

Answer 825

Rudeness, irritability. ## Footnote Example sentence: The Nanny resigned after she could no longer tolerate the child’s petulance.

Question 826

Define the term 'philanthropic.'

Answer 826

Charitable, giving. ## Footnote Example sentence: Many people felt that the billionaire’s decision to donate her fortune to house the homeless was the ultimate philanthropic act.

Question 827

Define the term 'phlegmatic.'

Answer 827

Uninterested, unresponsive. ## Footnote Example sentence: Monique feared her dog was ill after the animal’s phlegmatic response to his favorite chew toy.

Question 828

Define the term 'pillage.'

Answer 828

To seize or plunder, especially in war. ## Footnote Example sentence: Invading enemy soldiers pillaged the homes scattered along the country’s border.

Question 829

Define the term 'pinnacle.'

Answer 829

The highest point. ## Footnote Example sentence: Book reviewers declared that the author’s new novel was extraordinary and probably the pinnacle of Western literature.

Question 830

Define the term 'pithy.'

Answer 830

Concisely meaningful. ## Footnote Example sentence: My father’s long-winded explanation was a stark contrast to his usually pithy statements.

Question 831

Define the term 'pittance.'

Answer 831

A very small amount, especially relating to money. ## Footnote Example sentence: Josh complained that he was paid a pittance for the great amount of work he did at the firm.

Question 832

Define the term 'placate.'

Answer 832

To ease the anger of, soothe. ## Footnote Example sentence: The man purchased a lollipop to placate his irritable son.

Question 833

Define the term 'placid.'

Answer 833

Calm, peaceful. ## Footnote Example sentence: The placid lake surface was as smooth as glass.

Question 834

Define the term 'platitude.'

Answer 834

An uninspired remark, cliché. ## Footnote Example sentence: After reading over her paper, Helene concluded that what she thought were profound insights were actually just platitudes.

Question 835

Define the term 'plaudits.'

Answer 835

Enthusiastic approval, applause. ## Footnote Example sentence: The controversial new film received plaudits from even the harshest critics.

Question 836

Define the term 'plausible.'

Answer 836

Believable, reasonable. ## Footnote Example sentence: He studied all the data and then came up with a plausible theory that took all factors into account.

Question 837

Define the term 'plenitude.'

Answer 837

An abundance. ## Footnote Example sentence: My grandmother was overwhelmed by the plenitude of tomatoes her garden yielded this season.

Question 838

Define the term 'plethora.'

Answer 838

An abundance, excess. ## Footnote Example sentence: The wedding banquet included a plethora of oysters piled almost three feet high.

Question 839

Define the term 'pliable.'

Answer 839

Flexible. ## Footnote Example sentence: Aircraft wings are designed to be somewhat pliable so they do not break in heavy turbulence.

Question 840

Define the term 'poignant.'

Answer 840

Deeply affecting, moving. ## Footnote Example sentence: My teacher actually cried after reading to us the poignant final chapter of the novel.

Question 841

Define the term 'polemic.'

Answer 841

An aggressive argument against a specific opinion. ## Footnote Example sentence: My brother launched into a polemic against my arguments that capitalism was an unjust economic system.

Question 842

Define the term 'portent.'

Answer 842

An omen. ## Footnote Example sentence: When a black cat crossed my sister’s path while she was walking to school, she took it as a portent that she would do badly on her spelling test.

Question 843

Define the term 'potable.'

Answer 843

Suitable for drinking. ## Footnote Example sentence: During sea voyages, it is essential that ships carry a supply of potable water because salty ocean water makes anyone who drinks it sick.

Question 844

Define the term 'potentate.'

Answer 844

One who has great power, a ruler. ## Footnote Example sentence: All the villagers stood along the town’s main road to observe as the potentate’s procession headed towards the capital.

Question 845

Define the term 'pragmatic.'

Answer 845

Practical. ## Footnote Example sentence: The politician argued that while increased security measures might not fit with the lofty ideals of the nation, they were a pragmatic necessity to ensure everyone’s safety.

Question 846

Define the term 'precipice.'

Answer 846

The face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place. ## Footnote Example sentence: The mountain climber hung from a precipice before finding a handhold and pulling himself up.

Question 847

Define the term 'preclude.'

Answer 847

To prevent. ## Footnote Example sentence: My grandfather’s large and vicious guard dog precluded anyone from entering the yard.

Question 848

Define the term 'precocious.'

Answer 848

Advanced, developing ahead of time. ## Footnote Example sentence: Derek was so academically precocious that by the time he was 10 years old, he was already in the ninth grade.

Question 849

Define the term 'predilection.'

Answer 849

A preference or inclination for something. ## Footnote Example sentence: Francois has a predilection for eating scrambled eggs with ketchup, though I prefer to eat eggs without any condiments.

Question 850

Define the term 'preponderance.'

Answer 850

Superiority in importance or quantity. ## Footnote Example sentence: Britain’s preponderance of naval might secured the nation’s role as a military power.

Question 851

Define the term 'prepossessing.'

Answer 851

Occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings. ## Footnote Example sentence: His prepossessing appearance made it impossible for me to think of anything else.

Question 852

Define the term 'presage.'

Answer 852

An omen. ## Footnote Example sentence: When my uncle’s old war injury ached, he interpreted it as a presage of bad weather approaching.

Question 853

Define the term 'prescient.'

Answer 853

To have foreknowledge of events. ## Footnote Example sentence: Questioning the fortune cookie’s prediction, Ray went in search of the old hermit who was rumored to be prescient.

Question 854

Define the term 'prescribe.'

Answer 854

To lay down a rule. ## Footnote Example sentence: The duke prescribed that from this point forward, all of his subjects must kneel before him.

Question 855

Define the term 'presumptuous.'

Answer 855

Disrespectfully bold. ## Footnote Example sentence: The princess grew angry after the presumptuous noble tried to kiss her, even though he was far below her in social status.

Question 856

Define the term 'pretense.'

Answer 856

An appearance or action intended to deceive. ## Footnote Example sentence: Though he actually wanted to use his parents' car to go on a date, Nick borrowed his parents' car under the pretense of attending a group study session.

