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967 Most Common SAT Words

1000 words to study for the SAT.

Terms

undefined, object
copy deck
infusion (n.)
an injection of one substance into another; the permeation of one substance by another
nadir (n.)
the lowest point of something
dissuade (v.)
to persuade someone not to do something
condone (v.)
to pardon, deliberately overlook
abject (adj.)
wretched, pitiful
gregarious (adj.)
drawn to the company of others, sociable
fortuitous (adj.)
happening by chance, often lucky or fortunate
flaccid (adj.)
limp, not firm or strong
whimsical (adj.)
fanciful, full of whims
ingenuous (adj.)
not devious; innocent and candid
restive (adj.)
resistant, stubborn, impatient
compensate (v.)
to make an appropriate payment for something
evince (v.)
to show, reveal
revel (v.)
to enjoy intensely
hedonist (n.)
one who believes pleasure should be the primary pursuit of humans
propriety (n.)
the quality or state of being proper, decent
abase (v.)
to humiliate, degrade
neophyte (n.)
someone who is young or inexperienced
somnolent (adj.)
sleepy, drowsy
circumscribed (adj.)
marked off, bounded
cloying (adj.)
sickeningly sweet
libertarian (adj.)
advocating principles of liberty and free will
tremulous (adj.)
fearful
increment (n.)
an enlargement; the process of increasing
docile (adj.)
easily taught or trained
guile (n.)
deceitful, cunning, sly behavior
enervate (v.)
to weaken, exhaust
prosaic (adj.)
plain, lacking liveliness
dubious (adj.)
doubtful, of uncertain quality
ethereal (adj.)
heavenly, exceptionally delicate or refined
constituent (n.)
an essential part
agile (adj.)
quick, nimble
temerity (n.)
audacity, recklessness
limpid (adj.)
clear, transparent
complacency (n.)
self-satisfied ignorance of danger
disparate (adj.)
sharply differing, containing sharply contrasting elements
salutation (n.)
a greeting
feral (adj.)
wild, savage
innate (adj.)
inborn, native, inherent
bequeath (v.)
to pass on, give
pliable (adj.)
flexible
analgesic (n.)
something that reduces pain
desolate (adj.)
deserted, dreary, lifeless
defamatory (adj.)
harmful toward's another's reputation
promulgate (v.)
to proclaim, make known
scurrilous (adj.)
vulgar, coarse
disgruntled (adj.)
upset, not content
ominous (adj.)
foreboding or foreshadowing evil
speculative (adj.)
not based in fact
prescribe (v.)
to lay down a rule
plaudits (n.)
enthusiastic approval, applause
aisle (n.)
a passageway between rows of seats
stoic (adj.)
unaffected by passion or feeling
protean (adj.)
able to take shape; displaying great variety
enmity (n.)
ill will, hatred, hostility
fabricate (v.)
to make up, invent
frugal (adj.)
thrifty, economical
transgress (v.)
to violate, go over a limit
salient (adj.)
significant, conspicuous
asylum
1. (n.) a place of refuge, protection, a sanctuary; 2. (n.) an institution in which the insane are kept
cavort (v.)
to leap out, behave boisterously
accretion (n.)
slow growth in size or amount
absolution (n.)
freedom from blame, guilt, sin
arbitrary (adj.)
based on factors that appear random
ubiquitous (adj.)
existing everywhere, widespread
remiss (adj.)
negligent, failing to take care
fervent (adj.)
ardent, passionate
winsome (adj.)
charming, pleasing
implemet
1. (n.) an instrument, utensil, tool; 2. (v.) to put into effect, to institute
pungent (adj.)
having a pointed, sharp quality-often used to descrive smells
defer (v.)
to postpone something; to yield another's wisdom
sagacity (n.)
shrewdness, soundness of perspective
grievous (adj.)
injurious, hurtful; serious or grave in nature
forestall (v.)
to prevent, thwart, delay
morass (n.)
a wet swampy bog; figuratively, something that traps and confuses
juxtaposition (n.)
the act of placing two things next to each other for implicit comparison
intrepid (adj.)
brave in the face of danger
chaos (n.)
absolute disorder
soluble (adj.)
able to dissolve
accord (n.)
an agreement
discern (v.)
to perceive, detect
vituperate (v.)
to berate
berefit (adj.)
devoid of, without
preponderance (adj.)
superiority in importance or quantity
tome (n.)
a large book
ineffable (adj.)
unspeakable, incapable of being expressed through words
repudiate (v.)
to reject, refuse to accept
affable (adj.)
friendly, amiable
inoculate (v.)
to introduce a microorganism, serum, or vaccine into an organism in order to increase immunity to illness; to vaccinate
convention
1. (n.) an assembly of people; 2. (n.) a rule, custom
subjugate (v.)
to bring under control, subdue
putrid (adj.)
rotten, foul
alacrity (n.)
eagerness, speed
proclivity (n.)
a strong inclination toward something
aberration (n.)
something that differs from the norm
evanescent (adj.)
fleeting, momentary
manifold (adj.)
diverse, varied
entail (v.)
to include as a necessary step
arbitration (n.)
the process or act of resolving a dispute
languid (adj.)
sluggish from fatigue or weakness
fetid (adj.)
having a foul odor
transient (adj.)
passing through briefly; passing into and out of existence
amicable (adj.)
friendly
edict (n.)
an order, decree
lethargic (adj.)
in a state of sluggishness or apathy
disavow (v.)
to deny knowledge of or responsibility for
aerial (adj.)
somehow related to the air
commodious (adj.)
roomy
dirge (n.)
a mournful song, especially for a funeral
atrophy (v.)
to wither away, decay
obstreperous (adj.)
noisy, unruly
tractable (adj.)
easily controlled
reservoir
1. (n.) reserves, large supply; 2. (n.) a body of water used for storing water
concede (v.)
to accept as valid
criteria (n.)
standards by which something is judged
efface (v.)
to wipe out, obliterate, rub away
curtail (v.)
to lessen, reduce
upbraid (v.)
to criticize or scold severely
serendipity (n.)
