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GRE Big Book Word List
abase v. To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade. abbess
n. The lady superior of a nunnery. abbey n. The group of buildings which
collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of monks or nuns. abbot n.
The superior of a community of monks. abdicate v. To give up (royal power or
the like). abdomen n. In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm
and the pelvic floor; the belly. abdominal n. Of, pertaining to, or situated
on the abdomen. abduction n. A carrying away of a person against his will,
or illegally. abed adv. In bed; on a bed. aberration n. Deviation from a
right, customary, or prescribed course. abet v. To aid, promote, or
encourage the commission of (an offense). abeyance n. A state of suspension
or temporary inaction. abhorrence n. The act of detesting extremely.
abhorrent adj. Very repugnant; hateful. abidance n. An abiding.
abject adj. Sunk to a low condition. abjure v. To recant, renounce,
repudiate under oath. able-bodied adj. Competent for physical service.
ablution n. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body. abnegate v.
To renounce (a right or privilege). abnormal adj. Not conformed to the
ordinary rule or standard. abominable adj. Very hateful. abominate v. To
hate violently. abomination n. A very detestable act or practice.
aboriginal adj. Primitive; unsophisticated. aborigines n. The original
of earliest known inhabitants of a country. aboveboard adv. & adj.
Without concealment, fraud, or trickery. abrade v. To wear away the surface
or some part of by friction. abrasion n. That which is rubbed off.
abridge v. To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning
out minor particles. abridgment n. A condensed form as of a book or play.
abrogate v. To abolish, repeal. abrupt adj. Beginning, ending, or
changing suddenly or with a break. abscess n. A Collection of pus in a
cavity formed within some tissue of the body. abscission n. The act of
cutting off, as in a surgical operation. abscond v. To depart suddenly and
secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest. absence n. The fact of not
being present or available. absent-minded adj. Lacking in attention to
immediate surroundings or business. absolution n. Forgiveness, or passing
over of offenses. absolve v. To free from sin or its penalties. absorb
v. To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water. absorption n. The act
or process of absorbing. abstain v. To keep oneself back (from doing or
using something). abstemious adj. Characterized by self denial or
abstinence, as in the use of drink, food. abstinence n. Self denial.
abstruse adj. Dealing with matters difficult to be understood. absurd
adj. Inconsistent with reason or common sense. abundant adj. Plentiful.
abusive adj. Employing harsh words or ill treatment. abut v. To touch at
the end or boundary line. abyss n. Bottomless gulf. academic adj. Of or
pertaining to an academy, college, or university. academician n. A member of
an academy of literature, art, or science. academy n. Any institution where
the higher branches of learning are taught. accede v. To agree.
accelerate v. To move faster. accept v. To take when offered. access
n. A way of approach or entrance; passage. accessible adj. Approachable.
accession n. Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government.
accessory n. A person or thing that aids the principal agent. acclaim v.
To utter with a shout. accommodate v. To furnish something as a kindness or
favor. accompaniment n. A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting
the leading part. accompanist n. One who or that which accompanies.
accompany v. To go with, or be associated with, as a companion.
accomplice n. An associate in wrong-doing. accomplish v. To bring to
pass. accordion n. A portable free-reed musical instrument. accost v. To
speak to. account n. A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or
of business transactions. accouter v. To dress. accredit v. To give
credit or authority to. accumulate v. To become greater in quantity or
number. accuracy n. Exactness. accurate adj. Conforming exactly to truth
or to a standard. accursed adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.
accusation n. A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error. accusatory adj.
Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation. accuse v. To charge with
wrong doing, misconduct, or error. accustom v. To make familiar by use.
acerbity n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency. acetate n. A salt
of acetic acid. acetic adj. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar.
ache v. To be in pain or distress. Achillean adj. Invulnerable.
achromatic adj. Colorless, acid n. A sour substance. acidify v. To
change into acid. acknowledge v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or
validity of. acknowledgment n. Recognition. acme n. The highest point,
or summit. acoustic adj. Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing.
acquaint v. To make familiar or conversant. acquiesce v. To comply;
submit. acquiescence n. Passive consent. acquire v. To get as one's own.
acquisition n. Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or
labor. acquit v. To free or clear, as from accusation. acquittal n. A
discharge from accusation by judicial action. acquittance n. Release or
discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility. acreage n.
Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land. acrid adj.
Harshly pungent or bitter. acrimonious adj. Full of bitterness. acrimony
n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper. actionable adj. Affording
cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words. actuality n.
Any reality. actuary n. An officer, as of an insurance company, who
calculates and states the risks and premiums. actuate v. To move or incite
to action. acumen n. Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment;
keenness of discrimination. acute adj. Having fine and penetrating
discernment. adamant n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or
impenetrability. addendum n. Something added, or to be added. addle v.
To make inefficient or worthless; muddle. adduce v. To bring forward or name
for consideration. adhere v. To stick fast or together. adherence n.
Attachment. adherent adj. Clinging or sticking fast. adhesion n. The
state of being attached or joined. adieu inter. Good-by; farewell.
adjacency n. The state of being adjacent. adjacent n. That which is near
or bordering upon. adjudge v. To award or bestow by formal decision.
adjunct n. Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding
a subordinate place. adjuration n. A vehement appeal. adjutant adj.
Auxiliary. administrator n. One who manages affairs of any kind.
admissible adj. Having the right or privilege of entry. admittance n.
Entrance, or the right or permission to enter. admonish v. To warn of a
fault. admonition n. Gentle reproof. ado n. unnecessary activity or
ceremony. adoration n. Profound devotion. adroit adj. Having skill in
the use of the bodily or mental powers. adulterant n. An adulterating
substance. adulterate v. To make impure by the admixture of other or baser
ingredients. adumbrate v. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem.
advent n. The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state,
or personage. adverse adj. Opposing or opposed. adversity n. Misfortune.
advert v. To refer incidentally. advertiser n. One who advertises,
especially in newspapers. advisory adj. Not mandatory. advocacy n. The
act of pleading a cause. advocate n. One who pleads the cause of another, as
in a legal or ecclesiastical court. aerial adj. Of, pertaining to, or like
the air. aeronaut n. One who navigates the air, a balloonist.
aeronautics n. the art or practice of flying aircraft aerostat n. A
balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air. aerostatics
n. The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and
mechanical properties. affable adj. Easy to approach. affect v. To act
upon affectation n. A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt.
affiliate n. Some auxiliary person or thing. affirmative adj. Answering
yes; to a question at issue. affix v. To fasten. affluence n. A profuse
or abundant supply of riches. affront n. An open insult or indignity.
afire adv. & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively. afoot adv. In
progress. aforesaid adj. Said in a preceding part or before. afresh adv.
Once more, after rest or interval. afterthought n. A thought that comes
later than its appropriate or expected time. agglomerate v. To pile or heap
together. aggrandize v. To cause to appear greatly. aggravate v. To make
heavier, worse, or more burdensome. aggravation n. The fact of being made
heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc. aggregate n.
The entire number, sum, mass, or quantity of something. aggress v. To make
the first attack. aggression n. An unprovoked attack. aggrieve v. To
give grief or sorrow to. aghast adj. Struck with terror and amazement.
agile adj. Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally. agitate
v. To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts). agrarian adj. Pertaining to
land, especially agricultural land. aide-de-camp n. An officer who receives
and transmits the orders of the general. ailment n. Slight sickness.
airy adj. Delicate, ethereal. akin adj. Of similar nature or qualities.
alabaster n. A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum. alacrity
n. Cheerful willingness. albeit conj. Even though. albino n. A person
with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink
iris. album n. A book whose leaves are so made to form paper frames for
holding photographs or the like. alchemy n. Chemistry of the middle ages,
characterized by the pursuit of changing base metals to gold. alcohol n. A
volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste.
alcoholism n. A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of
alcoholic beverages. alcove n. A covered recess connected with or at the
side of a larger room. alder n. Any shrub or small tree of the genus
Alumnus, of the oak family. alderman n. A member of a municipal legislative
body, who usually exercises also certain judicial functions. aldermanship n.
The dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman. alias n.
An assumed name. alien n. One who owes allegiance to a foreign government.
alienable adj. Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands. alienate
v. To cause to turn away. alienation n. Estrangement. aliment n. That
which nourishes. alkali n. Anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime,
magnesia, etc. allay v. To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of;
mitigate. allege v. To assert to be true, especially in a formal manner, as
in court. allegory n. The setting forth of a subject under the guise of
another subject of aptly suggestive likeness. alleviate v. To make less
burdensome or less hard to bear. alley n. A narrow street, garden path,
walk, or the like. alliance n. Any combination or union for some common
purpose. allot v. To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person.
allotment n. Portion. allude v. To refer incidentally, or by suggestion.
allusion n. An indirect and incidental reference to something without
definite mention of it. alluvion n. Flood. ally n. A person or thing
connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness. almanac n.
A series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain
astronomical information. aloof adv. Not in sympathy with or desiring to
associate with others. altar n. Any raised place or structure on which
sacrifices may be offered or incense burned. alter v. To make change in.
alteration n. Change or modification. altercate v. To contend angrily or
zealously in words. alternate n. One chosen to act in place of another, in
case of the absence or incapacity of that other. alternative n. Something
that may or must exist, be taken or chosen, or done instead of something else.
altitude n. Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as
the sea. alto n. The lowest or deepest female voice or part. altruism n.
Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest. altruist n. One who
advocates or practices altruism. amalgam n. An alloy or union of mercury
with another metal. amalgamate v. To mix or blend together in a homogeneous
body. amateur adj. Practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but
not as a profession. amatory adj. Designed to excite love. ambidextrous
adj. Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease.
ambiguous adj. Having a double meaning. ambitious adj. Eagerly desirous
and aspiring. ambrosial adj. Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious.
ambulance n. A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded.
ambulate v. To walk about ambush n. The act or state of lying concealed
for the purpose of surprising or attacking the enemy. ameliorate v. To
relieve, as from pain or hardship amenable adj. Willing and ready to submit.
Americanism n. A peculiar sense in which an English word or phrase is used
in the United States. amicable adj. Done in a friendly spirit. amity n.
Friendship. amorous adj. Having a propensity for falling in love.
amorphous adj. Without determinate shape. amour n. A love-affair,
especially one of an illicit nature. ampere n. The practical unit of
electric-current strength. ampersand n. The character &; and.
amphibious adj. Living both on land and in water. amphitheater n. An
edifice of elliptical shape, constructed about a central open space or arena.
amplitude n. Largeness. amply adv. Sufficiently. amputate v. To
remove by cutting, as a limb or some portion of the body. amusement n.
Diversion. anachronism n. Anything occurring or existing out of its proper
time. anagram n. The letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a
different word or phrase. analogous adj. Corresponding (to some other) in
certain respects, as in form, proportion, relations. analogy n. Reasoning in
which from certain and known relations or resemblance others are formed.
analyst n. One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method.
analyze v. To examine minutely or critically. anarchy n. Absence or
utter disregard of government. anathema n. Anything forbidden, as by social
usage. anatomy n. That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of
organisms. ancestry n. One's ancestors collectively. anecdote n. A brief
account of some interesting event or incident. anemia n. Deficiency of blood
or red corpuscles. anemic adj. Affected with anemia. anemometer n. An
instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind. anesthetic adj.
Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation. anew adv. Once more.
angelic adj. Saintly. Anglophobia n. Hatred or dread of England or of
what is English. Anglo-Saxon n. The entire English race wherever found, as
in Europe, the United States, or India. angular adj. Sharp-cornered.
anhydrous adj. Withered. animadversion n. The utterance of criticism or
censure. animadvert v. To pass criticism or censure. animalcule n. An
animal of microscopic smallness. animate v. To make alive. animosity n.
Hatred. annalist n. Historian. annals n. A record of events in their
chronological order, year by year. annex v. To add or affix at the end.
annihilate v. To destroy absolutely. annotate v. To make explanatory or
critical notes on or upon. annual adj. Occurring every year. annuity n.
An annual allowance, payment, or income. annunciation n. Proclamation.
anode n. The point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an
electrolyte or the like. anonymous adj. Of unknown authorship.
antagonism n. Mutual opposition or resistance of counteracting forces,
principles, or persons. Antarctic adj. Pertaining to the south pole or the
regions near it. ante v. In the game of poker, to put up a stake before the
cards are dealt. antecede v. To precede. antecedent n. One who or that
which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, order, or causality.
antechamber n. A waiting room for those who seek audience. antedate v.
To assign or affix a date to earlier than the actual one. antediluvian adj.
Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the days
of Noah. antemeridian adj. Before noon. antemundane adj. Pertaining to
time before the world's creation. antenatal adj. Occurring or existing
before birth. anterior adj. Prior. anteroom n. A room situated before
and opening into another, usually larger. anthology n. A collection of
extracts from the writings of various authors. anthracite n. Hard coal.
anthropology n. The science of man in general. anthropomorphous adj.
Having or resembling human form. antic n. A grotesque, ludicrous, or
fantastic action. Antichrist n. Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a
person or a power. anticlimax n. A gradual or sudden decrease in the
importance or impressiveness of what is said. anticyclone n. An atmospheric
condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward. antidote
n. Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or
the like. antilogy n. Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas.
antipathize v. To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or
dislike. antiphon n. A response or alteration of responses, generally
musical. antiphony n. An anthem or other composition sung responsively.
antipodes n. A place or region on the opposite side of the earth.
antiquary n. One who collects and examines old things, as coins, books,
medals, weapons, etc. antiquate v. To make old or out of date. antique
adj. Pertaining to ancient times. antiseptic n. Anything that destroys or
restrains the growth of putrefactive micro-organisms. antislavery adj.
Opposed to human slavery. antispasmodic adj. Tending to prevent or relieve
non-inflammatory spasmodic affections. antistrophe n. The inversion of terms
in successive classes, as in "the home of joy and the joy of home".
antitoxin n. A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of
micro-organisms. antonym n. A word directly opposed to another in meaning.
anxious adj. Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter. apathy
n. Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling. aperture n. Hole.
apex n. The highest point, as of a mountain. aphorism n. Proverb.
apiary n. A place where bees are kept. apogee n. The climax. apology
n. A disclaimer of intentional error or offense. apostasy n. A total
departure from one's faith or religion. apostate adj. False. apostle n.
Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority. apothecary n. One
who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions. apotheosis n.
Deification. appall v. To fill with dismay or horror. apparent adj.
Easily understood. apparition n. Ghost. appease v. To soothe by quieting
anger or indignation. appellate adj. Capable of being appealed to.
appellation n. The name or title by which a particular person, class, or
thing is called. append v. To add or attach, as something accessory,
subordinate, or supplementary. appertain v. To belong, as by right, fitness,
association, classification, possession, or natural relation. apposite adj.
Appropriate. apposition n. The act of placing side by side, together, or in
contact. appraise v. To estimate the money value of. appreciable adj.
Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect. apprehend v. To make
a prisoner of (a person) in the name of the law. apprehensible adj. Capable
of being conceived. approbation n. Sanction. appropriate adj. Suitable
for the purpose and circumstances. aqueduct n. A water-conduit, particularly
one for supplying a community from a distance. aqueous adj. Of, pertaining
to, or containing water. arbiter n. One chosen or appointed, by mutual
consent of parties in dispute, to decide matters. arbitrary adj. Fixed or
done capriciously. arbitrate v. To act or give judgment as umpire. arbor
n. A tree. arboreal adj. Of or pertaining to a tree or trees.
arborescent adj. Having the nature of a tree. arboretum n. A botanical
garden or place devoted to the cultivation of trees or shrubs. arboriculture
n. The cultivation of trees or shrubs. arcade n. A vaulted passageway or
street; a roofed passageway having shops, etc., opening from it. archaic
adj. Antiquated archaism n. Obsolescence. archangel n. An angel of high
rank. archbishop n. The chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province
in the Greek, Roman, and Anglican church. archdeacon n. A high official
administrator of the affairs of a diocese. archaeology n. The branch of
anthropology concerned with the systematic investigation of the relics of man.
archetype n. A prototype. archipelago n. Any large body of water studded
with islands, or the islands collectively themselves. ardent adj. Burning
with passion. ardor n. Intensity of passion or affection. arid adj. Very
dry. aristocracy n. A hereditary nobility aristocrat n. A hereditary
noble or one nearly connected with nobility. armada n. A fleet of
war-vessels. armful n. As much as can be held in the arm or arms. armory
n. An arsenal. aroma n. An agreeable odor. arraign v. To call into
court, as a person indicted for crime, and demand whether he pleads guilty or
not. arrange v. To put in definite or proper order. arrangement n. The
act of putting in proper order, or the state of being put in order. arrant
adj. Notoriously bad. arrear n. Something overdue and unpaid. arrival n.
A coming to stopping-place or destination. arrogant adj. Unduly or
excessively proud, as of wealth, station, learning, etc. arrogate v. To
take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or grounds.
Artesian well n. A very deep bored well. water rises due to underground
pressure artful adj. Characterized by craft or cunning. Arthurian adj.
Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story.
artifice n. Trickery. artless adj. Ingenuous. ascendant adj.
Dominant. ascension n. The act of rising. ascent n. A rising, soaring,
or climbing. ascetic adj. Given to severe self-denial and practicing
excessive abstinence and devotion. ascribe v. To assign as a quality or
attribute. asexual adj. Having no distinct sexual organs. ashen adj.
Pale. askance adv. With a side or indirect glance or meaning. asperity
n. Harshness or roughness of temper. aspirant n. One who seeks earnestly, as
for advancement, honors, place. aspiration n. An earnest wish for that which
is above one's present reach. aspire v. To have an earnest desire, wish, or
longing, as for something high and good, not yet attained. assailant n. One
who attacks. assassin n. One who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or
secretly. assassinate v. To kill, as by surprise or secret assault,
especially the killing of some eminent person. assassination n. Murderer, as
by secret assault or treachery. assay n. The chemical analysis or testing of
an alloy ore. assent v. To express agreement with a statement or matter of
opinion. assess v. To determine the amount of (a tax or other sum to be
paid). assessor n. An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes. assets
n. pl. Property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts.
assiduous adj. Diligent. assignee n. One who is appointed to act for
another in the management of certain property and interests. assimilate v.
To adapt. assonance n. Resemblance or correspondence in sound. assonant
adj. Having resemblance of sound. assonate v. To accord in sound, especially
vowel sound. assuage v. To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as
excitement, appetite, pain, or disease. astringent adj. Harsh in disposition
or character. astute adj. Keen in discernment. atheism n. The denial of
the existence of God. athirst adj. Wanting water. athwart adv. From side
to side. atomizer n. An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as
for disinfection, inhalation, etc. atone v. To make amends for.
atonement n. Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury.
atrocious adj. Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel.
atrocity n. Great cruelty or reckless wickedness. attache n. A
subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy. attest v. To certify as
accurate, genuine, or true. attorney-general n. The chief law-officer of a
government. auburn adj. Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair.
audacious adj. Fearless. audible adj. Loud enough to be heard.
audition n. The act or sensation of hearing. auditory adj. Of or
pertaining to hearing or the organs or sense of hearing. augment v. To make
bigger. augur v. To predict. Augustinian adj. Pertaining to St.
Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him. aura n.
Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons aural adj. Of
or pertaining to the ear. auricle n. One of the two chambers of the heart
which receives the blood from the veins. auricular adj. Of or pertaining to
the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing. auriferous adj. Containing
gold. aurora n. A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the
atmosphere. auspice n. favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or
guidance. austere adj. Severely simple; unadorned. autarchy n.
Unrestricted power. authentic adj. Of undisputed origin. authenticity n.
The state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship claimed.
autobiography n. The story of one's life written by himself. autocracy
n. Absolute government. autocrat n. Any one who claims or wields
unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence. automaton n. Any living
being whose actions are or appear to be involuntary or mechanical.
autonomous adj. Self-governing. autonomy n. Self-government. autopsy
n. The examination of a dead body by dissection to ascertain the cause of death.
autumnal adj. Of or pertaining to autumn. auxiliary n. One who or that
which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary or accessory.
avalanche n. The fall or sliding of a mass of snow or ice down a
mountain-slope, often bearing with it rock. avarice n. Passion for getting
and keeping riches. aver v. To assert as a fact. averse adj. Reluctant.
aversion n. A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some
particular thing. avert v. To turn away or aside. aviary n. A spacious
cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept. avidity n. Greediness.
avocation n. Diversion. avow v. To declare openly. awaken v. To
arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like. awry adv. & adj. Out of the
proper form, direction, or position. aye adv. An expression of assent.
azalea n. A flowering shrub. azure n. The color of the sky. Baconian
adj. Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy. bacterium
n. A microbe. badger v. To pester. baffle v. To foil or frustrate.
bailiff n. An officer of court having custody of prisoners under
arraignment. baize n. A single-colored napped woolen fabric used for
table-covers, curtains, etc. bale n. A large package prepared for
transportation or storage. baleful adj. Malignant. ballad n. Any popular
narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form. balsam n.
A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing. banal adj.
Commonplace. barcarole n. A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers. barograph
n. An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric
pressure. barometer n. An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure
per unit of surface. barring prep. Apart from. baritone adj. Having a
register higher than bass and lower than tenor. bask v. To make warm by
genial heat. bass adj. Low in tone or compass. baste v. To cover with
melted fat, gravy, while cooking. baton n. An official staff borne either as
a weapon or as an emblem of authority or privilege. battalion n. A body of
infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a regiment.
batten n. A narrow strip of wood. batter n. A thick liquid mixture of
two or more materials beaten together, to be used in cookery. bauble n. A
trinket. bawl v. To proclaim by outcry. beatify v. To make supremely
happy. beatitude n. Any state of great happiness. beau n. An escort or
lover. becalm v. To make quiet. beck v. To give a signal to, by nod or
gesture. bedaub v. To smear over, as with something oily or sticky.
bedeck v. To cover with ornament. bedlam n. Madhouse. befog v. To
confuse. befriend v. To be a friend to, especially when in need. beget
v. To produce by sexual generation. begrudge v. To envy one of the
possession of. belate v. To delay past the proper hour. belay v. To make
fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat. belie v. To misrepresent.
believe v. To accept as true on the testimony or authority of others.
belittle v. To disparage. belle n. A woman who is a center of attraction
because of her beauty, accomplishments, etc. bellicose adj. Warlike.
belligerent adj. Manifesting a warlike spirit. bemoan v. To lament
benediction n. a solemn invocation of the divine blessing. benefactor n.
A doer of kindly and charitable acts. benefice n. A church office endowed
with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service. beneficent
adj. Characterized by charity and kindness. beneficial adj. Helpful.
beneficiary n. One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of
an estate or property. benefit n. Helpful result. benevolence n. Any act
of kindness or well-doing. benevolent adj. Loving others and actively
desirous of their well-being. benign adj. Good and kind of heart.
benignant adj. Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect. benignity n.
Kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner. benison n. Blessing.
bequeath v. To give by will. bereave v. To make desolate with loneliness
and grief. berth n. A bunk or bed in a vessel, sleeping-car, etc.
beseech v. To implore. beset v. To attack on all sides. besmear v.
To smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance. bestial adj. Animal.
bestrew v. To sprinkle or cover with things strewn. bestride v. To get
or sit upon astride, as a horse. bethink v. To remind oneself. betide v.
To happen to or befall. betimes adv. In good season or time. betroth v.
To engage to marry. betrothal n. Engagement to marry. bevel n. Any
inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees. bewilder v. To confuse
the perceptions or judgment of. bibliomania n. The passion for collecting
books. bibliography n. A list of the words of an author, or the literature
bearing on a particular subject. bibliophile n. One who loves books.
bibulous adj. Fond of drinking. bide v. To await. biennial n. A
plant that produces leaves and roots the first year and flowers and fruit the
second. bier n. A horizontal framework with two handles at each end for
carrying a corpse to the grave. bigamist n. One who has two spouses at the
same time. bigamy n. The crime of marrying any other person while having a
legal spouse living. bight n. A slightly receding bay between headlands,
formed by a long curve of a coast-line. bilateral adj. Two-sided.
bilingual adj. Speaking two languages. biograph n. A bibliographical
sketch or notice. biography n. A written account of one's life, actions, and
character. biology n. The science of life or living organisms. biped n.
An animal having two feet. birthright n. A privilege or possession into
which one is born. bitterness n. Acridity, as to the taste. blase adj.
Sated with pleasure. blaspheme v. To indulge in profane oaths. blatant
adj. Noisily or offensively loud or clamorous. blaze n. A vivid glowing
flame. blazon v. To make widely or generally known. bleak adj. Desolate.
blemish n. A mark that mars beauty. blithe adj. Joyous. blithesome
adj. Cheerful. blockade n. The shutting up of a town, a frontier, or a line
of coast by hostile forces. boatswain n. A subordinate officer of a vessel,
who has general charge of the rigging, anchors, etc. bodice n. A women's
ornamental corset-shaped laced waist. bodily adj. Corporeal. boisterous
adj. Unchecked merriment or animal spirits. bole n. The trunk or body of a
tree. bolero n. A Spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love,
accompanied by caste nets and singing. boll n. A round pod or seed-capsule,
as a flax or cotton. bolster v. To support, as something wrong. bomb n.
A hollow projectile containing an explosive material. bombard v. To assail
with any missile or with abusive speech. bombardier n. A person who has
charge of mortars, bombs, and shells. bombast n. Inflated or extravagant
language, especially on unimportant subjects. boorish adj. Rude. bore v.
To weary by tediousness or dullness. borough n. An incorporated village or
town. bosom n. The breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being,
especially of a woman. botanical adj. Connected with the study or
cultivation of plants. botanize v. To study plant-life. botany n. The
science that treats of plants. bountiful adj. Showing abundance.
Bowdlerize v. To expurgate in editing (a literary composition) by omitting
words or passages. bowler n. In cricket, the player who delivers the ball.
boycott v. To place the products or merchandise of under a ban. brae n.
Hillside. braggart n. A vain boaster. brandish v. To wave, shake, or
flourish triumphantly or defiantly, as a sword or spear. bravado n. An
aggressive display of boldness. bravo interj. Well done. bray n. A loud
harsh sound, as the cry of an ass or the blast of a horn. braze v. To make
of or ornament with brass. brazier n. An open pan or basin for holding live
coals. breach n. The violation of official duty, lawful right, or a legal
obligation. breaker n. One who trains horses, dogs, etc. breech n. The
buttocks. brethren n. pl. Members of a brotherhood, gild, profession,
association, or the like. brevity n. Shortness of duration. bric-a-brac
n. Objects of curiosity or for decoration. bridle n. The head-harness of a
horse consisting of a head-stall, a bit, and the reins. brigade n. A body of
troops consisting of two or more regiments. brigadier n. General officer who
commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a major-general. brigand
n. One who lives by robbery and plunder. brimstone n. Sulfur. brine n.
Water saturated with salt. bristle n. One of the coarse, stiff hairs of
swine: used in brush-making, etc. Britannia n. The United Kingdom of Great
Britain. Briticism n. A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great
Britain or the British. brittle adj. Fragile. broach v. To mention, for
the first time. broadcast adj. Disseminated far and wide. brogan n. A
coarse, heavy shoe. brogue n. Any dialectic pronunciation of English,
especially that of the Irish people. brokerage n. The business of making
sales and purchases for a commission; a broker. bromine n. A dark
reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor.
bronchitis n. Inflammation of the bronchial tubes. bronchus n. Either of
the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs. brooch n.
An article of jewelry fastened by a hinged pin and hook on the underside.
brotherhood n. Spiritual or social fellowship or solidarity. browbeat v.
To overwhelm, or attempt to do so, by stern, haughty, or rude address or manner.
brusque adj. Somewhat rough or rude in manner or speech. buffoon n. A
clown. buffoonery n. Low drollery, coarse jokes, etc. bulbous adj. Of,
or pertaining to, or like a bulb. bullock n. An ox. bulrush n. Any one
of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water. bulwark n.
Anything that gives security or defense. bumper n. A cup or glass filled to
the brim, especially one to be drunk as a toast or health. bumptious adj.
Full of offensive and aggressive self-conceit. bungle v. To execute
clumsily. buoyancy n. Power or tendency to float on or in a liquid or gas.
buoyant adj. Having the power or tendency to float or keep afloat.
bureau n. A chest of drawers for clothing, etc. bureaucracy n.