Question 857

Define the term 'primeval.'

Answer 857

Original, ancient. ## Footnote Example sentence: The first primates to walk on two legs, called Australopithecus, were the primeval descendants of modern man.

Question 858

Define the term 'privation.'

Answer 858

Lacking basic necessities. ## Footnote Example sentence: After decades of rule by an oppressive government that saw nothing wrong with stealing from its citizens, the recent drought only increased the people's privation.

Question 859

Define the term 'probity.'

Answer 859

Virtue, integrity. ## Footnote Example sentence: Because he was never viewed as a man of great probity, no one was surprised by Mr. Samson's immoral behavior.

Question 860

Define the term 'proclivity.'

Answer 860

A strong inclination toward something. ## Footnote Example sentence: In a sick twist of fate, Harold's childhood proclivity for torturing small animals grew into a desire to become a surgeon.

Question 861

Define the term 'procure.'

Answer 861

To obtain, acquire. ## Footnote Example sentence: The FBI was unable to procure sufficient evidence to charge the gangster with racketeering.

Question 862

Define the term 'profane.'

Answer 862

Lewd, indecent. ## Footnote Example sentence: Jacob's profane act of dumping frogs in the holy water in the chapel at his boarding school resulted in his dismissal.

Question 863

Define the term 'profligate.'

Answer 863

Dissolute, extravagant. ## Footnote Example sentence: The profligate gambler loved to drink, spend money, steal, cheat, and hang out with prostitutes.

Question 864

Define the term 'profuse.'

Answer 864

Plentiful, abundant. ## Footnote Example sentence: The fans were profuse in their cheers for the star basketball player.

Question 865

Define the term 'promulgate.'

Answer 865

To proclaim, make known. ## Footnote Example sentence: The film professor promulgated that both in terms of sex appeal and political intrigue, Sean Connery's James Bond was superior to Roger Moore's.

Question 866

Define the term 'propagate.'

Answer 866

To multiply, spread out. ## Footnote Example sentence: Rumors of Paul McCartney's demise propagated like wildfire throughout the world.

Question 867

Define the term 'propensity.'

Answer 867

An inclination, preference. ## Footnote Example sentence: Dermit has a propensity for dangerous activities such as bungee jumping.

Question 868

Define the term 'propitious.'

Answer 868

Favorable. ## Footnote Example sentence: The dark storm clouds visible on the horizon suggested that the weather would not be propitious for sailing.

Question 869

Define the term 'propriety.'

Answer 869

The quality or state of being proper, decent. ## Footnote Example sentence: Erma's old-fashioned parents believed that her mini-skirt lacked the propriety expected of a 'nice' girl.

Question 870

Define the term 'prosaic.'

Answer 870

Plain, lacking liveliness. ## Footnote Example sentence: Heather's prosaic recital of the poem bored the audience.

Question 871

Define the term 'proscribe.'

Answer 871

To condemn, outlaw. ## Footnote Example sentence: The town council voted to proscribe the sale of alcohol on weekends.

Question 872

Define the term 'protean.'

Answer 872

Able to change shape; displaying great variety. ## Footnote Example sentence: Among Nigel's protean talents was his ability to touch the tip of his nose with his tongue.

Question 873

Define the term 'prowess.'

Answer 873

Extraordinary ability. ## Footnote Example sentence: The musician had never taken a guitar lesson in his life, making his prowess with the instrument even more incredible.

Question 874

Define the term 'prudence.'

Answer 874

Cautious, circumspect. ## Footnote Example sentence: After losing a fortune in a stock market crash, my father vowed to practice greater prudence in future investments.

Question 875

Define the term 'prurient.'

Answer 875

Eliciting or possessing an extraordinary interest in sex. ## Footnote Example sentence: David's mother was shocked by the discovery of prurient reading material hidden beneath her son's mattress.

Question 876

Define the term 'puerile.'

Answer 876

Juvenile, immature. ## Footnote Example sentence: The judge demanded order after the lawyer's puerile attempt to object by stomping his feet on the courtroom floor.

Question 877

Define the term 'pugnacious.'

Answer 877

Quarrelsome, combative. ## Footnote Example sentence: Aaron's pugnacious nature led him to start several barroom brawls each month.

Question 878

Define the term 'pulchritude.'

Answer 878

Physical beauty. ## Footnote Example sentence: Several of Shakespeare's sonnets explore the pulchritude of a lovely young man.

Question 879

Define the term 'punctilious.'

Answer 879

Eager to follow rules or conventions. ## Footnote Example sentence: Punctilious Bobby, hall monitor extraordinaire, insisted that his peers follow the rules.

Question 880

Define the term 'pungent.'

Answer 880

Having a pointed, sharp quality—often used to describe smells. ## Footnote Example sentence: The pungent odor in the classroom made Joseph lose his concentration during the test.

Question 881

Define the term 'punitive.'

Answer 881

Involving punishment. ## Footnote Example sentence: If caught smoking in the boys' room, the punitive result is immediate expulsion from school.

Question 882

Define the term 'putrid.'

Answer 882

Rotten, foul. ## Footnote Example sentence: Those rotten eggs smell putrid.

Question 883

Define the term 'quagmire.'

Answer 883

A difficult situation. ## Footnote Example sentence: We'd all like to avoid the kind of military quagmire characterized by the Vietnam War.

Question 884

Define the term 'quaint.'

Answer 884

Charmingly old-fashioned. ## Footnote Example sentence: Hilda was delighted by the quaint bonnets she saw in Amish country.

Question 885

Define the term 'quandary.'

Answer 885

A perplexed, unresolvable state. ## Footnote Example sentence: Carlos found himself in a quandary: should he choose mint chocolate chip or cookie dough?

Question 886

Define the term 'quell.'

Answer 886

To control or diffuse a potentially explosive situation. ## Footnote Example sentence: The skilled leader deftly quelled the rebellion.

Question 887

Define the term 'querulous.'

