Vocabulary List

abandoned Forsaken, deserted

abandonment The act of giving something up
abash To cause to feel self-conscious; to confuse or confound
abbreviate To make briefer; to shorten; to abridge; to reduce by contraction
or omission
abduction The wrongful and usually forcible carrying off of a human being
abhorrent Being so repugnant as to stir up positive antagonism
abhors Feels excessive repugnance toward; detests to extremity; loathes
abide Bear patiently; tolerate; put up with
abolish To do away with
abrasion A wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction
abridge To make shorter; to shorten in duration; to lessen; to diminish; to
curtail
abruptness Suddenness; unceremonious haste or vehemence
absentee One missing from work or school
absolute Free from imperfection
absolved Freed from a penalty; pardoned; remitted (as from the guilt of a
sin)
absorbed Swallowed up; engulfed; overwhelmed
abstinence Act or practice of refraining from indulging an appetite
abstract Considered apart from any application to a particular object;
separated from matter; existing in the mind only
absurd Ridiculously unreasonable, unsound, or incongruous
absurdity The quality or state of being ridiculous, unreasonable, or
unsound
abundance The property of a more than adequate quantity or supply
abundant Marked by great plenty (as of resources)
abusive Causing physical or psychological maltreatment
accentuated Brought out distinctly; made prominent; emphasized
acceptable Capable, worthy, or sure of being accepted or approved
acceptance An agreement to the act or offer of another, either expressly or by
conduct
accessibility Capable of being reached
accessible Easy of access or approach; approachable
accidental Happening by chance or unexpectedly
acclaim Enthusiastic approval or praise
acclaimed Shouted, praised or applaused
accommodates Is agreeable or acceptable to
accompanies Goes along with; is connected with
accompaniment That which goes along with or which is added to complete
something
accomplishment The fulfillment or completion (of a task, etc.)
accord Harmony of people’s opinions or actions or characters
account (n) A general statement of reasons, causes, grounds, etc.
account (v) To furnish a justifying analysis or explanation
accumulation An increase by natural growth or addition; several things grouped
together
accurate Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard
accuse To charge with a fault; to blame; to censure
accustomed Adapted to existing conditions
achievement Something accomplished by valor, boldness, or praiseworthy
exertion; a feat
acknowledge To give recognition to
acquainted Made familiar
acquired Gained possession or control of often by unspecified means
acquisition The act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of
something
acrimony Harsh or biting sharpness, especially of words, manner, or
disposition
acrobat One that performs gymnastic feats requiring skillful control of the
body
actual Existing in act or reality
acuity The visual ability to resolve fine detail
acute Characterized by sharpness or severity
adamant Unshakable or immovable, especially in opposition
adaptability The ability to change or be changed to fit a new environment or
circumstance
adapt To make fit (as for a specific or new use or situation) often by
modification
address To make a spoken or written communication to
adequate Sufficient for a specific requirement
administer To dispense; to serve out; to supply; to execute
administration The execution of public affairs as distinguished from policymaking
administrators Persons legally vested with the right of performance of executive
duties
admiral The commander in chief of a navy
admiration Esteem; high regard
admire To regard with approval, respect, or satisfaction
admission Permission to enter
adopted To have taken or received as one’s own what is not so naturally;
to have selected and taken or approved
adore To regard with the utmost esteem and affection
adorn To enhance the appearance of, especially with beautiful objects;
to decorate
adroit Skillful in the use of the hands or in the exercise of the mental
faculties; exhibiting skill
adulation Servile flattery; praise in excess, or beyond what is merited
advance To raise; to elevate; to move ahead
advantage The quality of having a superior or more favorable position
advantageous Gainful; profitable; useful; beneficial
adventurous Rash, venturesome, daring; enterprising
adversary Opposed; opposite; adverse; antagonistic
adverse Contrary to one’s interests or welfare; harmful or unfavorable
adversity A state of misfortune or affliction
advertisement The act of informing or notifying; notification; a public notice,
especially a paid one
advice Recommendation regarding a decision or course of conduct
advise To give advice
advocacy The act or process of supporting a cause or proposal
advocate One who defends, vindicates, or espouses any cause by argument
advocated Pleaded in favor of
aerodynamics A branch of dynamics that deals with the motion of air
aesthete One who is sensitive or oversensitive to beauty or good taste
aesthetic Concerning or characterized by an appreciation of beauty or good
taste
aesthetically In a tasteful way
affable Gracious; pleasant; friendly
affectation An attempt to assume or exhibit what is not natural or real; false
display; artificial show
affected Given to false show; assuming or pretending to possess what is
not natural or real
affection Tender attachment
affiliate To bring or receive into close connection as a member or branch
affiliation Association or reception as a member in or of the same family or
society
affirmation A positive assertion
affirmed Strengthened or made more firm as by corroboration
against In opposition to
agent One who is authorized to act for or in the place of another as a
representative
aggression Disposition to attack
agility Having quick and light motion
agreeable Willing; ready to agree or consent
agreement Harmony of opinion, statement, action, or character;
concurrence; concord
agriculturalists Those who study the science, art, or practice of cultivating the
soil, producing crops, and raising livestock
agriculture The science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing
crops, and raising livestock
aid To help, assist, support, sustain, succor, or relieve
ailment A bodily disorder or chronic disease
airborne Done or being in the air
airplay The playing of a musical recording on the air by a radio station
aisle A long, narrow passage
alabaster A compact, fine-textured, usually white gypsum often carved into
ornamental items
alacrity A cheerful readiness, willingness, or promptitude
alas An interjection used to express unhappiness, pity, or concern
alert Very attentive or observant
algae Chiefly aquatic nonvascular plants with chlorophyll often masked
by a brown or red pigment
alias Otherwise called; otherwise known as
alienated Made unfriendly, hostile, or indifferent where attachment
formerly existed
allege To declare to be the case, esp. without proof
alleges Asserts without proof or before proving
allergy Hypersensitive reaction to a particular allergen
alleviate To lighten or lessen (physical or mental troubles); to mitigate or
make easier to be endured
alleviated Relieved or lessened the force or weight of
alliance An association to further the common interests of its members
allied Having or being in close association
allies Two or more nations joined together in an alliance to fight a
common enemy
allusion A figurative or symbolical reference
allusions An implied or indirect reference especially in literature
almanac A publication containing astronomical, meteorological, and other
data for a given year
aloof At a distance
alteration The making of a limited change in something
altercation Noisy quarrel
alter To make different without changing into something else
alternative Offering or expressing a choice
although (Conjunction) despite the fact that
alumnus One who has attended or has graduated from a particular school
amateur A person who cultivates any study or art without pursuing it
professionally
amazing Causing astonishment
ambassador An official messenger and representative
ambiguities The qualities or states of being doubtful or uncertain, especially
from obscurity or indistinctness
ambiguous Open to more than one interpretation; uncertain; equivocal
ambition A desire for activity or exertion; a desire to achieve a particular
end
ambivalent Simultaneously feeling opposing feelings, such as love and hate
amenable Readily brought to yield, submit, or cooperate
amicability Having a disposition characterized by warmth and friendliness
amicable Friendly; peaceable; kind; harmonious
ample Plentiful; copious
amplify To render larger, more extended, or more intense
anachronism A chronological misplacing of persons, events, objects, or customs
in regard to each other
anachronistic Chronologically misplaced
analgesic A medicine used to relieve pain
analogous Similar or correspondent in some respects though otherwise
dissimilar
analysis A detailed examination of the elements or structure of a
substance
analyze To study or determine the nature and relationship of the parts of
something
anarchist One who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling
power, esp. in a violent manner
ancestors Those from whom a person is descended
ancient Of or relating to a remote period, especially to a time early in
history
anecdote Short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)
anesthesia A substance causing the loss of bodily sensation with or without
loss of consciousness
animosity Violent hatred leading to active opposition; active enmity;
energetic dislike
annexation The act or process of attaching, adding, or appending
annoy To disturb or irritate, especially by continued or repeated acts
annual Covering the period of a year; occurring or happening once a year
anomaly Deviation from the common rule; an irregularity
anonymity The quality or state of being unnamed or unidentified
anonymous Not named or identified
antagonism Opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle; actively
expressed opposition
antagonist One that contends with or opposes another; an adversary
antagonize To contend with; to act in opposition to; to provoke the hostility of
anthem A song or hymn of praise or gladness
anthology A collection of selected literary pieces or passages or works of art
or music
anthropocentrism An inclination to evaluate reality exclusively in terms of human
values
antibiotic A chemical substance derivable from a mold or bacterium that
kills microorganisms and cures infections
anticipated Expected hopefully, or rightfully expected
antidote A substance that stops or controls the effects of a poison
antipathy Settled aversion or dislike
antiquity The quality of being old or ancient
antiseptic A substance that destroys disease-causing micro-organisms
without harming body tissues
antithesis The direct opposite
anxiety Painful or apprehensive uneasiness of mind, usually over an
impending or anticipated ill
anxious Mentally upset over possible misfortune or danger, etc; worried
apathetic Having or showing little or no feeling or emotion
apathy Lack of feeling or emotion
apologetic Offering or expressing regret or fault
apologize To express regret, acknowledge faults, or make excuses for
appalling Causing consternation; dismaying
apparatus A set of materials or equipment designed for a particular use
apparent Visible; distinct; plain; obvious; clear; certain; evident; manifest;
indubitable
apparently Plainly; clearly; evidently; seemingly; in appearance
appeal To arouse a sympathetic response
appeals Earnest pleas
appearance A sense impression or aspect of a thing
applaud Clap one’s hands or shout after performances to indicate approval
application An act of putting to use; a verbal or written request for assistance
or employment or admission to a school
appraisal The classification of someone or something with respect to its
worth
appraise To set a value; to estimate the worth of, particularly by persons
appointed for the purpose
appreciate To grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of
apprehensive Viewing the future with anxiety or alarm
apprentice One who is learning by practical experience under skilled workers
approach The taking of preliminary steps toward a particular purpose
approval An act or instance of finding something or someone favorable or
satisfactory
aquarium A tank filled with water for keeping fish and underwater animals
and plants
aquatic Relating to or consisting of or being in water
arable Capable of being farmed productively
arbiter Someone chosen to judge and decide a disputed issue
arbitrary Random; capricious
arcane Requiring secret or mysterious knowledge; obscure
archaeology The study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and
monuments) of
past human life and activities
architect A person who designs buildings and advises in their construction
architecture The art or science of building
archive A place in which public records or historical documents are
preserved
archived Filed or collected (as records or documents) in or as if in an
archive
arctic Of or relating to the north pole or the region near it; extremely
cold
ardor Warmth or heat of passion or affection; eagerness; zeal
arena Any place of public contest or exertion; any sphere of action
argument A fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true
arid Excessively dry
aristocrat A member of a government by a small privileged class
army 1: an organization of military land forces 2: a large number of
people united for some specific purpose
arouses Calls forth; awakens; excites; stimulates to action
arrest To stop; to check or hinder the motion or action of
arrogance A feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an
overbearing manner or presumptuous claims
arthritis Inflammation of joints due to infectious, metabolic, or
constitutional causes
article A non-fictional essay, esp. one included with others in a
newspaper, maga zine, journal, etc.
artifacts Items created by humans usually for a practical purpose; objects
remaining from a particular period
artisan A skilled worker who practices some trade or handicraft
artist One who professes and practices an art (e.g., painter, sculptor,
musician, architect, etc.)
artless Lacking art, knowledge, or skill
ascetic Practicing great self-denial
aspirations Strong desires to achieve something high or great
assault An intentional physical attack or beating
assembly A public place to meet for open discussion and legislation
assertion A declaration that is made as if no supporting evidence were
necessary
assess Place a value on; judge the worth of something
assiduous Hard-working
assignments Tasks or duties allotted to a person
assimilation The process of absorbing into the culture
associate To join as a partner, friend, or companion
associated Joined as a companion; brought into association
associates Brings together or into relationship in any of various intangible
ways
association An organization of persons having a common interest
assume To take as granted or true
assumption A belief (often presumptuous) that something is true
assurance Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities; a
binding commitment to do something
assured Declared to, solemnly; asserted to someone with the design of
inspiring belief or confidence
astonishing So surprisingly impressive as to stun or overwhelm
astonishment The feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
astral Of, relating to, or coming from the stars
astronaut A person trained to travel in a spacecraft
astronomer One who makes observations of celestial phenomena
astute Having or showing shrewdness and perspicacity
asylum A place of retreat or security
athlete A person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games
atlas A collection of maps in book form
atrophy Decrease in size or wasting away of a body part or tissue
attain To gain with effort
attempts Efforts to do, accomplish, solve, or effect
attention The act or state of attending, esp. through applying the mind to
an object of sense or thought
attest To affirm to be true or genuine
attitudes Mental positions with regard to a fact or state
attorney A legal agent qualified to act for suitors and defendants in legal
proceedings
attracted Drawn by appeal to natural or excited interest
attribute To regard as belonging or appropriate to; to regard as a
characteristic
attribution An ascribed quality, character, or right
atypical Deviating from or not conforming to type
audacious Daring; invulnerable to fear or intimidation
audacity Aggressive boldness or unmitigated effrontery
audible Heard or perceptible by the ear
audience Admittance to a hearing; a formal interview; a group of listeners
or spectators
auditor A person authorized to examine and verify accounts
auditory Of, relating to, or experienced through hearing
auspicious Attended by favorable circumstances
austere Markedly simple or unadorned
authentic Not false or imitation; genuine
author A person who writes (books or stories or articles or the like)
professionally
authoritarian Of, relating to, or favoring blind submission to authority
authoritative Having authority or ascendancy or influence
authority Power to influence or command thought, opinion, or behavior
autobiographical Marked by or dealing with one’s own experiences or life history
automation The state or use of techniques and equipment to achieve
automatic operation or control
automobile A 4-wheeled motor vehicle
autonomy The quality or state of being self-governing or self-sufficient
autopsy An examination and dissection of a dead body to determine cause
of death or the changes produced by disease
availability The quality of being at hand when needed
avalanche A large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift
motion down a mountainside
avenue A way of access
avid Characterized by enthusiasm and vigorous pursuit
avoided Escaped; eluded; evaded; eschewed
aware Having or showing realization or perception
awe An overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
awkwardness A lacking of grace or skill in manner, movement, or performance
backfire To have the reverse of the desired or expected effect
background The scenery or ground behind something
baffling Confusing or puzzling
baleful Deadly or pernicious in influence
balk To abruptly refuse to comply
ballad A narrative song with a recurrent refrain
ballot A document used in voting that lists the choices
banal Lacking originality, freshness, or novelty
bane Something that causes misery or death; curse; ruin
bankruptcy The state of being actually or legally ruined financially
banned Prohibited especially by legal means
banquet An elaborate and often ceremonious meal
bar The body of individuals qualified to practice law
bard A lyric poet
barely In a meager manner
bark Tough protective covering of the woody stems and roots of trees
barrage The rapid and continuous delivery of linguistic communication;
outpouring
barred Prevented entry or exit or a course of action
barren Producing little or no vegetation
barrier A structure or object that impedes free movement
bashful Self-consciously timid; very modest
basic Of or relating to essential structure, function, or facts
basis The bottom of something considered as its foundation
battery The unlawful beating of another; willful, violent, or negligent
touching of another person
bay An inlet of the sea or other body of water usually smaller than a
gulf
beacon A signal or conspicuous mark erected as a guiding device
beam Ray of light
bearing Having as a feature or characteristic
bedazzled Impressed forcefully; enchanted
befriend To act as a friend to; become friendly with
behavior The manner of conducting oneself
belated After the expected or usual time; delayed
belies Shows (something) to be false or wrong
belligerence An aggressive or truculent attitude, atmosphere, or disposition
benefactor A person who helps people or institutions, esp. financially
beneficial Promoting or enhancing well-being
benevolent Kind; generous
benign Of a mild type or character
bequeath To leave or give by will
berate To scold or rebuke
bereft Unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love; sorrowful
through loss or deprivation
beret A visorless, usually woolen cap with a tight headband and a soft
full flat top
betray To reveal unintentionally (“Her smile betrayed her true feelings”);
to deliver to an enemy by treachery
betrayed Treated falsely or disloyally
beverage A drinkable liquid
bewilder To be a mystery to; to puzzle; to confuse; to perplex
biased Favoring one person or side over another; having propensity
toward an object or view
bibliographer One who writes or is versed in the history or description of books
bibliography A list often with descriptive or critical notes of writings relating to
a particular subject, author, or publisher
bilked Frustrated or disappointed; deceived or defrauded
billboard Large outdoor signboard
bills Statutes in draft before they become law
binding Tying or holding together as a single mass
biologist A scientist who studies living organisms
biology A branch of science that deals with living organisms and vital
processes
birthday The day on which a person is born
biting Capable of wounding; sharp and hurtful (“a biting remark”)
bitter Marked by strong resentment or cynicism
bizarre Strikingly out of the ordinary
blaze A strong flame that burns brightly
bleeding Losing or shedding one’s blood
blemish A mark or flaw that spoils the appearance of something
bloodhound A breed of large powerful hound of European origin having very
acute smell and used in tracking
blossom The flower of a plant
bluebell Any of various plants bearing blue bell-shaped flowers
blueprints Guides for making something else; detailed plans or technical
drawings
blunt Characterized by disconcerting directness in manner or speech;
without subtlety or evasion
boar An uncastrated male swine
board A group of people appointed or elected to manage a public or
private entity; council
boast To speak of or assert with excessive pride
body (of facts) The main, central, or principal part of an argument
bohemian Unconventional in especially appearance or behavior
boldness The trait of being willing to undertake things that involve risk or
danger
bolt To swallow hastily or without chewing
bombast Pompous or pretentious talk or writing
bombastic Ostentatiously lofty in style
bonus An additional payment to employees as a means of increasing
output
book A collection of sheets of paper or similar material bound together,
blank, written, or printed
boon A desirable state; blessing
boorish Ill-mannered, coarse and contemptible in behavior or appearance
boost The act of giving hope or support to someone
borders Lines that indicate a boundary
boredom The state of being weary or restless due to lack of interest
botanist A biologist specializing in the study of plants
boundless Unconfined; immeasurable; illimitable; infinite
bounds Limiting lines; borders
bourgeois Conforming to the standards and conventions of the middle class
boycotted Engaged in a concerted refusal to have dealings with
brag An instance of boastful talk
branches Things that extend from or enter into a main body or source
bravery The quality of being courageous
bridge To find a way of getting over, as a difficulty
brightness The quality of being luminous; emission of reflection of light