Government by departments of men transacting particular branches of public
business. burgess n. In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the
legislature of Maryland or Virginia. burgher n. An inhabitant, citizen or
freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town. burnish v. To make brilliant
or shining. bursar n. A treasurer. bustle v. To hurry. butt v. To
strike with or as with the head, or horns. butte n. A conspicuous hill, low
mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated. buttress n. Any support or
prop. by-law n. A rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or
the like. cabal n. A number of persons secretly united for effecting by
intrigue some private purpose. cabalism n. Superstitious devotion to one's
religion. cabinet n. The body of men constituting the official advisors of
the executive head of a nation. cacophony n. A disagreeable, harsh, or
discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones. cadaverous adj.
Resembling a corpse. cadence n. Rhythmical or measured flow or movement, as
in poetry or the time and pace of marching troops. cadenza n. An
embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or
instrument. caitiff adj. Cowardly. cajole v. To impose on or dupe by
flattering speech. cajolery n. Delusive speech. calculable adj. That may
be estimated by reckoning. calculus n. A concretion formed in various parts
of the body resembling a pebble in hardness. callosity n. The state of being
hard and insensible. callow adj. Without experience of the world.
calorie n. Amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of
water 1 degree centigrade. calumny n. Slander. Calvary n. The place
where Christ was crucified. Calvinism n. The system of doctrine taught by
John Calvin. Calvinize v. To teach or imbue with the doctrines of Calvinism.
came n. A leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in
stained-glass windows. cameo n. Any small engraved or carved work in relief.
campaign n. A complete series of connected military operations.
Canaanite n. A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of
Canaan, or western Palestine. canary adj. Of a bright but delicate yellow.
candid adj. Straightforward. candor n. The quality of frankness or
outspokenness. canine adj. Characteristic of a dog. canon n. Any rule or
law. cant v. To talk in a singsong, preaching tone with affected solemnity.
cantata n. A choral composition. canto n. One of the divisions of an
extended poem. cantonment n. The part of the town or district in which the
troops are quartered. capacious adj. Roomy. capillary n. A minute vessel
having walls composed of a single layer of cells. capitulate v. To surrender
or stipulate terms. caprice n. A whim. caption n. A heading, as of a
chapter, section, document, etc. captious adj. Hypercritical. captivate
v. To fascinate, as by excellence. eloquence, or beauty. carcass n. The dead
body of an animal. cardiac adj. Pertaining to the heart. cardinal adj.
Of prime or special importance. caret n. A sign (^) placed below a line,
indicating where omitted words, etc., should be inserted. caricature n. a
picture or description in which natural characteristics are exaggerated or
distorted. carnage n. Massacre. carnal adj. Sensual. carnivorous
adj. Eating or living on flesh. carouse v. To drink deeply and in boisterous
or jovial manner. carrion n. Dead and putrefying flesh. cartilage n. An
elastic animal tissue of firm consistence. cartridge n. A charge for a
firearm, or for blasting. caste n. The division of society on artificial
grounds. castigate v. To punish. casual adj. Accidental, by chance.
casualty n. A fatal or serious accident or disaster. cataclysm n. Any
overwhelming flood of water. cataract n. Opacity of the lens of the eye
resulting in complete or partial blindness. catastrophe n. Any great and
sudden misfortune or calamity. cathode n. The negative pole or electrode of
a galvanic battery. Catholicism n. The system, doctrine, and practice of the
Roman Catholic Church. catholicity n. Universal prevalence or acceptance.
cat-o-nine-tails n. An instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord,
formerly used for flogging in the army and navy. caucus n. A private meeting
of members of a political party to select candidates. causal adj. Indicating
or expressing a cause. caustic adj. Sarcastic and severe. cauterize v.
To burn or sear as with a heated iron. cede v. To pass title to. censor
n. An official examiner of manuscripts empowered to prohibit their publication.
censorious adj. Judging severely or harshly. census n. An official
numbering of the people of a country or district. centenary adj. Pertaining
to a hundred years or a period of a hundred years. centiliter n. A hundredth
of a liter. centimeter n. A length of one hundredth of a meter.
centurion n. A captain of a company of one hundred infantry in the ancient
Roman army. cereal adj. Pertaining to edible grain or farinaceous seeds.
ceremonial adj. Characterized by outward form or ceremony. ceremonious
adj. Observant of ritual. cessation n. Discontinuance, as of action or
motion. cession n. Surrender, as of possessions or rights. chagrin n.
Keen vexation, annoyance, or mortification, as at one's failures or errors.
chameleon adj. Changeable in appearance. chancery n. A court of equity,
as distinguished from a common-law court. chaos n. Any condition of which
the elements or parts are in utter disorder and confusion. characteristic n.
A distinctive feature. characterize v. To describe by distinctive marks or
peculiarities. charlatan n. A quack. chasm n. A yawning hollow, as in
the earth's surface. chasten v. To purify by affliction. chastise v. To
subject to punitive measures. chastity n. Sexual or moral purity.
chateau n. A castle or manor-house. chattel n. Any article of personal
property. check v. To hold back. chiffon n. A very thin gauze used for
trimmings, evening dress, etc. chivalry n. The knightly system of feudal
times with its code, usages and practices. cholera n. An acute epidemic
disease. choleric adj. Easily provoked to anger. choral adj. Pertaining
to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir. Christ n. A title of
Jesus christen v. To name in baptism. Christendom n. That part of the
world where Christianity is generally professed. chromatic adj. Belonging,
relating to, or abounding in color. chronology n. The science that treats of
computation of time or of investigation and arrangement of events.
chronometer n. A portable timekeeper of the highest attainable precision.
cipher v. To calculate arithmetically. (also a noun meaning zero or nothing)
circulate v. To disseminate. circumference n. The boundary-line of a
circle. circumlocution n. Indirect or roundabout expression.
circumnavigate v. To sail quite around. circumscribe v. To confine
within bounds. circumspect adj. Showing watchfulness, caution, or careful
consideration. citadel n. Any strong fortress. cite v. To refer to
specifically. claimant n. One who makes a claim or demand, as of right.
clairvoyance n. Intuitive sagacity or perception. clamorous adj. Urgent
in complaint or demand. clan n. A tribe. clandestine adj. Surreptitious.
clangor n. Clanking or a ringing, as of arms, chains, or bells; clamor.
clarify v. To render intelligible. clarion n. A small shrill trumpet or
bugle. classify v. To arrange in a class or classes on the basis of observed
resemblance’s and differences. clearance n. A certificate from the proper
authorities that a vessel has complied with the law and may sail. clemency
n. Mercy. clement adj. Compassionate. close-hauled adj. Having the sails
set for sailing as close to the wind as possible. clothier n. One who makes
or sells cloth or clothing. clumsy adj. Awkward of movement. coagulate
v. To change into a clot or a jelly, as by heat, by chemical action, or by a
ferment. coagulant adj. Producing coagulation. coalescence n. The act or
process of coming together so as to form one body, combination, or product.
coalition n. Combination in a body or mass. coddle v. To treat as a baby
or an invalid. codicil n. A supplement adding to, revoking, or explaining in
the body of a will. coerce v. To force. coercion n. Forcible constraint
or restraint, moral or physical. coercive adj. Serving or tending to force.
cogent adj. Appealing strongly to the reason or conscience. cognate adj.
Akin. cognizant adj. Taking notice. cohere v. To stick together.
cohesion n. Consistency. cohesive adj. Having the property of
consistency. coincide v. To correspond. coincidence n. A circumstance so
agreeing with another: often implying accident. coincident adj. Taking place
at the same time. collaborate v. To labor or cooperate with another or
others, especially in literary or scientific pursuits. collapse v. To cause
to shrink, fall in, or fail. collapsible adj. That may or can collapse.
colleague n. An associate in professional employment. collective adj.
Consisting of a number of persons or objects considered as gathered into a mass,
or sum. collector n. One who makes a collection, as of objects of art,
books, or the like. collegian n. A college student. collide v. To meet
and strike violently. collier n. One who works in a coal-mine. collision
n. Violent contact. colloquial adj. Pertaining or peculiar to common speech
as distinguished from literary. colloquialism n. Form of speech used only or
chiefly in conversation. colloquy n. Conversation. collusion n. A secret
agreement for a wrongful purpose. colossus n. Any strikingly great person or
object. comely adj. Handsome. comestible adj. Fit to be eaten.
comical adj. Funny. commemorate v. To serve as a remembrance of.
commentary n. A series of illustrative or explanatory notes on any important
work. commingle v. To blend. commissariat n. The department of an army
charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs. commission
v. To empower. commitment n. The act or process of entrusting or consigning
for safe-keeping. committal n. The act, fact, or result of committing, or
the state of being commodity n. Something that is bought and sold.
commotion n. A disturbance or violent agitation. commute v. To put
something, especially something less severe, in place of. comparable adj.
Fit to be compared. comparative adj. Relative. comparison n. Examination
of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or unlikeness.
compensate v. To remunerate. competence n. Adequate qualification or
capacity. competent adj. Qualified. competitive adj. characterized by
rivalry. competitor n. A rival. complacence n. Satisfaction with one's
acts or surroundings. complacent adj. Pleased or satisfied with oneself.
complaisance n. Politeness. complaisant adj. Agreeable. complement
v. To make complete. complex adj. Complicated. compliant adj. Yielding.
complicate v. To make complex, difficult, or hard to deal with.
complication n. An intermingling or combination of things or parts,
especially in a perplexing manner. complicity n. Participation or
partnership, as in wrong-doing or with a wrong-doer. compliment v. To
address or gratify with expressions of delicate praise. component n. A
constituent element or part. comport v. To conduct or behave (oneself).
composure n. Calmness. comprehensible adj. Intelligible.
comprehension n. Ability to know. comprehensive adj. Large in scope or
content. compress v. To press together or into smaller space.
compressible adj. Capable of being pressed into smaller compass.
compression n. Constraint, as by force or authority. comprise v. To
consist of. compulsion n. Coercion. compulsory adj. Forced.
compunction n. Remorseful feeling. compute v. To ascertain by
mathematical calculation. concede v. To surrender. conceit n.
Self-flattering opinion. conceive v. To form an idea, mental image or
thought of. concerto n. A musical composition. concession n. Anything
granted or yielded, or admitted in response to a demand, petition, or claim.
conciliate v. To obtain the friendship of. conciliatory adj. Tending to
reconcile. conclusive adj. Sufficient to convince or decide. concord n.
Harmony. concordance n. Harmony. concur v. To agree. concurrence n.
Agreement. concurrent adj. Occurring or acting together. concussion n. A
violent shock to some organ by a fall or a sudden blow. condensation n. The
act or process of making dense or denser. condense v. To abridge.
condescend v. To come down voluntarily to equal terms with inferiors.
condolence n. Expression of sympathy with a person in pain, sorrow, or
misfortune. conduce v. To bring about. conducive adj. Contributing to an
end. conductible adj. Capable of being conducted or transmitted. conduit
n. A means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway
for a fluid. confectionery n. The candy collectively that a confectioner
makes or sells, as candy. confederacy n. A number of states or persons in
compact or league with each other, as for mutual aid. confederate n. One who
is united with others in a league, compact, or agreement. confer v. To
bestow. conferee n. A person with whom another confers. confessor n. A
spiritual advisor. confidant n. One to whom secrets are entrusted.
confide v. To reveal in trust or confidence. confidence n. The state or
feeling of trust in or reliance upon another. confident adj. Assured.
confinement n. Restriction within limits or boundaries. confiscate v. To
appropriate (private property) as forfeited to the public use or treasury.
conflagration n. A great fire, as of many buildings, a forest, or the like.
confluence n. The place where streams meet. confluent n. A stream that
unites with another. conformance n. The act or state or conforming.
conformable adj. Harmonious. conformation n. General structure, form, or
outline. conformity n. Correspondence in form, manner, or use. confront
v. To encounter, as difficulties or obstacles. congeal v. To coagulate.
congenial adj. Having kindred character or tastes. congest v. To collect
into a mass. congregate v. To bring together into a crowd. coniferous
adj. Cone-bearing trees. conjecture n. A guess. conjoin v. To unite.
conjugal adj. Pertaining to marriage, marital rights, or married persons.
conjugate adj. Joined together in pairs. conjugation n. The state or
condition of being joined together. conjunction n. The state of being joined
together, or the things so joined. connive v. To be in collusion.
connoisseur n. A critical judge of art, especially one with thorough
knowledge and sound judgment of art. connote v. To mean; signify.
connubial adj. Pertaining to marriage or matrimony. conquer v. To
overcome by force. consanguineous adj. Descended from the same parent or
ancestor. conscience n. The faculty in man by which he distinguishes between
right and wrong in character and conduct. conscientious adj. Governed by
moral standard. conscious adj. Aware that one lives, feels, and thinks.
conscript v. To force into military service. consecrate v. To set apart
as sacred. consecutive adj. Following in uninterrupted succession.
consensus n. A collective unanimous opinion of a number of persons.
conservatism n. Tendency to adhere to the existing order of things.
conservative adj. Adhering to the existing order of things. conservatory
n. An institution for instruction and training in music and declamation.
consign v. To entrust. consignee n. A person to whom goods or other
property has been entrusted. consignor n. One who entrusts. consistency
n. A state of permanence. console v. To comfort. consolidate v. To
combine into one body or system. consonance n. The state or quality of being
in accord with. consonant adj. Being in agreement or harmony with.
consort n. A companion or associate. conspicuous adj. Clearly visible.
conspirator n. One who agrees with others to cooperate in accomplishing some
unlawful purpose. conspire v. To plot. constable n. An officer whose
duty is to maintain the peace. constellation n. An arbitrary assemblage or
group of stars. consternation n. Panic. constituency n. The inhabitants
or voters in a district represented in a legislative body. constituent n.
One who has the right to vote at an election. constrict v. To bind.
consul n. An officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to
represent his country. consulate n. The place in which a consul transacts
official business. consummate v. To bring to completion. consumption n.
Gradual destruction, as by burning, eating, etc., or by using up, wearing out,
etc. consumptive adj. Designed for gradual destruction. contagion n. The
communication of disease from person to person. contagious adj. Transmitting
disease. contaminate v. To pollute. contemplate v. To consider
thoughtfully. contemporaneous adj. Living, occurring, or existing at the
same time. contemporary adj. Living or existing at the same time.
contemptible adj. Worthy of scorn or disdain. contemptuous adj.
Disdainful. contender n. One who exerts oneself in opposition or rivalry.
contiguity n. Proximity. contiguous adj. Touching or joining at the edge
or boundary. continence n. Self-restraint with respect to desires,
appetites, and passion. contingency n. Possibility of happening.
contingent adj. Not predictable. continuance n. Permanence.
continuation n. Prolongation. continuity n. Uninterrupted connection in
space, time, operation, or development. continuous adj. Connected, extended,
or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence. contort v. To
twist into a misshapen form. contraband n. Trade forbidden by law or treaty.
contradiction n. The assertion of the opposite of that which has been said.
contradictory adj. Inconsistent with itself. contraposition n. A placing
opposite. contravene v. To prevent or obstruct the operation of.
contribution n. The act of giving for a common purpose. contributor n.
One who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose.
contrite adj. Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin. contrivance n.
The act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a special
purpose. contrive v. To manage or carry through by some device or scheme.
control v. To exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence
over. controller n. One who or that which regulates or directs.
contumacious adj. Rebellious. contumacy n. Contemptuous disregard of the
requirements of rightful authority. contuse v. To bruise by a blow, either
with or without the breaking of the skin. contusion n. A bruise.
convalesce v. To recover after a sickness. convalescence n. The state of
progressive restoration to health and strength after the cessation of disease.
convalescent adj. Recovering health after sickness. convene v. To summon
or cause to assemble. convenience n. Fitness, as of time or place.
converge v. To cause to incline and approach nearer together. convergent
adj. Tending to one point. conversant adj. Thoroughly informed.
conversion n. Change from one state or position to another, or from one form
to another. convertible adj. Interchangeable. convex adj. Curving like
the segment of the globe or of the surface of a circle. conveyance n. That
by which anything is transported. convivial adj. Devoted to feasting, or to
good-fellowship in eating or drinking. convolution n. A winding motion.
convolve v. To move with a circling or winding motion. convoy n. A
protecting force accompanying property in course of transportation. convulse
v. To cause spasms in. convulsion n. A violent and abnormal muscular
contraction of the body. copious adj. Plenteous. coquette n. A flirt.
cornice n. An ornamental molding running round the walls of a room close to
the ceiling. cornucopia n. The horn of plenty, symbolizing peace and
prosperity. corollary n. A proposition following so obviously from another
that it requires little demonstration. coronation n. The act or ceremony of
crowning a monarch. coronet n. Inferior crown denoting, according to its
form, various degrees of noble rank less than sovereign. corporal adj.
Belonging or relating to the body as opposed to the mind. corporate adj.
Belonging to a corporation. corporeal adj. Of a material nature; physical.
corps n. A number or body of persons in some way associated or acting
together. corpse n. A dead body. corpulent adj. Obese. corpuscle n.
A minute particle of matter. correlate v. To put in some relation of
connection or correspondence. correlative adj. Mutually involving or
implying one another. corrigible adj. Capable of reformation.
corroborate v. To strengthen, as proof or conviction. corroboration n.
Confirmation. corrode v. To ruin or destroy little by little. corrosion
n. Gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration. corrosive n. That
which causes gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration.
corruptible adj. Open to bribery. corruption n. Loss of purity or
integrity. cosmetic adj. Pertaining to the art of beautifying, especially
the complexion. cosmic adj. Pertaining to the universe. cosmogony n. A
doctrine of creation or of the origin of the universe. cosmography n. The
science that describes the universe, including astronomy, geography, and
geology. cosmology n. The general science of the universe. cosmopolitan
adj. Common to all the world. cosmopolitanism n. A cosmopolitan character.
cosmos n. The world or universe considered as a system, perfect in order and
arrangement. counter-claim n. A cross-demand alleged by a defendant in his
favor against the plaintiff. counteract v. To act in opposition to.
counterbalance v. To oppose with an equal force. countercharge v. To
accuse in return. counterfeit adj. Made to resemble something else.
counterpart n. Something taken with another for the completion of either.
countervail v. To offset. counting-house n. A house or office used for
transacting business, bookkeeping, correspondence, etc. countryman n. A
rustic. courageous adj. Brave. course n. Line of motion or direction.
courser n. A fleet and spirited horse. courtesy n. Politeness
originating in kindness and exercised habitually. covenant n. An agreement
entered into by two or more persons or parties. covert adj. Concealed,
especially for an evil purpose. covey n. A flock of quails or partridges.
cower v. To crouch down tremblingly, as through fear or shame. coxswain
n. One who steers a rowboat, or one who has charge of a ship's boat and its crew
under an officer. crag n. A rugged, rocky projection on a cliff or ledge.
cranium n. The skull of an animal, especially that part enclosing the brain.
crass adj. Coarse or thick in nature or structure, as opposed to thin or
fine. craving n. A vehement desire. creak n. A sharp, harsh, squeaking
sound. creamery n. A butter-making establishment. creamy adj. Resembling
or containing cream. credence n. Belief. credible adj. Believable.
credulous adj. Easily deceived. creed n. A formal summary of fundamental
points of religious belief. crematory adj. A place for cremating dead
bodies. crevasse n. A deep crack or fissure in the ice of a glacier.
crevice n. A small fissure, as between two contiguous surfaces.
criterion n. A standard by which to determine the correctness of a judgment
or conclusion. critique n. A criticism or critical review. crockery n.
Earthenware made from baked clay. crucible n. A trying and purifying test or
agency. crusade n. Any concerted movement, vigorously prosecuted, in behalf
of an idea or principle. crustacean adj. Pertaining to a division of
arthropods, containing lobsters, crabs, crawfish, etc. crustaceous adj.
Having a crust-like shell. cryptogram n. Anything written in characters that
are secret or so arranged as to have hidden meaning. crystallize v. To bring
together or give fixed shape to. cudgel n. A short thick stick used as a
club. culinary adj. Of or pertaining to cooking or the kitchen. cull v.
To pick or sort out from the rest. culpable adj. Guilty. culprit n. A
guilty person. culvert n. Any artificial covered channel for the passage of
water through a bank or under a road, canal. cupidity n. Avarice.
curable adj. Capable of being remedied or corrected. curator n. A person
having charge as of a library or museum. curio n. A piece of bric-a-brac.
cursive adj. Writing in which the letters are joined together. cursory
adj. Rapid and superficial. curt adj. Concise, compressed, and abrupt in act
or expression. curtail v. To cut off or cut short. curtsy n. A downward
movement of the body by bending the knees. cycloid adj. Like a circle.
cygnet n. A young swan. cynical adj. Exhibiting moral skepticism.
cynicism n. Contempt for the opinions of others and of what others value.
cynosure n. That to which general interest or attention is directed.
daring adj. Brave. darkling adv. Blindly. Darwinism n. The doctrine
that natural selection has been the prime cause of evolution of higher forms.
dastard n. A base coward. datum n. A premise, starting-point, or given
fact. dauntless adj. Fearless. day-man n. A day-laborer. dead-heat
n. A race in which two or more competitors come out even, and there is no
winner. dearth n. Scarcity, as of something customary, essential ,or
desirable. death's-head n. A human skull as a symbol of death. debase v.
To lower in character or virtue. debatable adj. Subject to contention or
dispute. debonair adj. Having gentle or courteous bearing or manner.
debut n. A first appearance in society or on the stage. decagon n. A
figure with ten sides and ten angles. decagram n. A weight of 10 grams.
decaliter n. A liquid and dry measure of 10 liters. decalogue n. The ten
commandments. Decameron n. A volume consisting of ten parts or books.
decameter n. A length of ten meters. decamp v. To leave suddenly or
unexpectedly. decapitate v. To behead. decapod adj. Ten-footed or
ten-armed. decasyllable n. A line of ten syllables. deceit n. Falsehood.
deceitful adj. Fraudulent. deceive v. To mislead by or as by falsehood.
decency n. Moral fitness. decent adj. Characterized by propriety of
conduct, speech, manners, or dress. deciduous adj. Falling off at maturity
as petals after flowering, fruit when ripe, etc. decimal adj. Founded on the
number 10. decimate v. To destroy a measurable or large proportion of.
decipher v. To find out the true words or meaning of, as something hardly
legible. decisive ad. Conclusive. declamation n. A speech recited or
intended for recitation from memory in public. declamatory adj. A full and
formal style of utterance. declarative adj. Containing a formal, positive,
or explicit statement or affirmation. declension n. The change of endings in
nouns and adj. to express their different relations of gender. decorate v.
To embellish. decorous adj. Suitable for the occasion or circumstances.
decoy n. Anything that allures, or is intended to allures into danger or
temptation. decrepit adj. Enfeebled, as by old age or some chronic
infirmity. dedication n. The voluntary consecration or relinquishment of
something to an end or cause. deduce v. To derive or draw as a conclusion by
reasoning from given premises or principles. deface v. To mar or disfigure
the face or external surface of. defalcate v. To cut off or take away, as a
part of something. defamation n. Malicious and groundless injury done to the
reputation or good name of another. defame v. To slander. default n. The
neglect or omission of a legal requirement. defendant n. A person against
whom a suit is brought. defensible adj. Capable of being maintained or
justified. defensive adj. Carried on in resistance to aggression. defer
v. To delay or put off to some other time. deference n. Respectful
submission or yielding, as to another's opinion, wishes, or judgment.
defiant adj. Characterized by bold or insolent opposition. deficiency n.
Lack or insufficiency. deficient adj. Not having an adequate or proper
supply or amount. definite adj. Having an exact signification or positive
meaning. deflect v. To cause to turn aside or downward. deforest v. To
clear of forests. deform v. To disfigure. deformity n. A disfigurement.
defraud v. To deprive of something dishonestly. defray v. To make
payment for. degeneracy n. A becoming worse. degenerate v. To become
worse or inferior. degradation n. Diminution, as of strength or magnitude.
degrade v. To take away honors or position from. dehydrate v. To deprive
of water. deify v. To regard or worship as a god. deign v. To deem
worthy of notice or account. deist n. One who believes in God, but denies
supernatural revelation. deity n. A god, goddess, or divine person.
deject v. To dishearten. dejection n. Melancholy. delectable adj.
Delightful to the taste or to the senses. delectation n. Delight.
deleterious adj. Hurtful, morally or physically. delicacy n. That which
is agreeable to a fine taste. delineate v. To represent by sketch or
diagram. deliquesce v. To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption
of moisture from the air. delirious adj. Raving. delude v. To mislead
the mind or judgment of. deluge v. To overwhelm with a flood of water.
delusion n. Mistaken conviction, especially when more or less enduring.
demagnetize v. To deprive (a magnet) of magnetism. demagogue n. An
unprincipled politician. demeanor n. Deportment. demented adj. Insane.
demerit n. A mark for failure or bad conduct. demise n. Death.
demobilize v. To disband, as troops. demolish v. To annihilate.
demonstrable adj. Capable of positive proof. demonstrate v. To prove
indubitably. demonstrative adj. Inclined to strong exhibition or expression
of feeling or thoughts. demonstrator n. One who proves in a convincing and
conclusive manner. demulcent n. Any application soothing to an irritable
surface demurrage n. the detention of a vessel beyond the specified time of
sailing. dendroid adj. Like a tree. dendrology n. The natural history of
trees. denizen n. Inhabitant. denominate v. To give a name or epithet
to. denomination n. A body of Christians united by a common faith and form
of worship and discipline. denominator n. Part of a fraction which expresses
the number of equal parts into which the unit is divided. denote v. To
designate by word or mark. denouement n. That part of a play or story in
which the mystery is cleared up. denounce v. To point out or publicly accuse
as deserving of punishment, censure, or odium. dentifrice n. Any preparation
used for cleaning the teeth. denude v. To strip the covering from.
denunciation n. The act of declaring an action or person worthy of
reprobation or punishment. deplete v. To reduce or lessen, as by use,
exhaustion, or waste. deplorable adj. Contemptible. deplore v. To regard
with grief or sorrow. deponent adj. Laying down. depopulate v. To remove
the inhabitants from. deport v. To take or send away forcibly, as to a penal
colony. deportment n. Demeanor. deposition n. Testimony legally taken on
interrogatories and reduced to writing, for use as evidence in
court. depositor n. One who makes a deposit, or has an amount deposited.
depository n. A place where anything is kept in safety. deprave v. To
render bad, especially morally bad. deprecate v. To express disapproval or
regret for, with hope for the opposite. depreciate v. To lessen the worth
of. depreciation n. A lowering in value or an underrating in worth.
depress v. To press down. depression n. A falling of the spirits.
depth n. Deepness. derelict adj. Neglectful of obligation. deride v.
To ridicule. derisible adj. Open to ridicule. derision n. Ridicule.
derivation n. That process by which a word is traced from its original root
or primitive form and meaning. derivative adj. Coming or acquired from some
origin. derive v. To deduce, as from a premise. dermatology n. The
branch of medical science which relates to the skin and its diseases.
derrick n. An apparatus for hoisting and swinging great weights.
descendant n. One who is descended lineally from another, as a child,
grandchild, etc. descendent adj. Proceeding downward. descent n. The act
of moving or going downward. descry v. To discern. desert v. To abandon
without regard to the welfare of the abandoned desiccant n. Any remedy which,
when applied externally, dries up or absorbs moisture, as that of wounds.
designate v. To select or appoint, as by authority. desist v. To cease
from action. desistance n. Cessation. despair n. Utter hopelessness and
despondency. desperado n. One without regard for law or life. desperate
adj. Resorted to in a last extremity, or as if prompted by utter despair.
despicable adj. Contemptible. despite prep. In spite of. despond v.
To lose spirit, courage, or hope. despondent adj. Disheartened. despot
n. An absolute and irresponsible monarch. despotism n. Any severe and strict
rule in which the judgment of the governed has little or no part. destitute
adj. Poverty-stricken. desultory adj. Not connected with what precedes.
deter v. To frighten away. deteriorate v. To grow worse. determinate
adj. Definitely limited or fixed. determination n. The act of deciding.
deterrent adj. Hindering from action through fear. detest v. To dislike
or hate with intensity. detract v. To take away in such manner as to lessen
value or estimation. detriment n. Something that causes damage,
depreciation, or loss. detrude v. To push down forcibly. deviate v. To
take a different course. devilry n. Malicious mischief. deviltry n.
Wanton and malicious mischief. devious adj. Out of the common or regular
track. devise v. To invent. devout adj. Religious. dexterity n.