Answer 887

Whiny, complaining. ## Footnote Example sentence: If deprived of his pacifier, young Brendan becomes querulous.

Question 888

Define the term 'quixotic.'

Answer 888

Idealistic, impractical. ## Footnote Example sentence: Edward entertained a quixotic desire to fall in love at first sight in a laundromat.

Question 889

Define the term 'quotidian.'

Answer 889

Daily. ## Footnote Example sentence: Ambika's quotidian routines include drinking two cups of coffee in the morning.

Question 890

Define the term 'rail.'

Answer 890

To scold, protest. ## Footnote Example sentence: The professor railed against the injustice of the college's tenure policy.

Question 891

Define the term 'rancid.'

Answer 891

Having a terrible taste or smell. ## Footnote Example sentence: Rob was double-dog-dared to eat the rancid egg salad sandwich.

Question 892

Define the term 'rancor.'

Answer 892

Deep, bitter resentment. ## Footnote Example sentence: When Eileen challenged me to a fight, I could see the rancor in her eyes.

Question 893

Define the term 'rapport.'

Answer 893

Mutual understanding and harmony. ## Footnote Example sentence: When Margaret met her paramour, they felt an instant rapport.

Question 894

Define the term 'rash.'

Answer 894

Hasty, incautious. ## Footnote Example sentence: It's best to think things over calmly and thoroughly, rather than make rash decisions.

Question 895

Define the term 'raucous.'

Answer 895

Loud, boisterous. ## Footnote Example sentence: Sarah's neighbors called the cops when her house party got too raucous.

Question 896

Define the term 'raze.'

Answer 896

To demolish, level. ## Footnote Example sentence: The old tenement house was razed to make room for the large chain store.

Question 897

Define the term 'rebuke.'

Answer 897

To scold, criticize. ## Footnote Example sentence: When the cops showed up at Sarah's party, they rebuked her for disturbing the peace.

Question 898

Define the term 'recalcitrant.'

Answer 898

Defiant, unapologetic. ## Footnote Example sentence: Even when scolded, the recalcitrant young girl simply stomped her foot and refused to finish her lima beans.

Question 899

Define the term 'recapitulate.'

Answer 899

To sum up, repeat. ## Footnote Example sentence: Before the final exam, the teacher recapitulated the semester's material.

Question 900

Define the term 'reciprocate.'

Answer 900

To give in return. ## Footnote Example sentence: When Steve gave Samantha a sweater for Christmas, she reciprocated by giving him a kiss.

Question 901

Define the term 'reclusive.'

Answer 901

Solitary, shunning society. ## Footnote Example sentence: Reclusive authors such as J.D. Salinger do not relish media attention and sometimes even enjoy holing up in remote cabins in the woods.

Question 902

Define the term 'reconcile.'

Answer 902

1. To return to harmony 2. To make consistent with existing ideas. ## Footnote 1. Example sentence: The feuding neighbors finally reconciled when one brought the other a delicious tuna noodle casserole. 2. Example sentence: Alou had to reconcile his skepticism about the existence of aliens with the fact that he was looking at a flying saucer.

Question 903

Define the term 'rectitude.'

Answer 903

Uprightness, extreme morality. ## Footnote Example sentence: The priest's rectitude gave him the moral authority to counsel his parishioners.

Question 904

Define the term 'redoubtable.'

Answer 904

1. Formidable 2. Commanding respect. ## Footnote 1. Example sentence: The fortress looked redoubtable set against a stormy sky. 2. Example sentence: The audience greeted the redoubtable speaker with a standing ovation.

Question 905

Define the term 'refract.'

Answer 905

To distort, change. ## Footnote Example sentence: The light was refracted as it passed through the prism.

Question 906

Define the term 'refurbish.'

Answer 906

To restore, clean up. ## Footnote Example sentence: The dingy old chair, after being refurbished, commanded the handsome price of $200.

Question 907

Define the term 'refute.'

Answer 907

To prove wrong. ## Footnote Example sentence: Maria refuted the president's argument as she yelled and gesticulated at the TV.

Question 908

Define the term 'regurgitate.'

Answer 908

1. To vomit 2. To throw back exactly. ## Footnote 1. Example sentence: Feeling sick, Chuck regurgitated his dinner. 2. Example sentence: Margaret rushed through the test, regurgitating all of the facts she'd memorized an hour earlier.

Question 909

Define the term 'relegate.'

Answer 909

1. To assign to the proper place 2. To assign to an inferior place. ## Footnote 1. Example sentence: At the astrology conference, Simon was relegated to the Scorpio room. 2. Example sentence: After spilling a drink on a customer's shirt, the waiter found himself relegated to the least lucrative shift.

Question 910

Define the term 'relish.'

Answer 910

To enjoy. ## Footnote Example sentence: Pete always relished his bedtime snack.

Question 911

Define the term 'remedial.'

Answer 911

intended to repair gaps in students’ basic knowledge ## Footnote Example sentence: After his teacher discovered he couldn’t read, Alex was forced to enroll in remedial English.

Question 912

Define the term 'remiss.'

Answer 912

negligent, failing to take care ## Footnote Example sentence: The burglar gained entrance because the security guard, remiss in his duties, forgot to lock the door.

Question 913

Define the term 'renovate.'

Answer 913

1. restore, return to original state 2. to enlarge and make prettier, especially a house ## Footnote Example sentence 1: The renovated antique candelabra looked as good as new. Example sentence 2: After getting renovated, the house was twice as big and much more attractive.

Question 914

Define the term 'renown.'

Answer 914

honor, acclaim ## Footnote Example sentence: The young writer earned international renown by winning the Pulitzer Prize.

Question 915

Define the term 'renunciation.'

Answer 915

to reject ## Footnote Example sentence: Fiona’s renunciation of red meat resulted in weight loss, but confused those people who thought she’d been a vegetarian for years.

Question 916

Define the term 'repentant.'

Answer 916

penitent, sorry ## Footnote Example sentence: The repentant Dennis apologized profusely for breaking his mother’s vase.

Question 917

Define the term 'replete.'

