| A |
| abate-degrade |
abash-embarrass |
abate-diminish |
| aberration-deviation |
abject-miserable |
abjure-renounce |
| ablution-cleansing |
abnegate-reject |
abominate-abhor |
| aborigine-original inhbitant |
abortive-futile |
abrade-rub |
| abrogate-abolish |
abscond-depart suddenly to escape arrest |
absolve-acquit |
| absolution-forgiveness |
abstemious-sparing in diet |
abstruse-recondite; difficult to understand |
| abut-join |
accolade-praise |
accoutre-equip |
| acerbity-bitterness |
acolyte-assistant |
acrimony-bitterness; animosity |
| actuary-insurance rate computer |
actuate-incite |
acumen-sharpness of mind |
| adage-proverb |
adamant-inflexible; not subject to change |
aduce-bring forth proof |
| adipose-fatty tissue |
adjure-demand |
admonish-warn |
| adroit-skillful |
adultion-praise |
adjunct-attachment |
| adumbration-warning |
advent-iminent coming |
amenity-pleasing manner |
| adventitious-accidental |
adversity-misfortune |
aegis-protective |
| affable-friendly |
affected-artificially assumed |
affadavot-sworn written statement |
| affinity-attraction |
affirmation-positive statement |
affluent-plentiful |
| agenda-list of things to do |
agglomerate-gather into one mass |
aggrandize-increase in size |
| aggregate-come together |
agnostic-dubious |
agrarian-rural |
| akimbo-with hands on hips |
alacrity-speed |
albino-lacking pigment |
| alchemy-medieval chemistry or magic |
allenist-psychiastrist |
allimentary-canal for swallowing |
| allay-calm |
allocate-apportion |
allocution-formal speech |
| allude-refer |
alluvial-pertaining to rain |
altercate-quarrel; fight |
| altruism-unelfishnesss |
amatory-loving |
ambidextrous-using both hands |
| ambrosia-food for gods |
ambulant-able to walk |
ameliorte-improve |
| amenable-submissive |
amenity-pleasing manner |
ament-thong or strap |
| amnesty-pardon |
amulet-charm |
anachronism-something out of time |
| analgesic-pain reliever |
analogous-simlar or corresponding to |
anathema-curse |
| anchorite-hermit |
aneurism-artery blocked by blood clot |
animadversion-criticism |
| animalcule-microscopic animal |
annals-records by the year |
anneal-to toughen; to gel |
| anomaly-irregularity |
antedeluvian-before the Flood; old |
amenable-submissive |
| anterior-front |
arthropod-resembling man |
anthropology-science of study of man |
| antithesis-exact opposite |
antipathy-dislike |
apartheid-South African racial segration |
| aperture-opening |
apex-peak; highest point |
aphorism-proverb |
| abeyance-temporary suspension |
apiary-location where bees are kept |
aplomb-poise |
| apocalypse-revelation |
apochryphal-hidden, of doubtful authority |
apogee-highest point |
| aostasy-falling away, forsaking religion |
apothegm-deification |
apotheosis-deification |
| appall-horrify, disgust |
appellation-name, title |
approbation-official approval |
| apend-attach |
apposite-appropriate |
arable-plowable |
| apprise-give notice |
aquiline-hooked |
arabesque-ornament or ballet positition |
| arbiter-judge |
arboreal-living in or among trees |
archetype-example |
| archipelago-group of islands |
archive-record |
arduous-labor intensive |
| argot-slang |
armada-fleet of armed ships |
assiduous-diligent |
| assimilate-absorb |
astral-pertaining to stars |
assuage-ease |
| asterism-star cluster |
astern-to the rear |
astringe-constrict |
| astute-shrewd |
athwart-in opposition to |
atmolysis-separation of gasses |
| atoll-ring-shaped island |
atrophy-waste away |
attenuate-make slender |
| attrition-rub against |
attrocious-extremely bad |
atypical-abnormal |
| augur-foretell |
aural-pertaing to hearing |
aureated-gilded |
| asuage-menable-submissive |
auspice-protection
| auspiciouius-indicative of success |
| austere-severe |
austral-southern |
amenity-pleasing manner |
| autocrat-absolute monarch |
autonomy-self-government |
avarice-greed |
| adverse-reluctant |
avocation-hobby |
avoirdupois-weight |
| avulsion-forceful separation |
avuncular-like an uncle |
awry-in the wrong direction |
| aver-work horse; assent; prove truth of |
assent-concur; agree |
asphyxia-lack of oxygen |
| asquint-sidelong glance |
archaic-ancient |
ad hoc-for a specific situation |
| attest-to bear witness of |
agog-in eager desire |
asseverate-affirm |
| B |
| badger-tease, annoy |
badinage-playful teasing |
baleful-detructive |
| banter-word exchange |
baroque-orante |
barrister-lawyer |
| bastion-fortification |
bauble-trinket |
beatify-make happy |
| banal-commonplace |
bedizen-adorn gaudily |
beguile-deceive; cheat |
| belabor-to overdo |
beligerent-hostile |
belle-lettres-literature |
| belicose-warlike |
benediction-blessing |
beneficence-charity |
| benign-kindly |
berate-scold |
berm-narrow ledge |
| beshrew-curse |
besmear-tarnish |
besom-broom |
| bestride-straddle |
bicameral-two houses |
biennial-every two years |
| biped-two-footed |
blanch-bleach |
blasphemy-contempt for God |
| blatant-offensively conspicuous |
bamenity-pleasing |
bluster-noisy |
| bombastic-pompous |
bourgeois-middle class |
bourne-boundary |
| blythe-joyous |
bourse-European stock exchange |
bovine-pertaining to cows |
| brackish-salty |
brash-hasty and unthinking |
brigand-bandit |
| brawn-muscles |
brumagen-cheap and showy |
broach-introduce |
| bromidic-tiresome or dull |
bruit-rumor |
brusque-blunt in manner |
| bucolic-rustic |
bufoon-clown |
bull-papal letter |
| bungle-work ineptly |
burgeon-to sprout |
burgle-burglarize |
| burnoose-Arabic hooded cloak |
burnish-polish by rubbing |
bacchanal-drunken orgy |
| bawdry-obscene language |
belemnite-cigar-shaped fossil |
