database.csv

aback|unexpected; surprised and disconcerted
abacus|counting device
abandon|desert, forsake
abase|degrade; to reduce or lower, as in rank, office, reputation, or estimation; humble
abash|to destroy the self-confidence, poise, or self-possession of; disconcert; make ashamed or embarrassed
abate|to reduce in amount, degree, intensity, etc.; lessen; diminish
abbey|monastery
abdicate|to renounce one's thrown
abecedarian|arranged alphabetically; rudimentary; elementary
abed|in bed
aberrant|departing from an accepted standard
aberration|(noun) a deviation from what is normal or expected
abet|encourage or assist someone to do wrong, in particular to commit a crime or offense
abetment|alleviation
abeyance|state of temporary disuse or suspension
abhor|detest
abide|submit, endure
abject|utterly hopeless, miserable, humiliating, or wretched
abjure|solemnly renounce a belief, claim or a cause
ablate|cut away; to remove or dissipate by melting, vaporization, erosion
ablution|the act of washing oneself; could be ceremonial or sacred containers used in the act
abolish|annul, to do away with
abominable|repugnantly hateful; detestable; loathsome
aborning|in birth; before being carried out
abortive|failing to succeed; unsuccessful
abound|to occur or exist in great quantities or numbers
aboveboard|(adjective) open and honest
abraded|rubbed off, worn away by friction
abrasion|rubbing, scraping, wearing off
abreast|side by side; beside each other in a line
abridge|shorten (a book, movie, speech or other text)
abrogate|appeal or do away with (a law, right or formal agreement)
abrupt|ending suddenly; curt or brusque in speech, manner
abscess|infected and inflamed tissue
abscond|to leave hurriedly and secretly, usually to avoid detection or arrest
absolve|to free from guilt or blame or their consequences
abstain|to refrain
abstemious|not self-indulgent, especially when eating or drinking
abstinence|the fact or practice of restraining oneself from indulging in something
abstract|existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence
abstruse|difficult to understand
abundant|plentiful
abut|be next to or have a common boundary with (as in land)
abysmal|extremely bad; appalling
abyss|an extremely great depth
a cappella|without accompaniment
accede|assent or agree to a demand, request or treaty
accentuate|to give emphasis or prominence to
accessible|(of a place) able to be reached or entered
accession|attainment of rank
accessory|attachment, ornament, accomplice or partner
acclaimed|welcomed with shouts and approval
acclaim|praise enthusiastically and publicly
acclimate|to accustom or become accustomed to a new climate or environment; adapt
acclivity|ascent, incline
accolade|an award or privilege granted as a special honor or as an acknowledgement of merit
accommodate|adapt to another's needs
accommodating|helpful
accomplice|one who aids a law breaker
accord|agreement
accost|to approach and speak to someone
accouter|to equip or outfit, esp. with military clothes, equipment, etc
accredit|authorize
accrete|to grow together; adhere (usually fol. by to)
accretion|the growing of separate things into one
accrue|to accumulate, grow by additions
acerbic|(esp of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright
acme|the highest point; summit; peak
acolyte|an assistant; an altar attendant in public worship; altar boy
acoustic|pertaining to sound
acquaint|familiarize
acquiesce|to accept something reluctantly but without protest
acquisition|something acquired, acquiring
acquisitive|tending or seeking to acquire and own, often greedily; eager to get wealth, possessions, etc.
acquit|free from blame
acrid|having an irritatingly strong and unpleasant taste or smell
acrimonious|caustic and bitter
acrimony|bitterness or ill feeling
acrophobia|fear of heights
actuate|induce, to start
acuity|sharpness; acuteness; keenness
acumen|the ability to make good judgements and quick decisions, typically in a particular domain 
adage|a proverb or short saying implying a general truth
adamant|refusing to be persuaded or to change one's mind
addendum|a thing to be added; an addition
adduce|to bring forward in argument or as evidence; cite as pertinent or conclusive; offer as an example
adept|very skilled; proficient; expert
adherent|a person who follows or upholds a leader, cause, etc.; supporter; follower
adhere|remain faithful, stick fast to
adhesion|adhering, support
adieu|farewell; good-bye
adipose|fatty; consisting of, resembling, or relating to fat
adjacent|lying near, next
adjourn|to defer or postpone to a later time
adjudicate|to pronounce or decree by judicial sentence; to sit in judgment (usually fol. by upon)
adjunct|something added to another thing but not essential to it; addition
adjutant|assistant to an officer
admonish|warn or reprimand someone firmly
admonition|an act or action which gives warning or firm reprimand to someone
admonitory|giving or conveying a warning or reprimand
ad nauseam|to a ridiculous degree
ado|busy activity; bustle; fuss
adroit|expert or nimble in th euse of the hands or body; resourceful or ingenious
adulation|obsequiece flattery; excessive admiration or praise
adulterate|render (something) poorer in quality by adding another substance; typically an inferior one
adulteration|making unpure, poorer in quality
adumbrate|report or represent in an outline; indicate faintly
adumbration|overshadow
advent|a coming into place, view, or being; arrival
adventitious|happening or carried on according to chance rather than design or inherent nature
adversary|one's opponent in a contest, conflict or dispute
adversity|difficulties or misfortune
advocate|a person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy
aegis|that which protects 
aesthete|(noun) one who professes great sensitivity to the beauty of art and nature
aesthetic|concerned with beauty or the appreciation of beauty
affable|friendly, good natured, or easy to talk to
affectation|n. fake or artificial behavior, often meant to impress or conceal the truth
affirmation|the action or process of asserting something as a fact, asserting strongly and publicy
affluent|(adjective) wealthy
afford|(verb) provide with an opportunity
agglomeration|a jumbled cluster or mass of varied parts
aggrandize|increase the power, status or wealth of
aggravate|make worse or more serious
aggregate|a whole formed by combining several (typically disparate) elements
aggress|to commit the first act of hostility or offense; attack first
agile|able to move quickly and easily
agitprop|agitation and propaganda, esp. for the cause of communism
agog|very eager or curious to hear or see something
agon|(in ancient Greece) a contest in which prizes were awarded in any of a number of events, as athletics, drama, music, poetry, and painting.; in literature a conflict esp. between the pro- and antagonist
ail|trouble; be ill
a la carte|priced seperately
alacrity|brisk and cheerful readiness
alchemy|process by which one metal is transformed into another (esp gold)
alcove|a recess, typically in the wall of a room or of a garden
aleatory|depending on the throw of a die or on chance; random
alight|descend from a train, bus or some other transport
allay|diminish or put at rest
allegiance|duty, support, loyalty
alleviate|to lessen the impact; to make (suffering, deficiency) less severe
aloof|not friendly or forthcoming; coll and distant
altruism|(noun) the quality of unselfish concern for the welfare of others
altruistic|one who is in the practice of disinterested selfless concern for the well-being of others
amalgamate|combine or unite to form one organization or structure
amalgam|(noun) a mixture of multiple things
ambidextrous|able to use the right hand equally well as the left
ambigous|open to more than one interpertation; having a double meaning
ambiguous|(adjective) open to more than one interpretation
ambit|circuit or compass; the boundaries or limits of a district or place; an area in which something acts or has power; scope
ambivalent|having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone
ambuscade|an ambush
ameliorate|to make or become better, more bearable, or more satisfactory; improve; meliorate
amenable|open and responsive to suggestion; easily persuaded or controlled
amendment|improving
amiable|(adjective) friendly
amicable|having a spirit of friendliness
amity|friendship; peaceful harmony
amorphous|without a clearly defined shape or form
amplify|make large or fuller, increase the strength
amply|(adverb) more than is adequate
amuck|(adverb) in a frenzied or uncontrolled state
anachronism|(noun) something that is inappropriate for the given time period (usually something old).
anachronistic|pertaining to a thing belonging to or appropriate to a period other than that in which it exists, esp a thing that is conspicuously old fashioned in nature
analogous|comparable in certain respects, typically in a way that makes clearer the nature of the thing being compared
anarchist|someone who holds the belief in the abolition of all government and the organization of society on a voluntary, cooperative basis without recourse to force or compulsion
anathema|a person or thing detested or loathed
ancient|dating from a remote period; of great age
anecdote|a short and amusing or interesting story about a real life incident or person
anemic|(adjective) lacking energy and vigor
animadversion|criticism or censure; a comment or remark, esp. a critical one
animosity|(noun) intense hostility
annul|put an end to
anodyne|(noun) something that soothes or relieves pain
anoint|v. to choose for a particular office or position v. to use oil on a person in a religious ceremony
anomalous|(adjective) not normal
anomaly|something that deviates from what is standard, normal or expected
anonymous|(of a person) not identified by name; of unkown name
antagonist|a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something; an adversary
antedated|(verb) precede in time
antediluvian|of or belonging to the time before the biblical Flood; rediculously old-fashioned
anthropomorphic|ascribing human form or attributes to a being or thing not human, esp. to a deity
antic|(adjective) ludicrously odd
antidote|a medicine taken or given to counteract a particular poison
antipathy|(noun) an intense feeling of dislike or aversion
antiquarian|pertaining to antiquaries or to the study of antiquities
antiquated|old-fashioned or outdated
antithesis|a person or thing that is the direct opposite of something or something else
antithetical|(adjective) sharply contrasted in character or purpose
apartheid|(in South Africa) a policy or system of segregation or discrimination on grounds of race
apathetic|having or showing little or no emotion
apathy|lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern
apex|(noun) the highest point
aphorism|(noun) a short instructive saying about a general truth
aphoristic|(adjective) something that is a concise and instructive of a general truth or principle
aplomb|self-confidence or assurance
apocryphal|(of a story or statement) of doubtful authenticity, although widely circulated as being true
apogee|the point in the orbit of the moon or a satellite at which it is furthest from the earth; opposite of perigee; the highest point in the development of something
apostasy|the abondonment or renunciation of a religious or political belief
apostate|a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle
apothegm|(noun) a short, pithy instructive saying
apotheosis|the highest point in the development of something; culmination or climax
apparition|a supernatural appearance of a person or thing; esp a ghost
appease|to bring to a state of peace, quiet, ease or calm; pacify
appellation|a name, title, or designation
apposite|suitable; well-adapted; pertinent; relevant
appreciable|(adjective) large enough to be noticed (usu. refers to an amount)
apprehension|anticipation of adversity or misfortune; suspicion of fear or future trouble or evil
apprehensive|grasping, understanding; fear, unhappy feeling about future
apprise|to give notice to; inform; advise
approbation|approval; commendation
approbatory|(adjective) expressing praise or approval
appropriate|(verb) to give or take something by force
appurtenance|an accessory or other item associated with a particular activity or style of living
appurtenant|(adjective) supply added support
a priori|reasoning based on general principles
apt|well-suited, quick-witted
arable|capable of producing crops; suitable for farming
arbitrary|contingent solely upon one's discretion; subject to individual will or judgement without restriction
arboreal|of or pertaining to trees; treelike
arcane|(adjective) requiring secret or mysterious knowledge
arcanum|a secret or mystery
arch|(adjective) to be deliberately teasing
archaic|marked by the characteristics of an earlier period; antiquated
ardently|with full of ardour
ardor|great warmth of feeling; fervor; passion
ardour|enthusiasm
arduous|loft, high, steep, difficult to climb
argot|slang or jargon of a particular group
arid|being without moisture; extremely dry; parched
arouse|to stir to action or strong response; excite
arrant|downright; thorough; unmitigated; notorious
arrhythmic|without rhythm or regularity
arriviste|a self-seeking person who has recently acquired wealth or social status
arrogance|offensive display of superiority or self-importance; overbearing pride
arrogate|(verb) seize and control without authority
artful|(adjective) exhibiting artistic skill
articulate|uttered clearly in distinct syllables; capable of speech; not speechless
artifact|any object made by human beings, esp. with a view to subsequent use
artifice|a clever trick or stratagem; a cunning, crafty device or expedient; wile
artisan|a person skilled in an applied art; a craftsperson
artless|(adjective) without cunning or deceit
artlessness|(noun) the quality of innocence
ascendancy|governing or controlling influence; domination
ascend|go or come up
ascent|the act of ascending
ascertain|get to know
ascetic|a person who dedicates his or her life to a pursuit of contemplative ideals and practices extreme self-denial or self-mortification for religious reasons
ascribe|to credit or assign; attribute; impute
askance|(adverb) with a look of suspicion or disapproval
asperity|harshness or sharpness of tone, temper, or manner; severity; acrimony
aspersion|a damaging or derogatory remark or criticism; slander
aspire|to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; be eagerly desirous, esp. for something great or of high value
assail|(verb) attack in speech or writing
asset|valuable quality, something that has money value
assiduously|(adverb) with care and persistence
assiduous|showing great care and perseverance
assuage|to make milder or less severe; relieve; ease; mitigate
assumption|something supposed but not proved
asterisk|the mark * (eg. omitted letters)
astonishment|n. total surprise, shock
astringent|harshly biting; caustic
astute|of keen penetration or discernment; sagacious
asylum|an institution for the maintenance and care of the mentally ill, orphans, or other persons requiring specialized assistance
atavism|reversion to an earlier type; throwback
atavistic|of, relating to, or characterized by atavism; reverting to or suggesting the characteristics of a remote ancestor or primitive type
atelier|a workshop or studio, esp. of an artist, artisan, or designer
atonement|satisfaction or reparation for a wrong or injury; amends
atrophy|degeneration, decline or decrease, as from disuse
attenuate|(verb) to weaken (in terms of intensity); to taper off/become thinner.
attribute|to regard as resulting from a specified cause; consider as caused by something indicated
audacious|extremely bold or darin
audacity|(noun) aggressive boldness in social situations
augment|(verb) enlarge or increase; improve
augury|divination; an omen, token or indication
auspicious|conducive to success, favorable
austere|severe in manner or appearance; uncomprimising; strict; forbidding
auteur|a filmmaker whose individual style and complete control over all elements of production give a film its personal and unique stamp
authoritarian|favoring complete obedience or subjection to authority as opposed to individual freedom
autochthonous|(of an inhabitant of a place) indigenous rather than descended from migrants or colonists; (geology) formed in its present position
autocrat|an absolute ruler; a person invested with or claiming to exercise absolute authority
autocratic|(adjective) characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
autonomously|(adverb) In an autonomous or self-governing manner.