Answer 917

full, abundant ## Footnote Example sentence: The unedited version was replete with naughty words.

Question 918

Define the term 'repose.'

Answer 918

to rest, lie down ## Footnote Example sentence: The cat, after eating an entire can of tuna fish, reposed in the sun and took a long nap.

Question 919

Define the term 'reprehensible.'

Answer 919

deserving rebuke ## Footnote Example sentence: Jean’s cruel and reprehensible attempt to dump her boyfriend on his birthday led to tears and recriminations.

Question 920

Define the term 'reprieve.'

Answer 920

a temporary delay of punishment ## Footnote Example sentence: Because the governor woke up in a particularly good mood, he granted hundreds of reprieves to prisoners.

Question 921

Define the term 'reproach.'

Answer 921

to scold, disapprove ## Footnote Example sentence: Brian reproached the customer for failing to rewind the video he had rented.

Question 922

Define the term 'reprobate.'

Answer 922

evil, unprincipled ## Footnote Example sentence: The reprobate criminal sat sneering in the cell.

Question 923

Define the term 'reprove.'

Answer 923

to scold, rebuke ## Footnote Example sentence: Lara reproved her son for sticking each and every one of his fingers into the strawberry pie.

Question 924

Define the term 'repudiate.'

Answer 924

to reject, refuse to accept ## Footnote Example sentence: Kwame made a strong case for an extension of his curfew, but his mother repudiated it with a few biting words.

Question 925

Define the term 'repulse.'

Answer 925

1. to disgust 2. to push back ## Footnote Example sentence 1: Antisocial Annie tried to repulse people by neglecting to brush her teeth. Example sentence 2: With a deft movement of her wrist and a punch to the stomach, Lacy repulsed Jack’s attempt to kiss her.

Question 926

Define the term 'reputable.'

Answer 926

of good reputation ## Footnote Example sentence: After the most reputable critic in the industry gave the novel a glowing review, sales took off.

Question 927

Define the term 'requisition.'

Answer 927

a demand for goods, usually made by an authority ## Footnote Example sentence: During the war, the government made a requisition of supplies.

Question 928

Define the term 'rescind.'

Answer 928

to take back, repeal ## Footnote Example sentence: The company rescinded its offer of employment after discovering that Jane’s resume was full of lies.

Question 929

Define the term 'reservoir.'

Answer 929

1. reserves, large supply 2. a body of water used for storing water ## Footnote Example sentence 1: Igor the Indomitable had quite a reservoir of strength and could lift ten tons, even after running 700 miles, jumping over three mountains, and swimming across an ocean. Example sentence 2: After graduation, the more rebellious members of the senior class jumped into the town reservoir used for drinking water.

Question 930

Define the term 'resilient.'

Answer 930

able to recover from misfortune; able to withstand adversity ## Footnote Example sentence: The resilient ballplayer quickly recovered from his wrist injury.

Question 931

Define the term 'resolute.'

Answer 931

firm, determined ## Footnote Example sentence: With a resolute glint in her eye, Catherine announced that she was set on going to college in New York City even though she was a little frightened of tall buildings.

Question 932

Define the term 'resolve.'

Answer 932

1. to find a solution 2. to firmly decide ## Footnote Example sentence 1: Sarah and Emma resolved their differences and shook hands. Example sentence 2: Lady Macbeth resolved to whip her husband into shape.

Question 933

Define the term 'respite.'

Answer 933

a break, rest ## Footnote Example sentence: Justin left the pub to gain a brief respite from the smoke and noise.

Question 934

Define the term 'resplendent.'

Answer 934

shiny, glowing ## Footnote Example sentence: The partygoers were resplendent in diamonds and fancy dress.

Question 935

Define the term 'restitution.'

Answer 935

restoration to the rightful owner ## Footnote Example sentence: Many people feel that descendants of slaves should receive restitution for the sufferings of their ancestors.

Question 936

Define the term 'restive.'

Answer 936

resistant, stubborn, impatient ## Footnote Example sentence: The restive audience pelted the band with mud and yelled nasty comments.

Question 937

Define the term 'retract.'

Answer 937

withdraw ## Footnote Example sentence: As the media worked itself into a frenzy, the publicist hurriedly retracted his client’s sexist statement.

Question 938

Define the term 'revel.'

Answer 938

to enjoy intensely ## Footnote Example sentence: Theodore reveled in his new status as Big Man on Campus.

Question 939

Define the term 'revere.'

Answer 939

to esteem, show deference, venerate ## Footnote Example sentence: The doctor saved countless lives with his combination of expertise and kindness and became universally revered.

Question 940

Define the term 'revoke.'

Answer 940

to take back ## Footnote Example sentence: After missing the curfew set by the court for eight nights in a row, Marcel’s freedom of movement was revoked.

Question 941

Define the term 'rhapsodize.'

Answer 941

to engage in excessive enthusiasm ## Footnote Example sentence: The critic rhapsodized about the movie, calling it an instant classic.

Question 942

Define the term 'ribald.'

Answer 942

coarsely, crudely humorous ## Footnote Example sentence: While some giggled at the ribald joke involving a parson’s daughter, most sighed and rolled their eyes.

Question 943

Define the term 'rife.'

Answer 943

abundant ## Footnote Example sentence: Surprisingly, the famous novelist’s writing was rife with spelling errors.

Question 944

Define the term 'ruminate.'

Answer 944

to contemplate, reflect ## Footnote Example sentence: Terry liked to ruminate while sitting on the banks of the river, staring pensively into the water.

Question 945

Define the term 'ruse.'

Answer 945

a trick ## Footnote Example sentence: Oliver concocted an elaborate ruse for sneaking out of the house to meet his girlfriend while simultaneously giving his mother the impression that he was asleep in bed.

Question 946

Define the term 'saccharine.'

Answer 946

sickeningly sweet ## Footnote Example sentence: Tom’s saccharine manner, although intended to make him popular, actually repelled his classmates.

Question 947

Define the term 'sacrosanct.'

Answer 947

holy, something that should not be criticized ## Footnote Example sentence: In the United States, the Constitution is often thought of as a sacrosanct document.

