Hitler’s derived personality profile also suggested that he probably had schizophrenic tendencies, including excessive grandiosity and aberrant thinking. —Scientific American (Dec 19, 2011)
abeyance
temporary 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)
abscond
run away; usually includes taking something or somebody along
Police have said they are seeking help in locating a prisoner who absconded from a healthcare facility in Belfast. —BBC (May 1, 2011)
abstemious
marked by temperance in indulgence
Garnishes were simple, abstemious yet effective players on the plate: squash risotto, puréed fennel, bacon-onion jam. —New York Times (Nov 20, 2010)
abstruse
difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
Other artists produce maddeningly abstruse drawings that relate to their better-known performances. —New York Times (Mar 24, 2011)
absurd
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
abyss
a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)
acquiesce
to agree or express agreement
American officials initially tried to resist President Karzai’s moves but eventually acquiesced. —New York Times (Mar 9, 2012)
adamant
very hard native crystalline carbon valued as a gem
adept
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
admonish
take to task
adulate
flatter in an obsequious manner
The 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)
adulation
servile flattery; exaggerated and hypocritical praise
adulterate
corrupt, debase, or make impure by adding a foreign or inferior substance; often by replacing valuable ingredients with inferior ones
adumbrate
describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of
He vaguely adumbrated what it was out of which she came. —Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)
adverse
in an opposing direction
aesthete
one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature
affable
diffusing warmth and friendliness
affliction
a cause of great suffering and distress
affluent
having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value
aggrandize
add details to
Beyond facial and vocal signs of disapproval, there are sometimes bizarre, exaggerated movements, like abrupt stops or aggrandized sidesteps. —New York Times (Nov 7, 2011)
agitate
move or cause to move back and forth
agog
highly excited
alacrity
liveliness and eagerness
Thus 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)
allegiance
the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action
ally
a friendly nation
amalgamate
to bring or combine together or with something else
ambiguous
having more than one possible meaning
ambivalent
uncertain or unable to decide about what course to follow
ambrosial
worthy of the gods
ameliorate
to make better
amenable
disposed or willing to comply
anachronism
something located at a time when it could not have existed or occurred
analgesic
capable of relieving pain
annex
attach to
Opponents 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)
annotate
add explanatory notes to or supply with critical comments
annul
cancel officially
anomalous
deviating from the general or common order or type
antediluvian
of or relating to the period before the biblical flood
antipathy
a feeling of intense dislike
antiseptic
thoroughly clean and free of or destructive to disease-causing organisms
aphoristic
terse and witty and like a maxim
His best writing has always had an aphoristic quality, and that’s true here. —New York Times (May 10, 2011)
apocryphal
being of questionable authenticity
apparition
a ghostly appearing figure
appraise
consider in a comprehensive way
apprehension
fearful expectation or anticipation
apprise
inform (somebody) of something
approbation
official approval
“Perhaps,” he said, “painting him was one way of trying to elicit more love and approbation.” —New York Times (Apr 13, 2012)
aptitude
inherent ability
aqueous
similar to or containing or dissolved in water
The 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
arbitrate
act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
arduous
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
articulate
express or state clearly
ascetic
someone who practices self denial as a spiritual discipline
ascribe
attribute or credit to
asperity
harshness 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)
aspersion
a disparaging remark
aspiration
a cherished desire
assess
evaluate or estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of
assuage
provide physical relief, as from pain
astringent
tending to draw together or constrict soft organic tissue
astute
marked by practical hardheaded intelligence
atone
turn away from sin or do penitence
Regulators can begin to atone for their past laxity by helping the working group now. —New York Times (Mar 1, 2012)
atrophy
a decrease in size of an organ caused by disease or disuse
attentive
taking heed; giving close and thoughtful attention
attenuate
become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
audacious
disposed to venture or take risks
augment
enlarge or increase
auspicious
auguring favorable circumstances and good luck
Five 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)
austere
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
avarice
reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
aver
to declare or affirm solemnly and formally as true
averse
(usually followed by `to') strongly opposed
avert
turn away or aside
avid
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
baleful
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
balk
refuse to comply
banal
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
Nor 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)
baneful
deadly or sinister
banter
light teasing repartee
barefaced
with no effort to conceal
bask
be exposed
belie
be in contradiction with
bellicose
having or showing a ready disposition to fight
benevolent
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
benign
kindness of disposition or manner
bilk
cheat somebody out of what is due, especially money
So-called boiler-rooms, where corrupt brokers bilked investors by manipulating stocks, were giving way to insider-trading. —BusinessWeek (Dec 22, 2011)
bizarre
conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
blandishment
flattery intended to persuade
bleak
unpleasantly cold and damp
blithe
carefree and happy and lighthearted
blunder
an embarrassing mistake
board
a stout length of sawn timber; made in a wide variety of sizes and used for many purposes
bog
wet 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
bogus
fraudulent; having a misleading appearance
bolster
support and strengthen
bombast
pompous or pretentious talk or writing
But 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)
boor
a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
breach
an opening (especially a gap in a dike or fortification)
brisk
quick and energetic
brittle
having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
