Vocabulary Flashcards
Abatement
Decrease, reduction
Abase
To humble, disgrace
Abdicate
To give up a position, right, or power
Aberration
Something different from the usual or normal
Abet
To aid, act as accomplice
Abeyance
Temporary suppression or suspension
Abhor
To loathe, detest
Abject
Miserable, pitiful
Abjure
To reject, abandon formally
Ablution
Act of cleansing
Abnegate
To deny, renounce
Abolitionist
One who opposes the practice of slavery
Abortive
Interrupted while incomplete
Abridge
To condense, shorten
Abrogate
To abolish or invalidate by authority
Abscond
To depart secretly
Absolve
To forgive, free from blame
Abstemious
Moderate in appetite
Abstruse
Difficult to comprehend
Accede
To express approval; agree to
Accolade
Praise, distinction
Accost
To approach and speak to someone
Accretion
Growth in size or increase in amount
Accrue
To accumulate, grow by additions
Acerbic
Bitter, sharp in taste or temper
Acme
Highest point, summit
Acquiesce
To agree, comply quietly
Acquittal
Release from blame
Acrid
Harsh, bitter
Acrimony
Bitterness, animosity
Acuity
Sharpness
Acumen
Sharpness of insight
Acute
Sharp, pointed
Adage
Old saying or proverb
Adamant
Uncompromising, unyielding
Adjunct
Something added, attached, or joined
Admonish
To caution or reprimand
Adroit
Skillful, accomplished, highly competent
Adulation
High praise
Adulterate
To corrupt or make impure
Adumbrate
To sketch, outline in a shadowy way
Adversarial
Antagonistic, competitive
Aerie
Nook or nest built high in the air
Aerodynamic
Relating to objects moving through the air
Aesthetic
Pertaining to beauty or art
Affable
Friendly, easy to approach
Affected (adj.)
Pretentious, phony
Affinity
Fondness, liking; similarity
Affluent
Rich, abundant
Affront (n.)
Personal offense, insult
Aggrandize
To make larger or greater in power
Aggregate (n.)
Collective mass or sum; total
Aggrieve
To afflict, distress
Agile
Well-coordinated, nimble
Agitation
Commotion, excitement; uneasiness
Agnostic
One doubting that people can know God
Agrarian
Relating to farming or rural matters
Alacrity
Cheerful willingness, eagerness; speed
Alchemy
Medieval chemical philosophy based on changing metal into gold
Algorithm
Mechanical problem solving procedure
Alias
Assumed name
Alienated
Distanced, estranged
Allay
To lessen, ease, or soothe
Allegory
Symbolic representation
Alleviate
To relieve, improve partially
Alliteration
Repetition of the beginning sounds of words
Allocation
Allowance, portion, share
Allure (v.)
To entice by charm; attract
Allusiveness
Quality of making many indirect references
Aloof
Detached, indifferent
Altercation
Noisy dispute
Altruism
Unselfish concern for others’ welfare
Amalgam
Mixture, combination, alloy
Ambidextrous
Able to use both hands equally well
Ambiguous
Uncertain; subject to multiple interpretations
Ambivalence
Attitude of uncertainty; conflicting emotions
Ameliorate
To make better, improve
Amenable
Agreeable, cooperative
Amenity
Pleasantness; something increasing comfort
Amiable
Friendly, pleasant, likable
Amicable
Friendly, agreeable
Amity
Friendship
Amoral
Unprincipled, unethical
Amorous
Strongly attracted to love; showing love
Amorphous
Having no definite form
Amortize
To diminish by installment payments
Amphibian (n.)
Creature equally at home on land or in water
Amphitheater
Arena theater with tiers rising around a central open space
Ample
Abundant, plentiful
Amulet
Ornament worn as a charm against evil spirits
Anachronism
Something chronologically inappropriate
Anachronistic
Outdated
Analogous
Comparable, parallel
Anarchy
Absence of government or law; chaos
Anathema
Ban, curse; something shunned or disliked
Ancillary
Accessory, subordinate, helping
Anecdote
Short, usually funny account of an event
Angular
Characterized by sharp angles; lean and gaunt
Animation
Enthusiasm, excitement
Animosity
Hatred, hostility
Annul
To cancel, nullify, declare void, or make legally invalid
Anodyne
Something that calms or soothes pain
Anoint
To apply oil to, especially as a sacred rite
Anomaly
Irregularity or deviation from the norm
Anonymity
Condition of having no name or an unknown name
Antebellum
Existing before a war, prewar
Antecedent (adj.)
Coming before in place or time
Antediluvian
Prehistoric, ancient beyond measure
Antepenultimate
Third from last
Anthology
Collection of literary works
Anthropomorphic
Attributing human qualities to non-humans
Antipathy
Dislike, hostility; extreme opposition or aversion
Antiquated
Outdated, obsolete
Antiquity
Ancient times; the quality of being old or ancient
Antithesis
Exact opposite or direct contrast
Apathetic
Indifferent, unconcerned
Apathy
Lack of feeling or emotion
Aphasia
Inability to speak or use words
Aphelion
Point in a planet’s orbit that is farthest from the sun
Aphorism
Old saying or short pithy statement
Apocryphal
Not genuine; fictional
Apostate (n.)
One who renounces a religious faith
Apostrophe
Speech to the reader or someone not present
Apotheosis
Glorification; glorified ideal
Appease
To satisfy, placate, calm, pacify
Approbation
Praise; official approval
Appropriate (v.)
To take possession
Arable
Suitable for cultivation
Arbitrary
Depending solely on individual will; inconsistent
Arbitrator
Mediator, negotiator
Arboreal
Relating to trees; living in trees
Arboretum
Place where trees are displayed and studied
Arcane
Secret, obscure, known only to a few
Archaic
Antiquated, from an earlier time; outdated
Archipelago
Large group of islands
Ardent
Passionate, enthusiastic, fervent
Ardor
Great emotion or passion
Arduous
Extremely difficult, laborious
Arraign
To call to court to answer a charge
Arrogate
To demand, claim arrogantly
Articulate (adj.)
Well-spoken, expressing oneself slearly
Ascendancy
State of rising, ascending; power or control
Ascertain
To determine, discover, make certain of
Ascetic (adj.)
Self-denying, abstinent, austere
Ascribe
To attribute to, assign
Ashen
Resembling ashes; deathly pale
Askew
Crooked or tilted
Aspersion
False rumor, damaging report, slander
Aspire
To have great hopes; to aim at a goal
Assail
To attack, assault
Assent (v.)
To express agreement
Assiduous
Diligent, persistent, hardworking
Assignation
Appointment for lovers’ meeting; assignment
Assimilation
Act of blending in, become similar
Assonance
Resemblance in sound, especially in vowel sounds; partial rhyme
Assuage
To make less severe, ease, relieve
Astringent
Harsh, severe, stern
Astute
Having good judgement
Asunder (adv.)
Into different parts
Atone
To make amends for a wrong
Atrocious
Monstrous, shockingly bad, wicked
Atrophy (v.)
To waste away, wither from disuse
Attenuate
To make thin or slender; weaken
Attest
To testify, stand as proof of, bear witness
Audacious
Bold, daring, fearless
Audit (n.)
Formal examination of financial records
Augment
To expand, extend
Augury (adj.)
Prophecy, prediction of events
August
Dignified, awe-inspiring, venerable
Auspicious
Having favorable prospects, promising
Austere
Stern, strict, unadorned
Authoritarian
Extremely strict, bossy
Autocrat
Dictator
Autonomous
Separate, independent
Auxiliary
Supplementary, reserve
Avarice
Greed
Aver
To declare to be true, affirm
Aversion
Intense dislike
Aviary
Large enclosure housing birds
Avow
To state openly or declare
Awry
Crooked, askew, amiss
Axiom
Premise, postulate, self evident truth
Baleful
Harmful, with evil intentions
Balk (v.)
To refuse, shirk; prevent
Ballad
Folk song, narrative poem
Balm
Soothing, healing influence
Banal
Trite and overly common
Bane
Something causing ruin, death, or destruction
Banter
Playful conversation
Bastion
Fortification, stronghold
Bay (v.)
To bark, especially in a deep, prolonged way
Becalm
To make calm or still; keep motionless by lack of wind
Becloud
To confuse; darken with clouds
Beguile
To deceive, mislead; charm
Behemoth
Huge creature
Belabor
To insist repeatedly or harp on
Belated
Late
Beleaguer
To harass, plague
Belfry
Bell tower, room in which a bell is hung
Belie
To misrepresent; expose as false
Belittle
To represent as unimportant, make light of
Bellicose
Warlike, aggressive
Belligerent
Hostile, tending to fight
Bellow
To roar, shout
Bemuse
To confuse, stupefy; plunge deep into thought
Benchmark
Standard of measure
Benefactor
Someone giving aid or money
Beneficent
Kindly, charitable; doing good deeds; producing good effects
Benighted
Unenlightened
Benign
Kindly, gentle or harmless
Bequeath
To give or leave through a will; to hand down
Berate
To scold harshly
Beseech
To beg, plead, implore
Bestial
Beastly, animal like
Bestow
To give as a gift
Betoken
To indicate, signify, give evidence of
Bevy
Group
Bibliophile
Book lover
Bilateral
Two-sided
Bilk
To cheat, defraud
Billet
Board and lodging for troops
Biped
Two footed animal
Bisect
To cut into two (usually equal) parts
Blanch
To pale; take the color out of
Blandish
To coax with flattery
Blasphemous
Cursing, profane, irreverent
Blatant
Glaring, obvious, showy
Blight (v.)