luck, finding good things without looking for them
avenge (v.)
to seek revenge
petulance (n.)
rudeness, irritability
vehemently (adv.)
marked by intense force or emotion
convivial (adj.)
characterized by feasting, drinking, merriment
parsimony (n.)
frugality, stinginess
insurgent (n.)
one who rebels
implicit (adj.)
understood but not outwardly obvious, implied
extricate (v.)
to disentangle
elude (v.)
to evade, escape
contentious (adj.)
having a tendency to quarrel or dispute
myriad (adj.)
consisting of a very great number
preclude (v.)
to prevent
foster (v.)
to stimulate, promote, encourage
derivative (adj.)
taken directly from a source, unorigional
defile (v.)
to make unclean, impure
brusque (adj.)
short, abrupt, dismissive
pragmatic (adj.)
practical
aggrandize (v.)
to increase or make greater
medley (n.)
a mixture of differing things
orthodox (adj.)
conventional, conforming to established protocol
frenetic (adj.)
frenzied, hectic, frantic
inveterate (adj.)
stubbornly established by habit
carouse (v.)
to party, celebrate
contravene (v.)
to contradict, oppose, violate
rancor (n.)
deep, bitter resentment
vacillate (v.)
to fluctuate, hesitate
utilitarian (adj.)
relating to or aiming at usefulness
kudos (n.)
praise for an achievement
flout (v.)
to disregard or disobey openly
inane (adj.)
silly and meaningless
ingenious (adj.)
clever, resourceful
caustic (adj.)
bitter, biting, acidic
vapid (adj.)
lacking livliness, dull
espouse (v.)
to take up as a cause, support
pejorative (adj.)
derogatory, uncomplimentary
connive (v.)
to plot, scheme
destitute (adj.)
impoverished, utterly lacking
pacific (adj.)
soothing
rash (adj.)
hasty, incautious
intractable (adj.)
difficult to manipulate, unmanageable
implacable (adj.)
incapable of being appeased or mitigated
acumen (n.)
keen insight
uncanny (adj.)
of supernatural character or orgin
scathing (adj.)
sharp, critical, hurtful
wrath (n.)
vengeful anger, punishment
vicissitude (n.)
event that occurs by chance
benign (adj.)
favorable, not threatening, mild
accolade (n.)
high praise, special distinction
pervasive (adj.)
having the tendency to spread throughout
epitome (n.)
a perfect example, embodiment
ostentatious (adj.)
excessively showy, glitzy
cultivate (v.)
to nurture, improve, refine
retract (v.)
to withdraw
compunction (n.)
distress caused by feeling guilty
cumulative (adj.)
increasing, building upon itself
toady (n.)
one who flatters in the hope of gaining favors
virtuoso (n.)
one who excels in an art; a highly skilled musical preformer
opulent (adj.)
characterized by rich abundance verging on ostentation
diffident (adj.)
shy, quiet, modest
strident (adj.)
harsh, loud
confidant (n.)
a person entrusted with secrets
venerate (v.)
to regard with respect or to honor
metamorphosis (n.)
the change of form, shape, substance
utopia (n.)
an imaginary and remote place of perfection
spurious (adj.)
false but designed to seem plausible
inextricable (adj.)
hopelessly tangled or entangled
forsake (v.)
to give up, renounce
injunction (n.)
an order of official warning
immutable (adj.)
not changeable
liability
1. (n) something for which one is legally responsible, usually involving a disadvantage or risk; 2. (n.) a handicap, burden
conflagration (n.)
a great fire
distend (v.)
to swell out
indomitable (adj.)
not capable of being conquered
affinity (n.)
a spontaneous feeling of closeness
accommodating (adj.)
helpful, obliging, polite
consensus (n.)
an agreement of opinion
abjure (v.)
to reject renounce
odious (adj.)
instilling hatred or intense displeasure
counteract (v.)
to neutralize, make ineffective
cherish (v.)
to feel or show affection toward something
fastidious (adj.)
meticulous, demanding, having high and often unattainable standards
divisive (adj.)
causing dissent, discord
encumber (v.)
to weigh down, burden
deliberate (adj.)
intentional, reflecting careful consideration
profuse (adj.)
plentiful, abundant
negligent (adj.)
habitually careless, neglectful
capitulate (v.)
to surrender
bane (n.)
a burden
culpable (adj.)
deserving blame
impeccable (adj.)
exemplary, flawless
malevolent (adj.)
wanting harm to befall others
complicit (adj.)
being an accomplice in a wrongful act
derelict (adj.)
abandoned, run-down
acerbic (adj.)
biting, bitter in tone or taste
blight
1. (n.) a plague, disease; 2. (n.) something that distroys hope
elicit (v.)
to bring forth, draw out, evoke
reputable (adj.)
of good reputation
inquisitor (n.)
one who inquires, especially in a hostile manner
congeal (v.)
to thicken into a solid
reconcile
1. (v.) return to harmony; 2. (v.) to make consistent with existing ideas
lurid (adj.)
ghastly, sensational
potentate (n.)
suitable for drinking
refute (v.)
to prove wrong
litigant (n.)
someone engaged in a lawsuit
variegate (adj.)
diversified, distinctly marked
etymology (n.)
the history of words, their origin and development
delineate (v.)
to describe, outline, shed light on
impecunious (adj.)
poor
nurture (v.)
to assist the development of
eschew (v.)
to shun, avoid
demarcation (n.)
the marking of boundaries or catagories
ambivalent (adj.)
having opposing feelings
ecstatic (adj.)
intensely and overpoweringly happy
restitution (n.)
restoration to the rightful owner
phlegmatic (adj.)
uninterested, unresponsive
blemish (n.)
an imperfection, flaw
legerdemain (n.)
deception, slight-of-hand
scrupulous (adj.)
painstaking, careful
adroit (adj.)
skillful, dexterous
vestige (n.)
a mark or trace of something lost or vanished
clemency (n.)
mercy
aspersion (n.)
a curse, expressin of ill-will
incisive (adj.)