Readiness, precision, efficiency, and ease in any physical activity or in any
mechanical work. diabolic adj. Characteristic of the devil. diacritical
adj. Marking a difference. diagnose v. To distinguish, as a disease, by its
characteristic phenomena. diagnosis n. Determination of the distinctive
nature of a disease. dialect n. Forms of speech collectively that are
peculiar to the people of a particular district. dialectician n. A logician.
dialogue n. A formal conversation in which two or more take part.
diaphanous adj. Transparent. diatomic adj. Containing only two atoms.
diatribe n. A bitter or malicious criticism. dictum n. A positive
utterance. didactic adj. Pertaining to teaching. difference n.
Dissimilarity in any respect. differentia n. Any essential characteristic of
a species by reason of which it differs from other species. differential
adj. Distinctive. differentiate v. To acquire a distinct and separate
character. diffidence n. Self-distrust. diffident adj. Affected or
possessed with self-distrust. diffusible adj. Spreading rapidly through the
system and acting quickly. diffusion n. Dispersion. dignitary n. One who
holds high rank. digraph n. A union of two characters representing a single
sound. digress v. To turn aside from the main subject and for a time dwell
on some incidental matter. dilapidated pa. Fallen into decay or partial
ruin. dilate v. To enlarge in all directions. dilatory adj. Tending to
cause delay. dilemma n. A situation in which a choice between opposing modes
of conduct is necessary. dilettante n. A superficial amateur. diligence
n. Careful and persevering effort to accomplish what is undertaken. dilute
v. To make more fluid or less concentrated by admixture with something.
diminution n. Reduction. dimly adv. Obscurely. diphthong n. The
sound produced by combining two vowels in to a single syllable or running
together the sounds. diplomacy n. Tact, shrewdness, or skill in conducting
any kind of negotiations or in social matters. diplomat n. A representative
of one sovereign state at the capital or court of another. diplomatic adj.
Characterized by special tact in negotiations. diplomatist n. One remarkable
for tact and shrewd management. disagree v. To be opposite in opinion.
disallow v. To withhold permission or sanction. disappear v. To cease to
exist, either actually or for the time being. disappoint v. To fail to
fulfill the expectation, hope, wish, or desire of. disapprove v. To regard
with blame. disarm v. To deprive of weapons. disarrange v. To throw out
of order. disavow v. To disclaim responsibility for. disavowal n.
Denial. disbeliever n. One who refuses to believe. disburden v. To
disencumber. disburse v. To pay out or expend, as money from a fund.
discard v. To reject. discernible adj. Perceivable. disciple n. One
who believes the teaching of another, or who adopts and follows some doctrine.
disciplinary adj. Having the nature of systematic training or subjection to
authority. discipline v. To train to obedience. disclaim v. To disavow
any claim to, connection with, or responsibility to. discolor v. To stain.
discomfit v. To put to confusion. discomfort n. The state of being
positively uncomfortable. disconnect v. To undo or dissolve the connection
or association of. disconsolate adj. Grief-stricken. discontinuance n.
Interruption or intermission. discord n. Absence of harmoniousness.
discountenance v. To look upon with disfavor. discover v. To get first
sight or knowledge of, as something previously unknown or unperceived.
discredit v. To injure the reputation of. discreet adj. Judicious.
discrepant adj. Opposite. discriminate v. To draw a distinction.
discursive adj. Passing from one subject to another. discussion n.
Debate. disenfranchise v. To deprive of any right privilege or power
disengage v. To become detached. disfavor n. Disregard. disfigure v.
To impair or injure the beauty, symmetry, or appearance of. dishabille n.
Undress or negligent attire. dishonest adj. Untrustworthy. disillusion
v. To disenchant. disinfect v. To remove or destroy the poison of infectious
or contagious diseases. disinfectant n. A substance used to destroy the
germs of infectious diseases. disinherit v. To deprive of an inheritance.
disinterested adj. Impartial. disjunctive adj. Helping or serving to
disconnect or separate. dislocate v. To put out of proper place or order.
dismissal n. Displacement by authority from an office or an employment.
dismount v. To throw down, push off, or otherwise remove from a horse or the
like. disobedience n. Neglect or refusal to comply with an authoritative
injunction. disobedient adj. Neglecting or refusing to obey. disown v.
To refuse to acknowledge as one's own or as connected with oneself.
disparage v. To regard or speak of slightingly. disparity n. Inequality.
dispel v. To drive away by or as by scattering in different directions.
dispensation n. That which is bestowed on or appointed to one from a higher
power. displace v. To put out of the proper or accustomed place.
dispossess v. To deprive of actual occupancy, especially of real estate.
disputation n. Verbal controversy. disqualify v. To debar. disquiet
v. To deprive of peace or tranquillity. disregard v. To take no notice of.
disreputable adj. Dishonorable or disgraceful. disrepute n. A bad name
or character. disrobe v. To unclothe. disrupt v. To burst or break
asunder. dissatisfy v. To displease. dissect v. To cut apart or to
pieces. dissection n. The act or operation of cutting in pieces,
specifically of a plant or an animal. dissemble v. To hide by pretending
something different. disseminate v. To sow or scatter abroad, as seed is
sown. dissension n. Angry or violent difference of opinion. dissent n.
Disagreement. dissentient n. One who disagrees. dissentious adj.
Contentious. dissertation n. Thesis. disservice n. An ill turn.
dissever v. To divide. dissimilar adj. Different. dissipate v. To
disperse or disappear. dissipation n. The state of being dispersed or
scattered. dissolute adj. Lewd. dissolution n. A breaking up of a union
of persons. dissolve v. To liquefy or soften, as by heat or moisture.
dissonance n. Discord. dissonant adj. Harsh or disagreeable in sound.
dissuade v. To change the purpose or alter the plans of by persuasion,
counsel, or pleading. dissuasion n. The act of changing the purpose of or
altering the plans of through persuasion, or pleading. disyllable n. A word
of two syllables. distemper n. A disease or malady. distend v. To
stretch out or expand in every direction. distensible adj. Capable of being
stretched out or expanded in every direction. distention n. Expansion.
distill v. To extract or produce by vaporization and condensation.
distillation n. Separation of the more volatile parts of a substance from
those less volatile. distiller n. One occupied in the business of distilling
alcoholic liquors. distinction n. A note or designation of honor, officially
recognizing superiority or success in studies. distort v. To twist into an
unnatural or irregular form. distrain v. To subject a person to distress.
distrainor n. One who subjects a person to distress. distraught adj.
Bewildered. distrust n. Lack of confidence in the power, wisdom, or good
intent of any person. disunion n. Separation of relations or interests.
diurnal adj. Daily. divagation n. Digression. divergent adj. Tending
in different directions. diverse adj. Capable of various forms.
diversion n. Pastime. diversity n. Dissimilitude. divert v. To turn
from the accustomed course or a line of action already established.
divertible adj. Able to be turned from the accustomed course or a line of
action already established. divest v. To strip, specifically of clothes,
ornaments, or accouterments or disinvestment. divination n. The pretended
forecast of future events or discovery of what is lost or hidden. divinity
n. The quality or character of being godlike. divisible adj. Capable of
being separated into parts. divisor n. That by which a number or quantity is
divided. divulge v. To tell or make known, as something previously private
or secret. divulgence n. A divulging. docile adj. Easy to manage.
docket n. The registry of judgments of a court. doe n. The female of the
deer. dogma n. A statement of religious faith or duty formulated by a body
claiming authority. dogmatic adj. Making statements without argument or
evidence. dogmatize v. To make positive assertions without supporting them
by argument or evidence. doleful adj. Melancholy. dolesome adj.
Melancholy. dolor n. Lamentation. dolorous adj. Expressing or causing
sorrow or pain. domain n. A sphere or field of action or interest.
domesticity n. Life in or fondness for one's home and family. domicile
n. The place where one lives. dominance n. Ascendancy. dominant adj.
Conspicuously prominent. dominate v. To influence controllingly.
domination n. Control by the exercise of power or constituted authority.
domineer v. To rule with insolence or unnecessary annoyance. donate v.
To bestow as a gift, especially for a worthy cause. donator n. One who makes
a donation or present. donee n. A person to whom a donation is made.
donor n. One who makes a donation or present. dormant adj. Being in a
state of or resembling sleep. doublet n. One of a pair of like things.
doubly adv. In twofold degree or extent. dowry n. The property which a
wife brings to her husband in marriage. drachma n. A modern and an ancient
Greek coin. dragnet n. A net to be drawn along the bottom of the water.
dragoon n. In the British army, a cavalryman. drainage n. The means of
draining collectively, as a system of conduits, trenches, pipes, etc.
dramatist n. One who writes plays. dramatize v. To relate or represent
in a dramatic or theatrical manner. drastic adj. Acting vigorously.
drought n. Dry weather, especially when so long continued as to cause
vegetation to wither. drowsy adj. Heavy with sleepiness. drudgery n.
Hard and constant work in any menial or dull occupation. dubious adj.
Doubtful. duckling n. A young duck. ductile adj. Capable of being drawn
out, as into wire or a thread. duet n. A composition for two voices or
instruments. dun v. To make a demand or repeated demands on for payment.
duplex adj. Having two parts. duplicity n. Double-dealing. durance
n. Confinement. duration n. The period of time during which anything lasts.
duteous adj. Showing submission to natural superiors. dutiable adj.
Subject to a duty, especially a customs duty. dutiful adj. Obedient.
dwindle v. To diminish or become less. dyne n. The force which, applied
to a mass of one gram for 1 second, would give it a velocity of 1 cm/s.
earnest adj. Ardent in spirit and speech. earthenware n. Anything made
of clay and baked in a kiln or dried in the sun. eatable adj. Edible.
ebullient adj. Showing enthusiasm or exhilaration of feeling. eccentric
adj. Peculiar. eccentricity n. Idiosyncrasy. eclipse n. The obstruction
of a heavenly body by its entering into the shadow of another body.
economize v. To spend sparingly. ecstasy n. Rapturous excitement or
exaltation. ecstatic adj. Enraptured. edible adj. Suitable to be eaten.
edict n. That which is uttered or proclaimed by authority as a rule of
action. edify v. To build up, or strengthen, especially in morals or
religion. editorial n. An article in a periodical written by the editor and
published as an official argument. educe v. To draw out. efface v. To
obliterate. effect n. A consequence. effective adj. Fit for a destined
purpose. effectual adj. Efficient. effeminacy n. Womanishness.
effeminate adj. Having womanish traits or qualities. effervesce v. To
bubble up. effervescent adj. Giving off bubbles of gas. effete adj.
Exhausted, as having performed its functions. efficacious adj. Effective.
efficacy n. The power to produce an intended effect as shown in the
production of it. efficiency n. The state of possessing adequate skill or
knowledge for the performance of a duty. efficient adj. Having and
exercising the power to produce effects or results. efflorescence n. The
state of being flowery, or a flowery appearance. efflorescent adj. Opening
in flower. effluvium n. A noxious or ill-smelling exhalation from decaying
or putrefying matter. effrontery n. Unblushing impudence. effulgence n.
Splendor. effuse v. To pour forth. effusion n. an outpouring. egoism
n. The theory that places man's chief good in the completeness of self.
egoist n. One who advocates or practices egoism. egotism n.
Self-conceit. egotist n. One given to self-mention or who is constantly
telling of his own views and experiences. egregious adj. Extreme. egress
n. Any place of exit. eject v. To expel. elapse v. To quietly terminate:
said of time. elasticity n. That property of matter by which a body tends to
return to a former shape after being changed. electrolysis n. The process of
decomposing a chemical compound by the passage of an electric current.
electrotype n. A metallic copy of any surface, as a coin. elegy n. A
lyric poem lamenting the dead. element n. A component or essential part.
elicit v. To educe or extract gradually or without violence. eligible
adj. Qualified for selection. eliminate v. To separate and cast aside.
Elizabethan adj. Relating to Elizabeth, queen of England, or to her era.
elocution n. The art of correct intonation, inflection, and gesture in
public speaking or reading. eloquent adj. Having the ability to express
emotion or feeling in lofty and impassioned speech. elucidate v. To bring
out more clearly the facts concerning. elude v. To evade the search or
pursuit of by dexterity or artifice. elusion n. Evasion. emaciate v. To
waste away in flesh. emanate v. To flow forth or proceed, as from some
source. emancipate v. To release from bondage. embargo n. Authoritative
stoppage of foreign commerce or of any special trade. embark v. To make a
beginning in some occupation or scheme. embarrass v. To render flustered or
agitated. embellish v. To make beautiful or elegant by adding attractive or
ornamental features. embezzle v. To misappropriate secretly. emblazon v.
To set forth publicly or in glowing terms. emblem n. A symbol. embody v.
To express, formulate, or exemplify in a concrete, compact or visible form.
embolden v. To give courage to. embolism n. An obstruction or plugging
up of an artery or other blood-vessel. embroil v. To involve in dissension
or strife. emerge v. To come into view or into existence. emergence n. A
coming into view. emergent adj. Coming into view. emeritus adj. Retired
from active service but retained to an honorary position. emigrant n. One
who moves from one place to settle in another. emigrate v. To go from one
country, state, or region for the purpose of settling or residing in another.
eminence n. An elevated position with respect to rank, place, character,
condition, etc. eminent adj. High in station, merit, or esteem. emit v.
To send or give out. emphasis n. Any special impressiveness added to an
utterance or act, or stress laid upon some word. emphasize v. To articulate
or enunciate with special impressiveness upon a word, or a group of words.
emphatic adj. Spoken with any special impressiveness laid upon an act, word,
or set of words. employee n. One who works for wages or a salary.
employer n. One who uses or engages the services of other persons for pay.
emporium n. A bazaar or shop. empower v. To delegate authority to.
emulate v. To imitate with intent to equal or surpass. enact v. To make
into law, as by legislative act. enamor v. To inspire with ardent love.
encamp v. To pitch tents for a resting-place. encomium n. A formal or
discriminating expression of praise. encompass v. To encircle. encore n.
The call for a repetition, as of some part of a play or performance.
encourage v. To inspire with courage, hope, or strength of mind.
encroach v. To invade partially or insidiously and appropriate the
possessions of another. encumber v. To impede with obstacles. encyclical
adj. Intended for general circulation. encyclopedia n. A work containing
information on subjects, or exhaustive of one subject. endanger v. To expose
to peril. endear v. To cause to be loved. endemic adj. Peculiar to some
specified country or people. endue v. To endow with some quality, gift, or
grace, usually spiritual. endurable adj. Tolerable. endurance n. The
ability to suffer pain, distress, hardship, or stress of any kind without
succumbing. energetic adj. Working vigorously. enervate v. To render
ineffective or inoperative. enfeeble v. To debilitate. enfranchise v. To
endow with a privilege, especially with the right to vote. engender v. To
produce. engrave v. To cut or carve in or upon some surface. engross v.
To occupy completely. enhance v. To intensify. enigma n. A riddle.
enjoin v. To command. enkindle v. To set on fire. enlighten v. To
cause to see clearly. enlist v. To enter voluntarily the military service by
formal enrollment. enmity n. Hatred. ennoble v. To dignify. enormity
n. Immensity. enormous adj. Gigantic. enrage v. To infuriate.
enrapture v. To delight extravagantly or intensely. enshrine v. To keep
sacred. ensnare v. To entrap. entail v. To involve; necessitate.
entangle v. To involve in difficulties, confusion, or complications.
enthrall v. To bring or hold under any overmastering influence. enthrone
v. To invest with sovereign power. enthuse v. To yield to or display intense
and rapturous feeling. enthusiastic adj. Full of zeal and fervor.
entirety n. A complete thing. entomology n. The branch of zoology that
treats of insects. entrails n. pl. The internal parts of an animal.
entreaty n. An earnest request. entree n. The act of entering.
entrench v. To fortify or protect, as with a trench or ditch and wall.
entwine v. To interweave. enumerate v. To name one by one. epic n. A
poem celebrating in formal verse the mythical achievements of great personages,
heroes, etc. epicure n. One who cultivates a delicate taste for eating and
drinking. Epicurean adj. Indulging, ministering, or pertaining to daintiness
of appetite. epicycle n. A circle that rolls upon the external or internal
circumference of another circle. epicycloid n. A curve traced by a point on
the circumference of a circle which rolls upon another circle. epidemic n.
Wide-spread occurrence of a disease in a certain region. epidermis n. The
outer skin. epigram n. A pithy phrasing of a shrewd observation.
epilogue n. The close of a narrative or dramatic poem. epiphany n. Any
appearance or bodily manifestation of a deity. episode n. An incident or
story in a literary work, separable from yet growing out of it. epitaph n.
An inscription on a tomb or monument in honor or in memory of the dead.
epithet n. Word used adjectivally to describe some quality or attribute of
is objects, as in "Father Aeneas". epitome n. A simplified representation.
epizootic adj. Prevailing among animals. epoch n. A interval of time,
memorable for extraordinary events. epode n. A species of lyric poems.
equalize v. To render uniform. equanimity n. Evenness of mind or temper.
equestrian adj. Pertaining to horses or horsemanship. equilibrium n. A
state of balance. equitable adj. Characterized by fairness. equity n.
Fairness or impartiality. equivalent adj. Equal in value, force, meaning, or
the like. equivocal adj. Ambiguous. equivocate v. To use words of double
meaning. eradicate v. To destroy thoroughly. errant adj. Roving or
wandering, as in search of adventure or opportunity for gallant deeds.
erratic adj. Irregular. erroneous adj. Incorrect. erudite adj.
Very-learned. erudition n. Extensive knowledge of literature, history,
language, etc. eschew v. To keep clear of. espy v. To keep close watch.
esquire n. A title of dignity, office, or courtesy. essence n. That
which makes a thing to be what it is. esthetic adj. Pertaining to beauty,
taste, or the fine arts. estimable adj. Worthy of respect. estrange v.
To alienate. estuary n. A wide lower part of a tidal river. et cetera
Latin. And so forth. eugenic adj. Relating to the development and
improvement of race. eulogize v. To speak or write a laudation of a person's
life or character. eulogy n. A spoken or written laudation of a person's
life or character. euphemism n. A figure of speech by which a phrase less
offensive is substituted. euphonious adj. Characterized by agreeableness of
sound. euphony n. Agreeableness of sound. eureka Greek. I have found it.
evade v. To avoid by artifice. evanesce v. To vanish gradually.
evanescent adj. Fleeting. evangelical adj. Seeking the conversion of
sinners. evangelist n. A preacher who goes from place to place holding
services. evasion n. Escape. eventual adj. Ultimate. evert v. To
turn inside out. evict v. To dispossess pursuant to judicial decree.
evidential adj. Indicative. evince v. To make manifest or evident.
evoke v. To call or summon forth. evolution n. Development or growth.
evolve v. To unfold or expand. exacerbate v. To make more sharp, severe,
or virulent. exaggerate v. To overstate. exasperate v. To excite great
anger in. excavate v. To remove by digging or scooping out. exceed v. To
go beyond, as in measure, quality, value, action, power, skill, etc. excel
v. To be superior or distinguished. excellence n. Possession of eminently or
unusually good qualities. excellency n. A title of honor bestowed upon
various high officials. excellent adj. Possessing distinguished merit.
excerpt n. An extract or selection from written or printed matter.
excess n. That which passes the ordinary, proper, or required limit,
measure, or experience. excitable adj. Nervously high-strung. excitation
n. Intensified emotion or action. exclamation n. An abrupt or emphatic
expression of thought or of feeling. exclude v. To shut out purposely or
forcibly. exclusion n. Non-admission. excrescence n. Any unnatural
addition, outgrowth, or development. excretion n. The getting rid of waste
matter. excruciate v. To inflict severe pain or agony upon. excursion n.
A journey. excusable adj. Justifiable. execrable adj. Abominable.
execration n. An accursed thing. executor n. A person nominated by the
will of another to execute the will. exegesis n. Biblical exposition or
interpretation. exemplar n. A model, pattern, or original to be copied or
imitated. exemplary adj. Fitted to serve as a model or example worthy of
imitation. exemplify v. To show by example. exempt adj. Free, clear, or
released, as from some liability, or restriction affecting others. exert v.
To make an effort. exhale v. To breathe forth. exhaust v. To empty by
draining off the contents. exhaustible adj. Causing or tending to cause
exhaustion. exhaustion n. Deprivation of strength or energy. exhaustive
adj. Thorough and complete in execution. exhilarate v. To fill with high or
cheerful spirits. exhume v. To dig out of the earth (what has been buried).
exigency n. A critical period or condition. exigent adj. Urgent.
existence n. Possession or continuance of being. exit n. A way or
passage out. exodus n. A going forth or departure from a place or country,
especially of many people. exonerate v. To relieve or vindicate from
accusation, imputation, or blame. exorbitance n. Extravagance or enormity.
exorbitant adj. Going beyond usual and proper limits. exorcise v. To
cast or drive out by religious or magical means. exotic adj. Foreign.
expand v. To increase in range or scope. expanse n. A continuous area or
stretch. expansion n. Increase of amount, size, scope, or the like.
expatriate v. To drive from one's own country. expect v. To look forward
to as certain or probable. expectancy n. The act or state of looking forward
to as certain or probable. expectorate v. To cough up and spit forth.
expediency n. Fitness to meet the requirements of a particular case.
expedient adj. Contributing to personal advantage. expedite v. To hasten
the movement or progress of. expeditious adj. Speedy. expend v. To
spend. expense n. The laying out or expending or money or other resources,
as time or strength. expiate v. To make satisfaction or amends for.
explicate v. To clear from involvement. explicit adj. Definite.
explode v. To cause to burst in pieces by force from within. explosion
n. A sudden and violent outbreak. explosive adj. Pertaining to a sudden and
violent outbreak. exposition n. Formal presentation. expository adj.
Pertaining to a formal presentation. expostulate v. To discuss. exposure
n. An open situation or position in relation to the sun, elements, or points of
the compass. expressive adj. Full of meaning. expulsion n. Forcible
ejection. extant adj. Still existing and known. extemporaneous adj. Done
or made without much or any preparation. extempore adv. Without studied or
special preparation. extensible adj. Capable of being thrust out.
extension n. A reaching or stretching out, as in space, time or scope.
extensive adj. Extended widely in space, time, or scope. extensor n. A
muscle that causes extension. extenuate v. To diminish the gravity or
importance of. exterior n. That which is outside. external n. Anything
relating or belonging to the outside. extinct adj. Being no longer in
existence. extinguish v. To render extinct. extol v. To praise in the
highest terms. extort v. To obtain by violence, threats, compulsion, or the
subjection of another to some necessity. extortion n. The practice of
obtaining by violence or compulsion. extradite v. To surrender the custody
of. extradition n. The surrender by a government of a person accused of
crime to the justice of another government. extrajudicial adj. Happening out
of court. extraneous adj. Having no essential relation to a subject.
extraordinary adj. Unusual. extravagance n. Undue expenditure of money.
extravagant adj. Needlessly free or lavish in expenditure. extremist n.
One who supports extreme measures or holds extreme views. extremity n. The
utmost point, side, or border, or that farthest removed from a mean position.
extricate v. Disentangle. extrude v. To drive out or away.
exuberance n. Rich supply. exuberant adj. Marked by great plentifulness.
fabricate v. To invent fancifully or falsely. fabulous adj. Incredible.
facet n. One of the small triangular plane surfaces of a diamond or other
gem. facetious adj. Amusing. facial adj. Pertaining to the face.
facile adj. Not difficult to do. facilitate v. To make more easy.
facility n. Ease. facsimile n. An exact copy or reproduction.
faction n. A number of persons combined for a common purpose. factious
adj. Turbulent. fallacious adj. Illogical. fallacy n. Any unsound or
delusive mode of reasoning, or anything based on such reasoning. fallible
adj. Capable of erring. fallow n. Land broken up and left to become mellow
or to rest. famish v. To suffer extremity of hunger or thirst. fanatic
n. A religious zealot. fancier n. One having a taste for or interest in
special objects. fanciless adj. Unimaginative. fastidious adj. Hard to
please. fathom n. A measure of length, 6 feet. fatuous adj. Idiotic
faulty adj. Imperfect. faun n. One of a class of deities of the woods
and herds represented as half human, with goats feet. fawn n. A young deer.
fealty n. Loyalty. feasible adj. That may be done, performed, or
effected; practicable. federate v. To league together. feint n. Any
sham, pretense, or deceptive movement. felicitate v. To wish joy or
happiness to, especially in view of a coming event. felicity n. A state of
well-founded happiness. felon n. A criminal or depraved person.
felonious adj. Showing criminal or evil purpose. felony n. One of the
highest class of offenses, and punishable with death or imprisonment.
feminine adj. Characteristic of woman or womankind. fernery n. A place
in which ferns are grown. ferocious adj. Of a wild, fierce, and savage
nature. ferocity n. Savageness. fervent adj. Ardent in feeling.
fervid adj. Intense. fervor n. Ardor or intensity of feeling. festal
adj. Joyous. festive adj. Merry. fete n. A festival or feast. fetus
n. The young in the womb or in the egg. feudal adj. Pertaining to the
relation of lord and vassal. feudalism n. The feudal system. fez n. A
brimless felt cap in the shape of a truncated cone, usually red with a black
tassel. fiasco n. A complete or humiliating failure. fickle adj. Unduly
changeable in feeling, judgment, or purpose. fictitious adj. Created or
formed by the imagination. fidelity n. Loyalty. fiducial adj. Indicative
of faith or trust. fief n. A landed estate held under feudal tenure.
filibuster n. One who attempts to obstruct legislation. finale n.
Concluding performance. finality n. The state or quality of being final or
complete. finally adv. At last. financial adj. Monetary. financier
n. One skilled in or occupied with financial affairs or operations. finery
n. That which is used to decorate the person or dress. finesse n. Subtle
contrivance used to gain a point. finite adj. Limited. fiscal adj.
Pertaining to the treasury or public finances of a government. fishmonger n.
One who sells fish. fissure n. A crack or crack-like depression. fitful
adj. Spasmodic. fixture n. One who or that which is expected to remain
permanently in its position. flag-officer n. The captain of a flag-ship.
flagrant adj. Openly scandalous. flamboyant adj. Characterized by
extravagance and in general by want of good taste. flatulence n.
Accumulation of gas in the stomach and bowels. flection n. The act of
bending. fledgling n. A young bird. flexible adj. Pliable. flimsy
adj. Thin and weak. flippant adj. Having a light, pert, trifling
disposition. floe n. A collection of tabular masses of floating polar ice.
flora n. The aggregate of plants growing without cultivation in a district.
floral adj. Pertaining to flowers. florid adj. Flushed with red.
florist n. A dealer in flowers. fluctuate v. To pass backward and
forward irregularly from one state or degree to another. fluctuation n.
Frequent irregular change back and forth from one state or degree to another.
flue n. A smoke-duct in a chimney. fluent adj. Having a ready or easy
flow of words or ideas. fluential adj. Pertaining to streams. flux n. A
state of constant movement, change, or renewal. foggy adj. Obscure.
foible n. A personal weakness or failing. foist v. To palm off.
foliage n. Any growth of leaves. folio n. A sheet of paper folded once,
or of a size adapted to folding once. folk-lore n. The traditions, beliefs,
and customs of the common people. fondle v. To handle tenderly and lovingly.
foolery n. Folly. foot-note n. A note of explanation or comment at the
foot of a page or column. foppery n. Dandyism. foppish adj.
Characteristic of one who is unduly devoted to dress and the niceties of
manners. forbearance n. Patient endurance or toleration of offenses.
forby adv. Besides. forcible adj. Violent. forecourt n. A court
opening directly from the street. forejudge v. To judge of before hearing
evidence. forepeak n. The extreme forward part of a ship's hold, under the
lowest deck. foreshore n. That part of a shore uncovered at low tide.
forebode v. To be an omen or warning sign of, especially of evil.
forecast v. To predict. forecastle n. That part of the upper deck of a
ship forward of the after fore-shrouds. foreclose v. To bar by judicial
proceedings the equitable right of a mortgagor to redeem property.
forefather n. An ancestor. forego v. To deny oneself the pleasure or
profit of. foreground n. That part of a landscape or picture situated or
represented as nearest the spectator. forehead n. The upper part of the
face, between the eyes and the hair. foreign adj. Belonging to, situated in,
or derived from another country. foreigner n. A citizen of a foreign
country. foreknowledge n. Prescience. foreman n. The head man.
foreordain v. To predetermine. foreordination n. Predestination.
forerun v. To go before as introducing or ushering in. foresail n. A
square sail. foresee v. To discern beforehand. foresight n. Provision
against harm or need. foretell v. To predict. forethought n.
