This site is 100% ad supported. Please add an exception to adblock for this site.

Word Smart II

Start Studying!
dunguyen1985

Terms

undefined, object
copy deck
skirmish
a fight between small numbers of troops; a brief conflict
specter
ghost; phantom
schism
division; separation; discord or disharmony
impasse
a deadlock; a situation from which there is no escape
pummel
to pound or punch with the fists ; plumb=plummet
ordinance
law; regulation; decree
conflagration
a large fire
junction
convergence; linkup; the act or state of being joined together
pallor
paleness; whiteness
contraband
smuggled goods
pseudonym
a false name; an alias
chutzpah
brazenness; audacity
accouterments
personal clothing accessories or equipment; trappings
configuration
arrangement
discomfit
to frustrate; to confuse ;frustrate; confuged
queue
a line or file
substantiate
to prove; to verify; to confirm
stupendous
remarkable; extraordinary; remarkably large or extraordinarily gigantic
tumult
violent noisy commotion; uproar; outbreak
prurient
having lustful thoughts or desires; causing lust
circumnavigate
to sail or travel all the way around
abeyance
suspension; temporary cessation ; obey
generic
general; common; not protected by trademark
phlegmatic
calm or indifferent; not easily roused to excitement
proclaim
to announce; declare; make known
vanquish
to conquer; to overpower
accede
to give in; to yeild; to agree
allegory
a story in which the characters are symbols with moral or spiritual meanings
purblind
dim-sighted; practically blind; lacking understanding or imagination
halcyon
peaceful; carefree;
posterity
future generations; descendants; heirs
pristine
perfectly clean and untouched; uncontaminated
apportion
to distribute properionally; to divide into portions
limpid
transparent; clear; lucid
depredate
to prey upon; to plunder
embryonic
undeveloped; rudimentary
verge
border; brink; edge
sanction
official permission or approval; endorsement; punitive measure
confound
to bewilder; to amaze; to throw into
downplay
to minimize; to represent as being insignificant; to play down
toil
hard work; labor; drudgery; exhausting effort
augur
to serve as an omen or be a sign; to predict or foretell
vignette
a small decorative design or drawing; a short literary sketch; a brief but expressive scene in a play or movie
ineluctable
inescapable; incapable of being resisted or avoided
disproportionate
out of proportion; too much or too little
noisome
offensive or disgusting; stinking; noxious
compunction
remorse a feeling of uneasiness at doing something wrong
paranoia
a mental illness in which the sufferer believes people are out to get him; unreasonable anxiety
conversant
familiar; experienced
cull
to pick out from among many; to select; to collect
inviolate
free from injury; pure
jingoism
belligerent chauvinistic patriotism; warmongering
divine
to intuit; to prophesy
anathema
something or someone loathe or detested
prattle
to chatter on and on; to babble childishly
genocide
the extermination of a notional racial or religious group
underwrite
to sponsor; to subsidize; to insure
ratify
to confirm; to approve something formally
infuse
to introduce into; to instill
armistice
truce
bravado
a false show or ostentatious show of bravery or defiance
interlude
an intervening episode; an intermission; a pause episode
innuendo
an insinuation; a sly hint
effigy
a likeness of someone especially one used in expressing hatred for the person of whom it is a likeness
lascivious
lustful; obscene; lewd
serpentine
snakelike in either shape or movement; winding as a snake travels
cascade
a waterfall; anything resembling a waterfall
compatible
harmonious; capable of functioning working or living together in harmony; consistent
conundrum
a puzzle or problem without a solution
correlation
a mutual relation between two or more things
indict
to charge with a crime; to accuse of wrongdoing
posture
to act or speak artificially or affectedly
commemorate
to honor the memory of; to serve as a memorial to
gambit
a scheme to gain an advantage; a ploy
boon
a blessing; a benefit
embargo
a government order suspending foreign trade; a government order suspending the movement of freight-carrying ships in and out of the country's ports
peregrination
wandering; traveling
galvanize
to startle into sudden activity; to revitalize
derelict
neglectful; delinquent; deserted; abandoned
induce
to persuade; to influence; to cause
antedate
to be older than; to have come before
voluminous
large; extensive; having great volume
incendiary
used for setting property on fire; tending to arouse passion or anger; inflammatory
guise
appearance; semblance
antipodal
situated on opposite sides of the earth; exactly opposite
rationale
underlying reason; basis; reasoning
incarnation
embodiment
chameleon
a highly changeable person
reactionary
ultraconservative; right-wing; backward-thinking
appellation
a name
champion
to defend; to support
brawn
big muscles; great strength
evoke
to summon farth; to draw forth; to awaken; to produce of suggest
aftermath
consequence; events following some occurrence or calamity
deploy
to station soldiers or armaments strategically; to arrange strategically
askance
with suspicion or disapproval
engaging
charming; pleasing; attractive
convolution
a twist or trun; the act of twisting or turning
deity
a god or goddness
emancipate