To afflict, destroy
Blithe
Joyful, cheerful, or without appropriate thought
Bludgeon
To hit as with a short heavy club
Boisterous
Rowdy, loud, unrestrained
Bombastic
Using high sounding but meaningless language
Bonanza
Extremely large amount; something profitable
Bonhomie
Good natured geniality; atmosphere of good cheer
Boon
Blessing, something to be thankful for
Boor
Crude person, one lacking manners or taste
Botanist
Scientist who studies plants
Bountiful
Plentiful
Bourgeois
Middle class
Bovine
Cow like; relating to cows
Brazen
Bold, shameless, impudent; of or like brass
Breach
Act or breaking, violation
Brigand
Bandit, outlaw
Broach
To mention or suggest for the first time
Brusque
Rough and abrupt in manner
Buffet (v.)
To strike, hit
Bulwark
Defense wall; anything serving as defense
Burgeon
To sprout or flourish
Burly
Brawny, husky
Burnish
To polish, make smooth and bright
Bursar
Treasurer
Bustle
Commotion, energetic activity
Butt
Person or thing that is object of ridicule
Buttress (v.)
To reinforce or support
Byway
Back road
Cacophonous
Jarring, unpleasantly noisy
Cadence
Rhythmic flow of poetry; marching beat
Cajole
To flatter, coax, persuade
Calamitous
Disastrous, catastrophic
Callous
Thick skinned, insensitive
Callow
Immature, lacking sophistication
Calumny
False and malicious accusation, misrepresentation, slander
Candor
Honesty of expression
Canny
Smart; founded on common sense
Canonize
To declare a person a saint; raise to highest honors
Canvass
To examine thoroughly; conduct a poll
Capacious
Large, roomy; extensive
Capitulate
To submit completely, surrender
Capricious
Impulsive, whimsical, without much thought
Caricature
Exaggerated portrait, cartoon
Carnal
Of the flesh
Carp (v.)
To find fault, complain constantly
Cartography
Science or art of making maps
Cast (n.)
Copy, replica
Cast (v.)
To fling, to throw
Castigate
To punish, chastise, criticize severely
Catalyst
Something causing change without being changed
Categorical
Absolute, without exception
Catharsis
Purification, cleansing
Catholic
Universal; broad and comprehensive
Caucus
Smaller group within an organization; a meeting of such a group
Caulk
To make watertight
Causality
Cause and effect relationship
Caustic
Biting, sarcastic; able to burn
Cavalier (adj.)
Carefree, happy; with lordly disdain
Cavort
To frolic, frisk
Cede
To surrender possession of something
Censorious
Severely critical
Centripetal
Directed or moving toward the center
Certitude
Assurance, certainty
Cessation
Temporary or complete halt
Cession
Act of surrendering
Chagrin
Shame, embarrassment, humiliation
Chalice
Goblet, cup
Champion (v.)
To defend or support
Charlatan
Quack, fake
Chary
Watchful, cautious, extremely shy
Chastise
To punish, discipline, scold
Cherubic
Sweet, innocent, resembling a cherub angel
Chicanery
Trickery, fraud, deception
Chide
To scold, express disapproval
Chimerical
Fanciful, imaginary, visionary, impossible
Choleric
Easily angered, short tempered
Chortle
To chuckle
Chromatic
Relating to color
Chronicler
One who keeps records of historical events
Circuitous
Roundabout
Circumlocution
Roundabout, lengthy way of saying something
Circumnavigate
To sail completely around
Circumscribe
To encircle; set limits on, confine
Circumspect
Cautious, wary
Circumvent
To go around; avoid
Cistern
Tank for rainwater
Citadel
Fortress or stronghold
Civil
Polite; relating to citizens
Civility
Courtesy, politeness
Clairvoyant (adj.)
Having extrasensory perception, psychic
Clamor (v.)
To make a noisy outcry
Clamor (n.)
Noisy outcry
Clandestine
Secretive, concealed for a darker purpose
Cleave
To split or separate or stick, cling, adhere
Clemency
Merciful leniency
Cloister (v.)
To confine, seclude
Coalesce
To grow together or cause to unite as one
Coddle
To baby, treat indulgently
Coerce
To compel by force or intimidation
Coffer
Strongbox, large cheat for money
Cogent
Logically forceful, compelling, convincing
Cognate
Related, similar, akin
Cognition
Mental process by which knowledge is acquired
Cognomen
Family name; any name, especially a nickname
Coherent
Intelligible, lucid, understandable
Collateral
Accompanying
Colloquial
Characteristic of informal speech
Colloquy
Dialogue or conversation, conference
Collusion
Collaboration, complicity, conspiracy
Comeliness
Physical grace and beauty
Commend
To compliment, praise
Commensurate
Proportional
Commission
Dee payable to an agent; authorization
Commodious
Roomy, spacious
Commonplace
Ordinary, found every day
Commute
To change a penalty to a less severe one
Compatriot
Fellow countryman
Complacent
Self satisfied, smug, affable
Complement
To complete, perfect
Compliant
Submissive and yielding
Complicity
Knowing partnership in wrongdoing
Compound (adj.)
Complex; composed of several parts
Compound (v.)
To combine, add to
Compress (v.)
To reduce, squeeze
Compulsive
Obsessive, fanatic
Compunction
Feeling of uneasiness caused by guilt or regret
Concave
Curving inward
Concede
To yield, admit
Conceptualize
To envision, imagine
Concerto
Musical composition for orchestra and soloists
Conciliatory
Overcoming distrust or hostility
Concord
Agreement
Concur
To agree
Condone
To pardon or forgive; overlook, justify, or excuse a fault
Conduit
Tube, pipe, or similar passage
Confection
Something sweet to eat
Conflagration
Big, destructive fire
Confluence
Meeting place; meeting of two streams
Confound
To baffle, perplex
Congeal
To become thick or solid, as a liquid freezing
Congenial
Similar in tastes and habits
Congenital
Existing since birth
Conglomerate
Collected group of varied things
Congress
Formal meeting or assembly
Congruity
Correspondence, harmony, agreement
Conjecture
Speculation, prediction
Conjugal
Pertaining to marriage
Conjure
To evoke a spirit, cast a spell
Connive
To conspire, scheme
Consanguineous
Of the same origin; related by blood
Conscientious
Governed by conscience; careful and thorough
Consecrate
To declare sacred; dedicate to a goal
Consensus
Unanimity, agreement of opinion or attitude
Consign
To commit, entrust
Consolation
Something providing comfort or solace for a loss or hardship
Consolidate
To combine, incorporate
Consonant (adj.)
Consistent with, in agreement with
Constituent
Component, part; citizen, voter
Construe
To explain or interpret
Consummate (adj.)
Accomplished, complete, perfect
Consummate (v.)
To complete, fulfill
Contend
To battle, clash; compete
Contentious
Quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerent
Continence
Self control, self restraint
Contravene
To contradict, deny, act contrary to
Contrite
Deeply sorrowful and repentant for a wrong
Contusion
Bruise
Conundrum
Riddle, puzzle, or problem with no solution
Convalescence
Gradual recovery after an illness
Convene
To meet, come together, assemble
Conventional
Typical, customary, commonplace
Convex
Cave outward
Convivial
Sociable; fond of eating, drinking, and people
Convoke
To call together, summon
Convoluted
Twisted, complicated, involved
Copious
Abundant, plentiful
Coquette
Woman who flirts
Corporeal
Having to do with the body; tangible, material
Corpulence
Obesity, fatness, bulkiness
Corroborate
To confirm, verify
Corrugate
To mold in a shape with parallel grooves and ridges
Cosmetic (adj.)
Relating to beauty; affecting the surface of something
Cosmography
Science that deals with the nature of the universe
Cosmopolitan
Sophisticated, free from local prejudices
Cosset
To pamper, treat with great care
Coterie
Small group of persons with a similar purpose
Countenance (n.)
Facial expression; look of approval or support
Countenance (v.)
To favor, support
Countermand
To annul, cancel, make a contrary order
Countervailing
To counteract, to exert force against
Coven
Group of witches
Covert
Hidden; secret
Covet
To desire strongly something possessed by another
Crass
Crude, unrefined
Craven
Cowardly
Credence
Acceptance of something as true or real
Credulous
Gullible, trusting
Creed
Statement of belief or principle
Crescendo
Gradual increase in volume of sound
Criterion
Standard for judging, rule for testing
Cryptic
Puzzling
Cuisine
Characteristic style of cooking
Culmination
Climax, final stage
Culpable
Guilty, responsible for wrong
Cumulative
Resulting from gradual increase
Cupidity
Greed
Curator
Caretaker and overseer of an exhibition, esp. In a museum
Curmudgeon
Cranky person
Cursory
Hastily done, superficial
Curt
Abrupt, blunt
Curtail
To shorten
Cygnet
Young swan
Cynic
Person who distrusts the motives of others
Daunt
To discourage, intimidate
Dearth
Lack, scarcity, insufficiency
Debase
To degrade or lower in quality or stature
Debauch
To corrupt, seduce from virtue or duty; indulge
Debilitate
To weaken, enfeeble
Debunk
To discredit, disprove
Debutante
Young woman making debut in high society
Decathlon
Athletic contest with ten events
Deciduous
Losing leaves in the fall; short loved, temporary
Declivity
Downward slope
Decorous
Proper, tasteful, socially correct
Decorum
Proper behavior, etiquette
Decry
To belittle, openly condemn
Defamatory
Slanderous, injurious to the reputation
Defendant
Person required to answer a legal action or suit
Deferential
Respectful and polite in a submissive way
Defile
To dirty, spoil; to disgrace, dishonor
Deform
To disfigure, distort
Deft
Skillful, dexterous
Defunct
No longer existing, dead, extinct
Delegate (v.)