Premeditation. forfeit v. To lose possession of through failure to fulfill
some obligation. forfend v. To ward off. forgery n. Counterfeiting.
forgo v. To deny oneself. formation n. Relative disposition of parts.
formidable adj. Difficult to accomplish. formula n. Fixed rule or set
form. forswear v. To renounce upon oath. forte n. A strong point.
forth adv. Into notice or view. forthright adv. With directness.
fortify v. To provide with defensive works. fortitude n. Patient
courage. foursome adj. Consisting of four. fracture n. A break.
fragile adj. Easily broken. frailty n. Liability to be broken or
destroyed. fragile adj. Capable of being broken. frankincense n. A gum
or resin which on burning yields aromatic fumes. frantic adj. Frenzied.
fraternal adj. Brotherly. fraudulence n. Deceitfulness. fraudulent
adj. Counterfeit. fray v. To fret at the edge so as to loosen or break the
threads. freemason n. A member of an ancient secret fraternity originally
confined to skilled artisans. freethinker n. One who rejects authority or
inspiration in religion. free trade n. Commerce unrestricted by tariff or
customs. frequency n. The comparative number of any kind of occurrences
within a given time or space. fresco n. The art of painting on a surface of
plaster, particularly on walls and ceilings. freshness n. The state,
quality, or degree of being fresh. fretful adj. Disposed to peevishness.
frightful adj. Apt to induce terror or alarm. frigid adj. Lacking
warmth. frigidarium n. A room kept at a low temperature for preserving
fruits, meat, etc. frivolity n. A trifling act, thought, saying, or
practice. frivolous adj. Trivial. frizz v. To give a crinkled, fluffy
appearance to. frizzle v. To cause to crinkle or curl, as the hair.
frolicsome adj. Prankish. frontier n. The part of a nation's territory
that abuts upon another country. frowzy adj. Slovenly in appearance.
frugal adj. Economical. fruition n. Fulfillment. fugacious adj.
Fleeting. fulcrum n. The support on or against which a lever rests, or the
point about which it turns. fulminate v. To cause to explode. fulsome
adj. Offensive from excess of praise or commendation. fumigate v. To subject
to the action of smoke or fumes, especially for disinfection. functionary n.
An official. fundamental adj. Basal. fungible adj. That may be measured,
counted, or weighed. fungous adj. Spongy. fungus n. A plant destitute of
chlorophyll, as a mushroom. furbish v. To restore brightness or beauty to.
furlong n. A measure, one-eighth of a mile. furlough n. A temporary
absence of a soldier or sailor by permission of the commanding officer.
furrier n. A dealer in or maker of fur goods. further adj. More distant
or advanced. furtherance n. Advancement. furtive adj. Stealthy or sly,
like the actions of a thief. fuse v. To unite or blend as by melting
together. fusible adj. Capable of being melted by heat. futile adj. Of
no avail or effect. futurist n. A person of expectant temperament. gauge
n. An instrument for measuring. gaiety n. Festivity. gaily adv. Merrily.
gait n. Carriage of the body in going. gallant adj. Possessing a brave
or chivalrous spirit. galore adj. Abundant. galvanic adj. Pertaining or
relating to electricity produced by chemical action. galvanism n. Current
electricity, especially that arising from chemical action. galvanize v. To
imbue with life or animation. gamble v. To risk money or other possession on
an event, chance, or contingency. gambol n. Playful leaping or frisking.
gamester n. A gambler. gamut n. The whole range or sequence. garnish
v. In cookery, to surround with additions for embellishment. garrison n. The
military force stationed in a fort, town, or other place for its defense.
garrote v. To execute by strangling. garrulous adj. Given to constant
trivial talking. gaseous adj. Light and unsubstantial. gastric adj. Of,
pertaining to, or near the stomach. gastritis n. Inflammation of the
stomach. gastronomy n. The art of preparing and serving appetizing food.
gendarme n. In continental Europe, particularly in France, a uniformed and
armed police officer. genealogy n. A list, in the order of succession, of
ancestors and their descendants. genealogist n. A tracer of pedigrees.
generality n. The principal portion. generalize v. To draw general
inferences. generally adv. Ordinarily. generate v. To produce or cause
to be. generic adj. Noting a genus or kind; opposed to specific.
generosity n. A disposition to give liberally or to bestow favors heartily.
genesis n. Creation. geniality n. Warmth and kindliness of disposition.
genital adj. Of or pertaining to the animal reproductive organs.
genitive adj. Indicating source, origin, possession, or the like.
genteel adj. Well-bred or refined. gentile adj. Belonging to a people
not Jewish. geology n. The department of natural science that treats of the
constitution and structure of the earth. germane adj. Relevant.
germinate v. To begin to develop into an embryo or higher form.
gestation n. Pregnancy. gesticulate v. To make gestures or motions, as
in speaking, or in place of speech. gesture n. A movement or action of the
hands or face, expressive of some idea or emotion. ghastly adj. Hideous.
gibe v. To utter taunts or reproaches. giddy adj. Affected with a
whirling or swimming sensation in the head. gigantic adj. Tremendous.
giver n. One who gives, in any sense. glacial adj. Icy, or icily cold.
glacier n. A field or stream of ice. gladden v. To make joyous.
glazier n. One who cuts and fits panes of glass, as for windows. glimmer
n. A faint, wavering, unsteady light. glimpse n. A momentary look.
globose adj. Spherical. globular adj. Spherical. glorious adj. Of
excellence and splendor. glutinous adj. Sticky. gluttonous adj. Given to
excess in eating. gnash v. To grind or strike the teeth together, as from
rage. Gordian knot n. Any difficulty the only issue out of which is by bold
or unusual manners. gourmand n. A connoisseur in the delicacies of the
table. gosling n. A young goose. gossamer adj. Flimsy. gourd n. A
melon, pumpkin, squash, or some similar fruit having a hard rind. graceless
adj. Ungracious. gradation n. A step, degree, rank, or relative position in
an order or series. gradient adj. Moving or advancing by steps. granary
n. A storehouse for grain after it is thrashed or husked. grandeur n. The
quality of being grand or admirably great. grandiloquent adj. Speaking in or
characterized by a pompous or bombastic style. grandiose adj. Having an
imposing style or effect. grantee n. The person to whom property is
transferred by deed. grantor n. The maker of a deed. granular adj.
Composed of small grains or particles. granulate v. To form into grains or
small particles. granule n. A small grain or particle. grapple v. To
take hold of. gratification n. Satisfaction. gratify v. To please, as by
satisfying a physical or mental desire or need. gratuitous adj. Voluntarily.
gratuity n. That which is given without demand or claim. Tip. gravity n.
Seriousness. gregarious adj. Not habitually solitary or living alone.
grenadier n. A member of a regiment composed of men of great stature.
grief n. Sorrow. grievance n. That which oppresses, injures, or causes
grief and at the same time a sense of wrong. grievous adj. Creating
affliction. grimace n. A distortion of the features, occasioned by some
feeling of pain, disgust, etc. grindstone n. A flat circular stone, used for
sharpening tools. grisly adj. Fear-inspiring. grotesque adj.
Incongruously composed or ill-proportioned. grotto n. A small cavern.
ground n. A pavement or floor or any supporting surface on which one may
walk. guess n. Surmise. guile n. Duplicity. guileless adj. Frank.
guinea n. An English monetary unit. guise n. The external appearance as
produced by garb or costume. gullible adj. Credulous. gumption n. Common
sense. gusto n. Keen enjoyment. guy n. Stay-rope. guzzle v. To
swallow greedily or hastily; gulp. gynecocracy n. Female supremacy.
gynecology n. The science that treats of the functions and diseases peculiar
to women. gyrate v. To revolve. gyroscope n. An instrument for
illustrating the laws of rotation. habitable adj. Fit to be dwelt in.
habitant n. Dweller. habitual adj. According to usual practice.
habitude n. Customary relation or association. hackney v. To make stale
or trite by repetition. haggard adj. Worn and gaunt in appearance.
halcyon adj. Calm. hale adj. Of sound and vigorous health.
handwriting n. Penmanship. hanger-on n. A parasite. happy-go-lucky
adj. Improvident. harangue n. A tirade. harass v. To trouble with
importunities, cares, or annoyances. harbinger n. One who or that which
foreruns and announces the coming of any person or thing. hard-hearted adj.
Lacking pity or sympathy. hardihood n. Foolish daring. harmonious adj.
Concordant in sound. havoc n. Devastation. hawthorn n. A thorny shrub
much used in England for hedges. hazard n. Risk. head first adv.
Precipitately, as in diving. head foremost adv. Precipitately, as in diving.
heartrending adj. Very depressing. heathenish adj. Irreligious.
heedless adj. Thoughtless. heifer n. A young cow. heinous adj.
Odiously sinful. hemorrhage n. Discharge of blood from a ruptured or wounded
blood-vessel. hemorrhoids n. pl. Tumors composed of enlarged and thickened
blood-vessels, at the lower end of the rectum. henchman n. A servile
assistant and subordinate. henpeck v. To worry or harass by ill temper and
petty annoyances. heptagon n. A figure having seven sides and seven angles.
heptarchy n. A group of seven governments. herbaceous adj. Having the
character of a herb. herbarium n. A collection of dried plants
scientifically arranged for study. herbivorous adj. Feeding on herbs or
other vegetable matter, as animals. hereditary adj. Passing naturally from
parent to child. heredity n. Transmission of physical or mental qualities,
diseases, etc., from parent to offspring. heresy n. An opinion or doctrine
subversive of settled beliefs or accepted principles. heretic n. One who
holds opinions contrary to the recognized standards or tenets of any philosophy.
heritage n. Birthright. hernia n. Protrusion of any internal organ in
whole or in part from its normal position. hesitancy n. A pausing to
consider. hesitant adj. Vacillating. hesitation n. Vacillation.
heterodox adj. At variance with any commonly accepted doctrine or opinion.
heterogeneity n. Unlikeness of constituent parts. heterogeneous adj.
Consisting of dissimilar elements or ingredients of different kinds.
heteromorphic adj. Deviating from the normal form or standard type.
hexangular adj. Having six angles. hexapod adj. Having six feet.
hexagon n. A figure with six angles. hiatus n. A break or vacancy where
something necessary to supply the connection is wanting. hibernal adj.
Pertaining to winter. Hibernian adj. Pertaining to Ireland, or its people.
hideous adj. Appalling. hilarious adj. Boisterously merry. hillock
n. A small hill or mound. hinder v. To obstruct. hindmost adj. Farthest
from the front. hindrance n. An obstacle. hirsute adj. Having a hairy
covering. hoard v. To gather and store away for the sake of accumulation.
hoarse adj. Having the voice harsh or rough, as from a cold or fatigue.
homage n. Reverential regard or worship. homogeneity n. Congruity of the
members or elements or parts. homogeneous adj. Made up of similar parts or
elements. homologous adj. Identical in nature, make-up, or relation.
homonym n. A word agreeing in sound with but different in meaning from
another. homophone n. A word agreeing in sound with but different in meaning
from another. honorarium n. A token fee or payment to a professional man for
services. hoodwink v. To deceive. horde n. A gathered multitude of human
beings. hosiery n. A stocking. hospitable adj. Disposed to treat
strangers or guests with generous kindness. hospitality n. The practice of
receiving and entertaining strangers and guests with kindness. hostility n.
Enmity. huckster n. One who retails small wares. humane adj.
Compassionate. humanitarian n. A philanthropist. humanize v. To make
gentle or refined. humbug n. Anything intended or calculated to deceive or
mislead. humiliate v. To put to shame. hussar n. A light-horse trooper
armed with saber and carbine. hustle v. To move with haste and promptness.
hybrid adj. Cross-bred. hydra n. The seven- or nine-headed water-serpent
slain by Hercules. hydraulic adj. Involving the moving of water, of the
force exerted by water in motion. hydrodynamics n. The branch of mechanics
that treats of the dynamics of fluids. hydroelectric adj. Pertaining to
electricity developed water or steam. hydromechanics n. The mechanics of
fluids. hydrometer n. An instrument for determining the density of solids
and liquids by flotation. hydrostatics n. The branch of science that treats
of the pressure and equilibrium of fluids. hydrous adj. Watery. hygiene
n. The branch of medical science that relates to improving health.
hypercritical adj. Faultfinding. hypnosis n. An artificial trance-sleep.
hypnotic adj. Tending to produce sleep. hypnotism n. An artificially
induced somnambulistic state in which the mind readily acts on suggestion.
hypnotize v. To produce a somnambulistic state in which the mind readily
acts on suggestions. hypocrisy n. Extreme insincerity. hypocrite n. One
who makes false professions of his views or beliefs. hypodermic adj.
Pertaining to the area under the skin. hypotenuse n. The side of a
right-angled triangle opposite the right angle. hypothesis n. A proposition
taken for granted as a premise from which to reach a conclusion. hysteria n.
A nervous affection occurring typically in paroxysms of laughing and crying.
ichthyic adj. Fish-like. ichthyology n. The branch of zoology that
treats of fishes. ichthyosaurs n. A fossil reptile. icily adv. Frigidly.
iciness n. The state of being icy. icon n. An image or likeness.
iconoclast n. An image-breaker. idealize v. To make to conform to some
mental or imaginary standard. idiom n. A use of words peculiar to a
particular language. idiosyncrasy n. A mental quality or habit peculiar to
an individual. idolize v. To regard with inordinate love or admiration.
ignoble adj. Low in character or purpose. ignominious adj. Shameful.
Iliad n. A Greek epic poem describing scenes from the siege of Troy.
illegal adj. Not according to law. illegible adj. Undecipherable.
illegitimate adj. Unlawfully begotten. illiberal adj. Stingy.
illicit adj. Unlawful. illimitable adj. Boundless. illiterate adj.
Having little or no book-learning. ill-natured adj. Surly. illogical
adj. Contrary to the rules of sound thought. illuminant n. That which may be
used to produce light. illuminate v. To supply with light. illumine v.
To make bright or clear. illusion n. An unreal image presented to the
senses. illusive adj. Deceptive. illusory adj. Deceiving or tending to
deceive, as by false appearance. imaginable adj. That can be imagined or
conceived in the mind. imaginary adj. Fancied. imbibe v. To drink or
take in. imbroglio n. A misunderstanding attended by ill feeling,
perplexity, or strife. imbrue v. To wet or moisten. imitation n. That
which is made as a likeness or copy. imitator n. One who makes in imitation.
immaculate adj. Without spot or blemish. immaterial adj. Of no essential
consequence. immature adj. Not full-grown. immeasurable adj.
Indefinitely extensive. immense adj. Very great in degree, extent, size, or
quantity. immerse v. To plunge or dip entirely under water or other fluid.
immersion n. The act of plunging or dipping entirely under water or another
fluid. immigrant n. A foreigner who enters a country to settle there.
immigrate v. To come into a country or region from a former habitat.
imminence n. Impending evil or danger. imminent adj. Dangerous and close
at hand. immiscible adj. Separating, as oil and water. immoral adj.
Habitually engaged in licentious or lewd practices. immortalize v. To cause
to last or to be known or remembered throughout a great or indefinite length of
time. immovable adj. Steadfast. immune adj. Exempt, as from disease.
immutable adj. Unchangeable. impair v. To cause to become less or worse.
impalpable adj. Imperceptible to the touch. impartial adj. Unbiased.
impassable adj. That can not be passed through or over. impassible adj.
Not moved or affected by feeling. impassive adj. Unmoved by or not
exhibiting feeling. impatience n. Unwillingness to brook delays or wait the
natural course of things. impeccable adj. Blameless. impecunious adj.
Having no money. impede v. To be an obstacle or to place obstacles in the
way of. impel v. To drive or urge forward. impend v. To be imminent.
imperative adj. Obligatory. imperceptible adj. Indiscernible.
imperfectible adj. That can not be perfected. imperil v. To endanger.
imperious adj. Insisting on obedience. impermissible adj. Not
permissible. impersonal adj. Not relating to a particular person or thing.
impersonate v. To appear or act in the character of. impersuadable adj.
Unyielding. impertinence n. Rudeness. imperturbable adj. Calm.
impervious adj. Impenetrable. impetuosity n. Rashness. impetuous
adj. Impulsive. impetus n. Any impulse or incentive. impiety n.
Irreverence toward God. impious adj. Characterized by irreverence or
irreligion. implausible adj. Not plausible. impliable adj. Capable of
being inferred. implicate v. To show or prove to be involved in or concerned
implicit adj. Implied. imply v. To signify. impolitic adj.
Inexpedient. importation n. The act or practice of bringing from one country
into another. importunate adj. Urgent in character, request, or demand.
importune v. To harass with persistent demands or entreaties. impotent
adj. Destitute of or lacking in power, physical, moral, or intellectual.
impoverish v. To make indigent or poor. impracticable adj. Not feasible.
impregnable adj. That can not be taken by assault. impregnate v. To make
pregnant. impromptu n. Anything done or said on the impulse of the moment.
improper adj. Not appropriate, suitable, or becoming. impropriety n. The
state or quality of being unfit, unseemly, or inappropriate. improvident
adj. Lacking foresight or thrift. improvise v. To do anything
extemporaneously or offhand. imprudent adj. Heedless. impudence n.
Insolent disrespect. impugn v. To assail with arguments, insinuations, or
accusations. impulsion n. Impetus. impulsive adj. Unpremeditated.
impunity n. Freedom from punishment. impure adj. Tainted. impute v.
To attribute. inaccessible adj. Difficult of approach. inaccurate adj.
Not exactly according to the facts. inactive adj. Inert. inadequate adj.
Insufficient. inadmissible adj. Not to be approved, considered, or allowed,
as testimony. inadvertent adj. Accidental. inadvisable adj. Unadvisable.
inane adj. Silly. inanimate adj. Destitute of animal life.
inapprehensible adj. Not to be understood. inapt adj. Awkward or slow.
inarticulate adj. Speechless. inaudible adj. That can not be heard.
inborn adj. Implanted by nature. inbred adj. Innate. incandescence
n. The state of being white or glowing with heat. incandescent adj. White or
glowing with heat. incapacitate v. To deprive of power, capacity,
competency, or qualification. incapacity n. Want of power to apprehend,
understand, and manage. incarcerate v. To imprison. incendiary n.
Chemical or person who starts a fire-literally or figuratively. incentive n.
That which moves the mind or inflames the passions. inception n. The
beginning. inceptive adj. Beginning. incessant adj. Unceasing.
inchmeal adv. Piecemeal. inchoate adj. Incipient. inchoative n. That
which begins, or expresses beginning. incidence n. Casual occurrence.
incident n. A happening in general, especially one of little importance.
incidentally adv. Without intention. incinerate v. To reduce to ashes.
incipience n. Beginning. incipient adj. Initial. incisor n. A front
or cutting tooth. incite v. To rouse to a particular action. incitement
n. That which moves to action, or serves as an incentive or stimulus.
incoercible adj. Incapable of being forced, constrained, or compelled.
incoherence n. Want of connection, or agreement, as of parts or ideas in
thought, speech, etc. incoherent adj. Not logically coordinated, as to
parts, elements, or details. incombustible adj. That can not be burned.
incomparable adj. Matchless. incompatible adj. Discordant.
incompetence n. General lack of capacity or fitness. incompetent adj.
Not having the abilities desired or necessary for any purpose. incomplete
adj. Lacking some element, part, or adjunct necessary or required.
incomprehensible adj. Not understandable. incompressible adj. Resisting
all attempts to reduce volume by pressure. inconceivable adj.
Incomprehensible. incongruous adj. Unsuitable for the time, place, or
occasion. inconsequential adj. Valueless. inconsiderable adj. Small in
quantity or importance. inconsistent adj. Contradictory. inconstant adj.
Changeable. incontrovertible adj. Indisputable. inconvenient adj.
Interfering with comfort or progress. indefensible adj. Untenable.
indefinitely adv. In a vague or uncertain way. indelible adj. That can
not be blotted out, effaced, destroyed, or removed. indescribable adj. That
can not be described. indestructible adj. That can not be destroyed.
indicant adj. That which points out. indicator n. One who or that which
points out. indict v. To find and declare chargeable with crime.
indigence n. Poverty. indigenous adj. Native. indigent adj. Poor.
indigestible adj. Not digestible, or difficult to digest. indigestion n.
Difficulty or failure in the alimentary canal in changing food into absorptive
nutriment. indignant adj. Having such anger and scorn as is aroused by
meanness or wickedness. indignity n. Unmerited contemptuous conduct or
treatment. indiscernible adj. Not perceptible. indiscreet adj. Lacking
wise judgment. indiscriminate adj. Promiscuous. indispensable adj.
Necessary or requisite for the purpose. indistinct adj. Vague.
indivertible adj. That can not be turned aside. indivisible adj. Not
separable into parts. indolence n. Laziness. indolent adj. Habitually
inactive or idle. indomitable adj. Unconquerable. induct v. To bring in.
indulgence n. The yielding to inclination, passion, desire, or propensity in
oneself or another. indulgent adj. Yielding to the desires or humor of
oneself or those under one's care. inebriate v. To intoxicate. inedible
adj. Not good for food. ineffable adj. Unutterable. inefficient adj. Not
accomplishing an intended purpose. inefficiency n. That which does not
accomplish an intended purpose. ineligible adj. Not suitable to be selected
or chosen. inept adj. Not fit or suitable. inert adj. Inanimate.
inestimable adj. Above price. inevitable adj. Unavoidable.
inexcusable adj. Not to be justified. inexhaustible adj. So large or
furnishing so great a supply as not to be emptied, wasted, or spent.
inexorable adj. Unrelenting. inexpedient adj. Unadvisable.
inexpensive adj. Low-priced. inexperience n. Lack of or deficiency in
experience. inexplicable adj. Such as can not be made plain.
inexpressible adj. Unutterable. inextensible adj. Of unchangeable length
or area. infallible adj. Exempt from error of judgment, as in opinion or
statement. infamous adj. Publicly branded or notorious, as for vice, or
crime. infamy n. Total loss or destitution of honor or reputation.
inference n. The derivation of a judgment from any given material of
knowledge on the ground of law. infernal adj. Akin to or befitting hell or
its occupants. infest v. To be present in such numbers as to be a source of
annoyance, trouble, or danger. infidel n. One who denies the existence of
God. infidelity n. Disloyalty. infinite adj. Measureless. infinity
n. Boundless or immeasurable extension or duration. infirm adj. Lacking in
bodily or mental strength. infirmary n. A place for the reception or
treatment of the sick. infirmity n. A physical, mental, or moral weakness or
flaw. inflammable adj. Easily set on fire or excited. inflammation n. A
morbid process in some part of the body characterized by heat, swelling, and
pain. inflexible adj. That can not be altered or varied. influence n.
Ability to sway the will of another. influential adj. Having the power to
sway the will of another. influx n. Infusion. infrequence n. Rareness.
infrequent adj. Uncommon. infringe v. To trespass upon. infuse v. To
instill, introduce, or inculcate, as principles or qualities. infusion n.
The act of imbuing, or pouring in. ingenious adj. Evincing skill,
originality, or cleverness, as in contrivance or arrangement. ingenuity n.
Cleverness in contriving, combining, or originating. ingenuous adj. Candid,
frank, or open in character or quality. inglorious adj. Shameful.
ingraft v. To set or implant deeply and firmly. ingratiate v. To win
confidence or good graces for oneself. ingratitude n. Insensibility to
kindness. ingredient n. Component. inherence n. The state of being
permanently existing in something. inherent adj. Intrinsic. inhibit v.
To hold back or in. inhospitable adj. Not disposed to entertain strangers
gratuitously. inhuman adj. Savage. inhume v. To place in the earth, as a
dead body. inimical adj. Adverse. iniquity n. Gross wrong or injustice.
initiate v. To perform the first act or rite. inject v. To introduce, as
a fluid, by injection. injunction n. Mandate. inkling n. A hint.
inland adj. Remote from the sea. inlet n. A small body of water leading
into a larger. inmost adj. Deepest within. innocuous adj. Harmless.
innovate v. To introduce or strive to introduce new things. innuendo n.
Insinuation. innumerable adj. Countless. inoffensive adj. Causing
nothing displeasing or disturbing. inopportune adj. Unsuitable or
inconvenient, especially as to time. inquire v. To ask information about.
inquisition n. A court or tribunal for examination and punishment of
heretics. inquisitive adj. Given to questioning, especially out of
curiosity. inquisitor n. One who makes an investigation. inroad n.
Forcible encroachment or trespass. insatiable adj. That desires or craves
immoderately or unappeasably. inscribe v. To enter in a book, or on a list,
roll, or document, by writing. inscrutable adj. Impenetrably mysterious or
profound. insecure adj. Not assured of safety. insensible adj.
Imperceptible. insentient adj. Lacking the power of feeling or perceiving.
inseparable adj. That can not be separated. insidious adj. Working ill
by slow and stealthy means. insight n. Intellectual discernment.
insignificance n. Lack of import or of importance. insignificant adj.
Without importance, force, or influence. insinuate v. To imply. insipid
adj. Tasteless. insistence n. Urgency. insistent adj. Urgent.
insolence n. Pride or haughtiness exhibited in contemptuous and overbearing
treatment of others. insolent adj. Impudent. insomnia n. Sleeplessness.
inspector n. An official appointed to examine or oversee any matter of
public interest or importance. instance n. A single occurrence or happening
of a given kind. instant n. A very brief portion of time. instantaneous
adj. Done without perceptible lapse of time. instigate v. To provoke.
instigator n. One who incites to evil. instill v. To infuse.
instructive adj. Conveying knowledge. insufficiency n. Inadequacy.
insufficient adj. Inadequate for some need, purpose, or use. insular
adj. Pertaining to an island. insulate v. To place in a detached state or
situation. insuperable adj. Invincible. insuppressible adj. Incapable of
being concealed. insurgence n. Uprising. insurgent n. One who takes part
in forcible opposition to the constituted authorities of a place.
insurrection n. The state of being in active resistance to authority.
intangible adj. Not perceptible to the touch. integrity n. Uprightness
of character and soundness of moral principle. intellect n. The faculty of
perception or thought. intellectual adj. Characterized by intelligence.
intelligence n. Capacity to know or understand. intelligible adj.
Comprehensible. intemperance n. Immoderate action or indulgence, as of the
appetites. intension n. The act of stringing or stretching, or state of
being strained. intensive adj. Adding emphasis or force. intention n.
That upon which the mind is set. interact v. To act reciprocally.
intercede v. To mediate between persons. intercept v. To interrupt the
course of. intercession n. Entreaty in behalf of others. intercessor n.
A mediator. interdict n. Authoritative act of prohibition. interim n.
Time between acts or periods. interlocutor n. One who takes part in a
conversation or oral discussion. interlude n. An action or event considered
as coming between others of greater length. intermediate adj. Being in a
middle place or degree or between extremes. interminable adj. Having no
limit or end. intermission n. A recess. intermit v. To cause to cease
temporarily. intermittent adj. A temporary discontinuance. interpolation
n. Verbal interference. interpose v. To come between other things or
persons. interposition n. A coming between. interpreter n. A person who
makes intelligible the speech of a foreigner by oral translation.
interrogate v. To examine formally by questioning. interrogative adj.
Having the nature or form of a question. interrogatory n. A question or
inquiry. interrupt v. To stop while in progress. intersect v. To cut
through or into so as to divide. intervale n. A low tract of land between
hills, especially along a river. intervene v. To interfere for some end.
intestacy n. The condition resulting from one's dying not having made a
valid will. intestate adj. Not having made a valid will. intestine n.
That part of the digestive tube below or behind the stomach, extending to the
anus. intimacy n. Close or confidential friendship. intimidate v. To
cause to become frightened. intolerable adj. Insufferable. intolerance
n. Inability or unwillingness to bear or endure. intolerant adj. Bigoted.
intoxicant n. Anything that unduly exhilarates or excites. intoxicate v.
To make drunk. intracellular adj. Occurring or situated within a cell.
intramural adj. Situated within the walls of a city. intrepid adj.
Fearless and bold. intricacy n. Perplexity. intricate adj. Difficult to
follow or understand. intrigue n. A plot or scheme, usually complicated and
intended to accomplish something by secret ways. intrinsic adj. Inherent.
introductory adj. Preliminary. introgression n. Entrance. intromit
v. To insert. introspect v. To look into. introspection n. The act of
observing and analyzing one's own thoughts and feelings. introversion n. The
act of turning or directing inward, physically or mentally. introvert v. To
turn within. intrude v. To come in without leave or license. intrusion
n. The act of entering without warrant or invitation; encroachment.
intuition n. Instinctive knowledge or feeling. inundate v. To fill with
an overflowing abundance. inundation n. Flood. inure v. To harden or
toughen by use, exercise, or exposure. invalid adj. Having no force, weight,
or cogency. invalid n. One who is disabled by illness or injury.
invalidate v. To render of no force or effect. invaluable adj.
Exceedingly precious. invariable adj. Unchangeable. invasion n.