clear, sharp, direct
resilient (adj.)
able to recover from misfortune; able to withstand adversity
refurbish (v.)
to restore, clean up
coerce (v.)
to make something somebody do something by force or threat
callous (adj.)
harsh, cold, unfeeling
oscillate (v.)
to sway from one side to the other
inundate (v.)
to flood with abundance
disheartened (adj.)
feeling a loss of spirit or morale
camaraderie (n.)
brotherhood, jovial unity
gluttony (n.)
overindulgence in food or drink
truculent (adj.)
ready to fight, cruel
efficacious (adj.)
effective
nocturnal (adj.)
relating to or occuring during the night
undulate (v.)
to move in waves
defunct (adj.)
no longer used or existing
deplore (v.)
to feel or express sorrow, disapproval
sophomoric (adj.)
immature, uniformed
respite (n.)
a break, rest
adept (adj.)
extremely skilled
desiccated (adj.)
dried up, dehydrated
reciprocate (v.)
to give in return
rail (v.)
to scold, protest
coalesce (v.)
to fuse into a whole
malleable (adj.)
capable of being shaped or transformed
figurative (adj.)
symbolic
saccharine (adj.)
sickeningly sweet
noxious (adj.)
harmful, unwholesome
excavate (v.)
to dig out of the ground and remove
reprobate (adj.)
evil, unprincipled
vocation (n.)
the work in which someone is employed; profession
latent (adj.)
hidden, but capable of being exposed
dialect (n.)
a variation of a language
remedial (adj.)
intended to repair gaps in students' basic knowledge
harangue
1. (n.) a ranting speech; 2. (v.) to give such a speech
debacle (n.)
a disastrous failure, disruption
cogent (adj.)
intellectually convincing
beseech (v.)
to beg, plead, implore
penultimate (adj.)
next to last
conundrum (n.)
puzzle, problem
ascetic (adj.)
practicing restraint as a means of self-dicipline, usually religious
censure
1. (n.) harsh criticism; 2. (v.) to rebuke formally
inhibit (v.)
to prevent, restrain, stop
implicate (v.)
to involve in an incriminating way, incriminate
abnegation (n.)
denial of comfort to oneself
condolence (n.)
an expression of sympathy in sorrow
eminent
1. (adj.) distinguished, prominent, famous; 2. (adj.) conspicuous
foil (v.)
to thwart, frustrate, defeat
redoubtable
1. (adj) formidable; 2. (adj.) commanding respect
chronological (adj.)
arranged in order of time
quaint (adj.)
charmingly old-fashioned
pert (adj.)
flippant, bold
torpid (adj.)
lethargic, dormant, lacking motion
vicarious (adj.)
experiencing through another
commensurate (adj.)
corresponding in size or amount
zephyr (n.)
a gentle breeze
inarticulate (adj.)
incapable of expressing oneself clearly through speech
procure (v.)
to obtain, acquire
admonish (v.)
to caution, criticize, reprove
imperious (adj.)
commanding, domineering
probity (n.)
virtue integrity
propitious (adj.)
favorable
dispatch (v.)
to send off to accomplish a duty
forbearance (n.)
patience, restraint, toleration
ameliorate (v.)
to improve
verbose (adj.)
wordy, impaired by wordiness
multifarious (adj.)
having great diversity or variety
covert (adj.)
secretly engaged in
adumbrate (v.)
to sketch out in a vague way
renown (n.)
honor, acclaim
servile (adj.)
subservient
imperative
1. (adj.) necessary, pressing; 2. (n.) a rule, command, or order
impudent (adj.)
casually rude, insolent, impertinent
astute (adj.)
very clever, crafty
artisan (n.)
a craftsman
incendiary
1. (n.) a person who agitates; 2. (adj.) inflammatory, causing combustion
tirade (n.)
a long speech marked by harsh or biting language
concise (adj.)
brief and direct in expression
exult (v.)
to rejoice
fatuous (adj.)
silly, foolish
flagrant (adj.)
offensive, egregious
adamant (adj.)
impervious, immovable, unyeilding
expedient (adj.)
advisable, advantageous, serving one's self-interest
accede (v.)
to agree
genial (adj.)
friendly, affable
salve (n.)
a soothing balm
attain (v.)
to achieve, arrive at
noisome (adj.)
unpleasent, offensive, especially to the sense of smell
daunting (adj.)
intimidating, causing one to lose courage
candor (n.)
honesty, frankness
amenity (n.)
an item that increases comfort
nonchalant (adj.)
having a lack of concern, indifference
felicitous
1. (adj.) well suited, apt; 2. (adj.) delightful, pleasing
deface (v.)
to ruin or injure something's appearance
expunge (v.)
to obliterate, eradicate
discretion (n.)
the quality of being reserved in speech or action; good judgement
audacious (adj.)
excessively bold
dynamic (adj.)
actively changing
cadence (n.)
a rhythem, progression of sound
frivolous (adj.)
of little importance, trifiling
truncate (v.)
to shorten by cutting off
catalog
1. (v.) to list, enter into a list; 2. (n.) a list or collection
canvas
1. (n.) a piece of cloth on which an artist paints; 2. (v.) to cover, inspect
querulous (adj.)
whiny, complaining
dissent
1. (v.) to disagree; 2. (n.) the act of disagreeing
propagate (v.)
to multiply, spread out
abate (v.)
to reduce, lessen
congenial (adj.)
pleasantley agreeable
usurp (v.)
to seize by force, take possession of without right
cacophony (n.)
tremendous noise, disharmonious sound
irreverence (n.)
disrespect
obsequinous (adj.)
excessively compliant or submissive
emote (v.)
to express emotion
exasperate (v.)
to irritate, irk
disparage (v.)
to criticize or speak ill of
palatable (adj.)
agreeable to the taste or sensibilities
perplex (v.)
to confuse
morose (adj.)
gloomy or sullen
elaborate (adj.)
complex, detailed, intricate
disperse (v.)
to scatter, cause to scatter
abort (v.)
to give up on a half-finisht project or effort
cerebral (adj.)