bollix-to botch or bungle |
| bastion-stronghold |
bete noir-detested |
bibulous-given to alcoholic consumption |
| bivouac-to encamp |
|
|
| C |
| cabal-conspiracy |
cabala-occult science |
cache-hiding place |
| cacaphon-discord |
cadaver-corpse |
cadence-rhythm |
| caduceus-symbol of medical profession |
cairn-heap of stones |
caitiff-scoundrel |
| cajole-coax |
caliph-Moslem leader |
caulk-fill a seam |
| caligraphy-penmanship |
callow-immature, innocent |
calumniate-slander |
| canaille-rabble |
canter-easy gallop |
cantilever-type of bridge |
| canvass-to solicit |
capacious-spacious |
capitulate-surrender |
| capricious-whimsical; fickle |
carafe-bottle |
carcinoma-cancer |
| careen-tip to one side |
carnivorous-flesh-eating |
carrion-decaying flesh |
| carte blanche-unrestricted authority |
cassock-long church garment |
castigate-criticize; punish |
| casultry-false reasoning |
cataclysm-sudden violent change |
catalyst-causing change |
| catastrophe-calamity |
cathartic-purgative; laxative |
caudal-near the tail |
| causerie-a chat |
cauterize-cut with hot iron |
caveat-warning |
| cavil-find fault |
celibacy-unmarried state |
cenotaph-monument for dead |
| cephalic-relating to the head |
cerebral-relationg to the brain |
cerbration-thought process |
| cervical-relating to the neck |
chaff-rubbish |
chagrin-disappointment; vexation |
| chamberlain-official |
champ-bite |
chandler-candle dealer |
| charlatan-impostor |
charnel-container of bones |
chary-neat;, particular |
| chaste-pure |
chattel-property |
chauvinism-patriotism |
| chicanery-deceit; fraud |
chide-rebuke |
chimerical-imaginary |
| chiropractic-healing by manipulating |
chivalrou-gallant |
chrysalis-pre-butterfly stage |
| churlish-rude |
chutney-seasoning |
cicada-locust |
| circuitous-roundabout |
circumlocution-speaking around a subject |
circumspect-prudent |
| circumvent-go around |
cirrus-thin fleecy cloud |
| citadel-fortress |
cite-quote |
clack-chatter |
| clairvoyant-fortelling the future |
clandestine-secret |
claque-hired applauders |
| claustrophobia-fear of enclosure |
clavicle-collarbone |
clavier-musical keyboard |
| cliche-overused expression |
climacteric-critical |
coadjutor-helper |
| coalesce-grow together |
coddle-boil gently |
codicil-addition |
| coerce-compel |
coeval-nearly the same age |
coffer-box |
| cogent-convincing |
cogitate-think |
cognate-related |
| cohesion-sticking together |
cohort-company |
colander-strainer |
| collateral-accompanying |
collate-collect in order |
collation-light meal |
| colligate-tie together |
collocation-arrangement |
colloquialism-informal conversion |
| colloquy-conference |
collusion-secret agreement |
colophon-book inscription |
| comatose-lethargic |
comity-friendly feeling |
commensurate-corresponding |
| comminuted-reduced to fine particles |
commiserate-express compassion |
commodious-spacious |
| commutation-substitution |
compact-agreement |
complacent-self-satisfied |
| complement-full quantity |
component-ingredient |
compunction-regret; remorse |
| comraderie-fellowship |
concatenate-to connect |
concentric-with same center |
| conclave-private meeting |
conduce-to lead to |
conduit-pipe |
| confidant-one confided in |
configuration-form resultant from arrangement of parts |
conflagration-large fire |
| confute-to overwhelm by argument |
congeal-change frm liquid to solid state |
congenital-originaing at birth |
| conglomerate-mixture |
congruent-in agreement with |
congruous-beginning |
| conic-cone-shaped |
conifer-cone bearing tree |
conjecture-guess |
| conjoin-unite |
conjugal-relating to marriage |
conjure-to produce by magic |
| connubial-relating to marriage |
consanguinity-blood relation |
consign-transfer merchandise |
| cononance-agreement |
consort-husband or wife |
constiuency-body of voters |
| constrain-compel |
consumate-complete |
contemn-despise |
| contentious-quarrelsome |
contiguous-next to |
contengent-conditional |
| contravene-to oppose |
contrition-repentenance |
controvert-dispute |
| contumacious-insubordinate; rebellious |
contumely-contempt |
contusion-bruise |
| conundrum-unsolvable puzzle |
conversant-having knowledge of |
convivial-gay |
| convoke-call together |
copious-plentiful |
cordillera-mountain chain |
| cordovan-tpe of leather |
cornucopia-horn of plenty |
corollary-resulting from |
| corona-crown |
coronary-relating to the arteries |
corpulent-obese |
| correlation-relationship |
corroborate-confirm |
cortege-procession |
| cosmopolitan-worldly |
cosset-pamper |
coterie-small informal group |
| cotillion-social dance |
cotter-pin |
couchant-lying down |
| coulee-gulch |
countermand-revoke an order |
coup d'etat-overthrow of government |
| couplet-two rhyming lines |
couturier-dressmaker |
covert-hidden |
| coveteous-envious |
cower-to shrink from fear |
crag-rock |
| crass-stupid |
craven-coward |
credence-belief |
| cremate-burn a corpse |
cretin-dwarf |
crimp-to make wavy |
| criterion-standard of judging |
crouton-piece of toasted bread |
cruciate-cross shaped |
| crux-vital point |
cryptic-mysterious |
cudgel-thick stick |
| culinary-relating to the kitchen |
cull-to select |
culmination-acme |
| culpable-guilty |
cumulus-rounded cloud |
cuneate-wedge-shaped |
| cupidity-strong desire |
curmudgeion-churlish person |
cupola-dome |
| cursory-superficial |
cygnet-young swan |
calumniate-to slander |
| charnel-room or box where bones are kept |
cupidity-strong desire |
cupola-domed roof or ceiling |
| cyclopean-gigantic; huge |
cloister-to isolate; seclude |
cuckold-man whose wife has committed adultery |
| collaborate-work together |