brilliant Distinguished by unusual mental keenness or alertness
brittle Having little elasticity, hence easily cracked or fractured or
snapped
broached Made public; uttered; published first; put forth; introduced as a
topic of conversation
broadcast A transmission of a radio, television program, or signal for public
use
broadcaster Someone who broadcasts on radio or television
brooding Dwelling gloomily on a subject
browse To look around casually or randomly
bruise An injury that doesn’t break the skin but results in some
discoloration
brusqueness An abrupt discourteous manner; prompt roughness
brutality The trait of extreme cruelty
buck A male animal
bucolic Relating to or typical of rural life
budget A sum of money allocated for a particular purpose
buffer To protect from impact (“cushion the blow”)
bureaucrat An official who is rigidly devoted to the details of administrative
procedure
butcher A retailer of meat; a person who slaughters or dresses meat for
market
buttress An external prop or support, usually of stone or brick, built to
reinforce the integrity of a structure
buyer A person who makes purchases
bygone Well in the past; former (“bygone days”)
byline The line giving the name of the writer of a story or article
bypass To avoid something unpleasant or laborious
cadet Military trainee (as at a military academy)
cajole To influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
calamity An event resulting in great loss and misfortune
calibrate To make fine adjustments for optimal functioning
calligraphy Artistic, stylized, or elegant handwriting or lettering
callous Emotionally hardened; unfeeling, insensitive
camaraderie Good will between friends
camouflage Make invisible by means of protective coloring or garments
campaign A connected series of operations designed to bring about a
particular result
candidate One that aspires to or is nominated or qualified for an office,
membership, or award
candor Sincerity; openness
cantankerous Difficult or irritating to deal with
canvas Heavy, closely woven fabric
capacity The potential or suitability for holding, storing, or accommodating
capitalism An economic system characterized by private or corporate
ownership of capital goods
capricious Impulsive and unpredictable
capsule A spacecraft designed to transport people and support human life
in outer space
caption A brief description accompanying an illustration
captivate To attract; to cause to be enamored
capture To succeed in representing or expressing something intangible
cardiologist A physician who specializes in the study of the heart and its
actions and diseases
carefree Having no worries or troubles
caricature Exaggeration, often by means of ludicrous distortion of parts or
characteristics
carnivorous Meat eating; dependent on the consumption of flesh for
sustenance
carouse To engage in boisterous, drunken merry-making
carping Querulous and often perverse criticism; fault-finding
cartographer One who makes charts or maps
cartography The science or art of making maps
carving Cutting away parts to create a desired shape
cascade Falling or rushing forth in quantity
cast The set of actors, singers, and/or dancers in a dramatic
production
catalogue A complete list of things, usually arranged systematically
catalyst Something that causes an important event to happen
catalyze To change by catalysis or cause to catalyze
catapult To shoot forth or launch
catastrophe An event resulting in great loss and misfortune
cater To supply what is required or desired
cathartic Emotionally purging
caustic Burning; corrosive
cavities Unfilled spaces within a mass; hollowed-out spaces
cease To bring an activity or action to an end
celebration An occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
cell A room where a prisoner is kept
cellular Of, relating to, or consisting of cells
censorship The act of deleting anything considered objectionable
censure Harsh criticism or disapproval
central In the middle of; of importance
centuries Periods of 100 years
cerebral Involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct
certitude The state of being or feeling certain
champion 1: A militant advocate or defender; 2: a winner; one who shows
marked superiority
chaotic Lacking a visible order or organization; unpredictable and
confusing
chapped Roughened, reddened, or cracked as a result of cold or exposure
(“chapped lips” or “chapped skin”)
character One of the attributes that distinguish an individual; moral
excellence or firmness
characterize To describe the character or quality of; distinguish
charitable Full of love for and goodwill toward others; benevolent; generous
charlatan A flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or
jokes
cherish To hold dear; to feel or show deep affection for
child rearing The act of raising or bringing up children
chisel n: a hand tool with a flat steel blade with a cutting edge; v: carve
with a chisel
choreography The design or arrangement of a staged dance
chorus An organized company of singers who perform in concert
chronicle A usually continuous, historical account of events arranged in
order of time
chronicler A recorder of events in the order of time; a historian
chronology Arrangement of events in time
circumscribe To enclose within a certain limit
circuitous Marked by obliqueness or indirection in speech or conduct
circulate To follow a course that returns to the starting point
circulation Passage or transmission from person to person or place to place
circumlocution Indirect expression; evasion of speech
circumvented Evaded; found a way around
cite To quote by way of example, authority, or proof
citizenry Total inhabitants of a city or town
civic Of or relating to a citizen, a city, citizenship, or civil affairs
civil Relating to private rights and to remedies sought by action or suit
distinct from criminal proceedings
civilizations Relatively high levels of cultural and technological development
claim A demand for something due or believed to be due
clairvoyant Perceiving things beyond the natural range of the senses;
foreseeing the future
clamoring Becoming loudly insistent; making a din
clandestine Conducted with or marked by hidden aims or methods
clarity The state of being easily understood; comprehensibility; clear
expression
clash To come into conflict
clause A separate section of a discourse or writing
clergy The body of men set apart, by due ordination, to the service of
God
cliché A trite or obvious remark
clientele Customers
cling To hold or hold on tightly or tenaciously
cloud To envelop or hide with or as if with a cloud
cloying Overly sweet
coagulation The process by which a liquid forms into a semisolid mass
cobbler A person who makes or repairs shoes
condemn To express strong disapproval of
cogent Convincing; reasonable
cognizant Having knowledge or understanding; mindful; aware
coherent Logically or aesthetically ordered or integrated
cohesion The act or state of sticking together tightly; unity
cohesive Well integrated; unified
cohesiveness The act or state of sticking together tightly
coiled Cylindrically or spirally wound
coinage The act or process of coining
coinciding Corresponding exactly; matching point for point
coining Bringing into existence; creating
collaborate To work together on a common enterprise or project
collage Artistic composition, made of material such as paper or
photographs, com bined on a picture surface
collapse An abrupt failure of function or health
colleague An associate in a profession or in a civil or ecclesiastical office
collective Of or from several or many individuals; common
colloquial Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
collusion Secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or
deceitful purpose
colonial Of, relating to, characteristic of, or inhabiting a colony
column A newspaper or magazine article giving opinions or perspectives
combat An engagement fought between two military forces; v. to fight
combustible Capable of igniting and burning
combustion A process in which a substance reacts with oxygen to give heat
and light
comedian A professional entertainer who uses any of various physical or
verbal means to be amusing
commandeered Taken arbitrary or forcible possession of
commencement An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
commendation The act of praising
commentary Something that serves for illustration or explanation
comments Observations or remarks expressing opinions or attitudes
commercial Connected with, engaged in, sponsored by, or used in commerce
or business enterprises
commission To appoint or assign to a task or function
commodity An economic good (as a product of agriculture or mining)
commonsense Sound and prudent but often unsophisticated judgment
comparable Similar; like
comparisons Examinations of two or more items to establish similarities and
dissimilarities
compassion A deep awareness of and sympathy for another’s suffering
compatibility Capable of existing together in harmony
compelled Driven or urged forcefully or irresistibly
compelling Forceful; urgently demanding attention
compensate To make up for; to counterbalance; to recompense
competent Properly or sufficiently qualified, capable or efficient; adequate for
the purpose
competition A contest between rivals
competitive Inclined, desiring, or suited to rivalry
competitiveness An aggressive willingness to compete
competitor A rival; one who competes
complacent Contented to a fault
complaisant Showing a cheerful willingness to please or oblige
complement The quantity or number required to make a thing complete
completion The act of becoming or making complete; a concluding action
complex A whole made up of complicated or interrelated parts
complexity The quality of being intricate and compounded
compliance Acting according to certain accepted standards
complicity Guilt as an accomplice in a crime or offense
components Individual parts which make up a system
compose To form by putting together
composer A person who writes music
composition A written piece of music
compound To make more intense, stronger, or more marked
comprehensible Capable of being understood or interpreted
comprehensive Including all or everything; broad in scope
compressible Capable of being reduced in size or volume
compromise A settlement of differences by arbitration or by consent reached
by mutual concessions
comrade An intimate friend or associate; a companion; a fellow soldier
concealment The activity of keeping something secret
conceivable Possible to conceive or imagine
conceive To form a conception of; to image
concept Something conceived in the mind; a thought or notion
concerns Is a care, trouble, or distress to
concession The admitting of a point claimed in argument
concessions Acknowledgments; admissions
conciliatory Making or willing to make concessions
concise Expressing much in a few words; condensed; brief and compacted
conclusion A position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration
conclusive Putting an end to debate or question especially by reason of
irrefutability
concocted Devised; made up; contrived; planned; plotted
concrete n: A hard, strong building material made by mixing a cementing
material and a mineral aggregate; adj: solid; definite
condemn To pronounce guilty
condemning Declaring to be reprehensible, wrong, or evil
condense Compress or concentrate
condescending Assuming an air of superiority; patronizing
condolence An expression of sympathy with another’s grief
conducive Tending to promote or assist
conduct Behavior; manner of acting
conductor Leader of a musical ensemble; a substance that readily channels
or transmits electricity, heat, or sound
conduit A passage for water or other fluids
confection A food rich in sugar
confer To compare views or take counsel
conference A meeting for consultation, discussion, or an interchange of
opinions
confidant One to whom secrets are entrusted
confidence Freedom from doubt; belief in one’s self and one’s abilities
confidential Marked by intimacy or willingness to confide
confidentiality Discretion in keeping secret information
confines Things (as borders or walls) that enclose
confirming Giving new assurance of the truth of; rendering certain
conflagration Conflict
conflict Struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs or wishes
conflicting Being in opposition; incompatible
conform To be obedient or compliant
conformist A person who acts in accordance with an established practice
conformity Acting according to certain accepted standards
confrontation The clashing of forces or ideas
congregation An assembly of people, esp. one that meets for worship and
religious instruction
connection Causal or logical relation
connotation Something suggested by a word or thing; implication
conquer To gain mastery over or win by overcoming obstacles or
opposition
conquered Overcome by force of arms; defeated
conscious Perceiving, apprehending, or noticing
consciously Knowingly; willfully; perceptively
consciousness The quality or state of being aware, especially of something within
oneself
consensus Agreement of the majority in sentiment or belief
consequence The result of an action; a conclusion derived through logic
consequential Meaningful; momentous; important
conservatism The act of preserving, guarding, or protecting
conservative Tending or disposed to maintain existing views, conditions, or
institutions
considerations Matter taken into account when making decisions
consistency Firmness of constitution or character
consistent Marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity
consolation The act of consoling; giving relief in affliction
conspire To join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act
constancy The quality of being free from change or variation
constellations Clusters or groups of fixed stars
consternation Bewilderment or dismay that throws one into confusion
constituent One of a group who elects another to represent him or her in
public office
constitutes Forms or composes
constricted Made narrow or drawn together
consumerism A preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of
consumer goods
consumer A person who uses goods or services
consummate Having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
consumption The utilization of economic goods in the satisfaction of needs or in
manufacturing
contagious Easily diffused or spread as from one person to another
contaminate To make impure; to pollute; to infect
contaminated Soiled, stained, corrupted, or infected by contact or association
contemplate To view or consider with continued attention
contemporaneous Existing, occurring, or originating during the same time
contemporaries All the people living at the same time or of approximately the
same age
contemporary Characteristic of the present; a person of nearly the same age as
another
contempt Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
contemptuous Manifesting or expressing contempt or disdain
contending Striving or struggling in rivalry or battle
contentiousness A disposition to fight; quarrelsomeness
contentment The state of being contented or satisfied
contestant One that participates in a contest
context The set of facts or circumstances that surround a situation or
event
contradict To assert the contrary of; to take issue with
contradiction A statement or phrase that asserts or implies both the truth and
falsity of something
contradictory Unable to both be true at the same time
contrary n: A fact or condition incompatible with another; adj: opposite
contrast To compare or appraise in respect to differences
contribute To give or supply in common with others
contribution Act of giving in common with others for a common purpose
contrite Feeling or expressing pain or sorrow for sins or offenses
controversial Marked by or capable of arousing debate
controversy A discussion marked especially by the expression of opposing
views
conundrum A difficult problem
convene To come together
convention General agreement or concurrence; usage or custom especially in
social matters
conventional According with, sanctioned by, or based on convention; lacking
originality or individuality
convergence The occurrence of two or more things coming together
converse To engage in an interchange of thoughts and opinions
convey To impart or communicate by statement, suggestion, gesture, or
appearance
conviction An unshakable belief in something without need for proof or
evidence
convoluted Highly involved or intricate
coop A small building for housing poultry
cooperative Done with or working with others for a common purpose or
benefit
copious Profuse or exuberant in words, expression, or style; plentiful in
number
cordial Hearty; sincere; warm; affectionate
coronation The ceremony of installing a new monarch
corporate Of or belonging to an association of employers and employees in a
particular business or industry
corps Military unit usually consisting of two or more divisions
correspondence Communication by letters
corroborate To make strong, or to give additional strength to; to strengthen
corrosive Destructive; weakening; bitingly sarcastic
corrupt Dishonest, immoral or evasive; characterized by improper
conduct or fraudulent activity
corruption Impairment of integrity, virtue, or moral principle
cosmetic Done or made for the sake of appearance
cosmopolitan Of worldwide scope or applicability
cost-effective Economical in terms of tangible benefits produced by money
spent
counter To act in opposition to; to oppose
counteract To make ineffective or neutralize the usually ill effects of an
opposing force
counterintuitive Contrary to what one would immediately expect or naturally
perceive
coup A sudden and decisive change of government, illegally or by force
couple (v) To fasten together; to link
courageously Bravely
course A path over which something moves
courteously In a polite manner
courtesy Consideration, cooperation, and generosity in providing
coverage Press or publicity received by a particular story or person
cover To overspread the surface of one thing with another
craft The skilled practice of an occupation or trade requiring manual
dexterity or artistic skill
craftiness Shrewdness as demonstrated by being skilled in deception
crammed Pressed, forced, or stuffed
crass So unrefined as to be lacking in discrimination and sensibility
creation Something that has been brought into existence
creativity The quality of being imaginative
credulity Tendency to believe readily
creeds Sets of fundamental beliefs
creep To move along the ground, or on any other surface, on the belly
crescendo Gradually increasing in volume
crest The summit of a hill or mountain ridge
crevice A narrow opening resulting from a split or crack (as in a cliff)
crew The company of seamen who man a ship or vessel
crews Groups of people associated together in a common activity or by
common traits or interests
crib A small, enclosed bedstead or cot for a child
crisis An unstable or crucial time or state of affairs in which a decisive
change is impending
criterion A basis for comparison; a reference point against which other
things can be evaluated
critic One who expresses a reasoned opinion on any matter especially
involving a judgment of its value
critical Of, relating to, or being a turning point or specially important
juncture
criticism Disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
criticize To point out real or perceived flaws; to consider the merits and
demerits of and judge accordingly
critique An essay or article that gives a critical evaluation (as of a book or
play)
crop A plant that can be grown and harvested; the annual yield of
these
crosscurrent A conflicting tendency
crude Conspicuously and tastelessly indecent
crust The hard exterior or surface of bread, in distinction from the soft
part or crumb
cryptic Having or seeming to have a hidden or ambiguous meaning;
mysterious
cub The young of certain carnivorous mammals such as the bear and
the lion
cue A stimulus that provides information about what to do
cuisine Manner of preparing food; style of cooking
culinary Of or relating to the kitchen or cookery
culpable Deserving blame or censure as being wrong, evil or injurious
cultivate To prepare and/or use for the raising of crops
cultivation The act of preparing the land to grow crops
cultural Denoting or deriving from or distinctive of the ways of living built
up by a group of people
culture The customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a
racial, religious, or
social group
cumbersome Difficult to carry or manage due to bulk or shape
cumulative Increasing by successive addition
cunningly In an artful manner
curator The custodian of a collection; one in charge of a museum, zoo, or
other place of exhibit
curb An edging (as of concrete) built along a street to form part of a
gutter
curiosity Desire to know
cursory Rapidly and often superficially performed or produced
curtail To diminish; to reduce
custom Long-established practice considered as unwritten law
cynic Someone who is critical of the motives of others
cynical Contemptuously distrustful of human nature and motives
dam A barrier to prevent the flow of a liquid
dandy A man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance
dapper Neat and trim in appearance
dash A small usually distinctive addition
data Factual information used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or
calculation
database One or more large structured sets of persistent data, usually
associated with software
dated Old-fashioned; outmoded
daunt To lessen the courage of
deadline A date or time before which something must be done
debased 1: mixed with impurities; 2: lowered in value
debt The state of owing
debtor One who owes a debt
debunkers Those who expose the falseness or sham of something
deceit An attempt or disposition to deceive or lead into error
deceive To cause someone to believe an untruth
deception A misleading falsehood; false representation; a trick or sham
decibel A unit of sound intensity
decision A report of a conclusion
decisive Having the power or quality of resolving a question or controversy
decorous Marked by propriety and good taste
decorum Propriety and good taste in conduct or appearance
decry To censure as faulty, mean, or worthless; to express strong
disapproval of
dedicate To commit to a goal or way of life
deduction Something that is inferred from something else; something
removed or taken away
deed A usually illustrious act or action; feat
deems Thinks or judges; believes
defeat Frustration by nullification or by prevention of success
defeated Beaten or overcome
defective Imperfect in form or function
defendant A person against whom an action is brought in a court of law
defensive Attempting to justify or defend in speech or writing
deferment The act of postponing or delaying
defiance Willingness to contend or fight
defiant Boldly resisting authority or an opposing force
deficit A loss; a lacking; an impairment; a disadvantage
defied Rejected, refused, or renounced
definable Capable of being defined, limited, or explained
defining Determining or explaining the shape of something
definitive Decisive; unconditional; final
defraud To deprive of by deceit
defunct No longer in force or use; inactive
defuse To make less harmful, potent or tense
defy To resist or confront with resistance
delegate To entrust to the management of another; to transfer
deleterious Harmful often in a subtle or unexpected manner
deliberate To think about or discuss issues and decisions carefully