brood
hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing
burgeon
grow and flourish
burlesque
a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
buttress
a support usually of stone or brick; supports the wall of a building
cadge
obtain or seek to obtain by cadging or wheedling
cajole
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
calisthenics
light exercises designed to promote general fitness
cant
a 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
caprice
a sudden desire
At 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)
captor
a person who captures and holds people or animals
castigate
inflict severe punishment on
catalyst
(chemistry) a substance that initiates or accelerates a chemical reaction without itself being affected
caustic
of a substance, especially a strong acid; capable of destroying or eating away by chemical action
cavern
a large cave or a large chamber in a cave
censor
a 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
censure
harsh criticism or disapproval
cessation
a stopping
charter
a document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights; includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation
chary
characterized by great caution and wariness
Many, perhaps chary of the misspelling bell, backed away slowly after their word. —New York Times (Mar 21, 2012)
chicanery
the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
circumlocution
an indirect way of expressing something
circumspect
heedful of potential consequences
claim
assert or affirm strongly; state to be true or existing
clot
a lump of material formed from the content of a liquid
clumsy
lacking grace in movement or posture
coagulant
an agent that produces coagulation
They were all suitable coagulants when used in quantity calculated from the discovered acidity, but produced rubber darker than ordinary when air-dried. —Morgan, Sidney
coerce
to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means :"She forced him to take a job in the city"
cogent
powerfully persuasive
cognizance
having knowledge of
coherent
marked by an orderly, logical, and aesthetically consistent relation of parts
collusion
secret agreement
commensurate
corresponding 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)
commentator
an expert who observes and comments on something
complacent
contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
complaisant
showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
composure
steadiness of mind under stress
concede
give over; surrender or relinquish to the physical control of another
conceit
the trait of being unduly vain and conceited; false pride
concession
the act of conceding or yielding
conciliatory
making or willing to make concessions
concoct
make a concoction (of) by mixing
concur
happen simultaneously
condescend
behave in a patronizing and condescending manner
conducive
tending to bring about; being partly responsible for
confidential
(of information) given in confidence or in secret
confine
place limits on (extent or access)
conflagration
a very intense and uncontrolled fire
There are concerns that the conflict could cause a regional conflagration that sucks in neighboring countries. —Time (Mar 27, 2012)
conflate
mix together different elements
confound
be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
confrontation
discord resulting from a clash of ideas or opinions
congruent
corresponding in character or kind
conifer
any gymnospermous tree or shrub bearing cones
conjecture
to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
conjure
summon into action or bring into existence, often as if by magic
conscript
enroll into service compulsorily
consensus
agreement in the judgment or opinion reached by a group as a whole
consign
give over to another for care or safekeeping
console
give moral or emotional strength to
conspicuous
obvious to the eye or mind
conspire
act in unison or agreement and in secret towards a deceitful or illegal purpose
consternation
fear resulting from the awareness of danger
contend
compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
contentious
inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to engage in law suits
contingent
determined by conditions or circumstances that follow
contrite
feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
controversial
marked by or capable of arousing controversy
convoke
call together
convoluted
rolled longitudinally upon itself
corporal
affecting or characteristic of the body as opposed to the mind or spirit
corroborate
give evidence for
covert
secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed
covet
wish, long, or crave for (something, especially the property of another person)
cower
crouch or curl up
coy
modestly or warily rejecting approaches or overtures
crave
have a craving, appetite, or great desire for
craven
lacking even the rudiments of courage; abjectly fearful
crease
an angular or rounded shape made by folding
credulity
tendency to believe readily
crockery
tableware (eating and serving dishes) collectively
culpable
deserving blame or censure as being wrong or evil or injurious
curb
the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
dabble
bob forward and under so as to feed off the bottom of a body of water
dampen
lessen in force or effect
dangle
hang freely
dazzle
brightness enough to blind partially and temporarily
dearth
an insufficient quantity or number
debacle
a sudden and violent collapse
debilitate
make weak
decorous
characterized by propriety and dignity and good taste in manners and conduct
decorum
propriety in manners and conduct
decree
a legally binding command or decision entered on the court record (as if issued by a court or judge)
decry
express strong disapproval of
dedication
complete and wholehearted fidelity
defer
yield to another's wish or opinion
deference
courteous regard for people's feelings
defiance
a hostile challenge
defiant
boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
deft
skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
delineate
represented accurately or precisely
deluge
a heavy rain
demote
assign to a lower position; reduce in rank
demur
take exception to
denounce
speak out against
denunciation
a public act of denouncing
deposition
the act of putting something somewhere
deprivation
the disadvantage that results from losing something
deprive
take away
descry
catch sight of
desiccate
lacking vitality or spirit; lifeless
desperate
a person who is frightened and in need of help
despicable
morally reprehensible
detached
no longer connected or joined
deter
turn away from by persuasion
devoid
completely wanting or lacking
diatribe
thunderous verbal attack
dichotomy
being twofold; a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
diffident
showing modest reserve
digress
wander from a direct or straight course
dilettante
an amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions and who pretends to have knowledge
diligent
