Words Flashcards
(H)ETERO
different, other
(H)OM
same
A/AN
not, without
AB
off, away from, apart, down
Abash
make someone feel embarrassed, disconcerted or ashamed
Abate
to reduce in amount, degree, or severity
Abatement
often in legal use the ending, reduction, or lessening of something
Abbreviated
to shorten
Abdicate
to renounce or relinquish a throne
Abduct
to carry off or lead away, to take by force
Aberrant
departing from an accepted standard. Diverging from the normal type
Aberration
a departure from what is normal, usual or expected typically one that unwelcome
Abet
encourage or assist someone to do something wrong, in particular, to commit a crime or other offense
Abeyance
a state of temporary disuse or suspension
Abhor
to hate, detest
Abhorrence
a feeling of repulsion, disgusted loathing
Abject
cast down, degraded, utterly hopeless; humiliating or wretched
Abjure
solemnly renounce a belief, cause or clam, to renounce on oath
ABLE/IBLE
capable of, worthy of
Ablution
act of cleansing
Abnegate
renounce or reject something desired or valuable
Abnegating
renounce or reject (something desired or valuable).
Abnegation
the act of renouncing or rejecting something. Self-denial
Abnormal
deviating from a standard
Abnormalities
an abnormal feature, characteristic, or occurrence, typically in a medical context
Abolish
to do away with, make void
Abortive
failing to produce the intended result
Abound
to be plentiful; to overflow (from water flowing in waves)
Abridge
shorten a piece of writing without losing the sense, to shorten
Abrogate
repeal or do away with a law, right, or formal agreement. Evade a responsibility or duty, to abolish by formal means
Abrupt
sudden or unexpected. Brief to the point of rudeness, curt
Abscond
to leave secretly
Absolution
forgiveness for wrongdoing
Absolve
set or declare someone free from blame, guilt or responsibility
Absorb
take in or soak up (energy or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action. Could also mean to take in and understand fully, to take control, to use/take up, to take up and reduce the effect or to take up the attention of something
Abstain
retrain oneself from doing or enjoying something. Formally decline to vote either for or against a proposal or motion. To choose not to do something
Abstemious
not self-indulgent, especially when eating and drinking
Abstention
the act of refraining voluntarily
Abstinence
forbearance from any indulgence of appetite
Abstract
conceived apart from concrete realities, specific objects or actual instances, to draw or pull away, remove
Abstruse
difficult to understand; obscure, hard to understand, secret, hidden
Abuse
to use wrongly or improperly
Abyss
an extremely deep hole
AC/ACR
sharp, bitter, sour
Accede
to yield to a demand, to enter office
Accelerant
something used to speed up a process
Accelerate
to increase in speed
Accent
prominence of a syllable in terms of pronunciation
Accident
happening by chance; unexpected
Acclaim
praise enthusiastically and publicly. Enthusiastic and public praise
Accolade
an award or privilege granted as a special honor or an acknowledgement of merit. A touch on a person’s shoulders with a sword at the bestowing of a knighthood
Accretion
an increase by natural growth
Accrue
to be added as a matter of periodic gain
Acerbic
especially of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright. Or tasting sour or bitter, sour or astringent in taste; harsh in temper
Acid
something that is sharp, sour or ill-natured
Acidulous
sharp-tasting or sour
ACOU
hearing
Acoustic
pertaining to hearing; sound made through mechanical, not electronic, means
Acquiesce
to comply, give in
Acquire
to come into possession of
Acquit
free someone from a criminal charge by a verdict of not guilty. Conduct oneself or perform in a specified way
Acrimonious
caustic, stinging or better in nature, typically of speech or a debate angry and bitter
Acrolith
a statue with a stone head and limbs but a wooden body
Acronym
a word formed from the initial letters of a name
Acrophobia
extreme or irrational fear of heights
ACT/AG
to do, to drive, to force, to lead
Acumen
mental sharpness, quickness of wit
Acute
sharp at the end, ending in a point
AD
to, toward, near (often the d is dropped and the first letter to a is which a is prefixed is double)
Adage
a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth
Adapt
adjust or modify fittingly
Adapted
make (something) suitable for a new use or purpose; modify
Addict
to give oneself over, as to a habit or pursuit
Address
to direct a speech or written statement to
Adequate
equal to the requirement or occasion
Adhere
to stick fast, cleave, cling
Adherent
able to adhere; believer or advocate of a particular thing
Adhesive
tending to remain in memory; sticky; an adhesive substance
Adjacent
near, close, or contiguous; adjoining
Adjoin
to be close or in contact with, to be next and joined with
Adjourn
to close a meeting, to put off further proceedings for another day
Adjudicate
to act as a judge
Adjure
to beg or command
Admire
to regard with wonder, pleasure and approval
Admonish
to counsel against something; caution, warn or reprimand someone firmly. Advise or urge someone earnestly
Adolescent
between childhood and adulthood
Adonis
the god of beauty and desire
Adroitly
in a clever or skillful way
Adulterate
render something poorer in quality by adding another substance, typically an inferior one. To make impure
Adumbrate
to foreshadow; to sketch; to overshadow
Adventitious
accidental
Adviser
one who gives counsel
Advocate
a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy. To speak in favor of, to plead in favor, to support or urge by argument
Aesthetic
concerning or appreciation of beauty
Affable
friendly, courteous, good-natured, or easy to talk to
Affidavit
a written statement on oath
Aggrandize
increase the power, status or wealth of. Enhance the reputation of someone beyond what is justified by the facts, to increase in power, influence and reputation
Aggregate
a number of things considered as a collective whole
Aggressive
given to hostile acts or feelings
Agile
quick and well-coordinated in movement; active, lively
Agitate
to move or force into violent, irregular action
Agnostic
a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of anything beyond material phenomena, a person who claims neither faith nor disbelief in God, one who believes the existence of God is not provable
AL/ALI/ALTER
other, another
Algophobia
a phobia of pain
Alias
an assumed name; another name
Alibi
the defense by an accused person that he was verifiably elsewhere at the time of the crime with which he is charged
Alien
one born in another country; a foreigner
Alienate
cause (someone) to feel isolated or estranged. Or transfer ownership of property rights to another person or group
All ready
completely prepared
All together
in the same place
Allegory
figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another
Alleviate
to make easier, to endure, lessen, to make more bearable
Allude
to refer casually or indirectly
Ally
to unite; one in an alliance
Already
by this or that time, previously
Alter ego
the second self; a substitute or deputy
Alternative
a possible choice
Altogether
entirely, completely
Altruism
the belief in or practice of disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others.