deliberately With forethought; purposely; with awareness of the consequences
delineate To determine the essential quality of; to trace the shape of
delinquency Conduct that is out of accord with accepted behavior or the law
delusion A persistent false psychotic belief regarding the self or persons or
objects
demagogue An orator who appeals to the passions and prejudices of his
audience
demeanor Behavioral attributes
democracy Government by the people; rule of the majority
democratic Relating to, appealing to, or available to the broad masses of the
people
democratizing Making democratic
demolish To throw or pull down; to raze; to destroy the fabric of; to pull to
pieces; to ruin
demonstrative Given to or marked by the open expression of emotion
demure Affectedly modest or shy, especially in a playful or provocative
way
demystify To make less mysterious or remove the mystery from; to reveal or
clarify
denigrated Belittled; charged falsely or with malicious intent; defamed
deny To disclaim connection with or responsibility for
deodorize To eliminate the odor from
depict To represent by or as if by a picture
depleted Lessened markedly in quantity, content, power, or value
depose To force to leave an office, such as a king
deprecate To disapprove of strongly
depreciate To lessen in price or estimated value; to lower the worth of; to
undervalue
depression A psychoneurotic or psychotic disorder marked especially by
sadness and inactivity
deprive To withhold something from
depth Extent downward or backward or inward
derelict Deserted or abandoned as by an owner; failing in what duty
requires
deride To laugh at with contempt; to laugh; to scorn; to turn to ridicule
or make sport of; to mock; to scoff at
deriding Subjecting to usually bitter or contemptuous ridicule
derivative That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from
another
derived Formed or developed from something else; not original
descent A downward movement
description The act of giving a verbal or written account
desert An arid, barren, often sand-covered area of land,
characteristically desolate and without much vegetation
desiccated Dried up; dehydrated
designated Indicated and set apart for a specific purpose
designed Done or made or performed with purpose and intent
desirability The quality of having pleasing qualities or properties
desirous Impelled or governed by desire
desolate Deserted; uninhabited; sorrowful through or as if through
separation from a loved one
despair Utter loss of hope
despondent Feeling or showing extreme discouragement, dejection, or
depression
destination Place where something (e.g., a journey or race) ends; the ultimate
goal for which something is done
destined Headed or intending to head in a certain direction
destitute Lacking possessions and resources
destitution A state without friends or money or prospects
detailed Marked by abundant thoroughness in treating small items or
parts
deter To discourage; to inhibit
detergent A cleansing agent
determine To fix conclusively or authoritatively
detour A roundabout road (especially one that is used temporarily while
a main route
is blocked)
detract To take away a part from; to diminish
detractor One who disparages or belittles the worth, importance, or
effectiveness of something
devaluation The reduction of worth (as in currency)
devastated Made uninhabitable; ravaged; ruined; wasted
developed Changed over time so as to be stronger or more complete or more
useful
development Advancement or growth through progressive changes
devious Characterized by insincerity or deceit; evasive; deviating from a
straight course
devise To form in the mind by new combinations or applications of ideas
or principles; to invent
devoid Completely lacking
devotion Religious fervor; fidelity
dew Moisture condensed upon the surfaces of cool bodies especially at
night
dexterity Mental skill or quickness
diagnosis Investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a problem,
condition, or situation
dialect The language usage or vocabulary that is characteristic of a
specific group of people
dichotomy A division or the process of dividing into two especially mutually
exclusive or contradictory groups or entities
dictatorship Autocratic rule, control, or leadership
didactic Excessively instructive
differentiate To mark or show a difference in
diffidence Lack of self-confidence; shyness, unassertiveness
diffidently In a reserved, unassertive, or shy manner
diffuse Spread out; not concentrated in one place
dignified Having or expressing dignity; formal or stately in bearing or
appearance
dignitary One who possesses exalted rank or holds an office or position of
honor
digress To divert from the main subject; to wander from a direct or
straight course
digression A turn aside from the main subject of attention or course of
argument
dilatory Characterized by procrastination; tending to cause delay
dilemma An argument presenting two or more equally conclusive
alternatives against an opponent
dilettante Showing frivolous or superficial interest; amateurish (“his
dilettantish efforts at painting”)
diligence The attention and care legally expected or required of a person
diligent Careful and steady in application to one’s work or duties
dim Not bright; lacking in intensity
diminish To decrease in size, extent, or range; to lessen the authority,
dignity, or reputation of
diminutive Below the average size; very small; little
dingy Thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot; depressing in
character or appearance
director Someone who supervises and conducts the action and the
performers in the production of a staged or filmed dramatic work
dirge A song or hymn of mourning
disapprobation The act or state of disapproving
discard To throw away; to lay aside
discarding Getting rid something that is regarded as useless or undesirable
discern To perceive clearly with the mind or the senses; to recognize; to
distinguish; to tell apart
discernible Perceptible by the senses or intellect
discharge To relieve of a charge, load, or burden
discipline Control gained by enforcing obedience or order
disclosed Made known (especially something secret or concealed); no longer
concealed
disclosure The act of exposing; something revealed
discolored Changed in color; stained; faded
discomfited Put into a state of perplexity and embarrassment; disconcerted
disconcert To throw into confusion; to disturb the composure of
discouraged Made less hopeful or enthusiastic
discourse An extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some
particular topic
discourteous Showing no courtesy; rude; lacking social graces
discredit To damage the reputation of; to reject as false; to refuse to accept
discreet Marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
discrepancy A conflict between facts, claims, or opinions
discrete Constituting a separate entity or part; individual
discrimination Noting and marking differences; discernment
discursive Tending to depart from the main point or cover a wide range of
subjects
disdain To look upon with scorn and contempt
disfigured Spoiled the beauty of; deformed; defaced
disheveled Marked by disorder or disarray
disingenuous Not straightforward or candid; giving a false appearance of
frankness
disinterested Not having the mind or feelings engaged
dismiss To reject serious consideration of
dismissed Removed from position or service; discharged
disparage To lower in rank or reputation; to degrade
disparate Fundamentally different or distinct in quality or kind
disparity Inequality or difference in some respect
dispassionate Not influenced by strong feeling
dispatch To send off or away promptly
dispel To cause to vanish; to clear away
disperse To cause to break up, spread, evaporate or vanish
displace To expel or force to flee from home or homeland
display Something done in order to communicate a particular impression
disposal The act or means of getting rid of something
disposition Usual or prevailing mood
disprove To overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof
disproved Proved to be false or wrong
disputant One who argues; a reasoner in opposition to another
dispute To contend in argument
disregard To treat as unworthy of regard or notice
disreputable Lacking respectability in character or behavior or appearance
disrupt To throw into disorder
disruptive Characterized by unrest, disorder, or insubordination
disseminate To spread; to diffuse
dissenting Differing in opinion
dissipate To cause to separate and go in different directions
dissolution The act or process of dissolving; separation into component parts
dissonance A mingling of discordant sounds, esp. those that seem musically
unharmonious
distant Separated in space or by time
distaste A feeling of intense dislike
distinguish To perceive a difference in
distinguished Of high standing; eminent; famous
distortion The act of twisting out of natural or regular shape
distracted Mentally confused, troubled, or remote
distressed Worried or troubled
disturb To interfere with
disturbing Interfering with
diverge To move or extend in different directions from a common point
divergent Differing; deviating from each other
diverse Differing from one another
diversion An activity that diverts, amuses, or stimulates; a turning aside (of
one’s course or attention or concern)
divert To occupy in an agreeable, entertaining, or pleasant fashion
divination A prediction uttered under divine inspiration
divine Of, relating to, or proceeding directly from God or a god
divining Foreseeing or foreknowing
divisive Creating disunity or dissension
divulge To make known to the public information that was meant to be
kept a secret
docile Submissive; easily managed
doctrinal Pertaining to, or having to do with, teaching
doctrine A principle of law established through past decisions; something
that is taught
documented Furnished documentary evidence of
dodo 1: (informal) someone whose style is out of fashion; 2: extinct
heavy flightless bird of Mauritius related to pigeons
dogged Stubbornly unyielding; obstinately determined; persistent
dogmatic Characterized by arrogant assertion of unproved or unprovable
principles
domestic Of or relating to the household or the family
dominance The fact or state of commanding, controlling, or prevailing over
others
dossier A file containing detailed records on a particular person or
subject
downpour A pouring or streaming downward; a heavy rain
downright Given without reservation; outright
drabness Lacking stylishness or brightness; dullness
draft A preliminary sketch, outline, or version
draftee An individual who is engaged to enter the army
drama A state, situation, or series of events involving interesting or
intense conflict of forces
dramatic Striking in appearance or effect
dramatist A writer of plays
drawback A loss of advantage, or deduction from profit, value, success, etc.;
a discouragement or hindrance
drawing (in) Causing or enticing to enter or participate
dread Fearful expectation or anticipation
dreary Depressing in character or appearance
drench To steep in moisture; to wet thoroughly; to soak; to saturate with
water or other liquid; to immerse
drill A tool that cuts with its end, by revolving or by a succession of
blows
drive An urgent, basic, or instinctual need
drivel Words or language having no meaning or conveying no intelligible
ideas
drought The continuous absence of rain
drubbed Beaten with a stick; thrashed
dual Consisting of or involving two parts or components, usually in
pairs
dubious Of questionable value or truth
dupe To deceive; to trick; to mislead
duplicate An exact copy of the original
durable Able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration
duress Compulsory force or threat
dynamic Marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change
earnestness An intense and serious state of mind; seriousness
easel A frame for supporting something (as an artist’s canvas)
eccentric Deviating from conventional or accepted usage or conduct,
especially in odd or whimsical ways
echo A repetition or imitation of another
eclectic Composed of elements drawn from various sources
ecology The branch of biology concerned with the relations between
organisms and their environment
economics Analysis of the production, distribution, and consumption of
goods and services
ecstatic Feeling great rapture or delight
edition The form or version in which a text is published
editor A person who prepares, superintends, revises, and corrects a
book, magazine, or newspaper, etc., for publication
effect An outward sign
effective Producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect
efficacious Having the power to produce an intended effect
efficiency The quality or degree of being the immediate agent in producing
an effect
effort A serious attempt
effrontery Impudent aggressiveness; shameless boldness
effusive Unrestrained in enthusiasm; excessively demonstrative
egoism An ethical theory that treats self-interest as the foundation of
morality
egotist A conceited and self-centered person
egregious Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
elated Exultantly proud and joyful; in high spirits
elation A state marked by high spirits
elders Aged persons; persons having authority by virtue of age and
experience
election An act or process of choosing or selecting, as in a political contest
elegy A mournful poem; a lament for the dead
element A constituent part; something connoting irreducible simplicity; a
basic component
elevated Brought from a lower place to a higher one
elicit To draw forth or bring out (something latent or potential)
elliptical Characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of
superfluous
elements
elocutionist A public speaker trained in voice production, gesture and delivery
eloquence Discourse marked by force and persuasiveness
eloquent Marked by forceful and fluent expression
elucidate To make free from confusion or ambiguity; to make clear
elude To escape, either physically or mentally; to be incomprehensible
to
elusive Tending to evade grasp or pursuit
embellish To make beautiful or elegant with ornamentation
embellishment A superfluous ornament; the act of adding extraneous
decorations to something
embezzle To take fraudulently for one’s own use
embittered Caused to feel cynical and rancorous
embody To represent or express something abstract in tangible form
embrace To include in scope; to include as part of something broader; to
take up readily or gladly; to hug
embroidery Decorative needlework
emend To make improvements or corrections
emerge To come out into view, as from concealment; to happen or occur
as a result of something
emigrate To leave one’s country of residence for a new one
emissary Someone sent on a mission to represent the interests of someone
else
emollient Having a softening or soothing effect, especially to the skin
empathetic Showing empathy or ready comprehension of others’ states
empathy Understanding and entering into another’s feelings
emperors Sovereigns or supreme male monarchs of an empire
emphasis Special importance or significance
emphasize To place force or intensity of expression on
empire A major political unit having a territory under a single sovereign
authority
empirical Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory (“an
empirical basis for an ethical theory”)
employee One who provides work or service for a wage or salary
emulate To strive to equal or match
enable To provide with the means or opportunity
enabling Giving strength or ability to
enact To order by virtue of superior authority
enamored Marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness
encapsulate To put in a short or concise form; to reduce in volume
enchanting Capturing interest as if by a spell
enclosed Closed in or surrounded or included within
encompassing Broad in scope or content; all-inclusive; closely encircling;
surrounding
encore An extra or repeated performance, usually given in response to
audience demand
encounter A meeting, especially between hostile parties
encourage To inspire with courage, spirit, or hope
encroaching Gradually intrusive without right or permission
encyclopedia A work that contains information on all branches of knowledge
encyclopedic Broad in scope or content
endangered In imminent danger of extinction (said of plants or animals)
endeavor To attempt (as the fulfillment of an obligation) by exertion of effort
endorse To be behind; to support or vote for; to give support or one’s
blessing to
endurance The power to withstand hardship or stress; a state of surviving;
remaining alive
endure To undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in
enervated Weakened mentally or morally; unnerved
enforce To ensure observance of laws and rules; to compel or impose
enfranchised Endowed with the rights of citizenship, especially the right to vote
engaged Attracted and held by influence
engendered Caused to exist; brought forth; produced; sowed the seeds
engine A mechanical tool
engineering The practical application of science to commerce or industry
engross To take or engage the whole attention of
enhance To advance; to augment; to increase or improve in value, quality,
desirability, or attractiveness
enlighten To give spiritual insight to; to make free from confusion or
ambiguity; to make clear
enlightening Tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance
enlightenment The act or means of furnishing knowledge
enmity Positive, active, and typically mutual hatred or ill will
enraged Filled with rage or anger; infuriated
enrich To make rich or richer especially by the addition or increase of
some desirable quality, attribute, or ingredient
enrichment Improvement of the nutritive value by adding nutrients
enroll To register formally as a participant or member
ensemble A cast other than the principals; the chorus of a musical; a group
of supporting players, singers, or dancers
ensure To make sure, certain, or safe
entangle To make complicated
enthrall To hold spellbound; to enrapture
enthusiasm A feeling of excitement
enticement The art of attracting artfully or adroitly, or by arousing hope or
desire
entitlement A right to benefits specified especially by law or contract
entry A person, thing, or group entered in a contest
entrust To commit to another with confidence
enviable Causing envy; highly desirable
ephemeral Enduring a very short time (“the ephemeral joys of childhood”)
epidemic A widespread outbreak of an infectious disease
epilogue A short speech (often in verse) addressed directly to the audience
by an actor at the end of a play
episode A usually brief unit of action in a dramatic or literary work
equality The quality or state of being equal or of the same measure
equanimity Steadiness of mind under stress
equate To treat, represent, or regard as equal, equivalent, or comparable
equivocal Subject to two or more interpretations and usually used to
mislead or confuse
equivocation A use of obscure language especially with intent to deceive
era An event or point in time from which a series of years is reckoned;
the succession of years from that point in time
eradication The complete destruction of every trace of something;
extermination
erratically In an unpredictable manner (“Economic changes are proceeding
erratically”)
erroneous Containing or characterized by error
eruption A bursting from limits or restraint
escapism Habitual diversion of the mind to purely imaginative activity
espionage The practice of spying or using spies
espousal A taking up or adopting of a cause or belief
espouse To choose and follow, as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or
plans (“She espoused the feminist movement”)
essential Of the utmost importance; necessary
establish To bring into existence
established Made firm or stable
establishing Instituting (as a law) permanently by enactment or agreement
esteem To set a high value on; to regard highly and prize accordingly
estimation The act or an instance of forming an opinion about; evaluation
estrangement The arousement of mutual enmity or indifference where there had
formerly been love
etching A pattern or design produced on a hard material by eating into
the material’s surface
eternal Continuing forever or indefinitely
ethical Involving or expressing moral approval or disapproval
ethos Guiding beliefs of a person, group, or institution
etymology The history of a word; the study of the sources and development
of words
eulogize To speak or write in high praise of
euphoric Exaggerated feeling of well-being or elation
evade To slip away; to avoid; to elude
evaluate To determine or fix the value or worth of
evanescence The property of lasting for a very short time
evanescent Tending to vanish like vapor
evasive Elusive; shuffling; avoiding by artifice
evergreens Trees and shrubs including forms (as pines) with true cones
everlasting Continuing forever or indefinitely
evidence That which furnishes, or tends to furnish, proof
evolution A process of change in a certain direction
evolve To undergo a change or development; to come up with; to
gradually acquire new traits or characteristics
ewe Female sheep
exacerbate To make worse (“This drug exacerbates the pain”)
exaggerate To enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
examined Inspected closely
exasperate To cause irritation or annoyance to
exasperation A feeling of annoyance; the act of causing great irritation or even
anger
excavation The act of digging; the site of an archeological exploration
exceeding Going beyond a set limit
excel To go beyond or surpass in good
exception A case to which a rule does not apply
excerpted Selected (as a passage) for quoting
excessive Beyond normal or necessary limits
excitability The quality of being readily excited or roused; proneness to be
affected by exciting causes
exclude To bar from participation, consideration, or inclusion
exclusive Not divided or shared; excluding much or all but a particular
group or minority; belonging only to a few
excruciating Agonizing; torturous
exculpate To clear from alleged fault or guilt
excursion A journey taken for pleasure (“many summer excursions to the
shore”)
execution The act or result of performance; a putting to death as a legal
penalty; the
process of enforcing a legal judgment
exemplary Fit to be imitated; outstandingly good; commendable
exemplify To show or illustrate by example
exempt To release or deliver from some liability or requirement to which
others are subject
exert To put forth force, ability, or anything of the nature of an active
faculty
exhibit n: Something shown to the public; v: to show or display
outwardly especially by visible signs or actions
exhilarating Giving life, action, or spirit to; enlivening; refreshing; stimulating
existing Having real being whether material or spiritual
exonerate To relieve, in a moral sense, as of a charge, obligation, or
hardship; to clear from accusation or blame
exorbitant Greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation
expand To increase the extent, number, volume, or scope of; to open
wide; to spread out
expansive Impressive in scale; extensive, wide-ranging
expedite To accelerate the process or progress of; to speed up; facilitate
expedition An organized group of people undertaking a journey for a
particular purpose
experimentation The trying out of a new procedure, idea, or activity
expert Having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived
from training
expiate To make amends for
explanation Thought that makes something comprehensible
explanatory Serving or intended to explain or make clear
