5000 SAT Words

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abase v

To lower in position, estimation, or the like; degrade

abbess n

The lady superior of a nunnery

abbey n

The group of buildings which collectively form the dwelling-place of a society of monks or nuns

abbot n

The superior of a community of monks

abdicate v

To give up (royal power or the like)

abdomen n

In mammals, the visceral cavity between the diaphragm and the pelvic floor; the belly

abdominal n

Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen

abduction n

A carrying away of a person against his will, or illegally

abed adv

In bed; on a bed

aberration n

Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course

abet v

To aid, promote, or encourage the commission of (an offense)

abeyance n

A state of suspension or temporary inaction

abhorrence n

The act of detesting extremely

abhorrent adj

Very repugnant; hateful

abidance n

An abiding

abject adj

Sunk to a low condition

abjure v

To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath

able-bodied adj

Competent for physical service

ablution n

A washing or cleansing, especially of the body

abnegate v

To renounce (a right or privilege)

abnormal adj

Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard

abominable adj

Very hateful

abominate v

To hate violently

abomination n

A very detestable act or practice

aboriginal adj

Primitive; unsophisticated

aborigines n

The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country

aboveboard adv & adj

Without concealment, fraud, or trickery

abrade v

To wear away the surface or some part of by friction

abrasion n

That which is rubbed off

abridge v

To make shorter in words, keeping the essential features, leaning out minor particles

abridgment n

A condensed form as of a book or play

abrogate v

To abolish, repeal

abrupt adj

Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break

abscess n

A Collection of pus in a cavity formed within some tissue of the body

abscission n

The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation

abscond v

To depart suddenly and secretly, as for the purpose of escaping arrest

absence n

The fact of not being present or available

absent-minded adj

Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business

absolution n

Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses

absolve v

To free from sin or its penalties

absorb v

To drink in or suck up, as a sponge absorbs water

absorption n

The act or process of absorbing

abstain v

To keep oneself back (from doing or using something)

abstemious adj

Characterized by self denial or abstinence, as in the use of drink, food

abstinence n

Self denial

abstruse adj

Dealing with matters difficult to be understood

absurd adj

Inconsistent with reason or common sense

abundant adj

Plentiful

abusive adj

Employing harsh words or ill treatment

abut v

To touch at the end or boundary line

abyss n

Bottomless gulf

academic adj

Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university

academician n

A member of an academy of literature, art, or science

academy n

Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught

accede v

To agree

accelerate v

To move faster

accept v

To take when offered

access n

A way of approach or entrance; passage

accessible adj

Approachable

accession n

Induction or elevation, as to dignity, office, or government

accessory n

A person or thing that aids the principal agent

acclaim v

To utter with a shout

accommodate v

To furnish something as a kindness or favor

accompaniment n

A subordinate part or parts, enriching or supporting the leading part

accompanist n

One who or that which accompanies

accompany v

To go with, or be associated with, as a companion

accomplice n

An associate in wrong-doing

accomplish v

To bring to pass

accordion n

A portable free-reed musical instrument

accost v

To speak to

account n

A record or statement of receipts and expenditures, or of business transactions

accouter v

To dress

accredit v

To give credit or authority to

accumulate v

To become greater in quantity or number

accuracy n

Exactness

accurate adj

Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard

accursed adj

Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune

accusation n

A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error

accusatory adj

Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation

accuse v

To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error

accustom v

To make familiar by use

acerbity n

Sourness, with bitterness and astringency

acetate n

A salt of acetic acid

acetic adj

Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar

ache v

To be in pain or distress

Achillean adj

Invulnerable

achromatic adj

Colorless,

acid n

A sour substance

acidify v

To change into acid

acknowledge v

To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of

acknowledgment n

Recognition

acme n

The highest point, or summit

acoustic adj

Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing

acquaint v

To make familiar or conversant

acquiesce v

To comply; submit

acquiescence n

Passive consent

acquit v

To free or clear, as from accusation

acquittal n

A discharge from accusation by judicial action

acquittance n

Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility

acreage n

Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land

acrid adj

Harshly pungent or bitter

acrimonious adj

Full of bitterness

acrimony n

Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper

actionable adj

Affording cause for instituting an action, as trespass, slanderous words

actuality n

Any reality

actuary n

An officer, as of an insurance company, who calculates and states the risks and premiums

actuate v

To move or incite to action

acumen n

Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination

acute adj

Having fine and penetrating discernment

adamant n

Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability

addendum n

Something added, or to be added

addle v

To make inefficient or worthless; muddle

adduce v

To bring forward or name for consideration

adhere v

To stick fast or together

adherence n

Attachment

adherent adj

Clinging or sticking fast

adhesion n

The state of being attached or joined

adieu inter

Good-by; farewell

adjacency n

The state of being adjacent

adjacent n

That which is near or bordering upon

adjudge v

To award or bestow by formal decision

adjunct n

Something joined to or connected with another thing, but holding a subordinate place

adjuration n

A vehement appeal

adjutant adj

Auxiliary

administrator n

One who manages affairs of any kind

admissible adj

Having the right or privilege of entry

admittance n

Entrance, or the right or permission to enter

admonish v

To warn of a fault

admonition n

Gentle reproof

ado n

unnecessary activity or ceremony

adoration n

Profound devotion

adroit adj

Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers

adulterant n

An adulterating substance

adulterate v

To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients

adumbrate v

To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem

advent n

The coming or arrival, as of any important change, event, state, or personage

adverse adj

Opposing or opposed

adversity n

Misfortune

advert v

To refer incidentally

advertiser n

One who advertises, especially in newspapers

advisory adj

Not mandatory

advocacy n

The act of pleading a cause

advocate n

One who pleads the cause of another, as in a legal or ecclesiastical court

aerial adj

Of, pertaining to, or like the air

aeronaut n

One who navigates the air, a balloonist

aeronautics n

the art or practice of flying aircraft

aerostat n

A balloon or other apparatus floating in or sustained by the air

aerostatics n

The branch of pneumatics that treats of the equilibrium, pressure, and mechanical properties

affable adj

Easy to approach

affect v

To act upon

affectation n

A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt

affiliate n

Some auxiliary person or thing

affirmative adj

Answering yes; to a question at issue

affix v

To fasten

affluence n

A profuse or abundant supply of riches

affront n

An open insult or indignity

afire adv. & adj

On fire, literally or figuratively

afoot adv

In progress

aforesaid adj

Said in a preceding part or before

afresh adv

Once more, after rest or interval

afterthought n

A thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time

agglomerate v

To pile or heap together

aggrandize v

To cause to appear greatly

aggravate v

To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome

aggravation n

The fact of being made heavier or more heinous, as a crime , offense, misfortune, etc

aggregate n

The entire number, sum, mass, or quantity of something

aggress v

To make the first attack

aggression n

An unprovoked attack

aggrieve v

To give grief or sorrow to

aghast adj

Struck with terror and amazement

agile adj

Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally

agitate v

To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts)

agrarian adj

Pertaining to land, especially agricultural land

aide-de-camp n

An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general

ailment n

Slight sickness

airy adj

Delicate, ethereal

akin adj

Of similar nature or qualities

alabaster n

A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum

alacrity n

Cheerful willingness

albeit conj

Even though

albino n

A person with milky white skin and hair, and eyes with bright red pupil and usually pink iris

album n

A book whose leaves are so made to form paper frames for holding photographs or the like

alchemy n

Chemistry of the middle ages, characterized by the pursuit of changing base metals to gold

alcohol n

A volatile, inflammable, colorless liquid of a penetrating odor and burning taste

alcoholism n

A condition resulting from the inordinate or persistent use of alcoholic beverages

alcove n

A covered recess connected with or at the side of a larger room

alder n

Any shrub or small tree of the genus Alumnus, of the oak family

alderman n

A member of a municipal legislative body, who usually exercises also certain judicial functions

aldermanship n

The dignity, condition, office, or term of office of an alderman

alias n

An assumed name

alien n

One who owes allegiance to a foreign government

alienable adj

Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands

alienate v

To cause to turn away

alienation n

Estrangement

aliment n

That which nourishes

alkali n

Anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime, magnesia, etc

allay v

To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of; mitigate

allege v

To assert to be true, especially in a formal manner, as in court

allegory n

The setting forth of a subject under the guise of another subject of aptly suggestive likeness

alleviate v

To make less burdensome or less hard to bear

alley n

A narrow street, garden path, walk, or the like

alliance n

Any combination or union for some common purpose

allot v

To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person

allotment n

Portion

allude v

To refer incidentally, or by suggestion

allusion n

An indirect and incidental reference to something without definite mention of it

alluvion n

Flood

ally n

A person or thing connected with another, usually in some relation of helpfulness

almanac n

A series of tables giving the days of the week together with certain astronomical information

aloof adv

Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others

altar n

Any raised place or structure on which sacrifices may be offered or incense burned

alter v

To make change in

alteration n

Change or modification

altercate v

To contend angrily or zealously in words

alternate n

One chosen to act in place of another, in case of the absence or incapacity of that other

alternative n

Something that may or must exist, be taken or chosen, or done instead of something else

altitude n

Vertical distance or elevation above any point or base-level, as the sea

alto n

The lowest or deepest female voice or part

altruism n

Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest

altruist n

One who advocates or practices altruism

amalgam n

An alloy or union of mercury with another metal

amalgamate v

To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body

amateur adj

Practicing an art or occupation for the love of it, but not as a profession

amatory adj

Designed to excite love

ambidextrous adj

Having the ability of using both hands with equal skill or ease

ambiguous adj

Having a double meaning

ambitious adj

Eagerly desirous and aspiring

ambrosial adj

Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious

ambulance n

A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded

ambulate v

To walk about

ambush n

The act or state of lying concealed for the purpose of surprising or attacking the enemy

ameliorate v

To relieve, as from pain or hardship

amenable adj

Willing and ready to submit

Americanism n

A peculiar sense in which an English word or phrase is used in the United States

amicable adj

Done in a friendly spirit

amity n

Friendship

amorous adj

Having a propensity for falling in love

amorphous adj

Without determinate shape

amour n

A love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature

ampere n

The practical unit of electric-current strength

ampersand n

The character &; and

amphibious adj

Living both on land and in water

amphitheater n

An edifice of elliptical shape, constructed about a central open space or arena

amplitude n

Largeness

amply adv

Sufficiently

amputate v

To remove by cutting, as a limb or some portion of the body

amusement n

Diversion

anachronism n

Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time

anagram n

The letters of a word or phrase so transposed as to make a different word or phrase

analogous adj

Corresponding (to some other) in certain respects, as in form, proportion, relations

analogy n

Reasoning in which from certain and known relations or resemblance others are formed

analyst n

One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method

analyze v

To examine minutely or critically

anarchy n

Absence or utter disregard of government

anathema n

Anything forbidden, as by social usage

anatomy n

That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of organisms

anecdote n

A brief account of some interesting event or incident

anemia n

Deficiency of blood or red corpuscles

anemic adj

Affected with anemia

anemometer n

An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind

anesthetic adj

Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation

anew adv

Once more

angelic adj

Saintly

Anglo-Saxon n

The entire English race wherever found, as in Europe, the United States, or India

Anglophobia n

Hatred or dread of England or of what is English

angular adj

Sharp-cornered

anhydrous adj

Withered

animadversion n

The utterance of criticism or censure

animadvert v

To pass criticism or censure

animalcule n

An animal of microscopic smallness

animate v

To make alive

animosity n

Hatred

annalist n

Historian

annals n

A record of events in their chronological order, year by year

annex v

To add or affix at the end

annihilate v

To destroy absolutely

annotate v

To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon

annual adj

Occurring every year

annuity n

An annual allowance, payment, or income

annunciation n

Proclamation

anode n

The point where or path by which a voltaic current enters an electrolyte or the like

anonymous adj

Of unknown authorship

antagonism n

Mutual opposition or resistance of counteracting forces, principles, or persons

Antarctic adj

Pertaining to the south pole or the regions near it

ante v

In the game of poker, to put up a stake before the cards are dealt

antecede v

To precede

antecedent n

One who or that which precedes or goes before, as in time, place, rank, order, or causality

antechamber n

A waiting room for those who seek audience

antedate v

To assign or affix a date to earlier than the actual one

antediluvian adj

Of or pertaining to the times, things, events before the great flood in the days of Noah

antemeridian adj

Before noon

antenatal adj

Occurring or existing before birth

anterior adj

Prior

anteroom n

A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger

anthology n

A collection of extracts from the writings of various authors

anthracite n

Hard coal

anthropology n

The science of man in general

anthropomorphous adj

Having or resembling human form

antic n

A grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action

Antichrist n

Any opponent or enemy of Christ, whether a person or a power

anticlimax n

A gradual or sudden decrease in the importance or impressiveness of what is said

anticyclone n

An atmospheric condition of high central pressure, with currents flowing outward

antidote n

Anything that will counteract or remove the effects of poison, disease, or the like

antilogy n

Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas

antipathize v

To show or feel a feeling of antagonism, aversion, or dislike

antiphon n

A response or alteration of responses, generally musical

antiphony n

An anthem or other composition sung responsively

antipodes n

A place or region on the opposite side of the earth

antiquary n

One who collects and examines old things, as coins, books, medals, weapons, etc

antiquate v

To make old or out of date

antique adj

Pertaining to ancient times

antiseptic n

Anything that destroys or restrains the growth of putrefactive micro-organisms

antislavery adj

Opposed to human slavery

antispasmodic adj

Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections

antistrophe n

The inversion of terms in successive classes, as in the home of joy and the joy of home

antitoxin n

A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms

antonym n

A word directly opposed to another in meaning

anxious adj

Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter

apathy n

Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling

aperture n

Hole

apex n

The highest point, as of a mountain

aphorism n

Proverb

apiary n

A place where bees are kept

apogee n

The climax

apology n

A disclaimer of intentional error or offense

apostate adj

False

apostle n

Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority

apothecary n

One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions

apotheosis n

Deification

appall v

To fill with dismay or horror

apparent adj

Easily understood

apparition n

Ghost

appease v

To soothe by quieting anger or indignation

appellate adj

Capable of being appealed to

appellation n

The name or title by which a particular person, class, or thing is called

append v

To add or attach, as something accessory, subordinate, or supplementary

appertain v

To belong, as by right, fitness, association, classification, possession, or natural relation

apposite adj

Appropriate

apposition n

The act of placing side by side, together, or in contact

appraise v

To estimate the money value of

appreciable adj

Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect

apprehend v

To make a prisoner of (a person) in the name of the law

apprehensible adj

Capable of being conceived

approbation n

Sanction

appropriate adj

Suitable for the purpose and circumstances

aqueduct n

A water-conduit, particularly one for supplying a community from a distance

aqueous adj

Of, pertaining to, or containing water

arbiter n

One chosen or appointed, by mutual consent of parties in dispute, to decide matters

arbitrary adj

Fixed or done capriciously

arbitrate v

To act or give judgment as umpire

arbor n

A tree

arboreal adj

Of or pertaining to a tree or trees

arborescent adj

Having the nature of a tree

arboretum n

A botanical garden or place devoted to the cultivation of trees or shrubs

arboriculture n

The cultivation of trees or shrubs

arcade n

A vaulted passageway or street; a roofed passageway having shops, etc., opening from it

archaeology n

The branch of anthropology concerned with the systematic investigation of the relics of man

archaic adj

Antiquated

archaism n

Obsolescence

archangel n

An angel of high rank

archbishop n

The chief of the bishops of an ecclesiastical province in the Greek, Roman, and Anglican church

archdeacon n

A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese

archetype n

A prototype

archipelago n

Any large body of water studded with islands, or the islands collectively themselves

ardent adj

Burning with passion

ardor n

Intensity of passion or affection

arid adj

Very dry

aristocracy n

A hereditary nobility

aristocrat n

A hereditary noble or one nearly connected with nobility

armada n

A fleet of war-vessels

armful n

As much as can be held in the arm or arms

armory n

An arsenal

aroma n

An agreeable odor

arraign v

To call into court, as a person indicted for crime, and demand whether he pleads guilty or not

arrange v

To put in definite or proper order

arrangement n

The act of putting in proper order, or the state of being put in order

arrant adj

Notoriously bad

arrear n

Something overdue and unpaid

arrival n

A coming to stopping-place or destination

arrogant adj

Unduly or excessively proud, as of wealth, station, learning, etc

arrogate v

To take, demand, or claim, especially presumptuously or without reasons or grounds