Encroachment, as by an act of intrusion or trespass. invective n. An
utterance intended to cast censure, or reproach. inveigh v. To utter
vehement censure or invective. inventive adj. Quick at contrivance.
inverse adj. Contrary in tendency or direction. inversion n. Change of
order so that the first shall become last and the last first. invert v. To
turn inside out, upside down, or in opposite direction. investigator n. One
who investigates. investor n. One who invests money. inveterate adj.
Habitual. invidious adj. Showing or feeling envy. invigorate v. To
animate. invincible adj. Not to be conquered, subdued, or overcome.
inviolable adj. Incapable of being injured or disturbed. invoke v. To
call on for assistance or protection. involuntary adj. Unwilling.
involution n. Complication. involve v. To draw into entanglement,
literally or figuratively. invulnerable adj. That can not be wounded or
hurt. inwardly adv. With no outward manifestation. iota n. A small or
insignificant mark or part. irascible adj. Prone to anger. irate adj.
Moved to anger. ire n. Wrath. iridescence n. A many-colored appearance.
iridescent adj. Exhibiting changing rainbow-colors due to the interference
of the light. irk v. To afflict with pain, vexation, or fatigue. irksome
adj. Wearisome. irony n. Censure or ridicule under cover of praise or
compliment. irradiance n. Luster. irradiate v. To render clear and
intelligible. irrational adj. Not possessed of reasoning powers or
understanding. irreducible adj. That can not be lessened. irrefragable
adj. That can not be refuted or disproved. irrefrangible adj. That can not
be broken or violated. irrelevant adj. Inapplicable. irreligious adj.
Indifferent or opposed to religion. irreparable adj. That can not be
rectified or made amends for. irrepressible adj. That can not be restrained
or kept down. irresistible adj. That can not be successfully withstood or
opposed. irresponsible adj. Careless of or unable to meet responsibilities.
irreverence n. The quality showing or expressing a deficiency of veneration,
especially for sacred things. irreverent adj. Showing or expressing a
deficiency of veneration, especially for sacred things. irreverential adj.
Showing or expressing a deficiency of veneration, especially for sacred things.
irreversible adj. Irrevocable. irrigant adj. Serving to water lands by
artificial means. irrigate v. To water, as land, by ditches or other
artificial means. irritable adj. Showing impatience or ill temper on little
provocation. irritancy n. The quality of producing vexation. irritant n.
A mechanical, chemical, or pathological agent of inflammation, pain, or tension.
irritate v. To excite ill temper or impatience in. irruption n. Sudden
invasion. isle n. An island. islet n. A little island. isobar n. A
line joining points at which the barometric pressure is the same at a specified
moment. isochronous adj. Relating to or denoting equal intervals of time.
isolate v. To separate from others of its kind. isothermal adj. Having
or marking equality of temperature. itinerant adj. Wandering. itinerary
n. A detailed account or diary of a journey. itinerate v. To wander from
place to place. jargon n. Confused, unintelligible speech or highly
technical speech. jaundice n. A morbid condition, due to obstructed
excretion of bile or characterized by yellowing of the skin. jeopardize v. To
imperil. Jingo n. One of a party in Great Britain in favor of spirited and
demonstrative foreign policy. jocose adj. Done or made in jest. jocular
adj. Inclined to joke. joggle n. A sudden irregular shake or a push causing
such a shake. journalize v. To keep a diary. jovial adj. Merry.
jubilation n. Exultation. judgment n. The faculty by the exercise of
which a deliberate conclusion is reached. judicature n. Distribution and
administration of justice by trial and judgment. judicial adj. Pertaining to
the administration of justice. judiciary n. That department of government
which administers the law relating to civil and criminal justice. judicious
adj. Prudent. juggle v. To play tricks of sleight of hand. jugglery n.
The art or practice of sleight of hand. jugular adj. Pertaining to the
throat. juicy adj. Succulent. junction n. The condition of being joined.
juncture n. An articulation, joint, or seam. junta n. A council or
assembly that deliberates in secret upon the affairs of government.
juridical adj. Assumed by law to exist. jurisdiction n. Lawful power or
right to exercise official authority. jurisprudence n. The science of rights
in accordance with positive law. juror n. One who serves on a jury or is
sworn in for jury duty in a court of justice. joust v. To engage in a tilt
with lances on horseback. justification n. Vindication. juvenile adj.
Characteristic of youth. juxtapose v. To place close together. keepsake
n. Anything kept or given to be kept for the sake of the giver. kerchief n.
A square of linen, silk, or other material, used as a covering for the head or
neck. kernel n. A grain or seed. kiln n. An oven or furnace for baking,
burning, or drying industrial products. kiloliter n. One thousand liters.
kilometer n. A length of 1,000 meters. kilowatt n. One thousand watts.
kimono n. A loose robe, fastening with a sash, the principal outer garment
in Japan. kind-hearted adj. Having a kind and sympathetic nature.
kingling n. A petty king. kingship n. Royal state. kinsfolk n. pl.
Relatives. knavery n. Deceitfulness in dealing. knead v. To mix and work
into a homogeneous mass, especially with the hands. knickknack n. A small
article, more for ornament that use. knight errant n. One of the wandering
knights who in the middle ages went forth in search of adventure. knighthood
n. Chivalry. laborious adj. Toilsome. labyrinth n. A maze. lacerate
v. To tear rudely or raggedly. lackadaisical adj. Listless. lactation n.
The secretion of milk. lacteal adj. Milky. lactic adj. Pertaining to
milk. laddie n. A lad. ladle n. A cup-shaped vessel with a long handle,
intended for dipping up and pouring liquids. laggard adj. Falling behind.
landholder n. Landowner. landlord n. A man who owns and lets a tenement
or tenements. landmark n. A familiar object in the landscape serving as a
guide to an area otherwise easily lost track of. landscape n. A rural view,
especially one of picturesque effect, as seen from a distance or an elevation.
languid adj. Relaxed. languor n. Lassitude of body or depression.
lapse n. A slight deviation from what is right, proper, or just.
lascivious adj. Lustful. lassie n. A little lass. latent adj.
Dormant. latency n. The state of being dormant. later adv. At a
subsequent time. lateral adj. Directed toward the side. latish adj.
Rather late. lattice n. Openwork of metal or wood, formed by crossing or
interlacing strips or bars. laud v. To praise in words or song. laudable
adj. Praiseworthy. laudation n. High praise. laudatory adj. Pertaining
to, expressing, or containing praise. laundress n. Washerwoman. laureate
adj. Crowned with laurel, as a mark of distinction. lave v. To wash or
bathe. lawgiver n. A legislator. lawmaker n. A legislator. lax adj.
Not stringent or energetic. laxative adj. Having power to open or loosen the
bowels. lea n. A field. leaflet n. A little leaf or a booklet.
leaven v. To make light by fermentation, as dough. leeward n. That side
or direction toward which the wind blows. left-handed adj. Using the left
hand or arm more dexterously than the right. legacy n. A bequest.
legalize v. To give the authority of law to. legging n. A covering for
the leg. legible adj. That may be read with ease. legionary n. A member
of an ancient Roman legion or of the modern French Legion of Honor.
legislate v. To make or enact a law or laws. legislative adj. That makes
or enacts laws. legislator n. A lawgiver. legitimacy n. Accordance with
law. legitimate adj. Having the sanction of law or established custom.
leisure n. Spare time. leniency n. Forbearance. lenient adj. Not
harsh. leonine adj. Like a lion. lethargy n. Prolonged sluggishness of
body or mind. levee n. An embankment beside a river or stream or an arm of
the sea, to prevent overflow. lever n. That which exerts, or through which
one may exert great power. leviathan n. Any large animal, as a whale.
levity n. Frivolity. levy v. To impose and collect by force or threat of
force. lewd adj. Characterized by lust or lasciviousness. lexicographer
n. One who makes dictionaries. lexicography n. The making of dictionaries.
lexicon n. A dictionary. liable adj. Justly or legally responsible.
libel n. Defamation. liberalism n. Opposition to conservatism.
liberate v. To set free or release from bondage. licentious adj. Wanton.
licit adj. Lawful. liege adj. Sovereign. lien n. A legal claim or
hold on property, as security for a debt or charge. lieu n. Stead.
lifelike adj. Realistic. lifelong adj. Lasting or continuous through
life. lifetime n. The time that life continues. ligament n. That which
binds objects together. ligature n. Anything that constricts, or serves for
binding or tying. light-hearted adj. Free from care. ligneous adj.
Having the texture of appearance of wood. likelihood n. A probability.
likely adj. Plausible. liking n. Fondness. limitation n. A
restriction. linear adj. Of the nature of a line. liner n. A vessel
belonging to a steamship-line. lingo n. Language. lingua n. The tongue.
lingual adj. Pertaining to the use of the tongue in utterance. linguist
n. One who is acquainted with several languages. linguistics n. The science
of languages, or of the origin, history, and significance of words. liniment
n. A liquid preparation for rubbing on the skin in cases of bruises,
inflammation, etc. liquefacient adj. Possessing a liquefying nature or
power. liquefy v. To convert into a liquid or into liquid form. liqueur
n. An alcoholic cordial sweetened and flavored with aromatic substances.
liquidate v. To deliver the amount or value of. liquor n. Any alcoholic
or intoxicating liquid. listless adj. Inattentive. literacy n. The state
or condition of knowing how to read and write. literal adj. Following the
exact words. literature n. The written or printed productions of the human
mind collectively. lithe adj. Supple. lithesome adj. Nimble.
lithograph n. A print made by printing from stone. lithotype n. In
engraving, an etched stone surface for printing. litigant n. A party to a
lawsuit. litigate v. To cause to become the subject-matter of a suit at law.
litigious adj. Quarrelsome. littoral adj. Of, pertaining to, or living
on a shore. liturgy n. A ritual. livelihood n. Means of subsistence.
livid adj. Black-and-blue, as contused flesh. loam n. A non-coherent
mixture of sand and clay. loath adj. Averse. loathe v. To abominate.
locative adj. Indicating place, or the place where or wherein an action
occurs. loch n. A lake. locomotion n. The act or power of moving from
one place to another. lode n. A somewhat continuous unstratified metal-
bearing vein. lodgment n. The act of furnishing with temporary quarters.
logic n. The science of correct thinking. logical adj. Capable of or
characterized by clear reasoning. logician n. An expert reasoner.
loiterer n. One who consumes time idly. loneliness n. Solitude.
longevity n. Unusually prolonged life. loot v. To plunder.
loquacious adj. Talkative. lordling n. A little lord. lough n. A
lake or loch. louse n. A small insect parasitic on and sucking the blood of
mammals. lovable adj. Amiable. low-spirited adj. Despondent. lowly
adv. Rudely. lucid adj. Mentally sound. lucrative adj. Highly
profitable. ludicrous adj. Laughable. luminary n. One of the heavenly
bodies as a source of light. luminescent adj. Showing increase of light.
luminescence n. Showing increase. luminosity n. The quality of giving or
radiating light. luminous adj. Giving or radiating light. lunacy n.
Mental unsoundness. lunar adj. Pertaining to the moon. lunatic n. An
insane person. lune n. The moon. lurid adj. Ghastly and sensational.
luscious adj. Rich, sweet, and delicious. lustrous adj. Shining.
luxuriance n. Excessive or superfluous growth or quantity. luxuriant
adj. Abundant or superabundant in growth. luxuriate v. To live sumptuously.
lying n. Untruthfulness. lyre n. One of the most ancient of stringed
instruments of the harp class. lyric adj. Fitted for expression in song.
macadamize v. To cover or pave, as a path or roadway, with small broken
stone. machinery n. The parts of a machine or engine, taken collectively.
machinist n. One who makes or repairs machines, or uses metal-working tools.
macrocosm n. The whole of any sphere or department of nature or knowledge to
which man is related. madden v. To inflame with passion. Madonna n. A
painted or sculptured representation of the Virgin, usually with the infant
Jesus. magician n. A sorcerer. magisterial adj. Having an air of
authority. magistracy n. The office or dignity of a magistrate.
magnanimous adj. Generous in treating or judging others. magnate n. A
person of rank or importance. magnet n. A body possessing that peculiar form
of polarity found in nature in the lodestone. magnetize v. To make a magnet
of, permanently, or temporarily. magnificence n. The exhibition of greatness
of action, character, intellect, wealth, or power. magnificent adj. Grand or
majestic in appearance, quality, or action. magnitude n. Importance.
maharaja n. A great Hindu prince. maidenhood n. Virginity. maintain
v. To hold or preserve in any particular state or condition. maintenance n.
That which supports or sustains. maize n. Indian corn: usually in the United
States called simply corn. makeup n. The arrangements or combination of the
parts of which anything is composed. malady n. Any physical disease or
disorder, especially a chronic or deep-seated one. malaria n. A fever
characterized by alternating chills, fever, and sweating. malcontent n. One
who is dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs. malediction n. The
calling down of a curse or curses. malefactor n. One who injures another.
maleficent adj. Mischievous. malevolence n. Ill will. malevolent
adj. Wishing evil to others. malign v. To speak evil of, especially to do so
falsely and severely. malignant adj. Evil in nature or tending to do great
harm or mischief. malleable adj. Pliant. mallet n. A wooden hammer.
maltreat v. To treat ill, unkindly, roughly, or abusively. man-trap n. A
place or structure dangerous to human life. mandate n. A command.
mandatory adj. Expressive of positive command, as distinguished from merely
directory. mane n. The long hair growing upon and about the neck of certain
animals, as the horse and the lion. man-eater n. An animal that devours
human beings. maneuver v. To make adroit or artful moves: manage affairs by
strategy. mania n. Insanity. maniac n. a person raving with madness.
manifesto n. A public declaration, making announcement, explanation or
defense of intentions, or motives. manlike adj. Like a man. manliness n.
The qualities characteristic of a true man, as bravery, resolution, etc.
mannerism n. Constant or excessive adherence to one manner, style, or
peculiarity, as of action or conduct. manor n. The landed estate of a lord
or nobleman. mantel n. The facing, sometimes richly ornamented, about a
fireplace, including the usual shelf above it. mantle n. A cloak.
manufacturer n. A person engaged in manufacturing as a business.
manumission n. Emancipation. manumit v. To set free from bondage.
marine adj. Of or pertaining to the sea or matters connected with the sea.
maritime adj. Situated on or near the sea. maroon v. To put ashore and
abandon (a person) on a desolate coast or island. martial adj. Pertaining to
war or military operations. Martian adj. Pertaining to Mars, either the
Roman god of war or the planet. martyrdom n. Submission to death or
persecution for the sake of faith or principle. marvel v. To be astonished
and perplexed because of (something). masonry n. The art or work of
constructing, as buildings, walls, etc., with regularly arranged stones.
masquerade n. A social party composed of persons masked and costumed so as
to be disguised. massacre n. The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing of
human beings. massive adj. Of considerable bulk and weight. masterpiece
n. A superior production. mastery n. The attainment of superior skill.
material n. That of which anything is composed or may be constructed.
materialize v. To take perceptible or substantial form. maternal adj.
Pertaining or peculiar to a mother or to motherhood. matinee n. An
entertainment (especially theatrical) held in the daytime. matricide n. The
killing, especially the murdering, of one's mother. matrimony n. The union
of a man and a woman in marriage. matrix n. That which contains and gives
shape or form to anything. matter of fact n. Something that has actual and
undeniable existence or reality. maudlin adj. Foolishly and tearfully
affectionate. mausoleum n. A tomb of more than ordinary size or
architectural pretensions. mawkish adj. Sickening or insipid. maxim n. A
principle accepted as true and acted on as a rule or guide. maze n. A
labyrinth. mead n. A meadow. meager adj. scanty. mealy-mouthed adj.
Afraid to express facts or opinions plainly. meander v. To wind and turn
while proceeding in a course. mechanics n. The branch of physics that treats
the phenomena caused by the action of forces. medallion n. A large medal.
meddlesome adj. Interfering. medial adj. Of or pertaining to the middle.
mediate v. To effect by negotiating as an agent between parties.
medicine n. A substance possessing or reputed to possess curative or
remedial properties. medieval adj. Belonging or relating to or descriptive
of the middle ages. mediocre adj. Ordinary. meditation n. The turning or
revolving of a subject in the mind. medley n. A composition of different
songs or parts of songs arranged to run as a continuous whole. meliorate v.
To make better or improve, as in quality or social or physical condition.
mellifluous adj. Sweetly or smoothly flowing. melodious adj.
Characterized by a sweet succession of sounds. melodrama n. A drama with a
romantic story or plot and sensational situation and incidents. memento n. A
souvenir. memorable adj. Noteworthy. menace n. A threat. menagerie
n. A collection of wild animals, especially when kept for exhibition.
mendacious adj. Untrue. mendicant n. A beggar. mentality n.
Intellectuality. mentor n. A wise and faithful teacher, guide, and friend.
mercantile adj. Conducted or acting on business principles; commercial.
mercenary adj. Greedy merciful adj. Disposed to pity and forgive.
merciless adj. Cruel. meretricious adj. Alluring by false or gaudy show.
mesmerize v. To hypnotize. messieurs n. pl. Gentlemen. metal n. An
element that forms a base by combining with oxygen, is usually hard, heavy, and
lustrous. metallurgy n. The art or science of extracting a metal from ores,
as by smelting. metamorphosis n. A passing from one form or shape into
another. metaphor n. A figure of speech in which one object is likened to
another, by speaking as if the other. metaphysical adj. Philosophical.
metaphysician n. One skilled in metaphysics. metaphysics n. The
principles of philosophy as applied to explain the methods of any particular
science. mete v. To apportion. metempsychosis n. Transition of the soul
of a human being at death into another body, whether human or beast.
meticulous adj. Over-cautious. metonymy n. A figure of speech that
consists in the naming of a thing by one of its attributes. metric adj.
Relating to measurement. metronome n. An instrument for indicating and
marking exact time in music. metropolis n. A chief city, either the capital
or the largest or most important city of a state. metropolitan adj.
Pertaining to a chief city. mettle n. Courage. mettlesome adj. Having
courage or spirit. microcosm n. The world or universe on a small scale.
micrometer n. An instrument for measuring very small angles or dimensions.
microphone n. An apparatus for magnifying faint sounds. microscope n. An
instrument for assisting the eye in the vision of minute objects or features of
objects. microscopic adj. Adapted to or characterized by minute observation.
microscopy n. The art of examing objects with the microscope. midsummer
n. The middle of the summer. midwife n. A woman who makes a business of
assisting at childbirth. mien n. The external appearance or manner of a
person. migrant adj. Wandering. migrate v. To remove or pass from one
country, region, or habitat to another. migratory adj. Wandering.
mileage n. A distance in miles. militant adj. Of a warlike or combative
disposition or tendency. militarism n. A policy of maintaining great
standing armies. militate v. To have weight or influence (in determining a
question). militia n. Those citizens, collectively, who are enrolled and
drilled in temporary military organizations. Milky Way n. The galaxy.
millet n. A grass cultivated for forage and cereal. mimic v. To imitate
the speech or actions of. miniature adj. Much smaller than reality or that
the normal size. minimize v. To reduce to the smallest possible amount or
degree. minion n. A servile favorite. ministration n. Any religious
ceremonial. ministry n. A service. minority n. The smaller in number of
two portions into which a number or a group is divided. minute adj.
Exceedingly small in extent or quantity. minutia n. A small or unimportant
particular or detail. mirage n. An optical effect looking like a sheet of
water in the desert. misadventure n. An unlucky accident. misanthropic
adj. Hating mankind. misanthropy n. Hatred of mankind. misapprehend v.
To misunderstand. misbehave v. To behave ill. misbehavior n. Ill or
improper behavior. mischievous adj. Fond of tricks. miscount v. To make
a mistake in counting. miscreant n. A villain. misdeed n. A wrong or
improper act. misdemeanor n. Evil conduct, small crime. miser n. A
person given to saving and hoarding unduly. mishap n. Misfortune.
misinterpret v. To misunderstand. mislay v. To misplace. mismanage
v. To manage badly, improperly, or unskillfully. misnomer n. A name wrongly
or mistakenly applied. misogamy n. Hatred of marriage. misogyny n.
Hatred of women. misplace v. To put into a wrong place. misrepresent v.
To give a wrong impression. misrule v. To misgovern. missal n. The book
containing the service for the celebration of mass. missile n. Any object,
especially a weapon, thrown or intended to be thrown. missive n. A message
in writing. mistrust v. To regard with suspicion or jealousy. misty adj.
Lacking clearness misunderstand v. To Take in a wrong sense. misuse v.
To maltreat. mite n. A very small amount, portion, or particle. miter n.
The junction of two bodies at an equally divided angle. mitigate v. To make
milder or more endurable. mnemonics n. A system of principles and formulas
designed to assist the recollection in certain instances. moat n. A ditch on
the outside of a fortress wall. mobocracy n. Lawless control of public
affairs by the mob or populace. moccasin n. A foot-covering made of soft
leather or buckskin. mockery n. Ridicule. moderation n. Temperance.
moderator n. The presiding officer of a meeting. modernity n. The state
or character of being modern. modernize v. To make characteristic of the
present or of recent times. modification n. A change. modify v. To make
somewhat different. modish adj. Fashionable. modulate v. To vary in
tone, inflection, pitch or other quality of sound. mollify v. To soothe.
molt v. To cast off, as hair, feathers, etc. momentary adj. Lasting but
a short time. momentous adj. Very significant. momentum n. An impetus.
monarchy n. Government by a single, sovereign ruler. monastery n. A
dwelling-place occupied in common by persons under religious vows of seclusion.
monetary adj. Financial. mongrel n. The progeny resulting from the
crossing of different breeds or varieties. monition n. Friendly counsel
given by way of warning and implying caution or reproof. monitory n.
Admonition or warning. monocracy n. Government by a single person.
monogamy n. The habit of pairing, or having but one mate. monogram n. A
character consisting of two or more letters interwoven into one, usually
initials of a name. monograph n. A treatise discussing a single subject or
branch of a subject. monolith n. Any structure or sculpture in stone formed
of a single piece. monologue n. A story or drama told or performed by one
person. monomania n. The unreasonable pursuit of one idea. monopoly n.
The control of a thing, as a commodity, to enable a person to raise its price.
monosyllable n. A word of one syllable. monotone n. The sameness or
monotony of utterance. monotonous adj. Unchanging and tedious. monotony
n. A lack of variety. monsieur n. A French title of respect, equivalent to
Mr. and sir. monstrosity n. Anything unnaturally huge or distorted.
moonbeam n. A ray of moonlight. morale n. A state of mind with reference
to confidence, courage, zeal, and the like. moralist n. A writer on ethics.
morality n. Virtue. moralize v. To render virtuous. moratorium n. An
emergency legislation authorizing a government suspend some action temporarily.
morbid adj. Caused by or denoting a diseased or unsound condition of body or
mind. mordacious adj. Biting or giving to biting. mordant adj. Biting.
moribund adj. On the point of dying. morose adj. Gloomy. morphology
n. the science of organic forms. motley adj. Composed of heterogeneous or
inharmonious elements. motto n. An expressive word or pithy sentence
enunciating some guiding rule of life, or faith. mountaineer n. One who
travels among or climbs mountains for pleasure or exercise. mountainous adj.
Full of or abounding in mountains. mouthful n. As much as can be or is
usually put into the or exercise. muddle v. To confuse or becloud,
especially with or as with drink. muffle v. To deaden the sound of, as by
wraps. mulatto n. The offspring of a white person and a black person.
muleteer n. A mule-driver. multiform adj. Having many shapes, or
appearances. multiplicity n. the condition of being manifold or very
various. mundane adj. Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or celestial.
municipal adj. Of or pertaining to a town or city, or to its corporate or
local government. municipality n. A district enjoying municipal government.
munificence n. A giving characterized by generous motives and extraordinary
liberality. munificent adj. Extraordinarily generous. muster n. An
assemblage or review of troops for parade or inspection, or for numbering off.
mutation n. The act or process of change. mutilate v. To disfigure.
mutiny n. Rebellion against lawful or constituted authority. myriad n. A
vast indefinite number. mystic n. One who professes direct divine
illumination, or relies upon meditation to acquire truth. mystification n.
The act of artfully perplexing. myth n. A fictitious narrative presented as
historical, but without any basis of fact. mythology n. The whole body of
legends cherished by a race concerning gods and heroes. nameless adj. Having
no fame or reputation. naphtha n. A light, colorless, volatile, inflammable
oil used as a solvent, as in manufacture of paints. Narcissus n. The son of
the Athenian river-god Cephisus, fabled to have fallen in love with his
reflection. narrate v. To tell a story. narration n. The act of
recounting the particulars of an event in the order of time or occurrence.
narrative n. An orderly continuous account of the successive particulars of
an event. narrator n. One who narrates anything. narrow-minded adj.
Characterized by illiberal views or sentiments. nasal adj. Pertaining to the
nose. natal adj. Pertaining to one's birth. nationality n. A connection
with a particular nation. naturally adv. According to the usual order of
things. nausea n. An affection of the stomach producing dizziness and
usually an impulse to vomit nauseate v. To cause to loathe. nauseous
adj. Loathsome. nautical adj. Pertaining to ships, seamen, or navigation.
naval adj. Pertaining to ships. navel n. The depression on the abdomen
where the umbilical cord of the fetus was attached. navigable adj. Capable
of commercial navigation. navigate v. To traverse by ship. nebula n. A
gaseous body of unorganized stellar substance. necessary adj. Indispensably
requisite or absolutely needed to accomplish a desired result. necessitate
v. To render indispensable. necessity n. That which is indispensably
requisite to an end desired. necrology n. A list of persons who have died in
a certain place or time. necromancer n. One who practices the art of
foretelling the future by means of communication with the dead. necropolis
n. A city of the dead. necrosis n. the death of part of the body. nectar
n. Any especially sweet and delicious drink. nectarine n. A variety of the
peach. needlework n. Embroidery. needy adj. Being in need, want, or
poverty. nefarious adj. Wicked in the extreme. negate v. To deny.
negation n. The act of denying or of asserting the falsity of a proposition.
neglectful adj. Exhibiting or indicating omission. negligee n. A loose
gown worn by women. negligence n. Omission of that which ought to be done.
negligent adj. Apt to omit what ought to be done. negligible adj.
Transferable by assignment, endorsement, or delivery. negotiable v. To
bargain with others for an agreement, as for a treaty or transfer of property.
Nemesis n. A goddess; divinity of chastisement and vengeance. neocracy
n. Government administered by new or untried persons. neo-Darwinsim n.
Darwinism as modified and extended by more recent students. neo-Latin n.
Modernized Latin. neopaganism n. A new or revived paganism. Neolithic
adj. Pertaining to the later stone age. neology n. The coining or using of
new words or new meanings of words. neophyte adj. Having the character of a
beginner. nestle v. To adjust cozily in snug quarters. nestling adj.
Recently hatched. nettle v. To excite sensations of uneasiness or
displeasure in. network n. Anything that presents a system of cross- lines.
neural adj. Pertaining to the nerves or nervous system. neurology n. The
science of the nervous system. neuter adj. Neither masculine nor feminine.
neutral adj. Belonging to or under control of neither of two contestants.
nevertheless conj. Notwithstanding. Newtonian adj. Of or pertaining to
Sir Isaac Newton, the English philosopher. niggardly adj. Stingy. (no longer
acceptable to use) nihilist n. An advocate of the doctrine that nothing
either exists or can be known. nil n. Nothing nimble adj. Light and
quick in motion or action. nit n. The egg of a louse or some other insect.
nocturnal adj. Of or pertaining to the night. noiseless adj. Silent.
noisome adj. Very offensive, particularly to the sense of smell. noisy
adj. Clamorous. nomad adj. Having no fixed abode. nomic adj. Usual or
customary. nominal adj. Trivial. nominate v. To designate as a candidate
for any office. nomination n. The act or ceremony of naming a man or woman
for office. nominee n. One who receives a nomination. non-existent n.