To give powers to another
Deleterious
Harmful, destructive, detrimental
Delineation
Depiction, representation
Delta
Tidal deposit at the mouth of a river
Deluge (n.)
Flood
Deluge (v.)
To submerge, overwhelm
Demagogue
Leader, rabble rouser, usually using appeals to emotion or prejudice
Demarcation
Borderline; act of defining or marking a boundary or distinction
Demographics
Data relating to study of human population
Demur
To express doubts or objections
Demystify
To remove mystery from, clarify
Denigrate
To slur or blacken someone’s reputation
Denounce
To accuse, blame
Denude
To make bare, uncover, undress
Denunciation
Public condemnation
Depict
To describe, represent
Deplore
To express or feel disapproval of; regret strongly
Deploy
To spread out strategically over an area
Depose
To remove from a high position, as from a throne
Depravity
Sinfulness, moral corruption
Deprecate
To belittle, disparage
Deride
To mock, ridicule, make fun of
Derivative
Copied or adapted; not original
Derive
To originate; take from a certain source
Derogate
To belittle, disparage
Desecrate
To abuse something sacred
Desiccate
To dry completely, dehydrate
Desist
To stop doing something
Despondent
Feeling discouraged and dejected
Despot
Tyrannical ruler
Destitute
Very poor, poverty stricken
Desultory
At random, rambling, unmethodical
Deter
To discourage; prevent from happening
Determinate
Having defined limits; conclusive
Detrimental
Causing harm or injury
Deviate
To stray, wander
Deviation
Departure, exception, anomaly
Devoid
Totally lacking
Devout
Deeply religious
Dexterous
Skilled physically or mentally
Diaphanous
Allowing light to show through; delicate
Diatribe
Bitter verbal attack
Dichotomy
Division into two parts
Dictum
Authoritative statement; popular saying
Didactic
Excessively instructive
Diffidence
Shyness, lack of confidence
Diffract
To cause to separate into parts, esp. Light
Diffuse
Widely spread out
Digress
To turn aside; to stray from the main point
Dilapidated
In disrepair, run down, neglected
Dilate
To enlarge, swell, extend
Dilatory
Slow, tending to delay
Diluvial
Relating to a flood
Diminutive
Small
Diplomacy
Discretion, tact
Dirge
Funeral hymn
Disaffected
Discontented and disloyal
Disarray
Clutter, disorder
Disbar
To expel from legal profession
Disburse
To pay out
Discern
To perceive something obscure
Disclaim
To deny, disavow
Disconcerting
Deviled ring, perplexing, slightly disturbing
Discordant
Harsh sounding, badly out of tune
Discredit
To dishonor or disgrace
Discredited
Disbelieved, discounted; disgraced, dis honored
Discrepancy
Difference between
Discretionary
Subject to one’s own judgment
Discursive
Wandering from topic to topic
Disengaged
Disconnected, disassociated
Disgorge
To vomit, discharge violently
Disheveled
Untidy, dis arranged, unkempt
Disinclined
Averse, unwilling, lacking desire
Disparage
To belittle, speak disrespectfully about
Disparate
Dissimilar, different in kind
Disparity
Contrast, dissimilarity
Dispassionate
Free from emotion; impartial, unbiased
Dispel
To drive out or scatter
Dispense with
To suspend the operation of, do without
Disperse
To break up, scatter
Dispirit
To dishearten, make dejected
Disrepute
Disgrace, dishonor
Dissemble
To pretend, disguise one’s motives
Disseminate
To spread far and wide
Dissension
Difference of opinion
Dissipate
To scatter; to pursue pleasure to excess
Dissociate
To separate; remove from an association
Dissonant
Harsh and unpleasant sounding
Dissuade
To persuade someone to alter original intentions
Distend
To swell, inflate, bloat
Distraught
Very worried and distressed
Dither (v.)
To move or act confusedly or without clear purpose
Diurnal
Daily
Divine (v.)
To foretell or know by inspiration
Divisive
Creating disunity or conflict
Docile
Tame, willing to be taught
Doctrinaire
Rigidly devoted to theories
Dogged (adj.)
Persistent, stubborn
Dogmatic
Rigidly fixed in opinion, opinionated
Doleful
Sad, mournful
Dolt
Idiot, dimwit, foolish person
Domineering
To rule over something in a tyrannical way
Donkr
Benefactor, contributor
Dotard
Senile old person
Doting
Excessively fond, loving in excess
Dour
Sullen and gloomy; stern and severe
Dowry
Money or property given by a bride to her husband
Draft (v.)
To plan, outline; to recruit, conscript
Drivel
Stupid talk; slobber
Droll
Amusing in a wry, subtle way
Dross
Waste produced during metal smelting; garbage
Dulcet
Pleasant sounding, soothing to the ear
Dupe (v.)
To deceive, trick
Dupe (n.)
Fool, pawn
Duplicity
Deception, dishonesty, double dealing
Duress
Threat of force or intimidation; imprisonment
Dyspeptic
Suffering from indigestion; gloomy and irritable
Ebb (v.)
To fade away, recede
Ebullient
Exhilarated, full of enthusiasm and high spirits
Eclectic
Selecting from various sources
Eddy
Air or wind current
Edict
Law, command, official public order
Edifice
Building
Edify
To instruct morally and spiritually
Editorialize
To express an opinion on an issue
Efface
To erase or make illegible
Effervescent
Bubbly, lively
Efficacious
Effective, efficient
Effigy
Stuffed doll; likeness of a person
Effluvia
Outpouring of gases or vapor
Effrontery
Impudent boldness; audacity
Effulgent
Brilliantly shining
Effusive
Expressing emotion without restraint
Egocentric
Acting as if things are centered around oneself
Egregious
Conspicuously bad
Egress
Exit
Elegy
Mournful poem, usually about the dead
Elicit
To draw out, provoke
Eloquence
Fluent and effective speech
Elucidate
To explain, clarify
Emancipated
Skinny, scrawny, gaunt, esp. From hunger
Embellish
To ornament, make attractive with decoration or details; add details to a statement
Embroil
To involve in; cause to fall into disorder
Emend
To correct a text
Eminent
Celebrated, distinguished; outstanding, towering
Emollient
Having soothing qualities, esp. For skin
Emotive
Appealing to or expressing emotion
Emulate
To copy, imitate
Encipher
To translate a message into code
Encumber
To hinder, burden, restrict motion
Endemic
Belonging to a particular area, inherent
Enervate
To weaken, sap strength from
Engender
To produce, cause, bring about
Enigmatic
Puzzling, inexplicable
Enjoin
To urge order, command; forbid or prohibit, as by judicial order
Enmity
Hostility, antagonism, ill will
Ennui
Boredom, lack of interest and energy
Enormity
State of being gigantic or terrible
Ensconce
To settle comfortably into a place
Enshroud
To covet, enclose with a dark cover
Entail
To involve as a necessitate
Enthrall
To captivate, enchant, enslave
Entity
Something with its own existence or form
Entomologist
Scientist who studies insects
Entreat
To plead, beg
Enumerate
To count, list, itemize
Enunciate
To pronounce clearly
Ephemeral
Momentary, transient, fleeting
Epicure
Person with refined taste in food and wine
Epigram
Short, with saying or poem
Epigraph
Quotation at the beginning of a literary work
Epilogue
Concluding section of a literary work
Epitome
Representative of an entire group, summary
Epochal
Very significant or influential; defining an epoch or time-period
Equanimity
Calmness, composure
Equine
Relating to horses
Equivocal
Ambiguous, open to two interpretations
Equivocate
To use vague or ambiguous language intentionally
Eradicate
To erase or wipe out
Errant
Straying, mistaken, roving
Erudite
Learned, scholarly
Eschew
To abstain from, avoid
Esoteric
Understood only by a learned few
Espouse
To support or advocate; to marry
Estrange
To alternate, keep at a distance
Ethereal
Not earthly, spiritual, delicate
Ethos
Beliefs or character of a group
Etymology
Origin and history of a word; study of words
Eulogy
High praise, often in a public speech
Euphemism
Use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one
Euphony
Pleasant, harmonious sound
Euphoria
Feeling of well being or happiness
Eurythmics
Art of harmonious bodily movements
Euthanasia
Mercy killing; intentional, easy, and painless death
Evade
To avoid, dodge
Evanescent
Momentary, transitory, short lived
Evict
To put out or force out
Evince
To show clearly, display, signify
Evoke
To inspire memories; to produce a reaction
Exacerbate
To aggravate, intensify the bad qualities of
Exasperation
Irritation
Excommunicate
To bar from membership in the church
Excruciating
Agonizing, intensely painful
Exculpate
To clear of blame or fault
Execrable
Utterly detestable
Exhilaration
State of being energetic or filled with happiness
Exhort
To urge or incite by strong appeals
Exhume
To remove from a grave; uncovers secret
Exigent
Urgent; excessively demanding
Exonerate
To clear of blame
Exorbitant
Extravagant, greater than reasonable
Exorcise
To expel evil spirits
Expansive
Sweeping, comprehensive; tending to expand
Expatriate (n.)