Artesian well n

A very deep bored well, water rises due to underground pressure

artful adj

Characterized by craft or cunning

Arthurian adj

Pertaining to King Arthur, the real or legendary hero of British poetic story

artifice n

Trickery

artless adj

Ingenuous

ascendant adj

Dominant

ascension n

The act of rising

ascent n

A rising, soaring, or climbing

ascetic adj

Given to severe self-denial and practicing excessive abstinence and devotion

ascribe v

To assign as a quality or attribute

asexual adj

Having no distinct sexual organs

ashen adj

Pale

askance adv

With a side or indirect glance or meaning

asperity n

Harshness or roughness of temper

aspirant n

One who seeks earnestly, as for advancement, honors, place

aspire v

To have an earnest desire, wish, or longing, as for something high and good, not yet attained

assailant n

One who attacks

assassin n

One who kills, or tries to kill, treacherously or secretly

assassinate v

To kill, as by surprise or secret assault, especially the killing of some eminent person

assassination n

Murderer, as by secret assault or treachery

assay n

The chemical analysis or testing of an alloy ore

assent v

To express agreement with a statement or matter of opinion

assess v

To determine the amount of (a tax or other sum to be paid)

assessor n

An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes

assets n

Property in general, regarded as applicable to the payment of debts

assiduous adj

Diligent

assignee n

One who is appointed to act for another in the management of certain property and interests

assimilate v

To adapt

assonance n

Resemblance or correspondence in sound

assonant adj

Having resemblance of sound

assonate v

To accord in sound, especially vowel sound

assuage v

To cause to be less harsh, violent, or severe, as excitement, appetite, pain, or disease

astringent adj

Harsh in disposition or character

astute adj

Keen in discernment

atheism n

The denial of the existence of God

athirst adj

Wanting water

athwart adv

From side to side

atomizer n

An apparatus for reducing a liquid to a fine spray, as for disinfection, inhalation, etc

atone v

To make amends for

atonement n

Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury

atrocious adj

Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel

atrocity n

Great cruelty or reckless wickedness

attache n

A subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy

attest v

To certify as accurate, genuine, or true

attorney-general n

The chief law-officer of a government

auburn adj

Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair

audacious adj

Fearless

audible adj

Loud enough to be heard

audition n

The act or sensation of hearing

auditory adj

Of or pertaining to hearing or the organs or sense of hearing

augment v

To make bigger

augur v

To predict

Augustinian adj

Pertaining to St. Augustine, his doctrines, or the religious orders called after him

aura n

Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons

aural adj

Of or pertaining to the ear

auricle n

One of the two chambers of the heart which receives the blood from the veins

auricular adj

Of or pertaining to the ear, its auricle, or the sense of hearing

auriferous adj

Containing gold

aurora n

A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the atmosphere

auspice n

favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance

austere adj

Severely simple; unadorned

autarchy n

Unrestricted power

authentic adj

Of undisputed origin

authenticity n

The state or quality of being genuine, or of the origin and authorship claimed

autocracy n

Absolute government

autocrat n

Any one who claims or wields unrestricted or undisputed authority or influence

automaton n

Any living being whose actions are or appear to be involuntary or mechanical

autonomous adj

Self-governing

autonomy n

Self-government

autopsy n

The examination of a dead body by dissection to ascertain the cause of death

autumnal adj

Of or pertaining to autumn

auxiliary n

One who or that which aids or helps, especially when regarded as subsidiary or accessory

avalanche n

The fall or sliding of a mass of snow or ice down a mountain-slope, often bearing with it rock

avarice n

Passion for getting and keeping riches

aver v

To assert as a fact

averse adj

Reluctant

aversion n

A mental condition of fixed opposition to or dislike of some particular thing

avert v

To turn away or aside

aviary n

A spacious cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept

avidity n

Greediness

avocation n

Diversion

avow v

To declare openly

awaken v

To arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like

awry adv. & adj

Out of the proper form, direction, or position

aye adv

An expression of assent

azalea n

A flowering shrub

azure n

The color of the sky

Baconian adj

Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy

bacterium n

A microbe

badger v

To pester

baffle v

To foil or frustrate

bailiff n

An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment

baize n

A single-colored napped woolen fabric used for table-covers, curtains, etc

bale n

A large package prepared for transportation or storage

baleful adj

Malignant

ballad n

Any popular narrative poem, often with epic subject and usually in lyric form

balsam n

A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing

banal adj

Commonplace

barcarole n

A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers

baritone adj

Having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor

barograph n

An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure

barometer n

An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure per unit of surface

barring prep

Apart from

bask v

To make warm by genial heat

bass adj

Low in tone or compass

baste v

To cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking

baton n

An official staff borne either as a weapon or as an emblem of authority or privilege

battalion n

A body of infantry composed of two or more companies, forming a part of a regiment

batten n

A narrow strip of wood

batter n

A thick liquid mixture of two or more materials beaten together, to be used in cookery

bauble n

A trinket

bawl v

To proclaim by outcry

beatify v

To make supremely happy

beatitude n

Any state of great happiness

beau n

An escort or lover

becalm v

To make quiet

beck v

To give a signal to, by nod or gesture

bedaub v

To smear over, as with something oily or sticky

bedeck v

To cover with ornament

bedlam n

Madhouse

befog v

To confuse

befriend v

To be a friend to, especially when in need

beget v

To produce by sexual generation

begrudge v

To envy one of the possession of

belate v

To delay past the proper hour

belay v

To make fast, as a rope, by winding round a cleat

belie v

To misrepresent

believe v

To accept as true on the testimony or authority of others

belittle v

To disparage

belle n

A woman who is a center of attraction because of her beauty, accomplishments, etc

bellicose adj

Warlike

belligerent adj

Manifesting a warlike spirit

bemoan v

To lament

benediction n

a solemn invocation of the divine blessing

benefactor n

A doer of kindly and charitable acts

benefice n

A church office endowed with funds or property for the maintenance of divine service

beneficent adj

Characterized by charity and kindness

beneficial adj

Helpful

beneficiary n

One who is lawfully entitled to the profits and proceeds of an estate or property

benefit n

Helpful result

benevolence n

Any act of kindness or well-doing

benevolent adj

Loving others and actively desirous of their well-being

benign adj

Good and kind of heart

benignant adj

Benevolent in feeling, character, or aspect

benignity n

Kindness of feeling, disposition, or manner

benison n

Blessing

bequeath v

To give by will

bereave v

To make desolate with loneliness and grief

berth n

A bunk or bed in a vessel, sleeping-car, etc

beseech v

To implore

beset v

To attack on all sides

besmear v

To smear over, as with any oily or sticky substance

bestial adj

Animal

bestrew v

To sprinkle or cover with things strewn

bestride v

To get or sit upon astride, as a horse

bethink v

To remind oneself

betide v

To happen to or befall

betimes adv

In good season or time

betroth v

To engage to marry

betrothal n

Engagement to marry

bevel n

Any inclination of two surfaces other than 90 degrees

bewilder v

To confuse the perceptions or judgment of

bibliography n

A list of the words of an author, or the literature bearing on a particular subject

bibliomania n

The passion for collecting books

bibliophile n

One who loves books

bibulous adj

Fond of drinking

bide v

To await

biennial n

A plant that produces leaves and roots the first year and flowers and fruit the second

bier n

A horizontal framework with two handles at each end for carrying a corpse to the grave

bigamist n

One who has two spouses at the same time

bigamy n

The crime of marrying any other person while having a legal spouse living

bight n

A slightly receding bay between headlands, formed by a long curve of a coast-line

bilateral adj

Two-sided

bilingual adj

Speaking two languages

biograph n

A bibliographical sketch or notice

biology n

The science of life or living organisms

biped n

An animal having two feet

birthright n

A privilege or possession into which one is born

bitterness n

Acridity, as to the taste

blase adj

Sated with pleasure

blaspheme v

To indulge in profane oaths

blatant adj

Noisily or offensively loud or clamorous

blaze n

A vivid glowing flame

blazon v

To make widely or generally known

bleak adj

Desolate

blemish n

A mark that mars beauty

blithe adj

Joyous

blithesome adj

Cheerful

blockade n

The shutting up of a town, a frontier, or a line of coast by hostile forces

boatswain n

A subordinate officer of a vessel, who has general charge of the rigging, anchors, etc

bodily adj

Corporeal

boisterous adj

Unchecked merriment or animal spirits

bole n

The trunk or body of a tree

bolero n

A Spanish dance, illustrative of the passion of love, accompanied by caste nets and singing

boll n

A round pod or seed-capsule, as a flax or cotton

bolster v

To support, as something wrong

bomb n

A hollow projectile containing an explosive material

bombard v

To assail with any missile or with abusive speech

bombardier n

A person who has charge of mortars, bombs, and shells

bombast n

Inflated or extravagant language, especially on unimportant subjects

boorish adj

Rude

bore v

To weary by tediousness or dullness

borough n

An incorporated village or town

bosom n

The breast or the upper front of the thorax of a human being, especially of a woman

botanical adj

Connected with the study or cultivation of plants

botanize v

To study plant-life

botany n

The science that treats of plants

bountiful adj

Showing abundance

Bowdlerize v

To expurgate in editing (a literary composition) by omitting words or passages

bowler n

In cricket, the player who delivers the ball

boycott v

To place the products or merchandise of under a ban

brae n

Hillside

braggart n

A vain boaster

brandish v

To wave, shake, or flourish triumphantly or defiantly, as a sword or spear

bravado n

An aggressive display of boldness

bravo interj

Well done

bray n

A loud harsh sound, as the cry of an ass or the blast of a horn

braze v

To make of or ornament with brass

brazier n

An open pan or basin for holding live coals

breach n

The violation of official duty, lawful right, or a legal obligation

breaker n

One who trains horses, dogs, etc

breech n

The buttocks

brethren n

Members of a brotherhood, gild, profession, association, or the like

brevity n

Shortness of duration

bric-a-brac n

Objects of curiosity or for decoration

bridle n

The head-harness of a horse consisting of a head-stall, a bit, and the reins

brigade n

A body of troops consisting of two or more regiments

brigadier n

General officer who commands a brigade, ranking between a colonel and a major-general

brigand n

One who lives by robbery and plunder

brimstone n

Sulfur

brine n

Water saturated with salt

bristle n

One of the coarse, stiff hairs of swine: used in brush-making, etc

Britannia n

The United Kingdom of Great Britain

Briticism n

A word, idiom, or phrase characteristic of Great Britain or the British

brittle adj

Fragile

broach v

To mention, for the first time

broadcast adj

Disseminated far and wide

brogan n

A coarse, heavy shoe

brogue n

Any dialectic pronunciation of English, especially that of the Irish people

brokerage n

The business of making sales and purchases for a commission; a broker

bromine n

A dark reddish-brown, non-metallic liquid element with a suffocating odor

bronchitis n

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes

bronchus n

Either of the two subdivisions of the trachea conveying air into the lungs

brooch n

An article of jewelry fastened by a hinged pin and hook on the underside

brotherhood n

Spiritual or social fellowship or solidarity

browbeat v

To overwhelm, or attempt to do so, by stern, haughty, or rude address or manner

brusque adj

Somewhat rough or rude in manner or speech

buffoon n

A clown

buffoonery n

Low drollery, coarse jokes, etc

bulbous adj

Of, or pertaining to, or like a bulb

bullock n

An ox

bulrush n

Any one of various tall rush-like plants growing in damp ground or water

bulwark n

Anything that gives security or defense

bumper n

A cup or glass filled to the brim, especially one to be drunk as a toast or health

bumptious adj

Full of offensive and aggressive self-conceit

bungle v

To execute clumsily

buoyancy n

Power or tendency to float on or in a liquid or gas

buoyant adj

Having the power or tendency to float or keep afloat

bureau n

A chest of drawers for clothing, etc

bureaucracy n

Government by departments of men transacting particular branches of public business

burgess n

In colonial times, a member of the lower house of the legislature of Maryland or Virginia

burgher n

An inhabitant, citizen or freeman of a borough burgh, or corporate town

burnish v

To make brilliant or shining

bursar n

A treasurer

bustle v

To hurry

butt v

To strike with or as with the head, or horns

butte n

A conspicuous hill, low mountain, or natural turret, generally isolated

buttress n

Any support or prop

by-law n

A rule or law adopted by an association, a corporation, or the like

cabal n

A number of persons secretly united for effecting by intrigue some private purpose

cabinet n

The body of men constituting the official advisors of the executive head of a nation

cacophony n

A disagreeable, harsh, or discordant sound or combination of sounds or tones

cadaverous adj

Resembling a corpse

cadence n

Rhythmical or measured flow or movement, as in poetry or the time and pace of marching troops

cadenza n

An embellishment or flourish, prepared or improvised, for a solo voice or instrument

caitiff adj

Cowardly

cajole v

To impose on or dupe by flattering speech

cajolery n

Delusive speech

calculable adj

That may be estimated by reckoning

calculus n

A concretion formed in various parts of the body resembling a pebble in hardness

callosity n

The state of being hard and insensible

callow adj

Without experience of the world

calorie n

Amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water 1 degree centigrade

calumny n

Slander

Calvary n

The place where Christ was crucified

Calvinism n

The system of doctrine taught by John Calvin

Calvinize v

To teach or imbue with the doctrines of Calvinism

came n

A leaden sash-bar or grooved strip for fastening panes in stained-glass windows

cameo n

Any small engraved or carved work in relief

campaign n

A complete series of connected military operations

Canaanite n

A member of one of the three tribes that dwelt in the land of Canaan, or western Palestine

canary adj

Of a bright but delicate yellow

candid adj

Straightforward

candor n

The quality of frankness or outspokenness

canine adj

Characteristic of a dog

canon n

Any rule or law

cant v

To talk in a singsong, preaching tone with affected solemnity

cantata n

A choral composition

canto n

One of the divisions of an extended poem

cantonment n

The part of the town or district in which the troops are quartered

capacious adj

Roomy

capillary n

A minute vessel having walls composed of a single layer of cells

capitulate v

To surrender or stipulate terms

caprice n

A whim

caption n

A heading, as of a chapter, section, document, etc

captious adj

Hypercritical

captivate v

To fascinate, as by excellence, eloquence, or beauty

carcass n

The dead body of an animal

cardiac adj

Pertaining to the heart

cardinal adj

Of prime or special importance

caret n

A sign (^) placed below a line, indicating where omitted words, etc., should be inserted

caricature n

a picture or description in which natural characteristics are exaggerated or distorted

carnage n

Massacre

carnal adj

Sensual

carnivorous adj

Eating or living on flesh

carouse v

To drink deeply and in boisterous or jovial manner

carrion n

Dead and putrefying flesh

cartilage n

An elastic animal tissue of firm consistence

cartridge n

A charge for a firearm, or for blasting

caste n

The division of society on artificial grounds

castigate v

To punish

casual adj

Accidental, by chance

casualty n

A fatal or serious accident or disaster

cat-o-nine-tails n

An instrument consisting of nine pieces of cord, formerly used for flogging in the army and navy

cataclysm n

Any overwhelming flood of water

cataract n

Opacity of the lens of the eye resulting in complete or partial blindness

catastrophe n

Any great and sudden misfortune or calamity

cathode n

The negative pole or electrode of a galvanic battery

Catholicism n

The system, doctrine, and practice of the Roman Catholic Church

catholicity n

Universal prevalence or acceptance

caucus n

A private meeting of members of a political party to select candidates

causal adj

Indicating or expressing a cause

caustic adj

Sarcastic and severe

cauterize v

To burn or sear as with a heated iron

cede v

To pass title to

censor n

An official examiner of manuscripts empowered to prohibit their publication

censorious adj

Judging severely or harshly

census n

An official numbering of the people of a country or district

centenary adj

Pertaining to a hundred years or a period of a hundred years

centiliter n

A hundredth of a liter

centimeter n

A length of one hundredth of a meter

centurion n

A captain of a company of one hundred infantry in the ancient Roman army

cereal adj

Pertaining to edible grain or farinaceous seeds

ceremonial adj

Characterized by outward form or ceremony

ceremonious adj

Observant of ritual

cessation n

Discontinuance, as of action or motion

cession n

Surrender, as of possessions or rights

chameleon adj

Changeable in appearance

chancery n

A court of equity, as distinguished from a common-law court

chaos n

Any condition of which the elements or parts are in utter disorder and confusion

characteristic n

A distinctive feature

characterize v

To describe by distinctive marks or peculiarities

charlatan n

A quack

chasten v

To purify by affliction

chastise v

To subject to punitive measures

chastity n

Sexual or moral purity

chateau n

A castle or manor-house

chattel n

Any article of personal property

check v

To hold back

chiffon n

A very thin gauze used for trimmings, evening dress, etc

chivalry n

The knightly system of feudal times with its code, usages and practices

cholera n

An acute epidemic disease

choleric adj

Easily provoked to anger

choral adj

Pertaining to, intended for, or performed by a chorus or choir

Christ n

A title of Jesus

christen v

To name in baptism

Christendom n

That part of the world where Christianity is generally professed

chromatic adj

Belonging, relating to, or abounding in color

chronology n

The science that treats of computation of time or of investigation and arrangement of events

chronometer n

A portable timekeeper of the highest attainable precision

cipher v

To calculate arithmetically (also a noun meaning zero or nothing)

circulate v

To disseminate

circumference n

The boundary-line of a circle

circumlocution n

Indirect or roundabout expression

circumnavigate v

To sail quite around

circumscribe v

To confine within bounds

circumspect adj

Showing watchfulness, caution, or careful consideration

citadel n

Any strong fortress

cite v

To refer to specifically

claimant n

One who makes a claim or demand, as of right

clairvoyance n

Intuitive sagacity or perception

clamorous adj

Urgent in complaint or demand

clan n

A tribe

clandestine adj

Surreptitious

clangor n

Clanking or a ringing, as of arms, chains, or bells; clamor

clarify v

To render intelligible

clarion n

A small shrill trumpet or bugle

classify v

To arrange in a class or classes on the basis of observed resemblanceÕs and differences

clearance n

A certificate from the proper authorities that a vessel has complied with the law and may sail

clemency n

Mercy

clement adj

Compassionate

close-hauled adj

Having the sails set for sailing as close to the wind as possible

clothier n

One who makes or sells cloth or clothing

clumsy adj

Awkward of movement

coagulant adj

Producing coagulation

coagulate v

To change into a clot or a jelly, as by heat, by chemical action, or by a ferment

coalescence n

The act or process of coming together so as to form one body, combination, or product

coalition n

Combination in a body or mass

coddle v

To treat as a baby or an invalid

codicil n

A supplement adding to, revoking, or explaining in the body of a will

coerce v

To force

coercion n

Forcible constraint or restraint, moral or physical

coercive adj

Serving or tending to force

cogent adj

Appealing strongly to the reason or conscience

cognate adj

Akin

cognizant adj

Taking notice

cohere v

To stick together

cohesion n

Consistency

cohesive adj

Having the property of consistency

coincide v

To correspond

coincidence n

A circumstance so agreeing with another: often implying accident

coincident adj

Taking place at the same time

collaborate v

To labor or cooperate with another or others, especially in literary or scientific pursuits

collapse v

To cause to shrink, fall in, or fail

collapsible adj

That may or can collapse

colleague n

An associate in professional employment

collective adj

Consisting of a number of persons or objects considered as gathered into a mass, or sum

collector n

One who makes a collection, as of objects of art, books, or the like

collegian n

A college student

collide v

To meet and strike violently

collier n

One who works in a coal-mine

collision n

Violent contact

colloquial adj

Pertaining or peculiar to common speech as distinguished from literary

colloquialism n

Form of speech used only or chiefly in conversation

colloquy n

Conversation

collusion n

A secret agreement for a wrongful purpose

colossus n

Any strikingly great person or object

comely adj

Handsome

comestible adj

Fit to be eaten

comical adj

Funny

commemorate v

To serve as a remembrance of

commentary n

A series of illustrative or explanatory notes on any important work

commingle v

To blend

commissariat n

The department of an army charged with the provision of its food and water and daily needs

commission v

To empower

commitment n

The act or process of entrusting or consigning for safe-keeping

committal n

The act, fact, or result of committing, or the state of being

commodity n

Something that is bought and sold

commotion n

A disturbance or violent agitation

commute v

To put something, especially something less severe, in place of

comparable adj

Fit to be compared

comparative adj

Relative

comparison n

Examination of two or more objects with reference to their likeness or unlikeness

compensate v

To remunerate

competence n

Adequate qualification or capacity

competent adj

Qualified

competitive adj

characterized by rivalry

competitor n

A rival

complacent adj

Pleased or satisfied with oneself

complaisance n

Politeness

complaisant adj

Agreeable

complement v

To make complete

complex adj

Complicated

compliant adj

Yielding

complicate v

To make complex, difficult, or hard to deal with

complication n

An intermingling or combination of things or parts, especially in a perplexing manner

complicity n

Participation or partnership, as in wrong-doing or with a wrong-doer

compliment v

To address or gratify with expressions of delicate praise

component n

A constituent element or part

comport v

To conduct or behave (oneself)