explication The act of opening, unfolding, or explaining
explode To burst forth with sudden violence or noise from internal energy
exploit A notable or heroic act
exploited Developed or used to greatest advantage
explore To become familiar with by testing or experimenting; to analyze;
to make or conduct a search
explorer A person who travels in search of information (esp. geographical
or scientific)
export To carry or send (as a commodity) to some other place
express To give or convey a true impression of
expropriated Taken out of the possession of another and transferred to your
own use, often without permission
expulsion The state of being expelled (forced out)
expunge To strike out, obliterate, or mark for deletion
extant Still in existence; not extinct or destroyed or lost
extemporaneous Composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment, or
without previous study
extensive Having wide or considerable extent
extent The range over which something extends or stretches out
extenuating Partially excusing or justifying (“extenuating circumstances”)
extenuation The act of lessening or weakening the seriousness or extent of
something
exterminator One who gets rid of something completely, usually by killing off
external Purely outward or superficial
extinct No longer existing; no longer burning; no longer active
extol To praise, glorify, or honor highly
extraordinary Going beyond what is usual, regular, or customary
extrapolate To infer, estimate, or project into an area not known or
experienced
extrasensory Seemingly outside of the normal or known senses
extravagant Exceeding the limits of reason or necessity
extremist One who advocates extreme political measures
extricate To free, as from difficulties or perplexities
extrinsic Extraneous; lying outside; not belonging (to); originating or
operating from without
extroverted Gregarious and unreserved; outgoing
exuberance Joyful enthusiasm; overflowing with enthusiasm
exuberant Joyously unrestrained and enthusiastic
exultant Joyful and proud especially because of triumph or success
fabric Something made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting
natural or synthetic fibers
facile Performed adroitly and without effort
faction A party or group (as within a government) that is often
contentious or self seeking
faculty The body of teachers and administrators at a school
fainthearted Lacking courage or resolution
fallacious Based on an incorrect notion or misleading information
fame The state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed
familiarity A state of close relationship; intimacy
famine A severe shortage (especially a shortage of food)
fantasy The free play of creative imagination
fascinate To transfix and hold spellbound by an irresistible power
fascinating Extremely interesting or charming
fashionable Having elegance or taste or refinement in manners or dress
fastidious Difficult to please
fatalistic Believing that all events are predetermined and therefore
inevitable
fate An event (or course of events) that will inevitably happen in the
future; destiny
fathom To measure depths with a sounding line, as of a body of water
fatigue Temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard
physical or mental work; a lack of vitality
faulty Having a defect; characterized by errors
feast An elaborate meal often accompanied by a ceremony or
entertainment
federal Of or relating to the central government of a federation
felicitous Exhibiting an agreeably appropriate manner or style; marked by
good fortune
felony A grave crime for which the punishment in federal law may be
death or more than one year of imprisonment
feral Wild and menacing; savage
ferocious Exhibiting or given to extreme fierceness and unrestrained
violence and brutality
fertile Marked by great fruitfulness
fertilization An act or process of fecundation, insemination, or pollination
fertilizer Any substance such as manure or a mixture of nitrates used to
make soil more fertile
fervent Exhibiting or marked by great intensity of feeling
feud Mutual enmity or quarrel that is often prolonged or inveterate
feverishly In a manner marked by intense emotion, activity, or instability
fib A trivial lie
fickle Marked by erratic changeability in affections or attachments
fiction That which is feigned, invented, or imagined; a feigned or
invented story, whether oral or written
fictitious Formed or conceived by the imagination; adopted in order to
deceive
figurative 1: metaphorical, not literal; 2: of pictorial or sculptural
representation
figure A diagram or picture illustrating textual material
file A set of related records (either written or electronic) kept together
filter n: A porous material that removes something from whatever
passes through it; v: to remove things with a filter
finalist A contestant in the ultimate stages of a competition
fine A sum imposed as punishment for an offense
finite Having definite or definable limits
firebrand Someone who deliberately foments trouble
fission A nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller
nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy
fixed Having a set and unchanging value
flabbergasted Overwhelmed with astonishment and surprise
flagrant Conspicuously offensive
flamboyant Elaborately or excessively ornamented
flammable Capable of being easily ignited and of burning quickly
flap n: A state of excitement or agitation; something that generates an
uproar; v: to move with a thrashing motion
flaunt To wave or flutter showily; to display ostentatiously
flaw An imperfection or fault
flexibility The quality of being adaptable or variable
flight The act of escaping physically; the act of passing through the air
with wings
flippancy Unbecoming levity or pertness, especially in response to grave or
sacred matters
flippant Lacking proper respect or seriousness
flipper The flat broad limb of aquatic animals specialized for swimming
flock A group of birds or mammals assembled or herded together
flopping Swinging or moving loosely
florid Elaborately or excessively ornamented
flourish To grow vigorously; to thrive; to prosper
flout To mock or insult; to treat with contempt
flowing Moving in a stream
fluent Ready or facile in speech
fluid A substance tending to flow or conform to the outline of its
container
flyer An advertisement (usually printed on a page or in a leaflet)
intended for wide distribution
focused Concentrated on or clustered around a central point or purpose
foes Enemies; opponents
foil Someone or something that serves as a contrast to another
(“acted as a foil for a comedian”)
foolhardy Marked by unthinking boldness; with defiant disregard for danger
or consequences
footnote A note of reference, explanation, or comment usually placed
below the text on a printed page
foppish Affecting extreme elegance in dress and manner
forbid To command against; to keep from happening or arising; to have
the effect of preventing
force Strength or energy exerted or brought to bear; cause of motion or
change; active power
forceful Vigorous; powerful; compelling; impressive
forecast To calculate or predict
foreign Relating to, originating in, or characteristic of another place or
part of the world; introduced from an outside source
forensics The art or study of argumentative discourse
foresight Providence by virtue of planning prudently for the future
foretell To tell beforehand
foreword A short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
forge A workplace where metal is worked by heating and hammering
forgeries False imitations made especially with intent to defraud
forgettable Likely to be forgotten; not memorable
forlorn Sad and lonely due to desertion or abandonment; marked by or
showing hopelessness
formality A requirement of etiquette or custom
format The general appearance of a publication
formidable Of extremely impressive strength or excellence which inspires
great respect or awe
formulate To come up with; to invent
fort A strong or fortified place; usually, a small fortified place,
occupied only by troops
forthright Directly forward
fortitude Strength of mind that enables one to endure adversity with
courage
fortuitous Having no cause or apparent cause; occurring by happy chance
forum A public meeting or assembly for open discussion; a public place
to meet for open discussion
foster To cherish; to promote the growth of; to encourage; to sustain
and promote (“to foster genius”)
fractious Quarrelsome; unruly
fracture To cause a fracture or fractures in; to separate the continuous
parts of
fragile Easily broken or destroyed
fragmentation The separation of something into smaller pieces or units
fragrant Affecting the olfactory nerves agreeably; sweet of smell; odorous;
having or emitting an agreeable perfume
frame A case or border enclosing a picture, window, door, etc.
frankness Free, forthright, and sincere expression
fraternize To associate; to make friends; to behave as intimates
fraud Intentional deception resulting in injury to another person;
deliberate trickery intended to gain an advantage
fraudulent Intended to deceive; dishonest
freight Goods carried by a large vehicle
frenetic Marked by madness or emotional agitation
frenzied Affected with a violent mental or emotional agitation
friction The resistance encountered when one body is moved in contact
with another
frigid Extremely cold
fringe A group with marginal or extremist views
frivolity The quality or state of lacking seriousness and sensibility
frugal Economical in the use or appropriation of resources; not wasteful
or lavish
frugality The economic use of resources
frustration A feeling of annoyance at being hindered or criticized
fugitive One who flees from pursuit, danger, restraint, service, duty, etc.
fumigate To purify or free from infection by the use of smoke or vapors
function A mode of action or activity by which a thing fulfills its purpose
fundamental A leading or primary principle, rule, law, or article, which serves
as the groundwork of a system; essential part
fungus A parasitic plant lacking chlorophyll, leaves, and true stems and
roots, and reproducing by spores
furlough A leave of absence from duty (granted especially to a soldier)
furnace An enclosed chamber in which heat is produced to warm
buildings, destroy refuse, smelt or refine ores, etc.
further To a greater distance; in addition; moreover
fury A feeling of intense anger
futile Useless, ineffectual, vain
futility Uselessness
gallery A room for the exhibition of works of art
galloping Moving or running in the mode called a gallop (as a horse); to go
at a gallop; to run or move with speed
gap A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures; a
break or separation; a deficient area
garbled Lacking orderly continuity; confused
gargantuan Of great mass; huge and bulky
garish Offensively or distressingly bright; tastelessly showy; gaudy
garnish To add decorative or savory touches to (food or drink)
gauge To measure or to ascertain the contents or the capacity of
gender Sex (male or female)
generalization A general statement, law, principle, or proposition
generalize To draw from specific cases for more general cases; to speak in
vague or indefinite statements
generates Composes, creates, or brings out by intellectual or physical effort
generation A group of individuals born and living contemporaneously
generous Willing to give and share unstintingly
genesis The origin or coming into being of something
genial Diffusing warmth and friendliness
geniality Sympathy or friendliness
geology The study of the history of the earth as recorded in rocks
germinate To begin to grow
gesture Something done as an indication of intention; to show, express or
direct through movement
gibberish Rapid and inarticulate speech
gingham A clothing fabric usually of yarn-dyed cotton in plain weave
glacial Devoid of warmth and cordiality; expressive of unfriendliness or
disdain; extremely cold
glamorous Full of glamour
glimmer A faint, unsteady light; feeble, scattered rays of light
glimmering Appearing indistinctly with a faintly luminous quality
gloom To look, feel, or act sullen or despondent
glossy Having a smooth, gleaming surface
glutton One given habitually to greedy and voracious eating and drinking
goad To provoke, as by constant criticism
goal The end toward which effort is directed
goggles Spectacles worn to protect the eyes
gossip Rumor or report of an intimate nature
gourmand A person who is excessively fond of eating and drinking
govern To impose regulations on; to direct or strongly influence the
behavior of; to exercise authority over
governmental Dealing with the affairs or structure of government, politics, or
the state
graceful Characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, etc.;
suggesting taste, ease, and wealth; elegant
gracious Doing or producing good; exhibiting courtesy and politeness
graciously In a kind and courteous manner
gradual Proceeding by steps or degrees
graduation An academic exercise in which diplomas are conferred
grain Dry seedlike fruit produced by the cereal grasses
grammar The study of forms of speech and their relationship to one
another; the art concerned with the right use and application of
the rules of a language
grandiose Impressive because of unnecessary largeness or grandeur
granite A very hard natural igneous rock formation of visibly crystalline
texture
grant To give the possession or title of by a deed
graph A diagram that represents the variation of a variable in
comparison with that of one or more other variables
graphic Of or relating to the visual or descriptive arts, esp. writing and
drawing
grass-roots Of or involving the common people as constituting a fundamental
politico economic group
gratification A source of satisfaction or pleasure
gratitude The state of being grateful; thankfulness
gratuitous Given freely; unearned; unwarranted
gratuity A relatively small amount of money given for services rendered;
an award given without claim or obligation
gravitation A force manifested by acceleration toward each other of two free
material particles or bodies
gravity The gravitational attraction of the mass of the earth, the moon, or
a planet for bodies at or near its surface
gregarious Enjoying the company of others; sociable
grief Intense sorrow caused by loss of a loved one
grim Ghastly, repellent, or sinister in character
grimy Full of grime; begrimed; dirty; foul
grind To reduce to powder or small fragments by friction
gritty Having strong qualities of tough, uncompromising realism
grove A small growth of trees without underbrush; a small cultivated
wood without undergrowth
gruff Brusque, surly and forbidding; deep and harsh sounding as if
from shouting, illness, or emotion
guidance Direction or advice as to a decision or course of action; the act of
guiding or showing the way
gullible Easily deceived or tricked
gush To emit a sudden, copious flow
gushing Making an effusive display of affection or enthusiasm
gymnastic A physical feat or contortion
habitable Capable of being inhabited or dwelt in
habitat The type of environment in which an organism or group normally
lives or occurs
habitually Regularly; as a matter of established practice
hackneyed Overfamiliar through overuse; trite
hail To praise vociferously
halt To stop moving; to stop from happening or developing; to come to
rest
harassed Troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances; annoyed;
harried; pestered
harbor A part of a body of water protected and deep enough to furnish
anchorage
harbored Given shelter or refuge to
hardiest Most inured to fatigue or hardships; strongest; most capable of
endurance
hardships Things that cause or entail suffering or privation
harmonious Musically concordant
harmony Compatibility in opinion and action
harp A plucked stringed instrument consisting of a resonator, an
arched or angled neck supported by a post, and strings of graded
length running perpendicular to the soundboard
harvest The act or process of gathering in a crop
hatch To emerge from the eggs of birds or reptiles
haughty Blatantly and disdainfully proud
hazardous Involving risk or danger
hearing The faculty or sense by which sound is perceived; a listening to
facts and evidence
heavily To a considerable degree; with great force; slowly as if burdened
by much weight
heckler Someone who tries to embarrass with gibes, questions and
objections
hedonist Someone motivated by desires for sensual pleasures
heed To mind; to pay careful attention to
heinous Shockingly brutal or cruel; atrocious; grievous; monstrous
heir One who inherits or is entitled to inherit property
hem A cloth border doubled back and stitched down
hence (Used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason,
or as a result
heritage Something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor
heroine A woman possessing heroic qualities
hesitant Unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
hesitate To pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
hibernate To pass the season of winter asleep
hibernation The torpid or resting state in which some animals pass the winter
hierarchy A series of ordered groupings of people or things within a system
highlight v: to center attention on; n: something of major significance or
special interest
high-spirited Joyously unrestrained
hilarious Marked by or causing boisterous merriment or convulsive
laughter
hinder To prevent the progress or accomplishment of
hindsight Perception of the nature of an event after it has happened
hipster Person who is unusually aware of and interested in new and
unconventional patterns
hiss A fricative sound uttered as an expression of dislike or contempt
historian A student or writer of history
historical Belonging to the past
history The discipline that records and interprets past events
hitchhiking Traveling by securing free rides from passing vehicles
hoard A supply or fund stored up and often hidden away
hobby A pursuit outside one’s regular occupation, engaged in especially
for relaxation
hoist To raise or haul up with or as if with mechanical help
holistic Emphasizing the organic or functional relation between parts and
the whole
honor To regard or treat with esteem or respect; to revere
horizon The apparent junction of earth and sky
horizontally In a manner parallel to, in the plane of, or operating in a plane
parallel to the horizon or to a base line
hospitable Favorable to life and growth; disposed to treat guests and
strangers with cordiality and generosity
hospitalize To admit into a hospital
host A very large number; one that receives or entertains guests
socially
hostile Marked by malevolence
hostility Deep-seated, usually mutual ill will
hub The central part of a car wheel (or fan, propeller, etc.) through
which the shaft or axle passes; the center of a city
hue The quality of a color
humanity The quality or state of being humane or human
humdrum Not challenging; dull and lacking excitement; tediously repetitious
or lacking in variety; monotonous
humidifier A device for keeping the atmosphere moist in a room
humiliated Humbled; made to feel uncomfortable because of shame or
wounded pride
humility A disposition to be humble; a lack of pride
humorous Characterized by wit or comedy
hunch n: An impression that something might be the case; intuition;
suspicion; v: to arch one’s back
hypocrisy A feigning to be what one is not or to believe what one does not
hypocrite A person who professes beliefs and opinions that they do not hold
hypothesis A concept that is not yet verified, but that if true would explain
certain facts or phenomena; a theory; an opinion based on
incomplete evidence
hypothetical Being or involving an assumption or concession made for the
sake of argument
icon An object of uncritical devotion
iconoclast One who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions
idealistic Characterized by forming ideals or living under their influence
idealist Someone guided more by ideals than by practical considerations
ideally For best results; in an ideal situation
ideals Standards of perfection or beauty
identical Exactly alike
identify To establish the identity of someone or something
identity The distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting
entity
ideology A manner or the content of thinking characteristic of an
individual, group, or culture
ideologue An often blindly partisan advocate or adherent of a particular
ideology
idiosyncrasy A peculiarity of constitution or temperament; an individualizing
characteristic or quality
idol A material object that is worshipped as a god; someone who is
adored blindly and excessively
idolatrous Relating to or practicing idolatry; blindly or excessively devoted or
adoring
idolized Loved or admired to excess
ignorance Lack of knowledge or education
ignorant Lacking knowledge or comprehension
illegality Unlawfulness by virtue of violating some legal statute
illicit Contrary to or forbidden by law
illness Sickness; malady
illuminate To make bright with light; to make comprehensible
illusion A misapprehension of the true state of affairs
illustrate To make clear by giving or by serving as an example or instance
illustration An example that helps make something clear; a single item of
information that is representative of a type; a visual
representation
imagination A mental faculty forming images or concepts of things or events
not present to the senses
imaginative Marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
imbue To permeate or influence
imitated Followed as a pattern, model, or example; copied
imitation Something produced as a copy
imitative Marked by or given to imitation; (of words) formed in imitation of
a natural sound; not original
immediate Existing without intervening space or substance
immersion A state of being covered by a liquid (like water)
immigrant A person who comes to a country to take up permanent residence
imminent Ready to take place
immobility Motionlessness
immoral Conflicting with generally or traditionally held moral principles
immortal Exempt from death
immunized Rendered unsusceptible to a disease
impact The force of impression of one thing on another; a significant or
major effect
impartial Not favoring one more than another; treating all alike;
unprejudiced; unbiased
impartiality An inclination to weigh both views or opinions equally;
nonpartisanship
impeccable Without fault or error; faultless; immaculate
impede To hinder; to block passage through; to obstruct
impending About to occur
impenitent Not remorseful or repentant
imperceptible Extremely slight, gradual, or subtle
imperceptive Unable to perceive
imperial Of, relating to, befitting, or suggestive of an empire or an emperor
imperialism The policy, practice, or advocacy of extending the power and
dominion of a nation
impersonal Having no personal reference or connection
imperturbable Not easily excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and
composure
imperviousness Impenetrability
impetuous Characterized by undue haste and lack of thought or deliberation
impious Lacking piety or reverence; lacking due respect or dutifulness
implanted Fixed or set securely or deeply
implausible Having a quality that provokes disbelief; highly imaginative but
unlikely; farfetched
implement v: To make use of; n: an instrument or tool
implemented Put into execution
implicit Implied though not directly expressed
imply To express indirectly
impolite Not polite; not of polished manners; wanting in good manners;
discourteous; uncivil; rude