cursory-hasty; superficial |
curt-rudely brief |
| capitulate-surrender; come to terms |
curtail-abbreviate; cut short |
challis-soft cotton |
| consecrate-dedicate |
countervailing-offsetting |
copse-thicket of small trees; |
| celerity-quickness |
canard-false report |
captious-fault finding |
| D |
| dagurerreotype-type of early photograph |
dale-valley |
dalliance-dawdling |
| damask-a figured fabric |
dank-damp |
dappled-marked with small spots |
| dastard-coward |
davit-crane for hoisting boats |
dawdle-to waste time |
| dearth-lack; scarcity |
debase-reduce in dignity |
debauchery-corruption |
| debillitate-to weaken |
debonair-courteous |
decadence-deterioration |
| decamp-depart |
decant-pour off |
decanter-ornamental wine bottle |
| deciduous-leaf-shedding |
declivity-downward slope |
decollete-low-necked |
| decorous-proper |
decrepit-old |
decry-clamor against |
| deduce-derive by |
de facto-actual |
defalcation-embzzlement |
| defamation-slander |
defection-desertion |
deference-respect |
| definitive-final |
defunct-dead |
deify-to make as a god |
| deign-to condescend |
de jure-according to law |
delectable-delightful |
| delete-erase |
deleterious-harmful |
delineate-mark off |
| delta-flat plain at river mouth |
demagogue-inciting leader |
demean-debase |
| demure-hesitate |
denizen-inhabitant |
denouement-solution; ending |
| deposition-testimony outside court |
deprecate-belittle |
depreciate-decrease in value |
| depredation-plundering |
derelict-abandoned |
derogatory-disparaging |
| descantlengthy talk or writing |
descry-to spy out |
desecrate-to profane |
| despicable-contemptible |
despoil-to plunder |
desultory-aimless |
| deterrent-descouraging thing |
detonate-to explode |
deviate-stray |
| devolve-hand down |
dexterity-skill |
diaolic-devilish |
| diadem-crown |
diapason-full range of notes |
diaphanous-translucent; filmy |
| dichotomy-division |
dictum-authorative statement |
didactic-instructive; excessive moralizing |
| diffidence-timidity |
diffuse-to disperse |
digress-to wander |
| dilate-expand |
dilatory-tardy; delayed |
dilettante-dabbler |
| diluvial-relating to the Deluge |
diminution-diminishing |
diocese-bishop district |
| dipsomaniac-an alcoholic |
dirk-dagger |
discernible-identifiable |
| disciple-student |
disclaim-to renounce |
discomfit-to defeat |
| disconcert-throw into confusion |
disconsolate-hopeless |
dicordant-inharmonious |
| discountenance-disapprove |
dicursive-rambling |
disdain-reject |
| disingenuous-not innocent |
disinterested-unprejudiced |
disjoin-separate |
| disparage-to belittle |
disparity-inequality; incongruity |
disputation-controversy |
| disquisition-discussion |
dissemble-hypocrisy |
dissemination-to spread |
| dissertation-formal essay |
dissimulation-disguise |
dissipate-waste; squander; scatter |
| dissolute-immoral |
disconsonant-inharmonious |
dissuade-avise against |
| distend-stretch; expand |
distort-twist out of shape |
distaught-bewildered |
| dithyramb-choral song |
diurnal-daily |
diva-prima donna |
| -dextend in separate directions |
diversity-variety |
divest-deprive |
| divination-telling the future |
divot-turf torn by golf club |
docile-easily led |
| doggerel-poorly written poetry |
dogma-belief system |
dogmatic-arbitrary |
| doldrums-boredom |
dole-free food or money |
doleful-sorrowful |
| dolorous-grievous |
dolphin-porpoise |
dolt-blockhead |
| dun-to repeatedly make demands for payment |
doomsday-judgment day |
doormant-sleeping |
| dorsal-relating to the back |
dossier-file on a person |
dotage-senility |
| dotard-senile person |
doublet-man's coat |
doughty-valiant |
| dour-sullen |
dowry-money given at time of marriage |
doxology-praise hymn |
| dray-open cart |
drivel-foolish talk |
droll-amusing |
| dross-waste matter |
dryad-wood nymph |
dubious-doubtful |
| ductile-moldable |
duplicity-hypocrisy |
durance-imprisonment |
| dragoon-to harrass |
dissemble-say one thing and do another |
dwindle-diminish |
| dactyl-a metrical foot |
dishabille-carelessly dressed |
detente-easing of tensions between nations |
| descry-detect, discern something difficult |
dyspeptic-indigestion |
defenestrate-throw out of a window |
| disport-amuse oneself |
|
|
| E |
| ebullient-bubbling; boiling |
ecclesiastical-relating to church |
ecclat-brilliance; burst |
| ecology-environmental science |
eclogue-pastoral poem |
ecclectic-selective |
| ectasy-extreme joy |
ecumenical general |
edict-pulic notice |
| edify-build; instruct; enlighten |
educe-bring out |
efface-obliterate; wipe out |
| effete-worn out |
effigy-image |
effluence-flowing out |
| effrontery-boldness |
effulgent-bright, illunimated |
effusive-gushing |
| egocentric-self-centered |
egotism-conceit |
egress-exit |
| elated-spiritual elevation |
electorate-body of voters |
elemosynary-devoted to charity |
| elegy-mournful poem |
elecit-draw out |
elucidate-make clear |
| emanate-issue forth |
embellish-adorn |
embody-personify |
| embolism-blood clot |
embrocate-rub with lotion |
emendation-correction |
| emetic-inducing vomit |
emissary-messenge |
emollient-soothing |
| empirical-experiential |
emporium-trade center |
empyreal-celestial |
| empyrean-heavenly |
emulate-immitate |
enclave-foreign territory area |
| encomium-praise |
encroach-infringe |
encyclopedic-covering broad range |
| endemic-peculiar to a specific area |
endive-lettuce-like plant |
endogenous-originating from within |
| enervate-debilitate; deprive of strength |
enfranchise-set free to vote |
engender-to produce |
| engrossed-fully absorbed |
engulf-to swallow up |
enhance-improve |