related to the intellect
battery
1. (n.) a device that supplies power; 2. (n.) assult, beating
semaphore (n.)
a visual signal
exigent (adj.)
urgent, critical
dour (adj.)
stern, joyless
duplicity (n.)
crafty dishonesty
hierarchy (n.)
a system with ranked groups, usually according to social, economic, or professional class
mundane (adj.)
concerned with the world rather then with heaven, commonplace
arboreal (adj.)
of or relating to trees
colloquial (adj.)
characteristic of informal conversation
banal (adj.)
dull, commonplace
ribald (adj.)
coarsely, crudely humorous
zealous (adj.)
fervent, filled with eagerness in pursuit of something
sinuous (adj.)
lithe, serpentine
reprove (v.)
to scold, rebuke
amiable (adj.)
friendly
complement (v.)
to complete, make perfect
forum (n.)
a medium for lecture or discussion
laconic (adj.)
terse in speech or writing
magnanimous (adj.)
noble, generous
proscribe (v.)
to condemn, outlaw
decry (v.)
to criticize openly
exhort (v.)
to urge, prod, spur
vacuous (adj.)
lack of content or ideas, stupid
acute
1. (adj.) sharp, severe; 2. (adj.) having keen insight
divine (adj.)
godly, exceedingly wonderful
buffet
1. (v.) to strike with force; 2. (n.) an arrangement of food set out on a table
largess (n.)
the generous giving of lavish gifts
arable (adj.)
suitable for growing crops
choreography (n.)
the arrangement of dances
superfluous (adj.)
exceeding what is necessary
sensual (adj.)
involving sensory gratification, usually related to sex
arcane (adj.)
obscure, secret, known only by a few
wily (adj.)
crafty, sly
debase (v.)
to lower the quality or esteem of something
curt (adj.)
abruptly and rudely short
inure (v.)
to cause someone or something to become accustomed to a situation
tantamount (adj.)
equivalent in value or significance
prepossessing (adj.)
occupying the mind to the exclusion of other thoughts or feelings
sobriety (n.)
sedate, calm
vindicate (v.)
to avenge; to free from allegation; to set free
intransigent (adj.)
refusing to compromise, often on an extreme opinion
philanthropic (adj.)
charitable, giving
abhor (v.)
to hate, detest
cosmopolitan (adj.)
sophisticated, worldly
amalgamate (v.)
to bring together, unite
florid (adj.)
flowery, ornate
indefatigable (adj.)
incapable of defeat, failure, decay
nondescript (adj.)
lacking a distinctive character
prowess (n.)
extraordinary ability
indolent (adj.)
lazy
vigilant (adj.)
watchful, alert
sedentary (adj.)
sitting, settled
circumlocution (n.)
indirect and wordy language
fractious (adj.)
troublesome or irritable
linchpin (n.)
something that holds seperate parts together
circuitous (adj.)
roundabout
meticulous (adj.)
extremely careful with details
mores (n.)
the moral attitudes and fixed customs of a group of people
tenuous (adj.)
having little substance or strength
execrable (adj.)
loathsome, detestable
rebuke (v.)
to scold, criticize
appropriate (v.)
to take, make use of
embezzle (v.)
to steal money by falsifying records
penurious (adj.)
miserly, stingy
cursory (adj.)
brief to the point of being superficial
flabbergasted (adj.)
astounded
capricious (adj.)
subject to whim, fickle
irrevocable (adj.)
incapable of being taken back
impassive (adj.)
stoic, not susceptible to suffering
yoke (v.)
to join, link
fathom (v.)
to understand, comprehend
harrowing (adj.)
greatly distressing, vexing
discursive (adj.)
rambling, lacking order
quandary (n.)
a perplexed, unresolvable state
rapport (n.)
mutual understanding and harmony
impervious (adj.)
impenetrable, incapable of being affected
presage (n.)
an omen
iniquity (n.)
wickedness or sin
maudlin (adj.)
weakly sentimental
expiate (v.)
to make amends for, atone
altercation (n.)
a dispute, fight
bourgeois (n.)
a middle-class person, capitalist
mendacious (adj.)
having a lying, false character
denigrate (v.)
to belittle, diminish the opinion of
coup
1. (n.) a brilliant, unexpected act; 2. (n.) the overthrow of a government ans assumption of authority
innovate (v.)
to do something in an unprecedented way
fecund (adj.)
fruitful, fertile
wanton (adj.)
undisciplined, lewd, lustful
mandate (n.)
an authoritative command
validate (v.)
to confirm, support, corroborate
pittance (n.)
a very small amount, especially relating to money
dissemble (v.)
to conceal, fake
deleterious (adj.)
harmful
grandiloquence (n.)
lofty, pompous language
adulation (n.)
extreme praise
empirical
1. (adj.) based on observation or experience; 2. (adj.) capable of being proved or disproved by experiment
gourmand (n.)
someone fond of eating and drinking
vindictive (adj.)
vengeful
terrestrial (adj.)
relating to the land
larceny (n.)
obtaining another's property by theft or trickery
ostracism (n.)
exclusion from a group
ruse (n.)
a trick
pugnacious (adj.)
quarrelsome, combative
ardor (n.)
extreme vigor, energy, enthusiasm
acclaim (n.)
high praise
attribute
1. (v.) to credit, assign; 2. (n.) a facet or trait
paradox (n.)
an appearently contradictory statement that is perhaps true
chastise (v.)
to criticize severely
tedious (adj.)
dull, boring
illicit (adj.)
forbidden, not permitted
predilection (n.)
a preference or inclination for something
impetuous (adj.)
rash; hastily done
abduct (v.)
to kidnap, take by force
convoluted (adj.)
intricate, complicated
tranquil (adj.)
calm
modicum (n.)
a small amount of something
trenchant (adj.)
effective, articulate, clear-cut
deter (v.)
to discourage, prevent from doing
immerse (v.)
to absorb, deeply involve, engross
obscure (adj.)
unclear, partially hidden
rancid (adj.)
having a terrible taste or smell
poignant (adj.)