Question 948

Define the term 'sagacity.'

Answer 948

shrewdness, soundness of perspective ## Footnote Example sentence: With remarkable sagacity, the wise old man predicted and thwarted his children’s plan to ship him off to a nursing home.

Question 949

Define the term 'salient.'

Answer 949

significant, conspicuous ## Footnote Example sentence: One of the salient differences between Alison and Nancy is that Alison is a foot taller.

Question 950

Define the term 'salutation.'

Answer 950

a greeting ## Footnote Example sentence: Andrew regularly began letters with the bizarre salutation 'Ahoy ahoy.'

Question 951

Define the term 'salve.'

Answer 951

a soothing balm ## Footnote Example sentence: After Tony applied a salve to his brilliant red sunburn, he soon felt a little better.

Question 952

Define the term 'sanctimonious.'

Answer 952

giving a hypocritical appearance of piety ## Footnote Example sentence: The sanctimonious Bertrand delivered stern lectures on the Ten Commandments to anyone who would listen, but thought nothing of stealing cars to make some cash on the side.

Question 953

Define the term 'sanguine.'

Answer 953

optimistic, cheery ## Footnote Example sentence: Polly reacted to any bad news with a sanguine smile and the chirpy cry, 'When life hands you lemons, make lemonade!'

Question 954

Define the term 'satiate.'

Answer 954

to satisfy excessively ## Footnote Example sentence: Satiated after eating far too much turkey and stuffing, Liza lay on the couch watching football and suffering from stomach pains.

Question 955

Define the term 'scathing.'

Answer 955

sharp, critical, hurtful ## Footnote Example sentence: Two hours after breaking up with Russell, Suzanne thought of the perfect scathing retort to his accusations.

Question 956

Define the term 'scintillating.'

Answer 956

sparkling ## Footnote Example sentence: The ice skater’s scintillating rhinestone costume nearly blinded the judges.

Question 957

Define the term 'scrupulous.'

Answer 957

painstaking, careful ## Footnote Example sentence: With scrupulous care, Sam cut a snowflake out of white paper.

Question 958

Define the term 'scurrilous.'

Answer 958

vulgar, coarse ## Footnote Example sentence: When Bruno heard the scurrilous accusation being made about him, he could not believe it because he always tried to be nice to everyone.

Question 959

Define the term 'sedentary.'

Answer 959

sitting, settled ## Footnote Example sentence: The sedentary cat did little but loll in the sun.

Question 960

Define the term 'semaphore.'

Answer 960

a visual signal ## Footnote Example sentence: Anne and Diana communicated with a semaphore involving candles and window shades.

Question 961

Define the term 'seminal.'

Answer 961

original, important, creating a field ## Footnote Example sentence: Stephen Greenblatt’s essays on Shakespeare proved to be seminal, because they initiated the critical school of New Historicism.

Question 962

Define the term 'sensual.'

Answer 962

involving sensory gratification, usually related to sex ## Footnote Example sentence: With a coy smile, the guest on the blind-date show announced that he considered himself a very sensual person.

Question 963

Define the term 'sensuous.'

Answer 963

involving sensory gratification ## Footnote Example sentence: Paul found drinking Coke, with all the little bubbles bursting on his tongue, a very sensuous experience.

Question 964

Define the term 'serendipity.'

Answer 964

luck, finding good things without looking for them ## Footnote Example sentence: In an amazing bit of serendipity, penniless Paula found a $20 bill in the subway station.

Question 965

Define the term 'serene.'

Answer 965

calm, untroubled ## Footnote Example sentence: Louise stood in front of the Mona Lisa, puzzling over the famous woman’s serene smile.

Question 966

Define the term 'servile.'

Answer 966

subservient ## Footnote Example sentence: The servile porter crept around the hotel lobby, bowing and quaking before the guests.

Question 967

Define the term 'sinuous.'

Answer 967

lithe, serpentine ## Footnote Example sentence: With the sinuous movements of her arms, the dancer mimicked the motion of a snake.

Question 968

Define the term 'sobriety.'

Answer 968

sedate, calm ## Footnote Example sentence: Jason believed that maintaining his sobriety in times of crisis was the key to success in life.

Question 969

Define the term 'solicitous.'

Answer 969

concerned, attentive ## Footnote Example sentence: Jim, laid up in bed with a nasty virus, enjoyed the solicitous attentions of his mother, who brought him soup and extra blankets.

Question 970

Define the term 'solipsistic.'

Answer 970

believing that oneself is all that exists ## Footnote Example sentence: Colette’s solipsistic attitude completely ignored the plight of the homeless people on the street.

Question 971

Define the term 'soluble.'

Answer 971

able to dissolve ## Footnote Example sentence: The plot of the spy film revolved around an untraceable and water-soluble poison.

Question 972

Define the term 'solvent.'

Answer 972

1. a substance that can dissolve other substances 2. able to pay debts ## Footnote Example sentence 1: Water is sometimes called the universal solvent because almost all other substances can dissolve into it. Example sentence 2: Upon receiving an unexpected check from her aunt, Annabelle found herself suddenly solvent.

Question 973

Define the term 'somnolent.'

Answer 973

sleepy, drowsy ## Footnote Example sentence: The somnolent student kept falling asleep and waking up with a jerk.

Question 974

Define the term 'sophomoric.'

Answer 974

immature, uninformed ## Footnote Example sentence: The mature senior rolled her eyes at the sophomoric gross-out humor of the underclassman.

Question 975

Define the term 'sovereign.'

Answer 975

having absolute authority in a certain realm ## Footnote Example sentence: The sovereign queen, with steely resolve, ordered that the traitorous nobleman be killed.

Question 976

Define the term 'speculative.'

Answer 976

not based in fact ## Footnote Example sentence: Sadly, Tessa was convicted on merely speculative evidence.

Question 977

Define the term 'spurious.'

Answer 977

false but designed to seem plausible ## Footnote Example sentence: Using a spurious argument, John convinced the others that he had won the board game on a technicality.

Question 978

Define the term 'stagnate.'