quietly and steadily persevering especially in detail or exactness
din
a loud harsh or strident noise
dirge
a song or hymn of mourning composed or performed as a memorial to a dead person
disabuse
free somebody (from an erroneous belief)
disassemble
take apart into its constituent pieces
disburse
expend, as from a fund
discomfit
cause to lose one's composure
discourse
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
discreet
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
discrete
constituting a separate entity or part
disdain
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
disguise
any attire that modifies the appearance in order to conceal the wearer's identity
disinterested
unaffected by self-interest
dislodge
remove or force from a position of dwelling previously occupied
disparate
fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
disparity
inequality or difference in some respect
dispassionate
unaffected by strong emotion or prejudice
dispel
to cause to separate and go in different directions
disprove
prove to be false
disrobe
get undressed
dissemble
behave unnaturally or affectedly
dissent
a difference of opinion
distend
cause to expand as it by internal pressure
distract
draw someone's attention away from something
distraught
deeply agitated especially from emotion
divest
take away possessions from someone
divulge
make known to the public information that was previously known only to a few people or that was meant to be kept a secret
docile
easily handled or managed
dogmatic
of or pertaining to or characteristic of a doctrine or code of beliefs accepted as authoritative
doleful
filled with or evoking sadness
dormant
inactive but capable of becoming active
drab
a dull greyish to yellowish or light olive brown
drawl
a slow speech pattern with prolonged vowels
droll
comical in an odd or whimsical manner
drone
an unchanging intonation
drought
a shortage of rainfall
dubious
fraught with uncertainty or doubt
dumbfound
be a mystery or bewildering to
dupe
fool or hoax
dwarf
a plant or animal that is atypically small
dwindle
become smaller or lose substance
ebullient
joyously unrestrained
eclectic
selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
efface
remove by or as if by rubbing or erasing
efficacious
marked by qualities giving the power to produce an intended effect
effrontery
audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
egalitarian
favoring social equality
egregious
conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
elicit
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
eloquence
powerful and effective language
elucidate
make clear and (more) comprehensible
elusive
skillful at eluding capture
embellish
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
embrace
squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
emissary
someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone else
emollient
toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin
Unlike 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)
enchant
cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something
encomium
a formal expression of praise
encroach
advance beyond the usual limit
encumber
hold back
endeavor
attempt by employing effort
endorse
be behind; approve of
enervate
weaken mentally or morally
engender
make children
engrossed
giving or marked by complete attention to
enigma
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
enlist
join the military
ensign
a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade
enthral
hold spellbound
entrenched
dug in
ephemeral
anything short-lived, as an insect that lives only for a day in its winged form
epistemology
the philosophical theory of knowledge
epistle
a specially long, formal letter
epithet
descriptive word or phrase
epitome
a standard or typical example
equivocate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
equivocation
intentionally vague or ambiguous
eradicate
destroy completely, as if down to the roots
erratic
liable to sudden unpredictable change
erudite
having or showing profound knowledge
eschew
avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
esoteric
confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
espouse
choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
espy
catch sight of
ethos
(anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
euphemism
an inoffensive or indirect expression that is substituted for one that is considered offensive or too harsh
euphoria
a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
evanescent
tending to vanish like vapor
evict
expel or eject without recourse to legal process
evoke
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
exacerbate
make worse
exculpate
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
exemplary
worthy of imitation
exemplify
be characteristic of
exhort
spur on or encourage especially by cheers and shouts
exigent
demanding attention
exonerate
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
exorbitant
greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
expend
use up, consume fully
expiate
make amends for
explicit
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
exploit
use or manipulate to one's advantage
extant
still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
extempore
with little or no preparation or forethought
extensive
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
extent
the point or degree to which something extends
extol
praise, glorify, or honor
extravagant
recklessly wasteful
exuberant
joyously unrestrained
facetious
cleverly amusing in tone
faddish
intensely fashionable for a short time
In 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)
fallacious
containing or based on a fallacy
fallacy
a misconception resulting from incorrect reasoning
falter
move hesitatingly, as if about to give way
fanatical
marked by excessive enthusiasm for and intense devotion to a cause or idea
fathom
a linear unit of measurement (equal to 6 feet) for water depth
fawn
a young deer
feckless
generally incompetent and ineffectual
feign
make believe with the intent to deceive
felicitate
express congratulations
felon
someone who has committed a crime or has been legally convicted of a crime
fervent
characterized by intense emotion
fervid
characterized by intense emotion
fervor
feelings of great warmth and intensity
feud
a bitter quarrel between two parties
fickle
liable to sudden unpredictable change
fidget
move restlessly
finicky
exacting especially about details
flamboyant
marked by ostentation but often tasteless
flatter
praise somewhat dishonestly
flaunt
display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
fledgling
young bird that has just fledged or become capable of flying
flimsy
a thin strong lightweight translucent paper used especially for making carbon copies
flinch
draw back, as with fear or pain
flippant
showing inappropriate levity
flirt
talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