composure n

Calmness

comprehensible adj

Intelligible

comprehension n

Ability to know

comprehensive adj

Large in scope or content

compress v

To press together or into smaller space

compressible adj

Capable of being pressed into smaller compass

compression n

Constraint, as by force or authority

comprise v

To consist of

compulsion n

Coercion

compulsory adj

Forced

compunction n

Remorseful feeling

compute v

To ascertain by mathematical calculation

concede v

To surrender

conceit n

Self-flattering opinion

conceive v

To form an idea, mental image or thought of

concerto n

A musical composition

concession n

Anything granted or yielded, or admitted in response to a demand, petition, or claim

conciliate v

To obtain the friendship of

conciliatory adj

Tending to reconcile

conclusive adj

Sufficient to convince or decide

concord n

Harmony

concordance n

Harmony

concur v

To agree

concurrence n

Agreement

concurrent adj

Occurring or acting together

concussion n

A violent shock to some organ by a fall or a sudden blow

condensation n

The act or process of making dense or denser

condense v

To abridge

condescend v

To come down voluntarily to equal terms with inferiors

condolence n

Expression of sympathy with a person in pain, sorrow, or misfortune

conduce v

To bring about

conducive adj

Contributing to an end

conductible adj

Capable of being conducted or transmitted

conduit n

A means for conducting something, particularly a tube, pipe, or passageway for a fluid

confectionery n

The candy collectively that a confectioner makes or sells, as candy

confederacy n

A number of states or persons in compact or league with each other, as for mutual aid

confederate n

One who is united with others in a league, compact, or agreement

confer v

To bestow

conferee n

A person with whom another confers

confessor n

A spiritual advisor

confidant n

One to whom secrets are entrusted

confide v

To reveal in trust or confidence

confidence n

The state or feeling of trust in or reliance upon another

confident adj

Assured

confinement n

Restriction within limits or boundaries

confiscate v

To appropriate (private property) as forfeited to the public use or treasury

conflagration n

A great fire, as of many buildings, a forest, or the like

confluence n

The place where streams meet

confluent n

A stream that unites with another

conformable adj

Harmonious

conformance n

The act or state or conforming

conformation n

General structure, form, or outline

conformity n

Correspondence in form, manner, or use

confront v

To encounter, as difficulties or obstacles

congeal v

To coagulate

congenial adj

Having kindred character or tastes

congest v

To collect into a mass

congregate v

To bring together into a crowd

coniferous adj

Cone-bearing trees

conjecture n

A guess

conjoin v

To unite

conjugal adj

Pertaining to marriage, marital rights, or married persons

conjugate adj

Joined together in pairs

conjugation n

The state or condition of being joined together

conjunction n

The state of being joined together, or the things so joined

connive v

To be in collusion

connoisseur n

A critical judge of art, especially one with thorough knowledge and sound judgment of art

connote v

To mean; signify

connubial adj

Pertaining to marriage or matrimony

conquer v

To overcome by force

consanguineous adj

Descended from the same parent or ancestor

conscience n

The faculty in man by which he distinguishes between right and wrong in character and conduct

conscientious adj

Governed by moral standard

conscious adj

Aware that one lives, feels, and thinks

conscript v

To force into military service

consecrate v

To set apart as sacred

consecutive adj

Following in uninterrupted succession

consensus n

A collective unanimous opinion of a number of persons

conservatism n

Tendency to adhere to the existing order of things

conservative adj

Adhering to the existing order of things

conservatory n

An institution for instruction and training in music and declamation

consign v

To entrust

consignee n

A person to whom goods or other property has been entrusted

consignor n

One who entrusts

consistency n

A state of permanence

console v

To comfort

consolidate v

To combine into one body or system

consonance n

The state or quality of being in accord with

consonant adj

Being in agreement or harmony with

consort n

A companion or associate

conspicuous adj

Clearly visible

conspirator n

One who agrees with others to cooperate in accomplishing some unlawful purpose

conspire v

To plot

constable n

An officer whose duty is to maintain the peace

constellation n

An arbitrary assemblage or group of stars

consternation n

Panic

constituency n

The inhabitants or voters in a district represented in a legislative body

constituent n

One who has the right to vote at an election

constrict v

To bind

consul n

An officer appointed to reside in a foreign city, chiefly to represent his country

consulate n

The place in which a consul transacts official business

consummate v

To bring to completion

consumption n

Gradual destruction, as by burning, eating, etc., or by using up, wearing out, etc

consumptive adj

Designed for gradual destruction

contagion n

The communication of disease from person to person

contagious adj

Transmitting disease

contaminate v

To pollute

contemplate v

To consider thoughtfully

contemporaneous adj

Living, occurring, or existing at the same time

contemporary adj

Living or existing at the same time

contemptible adj

Worthy of scorn or disdain

contemptuous adj

Disdainful

contender n

One who exerts oneself in opposition or rivalry

contiguity n

Proximity

contiguous adj

Touching or joining at the edge or boundary

continence n

Self-restraint with respect to desires, appetites, and passion

contingency n

Possibility of happening

contingent adj

Not predictable

continuance n

Permanence

continuation n

Prolongation

continuity n

Uninterrupted connection in space, time, operation, or development

continuous adj

Connected, extended, or prolonged without separation or interruption of sequence

contort v

To twist into a misshapen form

contraband n

Trade forbidden by law or treaty

contradiction n

The assertion of the opposite of that which has been said

contradictory adj

Inconsistent with itself

contraposition n

A placing opposite

contravene v

To prevent or obstruct the operation of

contribution n

The act of giving for a common purpose

contributor n

One who gives or furnishes, in common with others, for a common purpose

contrite adj

Broken in spirit because of a sense of sin

contrivance n

The act planning, devising, inventing, or adapting something to or for a special purpose

contrive v

To manage or carry through by some device or scheme

control v

To exercise a directing, restraining, or governing influence over

controller n

One who or that which regulates or directs

contumacious adj

Rebellious

contumacy n

Contemptuous disregard of the requirements of rightful authority

contuse v

To bruise by a blow, either with or without the breaking of the skin

contusion n

A bruise

convalesce v

To recover after a sickness

convalescence n

The state of progressive restoration to health and strength after the cessation of disease

convalescent adj

Recovering health after sickness

convene v

To summon or cause to assemble

convenience n

Fitness, as of time or place

converge v

To cause to incline and approach nearer together

convergent adj

Tending to one point

conversant adj

Thoroughly informed

conversion n

Change from one state or position to another, or from one form to another

convertible adj

Interchangeable

convex adj

Curving like the segment of the globe or of the surface of a circle

conveyance n

That by which anything is transported

convivial adj

Devoted to feasting, or to good-fellowship in eating or drinking

convolution n

A winding motion

convolve v

To move with a circling or winding motion

convoy n

A protecting force accompanying property in course of transportation

convulse v

To cause spasms in

convulsion n

A violent and abnormal muscular contraction of the body

copious adj

Plenteous

coquette n

A flirt

cornice n

An ornamental molding running round the walls of a room close to the ceiling

cornucopia n

The horn of plenty, symbolizing peace and prosperity

corollary n

A proposition following so obviously from another that it requires little demonstration

coronation n

The act or ceremony of crowning a monarch

coronet n

Inferior crown denoting, according to its form, various degrees of noble rank less than sovereign

corporal adj

Belonging or relating to the body as opposed to the mind

corporate adj

Belonging to a corporation

corporeal adj

Of a material nature; physical

corps n

A number or body of persons in some way associated or acting together

corpse n

A dead body

corpulent adj

Obese

corpuscle n

A minute particle of matter

correlate v

To put in some relation of connection or correspondence

correlative adj

Mutually involving or implying one another

corrigible adj

Capable of reformation

corroborate v

To strengthen, as proof or conviction

corroboration n

Confirmation

corrode v

To ruin or destroy little by little

corrosion n

Gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration

corrosive n

That which causes gradual decay by crumbling or surface disintegration

corruptible adj

Open to bribery

corruption n

Loss of purity or integrity

cosmetic adj

Pertaining to the art of beautifying, especially the complexion

cosmic adj

Pertaining to the universe

cosmogony n

A doctrine of creation or of the origin of the universe

cosmography n

The science that describes the universe, including astronomy, geography, and geology

cosmology n

The general science of the universe

cosmopolitan adj

Common to all the world

cosmopolitanism n

A cosmopolitan character

cosmos n

The world or universe considered as a system, perfect in order and arrangement

counter-claim n

A cross-demand alleged by a defendant in his favor against the plaintiff

counteract v

To act in opposition to

counterbalance v

To oppose with an equal force

countercharge v

To accuse in return

counterfeit adj

Made to resemble something else

counterpart n

Something taken with another for the completion of either

countervail v

To offset

counting-house n

A house or office used for transacting business, bookkeeping, correspondence, etc

countryman n

A rustic

courageous adj

Brave

course n

Line of motion or direction

courser n

A fleet and spirited horse

courtesy n

Politeness originating in kindness and exercised habitually

covenant n

An agreement entered into by two or more persons or parties

covert adj

Concealed, especially for an evil purpose

covey n

A flock of quails or partridges

cower v

To crouch down tremblingly, as through fear or shame

crag n

A rugged, rocky projection on a cliff or ledge

cranium n

The skull of an animal, especially that part enclosing the brain

crass adj

Coarse or thick in nature or structure, as opposed to thin or fine

craving n

A vehement desire

creak n

A sharp, harsh, squeaking sound

creamery n

A butter-making establishment

creamy adj

Resembling or containing cream

credence n

Belief

credible adj

Believable

credulous adj

Easily deceived

creed n

A formal summary of fundamental points of religious belief

crematory adj

A place for cremating dead bodies

crevasse n

A deep crack or fissure in the ice of a glacier

crevice n

A small fissure, as between two contiguous surfaces

criterion n

A standard by which to determine the correctness of a judgment or conclusion

critique n

A criticism or critical review

crockery n

Earthenware made from baked clay

crucible n

A trying and purifying test or agency

crusade n

Any concerted movement, vigorously prosecuted, in behalf of an idea or principle

crustacean adj

Pertaining to a division of arthropods, containing lobsters, crabs, crawfish, etc

crustaceous adj

Having a crust-like shell

cryptogram n

Anything written in characters that are secret or so arranged as to have hidden meaning

crystallize v

To bring together or give fixed shape to

cudgel n

A short thick stick used as a club

culinary adj

Of or pertaining to cooking or the kitchen

cull v

To pick or sort out from the rest

culpable adj

Guilty

culprit n

A guilty person

culvert n

Any artificial covered channel for the passage of water through a bank or under a road, canal

cupidity n

Avarice

curable adj

Capable of being remedied or corrected

curator n

A person having charge as of a library or museum

curio n

A piece of bric-a-brac

cursive adj

Writing in which the letters are joined together

cursory adj

Rapid and superficial

curt adj

Concise, compressed, and abrupt in act or expression

curtail v

To cut off or cut short

curtsy n

A downward movement of the body by bending the knees

cycloid adj

Like a circle

cygnet n

A young swan

cynical adj

Exhibiting moral skepticism

cynicism n

Contempt for the opinions of others and of what others value

cynosure n

That to which general interest or attention is directed

daring adj

Brave

darkling adv

Blindly

Darwinism n

The doctrine that natural selection has been the prime cause of evolution of higher forms

dastard n

A base coward

datum n

A premise, starting-point, or given fact

dauntless adj

Fearless

day-man n

A day-laborer

dead-heat n

A race in which two or more competitors come out even, and there is no winner

dearth n

Scarcity, as of something customary, essential ,or desirable

debase v

To lower in character or virtue

debatable adj

Subject to contention or dispute

debonair adj

Having gentle or courteous bearing or manner

debut n

A first appearance in society or on the stage

decagon n

A figure with ten sides and ten angles

decagram n

A weight of 10 grams

decaliter n

A liquid and dry measure of 10 liters

decalogue n

The ten commandments

Decameron n

A volume consisting of ten parts or books

decameter n

A length of ten meters

decamp v

To leave suddenly or unexpectedly

decapitate v

To behead

decapod adj

Ten-footed or ten-armed

decasyllable n

A line of ten syllables

deceit n

Falsehood

deceitful adj

Fraudulent

deceive v

To mislead by or as by falsehood

decency n

Moral fitness

decent adj

Characterized by propriety of conduct, speech, manners, or dress

deciduous adj

Falling off at maturity as petals after flowering, fruit when ripe, etc

decimal adj

Founded on the number 10

decimate v

To destroy a measurable or large proportion of

decipher v

To find out the true words or meaning of, as something hardly legible

decisive ad

Conclusive

declamation n

A speech recited or intended for recitation from memory in public

declamatory adj

A full and formal style of utterance

declarative adj

Containing a formal, positive, or explicit statement or affirmation

declension n

The change of endings in nouns and . (adj) to express their different relations of gender

decorate v

To embellish

decorous adj

Suitable for the occasion or circumstances

decoy n

Anything that allures, or is intended to allures into danger or temptation

decrepit adj

Enfeebled, as by old age or some chronic infirmity

dedication n

The voluntary consecration or relinquishment of something to an end or cause

deduce v

To derive or draw as a conclusion by reasoning from given premises or principles

deface v

To mar or disfigure the face or external surface of

defalcate v

To cut off or take away, as a part of something

defamation n

Malicious and groundless injury done to the reputation or good name of another

defame v

To slander

default n

The neglect or omission of a legal requirement

defendant n

A person against whom a suit is brought

defensible adj

Capable of being maintained or justified

defensive adj

Carried on in resistance to aggression

defer v

To delay or put off to some other time

defiant adj

Characterized by bold or insolent opposition

deficiency n

Lack or insufficiency

deficient adj

Not having an adequate or proper supply or amount

definite adj

Having an exact signification or positive meaning

deflect v

To cause to turn aside or downward

deforest v

To clear of forests

deform v

To disfigure

deformity n

A disfigurement

defraud v

To deprive of something dishonestly

defray v

To make payment for

degeneracy n

A becoming worse

degenerate v

To become worse or inferior

degradation n

Diminution, as of strength or magnitude

degrade v

To take away honors or position from

dehydrate v

To deprive of water

deify v

To regard or worship as a god

deign v

To deem worthy of notice or account

deist n

One who believes in God, but denies supernatural revelation

deity n

A god, goddess, or divine person

deject v

To dishearten

dejection n

Melancholy

delectable adj

Delightful to the taste or to the senses

delectation n

Delight

deleterious adj

Hurtful, morally or physically

delicacy n

That which is agreeable to a fine taste

delineate v

To represent by sketch or diagram

deliquesce v

To dissolve gradually and become liquid by absorption of moisture from the air

delirious adj

Raving

delude v

To mislead the mind or judgment of

deluge v

To overwhelm with a flood of water

delusion n

Mistaken conviction, especially when more or less enduring

demagnetize v

To deprive (a magnet) of magnetism

demagogue n

An unprincipled politician

demeanor n

Deportment

demented adj

Insane

demerit n

A mark for failure or bad conduct

demise n

Death

demobilize v

To disband, as troops

demolish v

To annihilate

demonstrable adj

Capable of positive proof

demonstrate v

To prove indubitably

demonstrative adj

Inclined to strong exhibition or expression of feeling or thoughts

demonstrator n

One who proves in a convincing and conclusive manner

demulcent n

Any application soothing to an irritable surface

demurrage n

the detention of a vessel beyond the specified time of sailing

dendroid adj

Like a tree

dendrology n

The natural history of trees

denizen n

Inhabitant

denominate v

To give a name or epithet to

denomination n

A body of Christians united by a common faith and form of worship and discipline

denominator n

Part of a fraction which expresses the number of equal parts into which the unit is divided

denote v

To designate by word or mark

denouement n

That part of a play or story in which the mystery is cleared up

denounce v

To point out or publicly accuse as deserving of punishment, censure, or odium

dentifrice n

Any preparation used for cleaning the teeth

denude v

To strip the covering from

denunciation n

The act of declaring an action or person worthy of reprobation or punishment

deplete v

To reduce or lessen, as by use, exhaustion, or waste

deplorable adj

Contemptible

deplore v

To regard with grief or sorrow

deponent adj

Laying down

depopulate v

To remove the inhabitants from

deport v

To take or send away forcibly, as to a penal colony

deportment n

Demeanor

deposition n

Testimony legally taken on interrogatories and reduced to writing, for use as evidence in court

depositor n

One who makes a deposit, or has an amount deposited

depository n

A place where anything is kept in safety

deprave v

To render bad, especially morally bad

deprecate v

To express disapproval or regret for, with hope for the opposite

depreciate v

To lessen the worth of

depreciation n

A lowering in value or an underrating in worth

depress v

To press down

depression n

A falling of the spirits

depth n

Deepness

derelict adj

Neglectful of obligation

deride v

To ridicule

derisible adj

Open to ridicule

derision n

Ridicule

derivation n

That process by which a word is traced from its original root or primitive form and meaning

derivative adj

Coming or acquired from some origin

derive v

To deduce, as from a premise

dermatology n

The branch of medical science which relates to the skin and its diseases

derrick n

An apparatus for hoisting and swinging great weights

descendant n

One who is descended lineally from another, as a child, grandchild, etc

descendent adj

Proceeding downward

descent n

The act of moving or going downward

descry v

To discern

desert v

To abandon without regard to the welfare of the abandoned

desiccant n

Any remedy which, when applied externally, dries up or absorbs moisture, as that of wounds

designate v

To select or appoint, as by authority

desist v

To cease from action

desistance n

Cessation

despair n

Utter hopelessness and despondency

desperado n

One without regard for law or life

desperate adj

Resorted to in a last extremity, or as if prompted by utter despair

despicable adj

Contemptible

despite prep

In spite of

despond v

To lose spirit, courage, or hope

despondent adj

Disheartened

despot n

An absolute and irresponsible monarch

despotism n

Any severe and strict rule in which the judgment of the governed has little or no part

destitute adj

Poverty-stricken

desultory adj

Not connected with what precedes

deter v

To frighten away

deteriorate v

To grow worse

determinate adj

Definitely limited or fixed

determination n

The act of deciding

deterrent adj

Hindering from action through fear

detest v

To dislike or hate with intensity

detract v

To take away in such manner as to lessen value or estimation

detriment n

Something that causes damage, depreciation, or loss

detrude v

To push down forcibly

deviate v

To take a different course

devilry n

Malicious mischief

deviltry n

Wanton and malicious mischief

devious adj

Out of the common or regular track

devise v

To invent

devout adj

Religious

dexterity n

Readiness, precision, efficiency, and ease in any physical activity or in any mechanical work

diabolic adj

Characteristic of the devil

diacritical adj

Marking a difference

diagnose v

To distinguish, as a disease, by its characteristic phenomena

diagnosis n

Determination of the distinctive nature of a disease

dialect n

Forms of speech collectively that are peculiar to the people of a particular district