Answer 978

to become or remain inactive, not develop, not flow ## Footnote Example sentence: With no room for advancement, the waiter’s career stagnated.

Question 979

Define the term 'staid.'

Answer 979

sedate, serious, self-restrained ## Footnote Example sentence: The staid butler never changed his expression no matter what happened.

Question 980

Define the term 'stingy.'

Answer 980

not generous, not inclined to spend or give ## Footnote Example sentence: Scrooge’s stingy habits did not fit with the generous, giving spirit of Christmas.

Question 981

Define the term 'stoic.'

Answer 981

unaffected by passion or feeling ## Footnote Example sentence: Penelope’s faithfulness to Odysseus required that she be stoic and put off her many suitors.

Question 982

Define the term 'subjugate.'

Answer 982

to bring under control, subdue ## Footnote Example sentence: The invading force captured and subjugated the natives of that place.

Question 983

Define the term 'sublime.'

Answer 983

lofty, grand, exalted ## Footnote Example sentence: The homeless man sadly pondered his former wealth and once sublime existence.

Question 984

Define the term 'submissive.'

Answer 984

easily yielding to authority ## Footnote Example sentence: In some cultures, wives are supposed to be submissive and support their husbands in all matters.

Question 985

Define the term 'succinct.'

Answer 985

marked by compact precision ## Footnote Example sentence: The governor’s succinct speech energized the crowd while the mayor’s rambled on and on.

Question 986

Define the term 'superfluous.'

Answer 986

exceeding what is necessary ## Footnote Example sentence: Tracy had already won the campaign so her constant flattery of others was superfluous.

Question 987

Define the term 'surfeit.'

Answer 987

an overabundant supply or indulgence ## Footnote Example sentence: After partaking of the surfeit of tacos and tamales at the All-You-Can-Eat Taco Tamale Lunch Special, Beth felt rather sick.

Question 988

Define the term 'surmise.'

Answer 988

to infer with little evidence ## Footnote Example sentence: After speaking to only one of the students, the teacher was able to surmise what had caused the fight.

Question 989

Define the term 'surreptitious.'

Answer 989

stealthy ## Footnote Example sentence: The surreptitious CIA agents were able to get in and out of the house without anyone noticing.

Question 990

Define the term 'surrogate.'

Answer 990

one acting in place of another ## Footnote Example sentence: The surrogate carried the child to term for its biological parents.

Question 991

Define the term 'swarthy.'

Answer 991

of dark color or complexion ## Footnote Example sentence: When he got drunk, Robinson’s white skin became rather swarthy.

Question 992

Define the term 'sycophant.'

Answer 992

one who flatters for self-gain ## Footnote Example sentence: Some see the people in the cabinet as the president’s closest advisors, but others see them as sycophants.

Question 993

Define the term 'tacit.'

Answer 993

expressed without words ## Footnote Example sentence: I interpreted my parents’ refusal to talk as a tacit acceptance of my request.

Question 994

Define the term 'taciturn.'

Answer 994

not inclined to talk ## Footnote Example sentence: Though Jane never seems to stop talking, her brother is quite taciturn.

Question 995

Define the term 'tangential.'

Answer 995

incidental, peripheral, divergent ## Footnote Example sentence: I tried to discuss my salary, but the boss kept veering off into tangential topics.

Question 996

Define the term 'tantamount.'

Answer 996

equivalent in value or significance ## Footnote Example sentence: When it comes to sports, fearing your opponent is tantamount to losing.

Question 997

Define the term 'tedious.'

Answer 997

dull, boring ## Footnote Example sentence: As time passed and the history professor continued to drone on and on, the lecture became increasingly tedious.

Question 998

Define the term 'temerity.'

Answer 998

audacity, recklessness ## Footnote Example sentence: Tom and Huck entered the scary cave armed with nothing but their own temerity.

Question 999

Define the term 'temperance.'

Answer 999

moderation in action or thought ## Footnote Example sentence: Maintaining temperance will ensure that you are able to think rationally and objectively.

Question 1000

Define the term 'tenable.'

Answer 1000

able to be defended or maintained ## Footnote Example sentence: The department heads tore down the arguments in other people's theses, but Johari's work proved to be quite tenable.

Question 1001

Define the term 'tenuous.'

Answer 1001

having little substance or strength ## Footnote Example sentence: Your argument is very tenuous, since it relies so much on speculation and hearsay.

Question 1002

Define the term 'terrestrial.'

Answer 1002

relating to the land ## Footnote Example sentence: Elephants are terrestrial animals.

Question 1003

Define the term 'timorous.'

Answer 1003

timid, fearful ## Footnote Example sentence: When dealing with the unknown, timorous Tallulah almost always broke into tears.

Question 1004

Define the term 'tirade.'

Answer 1004

a long speech marked by harsh or biting language ## Footnote Example sentence: Every time Jessica was late, her boyfriend went into a long tirade about punctuality.

Question 1005

Define the term 'toady.'

Answer 1005

one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors ## Footnote Example sentence: The other kids referred to the teacher's pet as the Tenth Grade Toady.

Question 1006

Define the term 'tome.'

Answer 1006

a large book ## Footnote Example sentence: In college, I used to carry around an anatomy book that was the heaviest tome in my bag.

Question 1007

Define the term 'torpid.'

Answer 1007

lethargic, dormant, lacking motion ## Footnote Example sentence: The torpid whale floated, wallowing in the water for hours.

Question 1008

Define the term 'torrid.'

Answer 1008

giving off intense heat, passionate ## Footnote Example sentence: I didn't want to witness the neighbor's torrid affair through the window.

Question 1009

Define the term 'tortuous.'

Answer 1009

winding ## Footnote Example sentence: The scary thing about driving in mountains are the narrow, tortuous roads.

Question 1010

Define the term 'tractable.'

Answer 1010

easily controlled ## Footnote Example sentence: The horse was so tractable, Myra didn't even need a bridle.

Question 1011

Define the term 'tranquil.'

Answer 1011

calm ## Footnote Example sentence: There is a time of night when nothing moves and everything is tranquil.