One who lives outside one’s native land
Expatriate (v.)
To drive someone from his/her native land
Expedient (adj.)
Convenient, efficient, practical
Expiate
To atone for, make amends for
Explicable
Capable of being explained
Explicit
Clearly defined, specific; forthright in expression
Explode
To debunk, disprove; blow up, burst
Exponent
One who champions or advocates
Expound
To elaborate; to expand or increase
Expunge
To erase, eliminate completely
Expurgated
To censor
Extemporaneous
Unrehearsed, on the spurof the moment
Extenuate
To lessen the seriousness, strength, or effect of
Extol
To praise
Extort
To obtain something by threats
Extraneous
Irrelevant, unrelated, unnecessary
Extremity
Outermost or farthest point
Extricate
To free from, disentangle, free
Extrinsic
Not inherent or essential, coming from without
Exuberant
Lovely, happy, and full of good spirits
Exude
To give off, ooze
Exult
To rejoice
Facade
Face, front; mask, superficial appearance
Facile
Very easy
Facility
Aptitude, ease in doing something
Fallacious
Wrong, unsound, illogical
Fallow
Uncultivated, unused
Fanaticism
Extreme devotion to a cause
Farcical
Absurd, ludicrous
Fastidious
Careful with details
Fathom (v.)
To measure the depth of, gauge
Fatuous
Stupid; foolishly self satisfied
Fault
Break in a rock formation, mistake or error
Fawn (v.)
To flatter excessively, seek the favor of
Faze
To bother, upset, or disconcert
Feasible
Possible, capable of being done
Feckless
Ineffective careless, irresponsible
Fecund
Fertile, fruitful, productive
Federation
Union of organizations; union of several states, each of which retains local power
Feign
To pretend, give a false impression; to invent falsely
Felicitous
Suitable, appropriate; well spoken
Fell (v.)
To chop, cut down
Fervid
Passionate, intense zealous
Fetid
Foul smelling, putrid
Fetter
To bind, chain, confine
Fictive
Fictional, imaginary
Fidelity
Loyalty
Filch
To steal
Filibuster
Use of obstructive tactics in a legislative assembly to prevent adoption of a measure
Finicky
Fussy, difficult to please
Fission
Process of splitting into two parts
Fitful
Intermittent, irregular
Flamboyant
Flashy, garish; exciting, dazzling
Fledgling
Young bird just learning to fly; beginner, novice
Florid
Gaudy, extremely ornate; ruddy, flushed
Flout
To treat contemptuously, scorn
Fluctuate
To alternate, waver
Fodder
Raw material; feed for animals
Foible
Minor weakness or character flaw
Foil (v.)
To defeat, frustrate
Foliate
To grow, sprout leaves
Foment
To arouse or incite
Forbearance
Patience, restraint, leniency
Ford (v.)
To cross a body of water at a shallow place
Foreclose
To rule out; to seize debtor’s property for lack of payment
Forensic
Relating to legal proceedings; relating to debates
Forensics
Study of argumentation and debate
Forestall
To prevent, delay; anticipate
Forethought
Anticipation, foresight
Forgo
To go without, refrain from
Forlorn
Dreary, deserted; unhappy; hopeless, despairing
Forswear
To repudiate, renounce, disclaim, reject
Forte (n.)
Strong point, something a person does well
Fortuitous
Happening by luck, fortunate
Foster (v.)
To nourish, cultivate, promote
Founder (v.)
To fall helplessly; sink
Fracas
Noisy dispute
Fractious
Unruly, rebellious
Frank
Honest and straightforward
Fraught
Full of, accompanied by
Frenetic
Wildly frantic, frenzied, hectic
Frenzied
Feverishly fast, hectic, and confused
Frivolous
Petty, trivial; flippant, silly
Frond
Leaf
Fulsome
Excessive, overdone, sickeningly abundant
Furtive
Secret, stealthy
Fusion
Process of merging things into one
Gall (n.)
Bitterness; careless nerve
Gall (v.)
To exasperate and irritate
Gambol
To dance or skip around playfully
Game (adj.)
Courageous
Garner
To gather and store
Garrulous
Very talkative
Gaunt
Thin and bony
Gavel
Mallet used for commanding attention
Gibe (v.)
To make heckling, taunting remarks
Girth
Distance around something
Glib
Fluent in an insincere manner; offhand, casual
Glower
To glare, stare angrily and intensely
Gnarl
To make knotted, deform
Gnostic
Having to do with knowledge
Goad
To prod or urge
Gradation
Process occurring by regular degrees or stages; variation in color
Grandiloquence
Pompous talk, fancy but meaningless language
Grandiose
Magnificent and imposing; exaggerated and pretentious
Granular
Having a grainy texture
Grasp (v.)
To perceive and understand; to hold securely
Gratis
Free, costing nothing
Gratuitous
Free, voluntary; unnecessary and unjustified
Gratuity
Something given voluntarily, tip
Gregarious
Outgoing, sociable
Grievous
Causing grief or sorrow; serious and distressing
Grimace
Facial expression showing pain or disgust
Grimy
Dirty, filthy
Gross (adj.)
Obscene; blatant, flagrant
Gross (n.)
Total before deductions
Grovel
To humble oneself in a demeaning way
Guile
Trickery, deception
Gustatory
Relating to sense of taste
Hackneyed
Worn out by overuse
Hallow
To make holy; treat as sacred
Hamlet
Small village
Hapless
Unfortunate, having bad luck
Harbinger
Precursor, sign of something to come
Hardy
Robust, vigorous
Harrowing
Extremely distressing terrifying
Haughty
Arrogant and condescending
Heathen
Pagan; uncivilized and irreligious
Hectic
Hasty, hurried, confused
Hedonism
Pursuit of pleasure as a goal
Hegemony
Leadership, domination, usually by a country
Heinous
Shocking, wicked, terrible
Hemicycle
Semicircular form or structure
Heretical
Opposed to an established religious orthodoxy
Hermetic
Tightly sealed
Heterodox
Unorthodox, not widely accepted
Heterogeneous
Composed of unlike parts, different, diverse
Hew
To cut with an ax
Hiatus
Break, interruption, vacation
Hidebound
Excessively rigid; dry and stiff
Hinterland
Wilderness
Hoary
Very old; whitish or gray from age
Holistic
Emphasizing importance of the whole and interdependence of its parts
Homage
Public honor and respect
Homogenous
Composed of identical parts
Homonym
Word identical in pronunciation but different in meaning
Hone
To sharpen
Humane
Merciful, kindly
Husband (v.)
To farm; manage carefully and thrifty
Hutch
Pen or coop for animals; shack, shanty
Hyperbole
Purposeful exaggeration for effect
Hypothesis
Assumption subject to proof
Iconoclast
One who attacks traditional beliefs
Idealism
Pursuit of noble goals
Idiosyncrasy
Peculiarity of temperament, eccentricity
Ignoble
Dishonorable, not noble in character
Ignominious
Disgraceful and dishonorable
Ilk
Type or kind
Illicit
Illegal, improper
Illimitable
Limitless
Illusory
Unreal, deceptive
Illustrious
Famous, renowned
Imbue
To infuse; dye, wet, moisten
Immaculate
Spotless; free from error
Immaterial
Extraneous, inconsequential, nonessential; not consisting of matter
Immerse
To bathe, dip; to engross, preoccupy
Immunological
Relating to immune system
Immutable
Unchangeable, invariable
Impasse
Blocked path, dilemma with no solution
Impassive
Showing no emotion
Impeach
To charge with misdeeds in public office; accuse
Impecunious
Poor, having no money
Impediment
Barrier, obstacle; speech disorder
Imperious
Arrogantly self assured, domineering, overbearing
Impertinent
Rude
Imperturbable
Not capable of being disturbed
Impervious
Impossible to penetrate; incapable of being affected
Impetuous
Quick to act without thinking
Impious
Not devout in religion
Implacable
Inflexible, incapable of being pleased
Implausible
Improbable, inconceivable
Implicate
To involve in a crime, incriminate
Implicit
Implied, not directly expressed
Importune
To ask repeatedly, beg
Impose
To inflict, force upon
Imposing
Dignified, grand
Imprecation
Curse
Impregnable
Totally safe from attack, able to resist defeat
Impressionable
Easily influenced or affected
Improvident
Without planning or foresight, negligent
Impudent
Arrogant and rude
Impugn
To call into question, attack verbally
Inane
Foolish, silly, lacking significance
Incandescent
Shining brightly
Incarnadine
Blood red in color
Incarnate
Having bodily form
Incendiary
Combustible, flammable, burning easily
Incense (v.)