dialectician n

A logician

dialogue n

A formal conversation in which two or more take part

diaphanous adj

Transparent

diatomic adj

Containing only two atoms

diatribe n

A bitter or malicious criticism

dictum n

A positive utterance

didactic adj

Pertaining to teaching

difference n

Dissimilarity in any respect

differentia n

Any essential characteristic of a species by reason of which it differs from other species

differential adj

Distinctive

differentiate v

To acquire a distinct and separate character

diffidence n

Self-distrust

diffident adj

Affected or possessed with self-distrust

diffusible adj

Spreading rapidly through the system and acting quickly

diffusion n

Dispersion

dignitary n

One who holds high rank

digraph n

A union of two characters representing a single sound

digress v

To turn aside from the main subject and for a time dwell on some incidental matter

dilapidated pa

Fallen into decay or partial ruin

dilate v

To enlarge in all directions

dilatory adj

Tending to cause delay

dilemma n

A situation in which a choice between opposing modes of conduct is necessary

dilettante n

A superficial amateur

diligence n

Careful and persevering effort to accomplish what is undertaken

dilute v

To make more fluid or less concentrated by admixture with something

diminution n

Reduction

dimly adv

Obscurely

diphthong n

The sound produced by combining two vowels in to a single syllable or running together the sounds

diplomacy n

Tact, shrewdness, or skill in conducting any kind of negotiations or in social matters

diplomat n

A representative of one sovereign state at the capital or court of another

diplomatic adj

Characterized by special tact in negotiations

diplomatist n

One remarkable for tact and shrewd management

disagree v

To be opposite in opinion

disallow v

To withhold permission or sanction

disappear v

To cease to exist, either actually or for the time being

disappoint v

To fail to fulfill the expectation, hope, wish, or desire of

disapprove v

To regard with blame

disarm v

To deprive of weapons

disarrange v

To throw out of order

disavow v

To disclaim responsibility for

disavowal n

Denial

disbeliever n

One who refuses to believe

disburden v

To disencumber

disburse v

To pay out or expend, as money from a fund

discard v

To reject

discernible adj

Perceivable

disciple n

One who believes the teaching of another, or who adopts and follows some doctrine

disciplinary adj

Having the nature of systematic training or subjection to authority

discipline v

To train to obedience

disclaim v

To disavow any claim to, connection with, or responsibility to

discolor v

To stain

discomfit v

To put to confusion

discomfort n

The state of being positively uncomfortable

disconnect v

To undo or dissolve the connection or association of

disconsolate adj

Grief-stricken

discontinuance n

Interruption or intermission

discord n

Absence of harmoniousness

discountenance v

To look upon with disfavor

discover v

To get first sight or knowledge of, as something previously unknown or unperceived

discredit v

To injure the reputation of

discreet adj

Judicious

discrepant adj

Opposite

discriminate v

To draw a distinction

discursive adj

Passing from one subject to another

discussion n

Debate

disenfranchise v

To deprive of any right privilege or power

disengage v

To become detached

disfavor n

Disregard

disfigure v

To impair or injure the beauty, symmetry, or appearance of

dishabille n

Undress or negligent attire

dishonest adj

Untrustworthy

disillusion v

To disenchant

disinfect v

To remove or destroy the poison of infectious or contagious diseases

disinfectant n

A substance used to destroy the germs of infectious diseases

disinherit v

To deprive of an inheritance

disinterested adj

Impartial

disjunctive adj

Helping or serving to disconnect or separate

dislocate v

To put out of proper place or order

dismissal n

Displacement by authority from an office or an employment

dismount v

To throw down, push off, or otherwise remove from a horse or the like

disobedience n

Neglect or refusal to comply with an authoritative injunction

disobedient adj

Neglecting or refusing to obey

disparage v

To regard or speak of slightingly

disparity n

Inequality

dispel v

To drive away by or as by scattering in different directions

dispensation n

That which is bestowed on or appointed to one from a higher power

displace v

To put out of the proper or accustomed place

dispossess v

To deprive of actual occupancy, especially of real estate

disputation n

Verbal controversy

disqualify v

To debar

disquiet v

To deprive of peace or tranquillity

disregard v

To take no notice of

disreputable adj

Dishonorable or disgraceful

disrepute n

A bad name or character

disrobe v

To unclothe

disrupt v

To burst or break asunder

dissatisfy v

To displease

dissect v

To cut apart or to pieces

dissection n

The act or operation of cutting in pieces, specifically of a plant or an animal

dissemble v

To hide by pretending something different

disseminate v

To sow or scatter abroad, as seed is sown

dissension n

Angry or violent difference of opinion

dissent n

Disagreement

dissentient n

One who disagrees

dissentious adj

Contentious

dissertation n

Thesis

disservice n

An ill turn

dissever v

To divide

dissimilar adj

Different

dissipate v

To disperse or disappear

dissipation n

The state of being dispersed or scattered

dissolute adj

Lewd

dissolution n

A breaking up of a union of persons

dissolve v

To liquefy or soften, as by heat or moisture

dissonance n

Discord

dissonant adj

Harsh or disagreeable in sound

dissuade v

To change the purpose or alter the plans of by persuasion, counsel, or pleading

dissuasion n

The act of changing the purpose of or altering the plans of through persuasion, or pleading

distemper n

A disease or malady

distend v

To stretch out or expand in every direction

distensible adj

Capable of being stretched out or expanded in every direction

distention n

Expansion

distill v

To extract or produce by vaporization and condensation

distillation n

Separation of the more volatile parts of a substance from those less volatile

distiller n

One occupied in the business of distilling alcoholic liquors

distinction n

A note or designation of honor, officially recognizing superiority or success in studies

distort v

To twist into an unnatural or irregular form

distrain v

To subject a person to distress

distrainor n

One who subjects a person to distress

distraught adj

Bewildered

distrust n

Lack of confidence in the power, wisdom, or good intent of any person

disunion n

Separation of relations or interests

disyllable n

A word of two syllables

diurnal adj

Daily

divagation n

Digression

divergent adj

Tending in different directions

diverse adj

Capable of various forms

diversion n

Pastime

diversity n

Dissimilitude

divert v

To turn from the accustomed course or a line of action already established

divertible adj

Able to be turned from the accustomed course or a line of action already established

divest v

To strip, specifically of clothes, ornaments, or accouterments or disinvestment

divination n

The pretended forecast of future events or discovery of what is lost or hidden

divinity n

The quality or character of being godlike

divisible adj

Capable of being separated into parts

divisor n

That by which a number or quantity is divided

divulge v

To tell or make known, as something previously private or secret

divulgence n

A divulging

docile adj

Easy to manage

docket n

The registry of judgments of a court

doe n

The female of the deer

dogma n

A statement of religious faith or duty formulated by a body claiming authority

dogmatic adj

Making statements without argument or evidence

dogmatize v

To make positive assertions without supporting them by argument or evidence

doleful adj

Melancholy

dolesome adj

Melancholy

dolor n

Lamentation

dolorous adj

Expressing or causing sorrow or pain

domain n

A sphere or field of action or interest

domicile n

The place where one lives

dominance n

Ascendancy

dominant adj

Conspicuously prominent

dominate v

To influence controllingly

domination n

Control by the exercise of power or constituted authority

domineer v

To rule with insolence or unnecessary annoyance

donate v

To bestow as a gift, especially for a worthy cause

donator n

One who makes a donation or present

donee n

A person to whom a donation is made

donor n

One who makes a donation or present

dormant adj

Being in a state of or resembling sleep

doublet n

One of a pair of like things

doubly adv

In twofold degree or extent

dowry n

The property which a wife brings to her husband in marriage

drachma n

A modern and an ancient Greek coin

dragnet n

A net to be drawn along the bottom of the water

dragoon n

In the British army, a cavalryman

drainage n

The means of draining collectively, as a system of conduits, trenches, pipes, etc

dramatist n

One who writes plays

dramatize v

To relate or represent in a dramatic or theatrical manner

drastic adj

Acting vigorously

drought n

Dry weather, especially when so long continued as to cause vegetation to wither

drowsy adj

Heavy with sleepiness

drudgery n

Hard and constant work in any menial or dull occupation

dubious adj

Doubtful

duckling n

A young duck

ductile adj

Capable of being drawn out, as into wire or a thread

duet n

A composition for two voices or instruments

dun v

To make a demand or repeated demands on for payment

duplex adj

Having two parts

duplicity n

Double-dealing

durance n

Confinement

duration n

The period of time during which anything lasts

duteous adj

Showing submission to natural superiors

dutiable adj

Subject to a duty, especially a customs duty

dutiful adj

Obedient

dwindle v

To diminish or become less

dyne n

The force which, applied to a mass of one gram for 1 second, would give it a velocity of 1 cm/s

earnest adj

Ardent in spirit and speech

earthenware n

Anything made of clay and baked in a kiln or dried in the sun

eatable adj

Edible

ebullient adj

Showing enthusiasm or exhilaration of feeling

eccentric adj

Peculiar

eccentricity n

Idiosyncrasy

eclipse n

The obstruction of a heavenly body by its entering into the shadow of another body

economize v

To spend sparingly

ecstasy n

Rapturous excitement or exaltation

ecstatic adj

Enraptured

edible adj

Suitable to be eaten

edict n

That which is uttered or proclaimed by authority as a rule of action

edify v

To build up, or strengthen, especially in morals or religion

editorial n

An article in a periodical written by the editor and published as an official argument

educe v

To draw out

efface v

To obliterate

effect n

A consequence

effective adj

Fit for a destined purpose

effectual adj

Efficient

effeminacy n

Womanishness

effeminate adj

Having womanish traits or qualities

effervesce v

To bubble up

effervescent adj

Giving off bubbles of gas

effete adj

Exhausted, as having performed its functions

efficacious adj

Effective

efficacy n

The power to produce an intended effect as shown in the production of it

efficiency n

The state of possessing adequate skill or knowledge for the performance of a duty

efficient adj

Having and exercising the power to produce effects or results

efflorescence n

The state of being flowery, or a flowery appearance

efflorescent adj

Opening in flower

effluvium n

A noxious or ill-smelling exhalation from decaying or putrefying matter

effrontery n

Unblushing impudence

effulgence n

Splendor

effuse v

To pour forth

effusion n

an outpouring

egoist n

One who advocates or practices egoism

egotism n

Self-conceit

egotist n

One given to self-mention or who is constantly telling of his own views and experiences

egregious adj

Extreme

egress n

Any place of exit

eject v

To expel

elapse v

To quietly terminate: said of time

elasticity n

That property of matter by which a body tends to return to a former shape after being changed

electrolysis n

The process of decomposing a chemical compound by the passage of an electric current

electrotype n

A metallic copy of any surface, as a coin

elegy n

A lyric poem lamenting the dead

element n

A component or essential part

elicit v

To educe or extract gradually or without violence

eligible adj

Qualified for selection

eliminate v

To separate and cast aside

Elizabethan adj

Relating to Elizabeth, queen of England, or to her era

elocution n

The art of correct intonation, inflection, and gesture in public speaking or reading

eloquent adj

Having the ability to express emotion or feeling in lofty and impassioned speech

elucidate v

To bring out more clearly the facts concerning

elude v

To evade the search or pursuit of by dexterity or artifice

elusion n

Evasion

emaciate v

To waste away in flesh

emanate v

To flow forth or proceed, as from some source

emancipate v

To release from bondage

embargo n

Authoritative stoppage of foreign commerce or of any special trade

embark v

To make a beginning in some occupation or scheme

embarrass v

To render flustered or agitated

embellish v

To make beautiful or elegant by adding attractive or ornamental features

embezzle v

To misappropriate secretly

emblazon v

To set forth publicly or in glowing terms

emblem n

A symbol

embody v

To express, formulate, or exemplify in a concrete, compact or visible form

embolden v

To give courage to

embolism n

An obstruction or plugging up of an artery or other blood-vessel

embroil v

To involve in dissension or strife

emerge v

To come into view or into existence

emergence n

A coming into view

emergent adj

Coming into view

emeritus adj

Retired from active service but retained to an honorary position

emigrant n

One who moves from one place to settle in another

emigrate v

To go from one country, state, or region for the purpose of settling or residing in another

eminence n

An elevated position with respect to rank, place, character, condition, etc

eminent adj

High in station, merit, or esteem

emit v

To send or give out

emphasis n

Any special impressiveness added to an utterance or act, or stress laid upon some word

emphasize v

To articulate or enunciate with special impressiveness upon a word, or a group of words

emphatic adj

Spoken with any special impressiveness laid upon an act, word, or set of words

employee n

One who works for wages or a salary

employer n

One who uses or engages the services of other persons for pay

emporium n

A bazaar or shop

empower v

To delegate authority to

emulate v

To imitate with intent to equal or surpass

enact v

To make into law, as by legislative act

enamor v

To inspire with ardent love

encamp v

To pitch tents for a resting-place

encomium n

A formal or discriminating expression of praise

encompass v

To encircle

encore n

The call for a repetition, as of some part of a play or performance

encourage v

To inspire with courage, hope, or strength of mind

encroach v

To invade partially or insidiously and appropriate the possessions of another

encumber v

To impede with obstacles

encyclical adj

Intended for general circulation

encyclopedia n

A work containing information on subjects, or exhaustive of one subject

endanger v

To expose to peril

endear v

To cause to be loved

endemic adj

Peculiar to some specified country or people

endue v

To endow with some quality, gift, or grace, usually spiritual

endurable adj

Tolerable

endurance n

The ability to suffer pain, distress, hardship, or stress of any kind without succumbing

energetic adj

Working vigorously

enervate v

To render ineffective or inoperative

enfeeble v

To debilitate

enfranchise v

To endow with a privilege, especially with the right to vote

engender v

To produce

engrave v

To cut or carve in or upon some surface

engross v

To occupy completely

enhance v

To intensify

enigma n

A riddle

enjoin v

To command

enkindle v

To set on fire

enlighten v

To cause to see clearly

enlist v

To enter voluntarily the military service by formal enrollment

enmity n

Hatred

ennoble v

To dignify

enormity n

Immensity

enormous adj

Gigantic

enrage v

To infuriate

enrapture v

To delight extravagantly or intensely

enshrine v

To keep sacred

ensnare v

To entrap

entail v

To involve; necessitate

entangle v

To involve in difficulties, confusion, or complications

enthrall v

To bring or hold under any overmastering influence

enthrone v

To invest with sovereign power

enthuse v

To yield to or display intense and rapturous feeling

enthusiastic adj

Full of zeal and fervor

entirety n

A complete thing

entomology n

The branch of zoology that treats of insects

entrails n

The internal parts of an animal

entreaty n

An earnest request

entree n

The act of entering

entrench v

To fortify or protect, as with a trench or ditch and wall

entwine v

To interweave

enumerate v

To name one by one

epic n

A poem celebrating in formal verse the mythical achievements of great personages, heroes, etc

epicure n

One who cultivates a delicate taste for eating and drinking

Epicurean adj

Indulging, ministering, or pertaining to daintiness of appetite

epicycle n

A circle that rolls upon the external or internal circumference of another circle

epicycloid n

A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle which rolls upon another circle

epidemic n

Wide-spread occurrence of a disease in a certain region

epidermis n

The outer skin

epigram n

A pithy phrasing of a shrewd observation

epilogue n

The close of a narrative or dramatic poem

epiphany n

Any appearance or bodily manifestation of a deity

episode n

An incident or story in a literary work, separable from yet growing out of it

epitaph n

An inscription on a tomb or monument in honor or in memory of the dead

epithet n

Word used adjectivally to describe some quality or attribute of is objects, as in Father Aeneas

epitome n

A simplified representation

epizootic adj

Prevailing among animals

epoch n

A interval of time, memorable for extraordinary events

epode n

A species of lyric poems

equalize v

To render uniform

equanimity n

Evenness of mind or temper

equestrian adj

Pertaining to horses or horsemanship

equilibrium n

A state of balance

equitable adj

Characterized by fairness

equity n

Fairness or impartiality

equivalent adj

Equal in value, force, meaning, or the like

equivocal adj

Ambiguous

equivocate v

To use words of double meaning

eradicate v

To destroy thoroughly

errant adj

Roving or wandering, as in search of adventure or opportunity for gallant deeds

erratic adj

Irregular

erroneous adj

Incorrect

erudite adj

Very-learned

erudition n

Extensive knowledge of literature, history, language, etc

eschew v

To keep clear of

espy v

To keep close watch

esquire n

A title of dignity, office, or courtesy

essence n

That which makes a thing to be what it is

esthetic adj

Pertaining to beauty, taste, or the fine arts

estimable adj

Worthy of respect

estrange v

To alienate

estuary n

A wide lower part of a tidal river

et cetera Latin

And so forth

eugenic adj

Relating to the development and improvement of race

euphemism n

A figure of speech by which a phrase less offensive is substituted

euphonious adj

Characterized by agreeableness of sound

euphony n

Agreeableness of sound

eureka Greek

I have found it

evade v

To avoid by artifice

evanesce v

To vanish gradually

evanescent adj

Fleeting

evangelical adj

Seeking the conversion of sinners

evangelist n

A preacher who goes from place to place holding services

evasion n

Escape

eventual adj

Ultimate

evert v

To turn inside out

evict v

To dispossess pursuant to judicial decree

evidential adj

Indicative

evince v

To make manifest or evident

evoke v

To call or summon forth

evolution n

Development or growth

evolve v

To unfold or expand

exacerbate v

To make more sharp, severe, or virulent

exaggerate v

To overstate

exasperate v

To excite great anger in

excavate v

To remove by digging or scooping out

exceed v

To go beyond, as in measure, quality, value, action, power, skill, etc

excel v

To be superior or distinguished

excellence n

Possession of eminently or unusually good qualities

excellency n

A title of honor bestowed upon various high officials

excellent adj

Possessing distinguished merit

excerpt n

An extract or selection from written or printed matter

excess n

That which passes the ordinary, proper, or required limit, measure, or experience

excitable adj

Nervously high-strung

excitation n

Intensified emotion or action

exclamation n

An abrupt or emphatic expression of thought or of feeling

exclude v

To shut out purposely or forcibly

exclusion n

Non-admission

excrescence n

Any unnatural addition, outgrowth, or development

excretion n

The getting rid of waste matter

excruciate v

To inflict severe pain or agony upon

excursion n

A journey

excusable adj

Justifiable

execrable adj

Abominable

execration n

An accursed thing

executor n

A person nominated by the will of another to execute the will

exegesis n

Biblical exposition or interpretation

exemplar n

A model, pattern, or original to be copied or imitated

exemplary adj

Fitted to serve as a model or example worthy of imitation

exemplify v

To show by example

exempt adj

Free, clear, or released, as from some liability, or restriction affecting others