deeply affecting, moving
exculpate (v.)
to free from guilt or blame, exonerate
aloof (adj.)
reserved, distant
contrite (adj.)
penitent, eager to be forgiven
unctuous (adj.)
smoosh or greasy in texture, appearance, manner
pathos (n.)
an emotion of sympathy
insinuate (v.)
to suggest indirectly or subtly
consummate (v.)
to complete a deal; to complete a marriage ceremony through sexual intercourse
congregation (n.)
a gathering of people, especially for religious services
despot (n.)
one who has total power and ruled brutally
dogmatic (adj.)
aggressively and arrogantly certain about unproved principles
palette (adj.)
a range of colors or qualities
sovereign (adj.)
having absolute authority in a certain realm
crescendo (n.)
a steady increase in volume or intensity
fidelity (n.)
loyalty, devotion
nominal (adj.)
trifling, insignificant
deprecate (v.)
to belittle, depreciate
maverick (n.)
an independent, nonconformist person
benevolent (adj.)
mark by goodness or doing good
corpulence (adj.)
extreme fatness
turgid (adj.)
swollen, excessively embellished in style or language
delegate (v.)
to hand over responsibility for something
debauch (v.)
to corrupt by means of sensual pleasures
cordial (adj.)
warm, affectionate
euphoric (adj.)
elated, uplifted
heterogeneous (adj.)
varied, diverse in character
luminous (adj.)
brightly shining
wane (v.)
to decrease in size, dwindle
fortitude (n.)
strength, guts
capacious (adj.)
very spacious
raucous (adj.)
loud, boisterous
heinous (adj.)
shockingly wicked, repugnant
compliant (adj.)
ready to adapt oneself to another's wishes
incessant (adj.)
unending
quagmire (n.)
a difficult situation
acquiesce (v.)
to agree without protesting
pretense (n.)
an appearance or action intended to decieve
revoke (v.)
to take back
tacit (adj.)
expressed without words
incorrigible (adj.)
incapable of correction, delinquent
partisan (n.)
a follower, adherent
equanimity (n.)
composure
fickle (adj.)
shifting in character, inconstant
sacrosanct (adj.)
holy, something that should not be criticized
alias (n.)
a false name or identity
obdurate (adj.)
unyielding to persuasion or moral influences
cajole (v.)
to urge, coax
concord (n.)
harmonious agreement
calamity (n.)
an event with disastrous consequences
succinct (adj.)
marked by compact precision
cupidity (n.)
greed, strong desire
staid (adj.)
sedate, serious, self-restrained
pulchritude (n.)
physical beauty
exonerate (v.)
to free from guilt or blame, exculpate
contusion (n.)
a bruise or injury
captivate (v.)
to get the attention of, hold
desseminate (v.)
to spread widely
clandestine (adj.)
secret
transmute (v.)
to change or alter in form
timorous (adj.)
timid, fearful
covet (v.)
to desire enviously
rectitude (n.)
uprightness, extreme morality
hardy (adj.)
robust, capable of surviving through adverse conditions
caucus (n.)
a meeting usually held by people working toward the same goal
surmise (v.)
to infer with little evidence
plethora (n.)
an abundance, excess
presumptuous (adj.)
disrespectfully bold
exalt (v.)
to glorify, praise
malediction (n.)
a curse
clamor
1. (n.) loud noise; 2. (v.) to loudly insist
inclination (n.)
a tendency, propensity
indigent (adj.)
very poor, impoverished
patent (adj.)
readily seen or understood, clear
induce (v.)
to bring about, stimulate
profligate (adj.)
dissolute, extravagant
plausible (adj.)
believable, reasonable
renovate
1. (v.) to restore, return to origional state; 2. (v.) to enlarge and make prettier, especially a house
pellucid (adj.)
easily intelligible, clear
elegy (n.)
a speech given in honor of a dead person
indignation (n.)
anger sparked by something unjust or unfair
wallow (v.)
to roll oneself indolently; to become or remain helpless
knell (n.)
the solemn sound of a bell, often indicating a death
insular (adj.)
separated and narrow-minded; tight-knit, closed off
beguile (v.)
to trick, deceive
bard (n.)
a poet, often a singer as well
viscous (adj.)
not free flowing, syrupy
garish (adj.)
gaudy, in bad taste
sublime (adj.)
lofty, grand, exalted
precocious (adj.)
advanced, developing ahead of time
perspicacity (adj.)
shrewdness, perceptveness
intimation (n.)
an indirect suggestion
vilify (v.)
to lower in importance, defame
enthrall (v.)
to charm, hold spellbound
tenable (adj.)
able to be defended or maintained
travesty (n.)
a grossly inferior imitation
abet (v.)
to aid, help, encourage
integral (adj.)
necessary for completeness
compound
1. (v.) to combine parts; 2. (n.) a combination of different parts; 3. (n.) a walled area containing a group of buildings
accost (v.)
to confront verbally
insipid (adj.)
dull, boring
egregious (adj.)
extremely bad
nefarious (adj.)
heinously villiainous
ambiguous (adj.)
uncertain, variably interpretable
dissonance (n.)
lack of harmony or consistency
modulate (v.)
to pass from one state to another, especially in music
concoct (v.)
to fabricate, make up
disdain
1. (v.) to scorn, hold in low esteem; 2. (n.) scorn, low esteem
moderate
1. (adj.) not extreme; 2. (n.) one who expresses moderate opinions
umbrage (n.)
resentment, offense
oblivious (adj.)
lacking consciousness or awareness of something
punitive (adj.)
involving punishment
excursion (n.)
a trip or outing
impute (v.)
to ascribe, blame
facade
1. (n.) the wall of a building; 2. (n.) a deceptive appearance or attitude
ephemeral (adj.)
short-lived, fleeting
resplendent (adj.)
shiny, glowing
hegemony (n.)
domination over others
venerable (adj.)
deserving of respect because of age or achievement
aspire (v.)
to long for, aim toward
strenuous (adj.)
requiring tremendous energy or stamina
obfuscate (v.)