To infuriate, enrage
Inception
Beginning
Incessant
Continuous, never ceasing
Inchoate
Just begun; disorganized
Incipient
Beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage
Incisive
Perceptive, penetrating
Inclination
Tendency toward
Inclusive
Comprehensive, all encompassing
Incognito
In disguise, concealing one’s identity
Inconsequential
Unimportant, trivial
Incontrovertible
Unquestionable, beyond dispute
Incorrigible
Incapable of being corrected
Incredulous
Skeptical, doubtful
Inculcate
To teach, impress in the mind
Inculpate
To blame, charge with a crime
Incursion
Sudden invasion
Indefatigable
Never tired
Indefensible
Inexcusable, unforgivable
Indelible
Permanent, not erasable
Indicative
Showing or pointing out, suggestive of
Indict
To accuse formally, charge with a crime
Indigenous
Native, occurring naturally in an area
Indigent
Very poor
Indignant
Angry, incensed, offended
Indolent
Habitually lazy, idle
Indomitable
Fearless, unconquerable
Indubitable
Unquestionable
Induce
To persuade; bring about
Inebriated
Drunk, intoxicated
Inept
Clumsy, awkward
Inert
Unable to move, tending to inactivity
Inestimable
Too great to be estimated
Inexorable
Inflexible, unyielding
Inextricable
Incapable of being disentangled
Infallible
Incapable of making a mistake
Infamy
Reputation for bad deeds
Infatuated
Strongly or foolishly attached to, inspired with foolish passion, overly in love
Infinitesimal
Extremely tiny
Infirmity
Disease, ailment
Infringe
To encroach, trespass; to transgress, violate
Ingenious
Original, clever, inventive
Ingenuous
Straightforward, open; naive and unsophisticated
Ingrate
Ungrateful person
Ingratiate
To bring oneself purposely into another’s good graces
Ingress
Entrance
Inimical
Hostile, unfriendly
Iniquity
Sin, evil act
Injunction
Command, order
Inkling
Hint; vague idea
Innocuous
Harmless; inoffensive
Innuendo
Indirect and subtle criticism, insinuation
Inquest
Investigation; court or legal proceeding
Insatiable
Never satisfied
Inscrutable
Impossible to understand fully
Insentient
Unfeeling, unconscious
Insidious
Sly, treacherous, devious
Insipid
Bland, lacking flavor; lacking excitement
Insolent
Insulting and arrogant
Insolvent
Bankrupt, unable to pay one’s debts
Insular
Isolated, detached
Insuperable
Insurmountable, unconquerable
Insurgent (adj.)
Rebellious, insubordinate
Insurrection
Rebellion
Integral
Central, indispensable
Intemperate
Not moderate
Inter
To bury
Interdict
To forbid, prohibit
Interject
To interpose, insert
Interlocutor
Someone taking part in a dialogue
Interloper
Trespasser; meddler in other’s affairs
Interminable
Endless
Intermittent
Starting and stopping
Internecine
Deadly to both sides
Interpolate
To insert; change by adding new words or material
Interpose
To insert; to intervene
Interregnum
Interval between reigns
Intersperse
To distribute among, mix with
Intimation
Clue, suggestion
Intractable
Not easily managed
Intransigent
Uncompromising, refusing to be reconciled
Intrepid
Fearless
Intrinsic
Inherent, internal
Introspective
Contemplating one’s own thoughts and feelings
Introvert
Someone given to self analysis
Intrusion
Trespass, invasion of another’s privacy
Inundate
To cover with water; overwhelm
Inure
To harden; accustom; become used to
Invalidate
To negate or nullify
Invective
Verbal abuse
Investiture
Ceremony conferring authority
Inveterate
Confirmed, longstanding, deeply rooted
Invidious
Likely to provoke ill will, offensive
Invincible
Invulnerable, unbeatable
Inviolable
Safe from violation or assault
Invoke
To call upon, request help
Iota
Very tiny amount
Irascible
Easily angered
Iridescent
Showing many colors
Irreverent
Disrespectful
Irrevocable
Conclusive, irreversible
Itinerant
Wandering from place to place, unsettled
Itinerary
Route of a traveler’s journey
Jaded
Tired by excess or overuse; slightly cynical
Jangling
Clashing, jarring; harshly unpleasant (in sound)
Jettison
To cast off, throw cargo overboard
Jingoism
Belligerent support of one’s country
Jocular
Jovial, playful, humorous
Jubilee
Special anniversary
Judicious
Sensible, showing good judgement
Juggernaut
Huge force destroying everything in its path
Juncture
Point where two things are joined
Jurisprudence
Philosophy of law
Juxtaposition
Side by side placement
Keen
Having a sharp edge; intellectually sharp, perceptive
Kernel
Innermost, essential part; seed grain, often in a shell
Keynote
Note or tone on which a musical key is founded; main idea of a speech, program, etc.
Kindle
To set fire to or ignite; excite or inspire
Kinetic
Relating to motion; characterized by movement
Knell
Sound of a funeral bell; omen of death or failure
Kudos
Fame, glory, honor
Lachrymose
Tearful
Lackadaisical
Idle, lazy; apathetic, indifferent
Laconic
Using few words
Laggard
Dawdles, loafer, lazy person
Lament (v.)
To deplore, grieve
Lampoon (v.)
To attack with satire, mock harshly
Languid
Lacking energy, indifferent, slow
Lap(v.)
To drink using the tongue; to wash against
Lapidary
Relating to precious stones
Larceny
Theft of property
Larder
Place where food is stored
Largess
Generosity; gift
Lassitude
Lethargy, sluggishness
Laudable
Deserving of praise
Laxity
Carelessness
Leery
Suspicious
Legerdemain
Trickery
Legible
Readable
Legislate
To decree, mandate, make laws
Lethargy
Indifferent inactivity
Levity
Humor, frivolity, gaiety
Lexicon
Dictionary, list of words
Libertine
One without moral restraint
Licentious
Immoral; unrestrained by society
Lien
Right to possess and sell the property of a debtor
Limpid
Clear, transparent
Liniment
Medicinal liquid used externally to ease pain
Lionize
To treat as a celebrity
Lies some
Easily flexed, limber, agile
Lithe
Moving and bending with ease; graceful
Litigation
Lawsuit
Livid
Discolored from a bruise; reddened with anger
Logo
Corporate symbol
Loquacious
Talkative
Low (v.)
To make a sound like a cow, moo
Lucid
Clear and easily understood
Ludicrous
Laughable, ridiculous
Lugubrious
Sorrowful, mournful
Lumber (v.)
To move slowly and awkwardly
Luminary
Bright object; celebrity; source of inspiration
Lurid
Harshly shocking, sensational; glowing
Lurk
To prowl, sneak
Luscious
Very good tasting
Luxuriance
Elegance, lavishness
Lyrical
Suitable for poetry and song; expressing feeling
Machination
Plot or scheme
Macrobiotics
Art of prolonging life by special diet of organic non meat substances
Macrocosm
System regarded as an entity with subsystems
Maelstrom
Whirlpool; turmoil; agitated state of mind
Magnanimous
Generous, noble in spirit
Magnate
Powerful or influential person
Maladroit
Clumsy, tactless
Malady
Illness
Malapropism
Humorous misuse of a word
Malcontent
Discontented person, one who holds a grudge
Male diction
Curse
Malefactor
Evildoer; culprit
Malevolent
Ill willed; causing evil or harm to others
Malice
Animosity, spite, hatred
Malinger
To evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
Malodorous
Foul smelling
Manifest (adj.)
Obvious
Manifold
Diverse, varied, comprised of many parts
Mannered
Artificial or stilted in character
Mar
To damage, deface; spoil
Marginal
Barely sufficient
Martial
Warlike, pertaining to the military
Martinet
Strict disciplinarian, one who rigidly follows rules
Masochist
One who enjoys pain or humiliation
Materialism
Preoccupation with material things
Matriculate
To enroll as a member of a college or university
Matrilineal
Tracing ancestry through mother’s line rather than father’s
Maudlin
Overly sentimental
Mawkish
Sickeningly sentimental
Meddler
Person interfering in others’ affairs
Megalith
Huge stone used in prehistoric structures
Megalomania
Mental state with delusions of wealth and power
Melancholy
Sadness, depression
Menagerie
Various animals kept together for exhibition
Mendacious
Dishonest
Mendicant
Beggar
Mercenary (adj.)
Motivated only by greed
Mercurial
Quick, shrewd, and unpredictable
Meretricious
Gaudy, falsely attractive
Meridian
Circle passing through the two poles of the earth
Meritorious
Deserving reward or praise
Metamorphosis
Change, transformation
Meticulous
Extremely careful, fastidious, painstaking
Mettle
Courageousness; endurance
Microcosm
Tiny system used as analogy for larger system
Migratory
Wandering from place to place with the seasons
Militate
To operate against, work against
Mirth
Frivolity, gaiety, laughter
Misanthrope
Person who hates human beings
Misapprehend
To misunderstand, fail to know
Miserliness
Extreme stinginess
Misgiving
Apprehension, doubt, sense of foreboding
Misnomer
An incorrect name or designation
Missive
Note or letter
Mitigate
To soften, or make milder
Mnemonic
Relating to memory; designed to assist memory
Mollify
To calm or make less severe
Molt (v.)
To shed hair, skin, or an outer layer periodically
Monastic
Extremely plain or secluded, as in a monastery
Monochromatic
Having one color
Monogamy
Custom of marriage to one person at a time
Monolith
Large block of stone
Montage
Composite picture
Moot
Debatable; previously decided
Morbid
Gruesome; relating to disease; abnormally gloomy
Mores
Customs or manners
Moribund
Dying, decaying
Morose
Gloomy, sullen, or surly
Mote
Small particle, speck
Motley
Many colored; composed of diverse parts
Mottle
To mark with spots
Multifaceted
Having many parts, many sided
Multifarious
Diverse
Mundane
Worldly; commonplace
Munificent
Generous
Mutability
Changeability
Myopic
Nearsighted
Myriad
Immense number, multitude
Nadir
Lowest point
Nascent
Staring to develop, coming into existence
Nebulous
Vague, cloudy
Necromancy
Black magic
Nefarious
Vicious, evil
Neologism
New word or expression
Neonate
Newborn child
Neophyte
Novice, beginner
Nether
Located under or below
Nettle (v.)