exert v

To make an effort

exhale v

To breathe forth

exhaust v

To empty by draining off the contents

exhaustible adj

Causing or tending to cause exhaustion

exhaustion n

Deprivation of strength or energy

exhaustive adj

Thorough and complete in execution

exhilarate v

To fill with high or cheerful spirits

exhume v

To dig out of the earth (what has been buried)

exigency n

A critical period or condition

exigent adj

Urgent

existence n

Possession or continuance of being

exit n

A way or passage out

exodus n

A going forth or departure from a place or country, especially of many people

exonerate v

To relieve or vindicate from accusation, imputation, or blame

exorbitance n

Extravagance or enormity

exorbitant adj

Going beyond usual and proper limits

exorcise v

To cast or drive out by religious or magical means

exotic adj

Foreign

expand v

To increase in range or scope

expanse n

A continuous area or stretch

expansion n

Increase of amount, size, scope, or the like

expect v

To look forward to as certain or probable

expectancy n

The act or state of looking forward to as certain or probable

expectorate v

To cough up and spit forth

expediency n

Fitness to meet the requirements of a particular case

expedient adj

Contributing to personal advantage

expedite v

To hasten the movement or progress of

expeditious adj

Speedy

expend v

To spend

expense n

The laying out or expending or money or other resources, as time or strength

expiate v

To make satisfaction or amends for

explicate v

To clear from involvement

explicit adj

Definite

explode v

To cause to burst in pieces by force from within

explosion n

A sudden and violent outbreak

explosive adj

Pertaining to a sudden and violent outbreak

exposition n

Formal presentation

expository adj

Pertaining to a formal presentation

expostulate v

To discuss

exposure n

An open situation or position in relation to the sun, elements, or points of the compass

expressive adj

Full of meaning

expulsion n

Forcible ejection

extant adj

Still existing and known

extemporaneous adj

Done or made without much or any preparation

extempore adv

Without studied or special preparation

extensible adj

Capable of being thrust out

extension n

A reaching or stretching out, as in space, time or scope

extensive adj

Extended widely in space, time, or scope

extensor n

A muscle that causes extension

extenuate v

To diminish the gravity or importance of

exterior n

That which is outside

external n

Anything relating or belonging to the outside

extinct adj

Being no longer in existence

extinguish v

To render extinct

extol v

To praise in the highest terms

extort v

To obtain by violence, threats, compulsion, or the subjection of another to some necessity

extortion n

The practice of obtaining by violence or compulsion

extradite v

To surrender the custody of

extradition n

The surrender by a government of a person accused of crime to the justice of another government

extrajudicial adj

Happening out of court

extraneous adj

Having no essential relation to a subject

extraordinary adj

Unusual

extravagance n

Undue expenditure of money

extravagant adj

Needlessly free or lavish in expenditure

extremist n

One who supports extreme measures or holds extreme views

extremity n

The utmost point, side, or border, or that farthest removed from a mean position

extricate v

Disentangle

extrude v

To drive out or away

exuberance n

Rich supply

exuberant adj

Marked by great plentifulness

fabricate v

To invent fancifully or falsely

fabulous adj

Incredible

facet n

One of the small triangular plane surfaces of a diamond or other gem

facetious adj

Amusing

facial adj

Pertaining to the face

facile adj

Not difficult to do

facilitate v

To make more easy

facility n

Ease

facsimile n

An exact copy or reproduction

faction n

A number of persons combined for a common purpose

factious adj

Turbulent

fallacious adj

Illogical

fallacy n

Any unsound or delusive mode of reasoning, or anything based on such reasoning

fallible adj

Capable of erring

fallow n

Land broken up and left to become mellow or to rest

famish v

To suffer extremity of hunger or thirst

fanatic n

A religious zealot

fancier n

One having a taste for or interest in special objects

fanciless adj

Unimaginative

fastidious adj

Hard to please

fathom n

A measure of length, 6 feet

fatuous adj

Idiotic

faulty adj

Imperfect

faun n

One of a class of deities of the woods and herds represented as half human, with goats feet

fawn n

A young deer

fealty n

Loyalty

feasible adj

That may be done, performed, or effected; practicable

federate v

To league together

feint n

Any sham, pretense, or deceptive movement

felicitate v

To wish joy or happiness to, especially in view of a coming event

felicity n

A state of well-founded happiness

felon n

A criminal or depraved person

felonious adj

Showing criminal or evil purpose

felony n

One of the highest class of offenses, and punishable with death or imprisonment

feminine adj

Characteristic of woman or womankind

fernery n

A place in which ferns are grown

ferocious adj

Of a wild, fierce, and savage nature

ferocity n

Savageness

fervent adj

Ardent in feeling

fervid adj

Intense

fervor n

Ardor or intensity of feeling

festal adj

Joyous

festive adj

Merry

fete n

A festival or feast

fetus n

The young in the womb or in the egg

feudal adj

Pertaining to the relation of lord and vassal

feudalism n

The feudal system

fez n

A brimless felt cap in the shape of a truncated cone, usually red with a black tassel

fiasco n

A complete or humiliating failure

fickle adj

Unduly changeable in feeling, judgment, or purpose

fictitious adj

Created or formed by the imagination

fidelity n

Loyalty

fiducial adj

Indicative of faith or trust

fief n

A landed estate held under feudal tenure

filibuster n

One who attempts to obstruct legislation

finale n

Concluding performance

finality n

The state or quality of being final or complete

finally adv

At last

financial adj

Monetary

financier n

One skilled in or occupied with financial affairs or operations

finery n

That which is used to decorate the person or dress

finesse n

Subtle contrivance used to gain a point

finite adj

Limited

fiscal adj

Pertaining to the treasury or public finances of a government

fishmonger n

One who sells fish

fissure n

A crack or crack-like depression

fitful adj

Spasmodic

fixture n

One who or that which is expected to remain permanently in its position

flag-officer n

The captain of a flag-ship

flagrant adj

Openly scandalous

flamboyant adj

Characterized by extravagance and in general by want of good taste

flatulence n

Accumulation of gas in the stomach and bowels

flection n

The act of bending

fledgling n

A young bird

flexible adj

Pliable

flimsy adj

Thin and weak

flippant adj

Having a light, pert, trifling disposition

floe n

A collection of tabular masses of floating polar ice

flora n

The aggregate of plants growing without cultivation in a district

floral adj

Pertaining to flowers

florid adj

Flushed with red

florist n

A dealer in flowers

fluctuate v

To pass backward and forward irregularly from one state or degree to another

fluctuation n

Frequent irregular change back and forth from one state or degree to another

flue n

A smoke-duct in a chimney

fluent adj

Having a ready or easy flow of words or ideas

fluential adj

Pertaining to streams

flux n

A state of constant movement, change, or renewal

foggy adj

Obscure

foible n

A personal weakness or failing

foist v

To palm off

foliage n

Any growth of leaves

folio n

A sheet of paper folded once, or of a size adapted to folding once

folk-lore n

The traditions, beliefs, and customs of the common people

fondle v

To handle tenderly and lovingly

foolery n

Folly

foot-note n

A note of explanation or comment at the foot of a page or column

foppery n

Dandyism

foppish adj

Characteristic of one who is unduly devoted to dress and the niceties of manners

forbearance n

Patient endurance or toleration of offenses

forby adv

Besides

forcible adj

Violent

forebode v

To be an omen or warning sign of, especially of evil

forecast v

To predict

forecastle n

That part of the upper deck of a ship forward of the after fore-shrouds

foreclose v

To bar by judicial proceedings the equitable right of a mortgagor to redeem property

forecourt n

A court opening directly from the street

forefather n

An ancestor

forego v

To deny oneself the pleasure or profit of

foreground n

That part of a landscape or picture situated or represented as nearest the spectator

forehead n

The upper part of the face, between the eyes and the hair

foreign adj

Belonging to, situated in, or derived from another country

foreigner n

A citizen of a foreign country

forejudge v

To judge of before hearing evidence

foreknowledge n

Prescience

foreman n

The head man

foreordain v

To predetermine

foreordination n

Predestination

forerun v

To go before as introducing or ushering in

foresail n

A square sail

foresee v

To discern beforehand

foreshore n

That part of a shore uncovered at low tide

foresight n

Provision against harm or need

foretell v

To predict

forethought n

Premeditation

forfeit v

To lose possession of through failure to fulfill some obligation

forfend v

To ward off

forgery n

Counterfeiting

forgo v

To deny oneself

formation n

Relative disposition of parts

formidable adj

Difficult to accomplish

formula n

Fixed rule or set form

forswear v

To renounce upon oath

forte n

A strong point

forth adv

Into notice or view

forthright adv

With directness

fortify v

To provide with defensive works

fortitude n

Patient courage

foursome adj

Consisting of four

fracture n

A break

fragile adj

Capable of being broken

frailty n

Liability to be broken or destroyed

frankincense n

A gum or resin which on burning yields aromatic fumes

frantic adj

Frenzied

fraternal adj

Brotherly

fraudulence n

Deceitfulness

fraudulent adj

Counterfeit

fray v

To fret at the edge so as to loosen or break the threads

free trade n

Commerce unrestricted by tariff or customs

freemason n

A member of an ancient secret fraternity originally confined to skilled artisans

freethinker n

One who rejects authority or inspiration in religion

frequency n

The comparative number of any kind of occurrences within a given time or space

fresco n

The art of painting on a surface of plaster, particularly on walls and ceilings

freshness n

The state, quality, or degree of being fresh

fretful adj

Disposed to peevishness

frightful adj

Apt to induce terror or alarm

frigid adj

Lacking warmth

frigidarium n

A room kept at a low temperature for preserving fruits, meat, etc

frivolity n

A trifling act, thought, saying, or practice

frivolous adj

Trivial

frizz v

To give a crinkled, fluffy appearance to

frizzle v

To cause to crinkle or curl, as the hair

frolicsome adj

Prankish

frowzy adj

Slovenly in appearance

frugal adj

Economical

fruition n

Fulfillment

fugacious adj

Fleeting

fulcrum n

The support on or against which a lever rests, or the point about which it turns

fulminate v

To cause to explode

fulsome adj

Offensive from excess of praise or commendation

fumigate v

To subject to the action of smoke or fumes, especially for disinfection

functionary n

An official

fundamental adj

Basal

fungible adj

That may be measured, counted, or weighed

fungous adj

Spongy

fungus n

A plant destitute of chlorophyll, as a mushroom

furbish v

To restore brightness or beauty to

furlong n

A measure, one-eighth of a mile

furlough n

A temporary absence of a soldier or sailor by permission of the commanding officer

furrier n

A dealer in or maker of fur goods

further adj

More distant or advanced

furtherance n

Advancement

furtive adj

Stealthy or sly, like the actions of a thief

fuse v

To unite or blend as by melting together

fusible adj

Capable of being melted by heat

futile adj

Of no avail or effect

futurist n

A person of expectant temperament

gaiety n

Festivity

gaily adv

Merrily

gait n

Carriage of the body in going

gallant adj

Possessing a brave or chivalrous spirit

galore adj

Abundant

galvanic adj

Pertaining or relating to electricity produced by chemical action

galvanism n

Current electricity, especially that arising from chemical action

galvanize v

To imbue with life or animation

gamble v

To risk money or other possession on an event, chance, or contingency

gambol n

Playful leaping or frisking

gamester n

A gambler

gamut n

The whole range or sequence

garnish v

In cookery, to surround with additions for embellishment

garrison n

The military force stationed in a fort, town, or other place for its defense

garrote v

To execute by strangling

garrulous adj

Given to constant trivial talking

gaseous adj

Light and unsubstantial

gastric adj

Of, pertaining to, or near the stomach

gastritis n

Inflammation of the stomach

gastronomy n

The art of preparing and serving appetizing food

gauge n

An instrument for measuring

gendarme n

In continental Europe, particularly in France, a uniformed and armed police officer

genealogist n

A tracer of pedigrees

genealogy n

A list, in the order of succession, of ancestors and their descendants

generality n

The principal portion

generalize v

To draw general inferences

generally adv

Ordinarily

generate v

To produce or cause to be

generic adj

Noting a genus or kind; opposed to specific

generosity n

A disposition to give liberally or to bestow favors heartily

genesis n

Creation

geniality n

Warmth and kindliness of disposition

genital adj

Of or pertaining to the animal reproductive organs

genitive adj

Indicating source, origin, possession, or the like

genteel adj

Well-bred or refined

gentile adj

Belonging to a people not Jewish

geology n

The department of natural science that treats of the constitution and structure of the earth

germane adj

Relevant

germinate v

To begin to develop into an embryo or higher form

gestation n

Pregnancy

gesticulate v

To make gestures or motions, as in speaking, or in place of speech

gesture n

A movement or action of the hands or face, expressive of some idea or emotion

ghastly adj

Hideous

gibe v

To utter taunts or reproaches

giddy adj

Affected with a whirling or swimming sensation in the head

gigantic adj

Tremendous

giver n

One who gives, in any sense

glacial adj

Icy, or icily cold

glacier n

A field or stream of ice

gladden v

To make joyous

glazier n

One who cuts and fits panes of glass, as for windows

glimmer n

A faint, wavering, unsteady light

glimpse n

A momentary look

globose adj

Spherical

globular adj

Spherical

glorious adj

Of excellence and splendor

glutinous adj

Sticky

gluttonous adj

Given to excess in eating

gnash v

To grind or strike the teeth together, as from rage

Gordian knot n

Any difficulty the only issue out of which is by bold or unusual manners

gosling n

A young goose

gossamer adj

Flimsy

gourd n

A melon, pumpkin, squash, or some similar fruit having a hard rind

gourmand n

A connoisseur in the delicacies of the table

graceless adj

Ungracious

gradation n

A step, degree, rank, or relative position in an order or series

gradient adj

Moving or advancing by steps

granary n

A storehouse for grain after it is thrashed or husked

grandeur n

The quality of being grand or admirably great

grandiloquent adj

Speaking in or characterized by a pompous or bombastic style

grandiose adj

Having an imposing style or effect

grantee n

The person to whom property is transferred by deed

grantor n

The maker of a deed

granular adj

Composed of small grains or particles

granulate v

To form into grains or small particles

granule n

A small grain or particle

grapple v

To take hold of

gratification n

Satisfaction

gratify v

To please, as by satisfying a physical or mental desire or need

gratuitous adj

Voluntarily

gratuity n

That which is given without demand or claim. Tip.

gravity n

Seriousness

gregarious adj

Not habitually solitary or living alone

grenadier n

A member of a regiment composed of men of great stature

grief n

Sorrow

grievance n

That which oppresses, injures, or causes grief and at the same time a sense of wrong

grievous adj

Creating affliction

grimace n

A distortion of the features, occasioned by some feeling of pain, disgust, etc

grindstone n

A flat circular stone, used for sharpening tools

grisly adj

Fear-inspiring

grotesque adj

Incongruously composed or ill-proportioned

grotto n

A small cavern

ground n

A pavement or floor or any supporting surface on which one may walk

guess n

Surmise

guile n

Duplicity

guileless adj

Frank

guinea n

An English monetary unit

guise n

The external appearance as produced by garb or costume

gullible adj

Credulous

gumption n

Common sense

gusto n

Keen enjoyment

guy n

Stay-rope

guzzle v

To swallow greedily or hastily; gulp

gynecocracy n

Female supremacy

gynecology n

The science that treats of the functions and diseases peculiar to women

gyrate v

To revolve

gyroscope n

An instrument for illustrating the laws of rotation

habitable adj

Fit to be dwelt in

habitant n

Dweller

habitual adj

According to usual practice

habitude n

Customary relation or association

hackney v

To make stale or trite by repetition

haggard adj

Worn and gaunt in appearance

halcyon adj

Calm

hale adj

Of sound and vigorous health

handwriting n

Penmanship

hanger-on n

A parasite

happy-go-lucky adj

Improvident

harangue n

A tirade

harass v

To trouble with importunities, cares, or annoyances

harbinger n

One who or that which foreruns and announces the coming of any person or thing

hard-hearted adj

Lacking pity or sympathy

hardihood n

Foolish daring

harmonious adj

Concordant in sound

havoc n

Devastation

hawthorn n

A thorny shrub much used in England for hedges

hazard n

Risk

head first adv

Precipitately, as in diving

head foremost adv

Precipitately, as in diving

heartrending adj

Very depressing

heathenish adj

Irreligious

heedless adj

Thoughtless

heifer n

A young cow

heinous adj

Odiously sinful

hemorrhage n

Discharge of blood from a ruptured or wounded blood-vessel

hemorrhoids n

Tumors composed of enlarged and thickened blood-vessels, at the lower end of the rectum

henchman n

A servile assistant and subordinate

henpeck v

To worry or harass by ill temper and petty annoyances

heptagon n

A figure having seven sides and seven angles

heptarchy n

A group of seven governments

herbaceous adj

Having the character of a herb

herbarium n

A collection of dried plants scientifically arranged for study

herbivorous adj

Feeding on herbs or other vegetable matter, as animals

hereditary adj

Passing naturally from parent to child

heredity n

Transmission of physical or mental qualities, diseases, etc., from parent to offspring

heresy n

An opinion or doctrine subversive of settled beliefs or accepted principles

heretic n

One who holds opinions contrary to the recognized standards or tenets of any philosophy

heritage n

Birthright

hernia n

Protrusion of any internal organ in whole or in part from its normal position

hesitancy n

A pausing to consider

hesitant adj

Vacillating

hesitation n

Vacillation

heterodox adj

At variance with any commonly accepted doctrine or opinion

heterogeneity n

Unlikeness of constituent parts

heterogeneous adj

Consisting of dissimilar elements or ingredients of different kinds

heteromorphic adj

Deviating from the normal form or standard type

hexagon n

A figure with six angles

hexangular adj

Having six angles

hexapod adj

Having six feet

hiatus n

A break or vacancy where something necessary to supply the connection is wanting

hibernal adj

Pertaining to winter

Hibernian adj

Pertaining to Ireland, or its people

hideous adj

Appalling

hilarious adj

Boisterously merry

hillock n

A small hill or mound

hinder v

To obstruct

hindmost adj

Farthest from the front

hindrance n

An obstacle

hirsute adj

Having a hairy covering

hoard v

To gather and store away for the sake of accumulation

hoarse adj

Having the voice harsh or rough, as from a cold or fatigue

homage n

Reverential regard or worship

homogeneity n

Congruity of the members or elements or parts

homogeneous adj

Made up of similar parts or elements

homologous adj

Identical in nature, make-up, or relation

homonym n

A word agreeing in sound with but different in meaning from another

homophone n

A word agreeing in sound with but different in meaning from another

honorarium n

A token fee or payment to a professional man for services

hoodwink v

To deceive

horde n

A gathered multitude of human beings

hosiery n

A stocking

hospitable adj

Disposed to treat strangers or guests with generous kindness

hospitality n

The practice of receiving and entertaining strangers and guests with kindness

hostility n

Enmity

huckster n

One who retails small wares

humane adj

Compassionate

humanitarian n

A philanthropist

humanize v

To make gentle or refined

humbug n

Anything intended or calculated to deceive or mislead

humiliate v

To put to shame

hussar n

A light-horse trooper armed with saber and carbine

hustle v

To move with haste and promptness

hybrid adj

Cross-bred

hydra n

The seven- or nine-headed water-serpent slain by Hercules

hydraulic adj

Involving the moving of water, of the force exerted by water in motion

hydrodynamics n

The branch of mechanics that treats of the dynamics of fluids

hydroelectric adj

Pertaining to electricity developed water or steam

hydromechanics n

The mechanics of fluids

hydrometer n

An instrument for determining the density of solids and liquids by flotation

hydrostatics n

The branch of science that treats of the pressure and equilibrium of fluids

hydrous adj

Watery

hygiene n

The branch of medical science that relates to improving health

hypercritical adj

Faultfinding

hypnosis n

An artificial trance-sleep

hypnotic adj

Tending to produce sleep

hypnotism n

An artificially induced somnambulistic state in which the mind readily acts on suggestion