Altruist
a person unselfishly concerned for the welfare of others
Altruistic
showing a disinterested and selfless concern for the well-being of others, unselfish
AM
love
Amalgamate
to combine, to mix together
Amateur
a person who engages in an activity for pleasure rather than financial or professional gain
Amatory
of or pertaining to lovers or lovemaking
Amazon
a member of a legendary race of female warriors believed by the ancient Greeks to exist in Scythia or elsewhere on the edge of the known world
AMBI/AMPHI
both, on both sides, around
Ambidextrous
able to use both hand equally well, equally able to use both hands
Ambient
moving around freely; circulating
Ambiguity
the quality of being open to more than one interpretation, inexactness
Ambiguous
doubtful or uncertain; able to be interpreted several ways, of language open to more than one interpretation, having a double meaning. Unclear or inexact because a choice between alternatives has not been made, open to various interpretations
Ambition
strong desire to achieve (from going around for votes)
Ambivalent
being caught between contradictory feelings of equal power or worth
Ambivert
a person whose personality has a balance of extrovert and introvert features
AMBL/AMBUL
to go, to walk
Ambulance
a vehicle equipped for carrying sick people (from the phrase meaning “walking hospital”)
Ambulatory
of, pertaining to, or capable of walking, relating to or adapted for walking. A place for walking
Ameliorate
make something bad or unsatisfactory better, to make better; to improve
Amiable
having or showing agreeable personal qualities, characterized by exhibiting good will
Amity
friendship, peaceful harmony
Amnesiac
a person experiencing a partial or total loss of memory
Amoral
neither moral nor immoral; having no religion to morality
Amorous
include to love, especially sexual love
Amorphous
without definite form; lacking a specific shape
Amphibian
any cold-blooded vertebrate, the larva of which is aquatic and the adult of which is terrestrial; a person or thing having a twofold nature
Amplitude
breadth, range, or magnitude
Amulet
an ornament or small piece of jewelry thought to give protection against evil, danger or disease
Anachronism
a thing belonging or appropriate to a period other than that which it exists, especially a thing that is conspicuously old-fashioned, something out of place in time, something that is out-of-date or belonging to the wrong time
Analogous
similar or alike in some way; equivalent to
Analogy
a comparison between two things, typically for the purpose of explanation or clarification
Anarchy
a state or society without government or law
Anathema
something or someone that vehemently dislikes. A formal curse by a pope or council of the Church, excommunicating a person or denouncing a doctrine
Ancillary
providing necessary support to the primary activities or operation of an organization, intuition, industry or system. Additional or subsidiary
Androgen
any substance that promotes masculine characteristics
Androgynous
being both male and female
Android
a robot, a mechanical man
Andropathy
any disease peculiar to the male sex
Anecdote
a short narrative about an interesting event
ANIM
of the life, mind, soul, breath
Animadvert
pass criticism or censure on, speak out against
Animal
a living being
Animate
bring to live. Give inspiration, encouragement or renewed vigor to
Animosity
a feeling of ill will or enmity, strong hostility
Annals
a record of events, especially a yearly record
Annihilate
wipe out; reduce to nothing
Anniversary
the yearly recurrence of the date of a past event
Announce
to proclaim
Annual
of, for, or pertaining to a year; yearly
ANNUI/ENNI
year
Annuity
a specified income payable to stated individuals
Annul
to cancel; to make into nothing
Anomalous
deviating from what is standard, normal, expected
Anomaly
an irregularity, deviation from the common rule, deviation from what is normal, something that deviates from what is standard, normal or expected
Anonymous
having an unknown or unacknowledged name, of unknown authorship or origin
ANT/ANTE
before
Antagonism
active hostility or opposition
Antagonize
to annoy or provoke to anger
Antebellum
before the war (especially the American Civil War)
Antecede
to come, exist or occur before in time
Antecedent
existing, being or going before
Antedate
precede in time, come before something in date
Antediluvian
before the biblical flood; extremely old, belonging to the period before the biblical flood; very old or old-fashioned
Anterior
nearer the front, especially situated in the front of the body or nearer to the head. Coming before in time, earlier, placed before
ANTHRO/ANDR
man, human
Anthropocentric
regarding humanity as the central fact of the universe
Anthropology
the science that deals with the origins of humankind, the study of human societies and cultures and their development
Anthropomorphism
attribution of human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or natural phenomena
Anthropos
in Greek this means human
ANTI
against, opposite
Antibody
a protein naturally existing in blood serum that reacts to overcome an antigen
Anticipate
to realize beforehand; foretaste or foresee
Anticlimax
a disappointing end to an exciting or impressive series of events
Antidote
a remedy for counteracting the effects of poison, disease, etc., something that prevents or counteracts ill effects
Antipathy
a deep-seated feeling of dislike, aversion, extreme dislike
Antipodal
on the opposite side of the globe
Antipodes
places that are diametrically opposite each other on the globe
Antiseptic
free from germs, particularly clean or neat
Antithetic
of two things that to contradict or oppose one another
Antitoxin
an antibody that counteracts a given poison
Apace
swift, quickly
Apartheid
any system or caste that separates people according to race, etc.
Apathy
lack of interest or emotion
Aperture
an opening, hole or gap
Aphorism
a pithy observation that contains a general truth
Aplomb
self-confidence or assurance, especially when in a demanding situation
APO
away
Apocalypse
revelation, discovery, disclosure
Apocryphal
of a story or statement of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true, of doubtful authorship or authenticity
Apogee
the heist or most distant point
Apology
an expression of one’s regret or sorrow for having wronged another
Apostasy
a total desertion of one’s religion, principles, party, cause, etc., renunciation of an object of one’s previous loyalty
Apostle
one of the 12 disciples sent forth by Jesus to preach the Gospel
Apothegm
a concise saying or maxim, an aphorism
Apotheosis
glorification, glorified ideal
Appease
pacify or placate someone by acceding to their demands. Relieve or satisfy a demand or a feeling, to bring peace to
Appendage
a limb or other subsidiary part that diverges from the central structure
Appendix
supplementary material at the end of a text
Appetite
a desire for food or drink
Appraise
assess the value or quality of
Apprehend
to take into custody
Apprehension
anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen. Or understanding/grasping something or the actin of arresting someone
Approbation
praise, consideration
Approximate
very near; close or being accurate
AQUA/AQUE
water
Aquamarine
a bluish-green color
Aquarium
a tank for keeping fish and other underwater creatures
Aquatic
having to do with water
Aqueduct
a channel for transporting water
Arbitrate
to judge a dispute between two opposing parties
Arcane
understood by few, mysterious or secret
ARCH/ARCHI/ARCHY
chief, principal, ruler
Archaeon
constitute a domain of single-celled organisms
Archaic
ancient; old-fashioned, very old or old fashioned
Archenemy
chief enemy
Archeology
the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains
Architect
the devisor, maker, or planner of anything
Archival
relating to or constituting archives
ARD
to burn
Ardent
burning, fierce, passionate, enthusiastic or passionate
Ardor
enthusiasm or passion, flame, passion, intense and passionate feeling
Arrogant
making claims to superior importance or rights, to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously
Arson
the crime of setting property on fire
Articulate
able to speak clearly and expressively, of a person or a person’s words having or showing the ability to speak fluently and coherently. Express an idea or feeling fluently and coherently
Artificial