autonomous|self-governing; independent; subject to its own laws only
auxiliary|additionaly; supplementary; reserve
avarice|(noun) greed (one of the seven deadly sins)
avaricious|(adjective) excessively greedy
avatar|the descent of a deity to the earth in an incarnate form or some manifest shape; the incarnation of a god; an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life; a graphical image that represents a person, as on the Internet
aversion|a strong feeling of dislike, opposition, repugnance
aver|to assert or affirm with confidence
avert|to turn away or aside
aviary|a large cage or a house or enclosure in which birds are kept
avid|eager, greedy
avoirdupois|Weight or heaviness, especially of a person
avow|to declare frankly or openly; own; acknowledge; confess; admit
axiom|a self-evident truth that requires no proof
badger|(verb) to pester
badinage|playful talk or banter
baleful|full of menacing or malign influences; pernicious
balk|(verb) refuse to comply
balloon|swell out like balloon
balm|sweet-smelling oil; something giving peace of mind; consolation
banality|(noun) a trite or obvious remark
banal|uninteresting
band|flat, thin strip of material; group; range of frequences
banish|(verb) expel from a community, residence, or location; drive away
barrage|artificial obstacle built across a river
barren|not good enough, unable to have young ones, without value
base|(adjective) the lowest, class were without any moral principles
bask|in enjoy warmth and light
bastardization|(noun) an act that debases or corrupts
beatific|(adjective) blissfully happy
beau ideal|a perfect or an idealized type or model
becoming|(adjective) appropriate, and matches nicely
bedaub|smear or daub with a sticky substance
bedew|to wet with or as if with water or moisture
begrudge|(verb) to envy someone for possessing or enjoying something
beg|(verb) to evade or dodge (a question)
beholden|obligated; indebted
behooves|(verb) to be one's duty or obligation
belie|(verb) to give a false representation to; misrepresent
belittle|(verb) lessen the importance, dignity, or reputation of
bellicose|inclined or eager to fight; aggressively hostile; belligerent; pugnacious
belligerently|waging war
belligerent|(person, nation) waging war
bemoan|(verb) express discontent or a stong regret
bend|cause something to be out of a straight line
benefaction|an act of conferring a good deed
benevolence|wish or activity in doing good
benighted|(adjective) fallen into a state of ignorance
benign|(adjective) kind
bereft|(adjective) unhappy in love; suffering from unrequited love
besiege|(verb) harass, as with questions or requests; cause to feel distressed or worried
besmirch|(verb) damage the good name and reputation of someone
besotted|(adjective) strongly affectionate towards
bete noire|a person or thing especially disliked or dreaded; bane; bugbear
betimes|early; in good time
betray|(verb) to reveal or make known something, usually unintentionally
biased|prejudice
bibelot|a small object of curiosity, beauty, or rarity
bibulous|fond of or addicted to drink; absorbent; spongy
biddable|willing to do what is asked; obedient; tractable; docile
bier|movable frame on which a coffin or corpse is placed before burial or cremation
bifurcate|to divide or fork into two branches
bigot|stubborn, narrow-minded person
bijou|small and elegant (especially describing a house or business)
bilious|(adjective) irritable; always angry
bine|stem of a vine like plant or creeping portion of a plant
blandishment|a flattering or pleasing statement or action used to persuade someone gently to do something
blandness|polite manner, comforting, uninteresting
blatant|(adjective) without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
bleak|(adjective) having a depressing or gloomy outlook
blinkered|(adjective) to have a limited outlook or understanding
blithe|happy or joyous; showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper
blueprint|plan, scheme, photographic print
boggle|be alarmed, hesitate, amazed
bogus|sham, counterfeit, not genuine
bolster|give greatly needed support
bombastic|high sounding with little meaning
bombast|speech too pompous for an occasion; pretentious words
bon vivant|a person who lives luxuriously and enjoys good food and drink
boon|something to be thankful for; blessing; benefit
boorish|(adjective) ill-mannered and coarse or contemptible in behavior or appearance
bouleversement|an overturning; convulsion; turmoil
bowdlerize|to remove or modify the parts (of a book, for example) considered offensive
brackish|slightly salt; having a salty or briny flavor
braid|strands of hair woven together, something edging sloth or garments
bravado|a pretentious, swaggering display of courage
brazen|(adjective) unrestrained by convention or propriety
breach|opening, broken place, breaking
bricolage|Something made or put together using whatever materials happen to be available
bridle|(verb) the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
brio|vigor or vivacity of style or performance
brisk|active, lively
brisket|breast of an animal
bristle|(verb) react in an offended or angry manner
brittle|easily broken
broach|begin discussion of, veer
broadside|(noun) a strong verbal attack
brobdingnagian|gigantic; a giant
bromide|a compound of bromine and another element; a dull person with conventional thoughts; a commonplace or conventional saying
brook|(verb) put up with something or somebody unpleasant
browbeat|(verb) be bossy towards; discourage or frighten with threats or a domineering manner
brusquely|(adverb) in a blunt, direct manner
buck|(verb) resist
bucolic|Relating to or typical of the countryside or its people; rustic; a country person
bulwark|a wall of earth or other material built for defense; a rampart
bumbling|(adjective) lacking physical movement skills, especially with the hands
burgeon|put out leaves, begin to grow
buttress|(verb) make stronger or defensible
byzantine|(adjective) intricate and complex
cacophonous|having a harsh or discordant sound
cacophony|harsh discordance of sound; dissonance
cadaverous|(adjective) emaciated; gaunt
cajole|to persuade by flattery or promises; wheedle; coax
calipers|metal supports attached to the legs, measuring instrument
callow|immature or inexperienced
calumniate|to spread false statements about
calumny|a false and malicious statement designed to injure the reputation of someone or something
canard|(noun) a deliberately misleading fabrication
candid|frank, straight-forward
candidness|(noun) the quality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
canon|n. accepted rules and tenets of a discipline n. sacred works/scripture; in this sense it is also used to refer to notable literary and artistic works of a culture or discipline
capacity|n. the capability to perform a particular action or fulfill a given function n. the total amount a container can hold n. a particular position or role (i.e. “she served in an advisory capacity”)
capitulate|cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender
capricious|(adjective) determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason
cardinal|(adjective) of primary importance; fundamental
carom|any strike and rebound, as a ball striking a wall and glancing off
carping|(adjective) persistently petty and unjustified criticism
castigate|(verb) to reprimand harshly
castigation|severe punishment
casual|happening by chance, careless
cataclysm|large-scale and violent event in the natural world
catalyst|substance that causes speeding up
catholic|(adjective) of broad scope; universal
caul|amniotic membrane enclosing a fetus, thought to bring good luck
caustic|adj. corrosive adj. bitterly sarcastic
cavalcade|a procession of persons riding on horses, in horsedrawn carriages, in cars, etc.
cavalier|(adjective) given to haughty disregard of others
cavort|jump or dance around excitedly
cede|(verb) relinquish possession or control over
celerity|swiftness or speed
censor|(verb) to examine and remove objectionable materialgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
censure|The act of blaming or finding fault with and condemning as wrong; reprehension; blame; strong or vehement expression of disapproval
census|official counting of the population
centurion|leader of a unit of 100 soldiers
cerebral|(adjective) involving intelligence rather than emotions or instinct
chagrin|(noun) strong feelings of embarrassment
champion|(verb) protect or fight for as a champion
charlatan|(noun) a flamboyant deceiver; one who attracts customers with tricks or jokes
chary|cautious, wary
chastisement|punishment
chastise|(verb) to reprimand harshly
chauvinism|(noun) fanatical patriotism; belief that one's group/cause is superior to all other
chauvinist|(noun) a person who believes in the superiority of their group
checkered|(adjective) one that is marked by disreputable happenings
check|(verb) to limit (usually modifying the growth of something)
chicanery|n. trickery or deception
chimera|a thing that is hoped or wished for but in fact is illusory or impossible to achieve
chimerical|unreal; imaginary; visionary
chisel|steel tool for shaping materials
chivalrous|(adjective) being attentive to women like an ideal knight
choleric|(adjective) prone to outbursts of temper; easily angered
chortle|to chuckle gleefully
chronological|adj. ordered by time
churl|bad-tempered person
churlish|(adjective) lacking manners or refinement
circumscribe|(verb) restrict or confine
circumspect|watchful and discreet; cautious; prudent
circumvent|(verb) cleverly find a way out of one's duties or obligations
cirque|a circle or ring; a bowl-shaped, steep-walled mountain basin carved by glaciation, often containing a small, round lake
cite|give as an example
clamber|to climb, using both feet and hands; climb with effort or difficulty
clandestine|characterized by or executed with secrecy
clarion|clear and shrill; an ancient trumpet with a curved shape
cleanse|make pure, thoroughly clean
clemency|(noun) leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with
clerisy|learned persons as a class; literati; intelligentsia
clot|half-solid lump formed from liquid
cloture|closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
coalesce|(verb) fuse or cause to grow together
coalescing|coming together and uniting into one substance
coddle|treat with care and tenderness
codger|an elderly man, especially one who is old-fashioned or eccentric
codicil|(legal) an addition or supplement that explains, modifies or revokes a will or part of one
coerce|compel, to force to make obedient
cogent|clear, logical and convincing
cogitate|think deeply, mediate
cognition|knowing, awareness (emotionless)
cohesive|(adjective) well integrated, forming a united whole
cohort|a group or band of people; a companion or an associate
colander|bowl-shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water
collate|to gather or arrange in their proper sequence
collegial|of or characterized by the collective responsibility shared by each of a group of colleagues, with minimal supervision from above
collude|to act together through a secret understanding, esp. with evil or harmful intent
collusion|secret agreement for a deceitful purpose
colossal|(adjective) so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
combustion|process of burning
comestible|edible; eatable
comity|courtesy and considerate behavior towards others
commendable|worthy of praise
commend|praise
commensurate|having the same measure; of equal extent or duration
commination|a threat of punishment or vengeance
commissariat|the department of an army charged with the provision of supplies, both food and forage, for the troops
commodious|spacious and convenient, roomy
commuter|person who travels regularly
compelling|adj. captivating adj. very persuasive
complacently|with self-satisfaction
complacent|showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements
complaisance|easy-going habit of mind
complaisant|willing to please others; obliging; agreeable
complementary|(adjective) enhancing each other's qualities (for two things or more).
complement|something that completes or makes perfect
complicit|(adjective) Associated with or participating in an activity, especially one of a questionable
comply|act in accordance
comport|to bear or conduct (oneself); behave
compound|mix or combine
comprehensive|adj. complete and thorough
compunction|a feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of something bad
conceal|to hide; withdraw or remove from observation
concede|(verb) acknowledge defeat
conceit|over-high opinion of, too much pride
conciliate|(verb) to make peace with
conciliatory|intended or likely to placate or pacify
concomitant|(adjective) describing an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in
concord|agreement or harmony
concrete|constituting an actual thing or instance; real
concur|agree in opinion, happen together
condense|increase in density, strength, make laconic
condone|v. to approve or allow
conducive|(adjective) making a situation or outcome more likely to happen
confabulation|Psychiatry. the replacement of a gap in a person's memory by a falsification that he or she believes to be true
conflagration|a large and destructive fire; a general burning; conflict or war
conflate|to bring together; to fuse together; to join or meld; to combine as in two readings into a whole
confluence|a flowing together of two or more streams, rivers, or the like
confound|(verb) be confusing or perplexing to
confront|to face in hostility or defiance; oppose
confute|to prove to be false, invalid or defective; disprove
congeal|make or become stiff and solid
conniving|(verb) taking part in immoral and unethical plots
connoisseur|a person with good judgement (eg. in art)
consecrate|(verb) to make holy or set apart for a high purpose
consent|give agreement or permission
consequential|adj. as a result of adj. significant or memorable
consolation|consoling or being consoled
console|give comfort or sympathy to
conspectus|a general sketch or survey of a subject; an outline
conspicuous|(adjective) without any attempt at concealment; completely obvious
consternation|surprise and fear,dismay
constituent|(noun) a citizen who is represented in a government by officials for whom he or she votes
constraint|(noun) something that limits or restricts
constrict|make tight or smaller
construe|(verb) interpreted in a particular way
consume|get to the end of
consummate|(adjective) having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
consumption|n. utilization (esp. of a resource)
contemptuous|(adjective) scornful, looking down at others with a sneering attitudegre.magoosh.com/flashcards
contend|v. assert or claim v. grapple with
contentious|quarrelsome
contiguous|touching, neighboring, near
contingent|(noun) a gathering of persons representative of some larger group
contravene|to come or be in conflict with; go or act against; deny or oppose
contrite|filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing
contrition|(noun) the feeling of remorse or guilt that comes from doing something bad
contrivance|a plan or scheme; expedient
contrive|(verb) to pull off a plan or scheme, usually through skill or trickery
conundrum|(noun) a difficult problem
convivial|friendly; agreeable
convoke|call together, summon
convoluted|complicated; coiled, twisted
copious|(adjective) in abundant supply
cord|twisted strands
cornucopia|(noun) an abundant supply of something good
corollary|(noun) a practical consequence that follows naturally
corporeal|physical; of or for the body
correlate|have a mutual relation
corroborate|(verb) to confirm or lend support to (usually an idea or claim)
corroboration|additional, strengthening evidence
coruscate|to emit vivid flashes of light; sparkle; scintillate; gleam
cosmopolitan|(adjective) comprising many cultures; global in reach and outlook
cosseted|(verb) treat with excessive indulgence
coterminous|having the same border or covering the same area
counterfeit|forgery
countermand|to annul, cancel, make a contrary order
countervail|to act or avail against with equal power, force, or effect; counteract.