| ennul-weariness |
enormity-outrageous offense |
ensnare-trap |
| enteric-intestinal |
enthrall-charm |
entrepreneur-self-employed |
| enunciate-pronounce clearly |
envenom-embitter |
eolithic-stone age |
| epic-long storylike poem |
epicure-lover of pleasure |
epigram-cleverly worded statement |
| epilogue-conclusion |
epistle-letter |
epithet-descriptie adjective |
| epitome-condensation |
equanimity-calm temper |
equestrian-relating to horses |
| equinox-equal day and night |
equipoise-equilibrium |
equivocate-to hedge; speak ambiguouosly |
| ergo-therefore |
erode-wear away |
erotic-amatory |
| eruct-blech |
erudite-scholarly |
escadrille-airplane squadron |
| escarpment-steep slope |
eschew-avoid |
escritoire-writing desk |
| esculent-edible |
escutcheon-shield |
esoteric-secretive |
| esthetics-beauty |
estuary-river mouth |
ethreal-sprit-like; intangible |
| ethnic-relating to race |
ethnology-study of origin of races |
etiolate-to whiten |
| etiology-study of origin disease origin |
etude-musical composition |
etymology-study of derivation of words |
| eugenics-well born humans |
eulogy-praise |
euphemism-mild expression |
| euphonlous-pleasant sounding |
euphoria-sense of well-being |
euphuism-elegant style of writing or speaking |
| euthanasia-painless death |
evacuate-empty |
evanescent-transitory |
| evince-to make evident |
eviscerate-to disembowel |
evoke-call forth |
| evolve-gradually develop |
exacting-severe |
exchequer-treasury |
| excise-indirect tax |
excoriate-remove skin from; denounce |
execrable-extremely bad |
| execrate-abhor |
exemplary-deserving imitation |
exhort-incite |
| exhortation-reccomendation |
exhume-dig up |
exigency-necessity |
| existentialism-philosophy of a puroseless world |
exodus-going out |
exogenous-derived externally |
| exonerate-free from guilt |
exorbitant-unreasonable |
exorcise-expel demonic spirits |
| exordium-incipience of oration |
expatiate-elaborate, speak or write at length |
expedient-advantageous |
| expedite-speed up |
expiate-atone |
expeditious-prompt |
| explicate-explain |
expostulate-protest |
expound-state in detail |
| expulsion-driving out |
expunge-erase; delete; remove |
expurgate-remove objectionable matter |
| exquisite-carefully selected |
extant-still existing |
extemporaneously-without preparation |
| extirpate-destroy completely |
extol-praise |
extort-obtain by violence |
| extradite-transfer a prisoner |
extricate-free |
extrinsic-external |
| extrude-expel |
epiphany-divine manifestation |
epiemic-spreading rapidly |
| epicene-having characteristics of both male and female |
expaliate-to speak or write at length |
ephemeral-short-lived, transitory |
| F |
| fabricate-build |
facade-front |
facetious |
| facilitate-make easy |
factious-produced by artificial means |
factotum-employee with many duties |
| faculty-natural or acquired ability |
fallible-capable of failing |
fallow-lying idle |
| falter-hesitate |
farraginous-mixed, jumbled |
farrier-blacksmith |
| fasces-emblem of power |
fastidious-hypercritical |
fathom-6 feet |
| fatuous-foolish |
feasible-suitable |
feckless-unfit to assume responsibility |
| feculent-foul; impure |
fecund-fertile |
felicity-happiness |
| ferrous-containing iron |
fetid-stinking |
fetish-superstition |
| fettle-state of fitness |
fiasco-ridiculous failure |
fief-estate under feudal control |
| finesse-subtlety |
fiord-sea inlet |
firth-narrow inlet |
| fissure-crack |
flacid-not firm |
flagitious-shockingly evil |
| flagrant-openly disgraceful |
flail-beat |
flatulent-causing gas |
| flaunt-show off |
fledge-furnish with feathers |
flex-bend |
| florescence-flowering |
florid-flowery, having a ruddy color |
flotsam-ship wreckage |
| flout-scoff; mock; jeer |
fluctuate-rise and fall |
flume-valley |
| foible-weakness |
foliaceous-leaflike |
font-religious receptacle, type assortment |
| foray-plundering raid |
forensic-pertaing to debate |
formidable-difficult to surmount; impressive |
| fortuitous-accidental |
fractious-unruly |
fray-fight |
| frenetic-frantic |
frivolous-not serious |
frizzle-crisp, curly |
| frond-divided leaf |
frugal-thrifty |
fugue-musical composition |
| fulminate-denounce loudly |
fulsome-objectionably excessive |
fustian-worthless |
| ferret-search |
friable-easily crumbled or pulverized |
farrago-assortment, medly |
| frisson-brief moment of intense excitement |
foment-incite |
|
| G |
| gabble-meaningless talk |
galaxy-large system of stars |
gall-wear away |
| gallinaceous-pertaing to fowl |
gainsay-deny |
gambol-frolic |
| gamut-complete range |
garble-to confuse |
garish-showy, flashy |
| garrulous-talkative |
gauntlet-type of glove |
gelid-icy |
| generic-pertaining to a race |
genus-kind or class |
geriatrics-care for the aged |
| germane-pertinent; relavent |
gerund-a verbal noun |
gestation-pregnancy |
| ghoul-grave robber |
gibber-talk fooloshly |
gird-encircle |
| gist, jist-essence |
glaucous-sea green |
glib-fluent; insincere speaking |
| glucose-sugar |
gluttonous-greedy for food |
gnostic-wise |
| goad-urge on |
golgotha-place of sacrifice, cemetery, skull |
gonad-sex gland |
| gossamer-sheer |
gourmet-judge of food |
gradient-degree of rising or falling |
| grail-shallow vessel or bloodline |
grandee-person of high rank |
grandeur-splendor |
| granular-grain-like |
graphology-study of handwriting |
gratuitous-free |
| grimace-distort facial features |
grimalkin-old cat |
grimly-sadly, fiercely |
| grist-something used to one's advantage |
grommet-metal ring |
grouse-complain |
| grub-toil unceasingly |
gudgeion-simpleton |
guile-deceit |
