GRE Wordlist
Saturday, August 24, 2013
Monday, July 8, 2013
GRE word : ADMONISH (Verb)
ADMONISH (Verb)
Definition : To criticize (someone) usually gently so as to correct a faultThe Synonyms are:
- reprove
- reprimand
- reproach
- rebuke
- chide
The Antonyms are:
- compliment
- approve
- commend
- reward
- praise
The usages are:
- The teacher admonished the students for playing a prank.
- The teacher felt extremely guilty for having admonished the child for a mistake that he hadn't committed.
- If the teacher does not admonish a student for a misdemeanour, the student will not improve
Barrons GRE word : ABASE (With picture)
ABASE (verb)
tr.v. a·based, a·bas·ing, a·bas·esMeaning
- To lower in rank, prestige, or esteem, to humiliate.
- To humble or belittle (oneself, etc.)
- Behave in a way so as to belittle or degrade (someone).
Synonyms
- humiliate - lower - humble - degrade - demean - mortify
Antonyms
- dignify, honor, respect.
Usage
- He felt abased when his clothes were removed.
- He humiliated his colleague by criticising him in front of the boss.
- Hurt the feelings of; "She hurt me when she did not include me among her guests"; "This remark really bruised my ego"
GRE Word List Essential (900+ words)
- aberrantmarkedly different from an accepted normHitler’s derived personality profile also suggested that he probably had schizophrenic tendencies, including excessive grandiosity and aberrant thinking.
—Scientific American (Dec 19, 2011) - abeyancetemporary cessation or suspension“Usually, at the conclusion of the proceedings, final disposition was held in abeyance, and the alien would remain on bond,” Ms. Galvin wrote.
—New York Times (Feb 18, 2012) - abscondrun away; usually includes taking something or somebody alongPolice have said they are seeking help in locating a prisoner who absconded from a healthcare facility in Belfast.
—BBC (May 1, 2011) - abstemiousmarked by temperance in indulgenceGarnishes were simple, abstemious yet effective players on the plate: squash risotto, puréed fennel, bacon-onion jam.
—New York Times (Nov 20, 2010) - abstrusedifficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledgeOther artists produce maddeningly abstruse drawings that relate to their better-known performances.
—New York Times (Mar 24, 2011) - absurdinconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
- abyssa bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
- acquiesceto agree or express agreementAmerican officials initially tried to resist President Karzai’s moves but eventually acquiesced.
—New York Times (Mar 9, 2012) - adamantvery hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
- adepthaving or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
- admonishtake to task
- adulateflatter in an obsequious mannerThe main man at SOM was David Childs, now aged 70, prominent for decades in American architecture but never adulated like its more glamorous stars.
—The Guardian (Jul 30, 2011) - adulationservile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise
- adulteratecorrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones
- adumbratedescribe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary ofHe vaguely adumbrated what it was out of which she came.
—Wells, H. G. (Herbert George) - adversein an opposing direction
- aestheteone who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature
- affablediffusing warmth and friendliness
- afflictiona cause of great suffering and distress
- affluenthaving an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
- aggrandizeadd details toBeyond facial and vocal signs of disapproval, there are sometimes bizarre, exaggerated movements, like abrupt stops or aggrandized sidesteps.
—New York Times (Nov 7, 2011) - agitatemove or cause to move back and forth
- agoghighly excited
- alacrityliveliness and eagernessThus far, although perhaps somewhat lacking in alacrity of persecution, no serious charges could be laid against him.
—Lea, Henry Charles - allegation(law) a formal accusation against somebody (often in a court of law)
- allegiancethe act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action
- allya friendly nation
- amalgamateto bring or combine together or with something else
- ambiguoushaving more than one possible meaning
- ambivalentuncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
- ambrosialworthy of the gods
- ameliorateto make better
- amenabledisposed or willing to comply
- anachronismsomething located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
- analgesiccapable of relieving pain
- annexattach toOpponents say Ma’s moves will make it easier for Beijing leaders to eventually annex Taiwan, which they view as province of China.
—Forbes (Jan 13, 2012) - annotateadd explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
- annulcancel officially
- anomalousdeviating from the general or common order or type
- antediluvianof or relating to the period before the biblical flood
- antipathya feeling of intense dislike
- antisepticthoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms
- aphoristicterse and witty and like a maximHis best writing has always had an aphoristic quality, and that’s true here.
—New York Times (May 10, 2011) - apocryphalbeing of questionable authenticity
- apparitiona ghostly appearing figure
- appraiseconsider in a comprehensive way
- apprehensionfearful expectation or anticipation
- appriseinform (somebody) of something
- approbationofficial approval“Perhaps,” he said, “painting him was one way of trying to elicit more love and approbation.”
—New York Times (Apr 13, 2012) - aptitudeinherent ability
- aqueoussimilar to or containing or dissolved in waterThe fact that an aqueous solution of these ashes affects the coloured parts of many plants was also noticed in early times.
—Muir, M. M. Pattison (Matthew Moncrieff Pattison) - arable(of farmland) capable of being farmed productively
- arbitrateact between parties with a view to reconciling differences
- arduouscharacterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
- articulateexpress or state clearly
- asceticsomeone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
- ascribeattribute or credit to
- asperityharshness of manner"Standin' an' looking at the blessed thing won't clear away this raffle," said the Old Man withasperity.
—Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis) - aspersiona disparaging remark
- aspirationa cherished desire
- assessevaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
- assuageprovide physical relief, as from pain
- astringenttending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
- astutemarked by practical hardheaded intelligence
- atoneturn away from sin or do penitenceRegulators can begin to atone for their past laxity by helping the working group now.
—New York Times (Mar 1, 2012) - atrophya decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
- attentivetaking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention
- attenuatebecome weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
- audaciousdisposed to venture or take risks
- augmentenlarge or increase
- auspiciousauguring favorable circumstances and good luckFive years later, the corporate law world is again abuzz over the firm, Dewey & LeBoeuf, but for less auspicious reasons.
—New York Times (Mar 15, 2012) - austereof a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
- avaricereprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
- averto declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
- averse(usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
- avertturn away or aside
- avidmarked by active interest and enthusiasm
- balefulthreatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
- balkrefuse to comply
- banalrepeated too often; overfamiliar through overuseNor is it his material, which sticks to deft takes on relatively banal subjects like chain stores or hipster attitudes.
—New York Times (Mar 21, 2012) - banefuldeadly or sinister
- banterlight teasing repartee
- barefacedwith no effort to conceal
- baskbe exposed
- beliebe in contradiction with
- bellicosehaving or showing a ready disposition to fight
- benevolentshowing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
- benignkindness of disposition or manner
- bilkcheat somebody out of what is due, especially moneySo-called boiler-rooms, where corrupt brokers bilked investors by manipulating stocks, were giving way to insider-trading.
—BusinessWeek (Dec 22, 2011) - bizarreconspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
- blandishmentflattery intended to persuade
- bleakunpleasantly cold and damp
- blithecarefree and happy and lighthearted
- blunderan embarrassing mistake
- boarda stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes
- bogwet spongy ground of decomposing vegetation; has poorer drainage than a swamp; soil is unfit for cultivation but can be cut and dried and used for fuel
- bogusfraudulent; having a misleading appearance
- bolstersupport and strengthen
- bombastpompous or pretentious talk or writingBut he lost his nerve as a coproducer, going for stadium bombast instead of the unadorned grit these stories of hard times demand.
—Chicago Tribune (Mar 2, 2012) - boora crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
- breachan opening (especially a gap in a dike or fortification)
- briskquick and energetic
- brittlehaving little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
- broodhang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
- burgeongrow and flourish
- burlesquea theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
- buttressa support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building
- cadgeobtain or seek to obtain by cadging or wheedling
- cajoleinfluence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
- calisthenicslight exercises designed to promote general fitness
- canta slope in the turn of a road or track; the outside is higher than the inside in order to reduce the effects of centrifugal force
- capricea sudden desireAt length, when they were fully out of earshot, Manners himself stopped, thinking that he had humoured his companion's caprices far enough.
—James, G. P. R. (George Payne Rainsford) - captora person who captures and holds people or animals
- castigateinflict severe punishment on
- catalyst(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
- causticof a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
- caverna large cave or a large chamber in a cave
- censora person who is authorized to read publications or correspondence or to watch theatrical performances and suppress in whole or in part anything considered obscene or politically unacceptable
- censureharsh criticism or disapproval
- cessationa stopping
- chartera document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights; includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation
- charycharacterized by great caution and warinessMany, perhaps chary of the misspelling bell, backed away slowly after their word.
—New York Times (Mar 21, 2012) - chicanerythe use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
- circumlocutionan indirect way of expressing something
- circumspectheedful of potential consequences
- claimassert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
- clota lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
- clumsylacking grace in movement or posture
- coagulantan agent that produces coagulationThey were all suitable coagulants when used in quantity calculated from the discovered acidity, but produced rubber darker than ordinary when air-dried.
—Morgan, Sidney - coerceto cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
- cogentpowerfully persuasive
- cognizancehaving knowledge of
- coherentmarked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts
- collusionsecret agreement
- commensuratecorresponding in size or degree or extent“He was terribly hyper, ambitious,” Mr. Evtushenkov said — and thus, he implied, forgot the rule about operating commensurate with political influence.
—New York Times (May 4, 2012) - commentatoran expert who observes and comments on something
- complacentcontented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
- complaisantshowing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
- composuresteadiness of mind under stress
- concedegive over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
- conceitthe trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride
- concessionthe act of conceding or yielding
- conciliatorymaking or willing to make concessions
- concoctmake a concoction (of) by mixing
- concurhappen simultaneously
- condescendbehave in a patronizing and condescending manner
- conducivetending to bring about; being partly responsible for
- confidential(of information) given in confidence or in secret
- confineplace limits on (extent or access)
- conflagrationa very intense and uncontrolled fireThere are concerns that the conflict could cause a regional conflagration that sucks in neighboring countries.