to render incomprehensible
empathy (n.)
sensitivity to another's feelings as if they were one's own
laudatory (adj.)
expressing admiration or praise
calumny (n.)
an attempt to spoil someone else's reputation by spreading lies
munificence (n.)
generosity in giving
indigenous (adj.)
originating in a region
trite (adj.)
not origional, overused
incontrovertible (adj)
indisputable
avarice (n.)
excessive greed
effervescent (adj.)
bubbly, lively
sanguine (adj.)
optimistic, cheery
chronicle
1. (n.) a written history; 2. (v.) to write a history
paradigm (n.)
an example that is a perfect pattern or model
divulge (v.)
to reveal something secret
insolent (adj.)
rude, arrogant, overbearing
quell (v.)
to control or diffuse a potentially explosive situation
forage (v.)
to graze, rummage for food
vex (v.)
to confuse or annoy
amorphous (adj.)
without definite shape or type
accentuate (v.)
to stress, highlight
burnish (v.)
to polish, shine
enamor (v.)
to fill with love, fascinate, usually used in passive form followed by "of" or "with"
conduit (n.)
a pipe or channel through which something passes
elated (adj.)
overjoyed, thrilled
deferential (adj.)
showing respect for another's authority
circumvent (v.)
to get around
penitent (adj.)
remorseful, regretful
resolute (adj.)
firm, determined
punctilious (adj.)
eager to follow rules or conventions
aggrieved (adj.)
distressed, wronged, injured
repentant (adj.)
penitent, sorry
deft (adj.)
skillful, capable
diaphanous (adj.)
light, airy, transparent
augment (v.)
to add to, expand
renunciation (n.)
to reject
discomfit (v.)
to thwart, baffle
expurgate (v.)
to remove offensive or incorrect parts, usually of a book
cleave
1. (v.) to divide into parts; 2. (v.) to stick together firmly
fraught (adj.)
(usually used with "with") filled or accompanied with
inexorable (adj.)
incapable of being persuaded or placated
allay (v.)
to soothe, ease
sycophant (n.)
one who flatters for self-gain
rescind (v.)
to take back, repeal
penchant (n.)
a tendency, partiality, preference
veracity (n.)
truthfulness, accuracy
resolve
1. (v.) to find a solution; 2. (v.) to firmly decide
hapless (adj.)
unlucky
balk (v.)
to stop, block abruptly
surfeit (adj.)
an overabundant supply or indulgence
auspicious (adj.)
favorable, indicative of good things
iridescent (adj.)
showing rainbow colors
solicitous (adj.)
concerned, attentive
lenient (adj.)
demonstrating tolerance or gentleness
enigmatic (adj.)
mystifying, cryptic
diminutive (adj.)
small or miniature
taciturn (adj.)
not inclined to talk
abscond (v.)
to sneak away and hide
repulse
1. (v.) to disgust; 2. (v.) to push back
garrulous (adj.)
talkative, wordy
mitigate (v.)
to make less violent, alleviate
polemic (n.)
an aggressive argument against a specific opinion
iconoclast (n.)
one who attacks common beliefs or institutions
conformist (n.)
one who behaves the same as others
chide (v.)
to voice disapproval
fallacious (adj.)
incorrect, misleading
demure (adj.)
quiet, modest, reserved
pallid (adj.)
lacking color
arid (adj.)
excessively dry
coagulate (v.)
to thicken, clot
consecrate (v.)
to dedicate something to a holy purpose
extant (adj.)
existing, not destroyed or lost
pithy (adj.)
concisely meaningful
pinnacle (n.)
the highest point
decorous (adj.)
socially proper, appropriate
calibrate (v.)
to set, standardize
veneer (n.)
a superficial or deceptively attractive appearance, facade
emend (v.)
to correct or revise a written text
vitriolic (adj.)
having a caustic quality
consonant (adj.)
in harmony
pathology (n.)
a deviation from the normal
repose (v.)
to rest, lie down
rhapsodize (v.)
to engage in excessive enthusiasm
trepidation (n.)
fear, apprehension
desecrate (v.)
to violate the sacredness of a thing or place
idolatrous (adj.)
excessively worshipping one subject or person
permeate (v.)
to spread throughout, saturate
mercurial (adj.)
characterized by rapid change or temperamentality
dearth (n.)
a lack, scarcity
congruity (n.)
the quality of being in agreement
gratuitous (adj.)
uncalled for, unwarrented
sanctimonious (adj.)
giving a hypocritical appearance of piety
perfidious (adj.)
disloyal, unfaithful
aquatic (adj.)
relating to water
incarnate
1. (adj.) existing in the flesh, embodied; 2. (v.) to give human form to
ennui (n.)
boredom, weariness
temperance (n.)
moderation in action or thought
maxim (n.)
a common saying expressing a principle of conduct
facile
1. (adj.) easy, requiring little effort; 2. (adj.) superficial, achieved with minimal thought or care, insincere
paragon (n.)
a model of excellence or perfection
tortuous (adj.)
winding
emollient (adj.)
soothing
ascertain (v.)
to percieve, learn
bilk (v.)
cheat, defraud
catalyze (v.)
to charge, inspire
mawkish (adj.)
characterized by sick sentimentality
plentitude (n.)
an abundance
dormant (adj.)
sleeping, temporarily inactive
contemporaneous (adj.)
existing during the same time
demean (v.)
to lower the status or stature of something
elucidate (v.)
to clarify, explain
diffuse
1. (v.) to scatter, thin out, break up; 2. (adj.) not concentrated, scattered, disorganized
archetypal (adj.)
the most representative or typical expample of something
clergy (n.)
members of Christian holy orders
exorbitant (adj.)
excessive
clairvoyant (adj.)
able to perceive things that normal people cannot
assess (v.)
to evaluate
furtive (adj.)
secretive, sly
circumspect (adj.)
cautious
wizened (adj.)
dry, shrunken, wrinkled
idiosyncratic (adj.)
peculiar to one person; highly individualized
affluent (adj.)
rich, wealthy
panacea (n.)