| gull-to swindle |
gut-to destroy |
guzzle-drink too much |
| gynecology-science of women's diseases |
grate-spin |
gyroscope-rotating wheel |
| gyve-shackle |
gravitas-very serious |
gravid-pregnant |
| gainsay-contradict,deny |
gesticulate-make gestures |
glower-stare angrily |
| H |
| habillement-clothes |
habitable-livable |
haft-handle |
| haggard-gaunt, careworn |
halberd-axlike weapon |
halcyon-peaceful |
| hale-compel to go on |
hallow-holy |
halucination-delusion |
| harrass-annoy |
harbinger-forecast |
harridian-vicious old woman |
| harrow-cultivate, pulverize soil |
hassock-cushion used as a stool |
hauteur-pride |
| hawser-large rope |
hearth-floor of fireplace |
hedonist-lover of pleasure |
| hegemony-leadership |
heinous-hateful, despicable |
helix-coil of wire |
| heptagon-seven-sided polygon |
herbivorous-feeding on herbs |
heretical-not agreeing |
| heterodox-having unorthodox opinions |
hexapod-having six feet |
heyday-period of great vigor |
| hidalgo-Spanish nobleman |
hieratic-priestly |
hinder-to retard, detain, stop |
| hirsuite-hairy |
histology-science of organic tissue |
histrionic-theatrical |
| hoary-white with age |
holophrastic-expressive |
holocaust-great destruction |
| holograph-personally written document |
homage-respect |
homeopathy-method of treating disease |
| homiletics-art of preaching |
homily-sermon |
homogeneous-alike throughout |
| homogenous-derived from the same source |
homologous-similar |
homunculus-dwarf |
| hormone-internal secretion |
hortatory-encouraging |
horticulture-science of gardening |
| hoyden-tomboy |
humanist-classical scholar |
humerus-upper arm bone |
| hummock-small hill |
hummus-fertilizer |
hurtle-rush headlong |
| husbandry-farming |
hustings-electioneering platform |
hydrophobia-rabies, fear of water |
| hydrous-containing water |
hygroscope-instrument that measures humidity |
hymeneal-pertaing to marriage |
| hyperbole-exaggeration |
hypertension-high blood pressure |
hypochondria-fancies of bad health |
| hypothesis-assumption |
hoi polloi-general populace |
hebetude-mental illness |
| hypnogogic-hypnotic, tending to sleep |
hollex-thumb |
|
| I |
| ichthyology-science of fish |
iconoclast-image breaker |
ideology-body of ideas |
| idyllic-simple or poetic |
igneous-of volcanic origin |
ignoble-base, unworthy |
| ignominous-contemptible |
illusory-unreal, tending to deceive |
imbibe-drink |
| impale-fix on a point |
impalpable-unable to be touched |
impeach-accuse |
| impassioned-animated, excited |
impeccable-faultless |
impecunious-poor |
| impede-hinder |
imperceptible-not seen easily |
imperishable-indestructible |
| impertubable-tranquil |
impervious-impenetrable |
impetuous-impulsive |
| implicit-implied |
importune-to beg |
impotent-incapable |
| imprecation-curse |
impresario-manager |
imprimatur-license to publish |
| impudence-shameless |
impugn-question |
impunity-exemtion from punishment |
| impute-blame |
inadvertence-carelessness |
inalienable-nontransferable |
| inarticulate-indistinct |
incarcerate-imprison |
incarnadine-flesh colored |
| incendiary-inflammatory |
incognito-with identity concealed |
incommensurate-inadequate |
| incongruous-inadequate |
inconsiderable-trivial |
incorrigible-beyond reform |
| incubus-burden |
inculpate-blame |
indenture-contract |
| indigenous-native |
indigent-poor |
indiscriminate-not selective |
| indite-write |
indolent-lazy |
indubitable-not selective |
| indurate-hardened |
inebriated-drunk |
ineffable-indescribable |
| inert-sluggish; inactive |
inexorable-unyielding |
inference-conclusion |
| inflammable-not burnable |
ingenuous-innocent |
ingratiate-to establish in favor |
| iniquitous-sinful |
innocuous-harmless |
inuendo-insinuation |
| inscrutable-unfathomable |
insensate-without sensation |
insidious-treacherous |
| insinuate-suggest subtly |
insolvent-bankrupt |
insouciant-carefree |
| insular-pertaining to an island |
intangible-untouchable |
interdict-official order |
| interpolate-to insert new material |
interregnum-interval between reigns |
intractable-stubborn, unruly |
| intransigent-uncompromising |
intravenous |
intrepid-keeping to a task |
| intrinsic-internal |
introvert-to turn inward |
inveigh-attack |
| investiture-act of giving a right to |
inveterate-firmly established; habitual |
invidious-odious |
| invocation-calling on God |
ionosphere-outer layers of atmosphere |
isobar-weather map line |
| isotope-chemical element |
isthmus-narrow strip of land |
iterate-repeat |
| itinerant-traveling in a circuit |
irascible-prone to outbursts of temper |
imbricate-overlapping edges |
| imbroglio-difficult situation |
imbrue-to stain or saturate |
inantion-exhaustion from lack of nourishment |
| impdeiment-hindrance; obstruction; organic defect |
idiosyncrasy-peculiar tendency |
ineffable-incapable of being expressed |
| inchoate-partly in operation |
|
|
| J |
| jaded-worn out |
jargon-confued talk |
jaundiced-envious |
| jeremiad-lamentation |
jodcose-humorous |
jodhpurs-riding pants |
| juridical-legal |
juxtaposed-placed next to one another |
jaunt-short pleasurable excursion |
| |
|
|
| K |
| kaleidoscope-optical insrument |
karat-1/24 part gold |
kinetics-science of motion |
| kiosk-stand open on one side |
kith-friends |
|
| L |
| lacerate-to tear |
laconic-brief |
lachrymose-tearful |
| laity-people collectively as distinguished from clergy |
lampoon-satire or ridicule |
lande-having an estate in land |
| languish-to become weak |
lascivious-lewd |
lassitude-lethargy,weariness |
| latent-concealed |
latex-milky fluid |
lattitude-allowance |