—Time (Mar 27, 2012) - conflatemix together different elements
- confoundbe confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
- confrontationdiscord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions
- congruentcorresponding in character or kind
- coniferany gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones
- conjectureto believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
- conjuresummon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
- conscriptenroll into service compulsorily
- consensusagreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole
- consigngive over to another for care or safekeeping
- consolegive moral or emotional strength to
- conspicuousobvious to the eye or mind
- conspireact in unison or agreement and in secret towards a deceitful or illegal purpose
- consternationfear resulting from the awareness of danger
- contendcompete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
- contentiousinclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
- contingentdetermined by conditions or circumstances that follow
- contritefeeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
- controversialmarked by or capable of arousing controversy
- convokecall together
- convolutedrolled longitudinally upon itself
- corporalaffecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
- corroborategive evidence for
- covertsecret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
- covetwish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
- cowercrouch or curl up
- coymodestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures
- cravehave a craving, appetite, or great desire for
- cravenlacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
- creasean angular or rounded shape made by folding
- credulitytendency to believe readily
- crockerytableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively
- culpabledeserving blame or censure as being wrong or evil or injurious
- curbthe act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
- dabblebob forward and under so as to feed off the bottom of a body of water
- dampenlessen in force or effect
- danglehang freely
- dazzlebrightness enough to blind partially and temporarily
- dearthan insufficient quantity or number
- debaclea sudden and violent collapse
- debilitatemake weak
- decorouscharacterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
- decorumpropriety in manners and conduct
- decreea legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
- decryexpress strong disapproval of
- dedicationcomplete and wholehearted fidelity
- deferyield to another's wish or opinion
- deferencecourteous regard for people's feelings
- defiancea hostile challenge
- defiantboldly resisting authority or an opposing force
- deftskillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
- delineaterepresented accurately or precisely
- delugea heavy rain
- demoteassign to a lower position; reduce in rank
- demurtake exception to
- denouncespeak out against
- denunciationa public act of denouncing
- depositionthe act of putting something somewhere
- deprivationthe disadvantage that results from losing something
- deprivetake away
- descrycatch sight of
- desiccatelacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
- desperatea person who is frightened and in need of help
- despicablemorally reprehensible
- detachedno longer connected or joined
- deterturn away from by persuasion
- devoidcompletely wanting or lacking
- diatribethunderous verbal attack
- dichotomybeing twofold; a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
- diffidentshowing modest reserve
- digresswander from a direct or straight course
- dilettantean amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
- diligentquietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness
- dina loud harsh or strident noise
- dirgea song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
- disabusefree somebody (from an erroneous belief)
- disassembletake apart into its constituent pieces
- disburseexpend, as from a fund
- discomfitcause to lose one's composure
- discoursean extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
- discreetmarked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
- discreteconstituting a separate entity or part
- disdainlack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
- disguiseany attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity
- disinterestedunaffected by self-interest
- dislodgeremove or force from a position of dwelling previously occupied
- disparatefundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
- disparityinequality or difference in some respect
- dispassionateunaffected by strong emotion or prejudice
- dispelto cause to separate and go in different directions
- disproveprove to be false
- disrobeget undressed
- dissemblebehave unnaturally or affectedly
- dissenta difference of opinion
- distendcause to expand as it by internal pressure
- distractdraw someone's attention away from something
- distraughtdeeply agitated especially from emotion
- divesttake away possessions from someone
- divulgemake known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
- docileeasily handled or managed
- dogmaticof or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
- dolefulfilled with or evoking sadness
- dormantinactive but capable of becoming active
- draba dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown
- drawla slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
- drollcomical in an odd or whimsical manner
- dronean unchanging intonation
- droughta shortage of rainfall
- dubiousfraught with uncertainty or doubt
- dumbfoundbe a mystery or bewildering to
- dupefool or hoax
- dwarfa plant or animal that is atypically small
- dwindlebecome smaller or lose substance
- ebullientjoyously unrestrained
- eclecticselecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
- effaceremove by or as if by rubbing or erasing
- efficaciousmarked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect
- effronteryaudacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
- egalitarianfavoring social equality
- egregiousconspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
- elicitcall forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
- eloquencepowerful and effective language
- elucidatemake clear and (more) comprehensible
- elusiveskillful at eluding capture
- embellishmake more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
- embracesqueeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
- emissarysomeone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
- emollienttoiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skinUnlike his emollient predecessor, Sir Rod Eddington, Walsh has an uncompromising style and has proved willing to confront unions head-on, with decidedly mixed results.
—The Guardian (Nov 20, 2010) - enchantcast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something
- encomiuma formal expression of praise
- encroachadvance beyond the usual limit
- encumberhold back
- endeavorattempt by employing effort
- endorsebe behind; approve of
- enervateweaken mentally or morally
- engendermake children
- engrossedgiving or marked by complete attention to
- enigmasomething that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
- enlistjoin the military
- ensigna person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade
- enthralhold spellbound
- entrencheddug in
- ephemeralanything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form
- epistemologythe philosophical theory of knowledge
- epistlea specially long, formal letter
- epithetdescriptive word or phrase
- epitomea standard or typical example
- equivocatebe deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
- equivocationintentionally vague or ambiguous
- eradicatedestroy completely, as if down to the roots
- erraticliable to sudden unpredictable change
- eruditehaving or showing profound knowledge
- eschewavoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
- esotericconfined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
- espousechoose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
- espycatch sight of
- ethos(anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
- euphemisman inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
- euphoriaa feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
- evanescenttending to vanish like vapor
- evictexpel or eject without recourse to legal process
- evokecall forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
- exacerbatemake worse
- exculpatepronounce not guilty of criminal charges
- exemplaryworthy of imitation
- exemplifybe characteristic of
- exhortspur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
- exigentdemanding attention
- exoneratepronounce not guilty of criminal charges
- exorbitantgreatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
- expenduse up, consume fully
- expiatemake amends for
- explicitprecisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
- exploituse or manipulate to one's advantage
- extantstill in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
- extemporewith little or no preparation or forethought
- extensivelarge in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
- extentthe point or degree to which something extends
- extolpraise, glorify, or honor
- extravagantrecklessly wasteful
- exuberantjoyously unrestrained
- facetiouscleverly amusing in tone
- faddishintensely fashionable for a short timeIn the West investing in fine wine instead of equities, bonds or commodities has become something of a faddish way to diversify one’s portfolio.