That which does not exist. non-resident adj. Not residing within a given
jurisdiction. nonchalance n. A state of mind indicating lack of interest.
non-combatant n. One attached to the army or navy, but having duties other
than that of fighting. nondescript adj. Indescribable. nonentity n. A
person or thing of little or no account. nonpareil n. One who or that which
is of unequaled excellence. norm n. A model. normalcy n. The state of
being normal. Norman adj. Of or peculiar to Normandy, in northern France.
nostrum n. Any scheme or recipe of a charlatan character. noticeable
adj. Perceptible. notorious adj. Unfavorably known to the general public.
novellette n. A short novel. novice n. A beginner in any business or
occupation. nowadays adv. In the present time or age. nowhere adv. In no
place or state. noxious adj. Hurtful. nuance n. A slight degree of
difference in anything perceptible to the sense of the mind. nucleus n. A
central point or part about which matter is aggregated. nude adj. Naked.
nugatory adj. Having no power or force. nuisance n. That which annoys,
vexes, or irritates. numeration n. The act or art of reading or naming
numbers. numerical adj. Of or pertaining to number. nunnery n. A convent
for nuns. nuptial adj. Of or pertaining to marriage, especially to the
marriage ceremony. nurture n. The process of fostering or promoting growth.
nutriment n. That which nourishes. nutritive adj. Having nutritious
properties. oaken adj. Made of or from oak. oakum n. Hemp-fiber obtained
by untwisting and picking out loosely the yarns of old hemp rope. obdurate
adj. Impassive to feelings of humanity or pity. obelisk n. A square shaft
with pyramidal top, usually monumental or commemorative. obese adj.
Exceedingly fat. obesity n. Excessive fatness. obituary adj. A published
notice of a death. objective adj. Grasping and representing facts as they
are. objector n. One who objects, as to a proposition, measure, or ruling.
obligate v. To hold to the fulfillment of duty. obligatory adj. Binding
in law or conscience. oblique adj. Slanting; said of lines. obliterate
v. To cause to disappear. oblivion n. The state of having passed out of the
memory or of being utterly forgotten. oblong adj. Longer than broad: applied
most commonly to rectangular objects considerably elongated obnoxious adj.
Detestable. obsequies n. Funeral rites. obsequious adj. Showing a
servile readiness to fall in with the wishes or will of another. observance
n. A traditional form or customary act. observant adj. Quick to notice.
observatory n. A building designed for systematic astronomical observations.
obsolescence n. The condition or process of gradually falling into disuse.
obsolescent adj. Passing out of use, as a word. obsolete adj. No longer
practiced or accepted. obstetrician n. A practitioner of midwifery.
obstetrics n. The branch of medical science concerned with the treatment and
care of women during pregnancy. obstinacy n. Stubborn adherence to opinion,
arising from conceit or the desire to have one's own way. obstreperous adj.
Boisterous. obstruct v. To fill with impediments so as to prevent passage,
either wholly or in part. obstruction n. Hindrance. obtrude v. To be
pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence. obtrusive adj. Tending to
be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence. obvert v. To turn the
front or principal side of (a thing) toward any person or object. obviate v.
To clear away or provide for, as an objection or difficulty. occasion n. An
important event or celebration. Occident n. The countries lying west of Asia
and the Turkish dominions. occlude v. To absorb, as a gas by a metal.
occult adj. Existing but not immediately perceptible. occupant n. A
tenant in possession of property, as distinguished from the actual owner.
occurrence n. A happening. octagon n. A figure with eight sides and
eight angles. octave n. A note at this interval above or below any other,
considered in relation to that other. octavo n. A book, or collection of
paper in which the sheets are so folded as to make eight leaves.
octogenarian adj. A person of between eighty and ninety years. ocular
adj. Of or pertaining to the eye. oculist n. One versed or skilled in
treating diseases of the eye. oddity n. An eccentricity. ode n. The form
of lyric poetry anciently intended to be sung. odious adj. Hateful.
odium n. A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of dislike and disgust.
odoriferous adj. Having or diffusing an odor or scent, especially an
agreeable one. odorous adj. Having an odor, especially a fragrant one.
off adj. Farther or more distant. offhand adv. Without preparation.
officiate v. To act as an officer or leader. officious adj.
Intermeddling with what is not one's concern. offshoot n. Something that
branches off from the parent stock. ogre n. A demon or monster that was
supposed to devour human beings. ointment n. A fatty preparation with a
butter-like consistency in which a medicinal substance exists. olfactory adj.
of or pertaining to the sense of smell. olive-branch n. A branch of the
olive-tree, as an emblem of peace. ominous adj. Portentous. omission n.
Exclusion. omnipotence n. Unlimited and universal power. Omnipotent adj.
Possessed of unlimited and universal power. omniscience n. Unlimited or
infinite knowledge. omniscient adj. Characterized by unlimited or infinite
knowledge. omnivorous adj. Eating or living upon food of all kinds
indiscriminately. onerous adj. Burdensome or oppressive. onrush n.
Onset. onset n. An assault, especially of troops, upon an enemy or
fortification. onslaught n. A violent onset. onus n. A burden or
responsibility. opalescence n. The property of combined refraction and
reflection of light, resulting in smoky tints. opaque adj. Impervious to
light. operate v. To put in action and supervise the working of.
operative adj. Active. operator n. One who works with or controls some
machine or scientific apparatus. operetta n. A humorous play in dialogue and
music, of more than one act. opinion n. A conclusion or judgment held with
confidence, but falling short of positive knowledge. opponent n. One who
supports the opposite side in a debate, discussion, struggle, or sport.
opportune adj. Especially fit as occurring, said, or done at the right
moment. opportunist n. One who takes advantage of circumstances to gain his
ends. opportunity n. Favorable or advantageous chance or opening.
opposite adj. Radically different or contrary in action or movement.
opprobrium n. The state of being scornfully reproached or accused of evil.
optic n. Pertaining to the eye or vision. optician n. One who makes or
deals in optical instruments or eye-glasses. optics n. The science that
treats of light and vision, and all that is connected with sight. optimism
n. The view that everything in nature and the history of mankind is ordered for
the best. option n. The right, power, or liberty of choosing. optometry
n. Measurement of the powers of vision. opulence n. Affluence. opulent
adj. Wealthy. oral adj. Uttered through the mouth. orate v. To deliver
an elaborate or formal public speech. oration n. An elaborate or formal
public speech. orator n. One who delivers an elaborate or formal speech.
oratorio n. A composition for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, generally
taken from the Scriptures. oratory n. The art of public speaking. ordeal
n. Anything that severely tests courage, strength, patience, conscience, etc.
ordinal n. That form of the numeral that shows the order of anything in a
series, as first, second, third. ordination n. A consecration to the
ministry. ordnance n. A general name for all kinds of weapons and their
appliances used in war. orgies n. Wild or wanton revelry. origin n. The
beginning of that which becomes or is made to be. original adj. Not copied
nor produced by imitation. originate v. To cause or constitute the beginning
or first stage of the existence of. ornate adj. Ornamented to a marked
degree. orthodox adj. Holding the commonly accepted faith. orthodoxy n.
Acceptance of the common faith. orthogonal adj. Having or determined by
right angles. orthopedic adj. Relating to the correcting or preventing of
deformity orthopedist n. One who practices the correcting or preventing of
deformity oscillate v. To swing back and forth. osculate v. To kiss.
ossify v. to convert into bone. ostentation n. A display dictated by
vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery. ostracism n. Exclusion
from intercourse or favor, as in society or politics. ostracize v. To
exclude from public or private favor. ought v. To be under moral obligation
to be or do. oust v. To eject. out-and-out adv. Genuinely. outbreak
n. A sudden and violent breaking forth, as of something that has been pent up or
restrained. outburst n. A violent issue, especially of passion in an
individual. outcast n. One rejected and despised, especially socially.
outcry n. A vehement or loud cry or clamor. outdo v. To surpass.
outlandish adj. Of barbarous, uncouth, and unfamiliar aspect or action.
outlast v. To last longer than. outlaw n. A habitual lawbreaker.
outlive v. To continue to exist after. out-of-the-way adj. Remotely
situated. outpost n. A detachment of troops stationed at a distance from the
main body to guard against surprise. outrage n. A gross infringement of
morality or decency. outrageous adj. Shocking in conduct. outreach v. To
reach or go beyond. outride v. To ride faster than. outrigger n. A part
built or arranged to project beyond a natural outline for support. outright
adv. Entirely. outskirt n. A border region. outstretch v. To extend.
outstrip v. To go beyond. outweigh v. To surpass in importance or
excellence. overdo v. To overtax the strength of. overdose n. An
excessive dose, usually so large a dose of a medicine that its effect is toxic.
overeat v. To eat to excess. overhang n. A portion of a structure which
projects or hangs over. overleap v. To leap beyond. overlord n. One who
holds supremacy over another. overpass v. To pass across or over, as a
river. overpay v. To pay or reward in excess. overpower v. To gain
supremacy or victory over by superior power. overproduction n. Excessive
production. overreach v. To stretch out too far. overrun v. To infest or
ravage. oversee v. To superintend. overseer n. A supervisor.
overshadow v. To cast into the shade or render insignificant by comparison.
overstride v. To step beyond. overthrow v. To vanquish an established
ruler or government. overtone n. A harmonic. overture n. An instrumental
prelude to an opera, oratorio, or ballet. overweight n. Preponderance.
pacify v. To bring into a peaceful state. packet n. A bundle, as of
letters. pact n. A covenant. pagan n. A worshiper of false gods.
pageant n. A dramatic representation, especially a spectacular one.
palate n. The roof of the mouth. palatial adj. Magnificent.
paleontology n. The branch of biology that treats of ancient life and fossil
organisms. palette n. A thin tablet, with a hole for the thumb, upon which
artists lay their colors for painting. palinode n. A retraction. pall v.
To make dull by satiety. palliate v. To cause to appear less guilty.
pallid adj. Of a pale or wan appearance. palpable n. perceptible by
feeling or touch. palsy n. Paralysis. paly adj. Lacking color or
brilliancy. pamphlet n. A brief treatise or essay, usually on a subject of
current interest. pamphleteer v. To compose or issue pamphlets, especially
controversial ones. panacea n. A remedy or medicine proposed for or
professing to cure all diseases. Pan-American adj. Including or pertaining
to the whole of America, both North and South. pandemic adj. Affecting a
whole people or all classes, as a disease. pandemonium n. A fiendish or
riotous uproar. panegyric n. A formal and elaborate eulogy, written or
spoken, of a person or of an act. panel n. A rectangular piece set in or as
in a frame. panic n. A sudden, unreasonable, overpowering fear. panoply
n. A full set of armor. panorama n. A series of large pictures representing
a continuous scene. pantheism n. The worship of nature for itself or its
beauty. Pantheon n. A circular temple at Rome with a fine Corinthian portico
and a great domed roof. pantomime n. Sign-language. pantoscope n. A very
wide-angled photographic lens. papacy n. The official head of the Roman
Catholic Church. papyrus n. The writing-paper of the ancient Egyptians, and
later of the Romans. parable n. A brief narrative founded on real scenes or
events usually with a moral. paradox n. A statement or doctrine seemingly in
contradiction to the received belief. paragon n. A model of excellence.
parallel v. To cause to correspond or lie in the same direction and
equidistant in all parts. parallelism n. Essential likeness. paralysis
n. Loss of the power of contractility in the voluntary or involuntary muscles.
paralyze v. To deprive of the power to act. paramount adj. Supreme in
authority. paramour n. One who is unlawfully and immorally a lover or a
mistress. paraphernalia n. Miscellaneous articles of equipment or adornment.
paraphrase v. Translate freely. pare v. To cut, shave, or remove (the
outside) from anything. parentage n. The relation of parent to child, of the
producer to the produced, or of cause to effect. Pariah n. A member of a
degraded class; a social outcast. parish n. The ecclesiastical district in
charge of a pastor. Parisian adj. Of or pertaining to the city of Paris.
parity n. Equality, as of condition or rank. parlance n. Mode of speech.
parley v. To converse in. parliament n. A legislative body. parlor
n. A room for reception of callers or entertainment of guests. parody v. To
render ludicrous by imitating the language of. paronymous adj. Derived from
the same root or primitive word. paroxysm n. A sudden outburst of any kind
of activity. parricide n. The murder of a parent. parse v. To describe,
as a sentence, by separating it into its elements and describing each word.
parsimonious adj. Unduly sparing in the use or expenditure of money.
partible adj. Separable. participant n. One having a share or part.
participate v. To receive or have a part or share of. partition n. That
which separates anything into distinct parts. partisan adj. Characterized by
or exhibiting undue or unreasoning devotion to a party. passible adj.
Capable of feeling of suffering. passive adj. Unresponsive. pastoral
adj. Having the spirit or sentiment of rural life. paternal adj. Fatherly.
paternity n. Fatherhood. pathos n. The quality in any form of
representation that rouses emotion or sympathy. patriarch n. The chief of a
tribe or race who rules by paternal right. patrician adj. Of senatorial or
noble rank. patrimony n. An inheritance from an ancestor, especially from
one's father. patriotism n. Love and devotion to one's country.
patronize v. To exercise an arrogant condescension toward. patronymic
adj. Formed after one's father's name. patter v. To mumble something over
and over. paucity n. Fewness. pauper n. One without means of support.
pauperism n. Dependence on charity. pavilion n. An open structure for
temporary shelter. payee n. A person to whom money has been or is to be
paid. peaceable adj. Tranquil. peaceful adj. Tranquil. peccable adj.
Capable of sinning. peccadillo n. A small breach of propriety or principle.
peccant adj. Guilty. pectoral adj. Pertaining to the breast or thorax.
pecuniary adj. Consisting of money. pedagogics n. The science and art of
teaching. pedagogue n. A schoolmaster. pedagogy n. The science and art
of teaching pedal n. A lever for the foot usually applied only to musical
instruments, cycles, and other machines. pedant n. A scholar who makes
needless and inopportune display of his learning. peddle v. To go about with
a small stock of goods to sell. pedestal n. A base or support as for a
column, statue, or vase. pedestrian n. One who journeys on foot.
pediatrics n. The department of medical science that relates to the
treatment of diseases of childhood. pedigree n. One's line of ancestors.
peddler n. One who travels from house to house with an assortment of goods
for retail. peerage n. The nobility. peerless adj. Of unequaled
excellence or worth. peevish adj. Petulant. (irritable) pellucid adj.
Translucent. penalty n. The consequences that follow the transgression of
natural or divine law. penance n. Punishment to which one voluntarily
submits or subjects himself as an expression of penitence. penchant n. A
bias in favor of something. pendant n. Anything that hangs from something
else, either for ornament or for use. pendulous adj. Hanging, especially so
as to swing by an attached end or part. pendulum n. A weight hung on a rod,
serving by its oscillation to regulate the rate of a clock. penetrable adj.
That may be pierced by physical, moral, or intellectual force. penetrate v.
To enter or force a way into the interior parts of. penetration n.
Discernment. peninsular adj. Pertaining to a piece of land almost surrounded
by water. penitence n. Sorrow for sin with desire to amend and to atone.
penitential adj. Pertaining to sorrow for sin with desire to amend and to
atone. pennant n. A small flag. pension n. A periodical allowance to an
individual on account of past service done by him/her. pentagram n. A figure
having five points or lobes. pentavalent adj. Quinqeuvalent. pentad n.
The number five. pentagon n. A figure, especially, with five angles and five
sides. pentahedron n. A solid bounded by five plane faces. pentameter n.
In prosody, a line of verse containing five units or feet. pentathlon n. The
contest of five associated exercises in the great games and the same
contestants. penultimate adj. A syllable or member of a series that is last
but one. penurious adj. Excessively sparing in the use of money. penury
n. Indigence. perambulate v. To walk about. perceive v. To have
knowledge of, or receive impressions concerning, through the medium of the body
senses. perceptible adj. Cognizable. perception n. Knowledge through the
senses of the existence and properties of matter or the external world.
percipience n. The act of perceiving. percipient n. One who or that
which perceives. percolate v. To filter. percolator n. A filter.
percussion n. The sharp striking of one body against another. peremptory
adj. Precluding question or appeal. perennial adj. Continuing though the
year or through many years. perfectible adj. Capable of being made perfect.
perfidy n. Treachery. perforate v. To make a hole or holes through.
perform v. To accomplish. perfumery n. The preparation of perfumes.
perfunctory adj. Half-hearted. perhaps adv. Possibly. perigee n. The
point in the orbit of the moon when it is nearest the earth. periodicity n.
The habit or characteristic of recurrence at regular intervals. peripatetic
adj. Walking about. perjure v. To swear falsely to. perjury n. A solemn
assertion of a falsity. permanence n. A continuance in the same state, or
without any change that destroys the essential form or nature. permanent adj.
Durable. permeate v. To pervade. permissible adj. That may be allowed.
permutation n. Reciprocal change, different ordering of same items.
pernicious adj. Tending to kill or hurt. perpendicular adj. Straight up
and down. perpetrator n. The doer of a wrong or a criminal act.
perpetuate v. To preserve from extinction or oblivion. perquisite n. Any
profit from service beyond the amount fixed as salary or wages. persecution
n. Harsh or malignant oppression. perseverance n. A persistence in purpose
and effort. persevere v. To continue striving in spite of discouragements.
persiflage n. Banter. persist v. To continue steadfast against
opposition. persistence n. A fixed adherence to a resolve, course of
conduct, or the like. personage n. A man or woman as an individual,
especially one of rank or high station. personal adj. Not general or public.
personality n. The attributes, taken collectively, that make up the
character and nature of an individual. personnel n. The force of persons
collectively employed in some service. perspective n. The relative
importance of facts or matters from any special point of view. perspicacious
adj. Astute. perspicacity n. Acuteness or discernment. perspicuous adj.
Lucid. perspiration n. Sweat. perspire v. To excrete through the pores
of the skin. persuade v. To win the mind of by argument, eloquence,
evidence, or reflection. persuadable adj. capable of influencing to action
by entreaty, statement, or anything that moves the feelings. pertinacious
adj. Persistent or unyielding. pertinacity n. Unyielding adherence.
pertinent adj. Relevant. perturb v. To disturb greatly. perturbation
n. Mental excitement or confusion. perusal n. The act of reading carefully
or thoughtfully. pervade v. To pass or spread through every part.
pervasion n. The state of spreading through every part. pervasive adj.
Thoroughly penetrating or permeating. perverse adj. Unreasonable.
perversion n. Diversion from the true meaning or proper purpose.
perversity n. Wickedness. pervert n. One who has forsaken a doctrine
regarded as true for one esteemed false. pervious adj. Admitting the
entrance or passage of another substance. pestilence n. A raging epidemic.
pestilent adj. Having a malign influence or effect. pestilential adj.
having the nature of or breeding pestilence. peter v. To fail or lose power,
efficiency, or value. petrify v. To convert into a substance of stony
hardness and character. petulance n. The character or condition of being
impatient, capricious or petulant. petulant adj. Displaying impatience.
pharmacopoeia n. A book containing the formulas and methods of preparation
of medicines for the use of druggists. pharmacy n. The art or business of
compounding and dispensing medicines. phenomenal adj. Extraordinary or
marvelous. phenomenon n. Any unusual occurrence. philander v. To play at
courtship with a woman. philanthropic adj. Benevolent. philanthropist n.
One who endeavors to help his fellow men. philanthropy n. Active
humanitarianism. philately n. The study and collection of
stamps. philharmonic adj. Fond of music. philogynist n. One who is fond
of women. philologist n. An expert in linguistics. philology n. The
study of language in connection with history and literature. philosophize v.
To seek ultimate causes and principles. philosophy n. The general
principles, laws, or causes that furnish the rational explanation of anything.
phlegmatic adj. Not easily roused to feeling or action. phonetic adj.
Representing articulate sounds or speech. phonic adj. Pertaining to the
nature of sound. phonogram n. A graphic character symbolizing an articulate
sound. phonology n. The science of human vocal sounds. phosphorescence
n. The property of emitting light. photoelectric adj. Pertaining to the
combined action of light and electricity. photometer n. Any instrument for
measuring the intensity of light or comparing the intensity of two lights.
photometry n. The art of measuring the intensity of light. physicist n.
A specialist in the science that treats of the phenomena associated with matter
and energy. physics n. The science that treats of the phenomena associated
with matter and energy. physiocracy n. The doctrine that land and its
products are the only true wealth. physiognomy n. The external appearance
merely. physiography n. Description of nature. physiology n. The science
of organic functions. physique n. The physical structure or organization of
a person. picayune adj. Of small value. piccolo n. A small flute.
piece n. A loose or separated part, as distinguished from the whole or the
mass. piecemeal adv. Gradually. pillage n. Open robbery, as in war.
pillory n. A wooden framework in which an offender is fastened to boards and
is exposed to public scorn. pincers n. An instrument having two lever-handles
and two jaws working on a pivot. pinchers n. An instrument having two jaws
working on a pivot. pinnacle n. A high or topmost point, as a mountain-peak.
pioneer n. One among the first to explore a country. pious adj.
Religious. pique v. To excite a slight degree of anger in. piteous adj.
Compassionate. pitiable adj. Contemptible. pitiful adj. Wretched.
pitiless adj. Hard-hearted. pittance n. Any small portion or meager
allowance. placate v. To bring from a state of angry or hostile feeling to
one of patience or friendliness. placid adj. Serene. plagiarism n. The
stealing of passages from the writings of another and publishing them as one's
own. planisphere n. A polar projection of the heavens on a chart.
plasticity n. The property of some substances through which the form of the
mass can readily be changed. platitude n. A written or spoken statement that
is flat, dull, or commonplace. plaudit n. An expression of applause.
plausible adj. Seeming likely to be true, though open to doubt. playful
adj. Frolicsome. playwright n. A maker of plays for the stage. plea n.
An argument to obtain some desired action. pleasant adj. Agreeable.
pleasurable adj. Affording gratification. plebeian adj. Common.
pledgee n. The person to whom anything is pledged. pledgeor n. One who
gives a pledge. plenary adj. Entire. plenipotentiary n. A person fully
empowered to transact any business. plenitude n. Abundance. plenteous
adj. Abundant. plumb n. A weight suspended by a line to test the verticality
of something. plummet n. A piece of lead for making soundings, adjusting
walls to the vertical. pluperfect adj. Expressing past time or action prior
to some other past time or action. plural adj. Containing or consisting of
more than one. plurality n. A majority. plutocracy n. A wealthy class in
a political community who control the government by means of their money.
pneumatic adj. Pertaining to or consisting of air or gas. poesy n.
Poetry. poetaster n. An inferior poet. poetic adj. Pertaining to poetry.
poetics n. The rules and principles of poetry. poignancy n. Severity or
acuteness, especially of pain or grief. poignant adj. Severely painful or
acute to the spirit. poise n. Equilibrium. polar adj. Pertaining to the
poles of a sphere, especially of the earth. polemics n. The art of
controversy or disputation. pollen n. The fine dust-like grains or powder
formed within the anther of a flowering plant. pollute v. To contaminate.
polyarchy n. Government by several or many persons of what- ever class.
polycracy n. The rule of many. polygamy n. the fact or condition of
having more than one wife or husband at once. polyglot adj. Speaking several
tongues. polygon n. A figure having many angles. polyhedron n. A solid
bounded by plane faces, especially by more than four. polysyllable adj.
Having several syllables, especially more than three syllables. polytechnic
adj. Pertaining to, embracing, or practicing many arts. polytheism n. The
doctrine or belief that there are more gods than one. pommel v. To beat with
something thick or bulky. pomposity n. The quality of being marked by an
assumed stateliness and impressiveness of manner. pompous adj. Marked by an
assumed stateliness and impressiveness of manner. ponder v. To meditate or
reflect upon. ponderous adj. Unusually weighty or forcible. pontiff n.
The Pope. populace n. The common people. populous adj. Containing many
inhabitants, especially in proportion to the territory. portend v. To
indicate as being about to happen, especially by previous signs. portent n.
Anything that indicates what is to happen. portfolio n. A portable case for
holding writing-materials, drawings, etc. posit v. To present in an orderly
manner. position n. The manner in which a thing is placed. positive adj.
Free from doubt or hesitation. posse n. A force of men. possess v. To
own. possession n. The having, holding, or detention of property in one's
power or command. possessive adj. Pertaining to the having, holding, or
detention of property in one's power or command. possessor n. One who owns,
enjoys, or controls anything, as property. possible adj. Being not beyond
the reach of power natural, moral, or supernatural. postdate v. To make the
date of any writing later than the real date. posterior n. The hinder part.
postgraduate adj. Pertaining to studies that are pursued after receiving a
degree. postscript n. Something added to a letter after the writer's
signature. potency n. Power. potent adj. Physically powerful.
potentate n. One possessed of great power or sway. potential n. Anything
that may be possible. potion n. A dose of liquid medicine. powerless
adj. Impotent. practicable adj. Feasible. prate v. To talk about vainly
or foolishly. prattle v. To utter in simple or childish talk. preamble
n. A statement introductory to and explanatory of what follows. precarious
adj. Perilous. precaution n. A provision made in advance for some possible
emergency or danger. precede v. To happen first. precedence n. Priority
in place, time, or rank. precedent n. An instance that may serve as a guide
or basis for a rule. precedential adj. Of the nature of an instance that may
serve as a guide or basis for a rule. precession n. The act of going
forward. precipice n. A high and very steep or approximately vertical cliff.
precipitant adj. Moving onward quickly and heedlessly. precipitate v. To
force forward prematurely. precise adj. Exact. precision n. Accuracy of
limitation, definition, or adjustment. preclude v. To prevent.
precocious adj. Having the mental faculties prematurely developed.
precursor n. A forerunner or herald. predatory adj. Prone to pillaging.
predecessor n. An incumbent of a given office previous to another.
predicament n. A difficult, trying situation or plight. predicate v. To
state as belonging to something. predict v. To foretell. prediction n. A
prophecy. predominance n. Ascendancy or preponderance. predominant adj.
Superior in power, influence, effectiveness, number, or degree. predominate
v. To be chief in importance, quantity, or degree. preeminence n. Special
eminence. preempt v. To secure the right of preference in the purchase of
public land. preemption n. The right or act of purchasing before others.
preengage v. To preoccupy. preestablish v. To settle or arrange
beforehand. preexist v. To exist at a period or in a state earlier than
something else. preexistence n. Existence antecedent to something.
preface n. A brief explanation or address to the reader, at the beginning of
a book. prefatory adj. Pertaining to a brief explanation to the reader at
the beginning of a book. prefer v. To hold in higher estimation.
preferable adj. More desirable than others. preference n. An object of
favor or choice. preferential adj. Possessing, giving, or constituting
preference or priority. preferment n. Preference. prefix v. To attach at
the beginning. prehensible adj. Capable of being grasped. prehensile
adj. Adapted for grasping or holding. prehension n. The act of laying hold
of or grasping. prejudice n. A judgment or opinion formed without due
examination of the facts. prelacy n. A system of church government.
prelate n. One of a higher order of clergy having direct authority over
other clergy. prelude n. An introductory or opening performance.
premature adj. Coming too soon. premier adj. First in rank or position.
premise n. A judgment as a conclusion. premonition n. Foreboding.
preoccupation n. The state of having the mind, attention, or inclination
preoccupied. preoccupy v. To fill the mind of a person to the exclusion of
other subjects. preordain v. To foreordain. preparation n. An act or
proceeding designed to bring about some event. preparatory adj. Having to do
with what is preliminary. preponderant adj. Prevalent. preponderate v.
To exceed in influence or power. prepossession n. A preconceived liking.
preposterous adj. Utterly ridiculous or absurd. prerogative adj. Having
superior rank or precedence. presage v. To foretell. prescience n.
Knowledge of events before they take place. prescient adj. Foreknowing.
prescript adj. Prescribed as a rule or model. prescriptible adj. Derived
from authoritative direction. prescription n. An authoritative direction.
presentient adj. Perceiving or feeling beforehand. presentiment n.
Foreboding. presentment n. Semblance. preservation n. Conservation.
presumption n. That which may be logically assumed to be true until
disproved. presumptuous adj. Assuming too much. pretension n. A bold or
presumptuous assertion. pretentious adj. Marked by pretense, conceit, or
display. preternatural adj. Extraordinary. pretext n. A fictitious
reason or motive. prevalence n. Frequency. prevalent adj. Of wide extent
or frequent occurrence. prevaricate v. To use ambiguous or evasive language
for the purpose of deceiving or diverting attention. prevention n.
Thwarting. prickle v. To puncture slightly with fine, sharp points.
priggish adj. Conceited. prim adj. Stiffly proper. prima adj. First.
primer n. An elementary reading-book for children. primeval adj.