to liberate; to free from bondage or restraint
adventitious
accidnetal; connected to but nonetheless unrelated; irrelevant
infraction
violation; infringement; the breaking of a law
pandemic
prevalent throughout a large area
entity
something that exists; a distinct thing
resplendent
brilliantly shining; radiant; dazzling
eulogy
spoken or written tribute to a person especially a person who has just died
angst
anxiety; fear; dread
forensic
related to or used in courts of law
hubris
arrogance; excessive pride
presage
to portend; to foreshadow; to forecast or predict
undermine
to impair; to subvert; to weaken by excavating underneath
flippant
frivolously disrespectful; saucy; pert; flip
pathos
that which makes people feel pity or sorrow
exempt
excused; not subject ot
bracing
invigorating galvanize
atone
to make amends
invoke
to entreat or pray for; to call on as in prayer; to declare to be in effect
deft
skillful
explicate
to make a detailed explanation of the meaning of
inclination
tendency; preference; liking
seamless
without a seam; without anything to indicate where two things were joined together; smooth
fiscal
pertaining to financial matters; monetary
sordid
morally vile; filthy; squalid
hoary
gray or white with age; ancient; stale
repress
to hold back; to conceal from oneself; to suppress
paranormal
having to do with an event or events that can't be explained scientifically; supernatural
skittish
nervous; easily startled; jumpy
forswear
to retract renounce or recant; to take back recant
astringent
harsh; severe; withering stringent- contingent-
temporize
to stall; to cause delay through indecision; extemporize-
devout
deeply religious; fervent devote
suffrage
the right to vote
apex
highest point
forebode
to be an omen of; to predict; to foretell
assert
to claim strongly; to affirm
loath
extremely unwilling; reluctant
epoch
an era; a distinctive period of time
opprobrious
damning; extremely critical; disgraceful
doldrums
low spirits; a state of inactivity
insurrection
an act of open rebellion against
wizened
shriveled; withered; shrunken
bristle
to stiffen with anger; to appear in some way similar to hair standing on end
fuel
to stimulate; to ignite; to kindle as if providing with fuel
eclipse
to block the light of; to overshadow; to reduce the significance of;
alchemy
a seemingly magical process of transformation
clandestine
concealed or secret usually for an evil or subversive purpose
repartee
a quick witty reply; witty spirited conversation full of quick witty replies
curb
to restrain or control
shackle
a manacle; a restraint
gaffe
a social blunder; an embarrassing mistake; a faux pas
bon vivant
a person who enjoys good food good drink and luxirious living
underscore
to underline; to emphasize
fathom
to understand; to penetrate the meaning of sound
envision
to imagine; to foresee
debase
to lower in quality or value; to degrade
rivet
to engross; to hold firmly
uncanny
extraordinary; unimaginable; seeming supernatural
corrugated
shaped with folds or waves
fulminate
to denounce vigorously; to protest vehemently against something
elation
a feeling of great joy
genesis
origin; creation; beginning
demure
shy; reserved; sedate
meticulous
precise and careful about details; fussy
sarcasm
irony; jokingly or bitingly saying the opposite of what is meant sneer
cloister
a covered walk with columns on one side that runs along the perimeter of a courtyard especially in a convent or monastery; a convent or monastery; a tranquil secluded place
coterie
a group of close associates; a circleof freinds or associates
access
the right or ability to approach enter or use
ratiocination
logical reasoning
subsidize
to provide financial aid; to make a financial contribution
embroil
to involve in conflict; to throw into disorder
effectual
effective; adequate
citadel
a fortress defending a city; a stronghold; a bulwark
foray
a quick raid or attack; an initial venture
reprimand
stern reproof; official rebuke
intimate
to hint or imply
grimace
to make an ugly disapproving facial expression
cartography
the art of making maps and charts
draconian
harsh; sever; cruel
dotage
senility; foolish affection
bemoan
to mourn about; to lament
arraign
to bring to court to answer an indictment; to accuse
avid
eager; enthusiastic avarice; arid-
odyssey
a long difficult journey usually marked by many changes of fortune
melancholy
gloomy; depressed and weary
defile
to make filthy or foul; to desecrate desecrateconsecrate
bedlam
noisy uproar and chaos;
thwart
to prevent from being accomplished; to frustrate; to hinder
apposite
distinctly suitable; pertinent
crevice
a narrow split crack or fissure
precocious
unusually mature; uncommonly gifted
aggrieve
to mistreat; to do grievous injury to; to distress
cuisine
a style of cooking
medium
the means by which something is conveyed or accomplished; a substance through which something is transferred or conveyed;
quell
to put an end to; to squelch; to suppress
lavish
to spend freely or bestow generously; to squander
commiserate
to express sorrow or sympathy for; to sympathize with; to pity
ascribe
to credit to or assign; to attribute
entrepreneur
an independent business person;
adjourn
to suspend until another time
deficit
a shortage especially of money
dejected
depressed; disheartened
resignation
passive submission; acquiescence
partition
division; dividing wall
impending