| legerdemain-trickery |
lethargic-drowsy |
lexicon-dictionary |
| libbretto-verbal text of opera |
licentiate-one who has a license |
-feudal lord |
| limn-to portray |
litany-prayer |
lithe-supple |
| litigation-legal action |
liturgy-religious ritual |
livid-black and blue |
| loquatious-talkative |
lucid-clear |
lucre-money or riches |
| ludicrous-ridiculous |
lugubrious-ludicrously sad |
lymph-transparent body fluid |
| lissom-supple, nimble |
legerdemain-slight of hand |
| M |
| macabre-gruwsome |
macadamize-cover with broken stones |
macerate-soften by dipping |
| madrigal-short musical poem |
maelstrom-whirlpool |
magisterial-authoritative |
| magnanimous-generous |
mahatma-extraordinary person |
mahout- elephant driver |
| maladroit-clumsy |
malaise-discomfort |
malapropism-word ridiculously misused |
| malfeasance-wrongful act |
mandate-command, specific order |
mange-skin disease |
| mantilla-head scarf |
marquee-canopy |
marsupial-animals with pouches vis a vis kangaroos |
| martinet-disciplinarian |
masticate-chew |
matrix-mold |
| maw-mouth of a voracious animal |
mawkish-nauseating |
maxim-proverb |
| medley-mixture |
mega-million |
megrim-low spirits |
| melange-mixture |
melitiluent-sweetly flowing |
menage-household |
| mendacious-lying |
mendicant-beggar |
meniscus-crescent-shaped |
| mercurial-lively, changeable |
mieretricious-showily attractive |
mesa-high wide tableland with rocky slopes |
| metamorphose-transform |
metaphor-comparison |
mete-distribute |
| mettle-courage |
microcosm-minute example |
mien-manner |
| millitate-operate against |
misanthropy-hatred of mankind |
miscegenation-interbreeding of races |
| misconstruction-wrong interpretation |
miscreant-villain |
missal-prayer book |
| mistral-cold dry north wind |
mitigate-lessen the effects of |
mnemonics-memory device |
| mmodicum-small quantity |
modulate-regulate |
monolith-large stone |
| montage-blending of pictures |
mordant-biting; sarcastic |
moribiund-dying |
| mortar-containing or crushing |
mosque-Moslem temple |
motley-miscellaneous |
| mufti-civilian dress |
mulct-defraud |
mummery-pretentious ritual |
| murrain-cattle death or disease |
muzhiz-Russian peasant |
myopia-nearsighted |
| myriad-a great many; 10,000 |
mimesis-imitation of nature |
monophysite-belief that Christ has a single divine nature
|
| malapropos-inappropriate |
munificent-generous |
maudlin-overly sentimental |
| magniloquent-grandiose in speech |
|
|
| N |
| nacre-mother of pearl |
nadir-lowest point |
naiad-mythical water nymph |
| nape-back of neck |
narcissism-love of oneself |
natatorial-peraining to swimming |
| nebulous-hazy |
nefarious-wicked |
neophyte-new convert |
| neolithic-pertaining to later stone Age |
neurasthenia-nervous exhaustion |
neurasthenia-nervous exhaustion |
| niggardly-stingy |
nihilism-disbelief in religion |
nimbus-halo |
| nirvana-freedom from pain |
noctambulist-sleepwalker |
nocturne-piece of dreamy music |
| node-knob |
nomenclature-names of things |
nonagenarian-persons in 90's |
| nopareil-without equal |
nonplus-to perplex |
non sequitur-illogical argument |
| nosegay-bouquet |
noxious-harmful |
nuncio-representative of pope |
| nurture-provide food |
nemesis-inbeatable rival, unavoidable result |
|
| |
|
|
| O |
| obdurate-hardned, callous |
obeisance-bowing |
obfuscate-to confuse or cloud |
| obloquy-disgrace |
obsequious-servile |
obsolescent-becomeing out of date |
| obstreperous-noisy |
obtrude-to thrust forth |
obturate-stop or close |
| obtuse-dull |
obviate-to prevent |
occidental-Western |
| occipital-pertaining to back of head |
occlude-to cloud |
oceliated-having eyelike spots |
| octammerous-having 8 parts |
odoriferous-fragrant |
officious-meddling |
| oleaginous-oily |
olfactory-pertaining to smell |
omega-last letter of Greek alphabeta |
| ominous-threatening |
omnipotent-all powerful |
onerous-difficult |
| opprobious-shameful |
optimum-the best |
opulence-riches |
| oracular-prophetic |
orbicular-circular |
ordinance-military weapons |
| ordinance-law |
ordure-filth |
oriel-a bay window |
| orifice-opening |
orthography-science of spelling |
oscillate-vibrate |
| ossify-to become rigid or bonelike |
ostensible-apparent |
ostentatious-pretentious |
| overt-open to view |
objurgate-scold sharply, bring lawsuit against |
|
| |
|
|
| P |
| pachyderm-elephant |
pacific-calm |
paisley-colorful fabric |
| paean-praise song |
palanquin-bed carried on poles |
palatable-tasty |
| palaver-smooth or empty talk |
pall-to become dull |
paliate-mitigate |
| papable-able to be felt |
panacea-remedy for all ills |
panegyric-eulogy |
| panetheism-belief in God in nature |
paradigm-model |
paradox-contrdiction |
| parapet-barricade |
paregoric-pain-reliever |
pariah-social outcast |
| parietal-pertaining to lateral skull |
parity-equality |
parochial-provincial |
| paroxysm-a fit |
parsimonious-stingy |
patoral-pertaining to rural life |
| patriarch-tribal leader |
patrimony-inheritance |
pavillion-a large tent |
| peccadillo-a small fault |
pectoral-pertaining to the chest |
pecculate-to embezzle |
| pecuniar-financial |
pedantic-bookish |
pediculous-infested with lice |
| peduncle-flower stalk |
perjorative-disparaging |
pelagic-pertaining to the ocean |
| pelf-stolen property |
penchant-strong inclination |
pendant-hanging |
| pensile-hanging |
pennate-wiged |
penurious-stingy |
| perambulate-to walk about |
perception-awareness |
percussion-impact, rythmic |
| peregrination-traveling |
peremptory-positive |
perigee-point nearest earth |
| periphery-external surface |
peristaltic-pertaining to alternate waves |