made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally, especially as a copy of something natural. Or of a person or behavior being insincere or affected
Artistic
having or revealing natural creative skill
Ascertain
find something out for certain, make sure of, to determine
Ascetic
characterized by or suggesting the practice of severe self-discipline and abstention from indulgency, typically for religious reasons
Ascribe
to credit or assign, as to a cause or course
Askance
with an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval
Asperity
harshness of tone or manner
Aspersion
an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or something
Aspire
to desire; to pant for (originally to breathe on)
Assault
a sudden or violent attack
Assay
determine the content or quality of a metal or ore
Assets
property; possessions (originally enough property to cover one’s debts)
Assiduous
diligent, persistent, hardworking (literally sitting down to business)
Assuage
make an unpleasant feeling less intense. Satisfy an appetite or desire, to make less severe, ease, relieve
Astringent
causing to tighten
Astronaut
one who travels in outer space
Astronomy
the scientific study of the universe beyond the earth
Astute
having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one’s advantage
Atheist
a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods, one who does not believe in a deity or divine system, does not believe in God
Atrophy
the wasting away of body tissue
Attenuate
to reduce in force or degree; to weaken, to weaken or reduce in force
Attest
bear witness
Attract
to draw either by physical force or by an appeal to emotions or senses
Atypical
not typical
Audacious
fearless and daring, showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks. Showing an impudent lack of respect
Augur
of an event or circumstance portend a good or bad outcome. Foresee or predict
Auspice
a divine or prophetic token
Auspicious
conducive to success, favorable
Austere
severe or stern in appearance; undecorated
Authoritarian
favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority, especially that of the government, at the expense of personal freedom
AUTO
self
Autocracy
a system of government by one person with absolute power
Autocrat
an absolute ruler
Automatic
self-moving or self-acting
Automobile
a vehicle that moves under its own power; a motorized car
Autonomy
independence or freedom, self-governance
Avail
to have force; to be useful; to be of value
Avaricious
having or showing an extreme greed for wealth or material gain
Aver
to affirm, to declare to be true
Aversion
dislike
Avert
to turn away from, turn away (one’s eyes or thoughts). Or prevent or ward off (an undesirable occurrence)
Avocation
something one does in addition to a principle occupation
Awry
away from the appropriate, planned or expected course, amiss. Out of the normal or correct position, askew
Axiom
a statement or proposition which regarded as being established, accepted or self-evidently true
Bacchanalian
characterized by or given to drunken revelry, riotously drunken
Baleful
threatening harm, menacing
Banal
predictable, cliched, boring, so lacking in originality as to be obvious and boring
Baneful
harmful or destructive
Banished
send (someone) away from a country or place as an official punishment
Bankruptcy
the state of being completely lacking in a particular quality or value
BE
about, to make, to surround, to affect (often used to transform words into transitive verbs)
BEL/BELL
beautiful
Belabor
argue or elaborate a subject in excessive detail. Attack or assault someone physically or verbally
Belie
to misrepresent, to contradict
Belittle
make someone or something seem unimportant, to make small, to make something appear smaller
BELL
war
Belle
a beautiful woman
Belligerent
warlike, given to waging war
Bemoan
to moan for, to lament
Bemuse
puzzle, confuse or bewilder (someone)
Bemusing
puzzle, confuse or bewilder someone
BEN/BENE
good
Benediction
act of uttering a blessing
Beneficent
of a person generous or doing good
Beneficial
favorable or advantageous, resulting in good
Benefit
anything advantageous to a person or thing
Benevolence
the quality of being well meaning; kindness
Benevolent
characterized by or expressing goodwill, desiring to do good to others, well-meaning and kindly
Benign
having a kindly disposition
Berate
scold or criticize someone angrily
Bereave
be deprived of a loved one through a profound absence, especially due to the loved one’s death
Bete noire
a person or thing that one particularly dislikes
Bewilder
to cause (someone) to become perplexed and confused, to confuse completely (that is, to make one mentally wander)
BI/BIN
two
Bibliophile
one who loves to collect books
Bicentennial
two-hundredth anniversary
Biennial
happening every two years
Bilateral
pertaining to or affecting two or both sides
Bilingual
able to speak one’s native language and another with equal facility, speaking two languages
Bilious
affected by or associated with nausea or vomiting. Spiteful, bad tempered
Binocular
involving two eyes
Bipartisan
representing two parties
Bis
again, as a direction in a musical score indicating that the passage is to be repeated
Bolster
support or strengthen, to prop up, to support; to prop up
Bombastic
high-sounding but with little meaning, inflated, pompous in speech and manner
BON/BOUN
good, generous
Bona fide
in good faith, without fraud
Bonus
something given over and above what is due
Bountiful
generous
Braggadocio
boastful or arrogant behavior
Brazen
bold and without shame. Or to endure an embarrassing or difficult situation by heaving with apparent confidence and lack of shame
BREV/BRID
short, small
Brevet
an honorary promotion with no additional pay
Breviloquent
laconic; concise in one’s speech
Brevity
shortness
Brief
short
Bromide
a trite and unoriginal idea or remark, typically intended to soothe or placate
Burgeoning
beginning to grow or increase rapidly, flourishing
BURS
purse/money
Bursar
treasurer
Bursary
treasury
Cacophony
a harsh discordant mixture of sounds, harsh, jarring noise
CAD/CID
to fall, to happen by chance
Cadaver
a corpse
Cadaverous
resembling a corpse in being very pale, thin and bony
Callow
of a young person inexperienced and immature
Calumny
the making of false and defamatory statements about someone in order to damage their reputation, slander
Canard
an unfounded rumor or story
Candid
impartial and honest in speech, truthful and straightforward, frank. Taken informally, especially without the subject’s knowledge
Candor
the quality of being open and honest in expression, frankness
Canny
having or showing shrewdness and good judgement, especially in money or business matters
CANT/CENT/CHANT
to sing
CAP/CAPIT/CIPIT
head; headlong
CAP/CIP/CEPT
to take, to get
Capital
a city containing the seat of government; the wealth or funds owned by a business or individual; resources, the city or town that is the official seat of government
Capitol
the building in which a legislative body meets
Capitulate
to surrender unconditionally or on stipulated terms
Capricious
changing one’s mind quickly and often, given to sudden and unaccountable changes of mood or behavior
Caption
a heading or title
Captivated
attract and hold the interest and attention of; charm
Capture
to take by force or stratagem
Carcinogenic
producing cancer
CARD
flesh
CARD/CORD/COUR
heart
Cardiac
pertaining to the heart
Careen
move swiftly and in an uncontrolled way in a specific direction
Carnage
the slaughter of a great number of people
Carnival
a traveling amusement show
Carnivorous
eating flesh, meat-eating
Carom
strike and rebound
Carte blanche
complete freedom to act as one wishes or thinks best
Cascade
a waterfall descending over a steep surface
Cast
to throw or hurl; fling
CAST/CHAST
to cut
Caste
a hereditary social group, limited to people of the same rank
Castigate
reprimand someone severely, to punish in order to correct, to punish or criticize harshly
Catalyst
something that brings about a change in something else
Catholic
universal
CAUS/CAUT
to burn
Causative
acting as a cause. Or expressing causation
Caustic
able to burn or corrode organic tissue by chemical action. Or sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way, biting in wit, burning or corrosive
Cautery
an instrument used for branding; branding
Cavil
make petty or unnecessary objections
CED/CEED/CESS
to go, to yield, to stop
CELER
speed
Celerity
speed; quickness
Censure
express severe disapproval of (someone or something), especially in a formal statement
Cent