To irritate
Neutrality
Disinterest, impartiality
Nicety
Elegant or delicate feature; minute distinction
Niche
Recess in a wall; best position for something
Nihilism
Belief that existence and all traditional values are meaningless
Noisome
Stinking, putrid
Nominal
Existing in name only; negligible
Non sequitur
Conclusion not following from apparent evidence
Nondescript
Lacking interesting or distinctive qualities; dull
Novitiate
Beginner or novice
Noxious
Harmful, unwholesome
Nuance
Shade of meaning
Numismatics
Coin collecting
Nuptial
Relating to marriage
Nutritive
Relating to nutrition or health
Obdurate
Stubborn
Obfuscate
To confuse, obscure
Oblique
Indirect, evasive; misleading, devious
Obsequious
Overly submissive, brown nosing
Obsequy
Funeral ceremony
Obstinate
Stubborn
Obstreperous
Troublesome, boisterous, unruly
Obtrusive
Pushy, too conspicuous
Obtuse
Insensitive, stupid, dull
Obviate
To make unnecessary; to anticipate and prevent
Occlude
To shut, block
Odious
Hateful, contemptible
Officious
Too helpful, meddlesome
Offshoot
Branch
Ominous
Menacing, threatening, indicating misfortune
Omnipotent
Having unlimited power
Omniscient
Having infinite knowledge
Onerous
Burdensome
Ontology
Theory about the nature of existence
Opalescent
Iridescent, displaying colors
Opaque
Impervious to light; difficult to understand
Opine
To express an opinion
Opprobrious
Disgraceful, contemptuous
Opulence
Wealth
Oracle
Person who foresees the future and gives advice
Orb
Spherical body; eye
Ornithologist
Scientist who studies birds
Oscillate
To move back and forth
Ossify
To turn to bone; to become rigid
Ostensible
Apparent
Ostentatious
Showy
Ostracism
Exclusion, temporary banishment
Ouster
Expulsion, ejection
Overstate
To embellish, exaggerate
Overture
Musical introduction; proposal, offer
Overwrought
Agitated, overdone
Pacific
Calm, peaceful
Pacifist
One opposed to war
Lalatial
Like a palace, magnificent
Palaver
Idle talk
Paleontology
Study of past geological eras through fossil remains
Palette
Board for mixing paints; range of colors
Palisade
Fence made up of stakes
Pall (n.)
Covering that darkens or obscures; coffin
Pall (v.)
To lose strength or interest
Palliative
To make less serious, ease
Pallid
Lacking color or liveliness
Palpable
Obvious, real, tangible
Paltry
Pitifully small or worthless
Panacea
Cure all
Panache
Flamboyance, verve
Pandemic
Spread over a whole area or country
Panegyric
Elaborate praise; formal hymn of praise
Panoply
Impressive array
Panorama
Broad view; comprehensive picture
Paradigm
Ideal example, model
Paradox
Contradiction, incongruity; dilemma, puzzle
Paradoxical
Self contradictory but true
Paragon
Model of excellence or perfection
Paramount
Supreme, dominant, primary
Pare
To trim
Pariah
Outcast
Parity
Equality
Parley
Discussion, usually between enemies
Parochial
Of limited scope or outlook, provincial
Parry
To ward off or deflect
Parsimony
Stinginess
Partisan (n.)
Strong supporter
Partisan (adj.)
Biased in favor of
Pastiche
Piece of literature or music imitating other works
Patent (adj.)
Obvious, unconcealed
Pathos
Pity, compassion
Patrician
Aristocrat
Patricide
Murder of one’s father
Patrimony
Inheritance or heritage derived from one’s father
Patronize
To condescend to, disparage; to buy from
Paucity
Scarcity, lack
Pauper
Very poor person
Pavilion
Tent or light building used for shelter or exhibitions
Peccadillo
Minor sin or offense
Peculation
Theft of money or goods
Pedagogue
Teacher
Pedant
Uninspired, boring academic
Pediment
Triangular gable on a roof or facade
Peer (n.)
Contemporary, equal, match
Peerless
Unequaled
Pejorative
Having bad connotations; disparaging
Pellucid
Transparent; translucent; easily understood
Penance
Voluntary suffering to repent for a wrong
Penchant
Inclination
Pending (prep.)
During, while awaiting
Penitent
Expressing sorrow for sins or offenses, repentant
Pensive
Thoughtful
Penultimate
Next to last
Penumbra
Partial shadow
Penury
Extreme poverty
Perambulation
Baby carriage
Percipient
Discerning, able to perceive
Perdition
Complete and utter loss; damnation
Peregrine the
To wander from place to place
Perennial
Present throughout the years; persistent
Perfidious
Faithless, disloyal, untrustworthy
Perfunctory
Done in a routine way; indifferent
Perihelion
Point in orbit nearest to the sun
Peripatetic
Moving from place to place
Pernicious
Very harmful
Perspicacious
Shrewd, astute, keen witted
Pert
Lively and bold
Pertinacious
Persistent, stubborn
Pertinent
Applicable,appropriate
Perturbation
Disturbance
Perusal
Close examination
Pervert (v.)
To cause to change in immoral way; to misuse
Pestilence
Epidemic, plague
Petulance
Rudeness, peevishness
Phalanx
Massed group of soldiers, people, or things
Philanderer
Pursuer of casual love affairs
Philanthropy
Love of humanity; generosity to worthy causes
Philistine
Narrow minded person, someone lacking appreciation for art or culture
Philology
Study of words
Phlegmatic
Calm in temperament; sluggish
Phonetics
Study of speech sounds
Phonic
Relating to sound
Piety
Devoutness
Pilfer
To steal
Pillage
To loot, especially during war
Pinnacle
Peak, highest point of development
Pious
Dedicated, devout, extremely religious
Pique
Fleeting feeling of hurt pride
Pithy
Profound, substantial; concise, succinct, to the point
Pittance
Meager amount or wage
Placate
To soothe or pacify
Placid
Calm
Plaintiff
Injured person in a lawsuit
Plait
To braid
Platitude
Stale, overused expression
Plebeian
Crude, vulgar, low class
Plenitude
Abundance, plenty
Pliant
Pliable, yielding
Plucky
Courageous, spunky
Plummet
To fall, plunge
Pluralistic
Including a variety of groups
Ply (v.)
To use diligently; to engage; to join together
Poach
To steal game or fish; cook in boiling liquid
Poignant
Emotionally moving
Polar
Relating to a geographic pole; exhibiting contrast
Polarize
To tend towards opposite extremes
Polemic
Controversy, argument; verbal attack
Politic
Shrewd and practical, diplomatic
Polyglot
Speaker of many languages
Ponderous
Weighty, heavy, large
Pontificate
To speak in a pretentious manner
Pore (v.)
To study closely or meditatively
Portent
Omen
Portly
Stout, dignified
Posit
To put in position; to suggest an idea
Potable
Drinkable
Potentate
Monarch or ruler with great power
Pragmatic
Practical; moved by facts rather than abstract ideals
Prattle
Meaningless, foolish talk
Precarious
Uncertain
Precept
Principle; law
Precipice
Edge, steep overhang
Precipitate (adj.)
Sudden and unexpected
Precipitate (v.)
To throw down from a height; to cause to happen
Precipitous
Hasty, quickly, with too little caution
Précis
Short summary of facts
Preclude
To rule out
Precocious
Unusually advanced at an early age
Predicament
Difficult situation
Predicate (v.)
To found or base on
Predilection
Preference, liking
Preeminent
Celebrated, distinguished
Premeditate
To consider; plan beforehand
Preponderance
Majority in number; dominance
Prepossessing
Attractive, engaging, appealing
Presage
To foretell, indicate in advance
Prescient
Having foresight
Presentiment
Premonition, sense of foreboding
Prestidigitation
Sleight of hand
Presumptuous
Rude, improperly bold
Pretext
Excuse, pretended reason
Prevaricate
To lie, evade the truth
Primeval
Ancient, primitive
Primordial
Original, existing from the beginning
Pristine
Untouched, uncorrupted
Privation
Lack of usual necessities or comforts
Probity
Honesty, highmindedness
Proclivity
Tendency, inclination
Procure
To obtain
Prodigal
Wasteful, extravagant, lavish
Prodigious
Vast, enormous, extraordinary
Profane
Impure; contrary to religion; sacrilegious
Profligate
Corrupt, degenerate
Profuse
Lavish, extravagant
Progenitor
Originator, forefather, ancestor Ina direct line
Progeny
Offspring, children
Proliferation
Propagation, reproduction; enlargement, expansion
Prolific
Productive, fertile
Promontory
Piece of land or rock higher than its surroundings
Promulgate
To make known publicly
Propensity
Inclination, tendency
Propiniquity
Nearness
Propitiate
To win over, appease
Propitious
Favorable, advantageous
Proponent
Advocate, defender, supporter
Prosaic
Relating to prose; dull, commonplace
Proscribe
To condemn; to forbid, outlaw
Prose
Ordinary language used in everyday speech
Prosecutor
Person who initiates a legal action or suit
Proselytize
To convert to a particular belief or religion
Prostrate
Lying face downward, lying flat on ground
Protean
Readily assuming different forms or characters
Protestation
Declaration
Protract
To prolong, draw out, extend
Provincial
Rustic, unsophisticated, limited in scope
Provocation
Cause, incitement to act or respond
Prowess
Bravery, skill
Proximity
Nearness
Proxy
Power to act as substitute for another
Prude
One who is excessively proper or modest
Prudent
Careful, cautious
Prurient
Lustful, exhibiting lewd desires
Psychic (adj.)