permeable-penetrable |
| permutation-changing |
perquisite-incidental compensation |
peroration-last part of speech |
| perspective-effect of distance |
perspicuity-clearness of style or expression |
pert-saucy |
| peruse-to ready carefully |
pervade-to spread to every part |
perverse-contrary |
| pestle-pounding part of mortar and pestle |
petulance-peevishness |
phalanx-massed body |
| philology-study of words or literature |
phylum-biological grouping |
picaresque-pertaining to rogues |
| pilaster- part of a column |
pileous-pertaining to hair |
pillory-structure for exposing to scorn |
| piquant-pungeant |
pique-to wound |
piscatorial-pertaining to fishing |
| pixilated-amusingly eccentric |
plagarism-stealing ideas from someone |
plait-to braid or pleat |
| platitude-trite remark |
plectrum-small piece used to pluck |
plenipotentiary-possing full power |
| plethora-oversupply |
plinth-lower part of column |
plumb-to test the depth of |
| plutocracy-rule by rich |
poach-to tresspass |
pogrom-organized massacre |
| poignant-keenly affecting |
polemics |
polity-method of government |
| polonaise-slow Polish dance |
polymer-chemical compound |
pontificate-speak pompously |
| porringer-soup plate |
posterity-succeeding generations |
portend-to warn |
| pottage-stew |
poultice-a soft moist mass |
pragmatic-practical |
| prate-chatter |
precarious-uncertain |
precipitous-steep |
| preclude-to prevent |
precursor-predecessor |
predator-plundering |
| predilection- established preference |
preeminent-superior |
premeditation-forethought |
| preposterous-very absurd |
prerogative-privilege |
presbyter-ordained clergyman |
| prescience-foresight |
presentment-report made by grand jury |
preternatural-supernatural |
| prevaricate-to lie |
primogeniture-state of being first born |
primordial-first in order |
| pristine-primitive: unspoiled |
probity-integrity; honesty |
proclivity-tendency |
| procrastinate-to put off |
prodigious-large |
proffer-to offer |
| profligate-wasteful; wildly extravagant |
progeny-offspring |
proletarian-pertaining to workers |
| prolix-long winded |
promontory-a high point of land |
propinquity-nearness |
| propitious-favorable |
proscenium-front stage |
proselyte-a convert |
| prosody-science of verse forms |
protagonist-leading character |
protuberance-projection |
| provender-animal food |
providential-fortunate |
psychoneurosis-emotional disorder |
| puissant-powerful |
punctilious-exact |
purloin-embezzle |
| purulent-discharging pus |
pusilanimous-afraid |
putative-supposed |
| putrefy-decay |
Pyrric victory-victory at great cost |
pythonic-prophetic |
| prosaic-straightforward |
pederasty-sexual relations between a man and a boy |
penultimate-next to last |
| peregrine-foreign, alien |
pecadillo-slight offense |
palindrome-reading the same backward and forward |
| prescience-foreknowledge |
precocious-early development |
philomath-scholar |
| puerile-juvenile |
pollux-big toe |
|
| Q |
| quadrennial-comprising 4 years |
qualm-uneasiness |
quandry-doubt |
| quasi-resembling |
query-question |
quidune-curious person |
| quiescent-inactive |
quietus-silencing |
quintessence-concentrated essence |
| quirk-peculiarity, sudden sharp twist or turn |
quixotic-romantic, idealistic, impractical |
quotidian-daily |
| quintessential-pure and concentrated |
quondam-former |
quagmire-difficult situation |
| quisling-traitor |
|
|
| R |
| rabbet-groove |
rabble-vulgar, noisy people |
rabid-furious |
| raillery-banter |
ramification-division |
rampant-springing, climbing |
| ramshackle-out of repair |
ramus-branchlike |
rancor-anger |
| rankle-to irrigate |
rapacity-greediness |
ratiocination-reasoning |
| recalcitrant-stubborn |
recapitulate-summarize |
reciprocal-in return |
| recitative-speech set to music |
recrimination-countercharge |
rectitude-uprightness |
| refractory-obstinate |
regale-entertain |
regicide-assassination of a king |
| regimen-order of activities |
regulate-assign |
reliquary-receptacle |
| remission-pardon |
remonstrate-protest |
renascent-emerging, being reborn |
| renegade-deserter |
repine-complain |
replete-full |
| reprehension-rebuke |
reprisal-injury in return |
reproof-scolding |
| respite-pause, rest |
repudiate-refuse |
requital-repayment |
| resilient-rebounding |
resplendent-shining |
restitution-compensation |
| resume-summary |
resurgent-rising again |
resuscitate-revive |
| reticulate-net like |
retroactive-applicable to the past |
rerogression-going back |
| retrousse-turned up |
revile-scold |
rhesus-type of monkey |
| rhinitis-nose inflammation |
risibility-disposition to laughter |
rote-mechanical routine |
| rubicund-red |
rudiment-first stage; non-functioning organ |
redoubtable-formidable |
| redoubt-stronghold |
reticent-inclined to silence |
|
| S |
| sable-black |
sabpt-wooden shoe |
sacharine-relating to sugar |
| sagacious-wise |
salacious-obscene |
salient-prominent |
| saline-salty |
salubrious-healthy |
salutary-wholesome |
| salutatory-greeting |
sanctimonious-holy |
sanctity-holiness |
| sanguine-hopeful |
saponify-make fat into soap |
sardonic-ironical;sarcastic; mocking |
| satiate-supply to fullness |
satrap-provincial governor |
saturate-fill |
| saturnine-gloomy |
scapular-relating to scapula in shoulder |
scarab-beetle like ornament |
| scarify-scratch |
schism-division |
schist-rock |
| sciatic relating to nerve running through hip to legs |
scintilla-small bit |
scintillation-sparkling |
| scrip-paper money less than one dollar |
scruple-reluctance |
scurrilous-insulting |
| secular-not religious |
sedentary-sluggish |