a remedy for all ills or difficulties
coronation (n.)
the act of crowning
anarchist (n.)
one who wants to eliminate all government
prurient (adj.)
eliciting or possessing an extraordinary interest in sex
aggregate
1. (n.) a whole or total; 2. (v.) to gather into a mass
refract (v.)
to distort, change
combustion (n.)
the act or process of burning
stingy (adj.)
not generous, not inclined to spend or give
consumption (n.)
the act of consuming
bombastic (adj.)
excessively confident, pompous
blandish (v.)
to coax by usuing flattery
bashful (adj.)
shy, excessively timid
embellish
1. (v.) to decorate, adorn; 2. (v.) to add details to, enhance
obstinate (adj.)
not yeilding easily, stubborn
impregnable (adj.)
resistant to capture or penetration
brazen (adj.)
excessively bold, brash
advocate
1. (v.) to argue in favor of something; 2. (n.) a person who argues in favor of something
interlocutor (n.)
someone who participates in a dialogue or conversation
discordant (adj.)
not agreeing, not in harmony with
submissive (adj.)
easily yielding to authority
buttress
1. (v.) to support, hold up; 2. (n.) something that offers support
cunning (adj.)
sly, clever at being deceitful
mutabe (adj.)
able to change
despondent (adj.)
feeling depressed, discouraged, hopeless
atypical (adj.)
not typical, unusual
arbiter (n.)
one who can resolve a dispute, make a decision
pillage (v.)
to seize or plunder, especially in war
encore (n.)
the audience's demand for a repeat preformance; also the artist's preformance in response to that demand
ostensible (adj.)
appearing as such, seemingly
depravity (n.)
wickedness
jubilant (adj.)
extremely joyful, happy
lucid (adj.)
clear, easily understandable
revere (v.)
to esteem, show deference, venerate
austere (adj.)
very bare, bleak
analogous (adj.)
similar to, so that an analogy can be drawn
discrepancy (n.)
difference, failure of things to correspond
didactic
1. (adj.) intended to instruct; 2. (adj.) overly moralistic
stupefy (v.)
to astonish, make insensible
comprehensive (adj.)
including everything
devioius (adj.)
not straightforward, deceitful
cognizant (adj.)
aware, mindful
amourous (adj.)
showing love, particulary sexual
scintillating (adj.)
sparkling
abstruse (adj.)
hard to comprehend
deride (v.)
to laugh at mockingly, scorn
aversion (n.)
a particular dislike for something
pernicious (adj.)
extremely destructive or harmful
nomadic (adj.)
wandering from place to place
verdant (adj.)
green in tint or color
boisterous (adj.)
loud and full of energy
insatiable (adj.)
incapable of being satisfied
emulate (v.)
to imitate
exacerbate (v.)
to make more violent, intense
allege (v.)
to assert, usually without proof
epistolary (adj.)
relating to or contained in letters
perusal (n.)
a careful examination, review
vivacious (adj.)
lively, sprightly
surrogate (n.)
one acting in place of another
inept (adj.)
not suitable or capable, unqualified
impertinent (adj.)
rude, insolent
potable (adj.)
suitable for drinking
puerile (adj.)
juvenile, immature
inchoate (adj.)
unformed or formless, in a beginning stage
accessible (adj.)
obtainable, reachable
ballad (n.)
a love song
emaciated (adj.)
very thin, enfeebled looking
disrepute (n.)
a state of being held in low regard
ruminate (v.)
to contemplate, reflect
acrimony (n.)
bitterness, discord
judicious (adj.)
having or exercising sound judgement
dissipate
1. (v.) to disappear, cause to disappear; 2. (v.) to waste
requisition (n.)
a demand for goods, usually made by an authority
infamy (n.)
notoriety, extreme ill repute
collateral
1. (adj.) secondary; 2. (n.) security for a debt
surreptitious (adj.)
stealthy
abrogate (v.)
to abolish, usually by authority
audible (adj.)
able to be heard
culmination (n.)
the climax toward which something progresses
reprehensible (adj.)
deserving rebuke
incumbent
1. (n.) one who holds an office; 2. (adj.) obligatory
abdicate (v.)
to give up a position, usually one of leadership
placid (adj.)
calm, peaceful
effrontery (n.)
impudence, nerve, insolence
coherent (adj.)
logically consistent, intelligible
enfranchise (v.)
to grant the vote to
erudite (adj.)
learned
alleviate (v.)
to relieve, make more bearable
raze (v.)
to demolish, level
zenith (n.)
the highest point, cumulating point
colossus (n.)
a gigantic statue or thing
vociferous (adj.)
loud, boisterous
collusion (n.)
secret agreement, conspiracy
officious (adj.)
offering one's services when they are neither wanted not needed
privation (n.)
lacking basic necessities
laceration (n.)
a cut, tear
ornate (adj.)
highly elaborate, excessively decorated
agnostic (adj.)
believing that the existence of God cannot be proven or disproven
dither (v.)
to be indecisive
swarthy (adj.)
a dark color or complection
esoteric (adj.)
understood by only a select few
anathema (n.)
a cursed, detested person
dilatory (adj.)
tending to delay, causing delay
assail (v.)
to attack
lavish
1. (adj.) given without limits; 2. (v.) to give without limits
reprieve (n.)
a temporary delay of punishment
recapitulate (v.)
to sum up, repeat
manifest
1. (adj.) easily understandable, obvious; 2. (v.) to show plainly
placate (v.)
to ease the anger of, soothe
portent (n.)
an omen
interject (v.)
to insert between other things
ignominious (adj.)
humiliating, disgracing
constrain (v.)
to forcibly restrict
corroborate (v.)
to support with evidence
instigate (v.)
to urge, goad
concomitant (adj.)
accompanying in a subordinate fashion
bias (n.)
a tendency, inclination, prejudice
regurgitate
1. (v.) to vomit; 2. (v.) to throw back exactly
credulity (n.)
readiness to believe
paramount (adj.)
greatest in importance, rank, character
diligent (adj.)
showing care in doing one's work
agriculture (n.)