a hundredth of a dollar
CENT
hundred, hundredth
Centigrade
a temperature system with one hundred degrees between the freezing and boiling points of water
Centimeter
one-hundredth of a meter
Centipede
a creature with many legs
CENTR
center
Centrifugal
flying off from the center
Centrifuge
an apparatus that rotates at high speed and separates substances of different densities using centrifugal force
Centripetal
moving toward the center
Centrist
of or pertaining to moderate political or social ideas
Century
one hundred years
CERN/CERT/CRET/CRIM/CRIT
to separate, to judge, to distinguish, to decide
Certitude
freedom from doubt
Cessation
a temporary or complete discontinuance
Chagrin
distress or embarrassment at having failed or been humiliated
Changeable
able to be changed
Chant
a song; singing
Chaos
great disorder or confusion
Chaste
free from obscenity; decent
Chastise
to discipline, especially by corporal punishment
Chauvinist
a person displaying aggressive or exaggerated patriotism, someone prejudiced in favor of a group to which he or she belongs
Cheerfully
in a way that displays happiness or optimism. Or in a way that inspires feelings of happiness. Or readily and willingly
Chicanery
deception by means or craft or guile, the use of trickery to achieve a political, financial or legal purpose
Chimeric
of a mythical animal formed from parts of various animals. Hoped for but illusory or impossible to achieve
Chortle
laugh in a breathy, gleeful way, chuckle
CHROM
color
Chromatic
having to do with color
Chrome
a metallic element (chromium) used to make vivid colors or something plated with chromium
Chromosome
genetic material that can be studied by coloring it with dyes
CHRON
time
Chronic
constant, habitual
Chronology
the sequential order in which past events occurred
Chronometer
a highly accurate clock or watch
Churlish
rude in a mean-spirited and surly way
Cilice
a hair shirt
CIRCU/CIRCUM
around
Circuit
a line around an area; a racecourse; the path traveled by electrical current
Circuitous
(of a route or journey) longer than the most direct way, roundabout, indirect
Circumference
the outer boundary of a circular area
Circumlocution
the use of many words where fewer would do, especially in a deliberate attempt to be vague or evasive
Circumnavigate
to sail all the way around
Circumscribe
to draw a line around
Circumspect
careful consideration of all circumstances and a desire to avoid mistakes and bad decisions, cautious, watching all sides, watchful and discreet, cautious
Circumstances
the existing conditions or state of affairs surrounding and affecting an agent
Circumvent
find a way around an obstacle. Overcome a problem or difficulty, typically in a clever or surreptitious way
CIS
to cut
CLA/CLO/CLU
to shut, to close
CLAIM/CLAM
to shout, to cry out
Clairvoyants
a person who claims to have a supernatural ability to perceive events in the future or beyond normal sensory contact
Clamor
a loud uproar
Claustrophobia
an abnormal fear of enclosed places, extreme or irrational fear of confined places, fear of enclosed places
Clement
of weather mild. Of a person or person’s actions merciful
CLI
to lean toward
Climax
the most intense point in the development of something
Cloister
a courtyard boarded with covered walks, especially in a religious institution
CO/COL/COM/CON
with, together
Coarse
rough, not smooth; lacking refinement
Coerce
to compel by force, intimidation or authority
Cogent
convincing and well-reasoned, of an argument or case clear, logical and convincing
COGN/CONN
to know
Cognate
related by blood; having a common ancestor
Cognition
the process of knowing
Coherent
logically consistent; having waves in phase and on of one wavelength
Coincidence
a striking occurrence of two or more events at one time; apparently by chance
Collaborate
to work with another, cooperate
Collect
to gather together or assemble
Collide
to strike one another with forceful impact
Colloquial
of ordinary or familiar conversation
Combination
the joining of two or more things into a whole
Combustible
capable of being burned; easily inflame
Command
to order, an order, control
Commend
to give something over to the care of another, to praise
Commensurate
corresponding in size or degree; in proportion (equivalent), suitable in measure, proportionate
Commute
to substitute; exchange; interchange
Compassion
a feeling of deep sympathy for someone struck by misfortune, accompanied by a desire to alleviate suffering
Compatible
capable of existing together in harmony
Compel
to force; to command
Compendious
containing or presenting the essential facts of something in a comprehensive but concise way
Compendium
a collection of concise but detailed information about a particular subject, especially in a book or other publication
Compensate
to counterbalance, offset
Compete
to strive to outdo another
Complacent
self-satisfied, unconcerned, showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements
Complaisant
inclined or disposed to please
Complete
having all parts or elements
Complex
composed of many interconnected parts
Component
a constituent part, elemental ingredient
Comprehension
the action or capability of understanding something
Comprise
to include or contain
Compunction
a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that prevents or follows the doing of something bad, a feeling of uneasiness for doing wrong
Concede
to acknowledge as true, just or proper; admit
Concentrate
to bring to a common center; to converge, to direct toward one point
Concentric
having a common center as in circles or spheres
Conciliate
to placate, win over
Conclude
to bring to an end, finish, to terminate
Concomitantly
at the same time, simultaneously
Concord
agreement, peace, amity
Concordance
agreement, concord, harmony
Concur
to accord in opinion; agree
Condescending
having or showing a feeling of patronizing superiority
Condign
well deserved; fitting adequate
Condolence
expression of sympathy with one who is suffering
Condone
to overlook, pardon, or disregard
Conducive
making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible
Conduct
personal behavior, way of acting
Conductive
contributive, helpful
Confer
to grant, bestow
Confide
to entrust with a secret
Configuration
manner of arrangement, shape
Configured
shape or put together in a particular form or configuration
Confine
to keep or restrict within certain limits, imprison
Conflagration
a large, destructive fire
Confluence
merging into one
Congenital
(of a disease or physical abnormality) present from birth. Or (of a person) having a particular trait from birth or by firmly established habit, existing or as such from birth
Congregate
to come together in a group
Conjecture
formation of opinion on incomplete information
Conjugal
related in marriage, relating to marriage or the relationship of a married couple
Conjunction
joining; occurring together; a connecting word
Connect
to bind or fasten together
Connoisseur
an expert judge in matters of taste
Conquest
the act gaining control by force
Consanguineous
relating to or denoting people descended from the same ancestor
Consanguinity
being related by blood
Conscience
the inner sense of what is right or wrong, impelling one toward right action
Conscious
aware of one’s own existence
Consciousness
the state of being awake and aware of one’s surroundings
Conscription
draft
Consecutive
following continuously, unbroken or logical sequence
Conservative
averse to change or innovation and holding traditional values. Favoring free enterprise, private ownership and socially traditional ideas
Conspicuous
easily seen or noticed; readily observable
Constitute
to make up
Constrain
to confine; to bind within certain limits
Consummate
highly qualified, complete, perfect, make (marriage or relationship) complete by having sexual intercourse. Or showing a high degree of skill and flair, complete or perfect. Or brought to completion
Contact
to touch, to get in touch
Contagious
able to spread by contact, as disease
Contaminate
to corrupt, taint, or otherwise damage the integrity of something by contact or mixture
Contemporaries
a person or thing living or existing at the same time as another
Contentious
quarrelsome, disagreeable, belligerent
Contest
to dispute (from brining a lawsuit by calling witnesses)
Contiguous
directly touching; sharing a boundary
Contort
to twist, to distort
CONTRA/CONTRO/COUNTER
against
Contract
a legally binding document
Contradict
to oppose, to speak against
Contrary