coven|group of witches
covert|hidden; secret
covetous|eagerly desirous
covet|v. to desire something that does not belong to you
cower|to cringe in fear
cow|(verb) to intimidategre.magoosh.com/flashcards
coxcomb|a conceited, foolish dandy; pretentious fop
cozen|to cheat, deceive or trick
craft|n. cunning n. skill
crass|crude, unrefined
craven|cowardly
crease|line made by crushing; white line on the ground in criket
credence|acceptance of something as true or real
credible|plausible, believable
creditable|(adjective) deserving of praise but not that amazing
credulity|willingness to believe or trust too readily, esp. without proper or adequate evidence; gullibility
credulous|ready to believe things
creed|a set of beliefs or aims that guide someone's actions
crepuscular|of, resembling, or relating to twilight; appearing or active in twilight
crescendo|gradual increase in volume of sound
crestfallen|(adjective) brought low in spirit
cringe|to shrink in fear
criterion|standard for judging, rule for testing
crotchet|a perverse or unfounded belief or notion
crush|press, lose shape, subdue, overwhelm
crux|the basic, central or critical point or feature
cryptic|secret, with a hidden meaning
crystallize|(verb) cause to take on a definite and clear shape
cudgel|A short heavy stick used as a weapon; a club
cuisine|characteristic style of cooking
culminate|(verb) reach the highest or most decisive point
culmination|climax, final stage
culpability|(noun) a state of guilt
culpable|guilty, responsible for wrong
culprit|guilty person
cumbersome|burdensome, heavy and awkward to carry
cumulative|resulting from gradual increase
cupidity|greed for money or possessions
cur|a mongrel dog, esp. a worthless or unfriendly one; a mean, cowardly person
curator|caretaker and overseer of an exhibition
curmudgeon|cranky person (see Jeff)
cursory|hastily done, superficial
curt|abrupt, blunt
curtail|to shorten
cutlery|cutting instruments; tableware
cygnet|young swan
cyngent|a young swan
cynic|person who distruts the motives of others
dally|to act playfully or waste time
dart|quick movement; missile in darts
daunt|to discourage, intimidate
dawdler|one who wastes time or is slow in movement
dearth|scarcity; lack; inadequate supply
debase|to degrade or lower in quality or stature
debauch|to corrupt, seduce from virtue or duty; indulge
debilitate|to weaken, enfeeble
debonair|(adjective) having a sophisticated charm
debouch|to march out from a narrow or confined place into open country, as a body of troops
debunk|to discredit, disprove
debutate|young woman making debut in high society
decadence|decline or decay, deterioration
decamp|to leave suddenly
decapitate|to behead
decathlon|athletic contest with ten events
deciduous|losing leaves in the fall; short lived; temporary
decimation|(noun) destroying or killing a large part of the population
declivity|downward slope
decorous|proper, tasteful, socially correct
decorum|propre behavior, etiquette
decry|to belittle, openly condemn
deface|to mar the appearance of, vandelize
defamatory|slanderous, injurious to the reputation
defame|to disgrace or slander
defect|an imperfection or shortcoming
defendant|person required to answer a legal action or suit
defenestrate|(humorously) throwing somthing or someone out of a window
deference|humble submission and respect
deferential|respectful and polite in a submissiv way
defer|to submit or yield
defiance|open disobedience or resistance
deficient|defective, not meeting a normal standard
defile|any narrow passage, esp. between mountains
deflation|decrease, depreciation
deflect|turn aside
deform|to disfigure, distort
defray|(verb) to help pay the cost of, either in part of full
deftness|adj. skill, acumen adj. manual dexterity
deft|skillful, dexterous
defunct|no longer existing, dead, extinct
degrade|(verb) reduce in worth or character, usually verbally
deign|to think fit or in accordance with one's dignity; condescend
deipnosophist|a person who is an adept conversationalist at table
delectation|delight, enjoyment
delegate|(verb) give an assignment to (a person)
deleterious|injurious to health; harmful
deliberate|done consciously and intentionally; fully considered; not impulsive
delineate|(verb) describe in detail
deluge|great flood, heavy rush of water
demean|(verb) to insult; to cause someone to lose dignity or respect
demonstrative|(adjective) given to or marked by the open expression of emotion
demure|(adjective) to be modest and shy
demur|raise an objection
denigrate|(verb) charge falsely or with malicious intent; attack the good name and reputation of
denote|(verb) be a sign or indication of; have as a meaning
denouement|the final part of a play, movie or narrative in which the strands of the plot are drawn together and matters are resolved
dent|hollow, depression mad by a blow
denude|to divest of covering; make bare
deposition|dethronoment, depositing
deprave|make morally bad; corrupt
depravity|moral corruption
deracinate|to pull up by the roots; uproot; extirpate; eradicate
derelict|(adjective) (of a person) not doing one's duties
deride|(verb) treat or speak of with contempt
derision|ridicule; mockery; an object of ridicule
derisive|(adjective) abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule
derivative|derived, not original or primitive
derive|(verb) come from; be connected by a relationship of blood, for example
derogate|to detract, as from authority, estimation, etc
derogative|(adjective) expressed as worthless or in negative terms
descry|catch sight of, see something in the distance
desecrate|to abuse something sacred
desicate|remove the moisture from something esp. food, typically in order to preserve it
desiccated|remove the moisture from (something, esp food) typically in order to preserve it
desiccate|to dry completely, dehydrate
desideratum|something wanted or needed
desist|to stop doing something
despondent|feeling discouraged and dejected
despot|tyrannical ruler
destitute|very poor, poverty stricken
desultory|lacking a plan or purpose (non enthusiastic)
detached|separate, unconnected
detachment|n. objectivity or aloofness
detach|separate
determinant|n. a strong factor in an outcome
deter|to discourage; prevent from happening
detrimental|causing harm or injury
deus ex machina|improbable or clumsy plot device to work one's way out of a difficult situation
deviate|to stray, wander
deviation|departure, exception, anomaly
devoid|totally lacking
devolve|(verb) pass on or delegate to another
devout|deeply religious
dexterous|skilled physically or mentally
diabolical|fiendish; wicked
dialect|regional style of speaking
diaphanous|very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent
diatribe|bitter and violent attack in words
dictatorial|(adjective) expecting unquestioning obedience; characteristic of an absolute ruler
dictum|an authoritative pronouncement; judicial assertion
didactic|intended to teach, particularly in having moral instruction as an ulterior motive
differ|disagree
differentiate|to distinguish between two items
diffidence|shyness, lack of confidence
diffident|modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
diffract|to cause to seperate into parts
difuse|widely spread out
digress|to go aside, depart from the course or track; to diverge, deviate, sweve
dilapidated|in disrepair, run-down, neglected
dilate|speak comprehensively, become wider, large
dilatory|slow to act; intended to cause delay
dilettante|an amateur
diligent|(adjective) characterized by care and perseverance in carrying out tasks
diluvial|relating to a flood
diminution|the act, fact or process of lessening; reduction
diminutive|extremely small
diplomacy|discretion, tact
dirge|funeral hymn
disabuse|free from false ideas, put right
disaffected|discontented and disloyal
disarray|clutter, disorder
disband|to break up
disbar|to expel from legal profession
disburse|to pay out
discern|see with an effort but clearly
disclaim|to deny, disavow
disclose|to confess, divulge
discomfit|to confuse and deject; disconcert
discompose|to disturb the composure or serenity
disconcerting|bewildering, perplexing, slightly disturbing
disconsolate|unhappy, cheerless
discordant|harsh-sounding, badly out of tune
discord|(noun) lack of agreement or harmony
discourse|speech, lecture
discredit|to dishonor or to disgrace
discreet|(adjective) careful to protect one's speech or actions in order to avoid offense or gain an
discrepancy|difference between two things
discrete|distince, separate
discretionary|subject to one's own judgement
discriminate|(verb) recognize or perceive the difference
discursive|passing aimlessly from one subject to another; digressive; rambling
disdain|to regard with scorn and contempt
disenfranchise|(verb) deprive of voting rights
disgorge|to vomit, discharge violently
dishabille|the state of being dressed in a careless, disheveled, or disorderly style or manner; undress
disheartened|(adjective) made less hopeful or enthusiastic
disinclined|averse, unwilling, lacking desire
disingenuous|sly and crafty
disinterested|(adjective) unbiased; neutral
disinterest|lack of interest or a disadvantage
disjointed|lacking coherence or order, being separated
dismal|sad, gloomy, miserable
disparage|dissimilar
disparate|essentially different
disparity|contrast, dissimilarity
dispassionate|free from emotion; impartial, unbiased
dispatch|(noun) the property of being prompt and efficient
dispel|to drive out or scatter
dispensation|(noun) an exemption from a rule or obligation
dispense|to distribute, administer
disperse|to break up, scatter
dispirit|to dishearten, make dejected
dispute|to debate or quarrel
disquieted|feeling anxiety, being disturbed, lacking peace
disquisition|a long or elaborate essay or discussion on a particular subject
disregard|to neglact, pay no attention to
disrepute|disgrace, dishonour
dissemble|speak or behave so as to hide something (in mind)
disseminate|to spread far and wide
dissent|have a different opinion, refuse to assent
dissident|a person who opposes official policy, esp that of an authoritarian state
dissimulate|to conceal under a false appearance
dissipate|to scatter; to pursue pleasure to excess
dissipation|going away, dispersing
dissolution|(noun) a living full of debauchery and indulgence in sensual pleasure
dissonance|n. a clash between two elements that don’t blend well
dissonant|harsh and unpleasing in sound
dissuade|to persuade someone to alter their original intentions
distend|to expand by stretching, as something hollow or elastic
distinct|easily heard, seen, understood, clearly marked
distorted|pulled out of the usual shape, give a false account of
distrait|inattentive because of distracting worries, fears, etc.; absent-minded
distraught|disracted; violently upset in mind
dither|to move or act confusedly or without clear purpose
diurnal|of or pertaining to a day or each day; daily
divergerence|getting farther apart from a point
diverge|to move, lie, or extend in different directions from a common point; branch off
divert|to turn from one course to another
divestiture|taking off, getting rid of, giving up
divest|to get rid of
divine|to foretell or know by inspiration
divulge|make known something secret
docile|(adjective) easily handled or managed; willing to be taught or led or supervised or directed
doctrinaire|seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard to practical considerations
doff|to remove or take off, as clothing
dogma|n. the official beliefs or tenets of particular sect or group
dogmatic|(adjective) highly opinionated, not accepting that your belief may not be correct
dog|(verb) to pursue relentlessly; to hound
doleful|(adjective) filled with or evoking sadness
dolorous|full of, expressing, or causing pain or sorrow; grievous; mournful
donkey engine|a small or auxillary engine, esp on a ship
dormant|in a state of inactivity but awaiting development
dote|be extremely and uncritically fond of
doughty|steadfastly courageous and resolute; valiant
dour|sullen; gloomy; severe or stern
dovetail|(verb) fit together tightly, as if by means of a interlocking joint
doyen|the senior member of a body or gropu; one who is knowledgeable or uniquely skilled as a result of long experience in some field of endeavor
draconian|(of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe
draggle|make (something) dirty or wet, typically by trailing it through mud or water
drone|the male of the honeybee and other bees, stingless and making no honey; a remote control mechanism, as a radio-controlled airplane or boat; a person who lives on the labor of others; a drudge; to say in a dull, monotonous tone
drowsiness|feeling sleepy, half asleep
dud|no use person, something that fails
dupe|cheat, make a fool of
duplicity|(noun) deceitfulness, pretending to want one thing but interested in something else
duress|(noun) compulsory force or threat
earthenware|dishes made of baked clay
earthy|crude; elemental; of the earth
ebb|to fade away, recede
ebullience|high spirits; exhilaration; a boiling over; overflow
ebullient|overflowing with fervor, enthusiasm, or excitement; high-spirited
eccentric|(adjective) highly unconventional or usual (usually describes a person)
eclectic|selecting from various sources
economical|(adjective) avoiding waste, efficient
ecstatic|joyful
eddy|a current of air or water running in a direction contrary to the main current, or moving in a circular direction; a whirlpool
edict|law, command, official public order
edifice|building front
edifying|(adjective) enlightening or uplifting so as to encourage intellectual or moral improvementgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
editorialize|to express an opinion on an issue
efface|to wipe out; do away with; expunge
effervescent|bubbly, lively
effete|lacking in wholesome vigor; degenerate; decadent
efficacious|capable of having the desired result or effect; effective as a means, measure, remedy
efficacy|n. effectiveness
effigy|stuffed doll; likeness of a person
effluvia|outpouring of gases or vapors
effrontery|shameless boldness, impudence
effulgent|shining brightly; radiant
effusive|expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure or approval in an unrestrained or heartfelt manner
egocentric|acting as if things are centered around oneself
egotist|(noun) a conceited and self-centered person
egregious|outstandingly bad; shocking
egress|way out, exit
eke|(verb) To live off meager resources, to scrape by
elaborate|worked out with much care in great detail
elation|exhilaration, joy
elegiac|(adjective) expressing sorrow
elegy|a poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead
elevated|high in status, exalted
elicit|to draw out, provoke
eloquence|fluent speaking; skillful use of language
elucidate|to explain, clarify
elude|(verb) escape understanding
elusive|(adjective) difficult to capture or difficult to remember
emaciated|skinny, scrawny, gaunt esp. from hunger
emancipate|to set free, liberate
embellish|to ornament, make attractive with decoration or details; add details to a statement
embezzle|to steal money in violation of a trust
embonpoint|excessive plumpness; stoutness
embroiled|(adjective) involved in argument or contention
embroil|to involve in; cause to fall into disorder
embryonic|(adjective) in an early stage of development
emend|to correct a text
eminence grise|a powerful advisor or decision maker who operates secretly or unofficially
eminent|celebrated, distinguished; outstanding, towering
emollient|having soothing qualities, esp for the skin
emotive|appealing to or expressing emotion
empathetic|(adjective) showing understanding and ready comprehension of other peoples' states and
empathy|identification with another's feelings
empirical|adj. based on evidence
empiricism|(noun) any method that derives knowledge from experience, used in experimental science
empyrean|the highest heaven, supposed by the ancients to contain the pure element of fire
emulate|to try to equal or excel; imitate with effort to equal or surpass
enamor|(verb) attraction or feeling of love
enchant|to charm or attract
encipher|to translate a message into a code
encomium|very high praise
encore|additional performance, often demanded by the audience
encumber|to hinder, burden, restrict motion
endemic|epidemic
endogamous|marrying within a specific group due to law or custom
endorse|write one.s name on the back of
endurance|ability to withstand hardships
enervate|cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; weaken
engender|be the case of (eg. situation, condition)
engrossing|taken up all the time or attention; writing in large or formal
engulf|to swallow up in or as in a gulf; submerge
enhance|v. intensify, increase, augment
enigma|something that is puzzling
enigmatic|puzzling or inexplicable
enjoin|to direct or impose with authority; to order; to prohibit; to forbid
en masse|all together; as a group
enmity|hostility, antagonism and ill-will
ennui|boredom, lack of interest and energy
enormity|state of being gigantic or terrible
ensconce|to settle comfortably into a place
enshroud|to cover, enclose with a dark cover
entail|to involve as a necessary result, necissitate
enthrall|to captivate, enchant, enslave
entice|to lure or tempt
entitlement|n. belief that one deserves things one has not earned n. the rights one is afforded under the law
entity|something with its own existence or form
entomologist|a scientist who studies insects
entreat|to make an earnest petition or request; to plead; to beseech
entrenched|established solidly in fact