—Economist (Jan 20, 2011) - fallaciouscontaining or based on a fallacy
- fallacya misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
- faltermove hesitatingly, as if about to give way
- fanaticalmarked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
- fathoma linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
- fawna young deer
- fecklessgenerally incompetent and ineffectual
- feignmake believe with the intent to deceive
- felicitateexpress congratulations
- felonsomeone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
- ferventcharacterized by intense emotion
- fervidcharacterized by intense emotion
- fervorfeelings of great warmth and intensity
- feuda bitter quarrel between two parties
- fickleliable to sudden unpredictable change
- fidgetmove restlessly
- finickyexacting especially about details
- flamboyantmarked by ostentation but often tasteless
- flatterpraise somewhat dishonestly
- flauntdisplay proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
- fledglingyoung bird that has just fledged or become capable of flying
- flimsya thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies
- flinchdraw back, as with fear or pain
- flippantshowing inappropriate levity
- flirttalk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
- flopfall loosely
- floridelaborately or excessively ornamented
- flounderwalk with great difficulty
- flouttreat with contemptuous disregard
- fluffylike down or as soft as down
- flukea stroke of luck
- flusteredthrown into a state of agitated confusion; (`rattled' is an informal term)
- foiblea behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
- fomenttry to stir up public opinion
- fomenttry to stir up public opinion
- foolhardymarked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
- foppishaffecting extreme elegance in dress and manner
- foreclosurethe legal proceedings initiated by a creditor to repossess the collateral for loan that is in default
- forestallkeep from happening or arising; make impossible
- forgecreate by hammering
- forgerycriminal falsification by making or altering an instrument with intent to defraud
- formidableextremely impressive in strength or excellence
- forthrightdirectly and without evasion; not roundabout
- fortuitousoccurring by happy chance
- fosterproviding or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
- fracasnoisy quarrel
- fraudintentional deception resulting in injury to another person
- frenzystate of violent mental agitation
- fretbe agitated or irritated
- frivolousnot serious in content or attitude or behavior
- frowna facial expression of dislike or displeasure
- fulminatecause to explode violently and with loud noise
- furtivesecret and sly or sordid
- gaffea socially awkward or tactless act
- gainsaytake exception to
- garnerstore grain
- garrulousfull of trivial conversation
- gauchelacking social polishIt was not that long ago he appeared gauche and unco-ordinated, every bit a former second-row camping out on the wing.
—The Guardian (Feb 19, 2011) - gaudytastelessly showy
- gavela small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge
- ghastlyshockingly repellent; inspiring horror
- girdbind with something round or circular
- gistthe central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
- glibartfully persuasive in speech
- gloatdwell on with satisfaction
- goadstab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
- gorgea deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
- gossamera gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
- gougean impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
- gravelrock fragments and pebbles
- gravity(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
- grazingthe act of grazing
- gregariousinstinctively or temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
- grilla framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate
- grovelshow submission or fear
- grudgingpetty or reluctant in giving or spending
- grumblemake complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
- guardedprudent
- guileshrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
- guilelessfree of deceit
- gulliblenaive and easily deceived or tricked
- hackneyedrepeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
- hallucinateperceive what is not there; have illusions
- hamperprevent the progress or free movement of
- haplessdeserving or inciting pity
- haranguea loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
- harbora sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
- herbaceouscharacteristic of a nonwoody herb or plant part
- heretica person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church
- hereticalcharacterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
- heterodoxcharacterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
- hoaxsomething intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
- holstera sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun
- homeopathya method of treating disease with small amounts of remedies that, in large amounts in healthy people, produce symptoms similar to those being treated
- hyperboleextravagant exaggeration
- hypocriticalprofessing feelings or virtues one does not have
- iconoclastsomeone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
- idiosyncrasya behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
- idolatrousrelating to or practicing idolatry
- illicitcontrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention
- imbibetake in liquids
- imbuespread or diffuse through
- immutablenot subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature
- impairmake worse or less effective
- impassivehaving or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
- impecuniousnot having enough money to pay for necessities
- impedebe a hindrance or obstacle to
- impedimentsomething immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
- imperativerequiring attention or action
- imperioushaving or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
- imperviousnot admitting of passage or capable of being affected
- impetuouscharacterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
- implacableincapable of being placated
- imposturepretending to be another person
- impregnableimmune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
- impromptuwith little or no preparation or forethought
- improvidencea lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources
- improvisemanage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand
- impudentimproperly forward or bold
- impugnattack as false or wrong
- impunityexemption from punishment or loss
- inadvertenthappening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally
- inauspiciousnot auspicious; boding ill
- inchoateonly partly in existence; imperfectly formed
- incidencethe relative frequency of occurrence of something
- incipientonly partly in existence; imperfectly formed
- incongruouslacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
- incorrigibleimpervious to correction by punishment
- incursionthe act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers)
- indeliblecannot be removed or erased
- indictaccuse formally of a crime
- indigenousoriginating where it is found
- indignantangered at something unjust or wrong
- inducecause to do; cause to act in a specified manner
- indulgeyield (to); give satisfaction to
- ineffabledefying expression or description
- ineptgenerally incompetent and ineffectual
- inextricablenot permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or untied
- infiltratepass through an enemy line; in a military conflict
- inflammableeasily ignited
- infusefill, as with a certain quality
- ingeniousshowing inventiveness and skill
- ingenuouslacking in sophistication or worldliness
- ingrained(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
- inimicalnot friendly
- iniquitouscharacterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin
- innocuousnot injurious to physical or mental health
- inopportunenot opportune
- inquisitiveinquiring or appearing to inquire
- insatiateimpossible to satisfy
- insensiblebarely able to be perceived
- insigniaa badge worn to show official position
- insinuategive to understand
- insipidlacking interest or significance or impact
- insularrelating to or characteristic of or situated on an island
- intactundamaged in any way
- interregnumthe time between two reigns, governments, etc.
- intransigentimpervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
- intrepidinvulnerable to fear or intimidation
- intricatehaving many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
- intriguea crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
- inundatefill or cover completely, usually with water
- inuredmade tough by habitual exposure
- invectiveabusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
- invertturn inside out or upside down
- invigorategive life or energy to
- invokerequest earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection
- irasciblequickly aroused to anger
- iratefeeling or showing extreme anger
- jambupright consisting of a vertical side member of a door or window frame
- jeerlaugh at with contempt and derision
- jeopardya source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
- jestactivity characterized by good humor
- jocularcharacterized by jokes and good humor
- jovialfull of or showing high-spirited merriment
- judiciousmarked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters
- lacklusterlacking brilliance or vitality
- laconicbrief and to the point; effectively cut short
- lassoa long noosed rope used to catch animals
- latitudean imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
- laudableworthy of high praise
- lavishvery generous
- leashrestraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
- leavena substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
- lethargicdeficient in alertness or activity
- lethargyinactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
- leveea pier that provides a landing place on a river
- leviathanthe largest or most massive thing of its kind
- levyimpose and collect
- libertineunrestrained by convention or morality
- ligneousconsisting of or containing lignin or xylemThe interior is filled with a powder that under the microscope appears to be made up of ligneousfilaments mixed with a few spores.
—Lloyd, C. G. - limericka humorous verse form of 5 anapestic lines with a rhyme scheme aabba“It was no problem,” said Ms. Campbell, who lives in Lake Oswego, Ore., and uses her iPad daily to write limericks and reread classic novels.
—New York Times (Sep 1, 2010) - limpwalk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
- linena fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
- literallimited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
- lizardrelatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail
- loaferperson who does no work
- lollbe lazy or idle
- looma textile machine for weaving yarn into a textile
- loperun easily
- loquaciousfull of trivial conversation
- lucid(of language) transparently clear; easily understandable
- lucrativeproducing a sizeable profit
- ludicrousincongruous;inviting ridicule
- lugubriousexcessively mournful
- lullmake calm or still
- lumberthe wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
- luminoussoftly bright or radiant
- lustrousreflecting light
- macespice made from the dried fleshy covering of the nutmeg seed
- maceratesoften, usually by steeping in liquid, and cause to disintegrate as a result
- magnanimityliberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit
- malapropismthe unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar
- malevolentwishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred
- malignspeak unfavorably about
- malingerersomeone shirking their duty by feigning illness or incapacityStanford failed tests designed to expose malingerers, a psychologist testified yesterday in Houston.
—BusinessWeek (Dec 21, 2011) - manifestclearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
- martialsuggesting war or military life
- martinetsomeone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
- mavericksomeone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
- meagerdeficient in amount or quality or extent
- meddleintrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
- mediocremoderate to inferior in quality
- mendrestore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
- mendaciousgiven to lying
- mercenarya person hired to fight for another country than their own
- mercurialliable to sudden unpredictable change
- metaphysicsthe philosophical study of being and knowing
- meticulousmarked by precise accordance with details
- mettlethe courage to carry on
- mettlesomehaving a proud and unbroken spirit
- minusculevery small
- mirthgreat merriment
- misanthropesomeone who dislikes people in general
- misnomeran incorrect or unsuitable name
- misogynista misanthrope who dislikes women in particular
- mistrustregard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in
- mitigatelessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
- moatditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
- mollifycause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
- mollycoddletreat with excessive indulgenceThe behaviorist John B. Watson argued that mollycoddled toddlers grew into weak and whiny adults.
—Slate (Dec 7, 2010) - moltcast off hair, skin, horn, or feathersThe challenging crabs had recently molted, so perhaps it wanted a good position to regain its bacterial covering.
—Scientific American (Dec 5, 2011) - moroseshowing a brooding ill humor
- mosaicart consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass
- mundanefound in the ordinary course of events
- nadiran extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
- narcotica drug that produces numbness or stupor; often taken for pleasure or to reduce pain; extensive use can lead to addiction
- nauseathe state that precedes vomiting
- nefariousextremely wicked
- neglectleave undone or leave out
- neuralgiaacute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
- nocturnalbelonging to or active during the night
- noisomecausing or able to cause nausea
- nonchalantmarked by blithe unconcern
- nondescriptlacking distinct or individual characteristics; dull and uninteresting
- nonplusedfilled with bewildermentMr. Reginald Kent looked rather nonplused and Mr. Tucker handed me his gun to hold while he rolled in the leaves for very joy.