hypnotize v

To produce a somnambulistic state in which the mind readily acts on suggestions

hypocrisy n

Extreme insincerity

hypocrite n

One who makes false professions of his views or beliefs

hypodermic adj

Pertaining to the area under the skin

hypotenuse n

The side of a right-angled triangle opposite the right angle

hypothesis n

A proposition taken for granted as a premise from which to reach a conclusion

hysteria n

A nervous affection occurring typically in paroxysms of laughing and crying

ichthyic adj

Fish-like

ichthyology n

The branch of zoology that treats of fishes

ichthyosaurs n

A fossil reptile

icily adv

Frigidly

iciness n

The state of being icy

icon n

An image or likeness

iconoclast n

An image-breaker

idealize v

To make to conform to some mental or imaginary standard

idiom n

A use of words peculiar to a particular language

idiosyncrasy n

A mental quality or habit peculiar to an individual

idolize v

To regard with inordinate love or admiration

ignoble adj

Low in character or purpose

ignominious adj

Shameful

Iliad n

A Greek epic poem describing scenes from the siege of Troy

ill-natured adj

Surly

illegal adj

Not according to law

illegible adj

Undecipherable

illegitimate adj

Unlawfully begotten

illiberal adj

Stingy

illicit adj

Unlawful

illimitable adj

Boundless

illiterate adj

Having little or no book-learning

illogical adj

Contrary to the rules of sound thought

illuminant n

That which may be used to produce light

illuminate v

To supply with light

illumine v

To make bright or clear

illusion n

An unreal image presented to the senses

illusive adj

Deceptive

illusory adj

Deceiving or tending to deceive, as by false appearance

imaginable adj

That can be imagined or conceived in the mind

imaginary adj

Fancied

imbibe v

To drink or take in

imbroglio n

A misunderstanding attended by ill feeling, perplexity, or strife

imbrue v

To wet or moisten

imitation n

That which is made as a likeness or copy

imitator n

One who makes in imitation

immaculate adj

Without spot or blemish

immaterial adj

Of no essential consequence

immature adj

Not full-grown

immeasurable adj

Indefinitely extensive

immense adj

Very great in degree, extent, size, or quantity

immerse v

To plunge or dip entirely under water or other fluid

immersion n

The act of plunging or dipping entirely under water or another fluid

immigrant n

A foreigner who enters a country to settle there

immigrate v

To come into a country or region from a former habitat

imminence n

Impending evil or danger

imminent adj

Dangerous and close at hand

immiscible adj

Separating, as oil and water

immoral adj

Habitually engaged in licentious or lewd practices

immortalize v

To cause to last or to be known or remembered throughout a great or indefinite length of time

immovable adj

Steadfast

immune adj

Exempt, as from disease

immutable adj

Unchangeable

impair v

To cause to become less or worse

impalpable adj

Imperceptible to the touch

impartial adj

Unbiased

impassable adj

That can not be passed through or over

impassible adj

Not moved or affected by feeling

impassive adj

Unmoved by or not exhibiting feeling

impatience n

Unwillingness to brook delays or wait the natural course of things

impeccable adj

Blameless

impecunious adj

Having no money

impede v

To be an obstacle or to place obstacles in the way of

impel v

To drive or urge forward

impend v

To be imminent

imperative adj

Obligatory

imperceptible adj

Indiscernible

imperfectible adj

That can not be perfected

imperil v

To endanger

imperious adj

Insisting on obedience

impermissible adj

Not permissible

impersonal adj

Not relating to a particular person or thing

impersonate v

To appear or act in the character of

impersuadable adj

Unyielding

impertinence n

Rudeness

imperturbable adj

Calm

impervious adj

Impenetrable

impetuosity n

Rashness

impetuous adj

Impulsive

impetus n

Any impulse or incentive

impiety n

Irreverence toward God

impious adj

Characterized by irreverence or irreligion

implausible adj

Not plausible

impliable adj

Capable of being inferred

implicate v

To show or prove to be involved in or concerned

implicit adj

Implied

imply v

To signify

impolitic adj

Inexpedient

importation n

The act or practice of bringing from one country into another

importunate adj

Urgent in character, request, or demand

importune v

To harass with persistent demands or entreaties

impotent adj

Destitute of or lacking in power, physical, moral, or intellectual

impoverish v

To make indigent or poor

impracticable adj

Not feasible

impregnable adj

That can not be taken by assault

impregnate v

To make pregnant

impromptu n

Anything done or said on the impulse of the moment

improper adj

Not appropriate, suitable, or becoming

impropriety n

The state or quality of being unfit, unseemly, or inappropriate

improvident adj

Lacking foresight or thrift

improvise v

To do anything extemporaneously or offhand

imprudent adj

Heedless

impudence n

Insolent disrespect

impugn v

To assail with arguments, insinuations, or accusations

impulsion n

Impetus

impulsive adj

Unpremeditated

impunity n

Freedom from punishment

impure adj

Tainted

impute v

To attribute

inaccessible adj

Difficult of approach

inaccurate adj

Not exactly according to the facts

inactive adj

Inert

inadequate adj

Insufficient

inadmissible adj

Not to be approved, considered, or allowed, as testimony

inadvertent adj

Accidental

inadvisable adj

Unadvisable

inane adj

Silly

inanimate adj

Destitute of animal life

inapprehensible adj

Not to be understood

inapt adj

Awkward or slow

inarticulate adj

Speechless

inaudible adj

That can not be heard

inborn adj

Implanted by nature

inbred adj

Innate

incandescence n

The state of being white or glowing with heat

incandescent adj

White or glowing with heat

incapacitate v

To deprive of power, capacity, competency, or qualification

incapacity n

Want of power to apprehend, understand, and manage

incarcerate v

To imprison

incendiary n

Chemical or person who starts a fire-literally or figuratively

incentive n

That which moves the mind or inflames the passions

inception n

The beginning

inceptive adj

Beginning

incessant adj

Unceasing

inchmeal adv

Piecemeal

inchoate adj

Incipient

inchoative n

That which begins, or expresses beginning

incidence n

Casual occurrence

incident n

A happening in general, especially one of little importance

incidentally adv

Without intention

incinerate v

To reduce to ashes

incipience n

Beginning

incipient adj

Initial

incisor n

A front or cutting tooth

incite v

To rouse to a particular action

incitement n

That which moves to action, or serves as an incentive or stimulus

incoercible adj

Incapable of being forced, constrained, or compelled

incoherence n

Want of connection, or agreement, as of parts or ideas in thought, speech, etc

incoherent adj

Not logically coordinated, as to parts, elements, or details

incombustible adj

That can not be burned

incomparable adj

Matchless

incompatible adj

Discordant

incompetence n

General lack of capacity or fitness

incompetent adj

Not having the abilities desired or necessary for any purpose

incomplete adj

Lacking some element, part, or adjunct necessary or required

incomprehensible adj

Not understandable

incompressible adj

Resisting all attempts to reduce volume by pressure

inconceivable adj

Incomprehensible

incongruous adj

Unsuitable for the time, place, or occasion

inconsequential adj

Valueless

inconsiderable adj

Small in quantity or importance

inconsistent adj

Contradictory

inconstant adj

Changeable

incontrovertible adj

Indisputable

inconvenient adj

Interfering with comfort or progress

indefensible adj

Untenable

indefinitely adv

In a vague or uncertain way

indelible adj

That can not be blotted out, effaced, destroyed, or removed

indescribable adj

That can not be described

indestructible adj

That can not be destroyed

indicant adj

That which points out

indicator n

One who or that which points out

indict v

To find and declare chargeable with crime

indigence n

Poverty

indigenous adj

Native

indigent adj

Poor

indigestible adj

Not digestible, or difficult to digest

indigestion n

Difficulty or failure in the alimentary canal in changing food into absorptive nutriment

indignant adj

Having such anger and scorn as is aroused by meanness or wickedness

indignity n

Unmerited contemptuous conduct or treatment

indiscernible adj

Not perceptible

indiscreet adj

Lacking wise judgment

indiscriminate adj

Promiscuous

indispensable adj

Necessary or requisite for the purpose

indistinct adj

Vague

indivertible adj

That can not be turned aside

indivisible adj

Not separable into parts

indolence n

Laziness

indolent adj

Habitually inactive or idle

indomitable adj

Unconquerable

induct v

To bring in

indulgence n

The yielding to inclination, passion, desire, or propensity in oneself or another

inebriate v

To intoxicate

inedible adj

Not good for food

ineffable adj

Unutterable

inefficiency n

That which does not accomplish an intended purpose

inefficient adj

Not accomplishing an intended purpose

ineligible adj

Not suitable to be selected or chosen

inept adj

Not fit or suitable

inert adj

Inanimate

inestimable adj

Above price

inevitable adj

Unavoidable

inexcusable adj

Not to be justified

inexhaustible adj

So large or furnishing so great a supply as not to be emptied, wasted, or spent

inexorable adj

Unrelenting

inexpedient adj

Unadvisable

inexpensive adj

Low-priced

inexperience n

Lack of or deficiency in experience

inexplicable adj

Such as can not be made plain

inexpressible adj

Unutterable

inextensible adj

Of unchangeable length or area

infallible adj

Exempt from error of judgment, as in opinion or statement

infamous adj

Publicly branded or notorious, as for vice, or crime

infamy n

Total loss or destitution of honor or reputation

inference n

The derivation of a judgment from any given material of knowledge on the ground of law

infernal adj

Akin to or befitting hell or its occupants

infest v

To be present in such numbers as to be a source of annoyance, trouble, or danger

infidel n

One who denies the existence of God

infidelity n

Disloyalty

infinite adj

Measureless

infinity n

Boundless or immeasurable extension or duration

infirm adj

Lacking in bodily or mental strength

infirmary n

A place for the reception or treatment of the sick

infirmity n

A physical, mental, or moral weakness or flaw

inflammable adj

Easily set on fire or excited

inflammation n

A morbid process in some part of the body characterized by heat, swelling, and pain

inflexible adj

That can not be altered or varied

influence n

Ability to sway the will of another

influential adj

Having the power to sway the will of another

influx n

Infusion

infrequence n

Rareness

infrequent adj

Uncommon

infringe v

To trespass upon

infuse v

To instill, introduce, or inculcate, as principles or qualities

infusion n

The act of imbuing, or pouring in

ingenious adj

Evincing skill, originality, or cleverness, as in contrivance or arrangement

ingenuity n

Cleverness in contriving, combining, or originating

ingenuous adj

Candid, frank, or open in character or quality

inglorious adj

Shameful

ingraft v

To set or implant deeply and firmly

ingratiate v

To win confidence or good graces for oneself

ingratitude n

Insensibility to kindness

ingredient n

Component

inherence n

The state of being permanently existing in something

inherent adj

Intrinsic

inhibit v

To hold back or in

inhospitable adj

Not disposed to entertain strangers gratuitously

inhuman adj

Savage

inhume v

To place in the earth, as a dead body

inimical adj

Adverse

iniquity n

Gross wrong or injustice

initiate v

To perform the first act or rite

inject v

To introduce, as a fluid, by injection

injunction n

Mandate

inkling n

A hint

inland adj

Remote from the sea

inlet n

A small body of water leading into a larger

inmost adj

Deepest within

innocuous adj

Harmless

innovate v

To introduce or strive to introduce new things

innuendo n

Insinuation

innumerable adj

Countless

inoffensive adj

Causing nothing displeasing or disturbing

inopportune adj

Unsuitable or inconvenient, especially as to time

inquire v

To ask information about

inquisition n

A court or tribunal for examination and punishment of heretics

inquisitive adj

Given to questioning, especially out of curiosity

inquisitor n

One who makes an investigation

inroad n

Forcible encroachment or trespass

insatiable adj

That desires or craves immoderately or unappeasably

inscribe v

To enter in a book, or on a list, roll, or document, by writing

inscrutable adj

Impenetrably mysterious or profound

insecure adj

Not assured of safety

insensible adj

Imperceptible

insentient adj

Lacking the power of feeling or perceiving

inseparable adj

That can not be separated

insidious adj

Working ill by slow and stealthy means

insight n

Intellectual discernment

insignificance n

Lack of import or of importance

insignificant adj

Without importance, force, or influence

insinuate v

To imply

insipid adj

Tasteless

insistence n

Urgency

insistent adj

Urgent

insolence n

Pride or haughtiness exhibited in contemptuous and overbearing treatment of others

insolent adj

Impudent

insomnia n

Sleeplessness

inspector n

An official appointed to examine or oversee any matter of public interest or importance

instance n

A single occurrence or happening of a given kind

instant n

A very brief portion of time

instantaneous adj

Done without perceptible lapse of time

instigate v

To provoke

instigator n

One who incites to evil

instill v

To infuse

instructive adj

Conveying knowledge

insufficiency n

Inadequacy

insufficient adj

Inadequate for some need, purpose, or use

insular adj

Pertaining to an island

insulate v

To place in a detached state or situation

insuperable adj

Invincible

insuppressible adj

Incapable of being concealed

insurgence n

Uprising

insurgent n

One who takes part in forcible opposition to the constituted authorities of a place

insurrection n

The state of being in active resistance to authority

intangible adj

Not perceptible to the touch

integrity n

Uprightness of character and soundness of moral principle

intellect n

The faculty of perception or thought

intellectual adj

Characterized by intelligence

intelligence n

Capacity to know or understand

intelligible adj

Comprehensible

intemperance n

Immoderate action or indulgence, as of the appetites

intension n

The act of stringing or stretching, or state of being strained

intensive adj

Adding emphasis or force

intention n

That upon which the mind is set

interact v

To act reciprocally

intercede v

To mediate between persons

intercept v

To interrupt the course of

intercession n

Entreaty in behalf of others

intercessor n

A mediator

interdict n

Authoritative act of prohibition

interim n

Time between acts or periods

interlocutor n

One who takes part in a conversation or oral discussion

interlude n

An action or event considered as coming between others of greater length

intermediate adj

Being in a middle place or degree or between extremes

interminable adj

Having no limit or end

intermission n

A recess

intermit v

To cause to cease temporarily

intermittent adj

A temporary discontinuance

interpolation n

Verbal interference

interpose v

To come between other things or persons

interposition n

A coming between

interpreter n

A person who makes intelligible the speech of a foreigner by oral translation

interrogate v

To examine formally by questioning

interrogative adj

Having the nature or form of a question

interrogatory n

A question or inquiry

interrupt v

To stop while in progress

intersect v

To cut through or into so as to divide

intervale n

A low tract of land between hills, especially along a river

intervene v

To interfere for some end

intestate adj

Not having made a valid will

intestine n

That part of the digestive tube below or behind the stomach, extending to the anus

intimacy n

Close or confidential friendship

intimidate v

To cause to become frightened

intolerable adj

Insufferable

intolerance n

Inability or unwillingness to bear or endure

intolerant adj

Bigoted

intoxicant n

Anything that unduly exhilarates or excites

intoxicate v

To make drunk

intracellular adj

Occurring or situated within a cell

intramural adj

Situated within the walls of a city

intrepid adj

Fearless and bold

intricacy n

Perplexity

intricate adj

Difficult to follow or understand

intrigue n

A plot or scheme, usually complicated and intended to accomplish something by secret ways

intrinsic adj

Inherent

introductory adj

Preliminary

introgression n

Entrance

intromit v

To insert

introspect v

To look into

introversion n

The act of turning or directing inward, physically or mentally

introvert v

To turn within

intrude v

To come in without leave or license

intrusion n

The act of entering without warrant or invitation; encroachment

intuition n

Instinctive knowledge or feeling

inundate v

To fill with an overflowing abundance

inundation n

Flood

inure v

To harden or toughen by use, exercise, or exposure

invalid adj

Having no force, weight, or cogency

invalid n

One who is disabled by illness or injury

invalidate v

To render of no force or effect

invaluable adj

Exceedingly precious

invariable adj

Unchangeable

invasion n

Encroachment, as by an act of intrusion or trespass

invective n

An utterance intended to cast censure, or reproach

inveigh v

To utter vehement censure or invective

inventive adj

Quick at contrivance

inverse adj

Contrary in tendency or direction

inversion n

Change of order so that the first shall become last and the last first

invert v

To turn inside out, upside down, or in opposite direction

investigator n

One who investigates

investor n

One who invests money

inveterate adj

Habitual

invidious adj

Showing or feeling envy

invigorate v

To animate

invincible adj

Not to be conquered, subdued, or overcome

inviolable adj

Incapable of being injured or disturbed

invoke v

To call on for assistance or protection

involuntary adj

Unwilling

involution n

Complication

involve v

To draw into entanglement, literally or figuratively

invulnerable adj

That can not be wounded or hurt

inwardly adv

With no outward manifestation

iota n

A small or insignificant mark or part

irascible adj

Prone to anger

irate adj

Moved to anger

ire n

Wrath

iridescence n

A many-colored appearance

iridescent adj

Exhibiting changing rainbow-colors due to the interference of the light

irk v

To afflict with pain, vexation, or fatigue

irksome adj

Wearisome

irony n

Censure or ridicule under cover of praise or compliment

irradiance n

Luster

irradiate v

To render clear and intelligible

irrational adj

Not possessed of reasoning powers or understanding

irreducible adj

That can not be lessened

irrefragable adj

That can not be refuted or disproved

irrefrangible adj

That can not be broken or violated

irrelevant adj

Inapplicable

irreligious adj

Indifferent or opposed to religion

irreparable adj

That can not be rectified or made amends for

irrepressible adj

That can not be restrained or kept down

irresistible adj

That can not be successfully withstood or opposed

irresponsible adj

Careless of or unable to meet responsibilities

irreverence n

The quality showing or expressing a deficiency of veneration, especially for sacred things