approaching; imminent; looming
corporeal
material; tangible; having substance like the body
captivate
to fascinate; to enchant; to enrapture
denomination
a classfication; a category name
junta
a small grouup ruling a country after a coup d'etat
predominant
most important; dominant; having power over others
appendage
something added on to something else; a supplement
mania
crazed excessive excitement; insanity; delusion
procure
to obtain or acquire by special means
emaciate
to make extremely thin through starvation or illness
taint
contaminant; a trace of something spoiled contaminated off-flavor
advocate
a person who argues in favor of a position
ancillary
subordinate; providing assistance
presuppose
to assume beforehand; to take for granted in advance; to require as a prior condition
cavil
to quibble; to raise trivial objections
commodious
spacious; roomy; capacious
tepid
lukewarm; halfhearted
confidant
a person with whom secrets or private thoughts are shared
cursory
quick and unthorough; hasty; superficial
impenetrable
incapable of being penetrated; impervious; incomprehensible
quasi
almost; near; resembling
document
to support with evidence especially written evidence
rue
to mourn; to regret
melee
a brawl; a confused fight or struggle; a violent free for-all; tumultuous menagerie a collection of animals
abjure
to repudiate; to take back; to refrain from
dissemble
to conceal the real nature of; to act or speak falsely in order to
supersede
to take the place of; to supplant; to make something obsolete
inimitable
impossible to imitate; incomparable; matchless; the best
larceny
theft; robbery
specious
something that seems correct or appropriate but that lacks real worth; deceptive; misleading; not genuine superfluous
impresario
a person who manages public entertainments especially operas but other events as well
bona fide
sincere done or made in good faith; authentic; genuine
grievous
tragic; agonizing; severe mourn bemoan;
ascertain
to determine with certainty; to find out definitely
conviction
strong belief; a determination of guilt
dichotomy
division into two parts especially contradictory ones
subside
to sink or settle; to diminish; to lessen
endear
to make dear; to make beloved
dour
forbidding; severe; gloomy
livid
discolored; black and blue; enraged
hypocrisy
insincerity; two-facedness
marginal
related to or located at the margin or border;
modulate
to reduce or regulate; to lessen the intensity of
ineradicable
incapable of being removed or destroyed or eradicated
demeanor
behavior; manner behavior
expunge
to erase; to eliminate any trace of efface excise
throttle
to choke; to strangle; to work a fuel lever or feed the flow of fuel to an engine
concave
curved inward like the inside of a circle or a shpere
inimical
unfavorable; harmful; detrimental; hostile
gastronomy
the art of eating well
remuneration
payment; recompense
crux
the central point; the essence
lyrical
melodious; songlike; poetic
phantasm
apparition; ghost; phantom
amass
to pile up; to accumulate; to collect for one's own use
secede
to withdraw from an alliance
concoct
to create by mixing ingredients; to devise
cherub
a supercute chubby-cheeked child; a kind of angel
render
to make; to cause to be; to provide; to depict
stalwart
sturdily built; robust; valiant; unwavering
referendum
a public vote on a measure proposed or passed by a legislature
dolt
a stupid person; a dunce
apoplexy
stroke that is numbness and paralysis resulting from the sudden loss of blood flow to the brain
appraise
to estimate the value or quality of; to judge
oligarchy
government by only a very few people
conspicuous
easily seen; impossible to miss
fickle
likely to change for no good reason
nonchalant
indifferent; coolly unconcerned; blasé
mawkish
overly sentimental; maudlin
obviate
to make unnecessary; to avert
impregnable
unconquerable; able to withstand attack
cipher
zero; a nobody; a code; the solution to a code
attest
to give proof of; to declare to be true or correct; to give testimony
supplication
humble prayer; earnest entreaty
cordial
gracious; warm; sincere loyalty
intrigue
a secret scheme; a crafty plot
exodus
a mass departure or journey away
rapture
ecstasy; bliss; unequaled joy
calumny
slander; a maliciously false statement
consign
to hand over; to assign; to entrust; to banish
lobby
to urge legislative action; to exert influence
retrospect
looking backward; a review
interminable
seemingly unending; tediously long
appurtenance
something extra; an appendage; an accessory
porous
filled with many tiny holes; permeable; absorbent
psyche
the human soul; the mind; the spirit
odious
hateful; evil; vile
quay
a landing on the edge of the water; wharf; pier
confer
to exchange ideas; to consult with; to bestow
deplete
to decrease the supply of; to exhaust; to use up
puritanical
very severe and strict about morals
dirge
a funeral song
obeisance
a bow or curtsy; deep reverence obedient obedience obeisant obey
alienate
to estrange; to cause to feel unwelcome or unloved; to make hostile
solidarity
sense of unity; a sense of sharing a common goal or attitude
aperture
an opening chasm
aggrandize
to exaggerate; to cause to appear greater; to increasesomething in power reputation wealth etc
brusque
abrupt in manner; blunt
plausible
believable; convincing
waft
to float; to drift; to blow
redress
to remedy; to make amends for
begrudge