Perceptive of no material, spiritual forces
Puerile
Childish, immature, silly
Pugilism
Boxing
Pugnacious
Quarrelsome, eager and ready to fight
Pulchritude
Beauty
Punctilious
Careful in observing rules of behavior or ceremony
Punitive
Having to do with punishment
Purgation
Process of cleansing, purification
Puritanical
Adhering to a rigid moral code
Purport
To profess, suppose, claim
Quack (n.)
Faker; one who falsely claims to have medical skill
Quadrilateral
Four sided polygon
Quadruped
Animal having four feet
Quagmire
Marsh; difficult situation
Qualify
To provide with needed skills; modify, limit
Quandary
Dilemma, difficulty
Quarantine
Isolation period, originally 40 days, to prevent spread of disease
Quaternary
Consisting of or relating to four units or members
Quell
To crush or subdue
Querulous
Inclined to complain, irritable
Quibble
To argue about insignificant and irrelevant details
Quicken
To hasten, arouse, excite
Quiescence
Inactivity, stillness
Quintessence
Most typical example; concentrated essence
Quiver (v.)
To shake slightly, tremble, vibrate
Quixotic
Overly idealistic, impractical
Quotidian
Occurring daily; commonplace
Raconteur
Witty, skillful storyteller
Radical (adj.)
Fundamental; drastic
Rail (v.)
To scold with bitter or abusive language
Rally (v.)
To assemble; recover, recuperate
Ramble (v.)
To roam, wander; to babble, digress
Ramification
Implication, outgrowth, or consequence
Ramshackle
Likely to collapse
Rancor
Bitter hatred
Rapport
Relationship of trust and respect
Rapt
Deeply absorbed
Rarely
To make thinner, purer, or more refined
Rash (adj.)
Careless, hasty, reckless
Ratiocination
Methodical, logical reasoning
Ration (n.)
Portion, share
Ration (v.)
To supply; to restrict consumption of
Raucous
Harsh sounding; boisterous
Ravenous
Extremely hungry
Ravine
Deep, narrow gorge
Raze
To tear down, demolish
Reactionary (adj.)
Marked by extreme conservatism, esp. In politics
Rebuff (n.)
Blunt rejection
Rebuke (v.)
To reprimand, scold
Rebut
To refute by evidence or argument
Recalcitrant
Resisting authority or control
Recant
To retract a statement, opinion, etc.
Recapitulate
To review with a brief summary
Reclusive
Shut off from the world
Recondite
Relating to obscure learning; known to only a few
Recount (v.)
To describe facts or events
Rectitude
Moral uprightness
Recurrence
Repetition
Redress (n.)
Relief from wrong or injury
Redundancy
Unnecessary repetition
Refectory
Room where meals are served
Reflection
Image, likeness; opinion, thought, impression
Reform (v.)
To change, correct
Refuge
Escape, shelter
Refute
To contradict, discredit
Regress
To move backward; revert to an earlier form or state
Reiterate
To say again, repeat
Rejoinder
Response
Relegate
To assign to a class, especially an inferior one
Relinquish
To renounce or surrender something
Relish (v.)
To enjoy greatly
Remediable
Capable of being corrected
Remit
To send (usually money) as payment
Remuneration
Pay or reward for work, trouble, etc.
Renascent
Reborn, coming into being again
Renegade
Traitor, person abandoning a cause
Renege
To go back on one’s word
Renounce
To give up or reject a right, title, person, etc.
Renown
Fame, widespread acclaim
Repast
Meal or mealtime
Repeal
To revoke or formally withdraw (often a law)
Repel
To rebuff, repulse; disgust, offend
Replete
Abundantly supplied
Repose
Relaxation, leisure
Repress
To restrain or hold in
Repression
Act or restraining or holding in
Reprehensible
Blameworthy, disreputable
Reprise
Repetition, esp. Of a piece of music
Reproach (v.)
To find fault with; blame
Reprobate
Morally unprincipled person
Reprove
To criticize or correct
Repudiate
To reject as having no authority
Requiem
Hymns or religious service for the dead
Require
To return or repay
Rescind
To repeal, cancel
Residue
Remainder, leftover, remnant
Resolute
Determined; with a clear purpose
Resolve (n.)
Determination, firmness of purpose
Resonate
To echo
Respite
Interval of relief
Resplendent
Splendid, brilliant
Restitution
Act of compensating for loss or damage
Restive
Impatient, uneasy, restless
Restorative
Having the power to renew or revitalize
Restrained
Controlled, repressed, restricted
Resuscitate
To revive, bring back to life
Reticent
Not speaking freely; reserved
Retinue
Group of attendants with an important person
Retiring
Shy, modest, reserved
Retract
To draw in or take back
Retrench
To regroup, reorganize
Retroactive
Applying to an earlier time
Retrograde
Having a backward motion or direction
Revelry
Boisterous festivity
Revere
To worship, regard with awe
Revert
To backslide, regress
Revile
To criticize with harsh language, verbally abuse
Revulsion
Strong feeling of repugnance or dislike
Rhapsody
Emotional literary or musical work
Rhetoric
Persuasive use of language
Ribald
Humorous in a vulgar way
Riddle (v.)
To make many holes in; permeate
Rife
Widespread, prevalent; abundant
Risqué
Bordering on being inappropriate or indecent
Robust
Strong and healthy; hardy
Rococo
Very highly ornamented
Root (v.)
To dig with a snout
Rostrum
Stage for public speaking
Rotund
Round in shape; fat
Rue
To regret
Ruminate
To com template, reflect upon
Rustic
Rural
Saccharine
Excessively sweet or sentimental
Sacrosanct
Extremely sacred; beyond criticism
Sagacious
Shrewd, wise
Salient
Prominent or conspicuous
Sallow
Sickly yellow in color
Salubrious
Healthful
Salutation
Greeting
Sanction
Permission, support; law, penalty
Sanctuary
Haven, retreat
Sanguine
Ruddy; cheerfully optimistic
Sardonic
Cynical, scornfully mocking
Satiate
To satisfy
Saunter
To amble; walk in a leisurely manner
Savant
Learned person
Savory
Agreeable in taste or smell
Scabbard
Sheath for sword or dagger
Scathing
Harshly critical; painfully hot
Scintilla
Very small amount
Scintillate
To sparkle, flash
Scoff
To deride, ridicule
Score (n.)
Notation for a musical composition
Score (v.)
To make a notch or scratch
Scrivener
Professional copyist
Scrupulous
Restrained; careful and precise
Scrutiny
Careful observation
Scurrilous
Vulgar, low, indecent
Secant
Straight line intersecting a curve at two points
Secede
To withdraw formally from an organization
Secluded
Isolated and remote
Sectarian
Narrow minded; relating to a group or sect
Secular
Not specifically pertaining to religion
Sedentary
Inactive, stationary; sluggish
Sedition
Behavior promoting rebellion
Seminal
Relating to the beginning or seeds of something
Senescent
Aging, growing old
Sensual
Satisfying or gratifying the senses; suggesting sexuality
Sententious
Having a moralizing tone
Sentient
Aware, conscious, able to perceive
Sequester
To remove or set apart; put into seclusion
Seraphic
Angelic, pure, sublime
Serendipity
Habit of making fortunate discoveries by chance
Serenity
Calm, peacefulness
Serpentine
Serpent like; twisting, winding
Serrated
Sawtoothed, notched
Servile
Submissive, obedient
Sheepish
Timid, meek or bashful
Shirk
To avoid a task due to laziness or fear
Signify
Denote, indicate; symbolize
Simian
Apelike, relating to apes
Simpler
To smirk, smile foolishly
Sinecure
Well-paying job or office that requires little to no work
Singe
To burn slightly, scorch
Sinuous
Winding; intricate, complex
Skulk
To move in a stealthy or cautious manner; sneak
Slipshod
Careless, hasty
Slough
To discard or she’d
Slovenly
Untidy, messy
Sluggard
Lazy, inactive person
Smelt (v.)
To melt metal in order to refine it
Sobriety
Seriousness
Sobriquet
Nickname
Sodden
Thoroughly soaked; saturated
Sojourn
Visit, stay
Solace
Comfort in distress; consolation
Solarium
Room or glassed in area exposed to the sun
Solecism
Grammatical mistake
Solicitous
Concerned, attentive; eager
Solidarity
Unity based on common aims or interests
Solipsism
Belief that the self is the only reality
Somber
Dark and gloomy; melancholy, dismal
Somnambulist
Sleepwalker
Somnolent
Drowsy, sleepy; inducing sleep
Sonorous
Producing a full, rich sound
Sophist
Person good at arguing deviously
Sophistry
Deceptive reasoning or argumentation
Sophomoric
Immature and overconfident
Soporific
Sleepy or tending to cause sleep
Sordid
Filthy; contemptible and corrupt
Sovereign
Having supreme power
Spartan
Austere, severe, grave; simple bare
Sportive
Frolicsome, playful
Sprightly
Lively, animated, energetic
Spur (v.)