irreverent adj

Showing or expressing a deficiency of veneration, especially for sacred things

irreverential adj

Showing or expressing a deficiency of veneration, especially for sacred things

irreversible adj

Irrevocable

irrigant adj

Serving to water lands by artificial means

irrigate v

To water, as land, by ditches or other artificial means

irritable adj

Showing impatience or ill temper on little provocation

irritancy n

The quality of producing vexation

irritant n

A mechanical, chemical, or pathological agent of inflammation, pain, or tension

irritate v

To excite ill temper or impatience in

irruption n

Sudden invasion

isle n

An island

islet n

A little island

isobar n

A line joining points at which the barometric pressure is the same at a specified moment

isochronous adj

Relating to or denoting equal intervals of time

isolate v

To separate from others of its kind

isothermal adj

Having or marking equality of temperature

itinerant adj

Wandering

itinerary n

A detailed account or diary of a journey

itinerate v

To wander from place to place

jargon n

Confused, unintelligible speech or highly technical speech

jaundice n

A morbid condition, due to obstructed excretion of bile or characterized by yellowing of the skin

jeopardize v

To imperil

Jingo n

One of a party in Great Britain in favor of spirited and demonstrative foreign policy

jocose adj

Done or made in jest

jocular adj

Inclined to joke

joggle n

A sudden irregular shake or a push causing such a shake

journalize v

To keep a diary

joust v

To engage in a tilt with lances on horseback

jovial adj

Merry

jubilation n

Exultation

judgment n

The faculty by the exercise of which a deliberate conclusion is reached

judicature n

Distribution and administration of justice by trial and judgment

judicial adj

Pertaining to the administration of justice

judiciary n

That department of government which administers the law relating to civil and criminal justice

judicious adj

Prudent

juggle v

To play tricks of sleight of hand

jugglery n

The art or practice of sleight of hand

jugular adj

Pertaining to the throat

juicy adj

Succulent

junction n

The condition of being joined

juncture n

An articulation, joint, or seam

junta n

A council or assembly that deliberates in secret upon the affairs of government

juridical adj

Assumed by law to exist

jurisdiction n

Lawful power or right to exercise official authority

jurisprudence n

The science of rights in accordance with positive law

juror n

One who serves on a jury or is sworn in for jury duty in a court of justice

justification n

Vindication

juvenile adj

Characteristic of youth

juxtapose v

To place close together

keepsake n

Anything kept or given to be kept for the sake of the giver

kerchief n

A square of linen, silk, or other material, used as a covering for the head or neck

kernel n

A grain or seed

kiln n

An oven or furnace for baking, burning, or drying industrial products

kiloliter n

One thousand liters

kilometer n

A length of 1,000 meters

kilowatt n

One thousand watts

kimono n

A loose robe, fastening with a sash, the principal outer garment in Japan

kind-hearted adj

Having a kind and sympathetic nature

kingling n

A petty king

kingship n

Royal state

kinsfolk n

Relatives

knavery n

Deceitfulness in dealing

knead v

To mix and work into a homogeneous mass, especially with the hands

knickknack n

A small article, more for ornament that use

knight errant n

One of the wandering knights who in the middle ages went forth in search of adventure

knighthood n

Chivalry

laborious adj

Toilsome

labyrinth n

A maze

lacerate v

To tear rudely or raggedly

lackadaisical adj

Listless

lactation n

The secretion of milk

lacteal adj

Milky

lactic adj

Pertaining to milk

laddie n

A lad

ladle n

A cup-shaped vessel with a long handle, intended for dipping up and pouring liquids

laggard adj

Falling behind

landholder n

Landowner

landlord n

A man who owns and lets a tenement or tenements

landmark n

A familiar object in the landscape serving as a guide to an area otherwise easily lost track of

landscape n

A rural view, especially one of picturesque effect, as seen from a distance or an elevation

languid adj

Relaxed

languor n

Lassitude of body or depression

lapse n

A slight deviation from what is right, proper, or just

lascivious adj

Lustful

lassie n

A little lass

latency n

The state of being dormant

latent adj

Dormant

later adv

At a subsequent time

lateral adj

Directed toward the side

latish adj

Rather late

lattice n

Openwork of metal or wood, formed by crossing or interlacing strips or bars

laud v

To praise in words or song

laudable adj

Praiseworthy

laudation n

High praise

laudatory adj

Pertaining to, expressing, or containing praise

laundress n

Washerwoman

laureate adj

Crowned with laurel, as a mark of distinction

lave v

To wash or bathe

lawgiver n

A legislator

lawmaker n

A legislator

lax adj

Not stringent or energetic

laxative adj

Having power to open or loosen the bowels

lea n

A field

leaflet n

A little leaf or a booklet

leaven v

To make light by fermentation, as dough

leeward n

That side or direction toward which the wind blows

left-handed adj

Using the left hand or arm more dexterously than the right

legacy n

A bequest

legalize v

To give the authority of law to

legging n

A covering for the leg

legible adj

That may be read with ease

legionary n

A member of an ancient Roman legion or of the modern French Legion of Honor

legislate v

To make or enact a law or laws

legislative adj

That makes or enacts laws

legislator n

A lawgiver

legitimacy n

Accordance with law

legitimate adj

Having the sanction of law or established custom

leisure n

Spare time

leniency n

Forbearance

lenient adj

Not harsh

leonine adj

Like a lion

lethargy n

Prolonged sluggishness of body or mind

levee n

An embankment beside a river or stream or an arm of the sea, to prevent overflow

lever n

That which exerts, or through which one may exert great power

leviathan n

Any large animal, as a whale

levity n

Frivolity

levy v

To impose and collect by force or threat of force

lewd adj

Characterized by lust or lasciviousness

lexicographer n

One who makes dictionaries

lexicography n

The making of dictionaries

lexicon n

A dictionary

liable adj

Justly or legally responsible

libel n

Defamation

liberalism n

Opposition to conservatism

liberate v

To set free or release from bondage

licentious adj

Wanton

licit adj

Lawful

liege adj

Sovereign

lien n

A legal claim or hold on property, as security for a debt or charge

lieu n

Stead

lifelike adj

Realistic

lifelong adj

Lasting or continuous through life

lifetime n

The time that life continues

ligament n

That which binds objects together

ligature n

Anything that constricts, or serves for binding or tying

light-hearted adj

Free from care

ligneous adj

Having the texture of appearance of wood

likelihood n

A probability

likely adj

Plausible

liking n

Fondness

limitation n

A restriction

linear adj

Of the nature of a line

liner n

A vessel belonging to a steamship-line

lingo n

Language

lingua n

The tongue

lingual adj

Pertaining to the use of the tongue in utterance

linguist n

One who is acquainted with several languages

linguistics n

The science of languages, or of the origin, history, and significance of words

liniment n

A liquid preparation for rubbing on the skin in cases of bruises, inflammation, etc

liquefacient adj

Possessing a liquefying nature or power

liquefy v

To convert into a liquid or into liquid form

liqueur n

An alcoholic cordial sweetened and flavored with aromatic substances

liquidate v

To deliver the amount or value of

liquor n

Any alcoholic or intoxicating liquid

listless adj

Inattentive

literacy n

The state or condition of knowing how to read and write

literal adj

Following the exact words

literature n

The written or printed productions of the human mind collectively

lithe adj

Supple

lithesome adj

Nimble

lithograph n

A print made by printing from stone

lithotype n

In engraving, an etched stone surface for printing

litigant n

A party to a lawsuit

litigate v

To cause to become the subject-matter of a suit at law

litigious adj

Quarrelsome

littoral adj

Of, pertaining to, or living on a shore

liturgy n

A ritual

livelihood n

Means of subsistence

livid adj

Black-and-blue, as contused flesh

loam n

A non-coherent mixture of sand and clay

loath adj

Averse

loathe v

To abominate

locative adj

Indicating place, or the place where or wherein an action occurs

loch n

A lake

locomotion n

The act or power of moving from one place to another

lode n

A somewhat continuous unstratified metal- bearing vein

lodgment n

The act of furnishing with temporary quarters

logic n

The science of correct thinking

logical adj

Capable of or characterized by clear reasoning

logician n

An expert reasoner

loiterer n

One who consumes time idly

loneliness n

Solitude

longevity n

Unusually prolonged life

loot v

To plunder

loquacious adj

Talkative

lordling n

A little lord

lough n

A lake or loch

louse n

A small insect parasitic on and sucking the blood of mammals

lovable adj

Amiable

low-spirited adj

Despondent

lowly adv

Rudely

lucid adj

Mentally sound

lucrative adj

Highly profitable

ludicrous adj

Laughable

luminary n

One of the heavenly bodies as a source of light

luminescence n

Showing increase

luminescent adj

Showing increase of light

luminosity n

The quality of giving or radiating light

luminous adj

Giving or radiating light

lunacy n

Mental unsoundness

lunar adj

Pertaining to the moon

lunatic n

An insane person

lune n

The moon

lurid adj

Ghastly and sensational

luscious adj

Rich, sweet, and delicious

lustrous adj

Shining

luxuriance n

Excessive or superfluous growth or quantity

luxuriant adj

Abundant or superabundant in growth

luxuriate v

To live sumptuously

lying n

Untruthfulness

lyre n

One of the most ancient of stringed instruments of the harp class

lyric adj

Fitted for expression in song

macadamize v

To cover or pave, as a path or roadway, with small broken stone

machinery n

The parts of a machine or engine, taken collectively

machinist n

One who makes or repairs machines, or uses metal-working tools

macrocosm n

The whole of any sphere or department of nature or knowledge to which man is related

madden v

To inflame with passion

Madonna n

A painted or sculptured representation of the Virgin, usually with the infant Jesus

magician n

A sorcerer

magisterial adj

Having an air of authority

magistracy n

The office or dignity of a magistrate

magnanimous adj

Generous in treating or judging others

magnate n

A person of rank or importance

magnet n

A body possessing that peculiar form of polarity found in nature in the lodestone

magnetize v

To make a magnet of, permanently, or temporarily

magnificence n

The exhibition of greatness of action, character, intellect, wealth, or power

magnificent adj

Grand or majestic in appearance, quality, or action

magnitude n

Importance

maharaja n

A great Hindu prince

maidenhood n

Virginity

maintain v

To hold or preserve in any particular state or condition

maintenance n

That which supports or sustains

maize n

Indian corn: usually in the United States called simply corn

makeup n

The arrangements or combination of the parts of which anything is composed

malady n

Any physical disease or disorder, especially a chronic or deep-seated one

malaria n

A fever characterized by alternating chills, fever, and sweating

malcontent n

One who is dissatisfied with the existing state of affairs

malediction n

The calling down of a curse or curses

malefactor n

One who injures another

maleficent adj

Mischievous

malevolence n

Ill will

malevolent adj

Wishing evil to others

malign v

To speak evil of, especially to do so falsely and severely

malignant adj

Evil in nature or tending to do great harm or mischief

malleable adj

Pliant

mallet n

A wooden hammer

maltreat v

To treat ill, unkindly, roughly, or abusively

man-eater n

An animal that devours human beings

man-trap n

A place or structure dangerous to human life

mandate n

A command

mandatory adj

Expressive of positive command, as distinguished from merely directory

mane n

The long hair growing upon and about the neck of certain animals, as the horse and the lion

maneuver v

To make adroit or artful moves: manage affairs by strategy

mania n

Insanity

maniac n

a person raving with madness

manifesto n

A public declaration, making announcement, explanation or defense of intentions, or motives

manlike adj

Like a man

manliness n

The qualities characteristic of a true man, as bravery, resolution, etc

mannerism n

Constant or excessive adherence to one manner, style, or peculiarity, as of action or conduct

manor n

The landed estate of a lord or nobleman

mantel n

The facing, sometimes richly ornamented, about a fireplace, including the usual shelf above it

mantle n

A cloak

manufacturer n

A person engaged in manufacturing as a business

manumission n

Emancipation

manumit v

To set free from bondage

marine adj

Of or pertaining to the sea or matters connected with the sea

maritime adj

Situated on or near the sea

maroon v

To put ashore and abandon (a person) on a desolate coast or island

martial adj

Pertaining to war or military operations

Martian adj

Pertaining to Mars, either the Roman god of war or the planet

martyrdom n

Submission to death or persecution for the sake of faith or principle

marvel v

To be astonished and perplexed because of (something)

masonry n

The art or work of constructing, as buildings, walls, etc., with regularly arranged stones

masquerade n

A social party composed of persons masked and costumed so as to be disguised

massacre n

The unnecessary and indiscriminate killing of human beings

massive adj

Of considerable bulk and weight

masterpiece n

A superior production

mastery n

The attainment of superior skill

material n

That of which anything is composed or may be constructed

materialize v

To take perceptible or substantial form

maternal adj

Pertaining or peculiar to a mother or to motherhood

matinee n

An entertainment (especially theatrical) held in the daytime

matrimony n

The union of a man and a woman in marriage

matrix n

That which contains and gives shape or form to anything

matter of fact n

Something that has actual and undeniable existence or reality

maudlin adj

Foolishly and tearfully affectionate

mausoleum n

A tomb of more than ordinary size or architectural pretensions

mawkish adj

Sickening or insipid

maxim n

A principle accepted as true and acted on as a rule or guide

maze n

A labyrinth

mead n

A meadow

meager adj

scanty

mealy-mouthed adj

Afraid to express facts or opinions plainly

meander v

To wind and turn while proceeding in a course

mechanics n

The branch of physics that treats the phenomena caused by the action of forces

medallion n

A large medal

meddlesome adj

Interfering

medial adj

Of or pertaining to the middle

mediate v

To effect by negotiating as an agent between parties

medicine n

A substance possessing or reputed to possess curative or remedial properties

medieval adj

Belonging or relating to or descriptive of the middle ages

mediocre adj

Ordinary

meditation n

The turning or revolving of a subject in the mind

medley n

A composition of different songs or parts of songs arranged to run as a continuous whole

meliorate v

To make better or improve, as in quality or social or physical condition

mellifluous adj

Sweetly or smoothly flowing

melodious adj

Characterized by a sweet succession of sounds

melodrama n

A drama with a romantic story or plot and sensational situation and incidents

memento n

A souvenir

memorable adj

Noteworthy

menace n

A threat

menagerie n

A collection of wild animals, especially when kept for exhibition

mendacious adj

Untrue

mendicant n

A beggar

mentality n

Intellectuality

mentor n

A wise and faithful teacher, guide, and friend

mercantile adj

Conducted or acting on business principles; commercial

mercenary adj

Greedy

merciful adj

Disposed to pity and forgive

merciless adj

Cruel

meretricious adj

Alluring by false or gaudy show

mesmerize v

To hypnotize

messieurs n pl

Gentlemen

metal n

An element that forms a base by combining with oxygen, is usually hard, heavy, and lustrous

metallurgy n

The art or science of extracting a metal from ores, as by smelting

metamorphosis n

A passing from one form or shape into another

metaphor n

A figure of speech in which one object is likened to another, by speaking as if the other

metaphysical adj

Philosophical

metaphysician n

One skilled in metaphysics

metaphysics n

The principles of philosophy as applied to explain the methods of any particular science

mete v

To apportion

metempsychosis n

Transition of the soul of a human being at death into another body, whether human or beast

meticulous adj

Over-cautious

metonymy n

A figure of speech that consists in the naming of a thing by one of its attributes

metric adj

Relating to measurement

metronome n

An instrument for indicating and marking exact time in music

metropolis n

A chief city, either the capital or the largest or most important city of a state

metropolitan adj

Pertaining to a chief city

mettle n

Courage

mettlesome adj

Having courage or spirit

microcosm n

The world or universe on a small scale

micrometer n

An instrument for measuring very small angles or dimensions

microphone n

An apparatus for magnifying faint sounds

microscope n

An instrument for assisting the eye in the vision of minute objects or features of objects

microscopic adj

Adapted to or characterized by minute observation

microscopy n

The art of examing objects with the microscope

midsummer n

The middle of the summer

midwife n

A woman who makes a business of assisting at childbirth

mien n

The external appearance or manner of a person

migrant adj

Wandering

migrate v

To remove or pass from one country, region, or habitat to another

migratory adj

Wandering

mileage n

A distance in miles

militant adj

Of a warlike or combative disposition or tendency

militarism n

A policy of maintaining great standing armies

militate v

To have weight or influence (in determining a question)

militia n

Those citizens, collectively, who are enrolled and drilled in temporary military organizations