farming
archaic (adj.)
of or relating to an earlier period in time, outdated
meritorious (adj.)
worthy of esteem or reward
nebulous (adj.)
vaguely defined, cloudy
innocuous (adj.)
harmless, inoffensive
demagogue (n.)
a leader who appeals to a people's prejudices
notorious (adj.)
widely and unfavorably known
effulgent (adj.)
radient, splendorous
corrosive (adj.)
having the tendency to erode or eat away
engender (v.)
to bring about, create, generate
torrid (adj.)
giving off intense heat, passionate
impinge
1. (v.) to impact, affect, make an impression; 2. (v.) to enroach, infringe
reproach (v.)
to scold, disapprove
propensity (n.)
an inclination, preference
haughty (adj.)
disdainfully proud
prudence (n.)
cautious, circumspect
abide
1. (v.) to put up with; 2. (v.) to remain
relegate
1. (v.) to assign to the proper place; 2. (v.) to assign to an inferior place
serene (adj.)
calm, untroubled
consolation (n.)
an act of comforting
debunk (v.)
to expose the falseness of something
commendation (n.)
a notice of approval or recognition
obtuse (adj.)
lacking quickness of sensibility or intellect
wistful (adj.)
full of yearning, musingly sad
arrogate (v.)
to take without justification
ascribe (v.)
to assign, credit, attribute to
berate (v.)
to scold vehemently
eclectic (adj.)
consisting of a diverse variety of elements
palliate (v.)
to reduce the severity of
boon (n.)
a gift or blessing
grandiose (adj.)
on a magnificent or exaggerated scale
abridge
1. (v.) to cut down, shorten; 2. (adj.) shortened
nuance (n.)
a slight variation in meaning, tone, expression
satiate (v.)
to satisfy excessively
irascible (adj.)
easily angered
disclose (v.)
to reveal, make public
compress (v.)
to apply pressure, squeeze together
dispel (v.)
to drive away, scatter
hallowed (adj.)
revered, consecrated
confection (n.)
a sweet, fancy food
affront (n.)
an insult
cobbler (n.)
a person who makes or repairs shoes
prescient (adj.)
to have foreknowledge of events
artifact (n.)
a remaining piece from an extinct culture or place
recalcitrant (adj.)
defiant, unapologetic
copious (adj.)
profuse, abundant
denounce (v.)
to criticize publicly
hiatus (n.)
a break or gap in duration or continuity
equivocal (adj.)
ambiguous, uncertain, undecided
turpitude (n.)
depravity, moral corruption
adverse (adj.)
antagonistic, unfavorable, dangerous
adorn (v.)
to decorate
quixotic (adj.)
idealistic, impractical
obsolete (adj.)
no longer used, out of date
maelstrom (n.)
a destructive whirlpool which rapidly sucks in objects
adhere
1. (n.) to stick to something; 2. (n.) to follow devoutly
disaffected (adj.)
rebellious, resentful of authority
pertinacious (adj.)
stubbornly persistent
eloquent (adj.)
expressive, articulate, moving
platitude (n.)
an unispired remark, cliche
insidious (adj.)
appealing but umperceptibly harmful, seductive
nascent (adj.)
in the process of being born or coming into existence
goad (v.)
to urge, spur, incite to action
ebullient (adj.)
extremely lively, enthusiastic
duress (n.)
hardship, threat
sensuous (adj.)
involving sensory gratification
licentious (adj.)
displaying a lack of moral or legal restraints
profane (adj.)
lewd, indecent
confound (v.)
to frustrate, confuse
interminable (adj.)
without possibility of end
precipice (n.)
the face of a cliff, a steep or overhanging place
convene (v.)
to call together
solvent
1. (n) a substance that can dissolve other substances; 2. (adj.) able to pay debts
meager (adj.)
deficient in size or quality
amenable (adj.)
willing, compliant
seminal (adj.)
original, important, creating a field
consign (v.)
to give something over to another's care
assiduous (adj.)
hard-working, diligent
perfunctory (adj.)
showing little interest or enthusiasm
onerous (adj.)
burdensome
compliment (n.)
an expression of esteem or approval
parody (n.)
a satirical imitation
anachronistic (adj.)
being out of correct chronological order
pariah (n.)
an outcast
atone (v.)
to repent, make amends
oration (n.)
a speech delivered in a formal or ceremonious manner
hypothetical (adj.)
supposed or assumed true, but unproven
conciliatory (adj.)
friendly, agreeable
reclusive (adj.)
solitary, shunning society
quotidian (adj.)
daily
extraneous (adj.)
irrelevant, extra, not necessary
fetter (v.)
to chain, restrain
inimical (adj.)
hostile, enemylike
stolid (adj.)
expressing little sensibility, unemotional
paucity (adj.)
small in quantity
allocate (v.)
to disturb, set aside
relish (v.)
to enjoy
behemoth (n.)
something of tremendous power or size
forlorn (adj.)
lonely, abandoned, hopeless
invective (n.)
an angry verbal attack
extol (v.)
to praise, revere
hypocrisy (n.)
pretending to believe what one does not
innuendo (n.)
an insinuation
carp (v.)
to annoy, pester
abstain (v.)
to freely choose not to commit an action
tangential (adj.)
incidental, peripheral, divergent
construe (v.)
to interpret
oblique (adj.)
diverging from a straight line or course, not straightforward
hackneyed (adj.)
unoriginal, trite
stagnate (v.)
to become or remain inactive, not develop, not flow
canny (adj.)
shrewd, careful
solipsistic (adj.)
believing that oneself is all that exists
assuage (v.)
to ease, pacify
aesthetic (adj.)
artistic, related to the appreciation of beauty
novice (n.)
a beginner, someone without training or experience
rife (adj.)
abundant
compelling (adj.)
forceful, demanding attention
primeval (adj.)
original, ancient
replete (adj.)
full, abundant
mollify (v.)
to soften in temper
lithe (adj.)
graceful, flexible, supple
inviolable (adj.)
secure from assult
confluence (n.)
a gathering together

Deck Info

967

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