to envy another's possession or enj0yment of something; to be reluctant to give or to give grudgingly ; wistful
importune
to urge with annoying persistence; to trouble
barrage
a concentrated outpouring of artillery fire or of anything else
accentuate
to emphasize; to accent; to highlight
discrepancy
difference; inconsistency
presentiment
the feeling that something especially bad is about to happen
emissary
a messenger of representative sent to represent another
motley
extremely varied or diverse; heterogeneous; multicolored
spectrum
a broad sequence or range of different but related thing s or ideas
incursion
a hostile invasion; a raid
regimen
a regulated course
lout
boor; oaf; clod ;boor
waive
to relinquish a right; to forgo; to put aside for the time being
benighted
ignorant; unenlightened
attribute
to credit to or assign; to ascribe
imperative
completely necessary; vitally important
refractory
disobedient and hard to manage; resisting treatment
predecessor
someone or something that precedes in time
benediction
a blessing; an utterance of good wishes
channel
to direct; to cause to follow a certain path
fetish
an object of obsessive reverence attention or interest
avert
to turn away; to prevent
ribald
indecent or vulgar; off-color
fledgling
inexperienced or immature
diatribe
a bitter abusive denunciation
unilateral
involving one side only; done on behalf of one side only;
woe
suffering; affliction; distress
revamp
to revise; to renovate
rend
to tear; to rip
corrosive
eating away; destructive
delectable
delightful; delicious ; deleterous
composed
calm; tranquil
tedium
dullness; monotony; boredom
exposition
explanation; a large public exhibition
override
to overrule; to prevail over
systemic
affecting the entire system especially the entire body
apogee
the most distant point in the orbit of the moon or of an artificial satellite
adjunct
something added to or connected with something else; an assistant
diurnal
occurring overy day; occurring during the daytime
trenchant
concise; effective; caustic; sarcastic cf. nonchalant=indifferent penchant-
decree
an official order usually having the force of law
bandy
to toss back and forth; to exchange
dilate
to make larger; to become larger; to speak or write at length
incumbent
currently holding an office; obligatory
vie
to complete; to contest; to struggle
annex
to add or attach
embellish
to adorn; to beautify by adding ornaments; to add fanciful or fictitious embody to personify; to give physical form to
revulsion
loathing; repugnance; disgust
more
marshy mucky ground
fruitful
productive; producing good or abundant results; successful
asylum
a mental hospital or similar institution; refuge; a place of safety
sovereign
supreme ruler; monarch
anthology
a collection especially of literary works
liaison
connection; association; alliance; secret love affair
extort
to obtain through force threat or illicit means
aspersion
a slanderous or damning remark
fodder
coarse food for livestock; raw material
inflammatory
fiery; tending to arouse passion or anger; incendiary
intricate
complicated; sophisticated; having many parts or facest
ecclesiastical
having to do with the church
balk
to abruptly refuse to do something; ti stop short
rarefied
esoteric; interesting to a select group only; exalted
fiasco
a complete failure or disaster; an incredible
scant
limited; meager; barely sufficient
nomadic
wandering from place to place; without a permanent home
triumvirate
a ruling coalition of three officials; any group of three working jointly
bombast
pompous or pretentious speech of writing
retort
to make a sharp reply
botch
to bungle; to ruin through poor of clumsy effort
garner
to gather; to acquire; to earn
serene
calm; peaceful; tranquil; untroubled
shrewd
wily; cunning; sly
layman
a nonprofessional; a person who is not a member of the clergy
figment
something made up or invented; a fabrication
impunity
freedom from punishment or harm
neophyte
beginner; novice
plunder
to loot; o ransack
primal
first; original; of the greatest importance
solace
consolation; comfort
nirvana
a blissful painless worry-free state
impeach
to accuse or indict; to challenge; call into question
crescendo
a gradual increase in the volume of a sound; a gradual increase in the intensity of anything
diffuse
to cause to spread out; to cause to disperse;
facet
any of the flat polished surfaces of a cut gem; aspect
listless
sluggish; without energy or enthusiasm
seclusion
aloneness; withdrawal from other people
deem
to judge; to consider
rampant
widespread; uncontrollable; prevalent; raging
contempt
disdain; disgrace
underlying
basic; fundamental; only noticeable under scrutiny
vacuous
empty of content; lacking in ideas or intelligence
perpetrator
the one who committed the act
emanate
to come forth; to issue
disperse
to scatter; to spread widely; to disseminate
brazen
impudent; bold
assess
to evaluate; to estimate; to appraise
sedentary
largely confined to sitting down; not physically active
susceptible
capable of being influenced by something; capable of being or receptive to
cataclysm
a violent upheaval; an earthquake; a horrible flood
intervene
to come between opposing groups; to mediate; to take place; to occur between times
nullify
to repeal; to cancel; to void
epilogue
an afterword; a short concluding chapter of a book; a short speech at the end of a play
shibboleth