opposed to; opposite
Contravene
to come into conflict with
Contrition
a state of feeling remorseful and penitent
Controversy
a disputation; a quarrel, a public dispute involving a matter of opinion
Convalescent
recovering from illness, recovering strength; healing
Convene
to assemble for some public purpose
Convey
transport or carry to a place. Or to make an idea, impression or feeling known or understandable to someone. Or to communicate a message or information
Convoke
to call together
Convoluted
intricate and complicated
Convolution
a twisting or folding
Coquette
a woman who flirts
CORP/CORS
body
Corporation
a company legally treated as an individual
Corps
a body an organized group of troops
Corpse
a dead body
Correct
to set right
Corroborate
confirm or give support to a statement, theory or finding, to provide supporting evidence
Corset
a garment used to give shape and support to the body
COSM
order, universe, world
Cosmetic
improving the appearance making it look better ordered
Cosmic
relating to the universe
Cosmology
a theory of the universe as a whole
Cosmonaut
an astronaut; an explorer of outer space, one who travels in outer space
Cosmopolitan
worldly
Cosmos
the universe; an orderly system; order
Countenance
a person’s face of facial expression. Support
Counteract
to act against (something) in order to reduce its force or neutralize it
Counterfeit
fake, a false imitation, imitation, forgery
Countermand
to retract an order, to retract an order
Counterpart
a person or thing holding a position or performing a function that corresponds to that of another person or thing in another place
Coup de grace
a final blow or shot given to kill a wounded person or animal
COUR/CUR
running, a course
Courageous
not deterred by danger or pain, brave
Courier
a messenger traveling in haste who bears news
Course
path, series of classes or studies
Covetous
having or showing a great desire to possess something belonging to someone else
Crass
lacking sensitivity, refinement or intelligence
Craven
contemptibly lacking in courage, cowardly
CRE/CRESC/CRET
to grow
Creation
the act of producing or causing to exist
CRED
to believe, to trust
Credentials
anything that provides the basis for belief
Credit
trustworthiness
Credo
any formula of belief
Credulity
willingness to believe or trust too readily
Credulous
having or showing too great a readiness to believe things, too trusting, gullible
Crescendo
steadily increasing volume or force
Criterion
a standard of judgement or criticism
Crypt
a subterranean chamber or vault
CRYPT
hidden
Cryptic
having a meaning that is mysterious or obscure
Cryptography
procedures of making and using secret writing
Cryptology
the science of interpreting secret writings, codes, ciphers and the like
CUB/CUMB
to lie down
Cubicle
any small space or compartment that is partitioned off
CULP
fault, blame
Culpable
deserving blame or censure
Culprit
a person guilty of an offense
Cum laude
with honors
Curmudgeon
a bad-tempered person, especially an old one
Curriculum
the regular course of study
Cursive
handwriting in flowing strokes with the letters joined together
Cursorily
performed with haste and scant attention to detail
Cursory
going rapidly over something, hasty, superficial, hasty and therefore not thorough or detailed
Curt
rudely brief
Curtail
reduce in extent or quantity. To impose a restriction on
DAC/DOC
to teach
Dauntless
showing fearlessness and determination
De trop
not wanted, unwelcome
DE
away, off, down, completely, reversal
Debauchery
excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures
Decadent
decaying, deteriorating
Decamp
depart suddenly or secretly, especially to relocate one’s business or household in another area
Decelerate
to decrease in speed
Decipher
to make out the meaning, to interpret
Decline
(typically of something regarded as good) become smaller, fewer, or less; decrease. Or politely refuse (an invitation or offer), to cause to slope or incline downward
Deconstruction
a method of critical analysis of philosophical and literary language which emphasizes the internal workings of language and conceptual systems, the relational quality of meaning, and the assumptions implicit in forms of expression
Decorum
appropriateness of behavior or conduct; propriety
Decrepit
(of a person) elderly and infirm. Or worn out or ruined because of age or neglect
Decry
publicly denounce
Defame
damage the good reputation of someone, slander or libel, to attack the good name or reputation of
Default
to fail
Defeatist
a person who expects or is excessively ready to accept failure
Defer
put off an action or event to a later time, postpone
Deference
respect, courtesy
Deferential
respectful, to yield to judgement
Deficient
incomplete or insufficient
Defile
sully, mar or spoil. Desecrate or profane something sacred, to make foul, dirty, or unclean
Definitive
decisive, unconditional, final
Deflect
to bend or turn from a purpose
Defunct
no longer existing or functioning
Degenerates
an immoral or corrupt person. Or to decline or deteriorate physically, mentally or morally
Degrade
to humiliate, dishonor, reduce to a lower rank
Deign
to think fit or in accordance with one’s dignity
Dejected
sad, depressed
DELE
to erase
Delete
erase, blot out, remove
Deleterious
causing harm or damage
Delineate
to trace the outline of, to sketch or trace in outline
Deliver
to set free, to save, to hand over
Delude
to mislead the mind or judgement of, deceive
Deluge
a great flood of water
DEM
people
Demagogue
a political leader who seeks support by appealing to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people rather than by using rationale argument. Or rhetorically exploit an issue for political purposes in a way calculated to appeal to the desires and prejudices of ordinary people
Demand
to strongly ask for, to claim, to require
Demise
a person’s death. The end or failure of an enterprise or institution
Democracy
government by the people
Demographics
vital and social statistics of populations
Demote
to move downward in an organization
Demur
raise doubts or objections or show reluctance. The action or process of objecting to or hesitating over something
Denounce
publicly declare to be wrong or evil. Inform against
Depend
to rely; to place trust in
Deplete
to decrease seriously or exhaust the supply of
Deportment
conduct, behavior
Depraved
morally corrupt, wicked. Make someone immoral or wicked
Depreciate
dimmish in value over a period of time. Disparage or belittle something
Deracinate
to uproot
Deride
express contempt for, ridicule, to speak of or treat with contempt; to mock
Derision
contemptuous ridicule or mockery, the act of mockery
Derisive
expressing contempt or ridicule
Dermatologist
a medical practitioner qualified to diagnose and treat skin disorders
Derogatory
belittling, disparaging
Descend
to move from a higher to a lower place
Describe
to tell or depict in words
Descry
catch sight of
Desiccate
to dry out thoroughly
Desolate
deserted; laid waste; left alone
Despotic
of or typical of a despot (a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way), tyrannical
Destitute
without means of subsistence, without the basic necessities of life. Not having
Destitution
poverty so extreme that one lacks the means to provide for oneself
Desultory
at random, unmethodical, jumping from one thing to another; disconnected, lacking a plan, purpose or enthusiasm
Detain
to keep from proceeding
Detest
to despise; to hate (originally to cure something by calling upon God to witness it)
Detestation
intense dislike
Detract
to take away from especially a positive thing
DEXT
right hand, right side, deft
Dexter
on the right
Dexterity
deftness, adroitness
DI
day
DI/DIA
in two, through, across
DI/DIF/DIS
away from, apart, reversal, not
Diagnose
to identify disease or fault from symptoms
Diagram
figure made by drawing lines, an illustration
Dial
a device for seeing the hour of the day, a clock face, rotatable discs or knobs used as a control input
Dialect
a manner of speaking; a regional variety of a language
Dialogue
a conversation between two or more persons, a conversation, especially in a literary work
Diameter
a line going through a circle, dividing it int two
Diaphanous
(especially of fabric) light, delicate and translucent
Diary
a record of one’s days
Diatribe
a forceful and bitter verbal attack against someone or something, an abusive, condemnatory speech
DIC/DICT/DIT
to say, to tell, to use words
Dichotomy
division into two parts, kinds, etc.