flop
fall loosely
florid
elaborately or excessively ornamented
flounder
walk with great difficulty
flout
treat with contemptuous disregard
fluffy
like down or as soft as down
fluke
a stroke of luck
flustered
thrown into a state of agitated confusion; (`rattled' is an informal term)
foible
a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
foment
try to stir up public opinion
foment
try to stir up public opinion
foolhardy
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
foppish
affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner
foreclosure
the legal proceedings initiated by a creditor to repossess the collateral for loan that is in default
forestall
keep from happening or arising; make impossible
forge
create by hammering
forgery
criminal falsification by making or altering an instrument with intent to defraud
formidable
extremely impressive in strength or excellence
forthright
directly and without evasion; not roundabout
fortuitous
occurring by happy chance
foster
providing or receiving nurture or parental care though not related by blood or legal ties
fracas
noisy quarrel
fraud
intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
frenzy
state of violent mental agitation
fret
be agitated or irritated
frivolous
not serious in content or attitude or behavior
frown
a facial expression of dislike or displeasure
fulminate
cause to explode violently and with loud noise
furtive
secret and sly or sordid
gaffe
a socially awkward or tactless act
gainsay
take exception to
garner
store grain
garrulous
full of trivial conversation
gauche
lacking social polish
It 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)
gaudy
tastelessly showy
gavel
a small mallet used by a presiding officer or a judge
ghastly
shockingly repellent; inspiring horror
gird
bind with something round or circular
gist
the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work
glib
artfully persuasive in speech
gloat
dwell on with satisfaction
goad
stab or urge on as if with a pointed stick
gorge
a deep ravine (usually with a river running through it)
gossamer
a gauze fabric with an extremely fine texture
gouge
an impression in a surface (as made by a blow)
gravel
rock 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
grazing
the act of grazing
gregarious
instinctively or temperamentally seeking and enjoying the company of others
grill
a framework of metal bars used as a partition or a grate
grovel
show submission or fear
grudging
petty or reluctant in giving or spending
grumble
make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
guarded
prudent
guile
shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
guileless
free of deceit
gullible
naive and easily deceived or tricked
hackneyed
repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
hallucinate
perceive what is not there; have illusions
hamper
prevent the progress or free movement of
hapless
deserving or inciting pity
harangue
a loud bombastic declamation expressed with strong emotion
harbor
a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
herbaceous
characteristic of a nonwoody herb or plant part
heretic
a person who holds religious beliefs in conflict with the dogma of the Roman Catholic Church
heretical
characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
heterodox
characterized by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
hoax
something intended to deceive; deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
holster
a sheath (usually leather) for carrying a handgun
homeopathy
a method of treating disease with small amounts of remedies that, in large amounts in healthy people, produce symptoms similar to those being treated
hyperbole
extravagant exaggeration
hypocritical
professing feelings or virtues one does not have
iconoclast
someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
idiosyncrasy
a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
idolatrous
relating to or practicing idolatry
illicit
contrary to accepted morality (especially sexual morality) or convention
imbibe
take in liquids
imbue
spread or diffuse through
immutable
not subject or susceptible to change or variation in form or quality or nature
impair
make worse or less effective
impassive
having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited
impecunious
not having enough money to pay for necessities
impede
be a hindrance or obstacle to
impediment
something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
imperative
requiring attention or action
imperious
having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as unworthy
impervious
not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
impetuous
characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
implacable
incapable of being placated
imposture
pretending to be another person
impregnable
immune to attack; incapable of being tampered with
impromptu
with little or no preparation or forethought
improvidence
a lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources
improvise
manage in a makeshift way; do with whatever is at hand
impudent
improperly forward or bold
impugn
attack as false or wrong
impunity
exemption from punishment or loss
inadvertent
happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally
inauspicious
not auspicious; boding ill
inchoate
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
incidence
the relative frequency of occurrence of something
incipient
only partly in existence; imperfectly formed
incongruous
lacking in harmony or compatibility or appropriateness
incorrigible
impervious to correction by punishment
incursion
the act of entering some territory or domain (often in large numbers)
indelible
cannot be removed or erased
indict
accuse formally of a crime
indigenous
originating where it is found
indignant
angered at something unjust or wrong
induce
cause to do; cause to act in a specified manner
indulge
yield (to); give satisfaction to
ineffable
defying expression or description
inept
generally incompetent and ineffectual
inextricable
not permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or untied
infiltrate
pass through an enemy line; in a military conflict
inflammable
easily ignited
infuse
fill, as with a certain quality
ingenious
showing inventiveness and skill
ingenuous
lacking in sophistication or worldliness
ingrained
(used especially of ideas or principles) deeply rooted; firmly fixed or held
inimical
not friendly
iniquitous
characterized by iniquity; wicked because it is believed to be a sin
innocuous
not injurious to physical or mental health
inopportune
not opportune
inquisitive
inquiring or appearing to inquire
insatiate
impossible to satisfy
insensible
barely able to be perceived
insignia
a badge worn to show official position
insinuate
give to understand
insipid
lacking interest or significance or impact
insular
relating to or characteristic of or situated on an island
intact
undamaged in any way
interregnum
the time between two reigns, governments, etc.