impostor A person who assumes a false character or pretends to be
someone else
impractical Incapable of dealing sensibly or prudently
impregnable Incapable of being taken by assault; unconquerable
impression A characteristic or feature resulting from some influence; an often
indistinct or imprecise notion or remembrance
impressionable Readily or easily influenced; suggestible
imprison To lock up in jail; to confine as if in a prison
improbability The state of being or the degree to which something is unlikely to
be true or to occur
improbable Not likely to be true or to occur or to have occurred
improperly In a manner not in accord with fact, truth, or right procedure
improvisation An unplanned act or performance; the act of making, inventing,
or arranging|offhand
improvise To perform without preparation
impulse A sudden desire; a force that makes something move
impure Not pure; not clean; dirty; foul; filthy
impurity Something that is impure or makes something else impure or
unclean; the state of being impure
impute To attribute to a source or cause
inaccessible Capable of being reached only with great difficulty or not at all;
not capable of being obtained
inaccurate Not according to truth; inexact; incorrect; erroneous
inactivity The state of being inactive; idleness
inadequate Not capable; lacking power, capacity, or competence
inadmissible Not deserving to be admitted
inadvertent Not paying attention or focusing on a matter; unintentional
inadvisable Not recommended
inane Lacking significance, meaning, or point
inarticulate Unable to speak distinctly or express oneself clearly
inaudible Impossible to hear; imperceptible by the ear
incantation A ritual recitation of magical words or sounds
incensed Angered; enraged
incentive Something that incites or has a tendency to incite to
determination or action
incident An occurrence of an action or situation that is a separate unit of
experience
incidental Occurring as a chance consequence
incinerate To reduce to ashes by burning; to thoroughly consume
incinerator A furnace for incinerating (especially to dispose of refuse)
incisive Impressively direct and decisive
incite To move to action
incitement The state or condition of being spurred to action
inclination An attitude of mind, especially one that favors one alternative
over others
incline A sloping plane
incoherent Lacking orderly continuity, arrangement, or relevance
incompatible Not easy to combine harmoniously
incompetent Not qualified or suited for a purpose; showing lack of skill or
aptitude
incongruity The quality or state of being not in harmony
incongruous Inappropriate or unsuitable; incompatible; disagreeing
inconsequential Unimportant
inconsistency Discordance in respect to sentiment or action
inconsistent Not compatible with another fact or claim
incorporate To unite or work into something already existent so as to form an
indistinguishable whole
incorrigible Unable to be reformed or amended
incremental Increasing gradually by regular degrees or additions
incriminate To accuse; to charge with a crime or fault; to criminate
incubate To cause (as an idea) to develop
incumbent The official who holds an office
indebted Owing gratitude or recognition to another
indecorous Lacking propriety and good taste in manners and conduct
indefatigable Incapable of being fatigued; untiring
indefinitely Not precisely; in a manner without exact limits
indelible Unable to be removed, washed away, or erased
independent Free; not subject to control by others; not relying on others; not
subordinate
indeterminate Not precisely established; not fixed or known in advance
indication Signal that serves to suggest something
indictment A formal written statement charging a person with an offense
indifferent Marked by a lack of interest
indignation A scornful anger at supposed unjust or unfair conduct or
treatment
indirect Not direct in manner, language, behavior or action; roundabout
indirection Procedure or action that is not straightforward or direct
indiscernible Difficult or impossible to perceive
indiscriminate Promiscuous; random; not marked by careful distinction
indispensable Absolutely or vitally necessary
indistinct Not clearly defined or easy to perceive or understand
individualistic Marked by or expressing qualities that distinguish one person
from another
indomitable Impossible to subdue
induce To call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation
inducement A positive motivational influence; an incentive; the act of bringing
about a desired result
indulgent Excessive or unrestrained in gratification of appetites, desires, or
whims
indulging Yielding to the desire of
industrial Relating to or resulting from industry
industrious Characterized by hard work and perseverance; working hard to
promote an enterprise
ineffable Defying expression or description; too sacred to be uttered
inefficacious Lacking the power to produce a desired effect
inefficient Not producing desired results; wasteful; lacking the ability or skill
to perform
effectively; inadequate
inept Not elegant or graceful in expression; generally incompetent and
ineffectual
inequities Injustices by virtue of not being fair and equitable
inevitability Something that is incapable of being avoided or evaded
inevitable Incapable of being avoided or prevented; invariably occurring or
appearing
inexorableness Mercilessness characterized by an unwillingness to relent or let
up
inextricably In a form incapable of being disentangled or solved
infamous Having a reputation of the worst kind
infamy A state of extreme dishonor; evil fame or public reputation
infection Contamination of the body by pathogenic microorganisms
causing inflammation
inferred Concluded by reasoning
infertile Not fertile or productive
infinity Time without end
inflammatory Tending to inflame or excite the senses
inflated Enlarged beyond truth or reasonableness; (informal) pretentious;
increased especially to abnormal levels
inflation The act of filling something with air
influence The power or capacity of causing an effect in indirect or intangible
ways
influential Exerting or possessing the power to cause an effect
infusion The act of infusing, pouring in, or instilling
ingenious Marked by independence and creativity in thought or action;
showing inventiveness and skill
ingredient Food that is a component of a mixture in cooking
inhabitants Those that occupy a particular place regularly, routinely, or for a
period of time
inherent Involved in the constitution or essential character of something;
belonging by nature or habit
inherit To come into possession of or receive especially as a right or
divine portion
inhibit To check; to hold back; to restrain; to hinder; to discourage from
free or spontaneous activity
initiate To introduce into a society or organization
initiated Caused or facilitated the beginning of
injurious Tending to cause great harm
innate Not established by conditioning or learning; inherent; inborn
innocent Free from evil or guilt; lacking intent or capacity to injure
innocuous Having no bad effect; harmless
innovation A new device or process created by study and experimentation
innovative Characterized by the introduction of something new
inoculate To introduce a microorganism into; to produce immunity in by
inoculation
inoculation Taking a vaccine as a precaution against contracting a disease
inquiry A request for information; an examination; an investigation
inquisitive Showing curiosity
inquisitor A questioner who is excessively harsh
insecure Not firm or firmly fixed; lacking self-confidence or assurance
insensitive Lacking feeling or tact
insight The power or act of seeing into a situation
insincere Not marked by genuineness; false
insipid Uninteresting; unchallenging
insistence The act or an instance of compelling attention
insolence The trait of being rude and impertinent; the inclination to take
liberties; an offensive, disrespectful, impudent act
insomnia An inability to sleep; chronic sleeplessness
inspection The act of viewing closely in critical appraisal
inspector One who inspects, views, or oversees
inspiration The action or power of moving the intellect or emotions
inspire To exert an animating, enlivening, or exalting influence on
instability The quality or state of being not firm or fixed
install To set up for use or service
instantaneously Without any delay
instigate To goad or urge forward
instinct A natural or inherent aptitude, impulse, or capacity
institute To originate and get established
institution Established order, method, or custom
instruction The action, practice, or profession of teaching
instructive Carrying a lesson
insular Relating to, characteristic of, or situated on an island; having or
reflecting a narrow viewpoint
insulate To protect from heat, cold, noise, etc. by surrounding with
insulating material; to place or set apart
insure To make certain of something
insurgency An organized rebellion aimed at overthrowing a government
insuring Making certain especially by taking necessary measures and
precautions
intangible Incapable of being perceived by the senses, especially the sense of
touch
integrity Firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
intellectual Engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellect
intended Purposed; designed
intense Existing in an extreme degree
intensify To increase in extent or strength
intensity Extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
intent The state of mind with which an act is done
intention A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing;
purpose; design
interchange Mutual interaction; the activity of reciprocating
interlocutors People who take part in dialogue or conversation
interlude An intervening period or episode; a brief show performed between
the sections of another performance
interminable Tiresomely long; seemingly without end
intermission A time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of
something
interpretation A particular adaptation or version of a work, method, or style; an
explanation of something not immediately obvious
interpreter Someone who uses art to represent something; someone who
translates from one language to another
interrelated Having a mutual or reciprocal connection
interrogation Formal and systematic questioning
intersecting Meeting and crossing mutually; sharing a common area
intersection A point where lines or roads cross; the set of elements common to
two or more sets
interval A space between objects, units, points, or states
interview A formal consultation usually to evaluate qualifications (as of a
prospective student or employee)
intimacy Something of a personal or private nature
intimation An indirect suggestion
intimidated Made timid or fearful as by threats; frightened into submission or
compliance
intransigent Refusing to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or
attitude; unsusceptible to persuasion
intrepid Invulnerable to fear or intimidation
intricacy Elaborately complex detail
intricate Highly involved; marked by complexity and richness of detail
intrigue To arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of
intriguing Capable of arousing interest or curiosity
introspection An examination of one’s own thoughts and feelings
intrusive Tending to intrude (especially upon privacy)
intuition Quick and ready insight
intuitive Directly apprehended
intuitively By way of quick and ready insight or immediate apprehension
inundated Rendered powerless by an excessive amount or profusion of
something; overwhelmed
invalid Being without foundation or force in fact, truth, or law
invaluable Valuable beyond estimation; inestimable; priceless; precious
invariable Unchangeable
invent To devise; to contrive or produce for the first time
invention The creation of something in the mind
inversion The reversal of the normal order of words; the act of turning
inside out or upside down
invest To lay out (money or capital) in business with the view of
obtaining an income or profit
investigate To trace or track mentally; to search into; to inquire and examine
into with care and accuracy
investment Money or capital laid out in an enterprise with the expectation of
profit
inveterate Firming established by long persistence or habit
invigorate To give life and energy and strength to
invincible Incapable of being overcome or subdued
inviolable That cannot be transgressed or dishonored; able to withstand
attack
invisible Incapable of being seen; not perceptible by vision; not visible
ire Intense and usually openly displayed anger
iridescent Having or exhibiting a lustrous, rainbowlike play of color caused
by light refraction that tends to change as the angle of view
changes
ironic Given to the use of words to express something other than and
especially the opposite of the literal meaning
irony A trope that involves incongruity between what is expected and
what occurs
irrational Not consistent with or using reason
irrationalist One who emphasizes intuition, instinct, feeling, or faith rather
than reason
irrelevant Not having significant and demonstrable bearing on the matter at
hand
irreproachable Faultless; blameless; inculpable
irresolute Lacking decisiveness of character
irresponsible Showing lack of care for consequences
irreverence Disregard or disrespect of authority or character
irrigate To supply (as land) with water by artificial means
irritable Easily annoyed
irritate To provoke impatience, anger, or displeasure in; to tease; to
exasperate; to annoy
isolated Not close together in time; being or feeling set or kept apart from
others; quarantined
isolation A state of separation between persons or groups
issues Things coming forth from a specified source
itinerary An account of travels; a register of places and distances as a
guide to travelers
ivy A widely cultivated and ornamental climbing, prostrate, or
sometimes shrubby vine
jaded Tired or dulled through repetition or excess
jarring Affecting disagreeably
jauntiness Sprightly manner or appearance; liveliness
jazz American music genre developed especially from ragtime and
blues
jeopardizing Exposing to loss or injury; risking
jog To run at a moderately swift pace
joint United; combined; concerted; joined
jollity The state of feeling jolly and jovial and full of good humor
journal A book of accounts in which is entered a condensed and grouped
statement of daily transactions
journey An act or instance of traveling from one place to another
jubilation A feeling of extreme joy
judge n: Someone who decides the outcome of a dispute; v: to administer
justice in a court
jurisdiction The power, right, or authority to interpret and apply the law
jurisprudence The branch of philosophy concerned with the law; a system or
body of law
juror Someone who serves (or waits to be called to serve) on a jury
jury A body of citizens sworn to give a true verdict according to the
evidence presented in a court of law
justice The quality or state of being just, impartial, or fair
justify To prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable
juxtaposition The act or an instance of placing two or more things side by side
kernel The inner and usually edible part of a seed, grain, nut, or fruit
stone
key Something that gives an explanation or identification or provides
a solution
kin Group of people related by blood or marriage
kindness The quality of being warm-hearted, considerate, humane, and
sympathetic
knot Any of various fastenings formed by looping and tying a rope or
cord upon itself
labeled Bearing or marked with a label or tag
laborious Involving or characterized by hard or toilsome effort
lace To draw through eyes or holes (“lace the shoes”)
lack To be deficient or missing something
lackadaisical Lacking spirit or liveliness
ladle A deep-bowled, long-handled spoon used especially for dipping up
and conveying liquids
laggard Inclined to waste time and lag behind
lament To mourn aloud
lamentation The act of bewailing; audible expression of sorrow; wailing;
moaning
lamented Mourned for
lampoon To make the subject of a harsh satire, usually directed against an
individual
landscape A picture representing a view of natural inland scenery
languidly Without animation; weakly; wearily; heavily; dully
larceny Theft; the unlawful taking of personal property with intent to
deprive the rightful owner of it
latent Concealed; dormant; existing but not developed or manifest
laudatory Expressing praise
lauded Praised; extolled
lava The melted rock ejected by a volcano
lavishly In a rich and extravagant manner
lecture To teach by giving a discourse on some subject
lecturer One who delivers a lecture
legend A story about mythical or supernatural beings or events; a brief
description accompanying an illustration
legendary Fully or widely known
legion A great number; a multitude
legislator A lawgiver; one who makes laws for a state or community; a
member of a legislative body
legislature An organized body having the authority to make laws for a
political unit
leniency A disposition to yield to the wishes of someone
lethargic Morbidly drowsy; dull; heavy; deficient in alertness or activity
lethargy A state of inaction or indifference
levity Lightness, especially in mood
lexicography The principles and practices of dictionary making
liability Debt; obligation; responsibility
liberally In a generous manner
liberating Tending to set free
liberator One who frees (as a country) from domination
libertarian Someone who believes the doctrine of free will
likelihood The quality or state of being probable
limerick A form of light or humorous verse with a specific rhythm and
rhyme scheme (5 chiefly anapestic verses: lines 1, 2, and 5 are of
three feet; lines 3 and 4 are of two feet; rhyme scheme is aabba)
linchpin A central cohesive source of support and stability
linguist A person who specializes in languages
liniment A liquid or semiliquid preparation that is applied to the skin as an
anodyne or a counterirritant
literary Of, relating to, or having the characteristics of humane learning
or literature
lithe Gracefully slender; moving and bending with ease
litigant A person engaged in a lawsuit
livid 1. Ash-colored or anemic looking from illness or emotion; 2: very
angry;
enraged
loath Unwilling to do something contrary to one’s ways of thinking
loathing Extreme disgust; a feeling of aversion, nausea, abhorrence, or
detestation
lobbying Addressing members of a legislative body with the purpose of
influencing their votes
lobbyist Someone who tries to persuade legislators to vote for bills they
favor
locomotive Self-propelled engine used to draw trains along railway tracks
lofty Lifted high up; having great height; towering; high
logic A science that deals with the principles and criteria of validity of
inference and demonstration
long-standing Of long duration
looming Coming into sight in enlarged or distorted and indistinct form
loyalty The quality of being unswerving in allegiance
lubricate To make slippery or smooth with oil or grease
lucid Clear; easily understood; capable of thinking and expressing in a
clear and consistent manner
lull A pause during which things are calm or activities are diminished
lullaby A quiet song intended to lull a child to sleep
luminous Softly bright or radiant; emitting or reflecting usually steady,
suffused, or glowing light
lummox An awkward, clumsy person
lunar Of or relating to the moon
lure 1: Something used to lure victim into danger; bait; decoy; 2: to
draw with a hint of pleasure or gain
lurid Glaringly vivid and graphic; shining with an unnatural red glow
as of fire seen through smoke
lush Produced or growing in extreme abundance
lyric Exuberant; rhapsodic; suitable for singing or being set to music
lyrical Expressing deep personal emotion
lyricist A writer of lyrics
lyrics The words of a song
machinations Covert and involved plottings to achieve usually evil ends
magnetic Possessing an extraordinary power or ability to attract
magnetism An ability to attract or charm
magnify To increase in size, volume or significance
magnitude Great size or extent
mainstream A prevailing current or direction of activity or influence
maintaining Keeping in an existing state
majority The quality or state of being greater
malediction A curse that invokes evil (and usually serves as an insult)
malevolence An evil disposition toward another; an inclination to injure others;
ill will
malfunction To fail to operate normally
malinger To avoid responsibilities and duties by feigning incapacity
malleable Capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
mandate A document giving an official instruction or command
mane Long and heavy hair growing about the neck and head of some
mammals
manifesto A written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or
views of its issuer
manufacturing The organized action of making goods and services for sale
manuscript A written or typewritten composition or document as
distinguished from a printed copy
marine biologist A scientist dealing with the study of sea life
mariners Persons who navigate or assist in navigating a ship; sailors
marred Having the surface damaged or disfigured
mass A large quantity, amount, or number
master To become skilled or proficient in the use of
materialistically With a stress on material rather than on intellectual or spiritual
things
maturation The process of becoming mature or attaining a final or desired
state
maverick Independent in behavior or thought
maxim A saying of proverbial nature
meager Deficient in amount, quality or extent
meaningful Having purpose; significant; having an assigned function in a
language system
means Things useful or helpful to a desired end
mechanical Using (or as if using) mechanisms, tools or devices
mechanic One who repairs machines
mechanized Equipped with machinery especially to replace human or animal
labor
meddlers People who interfere with others without right or propriety
mediation Negotiation to resolve differences conducted by some impartial
party
mediator A negotiator who acts as a link between parties
medieval Of, relating to, or characteristic of the Middle Ages
mediocrity Ordinariness as a consequence of being average and not
outstanding
meditate To think intently and at length, as for spiritual purposes
medley An assortment or a mixture, especially of musical pieces
meek Not violent or strong
melancholy Depression of spirits
melodious Having a musical sound, especially a pleasing tune
melodrama An extravagant comedy in which action is more salient than
characterization
melody A rhythmic succession of single tones organized as an aesthetic
whole
memoir A narrative composed from personal experience
menacing Threatening or foreshadowing evil or tragic developments
mend The repair of a worn or torn place in a garment
mentor A wise and trusted counselor, guide, or advisor
merchants Buyers and sellers of commodities for profit
merciful Full of mercy; having or exercising mercy; compassionate;
unwilling to punish
mercurial Characterized by rapid and unpredictable changeableness of
mood
mercy A disposition to be kind and forgiving
merit To be worthy of or entitled to
merits Praiseworthy qualities
merriment Activities that are enjoyable or amusing
meteorologist A scientist who deals with weather and weather forecasting
meticulous Extremely careful and precise
micron A measure of length equal to the millionth part of a meter
miffed Slightly offended
migration Movement from one country, place, or locality to another
mime To act a part with mimic gesture and action usually without
words
mimicry Imitation of a person, gesture, etc.