a distinctive word pronunciation or behavior that typifies a particular group; a slogan or catchword
jocular
humorous; jolly; fond of joking
herald
a royal proclaimer; a harbinger
balm
something that heals or soothes
iridescent
displaying glowing changing colors
confederate
an ally; an accomplice
turmoil
state of great confusion or commotion
distinct
separate; different; clear and unmistakable
thorny
full of difficulties; tough; painful
intersperse
to place at intervals; to scatter among
exhume
to unbury; to dig out of the ground
lax
negligent; lazy; irresponsible
affidavit
a sworn written statement made before an official
cant
insincere of hypocritical speech
fester
to generate pus; to decay erode corrosive
stratagem
a maneuver designed to outwit an enemy; a scheme; a ruse
surreal
having an unreal fantastic quality; hallucinatory; dreamlike
bland
mild; tasteless; dull; unlively
advent
arrival; coming; beginning
convene
to gather together; to assemble; to meet
inculcate
to instill or implant by repeated suggestions or admonitions
salutation
greeting; welcome; opening words of greeting
elegy
a mournful poem or other piece of writing; a mournful piece of music
resurrection
return to life; revival
congeal
to solidify; to jell
peculiar
unusual; bizarre; individual; belonging to a particular region
punitive
inflicting a punishment
antiquity
ancientness; ancient times
at the lower limit of quality;
insignificant
blandishment
flattery
contumely
rudeness; insolence; arrogance
materialistic
preoccupied with material things; greedy for possessions
impromptu
done without preparation on the spur of the moment
blanch
to turn pale; to cause to turn pale
muse
to ponder; to meditate
spurn
to reject disdainfully; to scorn
baleful
menacing; threatening
imbue
to inspire; to permeate or tinge
oxymoron
a figure of speech in which two contradictory words or phrases are used together
crass
extremely unrefined; gross; stupid
patrimony
an inheritance especially from a father; a legacy
concede
to acknowledge as true or right; to grant or yield
mores
customary moral standards
constituency
the group of voters represented by a politician; a group of supporters for anything ; constitute
depose
to remove from office or position of power ;abdicate
suffice
to be sufficient; to be enough
chaff
worthless stuff
prowess
exceptional skill or strength; uncommon bravery
impecunious
without money; penniless
pastoral
rural; rustic; peaceful and calm like the country
brandish
to wave or display threateningly
aghast
terrified shocked
occult
supernatural; magic; mystical
toxic
poisonous
heinous
shockingly evil; abominable; atrocious
equestrian
having to do with horseback riding
pluralism
a condition of society in which distinct groups exist and function together get retain their own identities
downcast
directed downward; dejected; depressed
delve
to search or study intensively
savant
a scholar; a very knowledgeable and learned person pundit erudite
suffuse
to cover; to overspread; to saturate
demise
death defunct
ennui
boredom; listless lack of interest
threshold
the sill of a doorway; a house's or building's entrance; any point of beginning or entering
expiate
to make amends for; to atone for
query
a question; an inquiry
annuity
an annual allowance or income; the annual interest payment on an investment; any regular allowance or income
aversion
a strong feeling of dislike
tortuous
winding; twisting; serpentine; full of curves
momentum
force of movement; speed; impetus
bauble
a gaudy trinket; a small inexpensive on ornament
disquiet
to make uneasy
tactical
having to do with tactics especially naval or military tactics; marked tactics or deft maneuvering
arid
very dry; lacking life interest or imagination
atrophy
to wither away; to decline from disuse
disservice
a harmful action; an ill turn
anterior
situated in front
quaint
pleasantly old-fashioned; picturesque
quizzical
teasing; mocking; questioning; inquisitive
ensue
to follow immediately afterward; to result
classic
top-notch; highest quality; serving as a standard or model
premeditated
planned beforehand; prearranged; plotted
faux
false
facade
the front of a building; the false front of a building; the false front or misleading appearance of anything
allot
to apportion allocate or assign allocate
infringe
to violate; to encroach or trespass
overture
opening move; preliminary offer
dissuade
to persuade not to
repose
rest; tranqillity; relaxation
epicure
a person with refined taste in wine and food
folly
foolishness; insanity; imprudence
habituate
to train; to accustom to a situation
sententious
preachy; pompous; excessively moralizing; self-righteous
bacchanal
a party animal; a drunken reveler; a drunken revelry or orgy
duress
coercion; compulsion by force or threat
delinquent
neglecting a duty or law; late in payment lazy guilty
elite
the best or most select group
patina
surface discoloration caused by age
ebb
to diminish; to recede
rebuff
to snub; to reject
discursive
rambling from one topic to another usually aimlessly
precarious
dangerously insecure or unsteady
doleful
sorrowful; filled with frief
insouciant
nonchalant; lighthearted; carefree
affront
insult; a deliberate act of disrespect
viscous
thick; gluey; sticky
appalling
causing horror or consternation ; appellate- compell-
trauma
severe shock or distress; a violent wound; a wrenching experience