enumerate|to count, list or itemize
enunciate|to utter or pronounce (words, sentences, etc.), esp. in an articulate or a particular manner
enzyme|catalyst
eon|idefinitely long period of time
ephemeral|lasting a very short time; short-lived; lasting but one day
epicene|belonging to, or partaking of the characteristics of, both sexes
epicure|a person with refined taste in food and wine
epigram|short, witty saying or poem
epigraph|a short saying or quotation intended to set the theme at the beginning of a book or chapter
epilogue|concluding section of a literary work
epiphany|(noun) a sudden revelation or moment of insight
epistle|a letter; a poem or other literary work in the form of a letter or series of letters
epithet|an abusive word or phrase
epitome|representative of an entire group; summary
epochal|very significant or influential; defining and epoch or time period
eponym|(noun) the name derived from a person (real or imaginary); the person for whom something is
equable|adj. even-tempered adj. not given to much change or variation
equanimity|mental or emotional stability or composure, esp. under tension or strain; calmness; equilibrium
equestrian|one who rides on horseback
equilibrium|state of being balanced
equine|relating to horses
equitable|fair
equity|justice, fairness
equivocal|having a double or doubtful meaning; suspicious
equivocate|to use ambiguous or unclear expressions, usually to avoid commitment or in order to mislead; prevaricate or hedge
eradicate|to erase or wipe out
erode|wear away, eat into
errant|deviating from the regular or proper course; erring; straying
erratic|irregular in behaviour or opinion
erroneous|in error, mistaken
err|(verb) to make an error
ersatz|(adjective) not real or genuine; phony
erstwhile|former; of times past
eructation|The act or an instance of belching
erudite|characterized by great knowledge; learned or scholarly
escalate|increase, develop
eschew|deliberately avoid using; abstain from
esoteric|intended for or likely to be understood by only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge or interest
espouse|(verb) to adopt or support an idea or cause
estimable|(adjective) deserving of esteem and respect
ethereal|(adjective) characterized by lightness and insubstantiality
eugenics|The study of hereditary improvement of the human race by controlled selective breeding
eulogy|n. memorial speech for one who has passed, normally given at a funeral
euphoria|(noun) a feeling of great (usually exaggerated) elation
evaluating|finding out the value
evanescent|soon passing out of sight, memory or existence; quickly fading or disappearing
evaporate|change into vapour, disappear, die
evasive|(adjective) avoiding or escaping from difficulty or danger or commitment
evenhanded|(adjective) without partiality
evince|to show clearly; make evident or manifest; prove
evoke|call up, bring out
evolve|unfold, develop naturally and gradually
exacerbate|to increase the severity, bitterness, or violence of (disease, ill feeling, etc.); aggravate
exacting|(adjective) requiring and demanding accuracy
exalted|raised or elevated, as in rank or character; of high station
exalt|(verb) praise or glorify
exasperate|(verb) to irritate intensely
excoriate|(verb) to criticize very harshly
excruciating|(adjective) extremely painful
exculpate|free from blame
excursus|a detailed discussion of some point in a book, esp. one added as an appendix
execrate|(verb) to curse and hiss at
exegesis|critical explanation or interpretation of a text or portion of a text, esp. of the Bible
exemplar|(noun) something to be imitated
exemplify|(verb) be characteristic of
exhort|(verb) to strongly urge on; encourage
exigency|urgent need or demand
exigent|adj. urgent or pressing
exiguity|(noun) the quality of being meager
exiguous|scanty; meager; small; slender
exonerate|(verb) pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
exoneration|to clear, as of an accusation; free from guilt or blame; exculpate
exorbitant|much too high or great
expansive|(adjective) communicative, and prone to talking in a sociable manner
expatiate|speak or write at length or in detail
expedite|to speed up the progress of; hasten
explicate|v. to explain in detail
exposition|n. a thorough explanation n. a public show or fair
expositor|a person who expounds or gives an exposition
expound|(verb) add details or explanation; clarify the meaning; state in depth
expunge|to strike or blot out; erase; obliterate
expurgate|remove matter thought to be objectional or unsuitable from a book or account
extant|still in existence
extemporaneous|Composed, performed, or uttered on the spur of the moment, or without previous study; unpremeditated; impromptu
extenuating|(adjective) making less guilty or more forgivable
extinct|no longer active
extirpate|destroy utterly
extort|obtain by threats, violence
extraneous|adj. irrelevant or superfluous
extrapolate|(verb) draw from specific cases for more general cases
extricate|free (someone or something) from a constraint or difficulty
exuberance|state of growing vigorously; being full of life
facetious|not meant to be taken seriously or literally; amusing
facile|(adjective) arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth
facilitate|make easy (eg. a process of something)
faction|a group or clique within a larger group, party, government, organization, or the like
factious|dissentious; Of, relating to, produced by, or characterized by internal dissension
factitious|(adjective) artificial; not natural
factotum|a person, as a handyman or servant, employed to do all kinds of work around the house
faience|tin glazed earthenware pottery
faineant|idle; indolent
fait accompli|an accomplished fact; a thing already done
fallacious|logically unsound; deceptive; misleading
fallacy|false or mistaken belief
fallow|(of farmland) plowed and harrowed but left unsown for a period of time in order to restore its fertility as part of a crop rotation or to avoid surplus production
fastidious|excessively particular, critical, or demanding; hard to please
fatuous|without sense, foolish self-satisfaction
faucet|device for controlling the outflow of a liquid
faultfinder|one who is concerned with trivial things and continuously full of criticism
faute de mieux|for want of better
favonian|of or pertaining to the west wind; mild or favorable; propitious
fawn|(verb) try to gain favor by extreme flattery
fealty|fidelity to a lord
feckless|(of a person) lacking in efficiency or vitality; unthinking and irresponsible
fecund|producing or capable of producing offspring, fruit, vegetation, etc., in abundance; prolific; fruitful
feint|to make a false show of; simulate; a movement made in order to deceive an adversary; an attack aimed at one place or point merely as a distraction from the real place or point of attack
fell|(adjective) terribly evil
fen|low land covered wholly or partially with water; boggy land; a marsh
ferment|agitation; unrest; to inflame; to be in an excited state; seethe
ferocity|savage cruelty
ferret|(verb) to search for something persistently
fertile|producing much, full of ideas
fertilize|make fertile or productive
fervent|having or showing great warmth or intensity of spirit, feeling, enthusiasm, etc.; ardent
fervid|heated or vehement in spirit, enthusiasm, etc.
fervor|warmth of feelings; earnestness
fete|(verb) to celebrate a person
fetter|a restraint or check on one's freedom, typically one considered unfair or overly restrictive
fiat|an authoritative decree, sanction, or order
fickle|(adjective) liable to sudden unpredictable change, esp. in affections or attachments
fidelity|loyalty, accuracy
fidget|move restlessly, make nervous
figurehead|carved image on the prow of a ship
finagle|(verb) achieve something by means of trickery or devious methods
finical|exacting especially about details; fussy
finite|limited, having bounds
firebrand|(noun) someone who deliberately creates trouble
fissure|long, narrow opening or line of breakage made by cracking or splitting, esp. in rock or earth
flagitious|shamefully wicked, as persons, actions, or times; heinous or flagrant, as a crime
flag|(verb) droop, sink, or settle from or as if from pressure or loss of tautness; become less intense
flamboyant|brightly colored, florid
flammable|having tendency to burst into flames
flaneur|idler; dawdler; loafer
flaunting|show off complacently
fledged|to furnish with or as if with feathers or plumage; to bring up (a young bird) until it is able to fly
fledgling|(adjective) young and inexperienced; describing any new participant in some activity
fleece|(verb) to deceive
fleet|number of ships, quick-moving
flexibility|easily bent without braking
flippant|not showing a serious or respectful attitude
floorwalker|manager in a retail store
florid|very much ornamented; naturally red (eg. of face)
flounce|go or move in an exageratedly impatient or angry manner
flounder|(verb) behave awkwardly; have difficulties
flourish|an instance of suddenly performing or developing in an impressively successful way
flout|oppose, treat with contempt
fluctuate|v. to shift without apparent pattern
flummery|oatmeal or flour boiled with water until thick; complete nonsense; foolish humbug
flummox|(verb) be a mystery or bewildering to
flush|(adjective) to be in abundance
fluster|make nervous or confused
flux|(noun) a state of uncertainty about what should be done (usually following some important event)
foible|(noun) a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
foment|put something (to lessen the pain), cause something
foofaraw|Excessive or flashy ornamentation or decoration; A fuss over a matter of little importance
foolhardy|recklessly or thoughtlessly bold; foolishly rash or venturesome
foppery|the clothes, manners, actions of a fop; foolish quality or action
foppish|like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes
forbear|refrain from, be patient; ancestor
ford|shallow place in a river (to cross)
forestall|v. to hold off or try to prevent
forfeit|suffer the loss of something
forgery|counterfeit
forge|workshop for the shaping of metal; to shape metal; lead
forlorn|(adjective) marked by or showing hopelessness
forthcoming|(adjective) available when required or as promised
forthright|(adjective) characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
fortuitous|happening or produced by chance; accidental
foster|to promote the growth or development of; further; encourage
foundling|an infant or small child found abandoned; a child without a known parent or guardian
fractious|refractory or unruly
fragile|easily injured, broken or destroyed
fragrant|sweet-smelling
frangible|easily broken; breakable
frenetic|frantic, frenzied
fret|worry; irritation; wear away
friable|easily crumbled or reduced to powder; crumbly
friction|the rubbing of one thing against another, difference of opinion
fringe|edge; ornamental border; part of hair over the forehead
frivolous|(adjective) not serious in content or attitude or behavior
fructuous|productive; fertile; profitable
frugal|careful, economical
frustrate|(verb) hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
fulminate|to explode with a loud noise; detonate
fulmination|an expression of vehement protest
fungible|(esp. of goods) being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind
furtive|stealthy
fusillade|bombardment
futile|hopeless
gadabout|someone who roams about in search of amusement or social activity
gaffe|embarrassing mistake
gainful|profitable
gainsay|contradict
gallant|a very fashionalbe young man
gall|bitterness; careless nerve or to exasperate and irritate
gallimaufry|a hodgepodge; jumble; confused medley
galumph|to move in a clumsy manner or with a heavy tread
galvanic|pertaining to or produced by galvanism; producing or caused by an electric current
galvanize|excite to action
gambit|plot
gambol|to skip about, as in dancing or playing; frolic
game|courageous
gamut|the entire scale or range
gargantuan|gigantic; enormous; colossal
garner|gather
garrote|stranglehold
garrulous|talkative
gauche|awkward
gaucherie|socially awkward, tactless bahaviour
gaunt|thin and boney
gavel|mallet used for commanding attention
gelid|very cold, icy
genealogy|ancestry
genetics|study of heredity
genial|friendly, warm; kindly; sympathetically cheerful and cheering
genre|a class or category
genteel|elegant
genuflect|kneel in reverence
geriatric|relating to old age or the process of aging
geriatrics|pertaining to old age
germane|closely or significantly related; relevant; pertinent
germinate|to begin to grow (as in a seed or idea)
gerrymander|(verb) to manipulate voting districts in order to favor a particular political party
gestation|growth process from conception to birth
gesticulate|to make or use gestures, esp. in an animated or excited manner with or instead of speech
ghastly|shockingly frightful or dreadful; horrible
gibe|to utter mocking or scoffing words; jeer; heckle
girth|distance around something
gist|the essence of something
glabrous|having a surface devoid of hair or pubescence
glaucoma|disorder of the eye
glean|to gather
glib|insincere manner
global|involving the entire world; relating to the whole
glower|to look or stare with sullen dislike, discontent, or anger
glut|surplus, excess
gluttony|eating and drinking to an excessive level
gnarl|deform
gnomic|of, pertaining to, or noting a writer of aphorisms, esp. any of certain Greek poets
gnostic|having to do with knowledge
goad|encourage
googol|a very large number
gorge|stuff, satiate oneself
gory|bloody
gossamer|thin and flimsy
gouge|overcharge
gracious|kindness
gradation|process occuring by regular degree or stages; variation in color
gradient|incline, rising by degrees
gradual|by degrees
graft|(noun) corruption, usually through bribery
grandiloquence|pompous talk, fancy but meaningless language
grandiloquent|(adjective) puffed up with vanity
grandiose|magnificent and imposing; exaggerated and pretentious
grandious|impressive, large
granular|grainy
grapple|struggle with something
grasp|to perceive and understand; hold securely
gratis|free
gratitude|thankfulness
gratuitous|unwarranted, uncalled for
gratuity|tip
gravamen|the essential part of an accusation
grave|serious, requiring consideration
gravitas|seriousness or sobriety, as of conduct or speech
gravity|seriousness
gregarious|sociable
grievance|cause for complaint or protest
grievous|tragic, heinous
grimace|expression of disgust
grimy|dirty or filthy
gris-gris|an African charm or amulet
grisly|gruesome
grooves|long channel in the surface, habital way of living
gross|obscene; blatant; flagrant; total before deductions
grovel|crawl, obey
grubby|dirty and sloppy
guffaw|(verb) laugh boisterously
guile|deceit, cunning
guileless|(adjective) free of deceit
gull|cheat, decieve
gullible|easily deceived or cheated
gumption|(noun) resourcefulness and determination
gustatory|relating to sense of taste
gyrate|to move in a circular motion
hackneyed|made commonplace or trite; stale; banal
hagiographic|(adjective) excessively flattering toward someone's life or work
hail|(verb) enthusiastically acclaim or celebrate something
halcyon|(adjective) idyllically calm and peaceful; suggesting happy tranquillity; marked by peace and
hallow|make holy, regard as holy
hamper|basket with a lid, prevent free movement or activity
hamstrung|(verb) made ineffective or powerless
haphazard|(adjective) marked by great carelessness; dependent upon or characterized by chance
hapless|unlucky; luckless; unfortunate
harangue|(noun) a long pompous speech; a tirade
hardscrabble|yielding a bare or meager living with great labor or difficulty; marked by poverty
harried|(adjective) troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
harsh|rough, cruel, stern
haughty|(adjective) having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as
hauteur|(noun) overbearing pride evidenced by a superior manner toward inferiors
hector|a blustering, domineering person; a bully
hedge|(verb) to limit or qualify a statement; to avoid making a direct statement
hedonism|n. the pursuit of pleasure
heed|pay attention; notice
hegemony|(adjective) dominance over a certain area
heresy|belief contrary to what is generally acceted
heretic|(noun) a person who holds unorthodox opinions in any field (not merely religion)
hermetic|made airtight by fusion or sealing; not affected by outward influence or power; isolated
hermitage|any secluded place of residence or habitation; retreat; hideaway
heterodox|not in accordance with established or accepted doctrines or opinions, esp. in theology
heyday|(noun) the pinnacle or top of a time period or career
hierarchical|adj. arranged in rank order or hierarchy
hinder|to cause delay, interruption, or difficulty in; hamper; impede
hinterland|an inland area supplying goods, esp. trade goods, to a port
hirsute|hairy; shaggy
histrionic|(adjective) to be overly theatrical
hoary|(adjective) ancient
hoax|something intended to deceive or defraud
hobble|(verb) to hold back the progress of something
hodgepodge|(noun) a confusing mixture or jumble
hoi polloi|the common people generally; the masses
hollow|not solid; with a hole
holster|leather case for a pistol
homily|a sermon; discourse on a religious theme; a moralizing lecture; an inspirational saying, a platitude
homogenous|adj. uniform, identical
hone|to make more acute or effective; improve; perfect; stone used for sharpening tools
hoodwink|(verb) to deceive or trick someone
hound|(verb) to pursue relentlessly
hubris|(noun) overbearing pride or presumption