minimize To reduce to the smallest part or proportion possible; to reduce to
a minimum
minister One officiating or assisting the officiant in church worship
minor Comparatively unimportant
mirage An optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions (e.g., a pool
of water in the desert)
mirth Gladness or gaiety as shown by or accompanied with laughter
mirthful Full of or showing high-spirited merriment
misanthrope A person who hates or distrusts mankind
misconception An incorrect understanding or belief
misdeed Improper, wicked or immoral behavior
misdiagnose To analyze the cause or nature of an illness or situation
incorrectly
misfortune An event or series of events causing an unfortunate or distressing
result
misgivings Doubts about the fitness of an action
misleading Leading in a wrong direction or into a mistaken action
misnomer The misnaming of a person in a legal instrument; the use of a
wrong name
misperception Mistaken perception or idea; incorrect awareness of the elements
of environment through physical sensation
misrepresent To give a false or misleading representation of, usually with an
intent to deceive or be unfair
mission An operation that is assigned by a higher headquarters
misstate To state something incorrectly
mitigated Made less severe or painful
mock To treat with contempt or ridicule
moderate Professing or characterized by political or social beliefs that are
not extreme
mode A form or manner of expression
modest Marked by simplicity
modicum A small, moderate or token amount
modify To make partial changes in; to make different
mollify To calm or soothe
monarch A person who reigns over a kingdom or empire
monarchy Undivided rule or absolute sovereignty by a single person
monochromatic Having or appearing to have only one color
monologue A dramatic sketch performed by one actor
monopoly A market in which there are many buyers but only one seller
monosyllabic Having, characterized by, or consisting of one syllable
monotonous Tediously repetitious or lacking in variety
monument Something which stands, or remains, to keep in remembrance
what is past
moral Of or relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior
moralistic Characterized by or expressive of a narrow and conventional
moral attitude
morality A doctrine or system of moral conduct
morally In a manner relating to principles of right and wrong in behavior
morass Something that traps, confuses, or impedes
morose Having a sullen and gloomy disposition
motive Something (as a need or desire) that causes a person to act
mourner A person who is grieving over someone who has died
mournful Expressing sorrow
movement A natural event that involves a change in the position or location
of something; motion
mule Sterile offspring of a male donkey and a female horse
multifaceted Having many aspects
multitude The state of being many
mundane Found in the ordinary course of events
munificence Extremely liberal generosity of spirit
mural A big painting applied directly to a wall
mutability Susceptibility of change
mutilate To cut up or alter radically so as to make imperfect
mutter To complain quietly
mutual Reciprocally acting or related; common to or shared by two or
more parties
mystery A profound secret; something which has not been or can not be
explained
mystical Having a spiritual meaning or reality that is neither apparent to
the senses nor obvious to the intelligence
mystify To perplex the mind of; to puzzle
mythical Based on traditional stories and lacking factual basis or historical
validity
myths Traditional stories accepted as history which serve to explain the
world view of a people; imaginary notions
naïve Marked by unaffected simplicity
nap A period of time spent sleeping
narcissistic Having an inflated idea of one’s own importance
narrate To give a detailed account of
narrative Consisting of or characterized by the telling of a story
narrator Someone who tells a story
narrowly In a narrow manner; not allowing for exceptions
nasal Of, in or relating to the nose
nascent Coming into existence; just beginning to be
native Being such by origin
naval Of or relating to ships or shipping
navigable Able to be sailed on or through safely
navigate To guide of steer oneself
necessity The quality or state of being needed or necessary
negate To prove negative; to show to be false
neglect n: Lack of attention and due care; v: to leave undone or unattended
negotiator Someone who confers with others in order to reach an agreement
nervous Sensitive; excitable; timid
nest A structure in which animals lay eggs or give birth to their young
nickname A usually descriptive name given instead of or in addition to the
one belonging to a person, place, or thing
nip To cut off at the very commencement of growth; to kill in the
incipient stage
nocturnal Belonging to or active during the night
nomads People, usually in groups, that have no permanent home but
move about according to the seasons
nonchalance The trait of remaining calm and seeming not to care; a casual
lack of concern
nonconformist One who does not comply to some norm or socially approved
pattern of behavior or thought
nondescript Lacking distinct or individual characteristics; dull and
uninteresting
nonetheless Despite anything to the contrary (usually following a concession)
nostalgic Longing for familiar things or persons, or for a period of time or
an occurrence that has past
notable Worthy of notice; remarkable
noteworthy Worthy of notice
notorious Having an exceedingly bad reputation
nourishing Providing sustenance
nourishment Food; sustenance; that which promotes the growth of
novel An extended fictional work in prose, usually in the form of a story
novel (adj) Original or striking especially in conception or style
novelty Something new or unusual
novice At a first stage of development; just becoming familiar with the
rudiments or skills or routines
nuance A subtle difference in meaning
nudge To push into action by pestering or annoying gently
nursery 1: A room for a baby; 2: a building with glass walls and roof for
the cultivation of plants under controlled conditions
nurtured Fed; nourished; cherished
nutrient 1: Providing nourishment; 2: a nutritive substance or ingredient
nutritious Nourishing
obdurate Stubborn; inflexible
obedience Compliance with that which is required by authority; subjection
to rightful restraint or control
objection A reason or argument presented in opposition
objective Dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without distortion by
personal feelings
objectivity Judgment based on observable phenomena and uninfluenced by
emotions or personal prejudices
obligation That which obligates or constrains; the binding power of a
promise, contract, oath, or duty
obliging Happy to comply
obliterate To remove utterly from recognition or memory
oblivious Lacking conscious awareness of; failing to keep in mind
obscene Designed to incite to lust or depravity
obscure Not clearly understood or expressed
observable Capable of being seen or noticed
observation An act of recognizing and noting a fact or occurrence
observed Discovered or determined by scientific observation; witnessed at
first hand
obsessive Characterized by obsession; excessive often to an unreasonable
degree
obsolete Old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable
obstacle Something immaterial that stands in the way and must be
circumvented or surmounted
obstinacy Resolute adherence to one’s own ideas or desires; stubbornness
obstreperous Marked by unruly or aggressive noisiness
occupy To take up (a place or space)
octopus Bottom-living cephalopod having a soft oval body with eight long
tentacles
offbeat Deviating from an established or usual pattern or style
offend To transgress the moral or divine law
official One who holds an office; one having official authority or sanction
ointment Any of various substances resembling cream that have a healing
or soothing
effect when applied to the skin
olfactory Of, relating to, or connected with the sense of smell
ominous Menacing; threatening
omnipotence The quality or state of having unlimited authority or influence; an
agency or force of unlimited power
7omnipresent Present in all places at all times
omniscience The quality or state of having infinite awareness, understanding,
and insight
onerous Not easily borne; wearing
onset The beginning or early stages
opinion A personal belief that is not founded on proof or certainty
opponent One that takes an opposite position
opportunist A person who takes immediate advantage, often unethically, of a
circumstance of possible benefit; self-seeker
opportunity A possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
opposing In opposition to; characterized by active hostility
oppressive Unreasonably burdensome or severe
optimistic Anticipating the best possible outcome
opulent Rich and superior in quality; exhibiting a display of great wealth
oration An elaborate discourse, delivered in public, treating an important
subject in a formal and dignified manner
orator A person who delivers a speech or oration
orbit A path described by one body in its revolution about another
orchard A small cultivated wood without undergrowth
order Specified sequence, succession, etc.
ore A source from which valuable matter is extracted
organic Involving the use of food produced without employment of
chemically formulated fertilizers
organism A complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements
organized Formed into a structured or coherent whole; methodical and
efficient in arrangement or function
orientation Position or alignment relative to points of the compass or other
specific directions
origin The first existence or beginning of anything; the point at which
something begins or from which it derives
original Preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
ornament That which embellishes or adorns; that which adds grace or
beauty
ornate Elaborately ornamented
orthodox Conforming to established doctrine
ossify To become hardened or conventional and opposed to change
ostentatious Indulging in showy or pretentious display
ostracism The state of being banished or excluded from society by general
consent
outcast A person who is rejected (from society or home)
outcome Something that follows as a result or consequence
outdated Old; no longer in use or valid or fashionable
outlandish Strikingly out of the ordinary
outline A preliminary account
outmoded Made unfashionable or obsolete
outsider A person who does not belong to a particular group
ovation Enthusiastic recognition (especially one accompanied by loud
applause)
overcome To win a victory over; to defeat
overdue Delayed beyond the proper time of arrival or payment
overestimate To appraise too highly (a person, ability, cost, etc.)
overflow To flow or run over (a limit or brim)
overhaul To make repairs or adjustments to; to modernize
overlooked Not taken into account
overnight Lasting through or extending over the whole night
overrun To invade and occupy or ravage
oversight Omission resulting from failure to notice something
overthrow To cause the downfall of
overwhelm To overcome by superior force or numbers
overwhelming Tending to overpower in thought or feeling
pains Troubles or efforts taken to accomplish something
pale Very light colored; highly diluted with white
palette A flat surface on which artists mix paints and the range of colors
used
palliative Covering by excuses and apologies
pallid Abnormally deficient in color as suggesting physical or emotional
distress; pale
pander To provide gratification for others’ desires
pant To breathe quickly, spasmodically, or in a labored manner
pantomime A performance using gestures and body movements without
words
parallel Similar, analogous, or interdependent in tendency or development
paramount Having superior power and influence
paranoid Suffering from irrational fear, distrust, suspicion, or delusions of
persecution
paraphrase Rewording for the purpose of clarification
parasite An animal or plant that lives in or on another and from which it
obtains nourishment
parched Dried out by heat or excessive exposure to sunlight
pardoned Forgiven; absolved; excused; overlooked; acquitted
pariah A person who is rejected (from society or home)
parody Humorous or satirical mimicry
partial Being or affecting only a part; not total
parting The act of dividing; the state of being parted; division; separation
partisan Affiliated with one party or faction
passengers People traveling in a vehicle (a boat, bus, car, plane, train, etc.)
who are not operating it
passion Extreme feeling or emotion; an irrational but irresistible motive
for a belief or action
passive Not active, but acted upon
pastime A subject or pursuit that occupies one’s time and thoughts
(usually pleasantly)
pasture A field covered with grass or herbage and suitable for grazing by
livestock
pathetic Deserving or inciting pity; pitiful; wretched; inspiring mixed
contempt and pity
pathfinder Someone who can find paths through unexplored territory
pathology The science of bodily diseases
patience Calm endurance of hardship, provocation, pain, delay, etc.
patient A person who requires medical care
patron A regular customer
patronizing Treating in a condescending manner
pattern A customary way of operation or behavior
peaceable Inclined or disposed to peace
peacemaking Reconciling parties that are at variance
pedantic Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning, especially its
trivial aspects
peerless Having no equal
peer A person who is of equal standing with another in a group
peevishness An irritable, petulant feeling
pellucid Transparent; able to be seen through with clarity
penalize To inflict a penalty or punishment on
penetrating Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine
distinctions; discriminating; keen
penitent Feeling or expressing remorse for misdeeds
penurious Not having enough money to pay for necessities; excessively
unwilling to spend
perceive To attain awareness or understanding of; to become aware of
through the senses
perceptive Having the ability to understand; keen in discernment
perfectionist A person who is displeased by anything that does not meet very
high standards
perfidious Tending to betray
performance The execution of an action
perfunctory As a formality only
peril Exposure to the risk of being injured, destroyed, or lost
perilously Hazardously; dangerously
periodically In a sporadic manner
peripheral On or near an edge or constituting an outer boundary
permanence The property of being able to exist for an indefinite duration
permanent Continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change;
stable
permeated Spread or distributed throughout
permissible What is allowed
perpetrator Someone who commits or enacts wrongdoing
perpetuate To cause to last indefinitely
perplex To puzzle, bewilder, or mystify
perplexing Complicated, intricate, confusing
perplexity The state of being confused
perquisite A privilege, gain, or profit incidental to regular salary or wages
persecuted Wrongfully subjugated and oppressed
persevere To be persistent; to refuse to stop
persist To continue firmly or obstinately, esp. despite obstacles,
remonstrance, etc.
persistent Existing for a long or longer than usual time, or continuous
persnickety Fussy about small details
personify To be the embodiment
perspicacity Intelligence manifested by being astute; the capacity to draw
sound conclusions
persuade To cause somebody to adopt a certain position, belief, or course of
action
persuasion An opinion held with complete assurance
persuasive Having the power to induce action or belief
pertinent Having a clear, decisive relevance to the matter at hand
perusal The act of carefully viewing or examining
pervasive Spread throughout
perverse Turned away from what is right or good; corrupt
pessimist One who emphasizes adverse aspects, conditions, and
possibilities
pest A persistently annoying person, or that which is troublesome,
noxious, mischievous, or destructive
pesticide An agent used to destroy pests such as insects and rodents
pestilence Something that is destructive or pernicious
petal One of the modified, often brightly colored leaves of the corolla of
a flower
petroleum Rock oil, mineral oil, or natural oil; a dark brown or greenish
inflammable liquid
petty Having secondary rank or importance
pharmacist A person licensed to engage in the profession of preparing and
dispensing medical drugs
phenomenon An observable fact or event
philanthropic Generous in assistance to the poor
philosophies The most general beliefs, concepts, and attitudes of an individual
or group
phlegmatic Showing little emotion
photography The act of taking and printing photographs
physician A person skilled in the art of healing
physics The physical processes and phenomena of a particular system
pick A small thin device (of metal, plastic, or ivory) used to pluck a
stringed instrument
pictorial Of or expressed in a picture or pictures
pierce To penetrate or cut through with a sharp instrument
pillagers Persons who take spoils or plunder
pinioned Bound fast, especially having the arms restrained
pioneer One the first colonists or settlers in a new territory
pitch The property of sound that changes with variation in the
frequency of vibration
pitiful Eliciting compassion
pity To feel pity or compassion for; to have sympathy with
placate To soothe or mollify especially by concessions
plagiarism The act of passing off as one’s own the ideas or writings of
another
plague n: A disease with a high death rate; v: to cause worry or distress
to
plateau A flat surface, especially a broad, level, elevated area of land; a
table-land
platoon A military unit that is a subdivision of a company
plausible Apparently reasonable and valid; within the realm of credibility
playwright A person who writes plays
plea An earnest entreaty
pleading Arguing for or against a claim
pleated Folded
pledge A binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something
plentiful Existing in great number or quantity; an abundant supply
plight An unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation
plotted Planned in advance
plow v: To break and turn over earth; n: a farm tool used to break the
soil
ploy An opening remark intended to secure an advantage for the
speaker; a
maneuver in a game or conversation
pluck To strip of feathers
pluralism The doctrine that reality consists of several basic substances or
elements
policy Management or procedure based primarily on material interest
pompous Puffed up with vanity; ostentatious, showy, pretentious
ponderous Extremely dull
portended Foretold; predicted
portfolio A portable case for holding loose papers, prints, drawings, etc.