intransigent
impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
intrepid
invulnerable to fear or intimidation
intricate
having many complexly arranged elements; elaborate
intrigue
a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
inundate
fill or cover completely, usually with water
inured
made tough by habitual exposure
invective
abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitter deep-seated ill will
invert
turn inside out or upside down
invigorate
give life or energy to
invoke
request earnestly (something from somebody); ask for aid or protection
irascible
quickly aroused to anger
irate
feeling or showing extreme anger
jamb
upright consisting of a vertical side member of a door or window frame
jeer
laugh at with contempt and derision
jeopardy
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
jest
activity characterized by good humor
jocular
characterized by jokes and good humor
jovial
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
judicious
marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters
lackluster
lacking brilliance or vitality
laconic
brief and to the point; effectively cut short
lasso
a long noosed rope used to catch animals
latitude
an imaginary line around the Earth parallel to the equator
laudable
worthy of high praise
lavish
very generous
leash
restraint consisting of a rope (or light chain) used to restrain an animal
leaven
a substance used to produce fermentation in dough or a liquid
lethargic
deficient in alertness or activity
lethargy
inactivity; showing an unusual lack of energy
levee
a pier that provides a landing place on a river
leviathan
the largest or most massive thing of its kind
levy
impose and collect
libertine
unrestrained by convention or morality
ligneous
consisting of or containing lignin or xylem
The 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.
limerick
a 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)
limp
walk impeded by some physical limitation or injury
linen
a fabric woven with fibers from the flax plant
literal
limited to the explicit meaning of a word or text
lizard
relatively long-bodied reptile with usually two pairs of legs and a tapering tail
the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material
luminous
softly bright or radiant
lustrous
reflecting light
mace
spice made from the dried fleshy covering of the nutmeg seed
macerate
soften, usually by steeping in liquid, and cause to disintegrate as a result
magnanimity
liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit
malapropism
the unintentional misuse of a word by confusion with one that sounds similar
malevolent
wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred
malign
speak unfavorably about
malingerer
someone shirking their duty by feigning illness or incapacity
Stanford failed tests designed to expose malingerers, a psychologist testified yesterday in Houston. —BusinessWeek (Dec 21, 2011)
manifest
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
martial
suggesting war or military life
martinet
someone who demands exact conformity to rules and forms
maverick
someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
meager
deficient in amount or quality or extent
meddle
intrude in other people's affairs or business; interfere unwantedly
mediocre
moderate to inferior in quality
mend
restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
mendacious
given to lying
mercenary
a person hired to fight for another country than their own
mercurial
liable to sudden unpredictable change
metaphysics
the philosophical study of being and knowing
meticulous
marked by precise accordance with details
mettle
the courage to carry on
mettlesome
having a proud and unbroken spirit
minuscule
very small
mirth
great merriment
misanthrope
someone who dislikes people in general
misnomer
an incorrect or unsuitable name
misogynist
a misanthrope who dislikes women in particular
mistrust
regard as untrustworthy; regard with suspicion; have no faith or confidence in
mitigate
lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
moat
ditch dug as a fortification and usually filled with water
mollify
cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
mollycoddle
treat with excessive indulgence
The behaviorist John B. Watson argued that mollycoddled toddlers grew into weak and whiny adults. —Slate (Dec 7, 2010)
molt
cast off hair, skin, horn, or feathers
The challenging crabs had recently molted, so perhaps it wanted a good position to regain its bacterial covering. —Scientific American (Dec 5, 2011)
morose
showing a brooding ill humor
mosaic
art consisting of a design made of small pieces of colored stone or glass
mundane
found in the ordinary course of events
nadir
an extreme state of adversity; the lowest point of anything
narcotic
a drug that produces numbness or stupor; often taken for pleasure or to reduce pain; extensive use can lead to addiction
nausea
the state that precedes vomiting
nefarious
extremely wicked
neglect
leave undone or leave out
neuralgia
acute spasmodic pain along the course of one or more nerves
nocturnal
belonging to or active during the night
noisome
causing or able to cause nausea
nonchalant
marked by blithe unconcern
nondescript
lacking distinct or individual characteristics; dull and uninteresting
nonplused
filled with bewilderment
Mr. 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
note
a brief written record
notion
a general inclusive concept
oaf
an awkward stupid person
obdurate
stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing
obeisance
bending the head or body or knee as a sign of reverence or submission or shame or greeting
obelisk
a stone pillar having a rectangular cross section tapering towards a pyramidal top
obese
excessively fat
obfuscate
make obscure or unclear
obituary
a notice of someone's death; usually includes a short biography
objurgate
censure severely
objurgation
rebuking a person harshly
Then more blows, a general rising up of that part of the congregation, and a pouring out of profaneobjurgations that was surprising. —McBride, R. E.