Belonging to the first ages. primitive adj. Pertaining to the beginning or
early times. principal adj. Most important. principality n. The
territory of a reigning prince. principle n. A general truth or proposition.
priory n. A monastic house. pristine adj. Primitive. privateer n. A
vessel owned and officered by private persons, but carrying on maritime war.
privilege n. A right or immunity not enjoyed by all, or that may be enjoyed
only under special conditions. privity n. Knowledge shared with another or
others regarding a private matter. privy adj. Participating with another or
others in the knowledge of a secret transaction. probate adj. Relating to
making proof, as of a will. probation n. Any proceeding designed to
ascertain or test character, qualification, or the like. probe v. To search
through and through. probity n. Virtue or integrity tested and confirmed.
procedure n. A manner or method of acting. proceed v. To renew motion or
action, as after rest or interruption. proclamation n. Any announcement made
in a public manner. procrastinate v. To put off till tomorrow or till a
future time. procrastination n. Delay. proctor n. An agent acting for
another. prodigal n. One wasteful or extravagant, especially in the use of
money or property. prodigious adj. Immense. prodigy n. A person or thing
of very remarkable gifts or qualities. productive adj. Yielding in
abundance. profession n. Any calling or occupation involving special mental
or other special disciplines. professor n. A public teacher of the highest
grade in a university or college. proffer v. To offer to another for
acceptance. proficiency n. An advanced state of acquirement, as in some
knowledge, art, or science. proficient adj. Possessing ample and ready
knowledge or of skill in any art, science, or industry. profile n. An
outline or contour. profiteer n. One who profits. profligacy n.
Shameless viciousness. profligate adj. Abandoned to vice. profuse adj.
Produced or displayed in overabundance. progeny n. Offspring.
progression n. A moving forward or proceeding in course. prohibition n.
A decree or an order forbidding something. prohibitionist n. One who favors
the prohibition by law of the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages.
prohibitory adj. Involving or equivalent to prohibition, especially of the
sale of alcoholic beverages. projection n. A prominence. proletarian n.
A person of the lowest or poorest class. prolific adj. Producing offspring
or fruit. prolix adj. Verbose. prologue n. A prefatory statement or
explanation to a poem, discourse, or performance. prolong v. To extend in
time or duration. promenade v. To walk for amusement or exercise.
prominence n. The quality of being noticeable or distinguished.
prominent adj. Conspicuous in position, character, or importance.
promiscuous adj. Brought together without order, distinction, or design (for
sex). promissory adj. Expressing an engagement to pay. promontory n. A
high point of land extending outward from the coastline into the sea.
promoter n. A furtherer, forwarder, or encourager. promulgate v. To
proclaim. propaganda n. Any institution or systematic scheme for propagating
a doctrine or system. propagate v. To spread abroad or from person to
person. propel v. To drive or urge forward. propellant adj. Propelling.
propeller n. One who or that which propels. prophecy n. Any prediction
or foretelling. prophesy v. To predict or foretell, especially under divine
inspiration and guidance. propitious adj. Kindly disposed. proportionate
adj. Being in proportion. propriety n. Accordance with recognized usage,
custom, or principles. propulsion n. A driving onward or forward.
prosaic adj. Unimaginative. proscenium n. That part of the stage between
the curtain and the orchestra. proscribe v. To reject, as a teaching or a
practice, with condemnation or denunciation. proscription n. Any act of
condemnation and rejection from favor and privilege. proselyte n. One who
has been won over from one religious belief to another. prosody n. The
science of poetical forms. prospector n. One who makes exploration, search,
or examination, especially for minerals. prospectus n. A paper or pamphlet
containing information of a proposed undertaking. prostrate adj. Lying
prone, or with the head to the ground. protagonist n. A leader in any
enterprise or contest. protection n. Preservation from harm, danger,
annoyance, or any other evil. protective adj. Sheltering. protector n. A
defender. protege n. One specially cared for and favored by another usually
older person. Protestant n. A Christian who denies the authority of the Pope
and holds the right of special judgment. protomartyr n. The earliest victim
in any cause. protocol n. A declaration or memorandum of agreement less
solemn and formal than a treaty. protoplasm n. The substance that forms the
principal portion of an animal or vegetable cell. prototype n. A work,
original in character, afterward imitated in form or spirit. protract v. To
prolong. protrude v. To push out or thrust forth. protrusion n. The act
of protruding. protuberance n. Something that swells out from a surrounding
surface. protuberant adj. Bulging. protuberate v. To swell or bulge
beyond the surrounding surface. proverb n. A brief, pithy saying, condensing
in witty or striking form the wisdom of experience. provident adj.
Anticipating and making ready for future wants or emergencies. providential
adj. Effected by divine guidance. provincial adj. Uncultured in thought and
manner. proviso n. A clause in a contract, will, etc., by which its
operation is rendered conditional. provocation n. An action or mode of
conduct that excites resentment. prowess n. Strength, skill, and intrepidity
in battle. proximately adv. Immediately. proxy n. A person who is
empowered by another to represent him or her in a given matter. prudence n.
Caution. prudential adj. Proceeding or marked by caution. prudery n. An
undue display of modesty or delicacy. prurient adj. Inclined to lascivious
thoughts and desires. pseudapostle n. A pretended or false apostle.
pseudonym n. A fictitious name, especially when assumed by a writer.
pseudonymity n. The state or character of using a fictitious name.
psychiatry n. The branch of medicine that relates to mental disease.
psychic adj. Pertaining to the mind or soul. psychopathic adj. Morally
irresponsible. psychotherapy n. The treatment of mental disease. pudgy
adj. Small and fat. puerile adj. Childish. pugnacious adj. Quarrelsome.
puissant adj. Possessing strength. pulmonary adj. Pertaining to the
lungs. punctilious adj. Strictly observant of the rules or forms prescribed
by law or custom. punctual adj. Observant and exact in points of time.
pungent adj. Affecting the sense of smell. pungency n. The quality of
affecting the sense of smell. punitive adj. Pertaining to punishment.
pupilage n. The state or period of being a student. purgatory n. An
intermediate state where souls are made fit for paradise or heaven by expiatory
suffering. purl v. To cause to whirl, as in an eddy. purloin v. To
steal. purport n. Intent. purveyor n. one who supplies pusillanimous
adj. Without spirit or bravery. putrescent adj. Undergoing decomposition of
animal or vegetable matter accompanied by fetid odors. pyre n. A heap of
combustibles arranged for burning a dead body. pyromania n. An insane
propensity to set things on fire. pyrotechnic adj. Pertaining to fireworks
or their manufacture. pyx n. A vessel or casket, usually of precious metal,
in which the host is preserved. quackery n. Charlatanry quadrate v. To
divide into quarters. quadruple v. To multiply by four. qualification n.
A requisite for an employment, position, right, or privilege. qualify v. To
endow or furnish with requisite ability, character, knowledge, skill, or
possessions. qualm n. A fit of nausea. quandary n. A puzzling
predicament. quantity n. Magnitude. quarantine n. The enforced isolation
of any person or place infected with contagious disease. quarrelsome adj.
Irascible. quarter n. One of four equal parts into which anything is or may
be divided. quarterly adj. Occurring or made at intervals of three months.
quartet n. A composition for four voices or four instruments. quarto n.
An eight-page newspaper of any size. quay n. A wharf or artificial
landing-place on the shore of a harbor or projecting into it. querulous adj.
Habitually complaining. query v. To make inquiry. queue n. A file of
persons waiting in order of their arrival, as for admittance. quibble n. An
utterly trivial distinction or objection. quiescence n. Quiet. quiescent
adj. Being in a state of repose or inaction. quiet adj. Making no noise.
quietus n. A silencing, suppressing, or ending. quintessence n. The most
essential part of anything. quintet n. Musical composition arranged for five
voices or instruments. quite adv. Fully. Quixotic adj. Chivalrous or
romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree. rabid adj. Affected with
rabies or hydrophobia. racy adj. Exciting or exhilarating to the mind.
radiance n. Brilliant or sparkling luster. radiate v. To extend in all
directions, as from a source or focus. radical n. One who holds extreme
views or advocates extreme measures. radix n. That from or on which
something is developed. raillery n. Good-humored satire. ramify v. To
divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions. ramose adj. Branch-like.
rampant adj. Growing, climbing, or running without check or restraint.
rampart n. A bulwark or construction to oppose assault or hostile entry.
rancor n. Malice. rankle v. To produce irritation or festering.
rapacious adj. Disposed to seize by violence or by unlawful or greedy
methods. rapid adj. Having great speed. rapine n. The act of seizing and
carrying off property by superior force, as in war. rapt adj. Enraptured.
raptorial adj. Seizing and devouring living prey. ration v. To provide
with a fixed allowance or portion, especially of food. rationalism n. The
formation of opinions by relying upon reason alone, independently of authority.
raucous adj. Harsh. ravage v. To lay waste by pillage, rapine,
devouring, or other destructive methods. ravenous adj. Furiously voracious
or hungry. ravine n. A deep gorge or hollow, especially one worn by a stream
or flow of water. reaction n. Tendency towards a former, or opposite state
of things, as after reform, revolution, or inflation. reactionary adj.
Pertaining to, of the nature of, causing, or favoring reaction. readily adv.
Without objection or reluctance. readjust v. To put in order after
disarrangement. ready adj. In a state of preparedness for any given purpose
or occasion. realism n. The principle and practice of depicting persons and
scenes as they are believed really to exist. rearrange v. To arrange again
or in a different order. reassure v. To give new confidence. rebellious
adj. Insubordinate. rebuff n. A peremptory or unexpected rejection of
advances or approaches. rebuild v. To build again or anew. rebut v. To
oppose by argument or a sufficient answer. recant v. To withdraw formally
one's belief (in something previously believed or maintained). recapitulate
v. To repeat again the principal points of. recapture v. To capture again.
recede v. To move back or away. receivable adj. Capable of being or fit
to be received - often money. receptive adj. Having the capacity, quality,
or ability of receiving, as truths or impressions. recessive adj. Having a
tendency to go back. recidivist n. A confirmed criminal. reciprocal adj.
Mutually interchangeable or convertible. reciprocate v. To give and take
mutually. reciprocity n. Equal mutual rights and benefits granted and
enjoyed. recitation n. The act of reciting or repeating, especially in
public and from memory. reck v. To have a care or thought for. reckless
adj. Foolishly headless of danger. reclaim v. To demand or to obtain the
return or restoration of. recline v. To cause to assume a leaning or
recumbent attitude or position. recluse n. One who lives in retirement or
seclusion. reclusory n. A hermitage. recognizance n. An acknowledgment
entered into before a court with condition to do some particular act.
recognize v. To recall the identity of (a person or thing). recoil v. To
start back as in dismay, loathing, or dread. recollect v. To recall the
knowledge of. reconcilable adj. Capable of being adjusted or harmonized.
reconnoiter v. To make a preliminary examination of for military, surveying,
or geological purposes. reconsider v. To review with care, especially with a
view to a reversal of previous action. reconstruct v. To rebuild.
recourse n. Resort to or application for help in exigency or trouble.
recover v. To regain. recreant n. A cowardly or faithless person.
recreate v. To refresh after labor. recrudescence n. The state of
becoming raw or sore again. recrudescent adj. Becoming raw or sore again.
recruit v. To enlist men for military or naval service. rectify v. To
correct. rectitude n. The quality of being upright in principles and
conduct. recuperate v. To recover. recur v. To happen again or
repeatedly, especially at regular intervals. recure v. To cure again.
recurrent adj. Returning from time to time, especially at regular or stated
intervals. redemption n. The recovery of what is mortgaged or pledged, by
paying the debt. redolent adj. Smelling sweet and agreeable. redolence
n. Smelling sweet and agreeable. redoubtable adj. Formidable. redound n.
Rebound. redress v. To set right, as a wrong by compensation or the
punishment of the wrong-doer. reducible adj. That may be reduced.
redundance n. Excess. redundant adj. Constituting an excess.
reestablish v. To restore. refer v. To direct or send for information or
other purpose. referrer n. One who refers. referable adj. Ascribable.
referee n. An umpire. refinery n. A place where some crude material, as
sugar or petroleum, is purified. reflectible adj. Capable of being turned
back. reflection n. The throwing off or back of light, heat, sound, or any
form of energy that travels in waves. reflector n. A mirror, as of metal,
for reflecting light, heat, or sound in a particular direction. reflexible
adj. Capable of being reflected. reform n. Change for the better.
reformer n. One who carries out a reform. refract v. To bend or turn
from a direct course. refractory adj. Not amenable to control.
refragable adj. Capable of being refuted. refringency n. Power to
refract. refringent adj. Having the power to refract. refusal n. Denial
of what is asked. refute v. To prove to be wrong. regale v. To give
unusual pleasure. regalia n. pl. The emblems of royalty. regality n.
Royalty. regenerate v. To reproduce. regent n. One who is lawfully
deputized to administer the government for the time being in the name of the
ruler. regicide n. The killing of a king or sovereign. regime n.
Particular conduct or administration of affairs. regimen n. A systematized
order or course of living with reference to food, clothing and personal habits.
regiment n. A body of soldiers. regnant adj. Exercising royal authority
in one's own right. regress v. To return to a former place or condition.
regretful adj. Feeling, expressive of, or full of regret. rehabilitate
v. To restore to a former status, capacity, right rank, or privilege. reign
v. To hold and exercise sovereign power. reimburse v. To pay back as an
equivalent of what has been expended. rein n. A step attached to the bit for
controlling a horse or other draft-animal. reinstate v. To restore to a
former state, station, or authority. reiterate v. To say or do again and
again. rejoin v. To reunite after separation. rejuvenate v. To restore
to youth. rejuvenescence n. A renewal of youth. relapse v. To suffer a
return of a disease after partial recovery. relegate v. To send off or
consign, as to an obscure position or remote destination. relent v. To
yield. relevant adj. Bearing upon the matter in hand. reliance n.
Dependence. reliant adj. Having confidence. relinquish v. To give up
using or having. reliquary n. A casket, coffer, or repository in which
relics are kept. relish v. To like the taste or savor of. reluctance n.
Unwillingness. reluctant adj. Unwilling. remembrance n. Recollection.
reminiscence n. The calling to mind of incidents within the range of
personal knowledge or experience. reminiscent adj. Pertaining to the
recollection of matters of personal interest. remiss adj. Negligent.
remission n. Temporary diminution of a disease. remodel v. Reconstruct.
remonstrance n. Reproof. remonstrant adj. Having the character of a
reproof. remonstrate v. To present a verbal or written protest to those who
have power to right or prevent a wrong. remunerate v. To pay or pay for.
remuneration n. Compensation. Renaissance n. The revival of letters, and
then of art, which marks the transition from medieval to modern
time. rendezvous n. A prearranged place of meeting. rendition n.
Interpretation. renovate v. To restore after deterioration, as a building.
renunciation n. An explicit disclaimer of a right or privilege.
reorganize v. To change to a more satisfactory form of organization.
reparable adj. Capable of repair. reparation n. The act of making
amends, as for an injury, loss, or wrong. repartee n. A ready, witty, or apt
reply. repeal v. To render of no further effect. repel v. To force or
keep back in a manner, physically or mentally. repellent adj. Having power
to force back in a manner, physically or mentally. repentance n. Sorrow for
something done or left undone, with desire to make things right by undoing the
wrong. repertory n. A place where things are stored or gathered together.
repetition n. The act of repeating. repine v. To indulge in fretfulness
and faultfinding. replenish v. To fill again, as something that has been
emptied. replete adj. Full to the uttermost. replica n. A duplicate
executed by the artist himself, and regarded, equally with the first, as an
original. repository n. A place in which goods are stored. reprehend v.
To find fault with. reprehensible adj. Censurable. reprehension n.
Expression of blame. repress v. To keep under restraint or control.
repressible adj. Able to be kept under restraint or control. reprieve v.
To grant a respite from punishment to. reprimand v. To chide or rebuke for a
fault. reprisal n. Any infliction or act by way of retaliation on an enemy.
reprobate n. One abandoned to depravity and sin. reproduce v. To make a
copy of. reproduction n. The process by which an animal or plant gives rise
to another of its kind. reproof n. An expression of disapproval or blame
personally addressed to one censured. repudiate v. To refuse to have
anything to do with. repugnance n. Thorough dislike. repugnant adj.
Offensive to taste and feeling. repulse n. The act of beating or driving
back, as an attacking or advancing enemy. repulsive adj. Grossly offensive.
repute v. To hold in general opinion. requiem n. A solemn mass sung for
the repose of the souls of the dead. requisite adj. Necessary. requital
n. Adequate return for good or ill. requite v. To repay either good or evil
to, as to a person. rescind v. To make void, as an act, by the enacting
authority or a superior authority. reseat v. To place in position of office
again. resemblance n. Similarity in quality or form. resent v. To be
indignant at, as an injury or insult. reservoir n. A receptacle where a
quantity of some material, especially of a liquid or gas, may be kept.
residue n. A remainder or surplus after a part has been separated or
otherwise treated. resilience n. The power of springing back to a former
position resilient adj. Having the quality of springing back to a former
position. resistance n. The exertion of opposite effort or effect.
resistant adj. Offering or tending to produce resistance. resistive adj.
Having or exercising the power of resistance. resistless adj. Powerless.
resonance n. The quality of being able to reinforce sound by sympathetic
vibrations. resonance adj. Able to reinforce sound by sympathetic
vibrations. resonate v. To have or produce resonance. resource n. That
which is restored to, relied upon, or made available for aid or support.
respite n. Interval of rest. resplendent adj. Very bright.
respondent adj. Answering. restitution n. Restoration of anything to the
one to whom it properly belongs. resumption n. The act of taking back, or
taking again. resurgent adj. Surging back or again. resurrection n. A
return from death to life resuscitate v. To restore from apparent death.
retaliate v. To repay evil with a similar evil. retch v. To make an
effort to vomit. retention n. The keeping of a thing within one's power or
possession. reticence n. The quality of habitually keeping silent or being
reserved in utterance. reticent adj. Habitually keeping silent or being
reserved in utterance. retinue n. The body of persons who attend a person of
importance in travel or public appearance. retort n. A retaliatory speech.
retouch v. To modify the details of. retrace v. To follow backward or
toward the place of beginning, as a track or marking. retract v. To recall
or take back (something that one has said). retrench v. To cut down or
reduce in extent or quantity. retrieve v. To recover something by searching.
retroactive adj. Operative on, affecting, or having reference to past
events, transactions, responsibilities. retrograde v. To cause to
deteriorate or to move backward. retrogression n. A going or moving backward
or in a reverse direction. retrospect n. A view or contemplation of
something past. retrospective adj. Looking back on the past. reunite v.
To unite or join again, as after separation. revelation n. A disclosing,
discovering, or making known of what was before secret, private, or unknown.
revere v. To regard with worshipful veneration. reverent adj. Humble.
reversion n. A return to or toward some former state or condition.
revert v. To return, or turn or look back, as toward a former position or
the like. revile v. To heap approach or abuse upon. revisal n. Revision.
revise v. To examine for the correction of errors, or for the purpose of
making changes. revocation n. Repeal. revoke v. To rescind. rhapsody
n. Rapt or rapturous utterance. rhetoric n. The art of discourse.
rhetorician n. A showy writer or speaker. ribald adj. Indulging in or
manifesting coarse indecency or obscenity. riddance n. The act or ridding or
delivering from something undesirable. ridicule n. Looks or acts expressing
amused contempt. ridiculous adj. Laughable and contemptible. rife adj.
Abundant. righteousness n. Rectitude. rightful adj. Conformed to a just
claim according to established laws or usage. rigmarole n. Nonsense.
rigor n. Inflexibility. rigorous adj. Uncompromising. ripplet n. A
small ripple, as of water. risible adj. capable of exciting laughter.
rivulet n. A small stream or brook. robust adj. Characterized by great
strength or power of endurance. rondo n. A musical composition during which
the first part or subject is repeated several times. rookery n. A place
where crows congregate to breed. rotary adj. Turning around its axis, like a
wheel, or so constructed as to turn thus. rotate v. To cause to turn on or
as on its axis, as a wheel. rote n. Repetition of words or sounds as a means
of learning them, with slight attention. rotund adj. Round from fullness or
plumpness. rudimentary adj. Being in an initial, early, or incomplete stage
of development. rue v. To regret extremely. ruffian adj. A lawless or
recklessly brutal fellow. ruminant adj. Chewing the cud. ruminate v. To
chew over again, as food previously swallowed and regurgitated. rupture v.
To separate the parts of by violence. rustic adj. Characteristic of dwelling
in the country. ruth n. Sorrow for another's misery. sacrifice v. To
make an offering of to deity, especially by presenting on an altar.
sacrificial adj. Offering or offered as an atonement for sin. sacrilege
n. The act of violating or profaning anything sacred. sacrilegious adj.
Impious. safeguard v. To protect. sagacious adj. Able to
discern and distinguish with wise perception. salacious adj. Having strong
sexual desires. salience n. The condition of standing out distinctly.
salient adj. Standing out prominently. saline adj. Constituting or
consisting of salt. salutary adj. Beneficial. salutation n. Any form of
greeting, hailing, or welcome, whether by word or act. salutatory n. The
opening oration at the commencement in American colleges. salvage n. Any act
of saving property. salvo n. A salute given by firing all the guns, as at
the funeral of an officer. sanctimonious adj. Making an ostentatious display
or hypocritical pretense of holiness or piety. sanction v. To approve
authoritatively. sanctity n. Holiness. sanguinary adj. Bloody.
sanguine adj. Having the color of blood. sanguineous adj. Consisting of
blood. sapid adj. Affecting the sense of taste. sapience n. Deep wisdom
or knowledge. sapient adj. Possessing wisdom. sapiential adj. Possessing
wisdom. saponaceous adj. Having the nature or quality of soap. sarcasm
n. Cutting and reproachful language. sarcophagus n. A stone coffin or a
chest-like tomb. sardonic adj. Scornfully or bitterly sarcastic. satiate
v. To satisfy fully the appetite or desire of. satire n. The employment of
sarcasm, irony, or keenness of wit in ridiculing vices. satiric adj.
Resembling poetry, in which vice, incapacity ,or corruption is held up to
ridicule. satirize v. To treat with sarcasm or derisive wit. satyr n. A
very lascivious person. savage n. A wild and uncivilized human being.
savor v. To perceive by taste or smell. scabbard n. The sheath of a
sword or similar bladed weapon. scarcity n. Insufficiency of supply for
needs or ordinary demands. scholarly adj. Characteristic of an erudite
person. scholastic adj. Pertaining to education or schools. scintilla n.
The faintest ray. scintillate v. To emit or send forth sparks or little
flashes of light. scope n. A range of action or view. scoundrel n. A man
without principle. scribble n. Hasty, careless writing. scribe n. One
who writes or is skilled in writing. script n. Writing or handwriting of the
ordinary cursive form. Scriptural adj. Pertaining to, contained in, or
warranted by the Holy Scriptures. scruple n. Doubt or uncertainty regarding
a question of moral right or duty. scrupulous adj. Cautious in action for
fear of doing wrong. scurrilous adj. Grossly indecent or vulgar. scuttle
v. To sink (a ship) by making holes in the bottom. scythe n. A long curved
blade for mowing, reaping, etc. seance n. A meeting of spirituals for
consulting spirits. sear v. To burn on the surface. sebaceous adj.
Pertaining to or appearing like fat. secant adj. Cutting, especially into
two parts. secede v. To withdraw from union or association, especially from
a political or religious body. secession n. Voluntary withdrawal from
fellowship, especially from political or religious bodies. seclude v. To
place, keep, or withdraw from the companionship of others. seclusion n.
Solitude. secondary adj. Less important or effective than that which is
primary. secondly adv. In the second place in order or succession.
second-rate adj. Second in quality, size, rank, importance, etc. secrecy
n. Concealment. secretary n. One who attends to correspondence, keeps
records. or does other writing for others. secretive adj. Having a tendency
to conceal. sedate adj. Even-tempered. sedentary adj. Involving or
requiring much sitting. sediment n. Matter that settles to the bottom of a
liquid. sedition n. Conduct directed against public order and the
tranquillity of the state. seditious adj. Promotive of conduct directed
against public order and the tranquillity of the state. seduce v. To entice
to surrender chastity. sedulous adj. Persevering in effort or endeavor.
seer n. A prophet. seethe v. To be violently excited or agitated.
seignior n. A title of honor or respectful address, equivalent to sir.
seismograph n. An instrument for recording the phenomena of earthquakes.
seize v. To catch or take hold of suddenly and forcibly. selective adj.
Having the power of choice. self-respect n. Rational self-esteem.
semblance n. Outward appearance. semicivilized adj. Half-civilized.
semiconscious adj. Partially conscious. semiannual adj. Recurring at
intervals of six months. semicircle n. A half-circle. seminar n. Any
assemblage of pupils for real research in some specific study under a teacher.
seminary n. A special school, as of theology or pedagogics. senile adj.
Peculiar to or proceeding from the weakness or infirmity of old age.
sensation n. A condition of mind resulting from spiritual or inherent
feeling. sense n. The signification conveyed by some word, phrase, or
action. sensibility n. Power to perceive or feel. sensitive adj. Easily
affected by outside operations or influences. sensorium n. The sensory
apparatus. sensual adj. Pertaining to the body or the physical senses.
sensuous adj. Having a warm appreciation of the beautiful or of the
refinements of luxury. sentence n. A related group of words containing a
subject and a predicate and expressing a complete thought. sentience n.
Capacity for sensation or sense-perception. sentient adj. Possessing the
power of sense or sense-perception. sentinel n. Any guard or watch stationed
for protection. separable adj. Capable of being disjoined or divided.
separate v. To take apart. separatist n. A seceder. septennial adj.
Recurring every seven years. sepulcher n. A burial-place. sequacious
adj. Ready to be led. sequel n. That which follows in consequence of what
has previously happened. sequence n. The order in which a number or persons,
things, or events follow one another in space or time. sequent adj.
Following in the order of time. sequester v. To cause to withdraw or retire,
as from society or public life. sequestrate v. To confiscate. sergeant
n. A non-commissioned military officer ranking next above a corporal.
sergeant-at-arms n. An executive officer in legislative bodies who enforces
the orders of the presiding officer. sergeant-major n. The highest
non-commissioned officer in a regiment. service n. Any work done for the
benefit of another. serviceable adj. Durable. servitude n. Slavery.
severance n. Separation. severely adv. Extremely. sextet n. A band
of six singers or players. sextuple adj. Multiplied by six. sheer adj.
Absolute. shiftless adj. Wanting in resource, energy, or executive ability.
shrewd adj. Characterized by skill at understanding and profiting by
circumstances. shriek n. A sharp, shrill outcry or scream, caused by agony
or terror. shrinkage n. A contraction of any material into less bulk or
dimension. shrivel v. To draw or be drawn into wrinkles. shuffle n. A
mixing or changing the order of things. sibilance n. A hissing sound.
sibilant adj. Made with a hissing sound. sibilate v. To give a hissing
sound to, as in pronouncing the letter s. sidelong adj. Inclining or tending
to one side. sidereal adj. Pertaining to stars or constellations. siege
n. A beleaguerment. significance n. Importance. significant adj.
Important, especially as pointing something out. signification n. The
meaning conveyed by language, actions, or signs. similar adj. Bearing
resemblance to one another or to something else. simile n. A comparison
which directs the mind to the representative object itself. similitude n.
Similarity. simplify v. To make less complex or difficult. simulate v.
Imitate. simultaneous adj. Occurring, done, or existing at the same time.
sinecure n. Any position having emoluments with few or no duties. singe
v. To burn slightly or superficially. sinister adj. Evil. sinuosity n.
The quality of curving in and out. sinuous adj. Curving in and out.
sinus n. An opening or cavity. siren n. A sea-nymph, described by Homer
as dwelling between the island of Circe and Scylla. sirocco n. hot winds
from Africa. sisterhood n. A body of sisters united by some bond of sympathy
or by a religious vow. skeptic n. One who doubts any statements.
skepticism n. The entertainment of doubt concerning something. skiff n.
Usually, a small light boat propelled by oars. skirmish n. Desultory
fighting between advanced detachments of two armies. sleight n. A trick or
feat so deftly done that the manner of performance escapes observation.
slight adj. Of a small importance or significance. slothful adj. Lazy.
sluggard n. A person habitually lazy or idle. sociable adj. Inclined to
seek company. socialism n. A theory of civil polity that aims to secure the
reconstruction of society. socialist adj. One who advocates reconstruction
of society by collective ownership of land and capital. sociology n. The
philosophical study of society. Sol n. The sun. solace n. Comfort in
grief, trouble, or calamity. solar adj. Pertaining to the sun. solder n.