sedulous-dedicated, painstaking |
| seismic-caused by earthquake |
semantic-meanings of words |
senescent-growing old |
| sententious-terse and energetic in expression |
sentient-feeling |
sequester-seclude |
| seraglio-harem |
serrated-saw toothed |
shamble-in disorder |
| shibboleth-Hebrew ear of corn |
shunt-to turn aside |
sidereal-relating to stars |
| silcosis-lung disease |
simian-relating to monkeys |
simile-comparision |
| simony-profit from sacred things |
simper-self-conscious smile |
sinecure-job requiring little work |
| sinuous-having many curves |
slake-lessen |
slatternly-sloppy |
| slothful-lazy |
slough-soft, muddy ground |
sluice-water channel |
| sojourn-temporary residence |
solicitude-concern |
soliloquy-monologue |
| somatic-bodily |
sonorous-resononant |
sophism-fallacy |
| sptula-flat broad instrument |
specious-deceptive |
spectre-ghost |
| speculum-mirror |
splenetic-peevish |
spontaneous-unconstrained |
| sporadic-occasional |
spume-foam |
stalactite-hanging calcium deposit |
| stalagmite-calcium deposit on cave floor |
steppe-vast treeless palin |
sternum-breastbone |
| stigma-blemish |
stilted-elevated |
stint-frugal |
| stoic-impassive |
stratagem-scheme |
stricture-abnomal narrowing of a passageway |
| strident-loud; harsh; shrill; grating |
suave-smoothly polite |
subcutaneous-beneath the skin |
| subjoin-to add |
sublimate-to purify or refine |
supoena-summons for witness |
| subsidy-financial aid |
subtrefuge-false excuse |
succint-brief |
| succor-comfort; aid |
succulence-juiciness |
suffuse-to spread through with liquid, color or light |
| sully-to spoil |
supercillious-proud and haughty |
supernal-heavenly |
| supersede-to take the place of |
supervene-interrupt |
supplicate-beg |
| surfeit-excess |
surrreptitious-secret |
surrogate-deputy |
| surveillance-watching |
swathe-to bind or wrap |
sybarite-person devoted to luxury, pleasure |
| sycophant-flatterer |
syllogism-deductive reasoning |
sllvan- pertaining to woods |
| smposium-meeting for discussion |
syncope-contraction of a word |
synonymy-quality of being the same |
| synthesis-combination |
sine quo non-indespensible |
sang froid-coolness of demeaner |
| stentorian-extremely loud |
segure-to proceed without interruption |
seiche-oscilating wave |
| slugabed-staying in bed until late |
segue-smooth transition |
sluice-man made water channel |
T |
| tableau-a striking scene |
taboret-small stool |
tachometer-instrument for measuring speed |
| taciturn-habitually non-talkative |
talus-slope |
tankard-large drinking vessel |
| tantamount-roughly equal to |
tautology-needeless repitiion |
temerity-rashness, nerve |
| terminus-limit |
thesaurus-treasury |
thoracic-pertaining to chest |
| threnody-lamentation song |
thrombosis-blood clot |
tiara-headdress |
| tirade-vehement speech |
tithe-tax of 1/10 |
tocsin-bell |
| tome-volume |
toque-brimless hat |
torpor-dullness |
| tortillia-large round thin cake |
trachea-winpipe |
tractable-easily led |
| traduce-to slander |
tranquility-calm |
transcendent-surpassing others |
| transfuse-pour from one to another |
transmute-change |
transpire-take place |
| transubstantiation-change to another substance |
transvrse-lying across |
trauma-wound |
| travail-labor |
treacle-molasses |
treble-triple |
| tremulous-shaking |
trenchant-sharp |
trepidation-fearful trembling |
| tribulation-trouble |
truncheon-club |
trundle-small wheel |
| tumbrel-famer's cart |
tumid-swollen |
turbulent-violent |
| turgid-swollen |
turpitude-shameful depravity |
tutelage-instruction |
| twit-to tease |
tyke-mishcievous child |
tyro-novice |
| truculent-pugnacious; eager to fight |
thrall-slave |
troglodte-cave dweller |
| transmogrify-change into a bizarre shape |
tenebrous-dark, gloomy |
thaumaturgy-performing miracles or magic |
| tchatche-incessant talker |
tarradiddle-a fib |
|
| U |
| ubiquity-omnipresence |
ukase-Russian government order |
ululation-wailing |
| umbilicus-navel |
umbrage-offense |
unctious-oily |
| undulating-waving |
ungainly-clumsy |
upbraid-scold, reproach |
| uproarious-noisy |
urbane-refined |
usurpation-wrongful seizure |
| uxurious-fond of wife |
|
|
| |
|
|
| V |
| vacuous-empty |
vapid-dull |
varicosity-swollen veins |
| vacuity-supidity |
vagary-whim |
vanguard-leader |
| vaquero-cowboy |
variegate-diversify |
vaunt-boast |
| vendetta-feud |
veberate-revere |
venous-relating to veins |
| ventricle-cavity |
verdant-green |
verisimilitude-appearance of truth |
| verity-truthfulness |
vernacular-nonstard idomatic speech |
vernal-relating to spring |
| vertex-top |
vertigo-dizziness |
vestige-trace |
| viable-capable of living |
vicissitude-change |
villify-defame |
| vidicate-uphold |
viridity-greenness |
vituperate-overwhelm with wordy abuse |
| vociferate-shout |
volatility-frivolity |
volition-will |
| voracios-ravenous |
votary-devoted person |
vitriolic-caustic; bitterly scathing |
| virulent-poisonous |
vis a vis-compared with; in relation to |
vacillate-to go from one thing to another |
| |
|
|
| W |
| waft-wind current |
waggery-michievous merriment |
wainscot-wood panelling |
| wassail-drink containing apple cider |
wastrel-spendthrift |
weam-to dispatch |
| welter-to roll aobout |
wheedle-coax |
shimsical-quaint |
| whey-milk water |
wizened-withered |
wont-custom |
| woof-fabric |
wraith-ghost |
|
| |
|
|
| X |
| xylem-woody plant tissue |
|
|
| Y |
| yak-species of ox |
yen-Japanese monetary unit |
yogi-an ascetic |
| Z |
| zany-clown |
zeal-enthusiasm |
zenith-highest point |
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06/20/08 |
main menu |