Dictionary
a book containing a selection of the words in a language
Dictum
a formal pronouncement from an authoritative source. A short statement that expresses a general truth or principle
Didactic
intended for instruction
Didactically
designed or intended to teach. Intended to convey instruction and information as well as pleasure and entertainment. Making moral observations
Diffidence
modesty or shyness resulting from lack of self-confidence
Diffident
lacking self-confidence, modest or shy because of lack of self-confidence
Diffuse
to pour out and spread, as in a fluid, to spread widely or thinly
DIGN
worth
Dignitary
a person who holds a high rank or office
Dignity
nobility or elevation of character; worthiness
Digress
to depart form the main subject
Dilate
to make larger; to expand, to make wider or larger; to cause to expand
Dilatory
inclined to delay or procrastinate, intended to delay
Dilettante
a person who cultivates an area of interest, such as the arts, without real commitment or knowledge, someone with an amateurish and superficial interest in a topic
Dilute
to make thinner or weaker by the addition of water
Diminish
to lessen
Diminished
made smaller or less
Diminution
the act or process of diminishing
Din
a loud, unpleasant, and prolonged noise. Make someone learn or remember something by constant repetition
Dipsomaniac
a drunkard or alcoholic
Direct
to guide; to put straight
Dirge
a funeral hymn or mournful speech
Disabuse
to set right; to free from error
Disadvantageous
involving or creating unfavorable circumstances that reduce the chances of success or effectiveness
Disavowing
deny any responsibility or support for
Disburse
to pay
Discern
to perceive; to recognize
Disciple
one who is a pupil of the doctrines of another
Disclaim
to deny interest in or connection with
Disclose
to make known, reveal, or uncover
Discomfit
make someone feel uneasy or embarrassed
Disconsolate
without consolation or comfort. Unhappy. Of a place or thing causing or showing a complete lack of comfort, cheerless
Discontent
lack of contentment, dissatisfaction with one’s circumstances
Discord
lack of harmony between persons or things
Discredited
brought into disrepute; having lost respect or credibility
Discreet
judicious in one’s conduct of speech, especially with regard to maintaining silence about something of a delicate nature
Discrete
detached from others, separate, individually separate and distinct
Discursive
digressing from subject to subject. Relating to discourse or modes of discourse
Disdain
the feeling that someone or something is unworthy of one’s consideration or respect; contempt, to look upon or treat with contempt
Disinclination
aversion, distaste
Disingenuous
not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about something than one really does
Dismal
gloomy (for bad days)
Disparage
regard or represent as being of little worth, to belittle, speak disrespectfully about
Disparagingly
meant to belittle the value or importance of someone or something
Disparate
essentially different, fundamentally different; entirely unlike
Dispassion
absence of passion or coolness
Dispassionate
devoid of personal feeling or bias
Dispatch
send off to a destination or for a purpose
Dispel
to drive away; to disperse
Disperse
to drive or send off in various directions
Disport
to divert or amuse oneself
Dispute
a disagreement, argument or debate
Disquiet
lack of calm or peace
Disquietude
state of uneasiness or anxiety
Dissatisfied
feeling that one does not have enough
Dissemble
conceal one’s true motives, feelings or beliefs. Disguise or conceal a feeling or intention, to present a false appearance; to disguise one’s real intentions or character
Disseminate
to scatter or spread widely; promulgate, to spread, to scatter around
Dissent
to differ in opinion especially from the majority
Dissident
disagreeing as in opinion or attitude (literally sitting apart)
Dissipate
to scatter wastefully
Dissipated
with reference to a feeling or other intangible thing disappear or cause to disappear. Squander or fritter away money, energy or resources
Dissolute
indifferent to moral restraints
Dissolution
the act of process of dissolving into parts or elements
Dissolve
to make a solution of, as by mixing in a liquid
Dissonance
a harsh and disagreeable combination, often of sounds
Dissonant
lacking harmony
Dissuade
to deter by advice or persuasion, to deter, to advice against
Distaff
a stick or spindle onto which wool or flax is wound for spinning
Distend
to expand by stretching
Distort
to pull out of shape, often by twisting; to twist or misrepresent facts
Distortion
the action of distorting the state of being distorted. Or the actin of giving a misleading account or impression
Dither
be indecisive. Add white noise to a digital recording to reduce distortion of low-amplitude signals
Diurnal
daily, of or during the daily. Daily, each day
Diverse
of a different kind, form, character
Docile
easily managed or handled, tractable, ready to accept control or instruction, submissive
Doctor
someone licensed to practice medicine; a learned person
Doctrinaire
seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard or practical considerations
Doctrine
a particular principle advocated as of a government or religion
DOG/DOX
opinion
Dogma
a firmly held opinion, often a religious belief, a system of tenets, as of a church
Dogmatic
dictatorial in one’s opinions, included to lay down principles as incontrovertibly true
DOL
to suffer, to pain, to grieve
Doleful
expressing sorrow, mournful, sorrowful
Dolor
a state of great sorrow or distress
Dolorous
feeling or expressing great sorrow or distress, full of pain or sorrow, grievous
Dominate
have a commanding influence on, exercise control over
DON/DOT/DOW
to give
Donate
to present as a gift or contribution
DORM
sleep
Dormant
sleeping, inactive
Dormitory
a place for sleeping; a residence hall
DORS
back
Dorsal
having to do with the back
Double entendre
a word or phrase open to two interpretations, one of which is usually risqué or indecent
Dour
relentlessly severe, stern or gloomy in manner or appearance, sullen, gloomy (originally: hard, obstinate)
Droll
curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement
DUB
doubt
Dubiety
doubtfulness
Dubious
doubtful
DUC/DUCT
to lead
Dudgeon
a feeling of offense or deep resentment
DULC
sweet
Dulcet
sweet, pleasing
Dulcified
sweetened, softened
Dulcimer
a musical instrument
Dupe
to deceive; a person who is easily deceived
Duplicity
deceitfulness in speech or conduct, double-dealing, deceitfulness, double-dealing
DUR
hard, lasting
Durable
able to resist decay
Duration
the length of time something exists
Duress
compulsion by threat; coercion
DYS
faulty, abnormal
Dysfunctional
poorly functioning
Dyslexia
difficulty in learning to read and interpret symbols
Dyspepsia
impaired digestion
Dystrophy
faulty or inadequate nutrition or development
E/EX
out, out of, from, former, completely
Eccentric
off-center
Eclectic
deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources, selecting from or made up from a variety of sources
Eclectic
selecting ideas, etc. from various sources
Eclipsed
(of a celestial body) obscure the light from or to (another celestial body) or to deprive (someone or something) of significance, power or prominence. Or to obscure or block out light
Economy
the careful or thrifty use of resources as of income, materials, or labor
Efface
to rub or wipe out; surpass, eclipse
Effervescent
of a liquid giving off bubbles, fizzy. Vivacious and enthusiastic, with the quality of giving off bubbles of gas
Effete
of a person affected, overrefined and ineffectual, no longer capable or effective action
Efficacy
effectiveness
Effigy
sculpture or model of person
Effluence
flowing out of light, electricity, etc
Effulgent
shining forth
Ego
oneself; the part of oneself that is self-aware
EGO
self
Egocentric
focused on oneself, thinking only of oneself, without regard for the feelings or desires of others. Self-centered
Egoism/egotism
selfishness; self-absorption
Egoist
self-centered or selfish person. (opposite of altruist)
Egregious
outstandingly band; shocking, remarkably bad; standing out from the crowd
Egress
going out, way out
Eject
to throw out, expel
Elect
to choose, to decide
Elegiac
relating to or characteristic of an elegy, wistfully mournful
Elegy
a poem or serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead, a sorrowful poem or speech
Elemental
primary or basic
Elite
a select group that is superior in terms of ability or qualities to the rest of the group or society
Elocution
art of clear and expressive speaking
Eloquent
fluent or persuasive in speaking or writing, persuasive and moving, especially in speech
Elucidate
make something clear, explain
Elude
to avoid capture or escape defection by
EM/EN
in, into
Emaciated
abnormally think or weak, especially based of illness or lack of food
Emancipate
to free from bondage, to free from restraint
Embellish
to make beautiful; to ornament
Embody
be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, quality or feeling). To provide (a spirit) with a physical form. Or to include or contain something as a constituent part
Embolden
give someone the courage or confidence to do something or to behave in a certain way. To cause a piece of text to appear in a bold typeface
Embrace
to clasp in the arms; to include or contain
Embryology
a branch of biology and medicine concerned with the study of embryos and their development
Emerge
to move out of or away from something and come into view. To become apparent, important or prominent. To become known. TO recover from or survive a difficult situation