inquisition
ruthless questioning; an official investigation characterized by cruelty
provocation
the act of provoking; incitement; cause
affliction
misery; illness;great suffering; a source of misery or great suffering
acquisitive
seeking or tending to acquire;
quintessential
being the most perfect example of
predispose
to make susceptible; to put in a frame of mind for; to incline toward
defunct
no longer in effect; no longer in existence 1. deceased; 2. demise
cower
to shrink away or huddle up in fear
plight
a dangerous distressing or unpleasant situation
convey
to transport; to conduct; to communicate
self-made
having succeeded in life without help from others
disgruntle
to make sulky and dissatisfied; to discontent
disclaim
to deny any claim to; to renounce
oust
to eject; to expel; to banish
wrath
deep anger; fury
usury
lending money at an extremely high rate of interest
callous
insensitive; emotionally hardened
punctilious
meticulously attentive to detail; scrupulously and sometimes annoyingly exact
abase
to humiliate; to lower in esteem or dignity; to humble
dismal
dreary; causing gloom; causing dread
inalienable
sacred; incapable of being transferred lost or taken away
arsenal
a collection of armaments; a facility for storing or producing armament; a supply of anything useful
interim
meantime; an intervening time; a temporary arrangement
ad-lib
to improvise; speak or act spontanesously
compile
to gather together; to gather together into a book
boor
a rude or churlish person
propagate
to reproduce; to multiply; to spread or disseminate
litany
recital or list; tedious recounting
impoverish
to reduce to poverty; to make destitute
afford
to give; to supply; to confer upon
entail
to have as a necessary consequence; to involve
wake
an all-night vigil kept over a dead body before it is buried;
auspices
protection; support; sponsorship
bestow
to present as a gift; to confer
sect
a small religious subgroup or religion; any group with a uniting theme of purpose
concomitant
following from; accompanying; going along with
extremity
the outermost point or edge; the greatest degree; grave danger;
olfactory
pertaining to the sense of smell
copious
abundant; plentiful
edict
an official decree
carcinogenic
causing cancer
stint
to restrict or hold back on; to be frugal
harass
to attack repeatedly; to torment or pester
rout
to put to flight; to scatter; to cause a huge defeat
predicament
a dangerous or unpleasant situation; a dilemma
cleave
to cling; to split rent
quandary
state of perplexity; predicament
ominous
threatening; menacing; portending doom
bliss
perfect contentment; extreme joy
dispirit
to discourage; to dishearten; to lose spirit
stupor
a stunned condition; near-unconsciousness; apathy; inertia
crestfallen
dejected; dispirited
perpetuate
to make something perpetual; to keep from perishing
amid
in the middle of
germane
applicable; pertinent; relevant pertinent
forthright
frank; outspoken; going straight to the point
confluence
a flowing together
careen
to swerve; to move rapidly without control; to lean to one side
municipal
pertaining to a city or town and its government
buffoon
a joker especially one who is coarse of acts like an ass
vogue
fashion; style
archives
a place where historical documents or materials are stored; the documents or materials them
quotidian
daily; everyday; ordinary
obtrusive
interfering; meddlesome; having a tendency to butt in obtrude compelling coerce
auxiliary
secondary; additional; giving assistance of aid
panegyric
elaborate praise; eulogy
placebo
a fake medication; a fake medicatin used as a control in tests of the
aboriginal
native; dating back to the very beginning
perverse
contrary; stubborn
bilious
ill-tempered; cranky irasible choleric
articulate
to pronounce clearly; to express clearly
consternation
sudden confusion
depict
to portray especially in a picture; to describe
rife
occurring frequently; widespread; common; swarming
banter
an exchange of good-humored or mildly teasing remarks
preponderance
superiority in weight number size extent influence ext. majority; predominance
excise
to remove by cutting or as if by cutting
acquit
to find not guilty; to bahave or conduct oneself
apparition
a ghost or ghostly object
artisan
a person skilled in a craft
sally
a sudden rushing attack; an excursion; an expedition; a repartee; a clever rejoinder
quiescent
motionless; at rest; still
brink
edge
travesty
a grotesque or shameful imitation; a mockery; a perversion
titular
in title or name only; nominal
accord
to agree; to be in harmony; to grant or bestow
acronym
a word made up of the initials of other words adage a traditional saying; a proverb
critique
a critical review
demur
to object; to take exception
fawn
to exhibit affection; to seek favor through flattery;
presumably
probably; the assumption is that; doubtless
spate
a sudden outpouring
suppress
to overpower; to subdue; to quash
consolidate
to combine or bring together; to solidify; to strengthen
palatable
pleasant to the taste; agreeable to the feelings
teem
to swarm; to be inundated; to overrun
feign
to make a false representation of; to pretend
stout
plump; stocky; substantial
coddle
to baby
concentric
having the same center
privation
lack of comforts or necessities; poverty
dissent
to disagree; to withhold approval
cogitate
to ponder; to meditate; to think carefully; ruminate deliberate