A fusible alloy used for joining metallic surfaces or margins. soldier n. A
person engaged in military service. solecism n. Any violation of established
rules or customs. solicitor n. One who represents a client in court of
justice; an attorney. solicitude n. Uneasiness of mind occasioned by desire,
anxiety, or fear. soliloquy n. A monologue. solstice n. The time of year
when the sun is at its greatest declination. soluble adj. Capable of being
dissolved, as in a fluid. solvent adj. Having sufficient funds to pay all
debts. somber adj. Gloomy. somniferous adj. Tending to produce sleep.
somnolence n. Oppressive drowsiness. somnolent adj. Sleepy. sonata
n. An instrumental composition. sonnet n. A poem of fourteen decasyllabic or
octosyllabiclines expressing two successive phrases. sonorous adj. Resonant.
soothsayer n. One who claims to have supernatural insight or foresight.
sophism n. A false argument understood to be such by the reasoner himself
and intentionally used to deceive sophistical adj. Fallacious.
sophisticate v. To deprive of simplicity of mind or manner. sophistry n.
Reasoning sound in appearance only, especially when designedly deceptive.
soprano n. A woman's or boy's voice of high range. sorcery n.
Witchcraft. sordid adj. Of degraded character or nature. souvenir n. A
token of remembrance. sparse adj. Thinly diffused. Spartan adj.
Exceptionally brave; rigorously severe. spasmodic adj. Convulsive.
specialize v. To assume an individual or specific character, or adopt a
singular or special course. specialty n. An employment limited to one
particular line of work. specie n. A coin or coins of gold, silver, copper,
or other metal. species n. A classificatory group of animals or plants
subordinate to a genus. specimen n. One of a class of persons or things
regarded as representative of the class. specious adj. Plausible.
spectator n. One who beholds or looks on. specter n. Apparition.
spectrum n. An image formed by rays of light or other radiant energy.
speculate v. To pursue inquiries and form conjectures. speculator n. One
who makes an investment that involves a risk of loss, but also a chance of
profit. sphericity n. The state or condition of being a sphere. spheroid
n. A body having nearly the form of a sphere. spherometer n. An instrument
for measuring curvature or radii of spherical surfaces. spinous adj. Having
spines. spinster n. A woman who has never been married. spontaneous adj.
Arising from inherent qualities or tendencies without external efficient cause.
sprightly adj. Vivacious. spurious adj. Not genuine. squabble v. To
quarrel. squalid adj. Having a dirty, mean, poverty-stricken appearance.
squatter n. One who settles on land without permission or right.
stagnant adj. Not flowing: said of water, as in a pool. stagnate v. To
become dull or inert. stagnation n. The condition of not flowing or not
changing. stagy adj. Having a theatrical manner. staid adj. Of a steady
and sober character. stallion n. An uncastrated male horse, commonly one
kept for breeding. stanchion n. A vertical bar, or a pair of bars, used to
confine cattle in a stall. stanza n. A group of rimed lines, usually forming
one of a series of similar divisions in a poem. statecraft n. The art of
conducting state affairs. static adj. Pertaining to or designating bodies at
rest or forces in equilibrium. statics n. The branch of mechanics that
treats of the relations that subsist among forces in order. stationary adj.
Not moving. statistician n. One who is skilled in collecting and tabulating
numerical facts. statuesque adj. Having the grace, pose, or quietude of a
statue. statuette n. A figurine. stature n. The natural height of an
animal body. statute n. Any authoritatively declared rule, ordinance,
decree, or law. stealth n. A concealed manner of acting. stellar adj.
Pertaining to the stars. steppe n. One of the extensive plains in Russia and
Siberia. sterling adj. Genuine. stifle v. To smother. stigma n. A
mark of infamy or token of disgrace attaching to a person as the result of
evil-doing. stiletto n. A small dagger. stimulant n. Anything that
rouses to activity or to quickened action. stimulate v. To rouse to activity
or to quickened action. stimulus n. Incentive. stingy adj. Cheap,
unwilling to spend money. stipend n. A definite amount paid at stated
periods in compensation for services or as an allowance. Stoicism n. The
principles or the practice of the Stoics-being very even tempered in success and
failure. stolid adj. Expressing no power of feeling or perceiving.
strait n. A narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water.
stratagem n. Any clever trick or device for obtaining an advantage.
stratum n. A natural or artificial layer, bed, or thickness of any substance
or material. streamlet n. Rivulet. stringency n. Strictness.
stringent adj. Rigid. stripling n. A mere youth. studious adj.
Having or showing devotion to the acquisition of knowledge. stultify v. To
give an appearance of foolishness to. stupendous adj. Of prodigious size,
bulk, or degree. stupor n. Profound lethargy. suasion n. The act of
persuading. suave adj. Smooth and pleasant in manner. subacid adj.
Somewhat sharp or biting. subaquatic adj. Being, formed, or operating under
water. subconscious adj. Being or occurring in the mind, but without
attendant consciousness or conscious perception. subjacent adj. Situated
directly underneath. subjection n. The act of bringing into a state of
submission. subjugate v. To conquer. subliminal adj. Being beneath the
threshold of consciousness. sublingual adj. Situated beneath the tongue.
submarine adj. Existing, done, or operating beneath the surface of the sea.
submerge v. To place or plunge under water. submergence n. The act of
submerging. submersible adj. Capable of being put underwater. submersion
n. The act of submerging. submission n. A yielding to the power or authority
of another. submittal n. The act of submitting. subordinate adj.
Belonging to an inferior order in a classification. subsequent adj.
Following in time. subservience n. The quality, character, or condition of
being servilely following another's behests. subservient adj. Servilely
following another's behests. subside v. To relapse into a state of repose
and tranquillity. subsist v. To be maintained or sustained. subsistence
n. Sustenance. substantive adj. Solid. subtend v. To extend opposite to.
subterfuge n. Evasion. subterranean adj. Situated or occurring below the
surface of the earth. subtle adj. Discriminating. subtrahend n. That
which is to be subtracted. subversion n. An overthrow, as from the
foundation. subvert v. To bring to ruin. succeed v. To accomplish what
is attempted or intended. success n. A favorable or prosperous course or
termination of anything attempted. successful adj. Having reached a high
degree of worldly prosperity. successor n. One who or that which takes the
place of a predecessor or preceding thing. succinct adj. Concise.
succulent adj. Juicy. succumb v. To cease to resist. sufferance n.
Toleration. sufficiency n. An ample or adequate supply. suffrage n. The
right or privilege of voting. suffuse v. To cover or fill the surface of.
suggestible adj. That can be suggested. suggestive adj. Stimulating to
thought or reflection. summary n. An abstract. sumptuous adj. Rich and
costly. superabundance n. An excessive amount. superadd v. To add in
addition to what has been added. superannuate v. To become deteriorated or
incapacitated by long service. superb adj. Sumptuously elegant.
supercilious adj. Exhibiting haughty and careless contempt. superficial
adj. Knowing and understanding only the ordinary and the obvious.
superfluity n. That part of anything that is in excess of what is needed.
superfluous adj. Being more than is needed. superheat v. To heat to
excess. superintend v. To have the charge and direction of, especially of
some work or movement. superintendence n. Direction and management.
superintendent n. One who has the charge and direction of, especially of
some work or movement. superlative n. That which is of the highest possible
excellence or eminence. supernatural adj. Caused miraculously or by the
immediate exercise of divine power. supernumerary adj. Superfluous.
supersede v. To displace. supine adj. Lying on the back. supplant v.
To take the place of. supple adj. Easily bent. supplementary adj. Being
an addition to. supplicant n. One who asks humbly and earnestly.
supplicate v. To beg. supposition n. Conjecture. suppress v. To
prevent from being disclosed or punished. suppressible adj. Capable of being
suppressed. suppression n. A forcible putting or keeping down.
supramundane adj. Supernatural. surcharge n. An additional amount
charged. surety n. Security for payment or performance. surfeit v. To
feed to fullness or to satiety. surmise v. To conjecture. surmount v. To
overcome by force of will. surreptitious adj. Clandestine. surrogate n.
One who or that which is substituted for or appointed to act in place of
another. surround v. To encircle. surveyor n. A land-measurer.
susceptibility n. A specific capability of feeling or emotion.
susceptible adj. Easily under a specified power or influence. suspense
n. Uncertainty. suspension n. A hanging from a support. suspicious adj.
Inclined to doubt or mistrust. sustenance n. Food. swarthy adj. Having a
dark hue, especially a dark or sunburned complexion. Sybarite n. A luxurious
person. sycophant n. A servile flatterer, especially of those in authority
or influence. syllabic adj. Consisting of that which is uttered in a single
vocal impulse. syllabication n. Division of words into that which is uttered
in a single vocal impulse. syllable n. That which is uttered in a single
vocal impulse. syllabus n. Outline of a subject, course, lecture, or
treatise. sylph n. A slender, graceful young woman or girl. symmetrical
adj. Well-balanced. symmetry n. Relative proportion and harmony.
sympathetic adj. Having a fellow-feeling for or like feelings with another
or others. sympathize v. To share the sentiments or mental states of
another. symphonic adj. Characterized by a harmonious or agreeable mingling
of sounds. symphonious adj. Marked by a harmonious or agreeable mingling of
sounds. symphony n. A harmonious or agreeable mingling of sounds.
synchronism n. Simultaneousness. syndicate n. An association of
individuals united for the prosecution of some enterprise. syneresis n. The
coalescence of two vowels or syllables, as e'er for ever. synod n. An
ecclesiastical council. synonym n. A word having the same or almost the same
meaning as some other. synopsis n. A syllabus or summary. systematic
adj. Methodical. tableau n. An arrangement of inanimate figures representing
a scene from real life. tacit adj. Understood. taciturn adj. Disinclined
to conversation. tack n. A small sharp-pointed nail. tact n. Fine or
ready mental discernment shown in saying or doing the proper thing.
tactician n. One who directs affairs with skill and shrewdness. tactics
n. Any maneuvering or adroit management for effecting an object. tangency n.
The state of touching. tangent adj. Touching. tangible adj. Perceptible
by touch. tannery n. A place where leather is tanned. tantalize v. To
tease. tantamount adj. Having equal or equivalent value, effect, or import.
tapestry n. A fabric to which a pattern is applied with a needle, designed
for ornamental hangings. tarnish v. To lessen or destroy the luster of in
any way. taut adj. Stretched tight. taxation n. A levy, by government,
of a fixed contribution. taxidermy n. The art or process of preserving dead
animals or parts of them. technic adj. Technical. technicality n.
Something peculiar to a particular art, trade, or the like. technique n.
Manner of performance. technography n. The scientific description or study
of human arts and industries in their historic development. technology n. The
knowledge relating to industries and manufactures. teem v. To be full to
overflowing. telepathy n. Thought-transference. telephony n. The art or
process of communicating by telephone. telescope v. To drive together so
that one slides into the another like the sections of a spy-glass. telltale
adj. That gives warning or information. temerity n. Recklessness.
temporal adj. Pertaining to or concerned with the affairs of the present
life. temporary adj. Lasting for a short time only. temporize v. To
pursue a policy of delay. tempt v. To offer to (somebody) an inducement to
do wrong. tempter n. An allurer or enticer to evil. tenacious adj.
Unyielding. tenant n. An occupant. tendency n. Direction or inclination,
as toward some objector end. tenet n. Any opinion, principle, dogma, or
doctrine that a person believes or maintains as true. tenor n. A settled
course or manner of progress. tense adj. Strained to stiffness.
tentative adj. Done as an experiment. tenure n. The term during which a
thing is held. tercentenary adj. Pertaining to a period of 300 years.
termagant adj. Violently abusive and quarrelsome. terminal adj.
Pertaining to or creative of a boundary, limit. terminate v. To put an end
or stop to. termination n. The act of ending or concluding. terminus n.
The final point or goal. terrify v. To fill with extreme fear.
territorial adj. Pertaining to the domain over which a sovereign state
exercises jurisdiction. terse adj. Pithy. testament n. A will.
testator n. The maker of a will. testimonial n. A formal token of
regard, often presented in public. thearchy n. Government by a supreme
deity. theism n. Belief in God. theocracy n. A government administered
by ecclesiastics. theocrasy n. The mixed worship of polytheism.
theologian n. A professor of divinity. theological adj. Based on or
growing out of divine revelation. theology n. The branch of theological
science that treats of God. theoretical adj. Directed toward knowledge for
its own sake without respect to applications. theorist n. One given to
speculating. theorize v. To speculate. thereabout adv. Near that number,
quantity, degree, place, or time, approximately. therefor adv. For that or
this. thermal adj. Of or pertaining to heat. thermoelectric adj.
Denoting electricity produced by heat. thermoelectricity n. Electricity
generated by differences of temperature, thesis n. An essay or treatise on a
particular subject. thoroughbred adj. Bred from the best or purest blood or
stock. thoroughfare n. A public street or road. thrall n. One controlled
by an appetite or a passion. tilth n. Cultivation. timbre n. The quality
of a tone, as distinguished from intensity and pitch. timorous adj. Lacking
courage. tincture n. A solution, usually alcoholic, of some principle used
in medicine. tinge n. A faint trace of color. tipsy adj. Befuddled with
drinks. tirade n. Harangue. tireless adj. Untiring. tiresome adj.
Wearisome. Titanic adj. Of vast size or strength. toilsome adj.
Laborious. tolerable adj. Moderately good. tolerance n. Forbearance in
judging of the acts or opinions of others. tolerant adj. Indulgent.
tolerate v. To passively permit or put up with. toleration n. A spirit
of charitable leniency. topography n. The art of representing on a map the
physical features of any locality or region with accuracy. torpor n. Apathy.
torrid adj. Excessively hot. tortious adj. Wrongful. tortuous adj.
Abounding in irregular bends or turns. torturous adj. Marked by extreme
suffering. tractable adj. Easily led or controlled. trait n. A
distinguishing feature or quality. trajectory n. The path described by a
projectile moving under given forces. trammel n. An impediment. tranquil
adj. Calm. tranquilize v. To soothe. tranquility n. Calmness.
transalpine adj. Situated on the other side of the Alps. transact v. To
do business. transatlantic adj. Situated beyond or on the other side of the
Atlantic. transcend v. To surpass. transcendent adj. Surpassing.
transcontinental adj. Extending or passing across a continent.
transcribe v. To write over again (something already written) transcript
n. A copy made directly from an original. transfer v. To convey, remove, or
cause to pass from one person or place to another. transferable adj. Capable
of being conveyed from one person or place to another. transferee n. The
person to whom a transfer is made. transference n. The act of conveying from
one person or place to another. transferrer n. One who or that which conveys
from one person or place to another. transfigure v. To give an exalted
meaning or glorified appearance to. transfuse v. To pour or cause to pass,
as a fluid, from one vessel to another. transfusible adj. Capable of being
poured from one vessel to another. transfusion n. The act of pouring from
one vessel to another. transgress v. To break a law. transience n.
Something that is of short duration. transient n. One who or that which is
only of temporary existence. transition n. Passage from one place,
condition, or action to another. transitory adj. Existing for a short time
only. translate v. To give the sense or equivalent of in another language or
dialect. translator n. An interpreter. translucence n. The property or
state of allowing the passage of light. translucent adj. Allowing the
passage of light. transmissible adj. That may e sent through or across.
transmission n. The act of sending through or across. transmit v. To
send trough or across. transmute v. To change in nature, substance, or form.
transparent adj. Easy to see through or understand. transpire v. To come
to pass. transplant v. To remove and plant in another place.
transposition n. The act of reversing the order or changing the place of.
transverse adj. Lying or being across or in a crosswise direction.
travail n. Hard or agonizing labor. travesty n. A grotesque imitation.
treacherous adj. Perfidious. treachery n. Violation of allegiance,
confidence, or plighted faith. treasonable adj. Of the nature of betrayal,
treachery, or breech of allegiance. treatise n. An elaborate literary
composition presenting a subject in all its parts. treble adj. Multiplied by
three. trebly adv. Triply. tremendous adj. Awe-inspiring. tremor n.
An involuntary trembling or shivering. tremulous adj. Characterized by
quivering or unsteadiness. trenchant adj. Cutting deeply and quickly.
trepidation n. Nervous uncertainty of feeling. trestle n. An open braced
framework for supporting the horizontal stringers of a railway-bridge. triad
n. A group of three persons of things. tribune n. Any champion of the rights
and liberties of the people: often used as the name for a newspaper.
trickery n. Artifice. tricolor adj. Of three colors. tricycle n. A
three-wheeled vehicle. trident n. The three-pronged fork that was the emblem
of Neptune. triennial adj. Taking place every third year. trimness n.
Neatness. trinity n. A threefold personality existing in the one divine
being or substance. trio n. Three things grouped or associated together.
triple adj. Threefold. triplicate adj. Composed of or pertaining to
three related things or parts. triplicity n. The state of being triple or
threefold. tripod n. A three-legged stand, usually hinged near the top, for
supporting some instrument. trisect v. To divide into three parts,
especially into three equal parts. trite adj. Made commonplace by frequent
repetition. triumvir n. One of three men united coordinately in public
office or authority. trivial adj. Of little importance or value.
troublesome adj. Burdensome. truculence n. Ferocity. truculent adj.
Having the character or the spirit of a savage. truism n. A statement so
plainly true as hardly to require statement or proof. truthful adj.
Veracious. turgid adj. Swollen. turpitude n. Depravity. tutelage n.
The act of training or the state of being under instruction. tutelar adj.
Protective. tutorship n. The office of a guardian. twinge n. A darting
momentary local pain. typical adj. Characteristic. typify v. To serve as
a characteristic example of. typographical adj. Pertaining to typography or
printing. typography n. The arrangement of composed type, or the appearance
of printed matter. tyrannical adj. Despotic. tyranny n. Absolute power
arbitrarily or unjustly administrated. tyro n. One slightly skilled in or
acquainted with any trade or profession. ubiquitous adj. Being present
everywhere. ulterior adj. Not so pertinent as something else to the matter
spoken of. ultimate adj. Beyond which there is nothing else. ultimatum
n. A final statement or proposal, as concerning terms or conditions.
ultramundane adj. Pertaining to supernatural things or to another life.
ultramontane adj. Beyond the mountains, especially beyond the Alps (that is,
on their Italian side). umbrage n. A sense of injury. unaccountable adj.
Inexplicable. unaffected adj. Sincere. unanimous adj. Sharing the same
views or sentiments. unanimity n. The state or quality of being of one mind.
unavoidable adj. Inevitable. unbearable adj. Unendurable. unbecoming
adj. Unsuited to the wearer, place, or surroundings. unbelief n. Doubt.
unbiased adj. Impartial, as judgment. unbridled adj. Being without
restraint. uncommon adj. Rare. unconscionable adj. Ridiculously or
unjustly excessive. unconscious adj. Not cognizant of objects, actions, etc.
unction n. The art of anointing as with oil. unctuous adj. Oily.
undeceive v. To free from deception, as by apprising of the real state of
affairs. undercharge v. To make an inadequate charge for. underexposed
adj. Insufficiently exposed for proper or full development, as negatives in
photography. undergarment n. A garment to be worn under the ordinary outer
garments. underman v. To equip with less than the full complement of men.
undersell v. To sell at a lower price than. undersized adj. Of less than
the customary size. underhanded adj. Clandestinely carried on. underlie
v. To be the ground or support of. underling n. A subordinate. undermine
v. To subvert in an underhand way. underrate v. To undervalue.
understate v. To fail to put strongly enough, as a case. undervalue v.
To underestimate. underworld n. Hades. underwrite v. To issue or be party to the
issue of a policy of insurance. undue adj. More than
sufficient. undulate v. To move like a wave or in waves. undulous adj.
Resembling waves. unfavorable adj. Adverse. ungainly adj. Clumsy.
unguent n. Any ointment or lubricant for local application. unicellular
adj. Consisting of a single cell. univalence n. Monovalency. unify v. To
cause to be one. unique adj. Being the only one of its kind. unison n. A
condition of perfect agreement and accord. unisonant adj. Being in a
condition of perfect agreement and accord. Unitarian adj. Pertaining to a
religious body that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity. unlawful adj.
Illegal. unlimited adj. Unconstrained. unnatural adj. Artificial.
unnecessary adj. Not essential under the circumstances. unsettle v. To
put into confusion. unsophisticated adj. Showing inexperience.
unspeakable adj. Abominable. untimely adj. Unseasonable. untoward
adj. Causing annoyance or hindrance. unutterable adj. Inexpressible.
unwieldy adj. Moved or managed with difficulty, as from great size or
awkward shape. unwise adj. Foolish. unyoke v. To separate. up-keep
n. Maintenance. upbraid v. To reproach as deserving blame. upcast n. A
throwing upward. upheaval n. Overthrow or violent disturbance of established
order or condition. upheave v. To raise or lift with effort. uppermost
adj. First in order of precedence. uproarious adj. Noisy. uproot v. To
eradicate. upturn v. To throw into confusion. urban adj. Of, or
pertaining to, or like a city. urbanity n. Refined or elegant courtesy.
urchin n. A roguish, mischievous boy. urgency n. The pressure of
necessity. usage n. Treatment. usurious adj. Taking unlawful or
exorbitant interest on money loaned. usurp v. To take possession of by
force. usury n. The demanding for the use of money as a loan, a rate of
interest beyond what is allowed by law. utilitarianism n. The ethical
doctrine that actions are right because they are useful or of beneficial
tendency. utility n. Fitness for some desirable practical purpose. utmost
n. The greatest possible extent. vacate v. To leave. vaccinate v. To
inoculate with vaccine virus or virus of cowpox. vacillate v. To waver.
vacuous adj. Empty. vacuum n. A space entirely devoid of matter.
vagabond n. A wanderer. vagrant n. An idle wanderer. vainglory n.
Excessive, pretentious, and demonstrative vanity. vale n. Level or low land
between hills. valediction n. A bidding farewell. valedictorian n.
Student who delivers an address at graduating exercises of an educational
institution. valedictory n. A parting address. valid adj. Founded on
truth. valorous adj. Courageous. vapid adj. Having lost sparkling
quality and flavor. vaporizer n. An atomizer. variable adj. Having a
tendency to change. variance n. Change. variant n. A thing that differs
from another in form only, being the same in essence or substance. variation
n. Modification. variegate v. To mark with different shades or colors.
vassal n. A slave or bondman. vaudeville n. A variety show. vegetal
adj. Of or pertaining to plants. vegetarian n. One who believes in the
theory that man's food should be exclusively vegetable. vegetate v. To live
in a monotonous, passive way without exercise of the mental faculties.
vegetation n. Plant-life in the aggregate. vegetative adj. Pertaining to
the process of plant-life. vehement adj. Very eager or urgent. velocity
n. Rapid motion. velvety adj. Marked by lightness and softness. venal
adj. Mercenary, corrupt. vendible adj. Marketable. vendition n. The act
of selling. vendor n. A seller. veneer n. Outside show or elegance.
venerable adj. Meriting or commanding high esteem. venerate v. To
cherish reverentially. venereal adj. Pertaining to or proceeding from sexual
intercourse. venial adj. That may be pardoned or forgiven, a forgivable sin.
venison n. The flesh of deer. venom n. The poisonous fluid that certain
animals secrete. venous adj. Of, pertaining to, or contained or carried in a
vein or veins. veracious adj. Habitually disposed to speak the truth.
veracity n. Truthfulness. verbatim adv. Word for word. verbiage n.
Use of many words without necessity. verbose adj. Wordy. verdant adj.
Green with vegetation. verification n. The act of proving to be true, exact,
or accurate. verify v. To prove to be true, exact, or accurate. verily
adv. In truth. verity n. Truth. vermin n. A noxious or troublesome
animal. vernacular n. The language of one's country. vernal adj.
Belonging to or suggestive of the spring. versatile adj. Having an aptitude
for applying oneself to new and varied tasks or to various subjects. version
n. A description or report of something as modified by one's character or
opinion. vertex n. Apex. vertical adj. Lying or directed perpendicularly
to the horizon. vertigo n. Dizziness. vestige n. A visible trace, mark,
or impression, of something absent, lost, or gone. vestment n. Clothing or
covering. veto n. The constitutional right in a chief executive of refusing
to approve an enactment. vicarious adj. Suffered or done in place of or for
the sake of another. viceroy n. A ruler acting with royal authority in place
of the sovereign in a colony or province. vicissitude n. A change,
especially a complete change, of condition or circumstances, as of fortune.
vie v. To contend. vigilance n. Alert and intent mental watchfulness in
guarding against danger. vigilant adj. Being on the alert to discover and
ward off danger or insure safety. vignette n. A picture having a background
or that is shaded off gradually. vincible adj. Conquerable. vindicate v.
To prove true, right, or real. vindicatory adj. Punitive. vindicative
adj. Revengeful. vinery n. A greenhouse for grapes. viol n. A stringed
instrument of the violin class. viola n. A musical instrument somewhat
larger than a violin. violator n. One who transgresses. violation n.
Infringement. violoncello n. A stringed instrument held between the player's
knees. virago n. A bold, impudent, turbulent woman. virile adj.
Masculine. virtu n. Rare, curious, or beautiful quality. virtual adj.
Being in essence or effect, but not in form or appearance. virtuoso n. A
master in the technique of some particular fine art. virulence n. Extreme
poisonousness. virulent adj. Exceedingly noxious or deleterious. visage
n. The face, countenance, or look of a person. viscount n. In England, a
title of nobility, ranking fourth in the order of British peerage. vista n.
A view or prospect. visual adj. Perceptible by sight. visualize v. To
give pictorial vividness to a mental representation. vitality n. The state
or quality of being necessary to existence or continuance. vitalize v. To
endow with life or energy. vitiate v. To contaminate. vituperable adj.
Deserving of censure. vivacity n. Liveliness. vivify v. To endue with
life. vivisection n. The dissection of a living animal. vocable n. a
word, especially one regarded in relation merely to its qualities of sound.
vocative adj. Of or pertaining to the act of calling. vociferance n. The
quality of making a clamor. vociferate v. To utter with a loud and vehement
voice. vociferous adj. Making a loud outcry. vogue n. The prevalent way
or fashion. volant adj. Flying or able to fly. volatile adj. Changeable.
volition n. An act or exercise of will. volitive adj. Exercising the
will. voluble adj. Having great fluency in speaking. voluptuous adj.
having fullness of beautiful form, as a woman, with or without sensuous or
sensual quality. voracious adj. Eating with greediness or in very large
quantities. vortex n. A mass of rotating or whirling fluid, especially when
sucked spirally toward the center. votary adj. Consecrated by a vow or
promise. votive adj. Dedicated by a vow. vulgarity n. Lack of refinement
in conduct or speech. vulnerable adj. Capable of receiving injuries.
waif n. A homeless, neglected wanderer. waistcoat n. A vest. waive
v. To relinquish, especially temporarily, as a right or claim. wampum n.
Beads strung on threads, formerly used among the American Indians as currency.
wane v. To diminish in size and brilliancy. wantonness n. Recklessness.
warlike adj. Belligerent. wavelet n. A ripple. weak-kneed adj.
Without resolute purpose or energy. weal n. Well-being. wean v. To
transfer (the young) from dependence on mother's milk to another form of
nourishment. wearisome adj. Fatiguing. wee adj. Very small.
well-bred adj. Of good ancestry. well-doer n. A performer of moral and
social duties. well-to-do adj. In prosperous circumstances. whereabouts
n. The place in or near which a person or thing is. whereupon adv. After
which. wherever adv. In or at whatever place. wherewith n. The necessary
means or resources. whet v. To make more keen or eager. whimsical adj.
Capricious. whine v. To utter with complaining tone. wholly adv.
Completely. wield v. To use, control, or manage, as a weapon, or instrument,
especially with full command. wile n. An act or a means of cunning
deception. winsome adj. Attractive. wintry adj. Lacking warmth of
manner. wiry adj. Thin, but tough and sinewy. witchcraft n. Sorcery.
witless adj. Foolish, indiscreet, or silly. witling n. A person who has
little understanding. witticism n. A witty, brilliant, or original saying or
sentiment. wittingly adv. With knowledge and by design. wizen v. To
become or cause to become withered or dry. wizen-faced adj. Having a
shriveled face. working-man n. One who earns his bread by manual labor.
workmanlike adj. Like or befitting a skilled workman. workmanship n. The
art or skill of a workman. wrangle v. To maintain by noisy argument or
dispute. wreak v. To inflict, as a revenge or punishment. wrest v. To
pull or force away by or as by violent twisting or wringing. wretchedness n.
Extreme misery or unhappiness. writhe v. To twist the body, face, or limbs
or as in pain or distress. writing n. The act or art of tracing or
inscribing on a surface letters or ideographs. wry adj. Deviating from that
which is proper or right. yearling n. A young animal past its first year and
not yet two years old. zealot n. One who espouses a cause or pursues an
object in an immoderately partisan manner. zeitgeist n. The intellectual and
moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch. zenith n. The
culminating-point of prosperity, influence, or greatness. zephyr n. Any
soft, gentle wind. zodiac n. An imaginary belt encircling the heavens within
which are the larger planets.
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