oblation
the act of contributing to the funds of a church or charity
obligatory
required by obligation or compulsion or convention
oblique
slanting or inclined in direction or course or position--neither parallel nor perpendicular nor right-angled
obliquity
the quality of being deceptive
obliterate
remove completely from recognition or memory
oblivion
the state of being disregarded or forgotten
obloquy
a false accusation of an offense or a malicious misrepresentation of someone's words or actions
obnoxious
causing disapproval or protest
obscure
not clearly understood or expressed
obsequious
attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
obsession
an unhealthy and compulsive preoccupation with something or someone
obsidian
acid or granitic glass formed by the rapid cooling of lava without crystallization; usually dark, but transparent in thin pieces
obsolete
no longer in use
obstetrician
a physician specializing in obstetrics
obstreperous
noisily and stubbornly defiant
obtrude
push to thrust outward
obtrusive
sticking out; protruding
obtuse
of an angle; between 90 and 180 degrees
obviate
do away with
obvious
easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
occult
supernatural forces and events and beings collectively
oculist
a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
odious
unequivocally detestable
odium
hate coupled with disgust
odoriferous
emitting an odor
odorous
having odor or a characteristic odor
offal
viscera and trimmings of a butchered animal often considered inedible by humans
offertory
the offerings of the congregation at a religious service
It is very difficult to say whether they should be read before or after the offertory and prayer for the Church Militant. —Unknown
officious
intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
ogle
look at with amorous intentions
olfactory
of or relating to olfaction
oligarchy
a political system governed by a few people
ominous
threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
omnipotent
having unlimited power
omnipresent
being present everywhere at once
omniscient
infinitely wise
omnivorous
feeding on both plants and animals
onerous
not easily borne; wearing
onomatopoeia
using words that imitate the sound they denote
onslaught
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)
onus
an onerous or difficult concern
opalescent
having a play of lustrous rainbow colors
opaque
not transmitting or reflecting light or radiant energy; impenetrable to sight
opiate
a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative
opportune
suitable or at a time that is suitable or advantageous especially for a particular purpose
opportunist
a person who places expediency above principle
opprobrious
expressing offensive reproach
opprobrium
a state of extreme dishonor
optician
a worker who makes glasses for remedying defects of vision
optimum
most desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied
optometrist
a person skilled in testing for defects of vision in order to prescribe corrective glasses
opulence
wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
opus
a musical work that has been created
oratorio
a musical composition for voices and orchestra based on a religious text
ordinance
an authoritative rule
orientation
the act of orienting
orifice
an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
orison
reverent petition to a deity
ornate
marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative details
ornithologist
a zoologist who studies birds
ornithology
the branch of zoology that studies birds
orotund
ostentatiously lofty in style
It 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
orthography
a method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
oscillate
move or swing from side to side regularly
ossified
set in a rigidly conventional pattern of behavior, habits, or beliefs
But voters like George Pappas, 37, a physical therapist, say they're equally as angry at the ossifiedpolitics at home. —Time (May 1, 2012)
ostensible
appearing as such but not necessarily so
ostentatious
intended to attract notice and impress others
ostracism
the act of excluding someone from society by general consent
ostracize
expel from a community or group
outgrowth
the gradual beginning or coming forth
outmoded
out of fashion
outset
the time at which something is supposed to begin
overhaul
make repairs, renovations, revisions or adjustments to
overt
open and observable; not secret or hidden
overture
orchestral music played at the beginning of an opera or oratorio
overweening
presumptuously arrogant
overwrought
deeply agitated especially from emotion
pan
shallow container made of metal
panegyric
formally expressing praise
paragon
an ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
parasite
an 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
parquetry
a patterned wood inlay used to cover a floor
He seemed like a clumsy circus hero as he scraped his feet over the parquetry and attempted to kiss her hand. —Huneker, James
pathology
the branch of medical science that studies the causes and nature and effects of diseases
paucity
an insufficient quantity or number
pebble
a small smooth rounded rock
peccadillo
a petty misdeed
Mr. 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)
pedant
a person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than they merit
pedantry
an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
pedestrian
a person who travels by foot
peer
look searchingly
penchant
a strong liking
penury
a state of extreme poverty or destitution
perch
an elevated place serving as a seat
peremptory
putting an end to all debate or action
perennial
lasting three seasons or more
perfidious
tending to betray; especially having a treacherous character as attributed to the Carthaginians by the Romans
perfidy
an act of deliberate betrayal
perfunctory
hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
pernicious
exceedingly harmful
perpetuate
cause to continue or prevail
perplex
be a mystery or bewildering to
pertinent
being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
pervade
spread or diffuse through
pestilence
any epidemic disease with a high death rate
petition
a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
petulance
an irritable petulant feeling
petulant
easily irritated or annoyed
philanthropist
someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being
phlegmatic
showing little emotion
pillage
steal goods; take as spoils
pine
a coniferous tree
piquant
having an agreeably pungent taste
pique
a sudden outburst of anger
pitch
the property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
pith
soft spongelike central cylinder of the stems of most flowering plants
placate
cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
placid
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
plaintiff
a person who brings an action in a court of law
plaintive
expressing sorrow
platitude
a trite or obvious remark
plea
a humble request for help from someone in authority
plead
appeal or request earnestly
plethora
extreme excess
plod
walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud
pluck
pull lightly but sharply with a plucking motion
plumb
exactly vertical
plummet
drop sharply
polemic
a controversy (especially over a belief or dogma)
polymath
a person of great and varied learning
Often described as a polymath, Sunstein is fluent in political science and churns out books. —Slate (Apr 12, 2010)
ponderous
having great mass and weight and unwieldiness
posit
take as a given; assume as a postulate or axiom
posture
the arrangement of the body and its limbs
practitioner
someone who practices a learned profession
preamble
a preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution (usually explaining its purpose)
precarious
not secure; beset with difficulties
precedence
status established in order of importance or urgency
precious
of high worth or cost
precipice
a very steep cliff
precipitate
bring about abruptly
precipitous
extremely steep
preclude
make impossible, especially beforehand
precursor
something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone
predilection
a predisposition in favor of something
predisposition
an inclination beforehand to interpret statements in a particular way
preen
clean with one's bill
premise
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
prerogative
a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or official right)
prescience
the power to foresee the future
presume
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
presumption
an assumption that is taken for granted
presumptuous
excessively forward
prevaricate
be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold information
pristine
immaculately clean and unused
probity
complete and confirmed integrity; having strong moral principles
proclamation
a formal public statement
proclivity
a natural inclination
prodigal
recklessly wasteful
prodigality
the trait of spending extravagantly
prodigious
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
prodigy
an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
profligate
unrestrained by convention or morality
profound
situated at or extending to great depth; too deep to have been sounded or plumbed
profundity
the quality of being physically deep
profuse
produced or growing in extreme abundance
prolong
lengthen in time; cause to be or last longer
prompt
according to schedule or without delay; on time
prone
having a tendency (to); often used in combination
propensity
a natural inclination
propitiate
make peace with
proposition
a proposal offered for acceptance or rejection
propriety
correct or appropriate behavior
prosaic
lacking wit or imagination
protracted
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
provocation
something that incites or provokes; a means of arousing or stirring to action
provocative
serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy
prudent
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
prune
cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
pucker
to gather something into small wrinkles or folds
pugnacious
tough and callous by virtue of experience
pundit
someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
pungent
strong and sharp;"the pungent taste of radishes"
pusillanimous
lacking in courage and manly strength and resolution; contemptibly fearful
putrefy
become putrid; decay with an offensive smell
quack
the harsh sound of a duck
quaff
to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
qualm
uneasiness about the fitness of an action
quarantine
isolation to prevent the spread of infectious disease
quash
declare invalid
quenching
the act of extinguishing; causing to stop burning
quibble
evade the truth of a point or question by raising irrelevant objections
quiescence
a state of quiet (but possibly temporary) inaction
quintessential
representing the perfect example of a class or quality
quiver
shake with fast, tremulous movements
quotidian
found in the ordinary course of events
ramification
a development that complicates a situation
rampant
unrestrained and violent
ranger
an official who is responsible for managing and protecting an area of forest
rarefy
lessen the density or solidity of
rash
imprudently 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)
recalcitrant
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
recant
formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under pressure
recede
pull back or move away or backward
reciprocal
concerning each of two or more persons or things; especially given or done in return
reckless
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
recluse
one who lives in solitude
recompense
make payment to; compensate
recondite
difficult to penetrate; incomprehensible to one of ordinary understanding or knowledge
recourse
act of turning to for assistance
redeem
exchange or buy back for money; under threat
redoubtable
inspiring fear
refractory
stubbornly resistant to authority or control
refurbish
make brighter and prettier
reinstate
bring back into original existence, use, function, or position
rejoicing
a feeling of great happiness
remorse
a feeling of deep regret (usually for some misdeed)
rescind
cancel officially
reticent
reluctant to draw attention to yourself
reverberate
ring or echo with sound
rigor
excessive sternness
rotundity
the roundness of a 3-dimensional object
The greater bulk of the latter is situated immediately beneath the skin, and occasions that beautiful rotundity so much admired in children. —Blacklock, Ambrose
salvage
the act of rescuing a ship or its crew or its cargo from a shipwreck or a fire
sate
fill to satisfaction
saturnine
bitter or scornful
savant
someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
scattered
lacking orderly continuity
sedulous
marked by care and persistent effort
shatter
break into many pieces
shirk
avoid (one's assigned duties)
shrill
having or emitting a high-pitched and sharp tone or tones
shuck
material consisting of seed coverings and small pieces of stem or leaves that have been separated from the seeds
shun
avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
shunt
a conductor having low resistance in parallel with another device to divert a fraction of the current
simper
smile affectedly or derisively
sinister
stemming from evil characteristics or forces; wicked or dishonorable
sip
drink in sips
skeptical
marked by or given to doubt
sketchy
giving only major points; lacking completeness
skiff
any of various small boats propelled by oars or by sails or by a motor
slack
not tense or taut
sloppy
lacking neatness or order
slur
utter indistinctly
smother
deprive of oxygen and prevent from breathing
sober
not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
somber
grave or even gloomy in character
sordid
foul and run-down and repulsive
specious
plausible but false
spell
write or name the letters that comprise the conventionally accepted form of (a word or part of a word)
spendthrift
someone who spends money prodigally
spine
the series of vertebrae forming the axis of the skeleton and protecting the spinal cord
sporadic
recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances
spurious
plausible but false
squalid