Eminent
towering above others; projecting
Emissary
a messenger to agent sent to represent the interests of another
Emollient
something that softens or soothes (i.e., a lotion)
Empathy
the identification with the feelings or thoughts or others
Employ
to give work to someone and pay them for it. To keep occupied or make use of
Emulate
match or surpass a person or achievement typically by imitation, to copy; to try to equal or excel
Enamored
inflamed with love; charmed; captive
Enchant
to subject to magical influence; bewitch
Enclose
to close in on all sides
Encomium
a speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly
Encounter
a meeting, often with an opponent
Encourage
to inspire with spirit or confidence
Encumber
restrict or burden someone or something in such a way that free action or movement is difficult
Encyclopedia
book or set of books containing articles on various topics, covering all branches of knowledge of one particular subject
Endemic
peculiar to a particular people or locality
Endogamy
the practice of marrying within a specific social group, caste or ethnic group rejecting those from others as unsuitable for marriage or close personal relationships
Endorse
to sign on the back; to vouch for
Endow
to provide with a permanent fund
Endure
to hold out against; to sustain without yielding, to suffer something painful or difficult patiently. To remain in existence, last
Enervate
cause someone to feel drained of energy or vitality, weakened. Lacking in energy or vitality, to reduce in strength
Enervated
drained of energy or vitality
Engender
cause or give rise to a feeling, situation or condition, to produce, cause, or bring about
Enigma
a puzzle, a mystery
Enigmatic
difficult to interpret or understand. Mysterious
Enjoin
instruct or urge someone to do something. Prescribe an action or attitude to be performed or adopted
Enmity
the state or feeling of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something
Enterprise
a project undertaken
Enthusiastic
to have or show intense and eager enjoyment, interest or approval
Entomic
relating to insects
Entomology
the branch or zoology concerned with the study of insects
Enumerate
to count, list, or itemize
Eon
an indefinite and very long period of time, often a period exaggerated for humorous or rhetorical effect
Ephemeral
lasting a short time, lasting for a very long time
EPI
upon
Epicurean
relating to or suitable for epicure (a person who takes pleasure in fine food and drink)
Epidemic
affecting a large number of people at the same time and spreading from person to person
Epidermis
the outer layer of the skin
Epigram
a pithy saying or remark expressing an idea in a clever and amusing way. A short poem, a short poem, a pointed statement, a witty or pointed saying tersely expressed
Epilogue
a concluding part added to a literary work
Epithet
a word or phrase, used invectively as a term of abuse
Epoch
a period of time in history or a person’s life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics
EQU
equal, event
Equanimity
mental calmness, composure and evenness of temper especially in difficult situations, mental or emotional stability, especially under tension
Equation
the act of making equal
Equidistant
equally distant
Equinox
one of two times in a year when day and night are equal in length
Equitable
fair and impartial
Equity
the quality of being fair and impartial. The value of share issued by a company. The value of a mortgaged property after deduction of charges against it
Equivalent
of equal worth, strength, or use
Equivocal
opening to more than one interpretation; misleading
Equivocate
to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, to use expressions of double meaning in order to mislead
Equivocate
use ambiguous language so as to conceal the truth or avoid committing oneself
Eradicate
to uproot; to wipe out
Erect
upright; starting up straight
Err
to go astray in thought or belief, to be mistaken
ERR
to water
Errant
wandering or traveling, especially in search of adventure
Erratic
deviating from the proper or usual course of conduct, wandering and unpredictable
Erroneous
wrong, incorrect
Error
a deviation from accuracy or correctness
Ersatz
of a product made or used as a substitute, typically an inferior one, for something else. Not real or genuine
Erudite
having or showing great knowledge or learning, learned, scholarly, bookish, scholarly; learned that is trained out of crudeness
ESCE
becoming
Esoteric
intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest, known or understood by only a few
Espouse
adopt or support a cause, belief or way of life
Esprit de corps
feeling of pride, fellowship and common loyalty shared by the members of a particular group
Esteem
respect and admiration, typically for a person
Esthete
a person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and beauty
Estimable
admirable
Esurient
hungry or greedy
Ethnology
the study of the characteristics of various peoples and the differences in relationships between them
Ethnos
an ethnic group
Etymology
the study of the origin of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history
EU
good, well
Eugenics
improvement of qualities of race by control of inherited characteristics
Eulogize
praise highly in speech or writing
Eulogy
a speech or writing in praise of someone, speech in praise of someone, speech or writing in praise or commendation
Euphemism
a mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt when referring to something unpleasant or embarrassing, pleasant-sounding term for something unpleasant, use of an inoffensive word or phrase in place of a more distasteful one
Euphonious
of a sound, especially speech pleasing to the ear
Euphony
pleasantness of sound, the quality of sounding good
Euthanasia
killing a person, painlessly, usually one who has an incurable painful disease
Evade
to escape from; avoid
Evaluate
to determine the worth of
Evident
plain or clear to the sight or understanding, plain or obvious, clearly seen or understood
Evolve
to develop naturally; literally to unfold or unroll
Exacerbate
make a problem, bad situation or negative feeling worse, to increase bitterness or violence; aggravate, to make worse
Exclaim
to cry out or speak suddenly and vehemently
Exclude
to shut out, to leave out
Exclusive
not admitting of something else, shutting out others
Excogitate
to think out, plan or devise
Excoriate
to censure or criticize server. To damage or remove part of the surface of the skin
Excrescence
an outgrowth
Exculpate
show or declare that someone is not guilty of wrongdoing, to clear from blame, prove innocent
Excursion
a short journey or trip
Execrable
abominable
Exhibitionist
a person who behaves in an extravagant way in order to attract attention
Exhort
strongly encourage or urge someone to do something
Exhume
unearth
Exigent
urgent, requiring immediate action
Exonerate
especially of an official body absolve someone from blame for a fault or wrongdoing, especially after due consideration of the case. Release someone from a duty or obligation
Exonerate
to clear of blame, to free from blame (originally to relieve of a burden)
Exorcise
to seek to expel an evil spirit by ceremony
Expatiate
speak or write at length or in detail, to speed up the progress
Expel
to drive out; to banish; to eject
Expiate
atone for guilt or sin
Expire
to breath out: to breathe one’s last; to come to an end
Explicit
clearly stated or shown; forthright in expression
Export
to transmit abroad
Expose
to lay open to danger, attack or harm
Expository
intended to explain or describe something
Expound
to set forth in detail
Expunge
to erase, eliminate completely
Exquisite
of special beauty or charm
Extenuating
making less serious by offering excuses
Extol
to praise enthusiastically
Extort
to wring money, property or services out of somebody using threats or force
EXTRA
outside, beyond
Extract
to take out, obtain against a person’s will
Extradite
to hand over (person accused of crime) to state where crime was committed
Extraordinary
beyond the ordinary
Extrapolate
to estimate unknown facts or values from known data
Extrasensory
derived by means other than known senses
Extricate
to disentangle, release
Extrovert
an outgoing person, a person predominantly concerned with external things or objective considerations
Exult
to show or feel triumphant joy
FAB/FAM
to speak
Fable
fictional tale especially legendary
FAC/FIC/FIG/FAIT/FEIT/FY
to do, to make
Facet
one side of something many sided, especially of a cut gem
Facetious
treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor, flippant
Facilitate
make an action or process easy or easier
Facsimile
an exact copy, especially of written or printed materials. To make a copy of
Faction
small dissenting group with in a larger one especially in politics
Factious
irritable, peevish, artificially created or developed
Factory
building for manufacture of goods
Facture
breakage especially of a bone
Fail
to be insufficient, to be unsuccessful, to die out
FAL
to err, to deceive
Fallacious
based on a mistaken belief
Fallacy
a flawed argument
False
not true, erroneous, lying
Famous
well-known, celebrated
Fanatical
acting excessively enthusiastic; filled with extreme, unquestioned devotion
Fatalist
someone who feels that no matter what he or she does, the outcome will always be the same because it’s predetermined
FATU
foolish
Fatuity
foolishness, stupidity
Fatuous
foolish, stupid
Faux pas
a false step, a social gaffe, an embarrassing or tactless act or remark in a social situation