humdrum|(adjective) dull and lacking excitement
hurdle|light frame, fence to be jumped over
hyperbole|n. obvious exaggeration for effect
iconoclastic|(adjective) defying tradition or convention
iconoclast|(noun) somebody who attacks cherished beliefs or institutions
idee fixe|an idea that dominates the mind
ideological|adj. relating to a particular belief system or theory
idiosyncrasy|(noun) a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
idolatrous|worshipping idols
ignite|to set on fire; kindle
ignoble|of low character, aims, etc.; mean; base
ignominious|(adjective) (used of conduct or character) deserving or bringing disgrace or shame
ignoramus|an extremely ignorant person
illicit|(adjective) contrary to or forbidden by law
illustrious|(adjective) widely known and esteemed; having or conferring glory
imbibe|(verb) to drink or absorb as if drinking
imbroglio|(noun) a confusing and potentially embarrassing situation
immaculate|pure, faultless
immaterial|(adjective) not relevant
imminent|likely to come or happen soon
immure|(verb) to enclose, usually in wallsgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
immutable|(adjective) not able to be changed
impaired|damaged, weakened
impair|v. to hinder or weaken someone or something
impartial|(adjective) free from undue bias or preconceived opinions
impassible|incapable of suffering pain
impassive|without emotion; apathetic; unmoved
impeach|to accuse (a public official) before an appropriate tribunal of misconduct in office
impeccable|(adjective) without fault or error
impecunious|having little or no money; penniless; poor
impede|(verb) be a hindrance or obstacle to
impediment|n. barrier, hindrance, or obstruction
impending|imminent, being about to happen, expected
imperative|urgent, essential
imperious|(adjective) having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those one views as
imperiousness|haughty, arrogant, commanding
impermeable|(adjective) does not allow fluids to pass through
impertinent|(adjective) being disrespectful; improperly forward or bold
imperturbable|adj. remaining calm under any circumstance
impervious|not permitting penetration or passage; impenetrable
impetuous|characterized by sudden or rash action, emotion; impulsive
impiety|lack of reverence or dutifulness
implacable|(adjective) incapable of making less angry or hostile
implacably|not to be appeased, mollified, or pacified; inexorable
implausibility|incredibility
implausible|(adjective) describing a statement that is not believable
implicate|to show to be also involved, usually in an incriminating manner
implicit|implied though not plainly expressed
imply|make a suggestion
imponderable|(adjective) impossible to estimate or figure out
importuned|(verb) beg persistently and urgently
importuning|asking persistently to do something
imprecation|invoking an evil upon someone; a curse
impregnable|not capable of being stormed or taken by assault; unconquerable
imprimatur|sanction or approval; support
impromptu|without preparation
improvident|(adjective) not given careful consideration
imprudence|n. bad judgment
imprudent|(adjective) not wise
impudence|being rash, indisreet
impudent|(adjective) improperly forward or bold
impugned|challenged, to be doubted
impugn|to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon
impunity|exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action
imputation|an accusation; an attribution, as of fault or crime
impute|(verb) attribute (responsibility or fault) to something
inadvertent|(adjective) happening by chance or unexpectedly or unintentionally
inanity|(noun) total lack of meaning or ideas
inarticulate|(adjective) without or deprived of the use of speech or words
incarnadine|having a fleshy pink color; red; blood-red
incense|(verb) make furious
incessant|(adjective) uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing
Inchoate|adj. rudimentary, in the beginning stages
inchoate|chaotic, confused, not quite fully developed
incipient|beginning to exist or appear; in an initial stage
incise|engrave, make a cut in
incisive|(adjective) having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
incite|stir up, rouse
inclement|(of the weather, the elements, etc.) severe, rough, or harsh; stormy
inclined|directing the mind in a certain direction
incoherently|not consistently, unclearly
inconclusive|adj. indeterminate or unresolved
incongruous|out of keeping or place; unbecoming
incontrovertible|(adjective) necessarily or demonstrably true; impossible to deny or disprovegre.magoosh.com/flashcards
incorrigibility|cannot be cured or corrected
incorrigible|(adjective) impervious to correction by punishment
inculcate|to implant by repeated statement or admonition; teach persistently and earnestly
incumbent|(adjective) necessary (for someone) as a duty or responsibility
incumbents|official duties
incursion|sudden attack
indebted|adj. owing money adj. owing gratitude to someone or something
indecorous|(adjective) not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite
indefatigable|incapable of being tired out; not yielding to fatigue; untiring
indelible|that which cannot be rubbed out
indict|(verb) to formally charge or accuse of wrong-doing
indifference|(noun) the trait of seeming not to care
indigence|poverty
indigenous|native
indigent|(adjective) poor; having very little
indignant|(adjective) feeling anger over a perceived injustice
indistinct|not easily heard, seen, clearly marked
indolent|having or showing a disposition to avoid exertion; slothful
indurate|to make hard; harden, as rock, tissue, etc
industrious|(adjective) characterized by hard work and perseverance
ineffable|(adjective) too sacred to be uttered; defying expression or description
inefficacious|not able to produce the desired effect; ineffective
ineluctable|(adjective) impossible to avoid or evade
inept|unskillful; said or done at the wrong time
inequity|(noun) injustice by virtue of not conforming with rules or standards
inexorable|unyielding; unalterable; not to be persuaded, moved or affected by prayers or entreaties
infelicitous|(adjective) inappropriate
infertile|not fertile, barren
infertility|being not fertile
infer|v. to conclude from implicit evidence (as opposed to explicit facts)
inflammable|(adjective) extremely controversial, incendiary
infuse|put, pour, fill
ingenuity|(noun) the power of creative imagination
ingenuous|(adjective) to be naà ̄ve and innocent
ingratiate|(verb) gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
inhibit|hinder, restrain
inimical|adverse in tendency or effect; unfavorable; harmful
inimitable|(adjective) defying imitation; matchless
inkhorn|a small container of horn or other material, formerly used to hold writing ink
inkling|(noun) a slight suggestion or vague understanding
Innocuous|adj. harmless
innocuous|not harmful or injurious; harmless; not interesting, stimulating, or significant; pallid; insipid
inscrutable|Difficult to fathom or understand
insidious|(adjective) working in a subtle but destructive way
insipid|without taste or flavour
insolent|(adjective) rude and arrogant
insolvent|(adjective) unable to pay one's bills; bankrupt
insouciance|(noun) lack of concern
insufferable|(adjective) intolerable, difficult to endure
insular|adj. tight-knit and isolated; uninterested in matters outside one’s immediate sphere
insularity|being narrow-minded
insuperable|incapable of being passed over, overcome, or surmounted
intensive|adj. concentrated and in-depth
intermediary|n. a go-between
intermittent|(adjective) stopping and starting at irregular intervalsgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
internecine|mutually destructive; of or pertaining to conflict or struggle within a group
interregnum|any period during which a state has no ruler or only a temporary executive
intersperse|place here and there
intimate|(verb) to suggest something subtly
intimation|(noun) an indirect suggestion
intractable|adj. unmanageable adj. stubborn or obstinate
intransigent|refusing to agree or compromise; uncompromising; inflexible
intrepid|resolutely fearless; dauntless
introspection|examining one.s own thoughts and feelings
inundate|(verb) to flood or overwhelm
inundation|to flood; cover or overspread with water; deluge
inure|to accustom to hardship, difficulty, pain, etc.; toughen or harden; habituate
invective|vehement or violent denunciation, censure or reproach; a railing accusation; vituperation
inveigle|trick by using flattery, deception
inveterate|settled or confirmed in a habit, practice, feeliing or the like; firmly established by long continuance, as a disease, habit; chronic
invidious|(adjective) likely to cause resentment
inviolable|(adjective) never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored
inviolate|(adjective) must be kept sacred
involved|(adjective) complicated, and difficult to comprehend
invulnerable|adj. indestructible, impervious to harm
irascible|easily provoked to anger; very irritable; characterized or produced by anger
ire|intense anger; wrath
irenic|tending to promote peace or reconciliation; peaceful or conciliatory
irksome|tiresome
irk|(verb) irritate or vex
irreconcilable|cannot be brought into harmony
irrefutable|(adjective) impossible to deny or disprove
irrelevant|not relevant, not connected
irresolute|(adjective) uncertain how to act or proceed
irrevocable|final and unalterable
itinerant|(adjective) traveling from place to place to work
itinerary|plan for a journey, details or records of a route
jabber|talk excitedly; utter rapidly
jabberwocky|nonsense
jaded|spent, bored with one's situation
jangling|to produce a harsh, discordant sound, as two comparatively small, thin or hollow pieces of metal hitting together; to speak angrily; wrangle
jargon|specialize vocabulary
jaundice|(adjective) to be biased against due to envy or prejudice
jaundiced|biased, embittered
jeer|mock
jejune|without interest or significance; dull; insipid; juvenile; immature; childish
jeremiad|a prolonged lamentation or mournful complaint
jilt|to reject or cast aside (a lover or sweetheart), esp. abruptly or unfeelingly
jingoism|(noun) fanatical patriotism
jingoistic|nationalistic, warmongering
jingoist|(noun) a person who thinks that their country should be at war
jocular|given to, characterized by, intended for, or suited to joking or jesting; waggish; facetious
jocund|cheerful; merry; gay; blithe; glad
jostle|push, brush against
journeyman|reliable worker
joust|combat between knights on horses
jovial|(adjective) full of or showing high-spirited merriment
jubilant|in high spirits
judicious|prudent
juggernaut|unstoppable force
jugular|the throat
juncture|pivotal point in time
junoesque|(of a woman) stately; regal
junta|small ruling group
jurisdiction|the right, power, or authority to administer justice by hearing and determining controversies
jurisprudence|the science or philosophy of law; a body or system of laws
juvenescent|being or becoming youthful; young; young in appearance
juxtapose|(verb) place side by side
juxtaposition|an act or instance of placing close together or side by side, esp. for comparison or contrast
ken|purveiw, range of comprehension
kindle|arouse, inspire
kindred|a group of persons related to another; family, tribe, or race
kinetic|pertaining to motion
kismet|fate; destiny
kite|bad check; a person who preys on others; sharper
kitsch|trashy art
kleptomania|impulse to steal
knave|a con man; an unprincipled, untrustworthy, or dishonest person
knell|the sound made by a bell rung slowly, esp. for a death or a funeral
kowtow|behave obsequiously; to show servile deference (in the form of touching one's forehead to the ground while kneeling, as an act of worship, reverence or apology)
kudos|acclaim
kvetch|to complain, esp. chronically
laborious|(adjective) characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
lacerate|(verb) deeply hurt the feelings of; distress
lachrymose|(adjective) showing sorrow
lackluster|(of eyes) dull
laconic|using few words; expessing much in few words; concise
lacuna|a gap or missing part, as in a manuscript, series, or logical argument; hiatus
lag|go too slow
lambast|(verb) criticize severely or angrily
lampoon|(verb) ridicule with satire
languid|lacking in vigor or vitality; slack or slow
languish|(verb) become feeble
lapidary|engraved in stone; art of cutting stones or engraving on them
largess|(noun) extreme generosity and givinggre.magoosh.com/flashcards
lascivious|(adjective) lecherous; sexually perverted
latent|present but not yet active, developed or visible
laudable|deserving praise; praisworthy
laudatory|expressing or giving praise
laud|v. to praise
lavish|giving or producing freely, liberally or generously
leakage|the process of leaking
leery|(adjective) openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
leitmotif|theme associated throughout a music drama with a particular person, situation, or idea
lethargic|(adjective) lacking energy
levity|lightness of mind, character, or behavior
lien|legal claim until a debt on it is repaid
ligate|to bind with or tie up (a bleeding artery or the like)
limpid|clear, transparent, or pellucid, as water, crystal, or air
limp|lacking strength, walking unevenly
lionize|(verb) assign great social importance to
litany|(noun) any long and tedious account of something
litigation|n. legal proceedings
loath|(adjective) unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom (usually followed by 'to')
loll|rest, to sit or stand in a lazy way; hang (dog.s tongue)
loquacious|talkative
lout|an awkward, stupid person; clumsy, ill-mannered bore; oaf
lubricant|substance that makes work easier
lubricate|put oil to make work easily
lucid|easily understood; completely intelligible or comprehensible
lucubration|laborious work, study, thought, etc., esp. at night; the result of such activity, as a learned speech or dissertation
lucubratory|to work, write, or study laboriously, esp. at night
lugubrious|mournful, dismal, or gloomy, esp. in an affected, exaggerated, or unrelieved manner
lull|become quiet or less active
luminary|a celestial body, as the sun or moon; object that gives light
luminous|adj. full of light
lumpen|of or pertaining to disfranchised and uprooted individuals or groups, esp. those who have lost status
macabre|gruesome, suggesting death
machinate|(verb) engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together
machination|an act or instance of crafty schemes, plots; intrigues
magisterial|(adjective) offensively self-assured or given to exercising unwarranted power
magnanimity|n. generosity and nobility of spirit
magnanimous|(adjective) noble and generous in spirit, especially towards a rival or someone less
maintain|(verb) to assert
maladroit|unskillful, awkward, tactless; lacking in skill
malady|(noun) a disease or sickness
malaise|a condition of general bodily weakness or discomfort, often marking the onset of a disease
malapropism|misuse of a word (for one that resembles it)
malapropos|inappropriate; out of place; inopportune; untimely
malevolent|(adjective) wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense ill will or hatred
malfeasance|(adjective) misconduct or wrongdoing (especially by a public official)
malign|to speak harmful untruths about; speak evil of; slander; defame
malingerer|(noun) someone shirking their duty by pretending to be sick or incapacitated
malleable|(adjective) capable of being shaped or bent or drawn out
malodorous|smelling very unpleasant
mantlet|large shield or portable shelter used for stopping arrows
manumit|to release from slavery or servitude
martial|brave, of associated with war
martinet|(noun) a strict disciplinarian
massacre|cruel killing of a large number of people
masticate|to chew; to reduce to a pulp by crushing or kneading, as rubber
matriculation|be admitted, enter a university as a student
mature|come to full development, to a state ready for use
matutinal|pertaining to or occurring in the morning; early in the day
maudlin|tearfully or weakly emotional; foolishly sentimental
maunder|to talk incoherently; to speak in a rambling manner; to wander aimlessly or confused
maverick|(noun) someone who exhibits great independence in thought and action
mawkish|(adjective) overly sentimental to the point that it is disgusting
maxim|(noun) a short saying expressing a general truth
meander|(verb) to wander aimlessly
mein|wrong-doing, harm or wickedness
melancholy|(noun) a deep, long-lasting sadness
melee|(noun) a wild, confusing fight or struggle
mellifluous|(adjective) smooth and sweet-sounding
mendacious|telling lies, esp. habitually; dishonest; lying; untruthful
mendacity|(noun) the tendency to be untruthful
mendicant|begging; practicing begging; living on alms
mercurial|lively, quick-witted; inconsistent, changeable
meretricious|alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar actions; tawdry; based on pretense, deception or insincerity; pertaining to or characteristic of a prostitute
mesmerize|(verb) to spellbind or enthrall
mete|dispense or allot justice or a punishment
meteoric|(adjective) like a meteor in speed or brilliance or transience
meticulous|(adjective) marked by extreme care in treatment of details
mettlesome|(adjective) filled with courage or valor
mien|air, bearing or demeanor, as showing character, feeling etc
mimetic|haracterized by, exhibiting, or of the nature of imitation or mimicry
misanthrope|(noun) a hater of mankind
misattribute|(verb) To erroneously attribute; to falsely ascribe; used especially of authorship.