foul and run-down and repulsive
squander
spend thoughtlessly; throw away
squelch
suppress or crush completely
stake
a strong wooden or metal post with a point at one end so it can be driven into the ground
stark
severely simple
startle
to stimulate to action
steadfast
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
steep
having a sharp inclination
stickler
someone who insists on something
stiff
incapable of or resistant to bending
stifled
held in check with difficulty
stigma
a symbol of disgrace or infamy
stigmatize
to accuse or condemn or openly or formally or brand as disgraceful
stint
supply sparingly and with restricted quantities
stipulate
specify as a condition or requirement in a contract or agreement; make an express demand or provision in an agreement
stockade
fortification consisting of a fence made of a line of stout posts set firmly for defense
stoop
bend one's back forward from the waist on down
strain
to exert much effort or energy
stray
wander from a direct course or at random
striate
marked with stria or striations
strive
attempt by employing effort
strut
to walk with a lofty proud gait, often in an attempt to impress others
subdue
put down by force or intimidation
suborn
incite to commit a crime or an evil deed
subpoena
a 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
subsequent
following in time or order
subside
sink to a lower level or form a depression
substantial
having substance or capable of being treated as fact; not imaginary
succumb
consent reluctantly
supplant
take the place or move into the position of
supplicate
ask for humbly or earnestly, as in prayer
susceptible
(often followed by `of' or `to') yielding readily to or capable of
sway
move back and forth or sideways
swift
moving very fast
swindle
deprive of by deceit
syncopated
stressing a normally weak beat
tacit
implied by or inferred from actions or statements
taciturn
habitually reserved and uncommunicative
tamp
press down tightly
tangential
of superficial relevance if any
tangible
perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
tantalize
harass with persistent criticism or carping
tapestry
a wall hanging of heavy handwoven fabric with pictorial designs
tarnish
make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
taut
pulled or drawn tight
temperate
not extreme
tenable
based on sound reasoning or evidence
tentative
unsettled in mind or opinion
tepid
moderately warm
tirade
a speech of violent denunciation
topple
fall down, as if collapsing
torment
intense feelings of suffering; acute mental or physical pain
torpid
in a condition of biological rest or suspended animation
torpor
a state of motor and mental inactivity with a partial suspension of sensibility
Just as often, though, it was in search of an anchor, approaching torpor. —New York Times (May 6, 2011)
tout
advertize in strongly positive terms
traitor
a person who says one thing and does another
trample
tread or stomp heavily or roughly
transgress
act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
treacherous
dangerously unstable and unpredictable
tremor
an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
trenchant
having keenness and forcefulness and penetration in thought, expression, or intellect
trepidation
a feeling of alarm or dread
truce
a state of peace agreed to between opponents so they can discuss peace terms
truculence
obstreperous and defiant aggressiveness
He shoved his horse past me and up to Miss Bennett, his red moustache bristling, truculence in every outline of his heavy shoulders. —Ross, Martin
turpitude
a corrupt or depraved or degenerate act or practice
tyro
someone new to a field or activity
unequivocal
admitting 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
untoward
not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
uphold
stand up for; stick up for; of causes, principles, or ideals
uproar
a state of commotion and noise and confusion
usurp
seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one's right or possession
vacillate
be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action
vagary
an unexpected and inexplicable change in something (in a situation or a person's behavior, etc.)
vagrant
a wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support
valiant
having or showing valor
vanity
feelings of excessive pride
varnish
a coating that provides a hard, lustrous, transparent finish to a surface
vehemence
intensity or forcefulness of expression
venerable
profoundly honored
venerate
regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
veracious
habitually speaking the truth
veracity
unwillingness to tell lies
verdant
characterized by abundance of verdure
veritable
not counterfeit or copied
vertigo
a reeling sensation; a feeling that you are about to fall
vex
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
viable
capable of life or normal growth and development
vicious
having the nature of vice
vigilance
the process of paying close and continuous attention
vigor
forceful exertion
vilify
spread negative information about
vindicate
show to be right by providing justification or proof
vindictive
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
vituperate
spread negative information about
vituperative
marked by harshly abusive criticism
Tennessee 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)
vogue
a current state of general acceptance and use
volubility
the quality of being facile in speech and writing
voluptuous
displaying luxury and furnishing gratification to the senses
voracious
devouring or craving food in great quantities
vulnerable
capable of being wounded or hurt
wan
become pale and sickly
wardrobe
a tall piece of furniture that provides storage space for clothes; has a door and rails or hooks for hanging clothes
wary
marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
waver
pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
weary
physically and mentally fatigued
welter
a confused multitude of things
wheedle
influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
whimsical
determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
Dessert 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)
wile
the use of tricks to deceive someone (usually to extract money from them)
withhold
hold back; refuse to hand over or share
By doing so, we are withholding from our neediest students any reason to read at all. —New York Times (Apr 23, 2012)
zealot
a fervent and even militant proponent of something
Tyranny likes courtiers, flatterers, followers, fawners, and superstition wants believers, disciples,zealots, hypocrites, and subscribers. —Ingersoll, Robert Green
zenith
the point above the observer that is directly opposite the nadir on the imaginary sphere against which celestial bodies appear to be projected
Performance 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)
zephyr
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
Thy zephyrs soft, thy falling showers, No more have charms for me; Maternal Summer, too, adieu!— —Ballou, Maturin Murray
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.
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