Question 1012

Define the term 'transgress.'

Answer 1012

to violate, go over a limit ## Footnote Example sentence: The criminal's actions transgressed morality and human decency.

Question 1013

Define the term 'transient.'

Answer 1013

passing through briefly; passing into and out of existence ## Footnote Example sentence: Because virtually everyone in Palm Beach is a tourist, the population of the town is quite transient.

Question 1014

Define the term 'transmute.'

Answer 1014

to change or alter in form ## Footnote Example sentence: Ancient alchemists believed that it was possible to transmute lead into gold.

Question 1015

Define the term 'travesty.'

Answer 1015

a grossly inferior imitation ## Footnote Example sentence: According to the school newspaper's merciless theater critic, Pacific Coast High's rendition of the musical Oklahoma was a travesty of the original.

Question 1016

Define the term 'tremulous.'

Answer 1016

fearful ## Footnote Example sentence: I always feel a trifle tremulous when walking through a graveyard.

Question 1017

Define the term 'trenchant.'

Answer 1017

effective, articulate, clear-cut ## Footnote Example sentence: The directions that accompanied my new cell phone were trenchant and easy to follow.

Question 1018

Define the term 'trepidation.'

Answer 1018

fear, apprehension ## Footnote Example sentence: Feeling great trepidation, Anya refused to jump into the pool because she thought she saw a shark in it.

Question 1019

Define the term 'trite.'

Answer 1019

not original, overused ## Footnote Example sentence: Keith thought of himself as being very learned, but everyone else thought he was trite because his observations about the world were always the same as David Letterman's.

Question 1020

Define the term 'truculent.'

Answer 1020

ready to fight, cruel ## Footnote Example sentence: This club doesn't really attract the dangerous types, so why was that bouncer being so truculent?

Question 1021

Define the term 'truncate.'

Answer 1021

to shorten by cutting off ## Footnote Example sentence: After winning the derby, the jockey truncated the long speech he had planned and thanked only his mom and his horse.

Question 1022

Define the term 'turgid.'

Answer 1022

swollen, excessively embellished in style or language ## Footnote Example sentence: The haughty writer did not realize how we all really felt about his turgid prose.

Question 1023

Define the term 'turpitude.'

Answer 1023

depravity, moral corruption ## Footnote Example sentence: Sir Marcus's chivalry often contrasted with the turpitude he exhibited with the ladies at the tavern.

Question 1024

Define the term 'ubiquitous.'

Answer 1024

existing everywhere, widespread ## Footnote Example sentence: It seems that everyone in the United States has a television. The technology is ubiquitous here.

Question 1025

Define the term 'umbrage.'

Answer 1025

resentment, offense ## Footnote Example sentence: He called me a lily-livered coward, and I took umbrage at the insult.

Question 1026

Define the term 'uncanny.'

Answer 1026

of supernatural character or origin ## Footnote Example sentence: Luka had an uncanny ability to know exactly what other people were thinking. She also had an uncanny ability to shoot fireballs from her hands.

Question 1027

Define the term 'unctuous.'

Answer 1027

smooth or greasy in texture, appearance, manner ## Footnote Example sentence: The unctuous receptionist seemed untrustworthy, as if she was only being helpful because she thought we might give her a big tip.

Question 1028

Define the term 'undulate.'

Answer 1028

to move in waves ## Footnote Example sentence: As the storm began to brew, the placid ocean began to undulate to an increasing degree.

Question 1029

Define the term 'upbraid.'

Answer 1029

to criticize or scold severely ## Footnote Example sentence: The last thing Lindsay wanted was for Lisa to upbraid her again about missing the rent payment.

Question 1030

Define the term 'usurp.'

Answer 1030

to seize by force, take possession of without right ## Footnote Example sentence: The rogue army general tried to usurp control of the government, but he failed because most of the army backed the legally elected president.

Question 1031

Define the term 'utilitarian.'

Answer 1031

relating to or aiming at usefulness ## Footnote Example sentence: The beautiful, fragile vase couldn't hold flowers or serve any other utilitarian purpose.

Question 1032

Define the term 'utopia.'

Answer 1032

an imaginary and remote place of perfection ## Footnote Example sentence: Everyone in the world wants to live in a utopia, but no one can agree how to go about building one.

Question 1033

Define the term 'vacillate.'

Answer 1033

to fluctuate, hesitate ## Footnote Example sentence: I prefer a definite answer, but my boss kept vacillating between the distinct options available to us.

Question 1034

Define the term 'vacuous.'

Answer 1034

lack of content or ideas, stupid ## Footnote Example sentence: Beyonce realized that the lyrics she had just penned were completely vacuous and tried to add more substance.

Question 1035

Define the term 'validate.'

Answer 1035

to confirm, support, corroborate ## Footnote Example sentence: Yoko's chemistry lab partner was asleep during the experiment and could not validate the accuracy of her methods.

Question 1036

Define the term 'vapid.'

Answer 1036

lacking liveliness, dull ## Footnote Example sentence: The professor's comments about the poem were surprisingly vapid and dull.

Question 1037

Define the term 'variegated.'

Answer 1037

diversified, distinctly marked ## Footnote Example sentence: Each wire in the engineering exam was variegated by color so that the students could figure out which one was which.

Question 1038

Define the term 'vehemently.'

Answer 1038

marked by intense force or emotion ## Footnote Example sentence: The candidate vehemently opposed cutting back on Social Security funding.

Question 1039

Define the term 'veneer.'

Answer 1039

a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, façade ## Footnote Example sentence: Thanks to her Chanel makeup, Shannen was able to maintain a veneer of perfection that hid the flaws underneath.

Question 1040

Define the term 'venerable.'

Answer 1040

deserving of respect because of age or achievement ## Footnote Example sentence: The venerable Supreme Court justice had made several key rulings in landmark cases throughout the years.

Question 1041

Define the term 'venerate.'

Answer 1041

to regard with respect or to honor ## Footnote Example sentence: The tribute to John Lennon sought to venerate his music, his words, and his legend.