portrait A pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face
portray To assume or act the character of (“She portrays Lady Macbeth”)
portrayal The process of representing by or as if by a picture
pose To present for attention or consideration
possession The act of having or taking into control
posterity The offspring of one progenitor to the furthest generation
postpone To hold back to a later time
postscript Textual matter that is added onto a publication, usually at the
end
postulate To assume or claim as true, existent, or necessary
potentate Someone who rules unconstrained by law
potential Existing in possibility; capable of development into actuality
potter One that makes earthenware
practical Capable of being put to use or account
practice Rehearsal before an actual performance or application
practitioners Those engaged in the actual use or exercise of any art or
profession
pragmatist A person who takes a practical approach to problems
pranks Mischievous tricks
preach To advocate earnestly
preamble A preliminary introduction to a statute or constitution
precedence The fact of preceding in time; priority of importance
precedent An earlier occurrence of something similar
precinct A district of a city or town marked out for administrative
purposes
precious Highly esteemed or cherished
precisely In a manner or measure or to a degree or number that strictly
conforms to a fact or condition
precocious Exhibiting mature qualities at an unusually early age
preconception An opinion formed without adequate evidence
predator Any animal that lives by preying on other animals; one that preys,
destroys, or devours
predatory Characterized by plundering or pillaging or marauding; living by
preying on other animals
predecessor One who precedes in time
predict To declare or indicate in advance
predictable Possible to foretell
prediction A declaration or indication in advance
predilection An established preference for something
predominant Most frequent or common
prefigure To show, suggest, or announce by an antecedent type, image, or
likeness
preliminary Coming before and usually forming a necessary prelude to
something else; introductory or preparatory
premature Too soon or too hasty
preparation The action or process of making something ready
prepossessing Creating a favorable impression
prescribed Set down as a rule or guide; fixed or established especially by
order or command
prescription A written direction for the preparation and use of a medicine
preservative A chemical compound that is added to protect against decay or
decomposition
preserve To keep or maintain in unaltered condition; to cause to remain or
last
pressurize To confine the contents of something under a pressure greater
than that of the outside atmosphere
prestigious Having an illustrious reputation
presumptuous Excessively forward
pretentious Expressive of affected, unwarranted, or exaggerated importance,
worth, or stature
pretext A purpose or motive alleged or an appearance assumed in order
to cloak the real intention
prevent To deprive of power or hope of acting or succeeding; to keep from
happening or existing
prey Animal hunted or caught for food
primarily For the most part
primary Of first rank, importance, or value
primate Any of an order of mammals including humans, apes, monkeys,
and related forms
primitivism Belief in the superiority of a simple way of life close to nature
principal Most important, consequential, or influential
principle A basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be
used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
procedure A particular way of accomplishing something or of acting
processed Subjected to a special process or treatment
proclaim To declare publicly, esp. insistently, proudly, or defiantly
procrastinate To postpone doing what one should be doing
procurement The act of getting possession of something
prodigious Of the nature of a prodigy; marvelous; wonderful; portentous
productive Having the quality or power of producing, especially in abundance
productivity Rate of production, especially of food
profane Grossly irreverent toward what is held to be sacred
professionalism The expertness and behavior characteristic of a professional
person
proficiency The quality of having great facility and competence
profound Having intellectual depth and insight
progress A forward or onward movement
prohibition Decree that prohibits something
prohibitive Tending to discourage; preventive; hindering
prohibit To forbid by authority
proliferate To grow rapidly (“Pizza parlors proliferate in this area”)
prolific Marked by abundant inventiveness or productivity
prominence The quality, state, or fact of being conspicuous
promulgate To make known by open declaration; to proclaim
pronouncement A usually formal declaration of opinion
propaganda Ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one’s
cause or to damage an opposing cause
propagate To transmit characteristics from one generation to the next; to
reproduce; to extend
propel To drive forward; to urge or press onward by force; to move or
cause to move
prophet An authoritative person who divines the future
proponents People who plead for a cause or idea
proprietor One who has the legal right or exclusive title to something
propriety Appropriateness of behavior or morals
prosaic Lacking wit or imagination
prose Ordinary writing as distinguished from verse
prosperity An economic state of growth with rising profits and full
employment
protagonist The principal character in a work of fiction
protégé A person whose career is furthered by, and who receives support
and protection from, an influential patron
protein The total nitrogenous material in plant or animal substances
protracted Drawn out or lengthened in time or (rarely) in space; continued;
prolonged
province An administrative district or division of a country
provocative Serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate
provoke To incite to anger
proximity The property of being close together
prudent Careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
psychiatrist A scientist who studies the branch of medicine dealing with
mental, emotional, or behavioral disorders
psychological Of or relating to the branch of medicine that deals with mental,
emotional, or behavioral disorders
publicize To bring to the attention of the people at large
pugnacious Tough and callous by virtue of experience
pun The humorous use of a word to suggest different meanings, or of
words of the same sound and different meanings
punctiliousness Strict attention to minute details; meticulousness
punctual Acting, arriving or performing exactly at the time appointed
pundits Learned experts or teachers
punitive Inflicting punishment
purging An act of removing by cleansing; ridding of sediment or other
undesired elements
purpose Something set up as an object or end to be attained
purposefulness The quality of having a definite purpose or
objective
pursuit The act of following in order to overtake
putrid Decomposed; rotten
quagmire Soft, miry land that shakes or yields under the foot
quaint Attractively old-fashioned (“houses with quaint thatched roofs”)
qualities Peculiar and essential characteristics
quandary A state of perplexity or doubt
quarantine A state of enforced isolation
quarrel A usually verbal conflict between antagonists
quarrelsome Exhibiting a tendency to dispute
quell To be subdued or abated; to yield; to abate
querulous Habitually complaining (“a querulous child”)
query A question in the mind
quest An act or instance of seeking
quiescence A state of quiet
quill A stiff, hollow, protective spine on a porcupine or hedgehog
radiant Giving off or as if giving off light; beaming; effulgent (“a radiant
sunrise”)
radiation 1: The physical phenomenon of radiating energy in the form of
waves or particles; 2: the act of radiating
radical Tending or disposed to make extreme changes in existing views
radically In an extreme manner
rakish Dashingly or carelessly unconventional
rally A mass meeting intended to arouse group enthusiasm
rancor Bitter, deep-seated ill will
rancorous Showing deep-seated resentment
range To change or be different within limits
ranger An official who is responsible for managing and protecting an area
of forest
rank Degree of dignity, eminence, or excellence; position in civil or
social life; station; degree; grade
rant To talk in a noisy, excited, or declamatory manner
rare Seldom done, found, or occurring; uncommon
rarely Not often
rascal A deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
rash Requiring sudden action; pressing; urgent
raspy Unpleasantly harsh or grating in sound
rational Consistent with, based on, or using reason
rationalize To bring into accord with reason, or cause something to seem
reasonable
raucous Unpleasantly loud and harsh
ravage To affect destructively
ravenous Very eager or greedy for food, satisfaction, or gratification
raw In the natural unprocessed condition; having the surface exposed
and painful (“a raw wound”)
razing The event of a structure being completely demolished and leveled
reaction The act or process or an instance of responding; a response
reactionary Extremely conservative
realism Fidelity in art and literature to nature or to real life
reality A real event, entity, or state of affairs
reasonable Not extreme or excessive
rebate A refund of some fraction of the amount paid
rebellion Refusal to accept some authority, code, or convention
rebellious Resisting treatment or management
rebels Participants in a rebellion
rebuff To reject or criticize sharply; to snub
rebuke To criticize sharply; to reprimand
recalling Bringing back to mind
recipient One that receives
reciprocate To act, feel, or give in return
reciprocity A mutual exchange of privileges
reclamation The conversion of waste land into land suitable for habitation or
cultivation
reclusive Withdrawn from society; seeking solitude
recognize To acknowledge formally
reconcile To bring into consonance or accord; to make peace
reconciliation The action of restoring to friendship or harmony
reconstructing Establishing or assembling again
reconstruction The act of establishing or reassembling
recovery The act, process, or an instance of regaining, reclaiming, or
recuperating
recrimination Retaliatory accusation
recuperate To get over an illness or shock
recursive Of, relating to, or constituting a procedure that can repeat itself
indefinitely or until a specified condition is met
redoubtable Formidable; inspiring fear
redundancy Superfluous repetition
redundant Exceeding what is normal or necessary
reef A submerged ridge of rock or coral near the surface of the water
refinement A highly developed state
reflect To express a thought or opinion resulting from reflection
reflection 1: The return of light or sound waves from a surface; 2: a
thought, idea, or opinion formed as a result of meditation
reform A removal or correction of an abuse, a wrong, or an error
reformer One that works for or urges change for the better
refrain A recurring phrase or number of lines, esp. at the ends of stanzas
refurbish To restore and redecorate; to brighten up
refute To prove wrong by argument or evidence; to show to be false or
erroneous
regale Provide with sumptuous or abundant food or drink; to entertain
lavishly
regard To consider and appraise, usually from a particular point of view
regeneration Renewal or restoration of a body or bodily part after injury or as a
normal process
region An administrative area, division, or district
regret Sorrow aroused by circumstances beyond one’s control or power
to repair
regulation A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
rehabilitate To help to restore to a former state (e.g., of health or good repute)
rehearse To recite or repeat in private for experiment and improvement
prior to public performance
reign The time during which a king, queen, or emperor possesses the
supreme authority
reintegrate To restore; to bring again together into a whole
reject To throw away; to discard; to refuse to accept or consider
relative Not absolute or independent; comparative
relevance The relation of something to the matter at hand
relief Removal or lightening of something oppressive
relieve To free from a burden; to give aid or help to
relishing Appreciating with taste and discernment
reluctance The quality of feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or
unwillingness
reluctant Feeling or showing aversion, hesitation, or unwillingness
remarkable Worthy of being or likely to be noticed, especially as being
uncommon or extraordinary
remedial Tending or intended to rectify or improve
remedy That which corrects or counteracts an evil of any kind, e.g., a
cure for a disease
remorseful Motivated by a sense of guilt for past wrongs
remote Located far away
remuneration The act of paying for goods or services; recompense for losses
render To cause to be; to become
renounce To refuse to follow, obey, or recognize any further
renowned Widely known and esteemed
renunciation The rejection of something or someone as invalid
repeal To recall; to call back
repel To cause aversion in; to repulse
repetition A doing or saying again
replenish To fill or build up again
replica A copy exact in all details
replicate To make, do, or perform again
reprehensible Bringing or deserving severe rebuke or censure
representation An artistic likeness or image
reprieve A temporary relief from harm or discomfort
reprimand A severe or formal reproof
reprisal The regaining of something (as by recapture)
reprise To repeat the performance of
repudiated Disowned; disavowed; rejected; denied
repulsive Cold; forbidding; offensive (“he has repulsive manners”)
reputable Having a good reputation; held in esteem
reputation Overall quality or character as seen or judged by people in general
requested Asked for
resentful Full of or inclined to feel indignant or ill will
resentment Strong displeasure; anger; hostility provoked by a wrong or injury
experienced
resigned Having come to accept
resilient Recovering readily from adversity or depression
resistance An opposing or retarding force
resisted Withstood the force or effect of
resolute Firm in purpose or belief; characterized by firmness and
determination
resolution A formal expression of opinion, will, or intent, agreed to by a vote
respectability The quality of being decent or correct in character or behavior
resplendent Having great beauty and splendor
restitution A sum of money paid in compensation for loss or injury
restive Being in a tense state; marked by restlessness
restoration A bringing back to a former position or condition
restrain To prevent from doing, exhibiting, or expressing something
restrict To confine within bounds
resuscitation Revival from apparent death or from unconsciousness
retain To keep in mind or memory; to keep in possession or use
retaliation Action taken in return for an injury or offense
retention The act of keeping in one’s possession
retiree Someone who has concluded or withdrawn from one’s working or
professional career
retract To draw back or in
retreat To move back or away
retribution The dispensing or receiving of punishment or reward
retroactive Made effective as of a date prior to enactment
revel To celebrate noisily; to engage in wild festivities
revelation An act of revealing to view or making known
revere To regard with profound respect and affection, mingled with awe
or fear
reverence Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as
for a holy being or place
revile To subject to verbal abuse
revise To look over again in order to correct or improve
revision The act of rewriting or altering something
revolt To renounce allegiance or subjection
revolution The overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the
substitution of another by the governed
revolutionary Markedly new or introducing radical change
revolutionize To fundamentally change the way of thinking about or visualizing
something
rhapsodize To say with great enthusiasm
rhythm An ordered, recurrent alternation of strong and weak elements in
the flow of sound and silence in speech
ridicule To subject to laughter
rigid Incapable of or resistant to bending
rigorously Strictly; harshly; precisely
ritual The established form for a ceremony
rival One who is in pursuit of or striving for the same object or goal as
another; a competitor
rivals Those striving for competitive advantage
role A part played by an actor, singer, or dancer
romantic Marked by expressions of love or affection
rooted Fixed or implanted by or as if by roots
route A traveled way
rural Of or relating to the country, country people or life, or agriculture
ruse A crafty trick
sadden To make or become unhappy
sagacious Acutely insightful and wise
salutation A word or phrase of greeting used to begin a letter
salve Anything that remedies, heals, or soothes
salvo A spirited verbal attack
sanctimonious Affecting piousness; hypocritically devout
sanction A formal decree
sanctioned Given official authorization or approval to
sanguine Marked by sturdiness, high color, and cheerfulness
sarcasm Witty language used to convey insults or scorn
satirize To censure or ridicule by means of sarcasm; to humorously
expose and discredit vice or folly
savory Pleasing to the organs of taste or smell
scandal Loss of or damage to reputation caused by actual or apparent
violation of morality or propriety
scapegoat Someone punished for the errors of others
scarcest Least plentiful or abundant
scathing Marked by harshly abusive criticism
scenery A picturesque view or landscape
scheme To make a scheme of; to plan; to design; to project; to plot
scholarship A grant-in-aid to a student
scorch To burn so as to affect color or taste
script The written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast
scrumptious Extremely pleasing to the sense of taste
scrupulous Careful to avoid doing wrong
scrutinize To examine closely; to inspect or observe with critical attention; to
regard narrowly
scurry To move about or proceed hurriedly
seance A meeting of spiritualists (“The seance was held in the medium’s
parlor”)
secondhand Acquired after being used by another; not new
secrete To generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
security Freedom from danger
sedative A drug that reduces excitability and induces calm
sedentary Not migratory; settled
seedling Young plant or tree grown from a seed
segment A separate piece of something
seldom In few instances; rarely
semaphore An apparatus for visual signaling with lights or mechanically
moving arms
sense A particular sensation or kind or quality of sensation
sensitive Receptive to sense impressions; understanding of the feelings of
others
sentiment 1: Personal belief that is not founded on proof or certainty; 2: an
attitude, thought, or judgment prompted by feeling
sequential In regular succession without gaps
serenade A complimentary vocal or instrumental performance, esp. a
romantically inspired one given outdoors at night for a woman
serendipity The faculty of making fortunate discoveries of things you were not
looking for
serene Calm; peaceful
serenity The quality or state of being serene; clearness and calmness;
quietness; stillness; peace
serpentine Coiling; meandering; writhing
serviceable Fit for use
servile Submissive or fawning in attitude or behavior
setback A step backward; cessation of progress
severity Rigorous restraint, punishment, or requirement
shallow Lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension; lacking in
depth of knowledge or feeling
sharecropper A tenant farmer especially in the southern U.S.