miscegenation|marriage or cohabitation between a man and woman of different races, esp., in the U.S., between a black and a white person
mischievous|harmful, causing mischief
misconstrue|(verb) interpret in the wrong waygre.magoosh.com/flashcards
miscreant|(noun) a person who breaks the law
miser|person who loves wealth and spends little
misogynist|(noun) a person who dislikes women in particular
missile|something that is thrown or shot
missive|a written message; a letter
mitigate|(verb) make less severe or harsh
moderation|quality of being limited, not extreme
modest|adj. not boastful adj. not overly showy
modicum|(noun) a small or moderate or token amount
moil|to work hard; drudge; to whirl or churn ceaselessly; twist; eddy
mollify|to soften in feeling or temper, as a person; pacify; appease
molt|moult, lose hair, feathers before new growing
moment|(noun) significant and important value
monotony|n. boredom and repetition
moot|(adjective) open to argument or debate; undecidable in a meaningless or irrelevant way
morbid|diseased, unhealthy (eg. about ideas)
mordant|(adjective) biting and caustic in thought, manner, or style
moribund|in a dying state; at the point of death; becoming obsolete or inactive
morose|ill-tempered, unsocial
morph|(verb) To undergo dramatic change in a seamless and barely noticeable fashion.
mortuary|place where dead bodies are taken to be kept until burial
mulct|to deprive (someone) of something, as by fraud, extortion, etc.; swindle
multifarious|having many different parts, elements, forms, etc.
mundane|of or pertaining to this world or earth as contrasted with heaven; common; ordinary; banal; unimaginative
munificent|(adjective) very generous
muted|(adjective) softened, subdued
myopic|(adjective) lacking foresight or imagination
myriad|(noun) a large indefinite number
myrmidon|person who executes without question or scruple a master's commands
nadir|(noun) the lowest point
naïve|adj. inexperienced or gullible
nascent|beginning to exist or develop
nebbish|a pitifully ineffectual, luckless, and timid person
neglect|v. to abandon or leave uncared-for
negligent|guilt of or characterized by carelessneess
negligible|(adjective) so small as to be meaningless; insignificant
neologism|a new word, meaning, usage, or phrase
ne plus ultra|the highest point; acme
nettlesome|(adjective) causing irritation or annoyance
noisome|offensive, disgusting (smell)
nonagenarian|of the age of 90 years, or between 90 and 100 years old
nonage|the period of legal minority, or of an age below 21
nonchalant|(adjective) coming across as cooly uninterested
nonpareil|having no equal; peerless; a person or thing having no equal
nonplussed|to render utterly perplexed; puzzle completely; greatly surprised
nonplus|to render utterly perplexed; puzzle completely
Note|
notoriety|n. fame for doing something negative or criminal
noxious|harmful or injurious to health or physical well-being
nuance|(noun) a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
nuptial|of or pertaining to marriage or the marriage ceremony
obdurate|stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or course of action
obfuscate|to confuse, bewilder, or stupefy
objurgate|(verb) express strong disapproval of
oblation|the offering to God of the elements of bread and wine in the Eucharist
obliging|(adjective) showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others
oblique|(adjective) not straightforward; indirect
obscure|(verb) make unclear
obsequious|too eager to obey or serve
obstinate|(adjective) resistant to guidance or discipline; stubbornly persistent
obstreperous|(adjective) noisily and stubbornly defiant; willfully difficult to control
obtain|(adjective) be valid, applicable, or true
obtuse|not quick or alert in perception, feeling, or intellect; not sensitive or observant; dull
obviate|to anticipate and prevent or eliminate (difficulties, disadvantages, etc.) by effective measures; render unnecessary
occlude|v. to block or obstruct
occult|n. the mystical and supernatural
odious|extremely unpleasant, repulsive
officious|ready to serve; obliging; objectionably agressive in offering one's unrequested and unwanted services
offset|v. to counterbalance or counteract
olfactory|adj. relating to smell or the sense of smell
olla podrida|an incongruous mixture or miscellany
omnipotent|almighty or infinite in power, as God.
omnipresent|present everywhere at the same time
omniscience|n. the quality or state of being all-knowing
omniscient|having complete or unlimited knowledge, awareness, or understanding; perceiving all things
onerous|burdensome, oppresive, or troublesome; causing hardship
opaque|(adjective) not clearly understood or expressed
opportunism|n. the practice of taking advantage of opportunities as they arise without particular concern for morality or ethics
opprobrious|outrageously disgraceful or shameful
opprobrium|the disgrace or the reproach incurred by conduct considered outrageously shameful
opulence|(noun) wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
ornate|(adjective) marked by elaborate rhetoric and elaborated with decorative detailsgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
oscillate|v. to swing back and forth between two points, poles, or positions
ossify|to convert into or cause to harden like bone
ostensible|outwardly appearing as such; professed; pretended
ostentation|display to obtain admiration or envy
ostentatious|fond of
ostracism|shut out from society, refuse to meet, talk
ostracize|(verb) exclude from a community or group
ostrich|fast-running bird unable to fly
otiose|being at leisure; idle; indolent; useless
outset|start
outstrip|v. to overtake or outrun
overhaul|examine thoroughly to learn about the condition
overshadow|v. to literally cast a shadow over v. to appear more notable than
overweening|overbearing; immodest; arrogant - excessive or exaggerated
overwhelm|weigh down, submerge
pacify|to bring or restore to a state of peace or tranquillity; quiet; calm
painstaking|adj. attentive to detail, meticulous
palatable|(adjective) acceptable to the taste or mind
palaver|(verb) speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
palimpsest|(noun) something that has been changed numerous times but on which traces of former
palindrome|a word, line, verse, number, sentence, etc., reading the same backward as forward
palliate|to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate
palpability|can be felt, touched, understood
palpitate|tremble, beat rapidly and irregularly
panacea|a remedy for all disease or ills; cure-all
panache|(noun) distinctive and stylish elegance
panegyric|(noun) a formal expression of praisegre.magoosh.com/flashcards
panjandrum|a self-important or pretentious official
pantheon|a public building containing tombs or memorials of the illustrious dead of a nation
paradoxical|(adjective) seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true
paragon|(noun) model of excellence or perfection of a kind; one having no equal
parenthesis|sentense within another one, something separated
pariah|(noun) an outcast
pari passu|with equal pace or progress; side by side; fairly
parochial|(adjective) narrowly restricted in scope or outlook
paroxysm|any sudden, violent outburst; a fit of violent action or emotion
parse|to analyze (a sentence) in terms of grammatical constituents, identifying the parts of speech, syntactic relations, etc
parsimonious|too economical, miserly
partial|adj. incomplete
partisan|n. a devoted supporter of a group, cause, or person
parvenu|(noun) a person who has suddenly become wealthy, but not socially accepted as part of a
pastiche|a literary, musical, or artistic piece consisting wholly or chiefly of motifs or techniques borrowed from one or more sources
pastoral|(adjective) relating to the countryside in a pleasant sense
patent|(adjective) glaringly obvious
patronize|(verb) treat condescendingly
paucity|(noun) a lack of something
pavone|a peacock
peccadillo|small sin; small weakness in one.s character
pecuniary|of or pertaining to money
pedantic|(adjective) marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects
pedestrian|(adjective) lacking imagination
peevish|cross, querulous, or fretful, as from vexation or discontent
pejorative|(adjective) expressing disapproval (usu. refers to a term)
pellucid|transparent; clear; easily understandable
penchant|taste, liking, inclination
penultimate|second to last
penurious|(adjective) lacking money; poor
penury|poverty
percipient|(adjective) highly perceptive
peremptory|leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative; dictatorial
perennial|lasting for a long time (eg. a year)
perfervid|very fervent; extremely ardent; impassioned
perfidious|treacheres, faithless
perfidy|deliberate breach of faith or trust; faithlessness; treachery
perforce|of necessity; necessarily; by force of circumstance
perfunctory|performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial; lacking interest or care
peripatetic|(adjective) traveling by foot
peripheral|adj. on the edge or periphery; not centrally important
perjury|the willful giving of false testimony under oath or affirmation, before a competent tribunal, upon a point material to a legal inquiry
permeate|v. to pervade or penetrate throughout
pernicious|causing insidious harm or ruin; ruinous; hurtful
perpetuate|(verb) cause to continue
perquisite|(noun) a right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (especially a hereditary or
perseverance|n. persistence in the face of obstacles
persevere|keep on steadily, continue
persiflage|light, bantering talk or writing
perspicacious|(adjective) acutely insightful and wise
perspicacity|keenness of mental perception and understanding; discernment; penetration
pertain|belong as a part, have reference
pertinacious|holding tenaciously to a purpose, course of action, or opinion; resolute
pertinent|(adjective) having precise or logical relevance to the matter at hand
perturb|to disturb or disquiet greatly in mind; agitate
peruse|(verb) to read very carefully
pervasive|adj. found everywhere, widespread; often has a negative connotation
pest|destructive thing or a person who is nuisance
pettifogger|A petty, unscrupulous lawyer; a shyster
petulant|unreasonably impatient
phantasmagoria|a changing scene made up of many elements
phantasmagorical|(adjective) illusive; unreal
phenomena|n. things that happen
philistine|(adjective) smug and ignorant towards artistic and cultural values
phlegmatic|(adjective) showing little emotion
physiognomy|the face or countenance, esp. when considered as an index to the character
picayune|(adjective) trifling or petty (a person)
pied|of mixed colors
pillorying|attack or ridicule
pillory|(verb) ridicule or expose to public scorn
pinch|be too tight, take between the thumb and finger
pine|(verb) to yearn for
pinnacle|(noun) the highest point
pinnate|having leaflets arranged on either side of the stem
pious|dutifull to parents; devoted to religion
piquant|(adjective) having an agreeably pungent taste
pique|hirt the pride or self-respect, stir (curiosity)
pis aller|a course of action followed as a last resort
pissoir|a pubic urinal
pitfall|covered hole as a trap, unsuspected danger
pith|essential part, force, soft liquid substance
pithy|(adjective) concise and full of meaning
pittance|(noun) a small amount (of money)
placate|soothe, pacify, calm
placid|(adjective) not easily irritated
plangent|resounding loudly, esp. with a plaintive sound, as a bell
plaque|flat metal on a wall as a memorial
plastic|adj. easily shaped or molded adj. made of plastic
platitude|(noun) a trite or obvious remark
plausible|adj. believable, reasonable
plead|address a court of law as an advocate
plea|request
plenipotentiary|a person, esp. a diplomatic agent, invested with full power or authority to transact business on behalf of another
plethora|glut
pliant|pliable, easile bent, shaped or twisted
plod|continue doing something without resting
plodding|(adjective) (of movement) slow and laborious
ploy|(noun) a clever plan to turn a situation to one's advantage
pluck|pull the feathers off, pick (eg. flowers)
plucky|(adjective) marked by courage and determination
plummet|fall, plunge, steeply
plunge|move quickly, suddenly and with force
pogrom|an organized massacre, especially of Jews
poignant|keenly distressing to the feelings; keen or strong in mental appeal; pungent to the smell
poise|be ready, be balanced, self-possession
polarize|v. to cause a sharp division between two groups
polemical|a controversial argument, as one against some opinion or doctrine; a person who argues in opposition to another
polemic|(noun) a strong verbal or written attack on someone or something.