Question 1042

Define the term 'veracity.'

Answer 1042

truthfulness, accuracy ## Footnote Example sentence: With several agencies regulating the reports, it was difficult for Latifah to argue against its veracity.

Question 1043

Define the term 'verbose.'

Answer 1043

wordy, impaired by wordiness ## Footnote Example sentence: It took the verbose teacher two hours to explain the topic, while it should have taken only fifteen minutes.

Question 1044

Define the term 'verdant.'

Answer 1044

green in tint or color ## Footnote Example sentence: The verdant leaves on the trees made the world look emerald.

Question 1045

Define the term 'vestige.'

Answer 1045

a mark or trace of something lost or vanished ## Footnote Example sentence: Do you know if the Mexican tortilla is a vestige of some form of Aztec corn-based flat bread?

Question 1046

Define the term 'vex.'

Answer 1046

to confuse or annoy ## Footnote Example sentence: My little brother vexes me by poking me in the ribs for hours on end.

Question 1047

Define the term 'vicarious.'

Answer 1047

experiencing through another ## Footnote Example sentence: All of my lame friends learned to be social through vicarious involvement in my amazing experiences.

Question 1048

Define the term 'vicissitude.'

Answer 1048

event that occurs by chance ## Footnote Example sentence: The vicissitudes of daily life prevent me from predicting what might happen from one day to the next.

Question 1049

Define the term 'vigilant.'

Answer 1049

watchful, alert ## Footnote Example sentence: The guards remained vigilant throughout the night, but the enemy never launched the expected attack.

Question 1050

Define the term 'vilify.'

Answer 1050

to lower in importance, defame ## Footnote Example sentence: After the Watergate scandal, almost any story written about President Nixon sought to vilify him and criticize his behavior.

Question 1051

Define the term 'vindicate.'

Answer 1051

to avenge; to free from allegation; to set free ## Footnote Example sentence: The attorney had no chance of vindicating the defendant with all of the strong evidence presented by the state.

Question 1052

Define the term 'vindictive.'

Answer 1052

vengeful ## Footnote Example sentence: The vindictive madman seeks to exact vengeance for any insult that he perceives is directed at him, no matter how small.

Question 1053

Define the term 'virtuoso.'

Answer 1053

one who excels in an art; a highly skilled musical performer ## Footnote Example sentence: Even though Lydia has studied piano for many years, she's only average at it. She's no virtuoso, that's for sure.

Question 1054

Define the term 'viscous.'

Answer 1054

not free flowing, syrupy ## Footnote Example sentence: The viscous syrup took three minutes to pour out of the bottle.

Question 1055

Define the term 'vitriolic.'

Answer 1055

having a caustic quality ## Footnote Example sentence: When angry, the woman would spew vitriolic insults.

Question 1056

Define the term 'vituperate.'

Answer 1056

to berate ## Footnote Example sentence: Jack ran away as soon as his father found out, knowing he would be vituperated for his unseemly behavior.

Question 1057

Define the term 'vivacious.'

Answer 1057

lively, sprightly ## Footnote Example sentence: The vivacious clown makes all of the children laugh and giggle with his friendly antics.

Question 1058

Define the term 'vocation.'

Answer 1058

the work in which someone is employed, profession ## Footnote Example sentence: After growing tired of the superficial world of high-fashion, Edwina decided to devote herself to a new vocation: social work.

Question 1059

Define the term 'vociferous.'

Answer 1059

loud, boisterous ## Footnote Example sentence: I'm tired of his vociferous whining so I'm breaking up with him.

Question 1060

Define the term 'wallow.'

Answer 1060

to roll oneself indolently; to become or remain helpless ## Footnote Example sentence: My roommate can't get over her breakup with her boyfriend and now just wallows in self-pity.

Question 1061

Define the term 'wane.'

Answer 1061

to decrease in size, dwindle ## Footnote Example sentence: Don't be so afraid of his wrath because his influence with the president is already beginning to wane.

Question 1062

Define the term 'wanton.'

Answer 1062

undisciplined, lewd, lustful ## Footnote Example sentence: Vicky's wanton demeanor often made the frat guys next door very excited.

Question 1063

Define the term 'whimsical.'

Answer 1063

fanciful, full of whims ## Footnote Example sentence: The whimsical little girl liked to pretend that she was an elvin princess.

Question 1064

Define the term 'wily.'

Answer 1064

crafty, sly ## Footnote Example sentence: Though they were not the strongest of the Thundercats, wily Kit and Kat were definitely the most clever and full of tricks.

Question 1065

Define the term 'winsome.'

Answer 1065

charming, pleasing ## Footnote Example sentence: After such a long, frustrating day, I was grateful for Chris's winsome attitude and childish naivete.

Question 1066

Define the term 'wistful.'

Answer 1066

full of yearning; musingly sad ## Footnote Example sentence: Since her pet rabbit died, Edda missed it terribly and sat around wistful all day long.

Question 1067

Define the term 'wizened.'

Answer 1067

dry, shrunken, wrinkled ## Footnote Example sentence: Agatha's grandmother, Stephanie, had the most wizened countenance, full of leathery wrinkles.

Question 1068

Define the term 'wrath.'

Answer 1068

vengeful anger, punishment ## Footnote Example sentence: Did you really want to incur her wrath when she is known for inflicting the worst punishments legally possible?

Question 1069

Define the term 'yoke.'

Answer 1069

to join, link ## Footnote Example sentence: We yoked together the logs by tying a string around them.

Question 1070

Define the term 'zealous.'

Answer 1070

fervent, filled with eagerness in pursuit of something ## Footnote Example sentence: If he were any more zealous about getting his promotion, he'd practically live at the office.

Question 1071

Define the term 'zenith.'

Answer 1071

the highest point, culminating point ## Footnote Example sentence: I was too nice to tell Nelly that she had reached the absolute zenith of her career with that one hit of hers.

Question 1072

Define the term 'zephyr.'

Answer 1072

a gentle breeze ## Footnote Example sentence: If not for the zephyrs that were blowing and cooling us, our room would've been unbearably hot.