—Speed, Nell - notea brief written record
- notiona general inclusive concept
- oafan awkward stupid person
- obduratestubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
- obeisancebending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
- obeliska stone pillar having a rectangular cross section tapering towards a pyramidal top
- obeseexcessively fat
- obfuscatemake obscure or unclear
- obituarya notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
- objurgatecensure severely
- objurgationrebuking a person harshlyThen more blows, a general rising up of that part of the congregation, and a pouring out of profaneobjurgations that was surprising.
—McBride, R. E. - oblationthe act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity
- obligatoryrequired by obligation or compulsion or convention
- obliqueslanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
- obliquitythe quality of being deceptive
- obliterateremove completely from recognition or memory
- oblivionthe state of being disregarded or forgotten
- obloquya false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
- obnoxiouscausing disapproval or protest
- obscurenot clearly understood or expressed
- obsequiousattempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
- obsessionan unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
- obsidianacid or granitic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava without crystallization; usually dark, but transparent in thin pieces
- obsoleteno longer in use
- obstetriciana physician specializing in obstetrics
- obstreperousnoisily and stubbornly defiant
- obtrudepush to thrust outward
- obtrusivesticking out; protruding
- obtuseof an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
- obviatedo away with
- obviouseasily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
- occultsupernatural forces and events and beings collectively
- oculista person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
- odiousunequivocally detestable
- odiumhate coupled with disgust
- odoriferousemitting an odor
- odoroushaving odor or a characteristic odor
- offalviscera and trimmings of a butchered animal often considered inedible by humans
- offertorythe offerings of the congregation at a religious serviceIt is very difficult to say whether they should be read before or after the offertory and prayer for the Church Militant.
—Unknown - officiousintrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
- oglelook at with amorous intentions
- olfactoryof or relating to olfaction
- oligarchya political system governed by a few people
- ominousthreatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
- omnipotenthaving unlimited power
- omnipresentbeing present everywhere at once
- omniscientinfinitely wise
- omnivorousfeeding on both plants and animals
- onerousnot easily borne; wearing
- onomatopoeiausing words that imitate the sound they denote
- onslaught(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
- onusan onerous or difficult concern
- opalescenthaving a play of lustrous rainbow colors
- opaquenot transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight
- opiatea narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative
- opportunesuitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
- opportunista person who places expediency above principle
- opprobriousexpressing offensive reproach
- opprobriuma state of extreme dishonor
- opticiana worker who makes glasses for remedying defects of vision
- optimummost desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied
- optometrista person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
- opulencewealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
- opusa musical work that has been created
- oratorioa musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
- ordinancean authoritative rule
- orientationthe act of orienting
- orificean aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
- orisonreverent petition to a deity
- ornatemarked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details
- ornithologista zoologist who studies birds
- ornithologythe branch of zoology that studies birds
- orotundostentatiously lofty in styleIt may, of course, vary in pitch, but tones of low pitch that are intended to be impressive are most suitably rendered in orotund quality.
—Ontario. Ministry of Education - orthographya method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
- oscillatemove or swing from side to side regularly
- ossifiedset in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefsBut voters like George Pappas, 37, a physical therapist, say they're equally as angry at the ossifiedpolitics at home.
—Time (May 1, 2012) - ostensibleappearing as such but not necessarily so
- ostentatiousintended to attract notice and impress others
- ostracismthe act of excluding someone from society by general consent
- ostracizeexpel from a community or group
- outgrowththe gradual beginning or coming forth
- outmodedout of fashion
- outsetthe time at which something is supposed to begin
- overhaulmake repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to
- overtopen and observable; not secret or hidden
- overtureorchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
- overweeningpresumptuously arrogant
- overwroughtdeeply agitated especially from emotion
- panshallow container made of metal
- panegyricformally expressing praise
- paragonan ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
- parasitean animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host
- parquetrya patterned wood inlay used to cover a floorHe seemed like a clumsy circus hero as he scraped his feet over the parquetry and attempted to kiss her hand.
—Huneker, James - pathologythe branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases
- paucityan insufficient quantity or number
- pebblea small smooth rounded rock
- peccadilloa petty misdeedMr. Hurd’s supposed peccadilloes were a smoke screen for the real reason they got rid of an executive they didn’t trust and employees didn’t like.