To prod
Spurious
Lacking authenticity; counterfeit, false
Spurn
To reject or refuse contemptuously; scorn
Squalid
Filthy; morally repulsive
Squander
To waste
Staccato
,armed by abrupt, clear cut sounds
Stagnant
Immobile, stale
Staid
Self restrained to the point of dullness
Stand (n.)
Group of trees
Stark
Bare, empty, vacant
Stasis
Motionless state; standstill
Stifle
To smother or suffocate; suppress
Stigma
Mark of disgrace or inferiority
Stilted
Stiff, unnatural
Stint (n.)
Period of time spent doing something
Stint (v.)
To be sparing or frugal
Stipend
Allowance; fixed amount of money paid regularly
Stockade
Enclosed area forming defensive wall
Stoic
Indifferent to or unaffected by emotions
Stolid
Having or showing little emotion
Stratagem
Trick designed to deceive an enemy
Stratify
To arrange into layers
Stricture
Something that restrains; negative criticism
Strident
Loud, harsh, unpleasantly noisy
Stringent
Imposing severe, rigorous standards
Stultify
To impair or reduce to uselessness
Stunted
Having arrested growth or development
Stupefy
To dull the senses of; stun, astonish
Stylize
To fashion, formalize
Stymie
To block or thwart
Subjection
Dependence, obedience, submission
Subjugate
To conquer, subdue; enslave
Sublime
Awe inspiring; of high spiritual or moral value
Subliminal
Subconscious; imperceptible
Submissive
Tending to be meek and submit
Subpoena
Notice ordering someone to appear in court
Subterfuge
Trick or tactic used to avoid something
Subterranean
Hidden, secret; underground
Subvert
To undermine or corrupt
Succinct
Terse, brief, concise
Sullen
Brooding, gloomy
Sully
To soil, stain, tarnish; taint
Sumptuous
Lavish, splendid
Superannuated
Too old, obsolete, outdated
Supercilious
Arrogant, haughty, overbearing, condescending
Superficial
Hasty; shallow and phony
Superfluous
Extra, more than necessary
Supersede
To take the place of; replace
Supervise
To direct or oversee the work of others
Supplant
To replace, substitute
Supple
Flexible, pliant
Supplicant
One who asks humbly and earnestly
Surfeit
Excessive amount
Surly
Rude and bad tempered
Surmise
To make and educated guess
Surmount
To conquer, overcome
Surreptitious
Characterized by secrecy
Survey (v.)
To examine in a comprehensive way
Suspend
To defer, interrupt; dangle, hang
Sustain
Support, uphold; endure, undergo
Swarthy
Having a dark complexion
Sybarite
Person devoted to pleasure and luxury
Sycophant
Self serving flatterer, yes man
Symbiosis
Cooperation, mutual helpfulness
Symposium
Meeting with short presentations on related topics
Syncopation
Temporary irregularity in musical rhythm
Synthesis
Blend, combination
Tableau
Vivid description, striking incident or scene
Tacit
Silently understood or implied
Taciturn
Uncommunicative, not inclined to speak much
Tactile
Relating to the sense of touch
Talon
Claw of an animal, esp. A bird of prey
Tangential
Distressing, diverting
Tangible
Able to be sensed; perceptible, measurable
Galant amount
Equivalent in value or significance; amounting to
Tawdry
Gaudy, cheap, showy
Taxonomy
Science of classification
Technocrat
Strong believer in technology; technical expert
Temperance
Restraint, self control, moderation
Tempered
Moderated, restrained
Tempestuous
Stormy, raging, furious
Tenable
Defensible, reasonable
Tenacious
Stubborn, holding firm
Tenet
Belief, doctrine
Tensile
Capable of withstanding physical stress
Tenuous
Weak, insubstantial
Tepid
Lukewarm; showing little enthusiasm
Terrestrial
Earthly; down to earth, commonplace
Terse
Concise, brief, free of extra words
Testament
Statement of belief; will
Theocracy
Government by priests representing a god
Thesis
Theory or hypothesis; dissection or long written composition
Tidings
News
Timorous
Timid, shy, full of apprehension
Tinge
To color slightly
Tirade
Long violent speech; verbal assault
Titan
Person of colossal stature or achievement
Toady
Flatterer, hanger-on, yes man
Tome
Book, usually large and academic
Tonal
Relating to pitch or sound
Torpid
Lethargic; unable to move; dormat
Torrid
Burning hot; passionate
Torsion
Act of twisting and turning
Tortuous
Having many twists and turns; highly complex
Tottering
Barely standing
Tractable
Obedient, yielding
Transcend
To rise above, go beyond
Transcendent
Rising above, going beyond
Transient (adj.)
Temporary, short lived, fleeting
Transitory
Short loved, existing only briefly
Translucent
Partially transparent
Transmute
To change in appearance or shape
Travesty
Parody, exaggerated imitation, caricature
Tremulous
Trembling, quivering; fearful, timid
Trenchant
Acute, sharp, incisive; forceful, effective
Trepidation
Fear and anxiety
Trifling
Of slight worth, trivial, insignificant
Trite
Shallow, superficial
Trounce
To beat severely, defeat
Troupe
Group of actors
Truncate
To cut off, shorten by cutting
Trying
Difficult to deal with
Tryst
Agreement between lovers to meet; rendezvous
Tumult
State of confusion; agitation
Turgid
Swollen, bloated
Turpitude
Inherent vileness, foulness, depravity
Tyro
Beginner, novice
Ubiquitous
Being everywhere simultaneously
Umbrage
Offense, resentment
Unadulterated
Absolutely pure
Unanimity
State of total agreement or unity
Unavailing
Hopeless, useless
Unconscionable
Unscrupulous; shockingly unfair or unjust
Unctuous
Greasy, oily; smug and falsely earnest
Undulating
Moving in waves
Unequivocal
Absolute, certain
Unfrocked
To strip of priestly duties
Unheralded
Unannounced, unexpected, not publicized
Unimpeachable
Beyond question
Uninitiated
Not familiar with an area of study
Unscrupous
Dishonest
Unwitting
Unconscious; unintentional
Unyielding
Firm, resolute
Upbraid
To scold sharply
Uproarious
Loud and forceful
Urbane
Courteous, refined, suave
Usurp
To seize by force
Usury
Practice of lending money at exorbitant rates
Utilitarian
Efficient, functional, useful
Utopia
Perfect place
Vacillate
To waver, show indecision
Vacuous
Empty, void; lacking intelligence, purposeless
Vagrant
Pore person with no home
Validate
To authorize, certify, confirm
Vapid
Tasteless, dull
Variegated
Varied; marked with different colors
Vaunted
Boasted about, bragged about
Vehemently
Strongly, urgently
Venerable
Respected because of age
Veneration
Adoration, honor, respect
Veracious
Truthful, accurate
Veracity
Accuracy, truth
Verbatim
Word for word
Verbose
Wordy
Verdant
Green with vegetation; inexperienced
Verdure
Fresh, rich vegetation
Verified
Proven truth
Verisimilitude
Quality do appearing true or real
Verity
Truthfulness; belief viewed as true and enduring
Vermin
Small creatures offensive to humans
Vernal
Related to spring
Vestige
Trace, remnant
Vex
To irritate, annoy; confuse, puzzle
Viaduct
Series of elevated arches used to cross a valley
Vicarious
Substitute, surrogate; enjoyed through imagined participation in another’s experience
Vicissitude
Change or variation; ups and downs
Vie
To compete, contend
Vigilant
Attentive, watchful
Vignette
Decorative design; short literary composition
Vilify
To slander, defame
Vim
Energy, enthusiasm
Vindicate
To clear of blame; support a claim
Vindication
Clearance from blame or suspicion
Vindictive
Spiteful, vengeful, unforgiving
Virile
Manly, having qualities of an adult male
Virtuoso
Someone with masterly skill; expert musician
Virulent
Extremely poisonous; malignant; hateful
Vitriolic
Burning, caustic; sharp, bitter
Vituperate
To abuse verbally
Vivacious
Lively, spirited
Vociferous
Loud, vocal and noisy
Volition
Free choice, free will; act of choosing
Volley (n.)
Flight of missiles, round of gunshots
Voluble
Speaking much and easily, talkative; glib
Voluminous
Large; of great quantity; writing or speaking at great length
Voracious
Having a great appetite
Waive
To refrain from enforcing a rule; to give up a legal right
Wallow
To indulge oneself excessively, luxuriate
Wan
Sickly pale
Wanton
Undisciplined, unrestrained, reckless
Wary
Carefully cautious
Wayward
Erratic, unrestrained, reckless
Weather (v.)
To endure, undergo
Whet
To sharpen, stimulate
Whimsy
Playful or fanciful idea
Wily
Clever, deceptive
Windfall
Sudden, unexpected good fortune
Winsome
Charming, happily engaging
Withdrawn
Unsociable, aloof; shy, timid
Wizened
Withered, shriveled, wrinkled
Writ
Written document, usually in law
Wry
Amusing, ironic
Xenophobia
Fear or hatred of foreigners or strangers
Yoke (v.)
To join together
Zealot
Someone passionately devoted to a cause
Zenith
Highest point, summit
Zephyr
Gentle breeze