paroxysm
a sudden violent outburst; a severe attack
arrears
the state of being in debt; unpaid debts
fiat
an arbitrary decree or order
voluptuous
pleasant to the senses; luxurious; pleasure-seeking; extra full and shapely
abound
to be very numerous
harbinger
a precursor; an indication; an omen
stolid
not easily roused to emotion; impassive; apathetic; phlegmatic
chaste
pure and unadorned; abstaining from sex
wary
cautions; watchful; carefull
transfix
to cause to stand motionless with awe amazement emotion; to rivet
discourse
spoken or written expression in words; conversation
paragon
a model or pattern of excellence
apropos
appropriate; coming at the right time
integral
essential; indispensable
bivouac
a temporary encampment especially of soldiers
curmudgeon
a difficult bad-tempered person
clout
a blow; influence
abrogate
to abolish or repeal formally; to set aside; to nullify
singular
exceptional; unique; unusual
zenith
highest point; peak; pinnacle
supine
lying on one's back
platonic
nonsexual; purely spiritual
replicate
to reproduce exactly; to duplicate; to repeat
competent
capable; qualified
parallel
similar comparable
deign
to condescend; to think it in accordance with one's dignity ~ condescend
conjugal
having to do with marriage
expostulate
to reason with someone in order to warn or dissuade
deplore
to regret; to condemn; to lament lamnet mourn
revile
to scold abusively; to berate; to denounce
continuum
a continuous whole without clear division into parts
converse
the opposite
timorous
fearful; easily frightened
conservatory
a greenhouse usually one attached to another structure; a music or drama school
vivacious
lively; animated; full of pep
electorate
the body of people entitled to vote in an election; the voters
impetuous
rash; overimpulsive; headlong
enumerate
to name one by one; to list
implication
something implied or suggested; ramification
titillate
to excite; to stimulate; to tease
dissident
a person who disagrees or dissents
cache
a hiding place; the things hidden in a secret place
licentious
lascivious; lewd; promiscuous; amoral
fallacy
a false notion or belief; a misconception
adduce
to bring forward as an example or as proof; to cite
reprisal
retaliation; revenge; counterattack
progeny
offspring; descendants
turbid
murky; opaque; unclear
reprobate
a depraved wicked person; a degenerate
intermittent
occasional; repeatedly starting and stopping; recurrent
clone
an exact duplicate; an organism genetically identical to another
homage
reverence; respect
veneer
facade; coating; outward appearance
wane
to decrease in strength or intensity; ti fade away; to decline in power
diminution
the act or process of diminishing; reduction diminish
revel
to enjoy thoroughly; to take delight in; to carouse
ostracize
to shun; to shut out
zeitgeist
the mood or spirit of the times
ludicrous
ridiculous; absurd
brouhaha
uproar; hubbub
impede
to obstruct or interfere with; to delay
meander
to travel along a winding or indirect route; to ramble or stray from the topic
motif
a recurring theme or idea
dilapidated
broken-down; fallen into ruin devastate
edifice
a big imposing building
pundit
an expert; an authority; a learned person erudite
climatic
having to do with the climate
disposition
characteristic attitude; state of mind; inclination; arrangement
nomenclature
a set or system of names; a designation; a terminology
tryst
a secret meeting of lovers
muster
to assemble for battle or inspection; to summon up
stark
utter; unmitigated; harsh; desolate
armament
implement of war; the process of arming for war
apprise
to give notice to; to inform
jubilation
exultant joy
capacious
spacious; roomy; commodious
churl
a rude person; a boor
affiliate
to become closely associated with
pungent
sharp-tasting or sharp-smelling; acrid; causing or incisive ; repugnant-
vagary
whim; unpredictable action; wild notion
elocution
the art of public speaking
inadvertent
unintentional; heedless; not planned insouciant
gratis
free of charge
regime
a governing power; a system of government;
propound
to set forth or propose; to offer for consideration propose
jaunt
a short pleasure trip
ballyhoo
sensational advertising or promotion; uproar
cringe
to shrink back with fear; to cower; to be servile or suck up in a horrible way
dire
disastrous; desperate
vigilant
constantly alert; watchful; wary
pilgrimage
religious o spiritual journey; excursion; peregrination
disaffect
to cause to lose affection; to estrange; to alienate; disgruntle
degrade
to lower in dignity or status; to corrupt; to deteriorate
disconcert
to upset; to ruffle; to perturb
florid
ruddy; flushed; red-faced
forte
a person's strong point special talent or specialty
empower
to give power or authority to; to enable
mode
method of doing; type; manner; fashion
dispassionate
unaffected by passion; impartial; calm indifferent
ingratiate
to work to make yourself liked
objective
unbiased; unprejudiced
protocol
diplomatic etiquette and customs
demography
the statistical study of characteristics of populations
estimable
worthy of admiration; capable of being estimated
sophomoric
juvenile; childishly goofy
raucous
stridently loud; harsh; rowdy
compromise
a settlement of differences in which each side gives up something
enmity
deep hatred; animosity; ill will
archipelago
a large group of islands
rhapsodize
to speak extremely enthusiastically; to gush