sharpshooter A good marksman
shed To eject (as seed or spores) from a natural receptacle
sheer Complete and without restriction or qualification; pure,
unadulterated; thin or transparent
shift To change the place, position, or direction of
shoddiness Hastily or poorly done
shortsighted Lacking the ability to look forward
shroud That which clothes, covers, conceals, or protects
shun To avoid and stay away from deliberately; to stay clear of
significant Having meaning
silhouette The outline of a body viewed as circumscribing a mass
simulate To give or assume the appearance or effect of, often with the
intent to deceive
sincerity Honesty of mind
single-minded Having one driving purpose or resolve
siren A warning signal that is a loud wailing sound
sketch A rough drawing representing the chief features of an object or
scene and often made as a preliminary study
sleekness A smooth, well-groomed look; elegance; stylishness
slight Small of its kind or in amount
sluggard An habitually lazy person
smudge A blurry spot or streak
snivel To speak or act in a whining, sniffling, tearful, or weakly
emotional manner
sociologist A scientist who studies society, social institutions, and social
relationships
solemnize To observe or perform with dignity or gravity
soliciting Approaching with a request or plea
solicitous Showing interest or concern
solidarity Unity (as of a group or class) that produces or is based on
communal interests
solidify To make solid or compact
soluble Capable of being dissolved in some solvent (usually water)
solution A homogeneous mixture of two or more substances
80
somber So shaded as to be dark and gloomy
soothing Having a sedative effect
sought Tried to acquire or gain
sound Based on thorough knowledge and experience
sour To cause or permit to become harsh or unkindly
source 1: A point of origin or procurement; 2: a firsthand document or
primary reference work
spatial Pertaining to, involving, or having the nature of space
species A class of individuals having common attributes and designated
by a common name
specimen An example regarded as typical of its class
speculate To believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds
speculative Marked by questioning curiosity
spirited Full of energy, animation, or courage
sponsor One who assumes responsibility for some other person or thing
spontaneity Arising from a momentary impulse
spontaneously In a manner proceeding from natural feeling or native tendency
without external constraint
sprawling Causing to spread out carelessly or awkwardly
spur A goad to action; stimulus
spurious Not genuine; false
squander To spend (money, time, etc.) wastefully; to dissipate (a fortune,
etc.) wastefully
squelch To suppress or crush completely (“Squelch any sign of dissent”)
stability The strength to stand or endure
stagnation A state of inactivity
staid Characterized by dignity and propriety
stalk The stem or main axis of a plant
stamina The ability to sustain a prolonged, stressful effort or activity
stance Intellectual or emotional attitude
standards Things set up and established by authority as a rule for the
measure of quantity, weight, value, or quality
staple A commodity for which the demand is constant
stature Height or size of the body
statute An act passed by a legislative body
stealth The act of avoiding detection by proceeding furtively, secretly, or
imperceptibly
stereotype A person or thing that conforms to an unjustifiably fixed, usually
standardized,
mental picture
sterilized Made incapable of germination
stevedore A laborer who loads and unloads vessels in a port
stifle To smother, muffle, cut off, or repress
stimulus Something that rouses or incites to activity
stoic Not affected by or showing passion or feeling
strain To exert to the utmost
strains Groups of presumed common ancestry with clear-cut
physiological distinctions
strategies Careful plans or methods
strenuous Marked by or calling for energy or stamina
stretches Unbroken periods of time
stride A long step
strive To exert much effort or energy
struggle To make strenuous or violent efforts against opposition
stub To strike against an object, as of one’s toe or foot
stump To cause to be perplexed or confounded
sturdy Having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
style Mode of expressing thought in language, whether oral or written
subdued Restrained in style or quality
subjective Taking place within the mind and modified by individual bias
submerge To put under water
submissiveness The trait of being willing to yield to the will of another person or a
superior force
submit To yield to governance or authority
subsequently In a successive manner
subsidize To furnish with a subsidy; to purchase the assistance of by the
payment of a subsidy; to aid or promote
substantially To a degree largely but not wholly that which is specified
substantiated Supported with proof or evidence; verified
substantive Considerable in amount or numbers
substitution The act of putting one person or thing in the place of another
subtitle Translation of foreign dialogue usually displayed at the bottom of
the screen or stage
subtle Delicately constituted or constructed; nice; fine; delicate;
tenuous; finely woven
subversive Characterized by a systematic attempt to overthrow or undermine
a government or political system
subvert To overturn or overthrow from the foundation
successor A person or thing that succeeds another; a person who inherits
some title or office
sue To seek justice or right from, by legal process
suffice To be adequate, either in quality or quantity
sufficient Enough to meet the needs of a situation or a proposed end
suggest To mention or imply as a possibility
suggestive Having a covert or special meaning
sullen Showing a brooding ill humor
sully To place under suspicion or cast doubt upon (“sully someone’s
reputation”)
summarize To tell in or reduce to a succinct covering of the main points
superficial Presenting only an appearance; without substance or significance
superficiality Lack of depth of knowledge, thought, or feeling
superfluity Extreme excess
superfluous Extra; unnecessary
superiority The quality or state of being above another in rank, station, or
office
supernatural Not existing in nature, or not subject to explanation according to
natural laws; not physical or material
superstitious Full of beliefs or practices that result from ignorance, fear of the
unknown, trust in magic or chance, or a false conception of
causation
supervisor One who supervises or has charge and direction of
supplanted Removed or displaced by stratagem; displaced and taken the
place of; superseded
supplication The act of making a humble entreaty; humble and earnest prayer,
as in worship
supportive Furnishing support or assistance
suppressed Put down by force
suppression The act of putting down by authority or force
supreme Highest in rank or authority
surfeit The quality of being overabundant; an excess
surpass To transcend the reach, capacity, or powers of
surrender To give up completely or agree to forgo; to yield
surreptitious Marked by quiet, caution, secrecy, or stealth; taking pains to
avoid being observed
surrogates People appointed to act in place of others; substitutes
survey To take a poll; to measure the size of a piece of land
surveyor One who views and examines for the purpose of ascertaining the
condition, quantity, or quality of anything
suspicion An impression that something might be the case
sustaining Bearing; upholding; supporting
swagger To walk with a lofty, proud gait, often in an attempt to impress
others
swarm To appear or collect in a crowd; to throng together
swerve The act of turning aside suddenly
swiftly With great speed
swindle To cheat or defraud grossly
syllabus A summary outline of a discourse, treatise, course of study, or
examination requirements
symbiosis The relation between two different kinds of organisms that are
interdependent (each gains benefits from the other)
symbolize To represent, express, or identify by a symbol (an image or
picture)
symmetry Correspondence in size, shape, and relative position of parts on
opposite sides of an axis or dividing line
sympathize To share in suffering or grief
symphony A large orchestra
symptom Subjective evidence of disease or physical disturbance
synopsis A condensed statement or outline
syntax The part of grammar dealing with the construction of sentences
synthetic Of, relating to, or produced by chemical or biochemical synthesis
tactful Having or showing a sense of what is fitting and considerate in
dealing with others
tactile Perceptible by touch; of or relating to the sense of touch
tagged Supplied with an identifying marker
taint To contaminate morally; to touch or affect slightly with something
bad
tale An account describing incidents or events
talented Showing a natural aptitude for something
talisman A trinket or piece of jewelry thought to be a protection against evil
tangential Of superficial relevance
tanned Converted into leather
tattoo A design made on the skin by pricking and staining
taunting Aggravating by deriding, mocking, or criticizing
taut Pulled or drawn tight
technology The practical application of science to commerce or industry
tedious Tiresome because of length or dullness
tedium Boredom; the state of being tiresomely long or wearisome
temerity Audacity
temperament One’s characteristic mood
temperance Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural
appetites and passions
temple An edifice for the worship of a deity
temptation A cause or occasion of enticement
tenaciously With obstinate determination
tenacity Persistent adherence to a belief or a point of view; fortitude
tenant Someone who pays rent to use land or a building owned by
someone else
tendency A proneness to a particular kind of thought or action
tension Extreme strain of mind or excitement of feeling; intense effort
tentacles Elongated, flexible, limb-like extensions used by an animal for
feeling, grasping, or locomotion
tentative Under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
tenuous Having little substance or significance
tepid Lacking in passion, force, or zest
term A word or expression that has a precise meaning peculiar to its
use
terminate To bring to an end
terrestrial Of, relating to, or inhabiting the land as opposed to the sea or air
testable Capable of being or liable to be subjected to judgment or test
testimony A solemn statement made under oath
text The main body of a written work
textile A woven or knit cloth
theme A unifying idea that is a recurrent element in a literary or artistic
work
theology The study of religious faith or practice
theoretical Confined to speculation, often in contrast to practical applications
theories Analyses of a set of facts in their relation to one another
theory A concept that is not yet verified, but that if true would explain
certain facts or phenomena
therapeutic Tending to cure or restore to health
thermal Of, relating to, or caused by heat
thesis A proposition to be proved or one advanced without proof
thicket A wood or a collection of closely set trees, shrubs, etc.
threat Something that is a source of danger
threshold The point at which a physiological or psychological effect begins
to be produced
throne The chair of state of a sovereign or high dignitary
throng A large gathering of people
thwarted Disappointingly unsuccessful; frustrated
tidal Of, relating to, or caused by tides
time-honored Honored because of age or long usage
timeless Unaffected by time 85
timepiece An instrument or device for keeping time
timid Lacking in courage or self-confidence
timing Selection of, or the ability to select for maximum effect, the
precise moment for beginning or doing something
timorous Timid by nature or revealing timidity
toady A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal
advantage
tolerance Capacity to endure pain or hardship; endurance
tolerate To put up with
tome A volume forming part of a larger work; a large, scholarly book
topography 1: The physical or natural features of an object or entity and their
structural relationships; 2: the art of mapmaking
torment To cause severe, usually persistent or recurring distress of body
or mind
torpor Apathy or dullness; a state of inactivity with partial or total
insensibility; numbness
tourniquet A device that stops the flow of blood from an artery by applying
pressure
tout To praise or publicize loudly or extravagantly
toxic Relating to or caused by a toxin or poison
trace A barely detectable amount of a substance
tract A pamphlet or leaflet of political or religious propaganda
tradition An inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought,
action, or behavior
tragic Mournful; expressive of tragedy, the loss of life, or sorrow
trail A track made by passage, especially through a wilderness
trait A distinguishing or marked feature; a peculiarity (“a trait of
character”)
traitor One who violates allegiance
tram A vehicle on rails used primarily for transporting passengers and
typically operating on city streets
tranquility A state of being free from stress or emotion; peacefulness
tranquilizer A drug used to reduce stress, tension, or mental disturbance
transformed Changed in composition or structure
transgress To act in disregard of laws and rules
transience An impermanence that suggests the inevitability of ending or
dying; the attribute of being brief or fleeting
transient Passing especially quickly into and out of existence
transitory Short-lived or temporary
translation A rendering from one language into another; the product of such
a rendering
translucent Almost transparent; allowing light to pass through diffusely
transmit To cause to pass over or through
transmute To change from one nature, form, or substance into another; to
transform
transparent Transmitting light; able to be seen through with clarity
trap A device in which something can be caught
traveler A person who changes location
traverse To travel or extend across
treachery Violation of allegiance or of faith and confidence
treason The betrayal of a trust
treatise A systematic exposition or argument in writing
tremendous Extraordinarily large in size, extent, amount, power or degree
tremor A trembling or shaking, usually from physical weakness,
emotional stress, or disease
tremulous Quivering as from weakness or fear
trepidation Uncertain agitation
trespass A violation of moral or social ethics
tribe A social group comprising numerous families, clans, or
generations
triggering Setting in motion some course of events
trinkets Cheap showy jewelry or ornaments
trite Unoriginal; overused
triumph The joy or exultation of victory or success
trivial Ordinary; commonplace; of little worth or importance
trophy Any evidence or memorial of victory or conquest
troubadour A lyric poet-musician in medieval France and Italy whose job was
to entertain through the singing and telling of tales (often dealing
with courtly love)
troupe A group of theatrical performers
truculent Defiantly aggressive
trumpet A wind instrument consisting of a conical or cylindrical (usually)
metal tube and a cup-shaped mouthpiece
truncated Cut short in duration
trust To place confidence in; to rely on; to confide or repose faith in
tumultuous Characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
tunnel A passageway through or under an obstruction
turbulent Causing unrest, violence, or disturbance
turmoil A state or condition of extreme confusion, agitation, or commotion
tweed A rough woolen fabric made usually in twill weaves and used
especially for suits and coats
tyrannical Of, relating to, associated with or resembling a dictatorship
tyranny A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator
tyrant A monarch, or other ruler or master, who uses power to oppress
his subjects
ultimately In the end
unalterable Not capable of being changed or altered (“unalterable resolve”)
unanimously With the agreement and consent of all
unattainable Unreachable as an end
unattractive Lacking power to arouse interest
uncanny Seemingly supernatural; mysterious
uncensored Not subject to censorship
uncertain Not firm or secure
undeniable Unquestionably excellent or genuine; plainly true; incontestable
underdog A predicted loser in a struggle or contest
undermine To weaken or ruin by degrees
underprivileged Deprived through social or economic condition of some of the
fundamental rights of a civilized society
underscore To give extra weight to (a communication)
undesirable Not worthy of being chosen
unexampled Having no example or parallel
unfathomable Impossible to comprehend
unfetter To loose from restraint; to unchain; to unshackle; to liberate (“to
unfetter the mind”)
unfit Not adapted to a purpose
unflagging Unceasing; unfailing (“unflagging loyalty”; “unflagging good
spirits”; “unflagging courtesy”)
unforeseen Not anticipated
ungainly Lacking in smoothness or dexterity
unheralded Without warning or announcement
uniformity A condition in which everything is regular and unvarying
uninspiring Not having an animating or exalting effect
unintended Not having in mind a specific purpose or goal
union A confederation of independent individuals (as nations or
persons) for some common purpose
unique Distinctively characteristic
uniqueness The quality of being one of a kind
united Joined together; combined
unity An unreduced or unbroken completeness or totality
unjustifiable Incapable of being justified or explained
unleashed Let loose
unorthodox Breaking with convention or tradition
unpalatable Not pleasing to the taste
unparalleled Radically distinctive and without equal
unproductive Not producing desired results
unscrupulously Without motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral
principles
unsettling Having the effect of upsetting, disturbing, or discomposing
unstable Lacking stability, fixity, or firmness
untamed Wild and uncontrolled
untenable Incapable of being defended or justified
untimely Done or happening at an unusual, improper or inopportune time
unvaried Not diversified
unwavering Marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
unyielding Persistent; not giving way
uphold To give support to
urban Of, relating to, characteristic of, or constituting a city
usurpers Those who take or make use of without right
utilitarian Having a useful function
utilize To turn to practical use or account
utopia An imaginary place considered to be perfect or ideal
utterance Vocal expression
vacant 1: Void of thought or knowledge (“a vacant mind”); 2: without an
occupant or incumbent
vaccine A preparation used to procure immunity from one or several
diseases
vaguely In an unclear manner
vain Having or showing undue or excessive pride in one’s appearance
or achievements
vainglorious Boastful
valid Well grounded in logic or truth or having legal force
validate To declare or make legally valid; to grant official sanction to by
marking
validity The well-grounded or justifiable nature of an instance or thing
vandalism Willful, wanton, and malicious destruction of the property of
others
vapid Lacking liveliness, tang, briskness, or force
vaporize To turn into gas; to convert or be converted into vapor
varied Differing from one another
variegated Having marks or patches of different colors (e.g., variegated leaves
or flowers)
variety The quality or state of having different forms or types
varnished Covered or concealed with something that gives a fair appearance
vast Very great in size, amount, degree, or intensity
vastness Unusual largeness in size or extent
veiled Having a concealing cover; muted, unclear; disguised
venal Open to corrupt influence and especially bribery
vendor Someone who exchanges goods or services for money
veneer To overlay or plate with a thin layer of wood or other material for
outer finish or decoration
venerable Impressive by reason of age
venerate To regard with reverential respect
venerated Worthy of adoration or reverence
vengeance Punishment inflicted in return for an injury or an offense
vengeful Disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
venom The poisonous matter which certain animals communicate by
biting or stinging
verdant Covered with growing plants or grass
verge To move or extend in some direction or toward some condition
verified Supported or established by evidence or proof
verse Stanza of a poem or song with or without refrain
vestige A trace; a sign; a clue that something has been present
vex To cause annoyance in; to disturb, esp. by minor irritations
vicarious Experienced in the imagination through another person
vicious Dangerously aggressive
victor One that defeats an enemy or opponent
victorious Having won a victory
victory Achievement of mastery or success in any struggle or competition
vigilant Carefully observant or attentive; on the lookout for possible
danger
vignette A short, descriptive essay or character sketch
vigorous Full of physical or mental strength or active force
vile Morally reprehensible
vilify To utter slanderous and abusive statements against
villainous Extremely wicked
vindictive Disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
vine A plant whose stem requires support and which climbs by
tendrils or twining or creeps along the ground
violation An infringement of the rules
virtue The quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
virtuoso A person who has great skill at some endeavor
90
visionary One whose ideas or projects are impractical (dreamer)
vision That which is seen; an object of sight
visual Attained or maintained by sight
vital Urgently needed; absolutely necessary
vitality Lively and animated character
vivacious Lively in temper, conduct, or spirit
vivid Exhibiting the appearance of life or freshness; animated; spirited;
bright; strong; intense
vocalist A person who sings
vocation The particular occupation for which one is trained
vociferously In a loud, clamorous, or noisy manner
volatile Evaporating readily at normal temperatures and pressures; easily
aroused; tending to erupt in violence
vulgar Lacking refinement, cultivation, or taste
vulnerable Open to attack or damage
wan Having a pale or sickly hue; languid of look; pale; pallid
waning Gradually decreasing in magnitude or extent
warring Engaged in war
wary Marked by keen caution and watchful prudence
waste Any material unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted
wave Something that swells and dies away
welfare The state of doing well, especially in respect to good fortune
whim A capricious or eccentric and often sudden idea or turn of the
mind
whimsical Determined by chance, impulse or fancy rather than by necessity
or reason
whine To utter a high-pitched plaintive or distressed cry
widespread Widely circulated or diffused
wily Cunning
withheld Held back from action
witticism A cleverly witty and often biting or ironic remark
witty Combining clever conception and facetious expression
woods A dense growth of trees, usually greater in extent than a grove
and smaller than a forest
woodwork The craft of a carpenter; things made out of wood
worship To honor with extravagant love and extreme submission
wrath Intense anger (usually on an epic scale); belligerence aroused by a
real or supposed wrong
wrongdoing Activity that transgresses moral or civil law
wryly Cleverly and often with ironic or grim humor
yearn To desire strongly or persistently; to have a yen for
yield To relinquish one’s possession of
yielding Giving in return for labor expended; producing
yields Amounts or quantities produced or returned
yolk Nutritive material of an ovum, esp. the yellow mass of a bird or
reptile egg
zealous Passionate; extremely interested in pursuing something