—New York Times (Aug 13, 2010) - pedanta person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than they merit
- pedantryan ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
- pedestriana person who travels by foot
- peerlook searchingly
- penchanta strong liking
- penurya state of extreme poverty or destitution
- perchan elevated place serving as a seat
- peremptoryputting an end to all debate or action
- perenniallasting three seasons or more
- perfidioustending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
- perfidyan act of deliberate betrayal
- perfunctoryhasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
- perniciousexceedingly harmful
- perpetuatecause to continue or prevail
- perplexbe a mystery or bewildering to
- pertinentbeing of striking appropriateness and pertinence
- pervadespread or diffuse through
- pestilenceany epidemic disease with a high death rate
- petitiona formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
- petulancean irritable petulant feeling
- petulanteasily irritated or annoyed
- philanthropistsomeone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
- phlegmaticshowing little emotion
- pillagesteal goods; take as spoils
- pinea coniferous tree
- piquanthaving an agreeably pungent taste
- piquea sudden outburst of anger
- pitchthe property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
- pithsoft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
- placatecause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
- placid(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
- plaintiffa person who brings an action in a court of law
- plaintiveexpressing sorrow
- platitudea trite or obvious remark
- pleaa humble request for help from someone in authority
- pleadappeal or request earnestly
- plethoraextreme excess
- plodwalk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
- pluckpull lightly but sharply with a plucking motion
- plumbexactly vertical
- plummetdrop sharply
- polemica controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
- polymatha person of great and varied learningOften described as a polymath, Sunstein is fluent in political science and churns out books.
—Slate (Apr 12, 2010) - ponderoushaving great mass and weight and unwieldiness
- posittake as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
- posturethe arrangement of the body and its limbs
- practitionersomeone who practices a learned profession
- preamblea preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
- precariousnot secure; beset with difficulties
- precedencestatus established in order of importance or urgency
- preciousof high worth or cost
- precipicea very steep cliff
- precipitatebring about abruptly
- precipitousextremely steep
- precludemake impossible, especially beforehand
- precursorsomething that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
- predilectiona predisposition in favor of something
- predispositionan inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular way
- preenclean with one's bill
- premisea statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
- prerogativea right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
- presciencethe power to foresee the future
- presumetake to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
- presumptionan assumption that is taken for granted
- presumptuousexcessively forward
- prevaricatebe deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
- pristineimmaculately clean and unused
- probitycomplete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles
- proclamationa formal public statement
- proclivitya natural inclination
- prodigalrecklessly wasteful
- prodigalitythe trait of spending extravagantly
- prodigiousso great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
- prodigyan unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
- profligateunrestrained by convention or morality
- profoundsituated at or extending to great depth; too deep to have been sounded or plumbed
- profunditythe quality of being physically deep
- profuseproduced or growing in extreme abundance
- prolonglengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
- promptaccording to schedule or without delay; on time
- pronehaving a tendency (to); often used in combination
- propensitya natural inclination
- propitiatemake peace with
- propositiona proposal offered for acceptance or rejection
- proprietycorrect or appropriate behavior
- prosaiclacking wit or imagination
- protractedrelatively long in duration; tediously protracted
- provocationsomething that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
- provocativeserving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy
- prudentcareful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
- prunecultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
- puckerto gather something into small wrinkles or folds
- pugnacioustough and callous by virtue of experience
- punditsomeone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
- pungentstrong and sharp;"the pungent taste of radishes"
- pusillanimouslacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful
- putrefybecome putrid; decay with an offensive smell
- quackthe harsh sound of a duck
- quaffto swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
- qualmuneasiness about the fitness of an action
- quarantineisolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
- quashdeclare invalid
- quenchingthe act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning
- quibbleevade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections
- quiescencea state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction
- quintessentialrepresenting the perfect example of a class or quality
- quivershake with fast, tremulous movements
- quotidianfound in the ordinary course of events
- ramificationa development that complicates a situation
- rampantunrestrained and violent
- rangeran official who is responsible for managing and protecting an area of forest
- rarefylessen the density or solidity of
- rashimprudently incurring risk
- rationale(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
- recalcitrantstubbornly resistant to authority or control
- recantformally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
- recedepull back or move away or backward
- reciprocalconcerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return
- recklessmarked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
- recluseone who lives in solitude
- recompensemake payment to; compensate
- reconditedifficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
- recourseact of turning to for assistance
- redeemexchange or buy back for money; under threat
- redoubtableinspiring fear
- refractorystubbornly resistant to authority or control
- refurbishmake brighter and prettier
- reinstatebring back into original existence, use, function, or position
- rejoicinga feeling of great happiness
- remorsea feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
- rescindcancel officially
- reticentreluctant to draw attention to yourself
- reverberatering or echo with sound
- rigorexcessive sternness
- rotunditythe roundness of a 3-dimensional objectThe greater bulk of the latter is situated immediately beneath the skin, and occasions that beautiful rotundity so much admired in children.