breach
a violation; a gap or break
remission
the temporary or permanent disappearance of a disease; pardon
disarray
disorder; confusion
mystic
otherworldly; mysterious; enigmatic
booty
goods taken from an enemy in war; plunder; stolen or confiscated goods
nemesis
unconquerable opponent or rival; one who seeks just compensation or revenge to right a wrong
pregnant
highly significant; overflowing
subterfuge
artifice; a trick or stratagem; a ruse
dross
worthless stuff especially worthless stuff arising
forestall
to thwart prevent or hinder something from happening; to head off
nebulous
vague or indistinct; unclear; hazy
efficacy
effectiveness
malapropism
humorous misuse of a word that sounds similar to the word intended but has a ludicrously different meaning
dismay
to fill with dread; to discourage greatly to perturb
warrant
to justify; to provide grounds for; to guarantee
cohort
a group
cardinal
most import; chief
assail
to attack vigorously
recidivism
the act of repeating an offense
foreclose
to deprive a mortgagor of his or her right to redeem a property; to shut out or exclude
divulge
to reveal especially to reveal something that has been a screat
slake
to quench; to satisfy; to assuage
surmise
to conjecture; to guess
entreat
to ask earnestly; to beg; to plead
exorbitant
excessively costly; excessive
concert
combined action; agreement
cabal
a group of conspirators; the acts of such a group; a clique
verdant
covered with green plants; leafy; inexperience
cavalier
arrogant; haughty; carefree; casual
empathy
identification with the feelings or thoughts of another
baroque
extravagantly ornate; flamboyant in style
voracious
having a huge appetite; ravenously
posthumous
occurring after one's death; published after the death of the author
canon
a rule of law especially a religious one; a body of rules of laws;
verity
the quality of being true; something true
foster
to encourage; to promote the development of
dilemma
a situation in which one must choose between two equally attractive choices; any problem or predicament
apt
appropriate; having a tendency to; likely apposite apropos
parable
religious allegory; fable; morality tale; palpable=touchable culpable=guilty
accrue
to accumulate over time
infrastructure
the basic framework of a system; foundation
subsidiary
supplemental; additional; secondary or subordinate
droll
humorous; amusing in an odd often understated way
contretemps
an embracing occurrence; a mishap
harp
to repeat tediously; to go on and on about something
acclaim
to praise publicly and enthusiastically
exuberant
highly joyous or enthusiastic; overflowing; lavish
allegiance
loyalty
pliable
flexible; easy to bend; easy to convince persuade or mold
sweeping
far-reaching; extensive; wide-ranging
underpinning
a system of supports beneath; a foundation or basis
chortle
to chuckle with glee
repugnant
repulsive; offensive; disgusting
abet
to support or encourage someone especially someone who as done something wrong
abomination
something despised or abhorred; extreme loathing
improvise
to perform without preparation; to make do with whatever materials are available
comply
to act or be in accordance with
cloy
to cause to feel too full especially when indulging in something Overly sweet; to become wearisome through excess
stipend
income; allowance; salary
moratorium
s suspension of activity; a period of delay
interloper
intruder; trespasser; unwanted person
corollary
a proposition that follows easily
estrange
to make unfriendly or hostile; to cause to feel removed from
invidious
causing envy or resentment; offensively harmful
prelude
introduction; something that precedes something else
denounce
to condemn
bromide
a dull obvious overfamilar saying; a cliche
osmosis
gradual or subtle absorption
denote
to signify; to indicate; to mark
millennium
a period of 1000 years; a thousandth anniversary
altercation
a heated fight argument or quarrel
scorn
to disdain; to find someone or something contemptible
bulwark
a wall used as a defensive fortification; anything used as the main defense against anything else
calamity
a disaster
connive
to conspire; to aid or encourage a wrong
debunk
to expose the nonsense of
decry
to put down; to denounce
gamut
the full range of something
influx
inflow; arrival of large numbers of people or things; inundation
insufferable
unbearable; intolerable
avail
to help; to be of use; to serve
desist
to stop doing something; renounce
craven
cowardly
fragmentary
incomplete; disconnected; made up of fragments
exquisite
extraordinarily fine or beautiful; intense
temporal
pertaining to time; pertaining to life; earthly existence; noneternal; short-lived
sumptuous
luxurious; splendid; lavish
insuperable
unable to be overcome; insurmountable; overwhelming
harry
to harass; to annoy
apostasy
abandonment or rejection of faith or loyalty
ghastly
shockingly horrible; frightful; ghostlike
august
inspiring admiration or awe
evince
to demonstrate convincingly; to prove
ethics
moral standards governing behavior
behest
command; order
canvass
to seek votes or opinions; to conduct a survey
arrant
utter; unmitigated; very bad
extant
still in existence
oscillate
to pulsate; to waver or vacillate between beliefs or ideas
omniscient
all-knowing; having infinite wisdom
bluster
to roar; to be loud; to be tumultous
Start Studying!

Deck Info

828

permalink