politic|shrewd or prudent in practical matters; tactful; diplomatic
Pollyannaish|(adjective) extremely optimisticgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
poltroon|a wretched coward; craven; marked by utter cowardice
polyglot|able to speak or write several languages; multilingual
polymath|a person of great learning in several fields of study; polyhistor
ponderous|heavy, bulky, dull
pontificate|to speak in a pompous or dogmatic manner
portentous|(adjective) ominously prophetic
posit|(verb) assume as fact
postprandial|after a meal, esp. after dinner
posture|state, attitude; adopt a vain
potboiler|a mediocre work of literature or art produced merely for financial gain
poverty|state of being poor
powwow|(noun) an informal meeting or discussion
pragmatic|(adjective) guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory
precarious|(adjective) fraught with danger
preceded|adj. went before
precedent|(noun) an example that is used to justify similar occurrences at a later timegre.magoosh.com/flashcards
precept|moral instruction
precipice|a cliff with a vertical, nearly vertical, or overhanging face
precipitate|cause usually a bad event to happen suddenly
precipitous|(adjective) done with very great haste and without due deliberationgre.magoosh.com/flashcards
preclude|(verb) keep from happening or arising; make impossible
precocious|(adjective) characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity
precursor|n. a forerunner
precursory|peliminary, anticipating
predilection|special liking, mental preference
preemptive|(adjective) done before someone else can do it
preempt|obtain by preemption or in advance
premature|doing or happening something before the right time
prepotency|the ability of one parent to impress its hereditary characters on its progeny because it possesses more homozygous, dominant, or epistatic genes
presage|warning sign
prescience|(noun) the power to foresee the future
prescient|adj. knowing things before they happen, prophetic
presentiment|a feeling or impression that something is about to happen, esp. something evil; foreboding
prestidigitation|magic tricks performed as entertainment, a slight of hand
presumption|(noun) an assumption that is taken for granted
presumptuous|(adjective) excessively forward
prevail|(verb) be widespread in a particular area at a particular time; be current
prevaricate|to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie
primacy|(noun) the state of being first in importance
primogeniture|the state or fact of being the firstborn of children of the same parents
pristine|having its original purity; primitive
probity|(noun) integrity, strong moral principles
procrastination|keeping on putting off
prodigal|(adjective) rashly or wastefully extravagant
prodigious|enormous, wonderful
profane|wordly, having contempt for God
proffer|To offer for acceptance; tender
profligate|recklessly wasteful; openly and shamelessly immoral; dissolute; dissipated
profundity|depth
profuse|spending or giving freely and in large amount, often to excess; extravagant
profusion|(noun) the property of being extremely abundant
prognostication|(noun) a statement made about the future
prolegomenon|an introductory essay
proliferate|grow, reproduce by rapid; multification
prolific|(adjective) intellectually productive
prolixity|(noun) boring verbosity
prolix|tiring because too long
promulgate|(verb) state or announce
pronunciamento|a proclamation; manifesto; edict
propagation|increasing the number, spreading, extending
propitiate|to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate
propitious|(adjective) presenting favorable circumstances; likely to result in or show signs of success
proponent|(noun) a person who pleads for a cause or propounds an idea
propriety|n. appropriateness, manners, decorum
prosaic|(adjective) dull and lacking imagination
proscribe|to denounce or condemn (a thing) as dangerous or harmful; prohibit
proselytize|to convert or attempt to convert as a proselyte; recruit
prospective|adj. potential or likely adj. applicable to the future
protean|(adjective) readily taking on different roles; versatile
protraction|prolongation; extension
provident|(adjective) careful in regard to your own interests; providing carefully for the future
providential|opportune, fortunate, or lucky
provincial|(adjective) characteristic of the a limited perspective; not fashionable or sophisticated
provisional|(adjective) under terms not final or fully worked out or agreed upon
prudence|careful forethought
prudish|easily shocked, excessively modest
prune|cut away part in order to control growth
puerile|(adjective) of or characteristic of a child; displaying or suggesting a lack of maturity
pugnacious|inclined to quarrel or fight readily; quarrelsome; combative
puissant|(adjective) powerful
pukka|genuine, reliable, or good; proper
pule|to cry in a thin voice; whine; whimper
punch|strike with the fist; tool for cutting holes; alc. drink
punctilio|a fine point, particular, or detail, as of conduct, ceremony, or procedure
punctilious|strict or exact in the observance of the formalities or amenities of conduct or actions
pundit|pedant, authority on a subject
pungency|sharpness
purblind|nearly or partially blind; dim-sighted; slow or deficient in understanding, imagination, or vision
pusillanimous|lacking courage or resolution; cowardly; faint-hearted; timid
putsch|a plotted revolt or attempt to overthrow a government, esp. one that depends upon suddenness and speed
pyre|large pile of wood for burning
pyrrhic|(adjective) describing a victory that comes at such a great cost that the victory is not worthwhile
Pyrrhic victory|A victory achieved at great or excessive cost; a ruinous victory
quack|person dishonestly claiming to something
quagmire|an area of miry or boggy ground whose surface yields under the tread; a bog
quail|(verb) draw back, as with fear or pain
qualification|n. credential n. a modifying statement
qualify|(adjective) to be legally competent or capable
qualm|feeling of doubt, temporary feeling of sickness in the stomach
qualms|feelings of doubt, sickness in the stomach
quandary|a state of perplexity or uncertainty, esp. as to what to do; dilemma
quell|suppress, subdue
quench|to slake, satisfy, or allay
querulous|(adjective) habitually complaining
quiescent|being at rest; quiet; still; inactive or motionless
quietus|discharge or release from life; a period of retirement or inactivity
quip|(noun) a witty saying or remark
quisling|(noun) a traitor
quixotic|generous, unselfish
quotidian|that which is common
raconter|person who tells anecdotes
raconteur|(noun) a person skilled in telling anecdotes
raffish|characterized by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity, crudeness or rowdiness; tawdry
raft|(noun) a large number of something
raillery|good-humored ridicule; banter
rakish|(adjective) marked by a carefree unconventionality or disreputableness
rampart|defensive wall of castle or walled city
rancorous|feeling bitterness, spitefulness
rankle|(verb) gnaw into; make resentful or angry
rapacious|greedy (esp for money)
rapprochement|an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations
rarefied|(verb) make more subtle or refined
rash|(adjective) marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences; imprudently incurring risk
ratiocination|To reason methodically and logically
rationalize|v. to attempt to justify with reasons that are only superficially valid
ravenous|(adjective) extremely hungry; devouring or craving food in great quantities
rebuke|(verb) criticize severely or angrily; censure
recalcitrant|resisting authority or control; not obedient or compliant; refractory
recapitulation|(noun) a summary (think of recap)
recast|to remodel or reconstruct; to form, fashion or arrange once again
recidivism|repeated or habitual relapse, as into crime
reciprocity|granting of privileges in return for similiar
recitals|a number of, performance of music
recluse|person who lives alone and avoids people
reconcile|(verb) make (one thing) compatible with (another)
recondite|hard to understand; abstruse
recreant|cowardly or craven; unfaithful, disloyal, or traitorous
recrimination|(noun) mutual accusations
recrudesce|(verb) to break out or happen again
recumbent|lying down; reclining; leaning
recuperate|become strong after illness, loss, exhaustion
redact|to put into suitable literary form; revise; edit
redeem|get back by payment; compensate
redolent|having a pleasant odor; fragrant
redoubtable|that is to be feared; formidable
redress|(noun) an act of making something right
refine|make or become pure, cultural
refractory|hard or impossible to manage; stubbornly disobedient
refute|(verb) prove to be false or incorrect
regale|to delight with something pleasing or amusing
rejoinder|an answer to a reply; response
rejuvenation|becoming young in nature or appearence
relapse|fall back again
relegate|(verb) assign to a lower position
relentless|adj. never stopping, constant
relevant|adj. relating to the topic or issue at hand
relinquish|give up
reluctant|unwilling or disinclined
remiss|(adjective) to be negligent in one"s duty
remonstrate|to say or plead in protest, objection, or disapproval
renege|(verb) fail to fulfill a promise or obligation
renovate|restore something to better condition
rent|regular payment for the use of something, division or split
repine|to be fretfully discontented; fret; complain
replete|(adjective) completely stocked or furnished with something
reprisal|(noun) a retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime
reproach|scold, upbraid
reprobate|(noun) a person who is disapproved of
reprove|to criticize or correct, esp. gently; to disapprove of strongly; censure
repudiate|to reject as having no authority or binding force
requite|repay, give in return
rescind|(verb) cancel officially
reservation|(noun) an unstated doubt that prevents you from accepting something wholeheartedly
resignation|(noun) the acceptance of something unpleasant that can't be avoided
resilience|quality of quickly recovering the proginal shape
resilient|springing back; rebounding; recovering readily from illness, depression or adversity
resolve|(verb) reach a conclusion after a discussion or deliberation
resonance|prolongation of sound by reflection; reverberation
respectively|adv. in the sequential order previously given
respite|(noun) a pause from doing something (as work)
resplendent|shining brilliantly; gleaming; splendid
restive|refusing to move; reluctant to be controlled
restorative|capable of renewing health or strength
resurgent|(adjective) rising again as to new life and vigor
resurrect|bring back into use
resuscitation|coming back to consciousness
reticent|reserved, in the habit of saying little
retinue|suite; a body of retainers in attendance upon an important personage (usually accompanying a high-ranking person)
retiring|(adjective) to be shy, and to be inclined to retract from company
retract|to draw back or in; to draw back within itself or oneself, fold up or the like
revere|have deep respect for
reverent|deeply respectful
rhetoric|n. the art of effective communication (written or verbal)
ribald|(adjective) humorously vulgar
rift|split, crack, dissension
rigor|strictness, severity or harshness as in dealing with people
rile|(verb) cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
riposte|a quick, sharp return in speech or action; counterstroke
risible|causing or capable of causing laughter; laughable; ludicrous
rivet|fix, take up, secure; matel pin
rivulet|a small stream; streamlet; brook
roborant|stengthening; a tonic
robust|strong and healthy; hardy; vigorous
rococo|style of architecture and decoration (france 1720); style of music; ornate or fluid in speech, literary style, etc.
roil|to render (water, wine etc) turbid by stirring up settlement; to stir up or disturb
rope|thick strong cord made by twisting
roseate|overly optimisitc; bright or cheerful
rotund|round in shape; plump; fat; full-toned or sonorous
roue|a dissolute and licentious man; rake
rout|defeat
row|(noun) an angry dispute
rudimentary|(adjective) being in the earliest stages of development; being or involving basic facts or
rustic|(adjective) characteristic of rural life; awkwardly simple and provincial
ruth|pity or compassion; sorrow or grief
sagacious|of keen penetration and judgement; discerning and judicious; knowing; shrewed and wise
sage|a profoundly wise person; a person famed for wisdom
salacious|lustful or lecherous; obscene; grossly indecent
salient|prominent or conspicuous; projecting or pointing outward; leaping or jumping
salubrious|favorable to or promoting health; healthful
salutary|wholesome; promoting or conducive to some beneficial pupose; healthful
sanctimonious|(adjective) making a show of being pious; holier-than-thou
sanction|authoritative permission or approval, as for an action
sanctum|a sacred or holy place
sangfroid|(noun) calmness or poise in difficult situations
sanguine|(adjective) cheerful; optimistic
sapid|having taste or flavor; palatable; agreeable to the taste
sardonic|mocking; cynical; sneering; characterized by bitter or scornful derision
sartorial|of or pertaining to clothing or style or manner of dress
satiate|to supply with anything to excess, so as to disgust or weary; surfeit
satiety|the state of being full or gratified to or beyond the point of satisfaction
saturnine|(adjective) morose or gloomy
satyr|a lascivious man; lecher; a mythical woodland deity, attendant on Bacchus; part human part horse
savant|person of great learning
savor|the quality in a substance that affects the sense of taste or smell; a particular taste or smell; power to excite or interest
savvy|(noun) a perceptive understanding
sawdust|tiny bits of wood
scabbard|a sheath for a sword 
scanty|meager; not adequate; lacking amplitude in extent or compass
scent|smell (esp pleasant)
schadenfreude|(noun) joy from watching the suffering of others
scintillating|(adjective) describes someone who is brilliant and lively
sciolism|superficial knowledge; A pretentious attitude of scholarship; superficial knowledgeability
scrabble|to scratch or scrape, as with the claws or hands; a scrawled or scribbled writing
screed|(noun) an abusive rant (often tedious)
scrupulous|having or showing a strict regard for what one considers right; principled
scurvy|diseased state of the blood caused by eating too much salt
seal|piece of wax, lead, etc stamped on the document
seclusion|solitude; retirement
secular|adj. of or relating to the world or worldly matters (as opposed to religious ones)
sediment|n. material that settles at the bottom of a body of water
sedition|incitement of discontent or rebellion against a government
sedulous|diligent in application or attention; persevering; assiduous
self-effacing|(adjective) reluctant to draw attention to yourself
semblance|(noun) an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleadinggre.magoosh.com/flashcards
sententious|(adjective) to be moralizing, usually in a pompous sense
sentimental|(adjective) effusively or insincerely emotional, especially in art, music, and literature
sequence|succession, connected line of
sere|dry; withered
serendipity|an aptitude for making desirable discoveries by accident
serene|calm, peaceful or tranquil
serration|having a toothed edge
servile|like a slave, lacking independence
severance|a breaking off
shaft|arrow or spear, something long and narrow
shallow|little depth; not earnest
shard|a fragment, esp of broken earthenware
sheath|cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool
shove|push
shrill|sparp, piercing
shun|keep away from; avoid
shunt|send from one track to another; lay aside; evade discussion
sidestep|step to one side
simulacrum|(noun) a representation of a person (especially in the form of sculpture)
simultaneous|adj. occurring at the same moment
sinecure|(noun) an office that involves minimal duties
sinuous|having many curves, bends, or turns; winding
skeptic|a person who questions the validity or authenticity of something purporting to be factual
skiff|small boat
skit|short piece of humorous writing
skulk|to lie or keep in hiding, as for some evil reason
slake|to allay (thirst, desire, wrath) by satisfying; to cool or refresh; to sooth thirst
slapdash|(adjective) carelessly and hastily put together
slate|king of blue-grey stone; propose; critisize
slaver|to slobber; to drool; saliva drooling from the mouth
sluggard|a person who is habitually inactive or lazy
sluggish|inactive, slow-moving
smattering|(noun) a slight or superficial understanding of a subject; a small amount of something
smug|(adjective) marked by excessive complacency or self-satisfaction
snide|(adjective) expressive of contempt; derogatory or mocking in an indirect way
snub|(verb) refuse to acknowledge; reject outright and bluntly
soar|rise, fly high
sober|self-controlled
sobriety|quality or condition of being sober
soggy|heavy with water
solecism|a nonstandard or ungrammatical usage
solicitous|anxious or concerned; eager; careful or particular
solicitude|(noun) a feeling of excessive concern
solvent|able to pay all just debts; having the power of dissolving
somatic|of the body
somniferous|bringing or inducing sleep, as drugs or influences
somnolent|sleepy or drowsy
sonorous|giving out or capable of giving out a sound, esp. a deep, resonant sound, as a thing or place
soot|black powder in smoke
sophisticated|complex, subtle, refined
sophistry|a subtle, tricky, superficially plausible, but generally fallacious method of reasoning
soporific|causing or tending to cause sleep; somthing that causes sleep such as a medicine or a drug
sordid|wretched, comfortless, contemptible
sotto voce|in a low, soft voice so as not to be overheard
sparse|adj. scattered or scarce adj. austere and unadorned
spartan|(adjective) unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; practicing great self-
spear|weapon with a metal point on a long shaft
specious|apparently good or right though lacking real merit; superficially pleasing or plausible
spendthrift|(noun) one who spends money extravagantly
splenetic|(adjective) very irritable
spoonerism|the transposition of initial or other sounds of words, usually by accident
sporadic|(adjective) recurring in scattered and irregular or unpredictable instances
spurious|(adjective) plausible but false
spurn|to reject with disdain; scorn
squalid|foul and repulsive, as from lack of cleanliness; neglected and filthy
squander|spend wastefully
squelch|(verb) suppress or crush completely
stagnate|to cease to run or flow, as water, air, etc
staid|(adjective) characterized by dignity and propriety
stalwart|(adjective) dependable; inured to fatigue or hardships
start|(verb) to suddenly move in a particular direction
stasis|the state of equilibrium or inactivity caused by opposing equal forces
staunch|(adjective) firm and dependable especially in loyalty
steadfast|(adjective) marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
steeply|rising or falling sharply
stem|(verb) to hold back or limit the flow or growth of something
stentorian|very loud or powerful in sound
stickler|person who insists on importance of something
stigma|a mark of disgrace or infamy; a stain or reproach
sting|something sharp
stingy|spending, using unwillingly
stipend|(noun) a regular allowance (of money)
stipulate|state or put forward as a necessary condition
stoic|One who is seemingly indifferent to or unaffected by joy, grief, pleasure, or pain
stolid|(of a person) calm, dependable and showing little emotion or animation
strands|something twisted together into a rope, line of development
stray|wander, lose one.s way
striated|to mark with striae; furrow; stripe; streak
strident|loud and harsh
stringent|(adjective) demanding strict attention to rules and procedures
stultify|(verb) cause one, through routine, to lose energy and enthusiasm
stupefy|to put into a state of little or no sensibility
stygian|dark or gloomy; infernal; hellish; pertaining to the river Styx or to Hades
stymie|to hinder, block or thwart
subdue|overcome, bring under control
subjective|adj. open to personal interpretation; not based in objective fact
submerge|put under water, liquid, sink out of sight
subordinate|placed in or belonging to a lower rank
suborn|indice by bribery or something to commit perjury
subpoena|the usual writ for the summoning of witnesses or the submission of evidence, as records or documents, before a court or other deliberative body
subside|to sink to a low or lower level
substantiate|to establish by proof or competent evidence
subsume|(verb) contain or include
subterfuge|an artifice or expedient used to evade a rule, escape a consequence, hide something, etc.