Fawn
producing young, to grovel
Fealty
a feudal tenant’s or vassal’s sworn loyalty to a lord
Feigned
simulated or pretended, insecure
Felicitous
well-chosen or suited to the circumstances. Or pleasing and fortunate
Fell
past of fall down
FER
to bring, to carry, to bear
FERV
to boil, to bubble
Fervency
feelings of great warmth and intensity
Fervid
ardent, intense, intensely emotional; feverish, intensely enthusiastic or passionate, especially to an excessive degree
Fervor
passion, zeal
Fetid
smelling extremely unpleasant
Fetish
a form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, item of clothing or part of the body. An inanimate object worshiped for its supposed magical powers or because it is considered to be inhabited by a spirit
Fetter
a chain or manacle used to restrain a prisoner, typically by the ankles. Restrain with chains or manacles
Fey
giving an impression of vague unworldliness (supernatural)
FI/FID
faith, trust
Fiasco
a thing that is a complete failure, especially in a ludicrous or humiliating way
Fidelity
faithfulness, loyalty
Fiduciary
of a trust, held or given in trust
Filial
of or due from a son or daughter
Filtration
the action or process of filtering something
FIN
end
Final
at the end, coming last
Finesse
intricate and refined delicacy. Artful, subtlety, typically that needed for tactful handling of a difficulty
Fissure
split or crack something to form a long narrow opening
FLAGR/FLAM
to burn
Flagrant
blatant, scandalous, of something considered wrong or immoral conspicuously or obviously offensive
Flambeau
a lighted torch
Flamboyant
a person or their behavior tending to attract attention because of their exuberance, confidence or stylishness. Noticeable because of brightly colored, highly patterned or unusual in style
FLECT/FLEX
to bend, to turn
Fledgling
bring up until it’s wing feathers are developed enough for flight
Flexible
able to bend without breaking
Flippant
not showing a serious or respectful attitude
Florid
excessively decorated or embellished
FLU/FLUX
to flow
Fluctuation
something that varies, rising and falling
Fluid
a substance, especially gas or liquid capable of flowing freely
Foible
a minor weakness or eccentricity in someone’s character
Foment
to arouse or incite
Forage
of a person or animal search widely for food or provisions. Obtain food or provisions
FORE
before
Foreshadow
be warning or indication of future event
Foresight
care or provision for future
Forestall
to prevent by advance action
Forfend
avert, keep away or prevent something evil or unpleasant. Protect something by precautionary measures
Forlorn
pitifully sad and abandoned or lonely
Formative
serving to form something, especially having a profound and lasting influence on a person’s development
FORT
chance, strength
Forte
a thing at which someone excels, strong point, something a person does well
Forthright
straightforward, outspoken, decisive
Fortify
to provide with fortifications; strengthen
Fortissimo
very loud
Fortnight
a period of two weeks
Fortuitous
happening by accident or chance rather than design. Happening by a lucky chance, fortunate, happening by luck
Fortunate
lucky, auspicious
Fortune
chance or luck in human affairs
FRA/FRAC/FRAG/FRING
to break
Fragment
a part broken off
Frankness
the quality of being open, honest, and direct in speech or writing
Fraternal
of or like a brother or brothers
Fratricide
the killing of one’s brother or sister
Frugality
a tendency to be thrifty or cheap
Frustration
the feeling of being upset or annoyed, especially because of the inability to change or achieve something
FUG
to feel, to fly
Fugitive
on the run, someone who flees
Fugue
a musical composition in which subsequent parts imitate or pursue the first part, a psychological state in which one flies from one’s own identity
FULG
to shine
Fulsome
complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree. A large size or quantity, generous or abundant
FUM
smoke
Fume
smoke, scented vapor, to emit smoke or vapors
Fumigate
to treat with smoke or vapors
Furtively
in a way that attempts to avoid notice or attention. Secretively
FUS
to pour
Fusillade
continuous discharge of firearms or outburst of criticism
Futilitarian
devoted to futile (incapable of producing any useful result, pointless) pursuits
Gainsay
deny or contradict a fact or statement. Speak against or oppose someone. full
Garner
gather or collect something, especially information or approval. Or store/deposit
Garrulous
excessively talkative, especially on trivial matters, tending to talk a lot
Gastronomy
the art or science of good eating
Gaucherie
awkward, embarrassing or unsophisticated ways
GEN
birth, creation, race, kind
Gender
classification roughly corresponding to the two sexes and sexlessness
Generous
giving or given freely
Genetics
the study of heredity and variation among animals and plants
Genuflect
to bend knee, especially in worship
Geology
the science that deals with the earth’s physical structure and substance, its history and the processes that act on it
Gesticulate
uses gestures, especially dramatic ones, instead of speaking or to emphasize one’s words
Gibe
an insulting or mocking remark, a taunt
Glibly
speaking or spoken carelessly and often insincerely a glib (of words or the person speaking them fluent and voluble but insincere and shallow) answer
GNI/GNO
to know
Gourmet
a connoisseur of good food, a person with a discerning palate
Gracious
kindly especially to inferiors, merciful
GRAD/GRESS
to step
Gradual
taking place or progressing slowly or by degrees
GRAM/GRAPH
to write, to draw
Grammar
a system of language and its rules
Grandiloquent
pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, especially in a way that is intended to impress
Grandiloquent
pompous or inflated in language
Graph
a diagram used to convey mathematical information
Graphite
mineral used for writing as the “lead” in pencils
GRAT
pleasing
Grateful
thankful
Gratuity
money given for good service
GREG
flock
Gregarious
of a person fond of company, sociable, outgoing, sociable, sociable; enjoying spending time with others
Guile
deceit or tricker, sly or cunning intelligence
Gullible
easily deceived, easily persuaded to believe something, credulous (having or showing too great a readiness to believe things)
Gyrate
move or cause to move in a circle or spiral, especially quickly
Hackneyed
of a phrase or an idea lacking significance through having been overused. Unoriginal and trite
HAP
by chance
Haphazard
at random
Hapless
without luck
Happen
occur originally to occur by chance
Happily
through good fortune
Happy
pleased, as by good fortune
Harangue
a lengthy and aggressive speech
Harbinger
a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another. A forerunner of something
Harmonious
tuneful, not discordant. Forming a pleasing or consistent whole. Free from disagreement or dissent
Headlong
with the head foremost. In a rush; with reckless haste
Hear
to listen to or to perceive by the ear
Hector
talk to someone in a bullying way
Hedonism
the pursuit of pleasure, sensual self-indulgence
Hegemonic
ruling or dominant in a political or social context
Hegemony
leadership or dominance, especially by one country or social group over others
HEMI
half
Hemisphere
half a sphere, half of the Earth
Hemistich
half a line of poetry
HER/HES
to stick
Here
in this location
Heredities
the transmission from one generation to another of genetic factors that determine individual characteristics
Heroine
a woman admired or idealized for her courage, outstanding achievements or noble qualities
Heterodox
different from acknowledged standard; holding unorthodox opinions or doctrines
Heterogeneous
of other origin; not originating in the body
Heterosexual
of or pertaining to sexual orientation toward members of the opposite sex; relating to different sexes
Hiatus
a pause or gap in a sequence, series or process
Hierarchy
a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other according to status or authority
Hilarity
extreme amusement, especially when expressed by laughter. Boisterous merriment
Hinder
create difficulties for someone or something, resulting in delay or obstruction
Hitherto
until now or until the point in time under discussion
HOL
whole
Holistic
considering something as a unified whole
Holocaust
a burnt offering, complete destruction by fire or other means
Hologram
a sort of three-dimensional image
Holograph
a document written entirely by the person whose name is on it
Homeostasis
a relatively stable state of equilibrium
Homogeneous (or Homogenous)
of a similar kind, of the same kind, alike. Consisting of parts all of the same kind or degree, of the same or a similar kind of nature; of uniform structure of composition throughout
Homonym
one of two or more words spelled and pronounced alike by different in meaning
Homosexual
of, relating to, or exhibiting sexual desire toward a member of one’s own sex
HPYO
under, beneath, less than
HUM
earth
Humble
down to earth
Humility
the state of being humble
Hydrophobia
fear of water, which is a symptom of rabies; rabies
HYPER
over, excessive
Hyperactive
excessively active
Hyperbole
purposeful exaggeration for effect
Hyperglycemia
an abnormally high concentration of sugar in the blood
Hypochondriac
a person who is abnormally anxious about their health, one affected by extreme depression of mind or spirits, often centered on imaginary physical ailments
Hypocrite
a person who pretends to have beliefs that she does not
Hypocritical
pretending to have beliefs one does not
Hypodermic
relating to the parts beneath the skin
Hypothesis
assumption subject to proof