—Blacklock, Ambrose - salvagethe act of rescuing a ship or its crew or its cargo from a shipwreck or a fire
- satefill to satisfaction
- saturninebitter or scornful
- savantsomeone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
- scatteredlacking orderly continuity
- sedulousmarked by care and persistent effort
- shatterbreak into many pieces
- shirkavoid (one's assigned duties)
- shrillhaving or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
- shuckmaterial consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
- shunavoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
- shunta conductor having low resistance in parallel with another device to divert a fraction of the current
- simpersmile affectedly or derisively
- sinisterstemming from evil characteristics or forces; wicked or dishonorable
- sipdrink in sips
- skepticalmarked by or given to doubt
- sketchygiving only major points; lacking completeness
- skiffany of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor
- slacknot tense or taut
- sloppylacking neatness or order
- slurutter indistinctly
- smotherdeprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
- sobernot affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
- sombergrave or even gloomy in character
- sordidfoul and run-down and repulsive
- speciousplausible but false
- spellwrite or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
- spendthriftsomeone who spends money prodigally
- spinethe series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
- sporadicrecurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances
- spuriousplausible but false
- squalidfoul and run-down and repulsive
- squanderspend thoughtlessly; throw away
- squelchsuppress or crush completely
- stakea strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
- starkseverely simple
- startleto stimulate to action
- steadfastmarked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
- steephaving a sharp inclination
- sticklersomeone who insists on something
- stiffincapable of or resistant to bending
- stifledheld in check with difficulty
- stigmaa symbol of disgrace or infamy
- stigmatizeto accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
- stintsupply sparingly and with restricted quantities
- stipulatespecify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
- stockadefortification consisting of a fence made of a line of stout posts set firmly for defense
- stoopbend one's back forward from the waist on down
- strainto exert much effort or energy
- straywander from a direct course or at random
- striatemarked with stria or striations
- striveattempt by employing effort
- strutto walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
- subdueput down by force or intimidation
- subornincite to commit a crime or an evil deed
- subpoenaa writ issued by court authority to compel the attendance of a witness at a judicial proceeding; disobedience may be punishable as a contempt of court
- subsequentfollowing in time or order
- subsidesink to a lower level or form a depression
- substantialhaving substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
- succumbconsent reluctantly
- supplanttake the place or move into the position of
- supplicateask for humbly or earnestly, as in prayer
- susceptible(often followed by `of' or `to') yielding readily to or capable of
- swaymove back and forth or sideways
- swiftmoving very fast
- swindledeprive of by deceit
- syncopatedstressing a normally weak beat
- tacitimplied by or inferred from actions or statements
- taciturnhabitually reserved and uncommunicative
- tamppress down tightly
- tangentialof superficial relevance if any
- tangibleperceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
- tantalizeharass with persistent criticism or carping
- tapestrya wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric with pictorial designs
- tarnishmake dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
- tautpulled or drawn tight
- temperatenot extreme
- tenablebased on sound reasoning or evidence
- tentativeunsettled in mind or opinion
- tepidmoderately warm
- tiradea speech of violent denunciation
- topplefall down, as if collapsing
- tormentintense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
- torpidin a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
- torpora state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibilityJust as often, though, it was in search of an anchor, approaching torpor.
—New York Times (May 6, 2011) - toutadvertize in strongly positive terms
- traitora person who says one thing and does another
- trampletread or stomp heavily or roughly
- transgressact in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
- treacherousdangerously unstable and unpredictable
- tremoran involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
- trenchanthaving keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect
- trepidationa feeling of alarm or dread
- trucea state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
- truculenceobstreperous and defiant aggressivenessHe shoved his horse past me and up to Miss Bennett, his red moustache bristling, truculence in every outline of his heavy shoulders.
—Ross, Martin - turpitudea corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
- tyrosomeone new to a field or activity
- unequivocaladmitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or interpretation and leading to only one conclusion
- untenable(of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified
- untowardnot in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
- upholdstand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
- uproara state of commotion and noise and confusion
- usurpseize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
- vacillatebe undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
- vagaryan unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
- vagranta wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support
- valianthaving or showing valor
- vanityfeelings of excessive pride
- varnisha coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface
- vehemenceintensity or forcefulness of expression
- venerableprofoundly honored
- venerateregard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
- veracioushabitually speaking the truth
- veracityunwillingness to tell lies
- verdantcharacterized by abundance of verdure
- veritablenot counterfeit or copied
- vertigoa reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
- vexcause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
- viablecapable of life or normal growth and development
- vicioushaving the nature of vice
- vigilancethe process of paying close and continuous attention
- vigorforceful exertion
- vilifyspread negative information about
- vindicateshow to be right by providing justification or proof
- vindictivedisposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
- vituperatespread negative information about
- vituperativemarked by harshly abusive criticismTennessee Williams’s later work would be lucky to be deemed problematic, so vituperative have commentators been in their appraisals over time.
—New York Times (May 17, 2011) - voguea current state of general acceptance and use
- volubilitythe quality of being facile in speech and writing
- voluptuousdisplaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
- voraciousdevouring or craving food in great quantities
- vulnerablecapable of being wounded or hurt
- wanbecome pale and sickly
- wardrobea tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
- warymarked by keen caution and watchful prudence
- waverpause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
- wearyphysically and mentally fatigued
- weltera confused multitude of things
- wheedleinfluence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
- whimsicaldetermined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reasonDessert is an afterthought at Topaz Thai: her daughter, Aliyah, concocts some whimsicalconfections, like fried Oreos and brownies served with ice cream.
—New York Times (Mar 9, 2012) - wilethe use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
- withholdhold back; refuse to hand over or shareBy doing so, we are withholding from our neediest students any reason to read at all.
—New York Times (Apr 23, 2012) - zealota fervent and even militant proponent of somethingTyranny likes courtiers, flatterers, followers, fawners, and superstition wants believers, disciples,zealots, hypocrites, and subscribers.
—Ingersoll, Robert Green - zeniththe point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projectedPerformance increased at a slower pace after age 20, reaching a zenith of 83 percent correct responses for study volunteers between ages 30 and 34.
—US News (Dec 14, 2010) - zephyra slight wind (usually refreshing)Thy zephyrs soft, thy falling showers, No more have charms for me; Maternal Summer, too, adieu!—
—Ballou, Maturin Murray
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