subversive|(adjective) in opposition to a civil authority or government
sufficient|adj. enough for a given purpose
sullen|(adjective) showing a brooding ill humor
sullied|to be stained or discredited
sully|to soil, stain, or tarnish
summit|(noun) the peak or highest point
sumptuous|entailing great expense, as from choice materials, fine work, etc.; costly
sunder|to separate; part; divide; sever
superbly|adv. excellently
supercilious|haughtily disdainful or contemptuous, as a person or a facial expression
superfluous|being more than is sufficient or required; excessive
supernal|being in or belonging to the heaven of divine beings; heavenly, celestial, or divine
supernumerary|being in excess of the usual, proper, or prescribed number; additional; extra
supersede|to replace in power, authority, effectiveness as by another person or thing
supervene|to take place or occur as something additional or extraneous
supine|Lying on the back, or with the face upward; Indolent; listless; inactive; mentally or morally lethargic
supplant|to take the place of another (as through force, scheming, strategy or the like)
supplicate|to pray humbly; make humble and earnest entreaty or petition
supposition|an uncertain belief
surcharge|an additional charge or tax
surfeit|excess; an excessive amount
surly|churlishly rude or bad-tempered
surreptitious|done, made or gotten by stealth; acting with or marked by stealth
susceptibility|sensitiveness
suspect|to believe to be guilty, false, counterfeit, undesirable, defective
sustain|keep from falling; maintain; suffer; give a decision
susurrus|a whispering or rustling of sound
swarthy|dark skinned
swathed|wrapped in several layers of fabric
sybarite|a person devoted to luxury and pleasure
sycophant|a self-seeking, servile flatterer; fawning parasite
syncretic|the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion
synopsis|summary or outline
synthesis|the combining of the constituent elements of separate material or abstract entities into a single or unified entity 
synthesize|v. to combine disparate parts into a coherent whole
tabula rasa|humans are born with no innate mental content
tacit|understood without being openly expressed, implied; silent or saying nothing
taciturn|inclined to silence; reserved in speech; reluctant to join in the conversation
tact|(noun) consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
talon|claw of a bird of prey
tamp|tap or drive down by repeated light blows
tantamount|equivalent, as in value, force, effect, or signification
tarn|a small mountain lake or pool, esp one in a cirque
tarnished|lost brightness
tarnish|(verb) make dirty or spotty, as by exposure to air; also used metaphorically
tarradiddle|a petty falsehood; a fib
taunt|contemptuous reproach, hurtful remark
tawdry|(adjective) tastelessly showy; cheap and shoddy
taxing|(adjective) use to the limit; exhaust
taxonomy|the science or technique of classification
tedious|tiresome
telling|(adjective) significant and revealing of another factor
telltale|(adjective) revealing
temerity|reckless boldness; rashness
temperance|abstinence from alcohol, self-control, moderation
tempered|(adjective) moderated in effect
tempestuous|(adjective) as if driven by turbulent or conflicting emotions; highly energetic and wildly
temporize|to be indecisive or evasive to gain time or delay acting
tenacious|(adjective) stubbornly unyielding
tendentious|(adjective) likely to lean towards a controversial view
tender|(verb) offer up something formally
tenet|any opinion, principle, doctrine, dogma, etc., esp. one held as true by members of a profession, group, or movement
tentative|unsure; uncertain; of the nature of or made or done as a trial, experiment
tenuous|thin or slender in form, as a thread
termagant|a violent, turbulent, or brawling woman; violent; turbulent; brawling; shrewish
terminus|the end or extremity of anything
terrestrial|pertaining to, consisting of, or representing the earth as distinct from other planets;of or pertaining to land as distinct from water
terse|neatly or effectively concise; brief and pithy, as language
thoroughgoing|(adjective) very thorough; complete
thrift|economical management; economy; frugality
thrifty|(adjective) spending money wisely
thwart|(verb) hinder or prevent (the efforts, plans, or desires) of
timid|shy, easily frightened
timorous|full of fear; fearful; subject to fear; timid
tirade|(noun) an angry speech
tocsin|a signal, esp. of alarm, sounded on a bell or bells
tolerable|fairly good, not bad, endurable
tonic|something giving strength or energy
toper|a hard drinker or chronic drunkard
topple|be unsteady and overturn
torpid|inactive or sluggish; slow; dull; apathetic; dormant, as a hibernating or estivating animal
torpor|sluggish inactivity or inertia; lethargic indifference; a state of suspended physical powers and activities; dormancy
torque|the measured ability of a rotating element, as of a gear or shaft, to overcome turning resistance
torrid|subject to parching or burning heaet, esp. of the sun, as a geographical area; oppressively hot; ardent; passionate
tortuous|full of twists and bends
tout|to solicit business, employment, votes or the like, importunately; to solicity support for importunately
toy|think not seriously, handle absent-mindedly
tractable|capable of being easily led, taught, managed; docile; malleable
transient|not lasting, enduring, or permanent; transitory; lasting only a short time
transitory|not lasting, enduring or eternal; lasting only a short time; brief
transmogrified|transform in a surprising or magical manner
transmute|(verb) change or alter in form, appearance, or naturegre.magoosh.com/flashcards
travail|painfully difficult or burdensome work; toil
travesty|a literary or artistic burlesque of a serious work or subject, characterized by grotesque or ludicrous incongruity of style; any grotesque or debased likeness or imitation
treacherous|(adjective) tending to betray
trenchant|incisive or keen; caustic; cutting; effective; vigorous; sharply defined
trencherman|a person who has a hearty appetite; a heavy eater
trend|tendency, general direction
trepidation|alarm, excited state of mind
tribulation|(noun) something, especially an event, that causes difficulty and suffering
trice|a very short time; an instant
trifling|an article or thing of very little value; a matter, affair or circumstance of little importance or significance
triskaidekaphobia|fear or a phobia concerning the number 13
trite|lacking in freshness or effectiveness because of constant use or excessive repetition; hackneyed; stale
truckle|to submit or yield obsequiously or tamely
truculence|fierece; cruel; savagely brutal; brutally harsh; vitriolic; aggressively hostile
truculent|(adjective) having a fierce, savage nature
truncate|to shorten by cutting off a part, cut short
tumult|(noun) a state of chaos, noise and confusion
turbid|muddy; thick with or as if with roiled sediment; not clear
turbulence|being uncontrolled, violent
turgid|swollen; distended; inflated, overblown or pompous; bombastic
turmoil|a state of great commotion, confusion or disturbance
turpitude|vile, shameful, or base character; depravity
tutelage|the act of guarding, protecting or guiding; office or function of a guardian
tutelary|having the position of guardian or protector of a person, place or thing; a saint or deity
tyro|a beginner in learning anything, a novice
ubiquitous|adj. ever-present or universal
ukase|(in czarist Russia) an edict or order of the czar having the force of law; any order or proclamation by an absolute or arbitrary authority
ulterior|being beyond what is seen or avowed; intentionally kept concealed
umbrage|(noun) a feeling of anger caused by being offended
unadorned|adj. plain; unembellished
unassailable|(adjective) immune to attack; without flaws
uncanny|(adjective) suggesting the operation of supernatural influences; surpassing the ordinary or
uncompromising|(adjective) not making concessions
unconscionable|(adjective) unreasonable; unscrupulous; excessive
undergird|to strengthen; secure, as by passing a rope or chain under and around
undermine|weaken gradually, at the base, make something under
underscore|(verb) give extra weight to (a communication)
underwrite|(verb) to support financially
undulant|wavelike in motion or pattern
undulate|to move with a sinuous or wavelike motion; display a smooth rising and falling or side-to-side alternation of movement
unequivocal|(adjective) admitting of no doubt or misunderstanding; having only one meaning or
unfeigned|not pretended, sincere
unflappable|(adjective) not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm and
unfledged|without sufficient feathers for flight, as a young bird; callow
unforthcoming|(adjective) uncooperative, not willing to give up information
unguent|an ointment or salve, usually liquid or semiliquid, for application to wounds, sores, etc
unimpeachable|(adjective) free of guilt; not subject to blame; beyond doubt or reproach
unmitigated|not softened or lessened
unnerve|(verb) to make nervous or upset
unprecedented|(adjective) having never been done or known before; novel
unprepossessing|(adjective) creating an unfavorable or neutral first impression
unpropitious|(adjective) (of a circumstance) with little chance of success
unruly|(adjective) (of persons) noisy and lacking in restraint or discipline; unwilling to submit to
unscathed|unharmed, unhurt
unscrupulous|unprincipled, conscienceless, unrestrained by scruples
unseemly|(adjective) not in keeping with accepted standards of what is right or proper in polite society
unstinting|(adjective) very generous
untenable|incapable of being defended, as an argument, thesis, etc; indefensible
untoward|unfavorable or unfortunate; improper; perverse
untrammeled|(adjective) not confined or limited
unviable|(adjective) not able to work, survive, or succeed (also spelled inviable).
unwarranted|having no justification; groundless
unwonted|not customary or usual
upbraid|to find fault with or reproach severely; censure; sereve as a reproach to
urbane|having the polish and suavity regarded as characteristic of sophisticated social life in major cities
usurp|to seize and hold by force or without legal right
utilitarian|practical, useful, functional, sensible
uxorious|doting upon, foolishly fond of, or affectionately submissive toward one's wife
vacillate|to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute
vacillation|being uncertain, hesitating
vacuous|(adjective) devoid of intelligence, matter, or significance
vagary|an unpredictable or erratic action, occurence, course or instance
vainglory|excessive elation or pride over one's own achievements, abilities; boastful vanity
vain|without use, value or result
valetudinarian|a person who is excessively concerned about his or her poor health or ailments
valiant|boldly courageous; brave; stout-hearted
valorous|valiant; brave; courageous
vanquish|(verb) come out better in a competition, race, or conflict
vapid|lacking or having lost life, sharpness, or flavor; insipid; flat
vapor|a visible exhalation, as fog, mist, steam, smoke, or noxious gas, diffused through or suspended in the air
variance|(noun) the quality of varying
varicolored|variegated; motley
variegated|to make varied in appearance, as by adding different colors; to give variety to; diversify
vatic|describing or predicting what will happen in the future
vaunted|(adjective) highly or widely praised or boasted about
veer|change direction
vehement|zealous; ardent; impassioned
venality|(noun) the condition of being susceptible to bribes or corruption
venal|willing to sell one's influence, esp. in return for a bribe; open to bribery; mercenary
vendetta|a private feud in which the members of the family of a murdered person seek to avenge the murder by killing the slayer or one of the slayer's relatives
veneer|a thin layer of wood or other material for facing or inlaying wood; any of the thin layers of wood glued together to form plywood
venerable|accorded a great deal of respect, esp. because of age, wisdom or character
venerate|to regard or treat with revere
veneration|regarded with great respect
vengeful|characterized by or showing a vindictive spirit
venial|denoting a sin that is not regarded as depriving the soul of divine grace
veracious|habitually speaking the truth; precisely accurate
veracity|conformity to the facts, accuracy
verbiage|speech or writing that uses too many words or excessively technical expressions
verbose|using or expressed in more words than are needed
verdant|(of countryside) green with grass or other rich vegetation
verisimilitude|(noun) the appearance of truth
veritable|being truly or very much so
verve|vigor and spirit or enthusiasm
vestige|a trace of something that is disappearing or no longer exists
vex|annoy, distress, trouble
vexation|the state of being annoyed, frustrated or worried
vicarious|(adjective) felt or undergone as if one were taking part in the experience or feelings of
vicissitude|a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwanted or unwelcomed
vie|(verb) compete for something
vigilance|watchfulness, self-appointed group who maintain order
vigilant|keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties
vilify|speak or write about in an abusively disparaging manner
vindicate|clear (someone) of blame or suspicion
vindictive|having a desire to revenge
virago|a domineering, violent or bad-tempered woman
virtu|knowledge of or expertise in the fine arts
virtuoso|a person who has special knowledge or skill in a field
visage|a person's face, with reference to the form or proportions of the features
viscous|a thick, sticky consistency between solid and liquid
vitiate|to impair the quality of; make faulty; spoil
vitriolic|(adjective) harsh or corrosive in tone
vitriol|(noun) abusive or venomous language used to express blame or bitter deep-seated ill will
vituperate|blame or insult (someone) in strong or violent language
vituperation|verbal abuse or castigation; violent denunciation or condemnation
vituperative|bitter and abusive
vivify|enliven or animate
vociferous|(esp. of a person or speech) vehement or clamorous
volatile|adj. easily changeable or extreme; unstable
volubility|(noun) the quality of talking or writing easily and continuously
voluble|fluent; glib; talkative; characterized by a ready and continuous flow of words
voracious|(adjective) very hungry; approaching an activity with gusto
waft|scent, waving movement; carry lightly through
wage|payment, carry on, engage in (war)
wanderlust|a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about
wanting|(adjective) lacking
wanton|of cruel or violent action, deliberate and unprovoked
warmonger|person who stirs up war
warrant|authority, written order, guarantee
wary|feeling or showing caution about possible dangers or problems
wassail|a salutation wishing health to a person, used in England in early times when presenting a cup of drink or when drinking to the person
wax|(verb) to gradually increase in size or intensity
wayworn|wearied by travel
wean|accustom (an infant or other young animal) to food other than its mother's milk
weave|make (threads) into cloth
whimsical|playfully quaint or fanciful, esp. in an appealing and amusing way
wince|show bodily or mental pain
winsome|(adjective) charming in a childlike or naive way
wiseacre|a person who possesses or affects to possess great wisdom
witticism|verbal remark characterized by quick and inventive humor
woolgathering|indulgence in idle fancies and in daydreaming
xenophobia|intense or irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries
xerophyte|a plant that needs very little water (like a cactus)
xylography|the art of making woodcuts or wood engravings, esp. by a primitive technique
xylophagous|feeding on or boring into wood (esp. insect larva or mollusk)
yare|quick; agile; moving lightly and easily; easily manageable
yearling|an animal (esp. a sheep, calf or foal) a year old, or in its second year
yeasty|Full of vitality; exuberant; Not yet settled or formed; immature or incomplete
yen|a longing or yearning; the basic monetary unit of Japan
yeti|large hairy creature resembling a human or bear
yew|a coniferous tree that has red berrylike fruits, and most parts of which are highly poisonous - linked with folklore and superstition, they can live to great ages; an archer's bow made of this wood
zeal|
zealot|a fanatic
zeitgeist|the spirit of the time; general trend of thought or feeling characteristic of a particular period of time
zenith|(noun) the highest point; culmination