Milky Way n

The galaxy

millet n

A grass cultivated for forage and cereal

mimic v

To imitate the speech or actions of

miniature adj

Much smaller than reality or that the normal size

minimize v

To reduce to the smallest possible amount or degree

minion n

A servile favorite

ministration n

Any religious ceremonial

ministry n

A service

minority n

The smaller in number of two portions into which a number or a group is divided

minute adj

Exceedingly small in extent or quantity

minutia n

A small or unimportant particular or detail

mirage n

An optical effect looking like a sheet of water in the desert

misadventure n

An unlucky accident

misanthropic adj

Hating mankind

misanthropy n

Hatred of mankind

misapprehend v

To misunderstand

misbehave v

To behave ill

misbehavior n

Ill or improper behavior

mischievous adj

Fond of tricks

miscount v

To make a mistake in counting

miscreant n

A villain

misdeed n

A wrong or improper act

misdemeanor n

Evil conduct, small crime

miser n

A person given to saving and hoarding unduly

mishap n

Misfortune

misinterpret v

To misunderstand

mislay v

To misplace

mismanage v

To manage badly, improperly, or unskillfully

misnomer n

A name wrongly or mistakenly applied

misogamy n

Hatred of marriage

misogyny n

Hatred of women

misplace v

To put into a wrong place

misrepresent v

To give a wrong impression

misrule v

To misgovern

missal n

The book containing the service for the celebration of mass

missile n

Any object, especially a weapon, thrown or intended to be thrown

missive n

A message in writing

mistrust v

To regard with suspicion or jealousy

misty adj

Lacking clearness

misunderstand v

To Take in a wrong sense

misuse v

To maltreat

mite n

A very small amount, portion, or particle

miter n

The junction of two bodies at an equally divided angle

mitigate v

To make milder or more endurable

mnemonics n

A system of principles and formulas designed to assist the recollection in certain instances

moat n

A ditch on the outside of a fortress wall

mobocracy n

Lawless control of public affairs by the mob or populace

moccasin n

A foot-covering made of soft leather or buckskin

mockery n

Ridicule

moderation n

Temperance

moderator n

The presiding officer of a meeting

modernity n

The state or character of being modern

modernize v

To make characteristic of the present or of recent times

modification n

A change

modify v

To make somewhat different

modish adj

Fashionable

modulate v

To vary in tone, inflection, pitch or other quality of sound

mollify v

To soothe

molt v

To cast off, as hair, feathers, etc

momentary adj

Lasting but a short time

momentous adj

Very significant

momentum n

An impetus

monarchy n

Government by a single, sovereign ruler

monastery n

A dwelling-place occupied in common by persons under religious vows of seclusion

monetary adj

Financial

mongrel n

The progeny resulting from the crossing of different breeds or varieties

monition n

Friendly counsel given by way of warning and implying caution or reproof

monitory n

Admonition or warning

monocracy n

Government by a single person

monogamy n

The habit of pairing, or having but one mate

monogram n

A character consisting of two or more letters interwoven into one, usually initials of a name

monograph n

A treatise discussing a single subject or branch of a subject

monolith n

Any structure or sculpture in stone formed of a single piece

monologue n

A story or drama told or performed by one person

monomania n

The unreasonable pursuit of one idea

monopoly n

The control of a thing, as a commodity, to enable a person to raise its price

monosyllable n

A word of one syllable

monotone n

The sameness or monotony of utterance

monotonous adj

Unchanging and tedious

monotony n

A lack of variety

monsieur n

A French title of respect, equivalent to Mr. and sir

monstrosity n

Anything unnaturally huge or distorted

moonbeam n

A ray of moonlight

morale n

A state of mind with reference to confidence, courage, zeal, and the like

moralist n

A writer on ethics

morality n

Virtue

moralize v

To render virtuous

moratorium n

An emergency legislation authorizing a government suspend some action temporarily

morbid adj

Caused by or denoting a diseased or unsound condition of body or mind

mordacious adj

Biting or giving to biting

mordant adj

Biting

moribund adj

On the point of dying

morose adj

Gloomy

morphology n

the science of organic forms

motley adj

Composed of heterogeneous or inharmonious elements

motto n

An expressive word or pithy sentence enunciating some guiding rule of life, or faith

mountaineer n

One who travels among or climbs mountains for pleasure or exercise

mountainous adj

Full of or abounding in mountains

mouthful n

As much as can be or is usually put into the or exercise

muddle v

To confuse or becloud, especially with or as with drink

muffle v

To deaden the sound of, as by wraps

mulatto n

The offspring of a white person and a black person

muleteer n

A mule-driver

multiform adj

Having many shapes, or appearances

multiplicity n

the condition of being manifold or very various

mundane adj

Worldly, as opposed to spiritual or celestial

municipal adj

Of or pertaining to a town or city, or to its corporate or local government

municipality n

A district enjoying municipal government

munificence n

A giving characterized by generous motives and extraordinary liberality

munificent adj

Extraordinarily generous

muster n

An assemblage or review of troops for parade or inspection, or for numbering off

mutation n

The act or process of change

mutilate v

To disfigure

mutiny n

Rebellion against lawful or constituted authority

myriad n

A vast indefinite number

mystic n

One who professes direct divine illumination, or relies upon meditation to acquire truth

mystification n

The act of artfully perplexing

myth n

A fictitious narrative presented as historical, but without any basis of fact

mythology n

The whole body of legends cherished by a race concerning gods and heroes

nameless adj

Having no fame or reputation

naphtha n

A light, colorless, volatile, inflammable oil used as a solvent, as in manufacture of paints

Narcissus n

The son of the Athenian river-god Cephisus, fabled to have fallen in love with his reflection

narrate v

To tell a story

narration n

The act of recounting the particulars of an event in the order of time or occurrence

narrative n

An orderly continuous account of the successive particulars of an event

narrator n

One who narrates anything

narrow-minded adj

Characterized by illiberal views or sentiments

nasal adj

Pertaining to the nose

nationality n

A connection with a particular nation

naturally adv

According to the usual order of things

nausea n

An affection of the stomach producing dizziness and usually an impulse to vomit

nauseate v

To cause to loathe

nauseous adj

Loathsome

nautical adj

Pertaining to ships, seamen, or navigation

naval adj

Pertaining to ships

navel n

The depression on the abdomen where the umbilical cord of the fetus was attached

navigable adj

Capable of commercial navigation

navigate v

To traverse by ship

nebula n

A gaseous body of unorganized stellar substance

necessary adj

Indispensably requisite or absolutely needed to accomplish a desired result

necessitate v

To render indispensable

necessity n

That which is indispensably requisite to an end desired

necrology n

A list of persons who have died in a certain place or time

necromancer n

One who practices the art of foretelling the future by means of communication with the dead

necropolis n

A city of the dead

necrosis n

the death of part of the body

nectar n

Any especially sweet and delicious drink

nectarine n

A variety of the peach

needlework n

Embroidery

needy adj

Being in need, want, or poverty

nefarious adj

Wicked in the extreme

negate v

To deny

negation n

The act of denying or of asserting the falsity of a proposition

neglectful adj

Exhibiting or indicating omission

negligee n

A loose gown worn by women

negligence n

Omission of that which ought to be done

negligent adj

Apt to omit what ought to be done

negligible adj

Transferable by assignment, endorsement, or delivery

negotiable v

To bargain with others for an agreement, as for a treaty or transfer of property

Nemesis n

A goddess; divinity of chastisement and vengeance

neo-Darwinsim n

Darwinism as modified and extended by more recent students

neo-Latin n

Modernized Latin

neocracy n

Government administered by new or untried persons

Neolithic adj

Pertaining to the later stone age

neology n

The coining or using of new words or new meanings of words

neopaganism n

A new or revived paganism

neophyte adj

Having the character of a beginner

nestle v

To adjust cozily in snug quarters

nestling adj

Recently hatched

nettle v

To excite sensations of uneasiness or displeasure in

network n

Anything that presents a system of cross- lines

neural adj

Pertaining to the nerves or nervous system

neurology n

The science of the nervous system

neuter adj

Neither masculine nor feminine

neutral adj

Belonging to or under control of neither of two contestants

nevertheless conj

Notwithstanding

Newtonian adj

Of or pertaining to Sir Isaac Newton, the English philosopher

niggardly adj

Stingy (no longer acceptable to use)

nihilist n

An advocate of the doctrine that nothing either exists or can be known

nil n

Nothing

nimble adj

Light and quick in motion or action

nit n

The egg of a louse or some other insect

nocturnal adj

Of or pertaining to the night

noiseless adj

Silent

noisome adj

Very offensive, particularly to the sense of smell

noisy adj

Clamorous

nomad adj

Having no fixed abode

nomic adj

Usual or customary

nominal adj

Trivial

nominate v

To designate as a candidate for any office

nomination n

The act or ceremony of naming a man or woman for office

nominee n

One who receives a nomination

non-combatant n

One attached to the army or navy, but having duties other than that of fighting

non-existent n

That which does not exist

non-resident adj

Not residing within a given jurisdiction

nonchalance n

A state of mind indicating lack of interest

nondescript adj

Indescribable

nonentity n

A person or thing of little or no account

nonpareil n

One who or that which is of unequaled excellence

norm n

A model

normalcy n

The state of being normal

Norman adj

Of or peculiar to Normandy, in northern France

nostrum n

Any scheme or recipe of a charlatan character

noticeable adj

Perceptible

notorious adj

Unfavorably known to the general public

novellette n

A short novel

novice n

A beginner in any business or occupation

nowadays adv

In the present time or age

nowhere adv

In no place or state

noxious adj

Hurtful

nuance n

A slight degree of difference in anything perceptible to the sense of the mind

nucleus n

A central point or part about which matter is aggregated

nude adj

Naked

nugatory adj

Having no power or force

nuisance n

That which annoys, vexes, or irritates

numeration n

The act or art of reading or naming numbers

numerical adj

Of or pertaining to number

nunnery n

A convent for nuns

nuptial adj

Of or pertaining to marriage, especially to the marriage ceremony

nurture n

The process of fostering or promoting growth

nutriment n

That which nourishes

nutritive adj

Having nutritious properties

oaken adj

Made of or from oak

oakum n

Hemp-fiber obtained by untwisting and picking out loosely the yarns of old hemp rope

obdurate adj

Impassive to feelings of humanity or pity

obelisk n

A square shaft with pyramidal top, usually monumental or commemorative

obese adj

Exceedingly fat

obesity n

Excessive fatness

obituary adj

A published notice of a death

objective adj

Grasping and representing facts as they are

objector n

One who objects, as to a proposition, measure, or ruling

obligate v

To hold to the fulfillment of duty

obligatory adj

Binding in law or conscience

oblique adj

Slanting; said of lines

obliterate v

To cause to disappear

oblivion n

The state of having passed out of the memory or of being utterly forgotten

oblong adj

Longer than broad: applied most commonly to rectangular objects considerably elongated

obnoxious adj

Detestable

obsequies n

Funeral rites

obsequious adj

Showing a servile readiness to fall in with the wishes or will of another

observance n

A traditional form or customary act

observant adj

Quick to notice

observatory n

A building designed for systematic astronomical observations

obsolescence n

The condition or process of gradually falling into disuse

obsolescent adj

Passing out of use, as a word

obsolete adj

No longer practiced or accepted

obstetrician n

A practitioner of midwifery

obstetrics n

The branch of medical science concerned with the treatment and care of women during pregnancy

obstreperous adj

Boisterous

obstruct v

To fill with impediments so as to prevent passage, either wholly or in part

obstruction n

Hindrance

obtrude v

To be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence

obtrusive adj

Tending to be pushed or to push oneself into undue prominence

obvert v

To turn the front or principal side of (a thing) toward any person or object

obviate v

To clear away or provide for, as an objection or difficulty

occasion n

An important event or celebration

Occident n

The countries lying west of Asia and the Turkish dominions

occlude v

To absorb, as a gas by a metal

occult adj

Existing but not immediately perceptible

occupant n

A tenant in possession of property, as distinguished from the actual owner

occurrence n

A happening

octagon n

A figure with eight sides and eight angles

octave n

A note at this interval above or below any other, considered in relation to that other

octavo n

A book, or collection of paper in which the sheets are so folded as to make eight leaves

octogenarian adj

A person of between eighty and ninety years

ocular adj

Of or pertaining to the eye

oculist n

One versed or skilled in treating diseases of the eye

oddity n

An eccentricity

ode n

The form of lyric poetry anciently intended to be sung

odious adj

Hateful

odium n

A feeling of extreme repugnance, or of dislike and disgust

odoriferous adj

Having or diffusing an odor or scent, especially an agreeable one

odorous adj

Having an odor, especially a fragrant one

off adj

Farther or more distant

offhand adv

Without preparation

officiate v

To act as an officer or leader

offshoot n

Something that branches off from the parent stock

ogre n

A demon or monster that was supposed to devour human beings

ointment n

A fatty preparation with a butter-like consistency in which a medicinal substance exists

olfactory adj

of or pertaining to the sense of smell

olive-branch n

A branch of the olive-tree, as an emblem of peace

ominous adj

Portentous

omission n

Exclusion

omnipotence n

Unlimited and universal power

Omnipotent adj

Possessed of unlimited and universal power

omniscience n

Unlimited or infinite knowledge

omniscient adj

Characterized by unlimited or infinite knowledge

omnivorous adj

Eating or living upon food of all kinds indiscriminately

onerous adj

Burdensome or oppressive

onrush n

Onset

onset n

An assault, especially of troops, upon an enemy or fortification

onslaught n

A violent onset

onus n

A burden or responsibility

opalescence n

The property of combined refraction and reflection of light, resulting in smoky tints

opaque adj

Impervious to light

operate v

To put in action and supervise the working of

operative adj

Active

operator n

One who works with or controls some machine or scientific apparatus

operetta n

A humorous play in dialogue and music, of more than one act

opinion n

A conclusion or judgment held with confidence, but falling short of positive knowledge

opponent n

One who supports the opposite side in a debate, discussion, struggle, or sport

opportune adj

Especially fit as occurring, said, or done at the right moment

opportunist n

One who takes advantage of circumstances to gain his ends

opportunity n

Favorable or advantageous chance or opening

opposite adj

Radically different or contrary in action or movement

opprobrium n

The state of being scornfully reproached or accused of evil

optic n

Pertaining to the eye or vision

optician n

One who makes or deals in optical instruments or eye-glasses

optics n

The science that treats of light and vision, and all that is connected with sight

optimism n

The view that everything in nature and the history of mankind is ordered for the best

option n

The right, power, or liberty of choosing

optometry n

Measurement of the powers of vision

opulence n

Affluence

opulent adj

Wealthy

oral adj

Uttered through the mouth

orate v

To deliver an elaborate or formal public speech

oration n

An elaborate or formal public speech

orator n

One who delivers an elaborate or formal speech

oratorio n

A composition for solo voices, chorus, and orchestra, generally taken from the Scriptures

oratory n

The art of public speaking

ordeal n

Anything that severely tests courage, strength, patience, conscience, etc

ordinal n

That form of the numeral that shows the order of anything in a series, as first, second, third

ordination n

A consecration to the ministry

ordnance n

A general name for all kinds of weapons and their appliances used in war

orgies n

Wild or wanton revelry

origin n

The beginning of that which becomes or is made to be

original adj

Not copied nor produced by imitation

originate v

To cause or constitute the beginning or first stage of the existence of

ornate adj

Ornamented to a marked degree

orthodox adj

Holding the commonly accepted faith

orthodoxy n

Acceptance of the common faith

orthogonal adj

Having or determined by right angles

orthopedic adj

Relating to the correcting or preventing of deformity

orthopedist n

One who practices the correcting or preventing of deformity

oscillate v

To swing back and forth

osculate v

To kiss

ossify v

to convert into bone

ostentation n

A display dictated by vanity and intended to invite applause or flattery

ostracism n

Exclusion from intercourse or favor, as in society or politics

ostracize v

To exclude from public or private favor

ought v

To be under moral obligation to be or do

oust v

To eject

out-and-out adv

Genuinely

out-of-the-way adj

Remotely situated

outbreak n

A sudden and violent breaking forth, as of something that has been pent up or restrained

outburst n

A violent issue, especially of passion in an individual

outcast n

One rejected and despised, especially socially

outcry n

A vehement or loud cry or clamor

outdo v

To surpass

outlandish adj

Of barbarous, uncouth, and unfamiliar aspect or action

outlast v

To last longer than

outlaw n

A habitual lawbreaker

outlive v

To continue to exist after

outpost n

A detachment of troops stationed at a distance from the main body to guard against surprise

outrage n

A gross infringement of morality or decency

outrageous adj

Shocking in conduct

outreach v

To reach or go beyond

outride v

To ride faster than

outrigger n

A part built or arranged to project beyond a natural outline for support

outright adv

Entirely

outskirt n

A border region

outstretch v

To extend

outstrip v

To go beyond

outweigh v

To surpass in importance or excellence

overdo v

To overtax the strength of

overdose n

An excessive dose, usually so large a dose of a medicine that its effect is toxic

overeat v

To eat to excess

overhang n

A portion of a structure which projects or hangs over

overleap v

To leap beyond

overlord n

One who holds supremacy over another

overpass v

To pass across or over, as a river

overpay v

To pay or reward in excess

overpower v

To gain supremacy or victory over by superior power

overproduction n

Excessive production

overreach v

To stretch out too far

overrun v

To infest or ravage

oversee v

To superintend

overseer n

A supervisor

overshadow v

To cast into the shade or render insignificant by comparison

overstride v

To step beyond

overthrow v

To vanquish an established ruler or government

overtone n

A harmonic

overture n

An instrumental prelude to an opera, oratorio, or ballet

overweight n

Preponderance

pacify v

To bring into a peaceful state

packet n

A bundle, as of letters

pact n

A covenant

pagan n

A worshiper of false gods

pageant n

A dramatic representation, especially a spectacular one

palate n

The roof of the mouth

palatial adj

Magnificent

paleontology n

The branch of biology that treats of ancient life and fossil organisms

palette n

A thin tablet, with a hole for the thumb, upon which artists lay their colors for painting

palinode n

A retraction

pall v

To make dull by satiety

palliate v

To cause to appear less guilty

pallid adj

Of a pale or wan appearance

palpable n

perceptible by feeling or touch

palsy n

Paralysis

paly adj

Lacking color or brilliancy

pamphlet n

A brief treatise or essay, usually on a subject of current interest

pamphleteer v

To compose or issue pamphlets, especially controversial ones

Pan-American adj

Including or pertaining to the whole of America, both North and South

panacea n

A remedy or medicine proposed for or professing to cure all diseases

pandemic adj

Affecting a whole people or all classes, as a disease

pandemonium n

A fiendish or riotous uproar

panegyric n

A formal and elaborate eulogy, written or spoken, of a person or of an act

panel n

A rectangular piece set in or as in a frame

panic n

A sudden, unreasonable, overpowering fear

panoply n

A full set of armor

panorama n

A series of large pictures representing a continuous scene

pantheism n

The worship of nature for itself or its beauty

Pantheon n

A circular temple at Rome with a fine Corinthian portico and a great domed roof

pantomime n

Sign-language

pantoscope n

A very wide-angled photographic lens

papacy n

The official head of the Roman Catholic Church

papyrus n

The writing-paper of the ancient Egyptians, and later of the Romans

parable n

A brief narrative founded on real scenes or events usually with a moral

paradox n

A statement or doctrine seemingly in contradiction to the received belief

paragon n

A model of excellence

parallel v

To cause to correspond or lie in the same direction and equidistant in all parts

parallelism n

Essential likeness

paralysis n

Loss of the power of contractility in the voluntary or involuntary muscles

paralyze v

To deprive of the power to act

paramount adj

Supreme in authority

paramour n

One who is unlawfully and immorally a lover or a mistress

paraphernalia n

Miscellaneous articles of equipment or adornment

paraphrase v

Translate freely

pare v

To cut, shave, or remove (the outside) from anything

parentage n

The relation of parent to child, of the producer to the produced, or of cause to effect

Pariah n

A member of a degraded class; a social outcast

parish n

The ecclesiastical district in charge of a pastor

Parisian adj

Of or pertaining to the city of Paris

parity n

Equality, as of condition or rank

parlance n

Mode of speech

parley v

To converse in

parliament n

A legislative body

parlor n

A room for reception of callers or entertainment of guests

parody v

To render ludicrous by imitating the language of

paronymous adj

Derived from the same root or primitive word

paroxysm n

A sudden outburst of any kind of activity

parricide n

The murder of a parent

parse v

To describe, as a sentence, by separating it into its elements and describing each word

parsimonious adj

Unduly sparing in the use or expenditure of money

partible adj

Separable

participant n

One having a share or part

participate v

To receive or have a part or share of

partisan adj

Characterized by or exhibiting undue or unreasoning devotion to a party

partition n

That which separates anything into distinct parts

passible adj

Capable of feeling of suffering

passive adj

Unresponsive

pastoral adj

Having the spirit or sentiment of rural life

paternal adj

Fatherly

paternity n

Fatherhood

pathos n

The quality in any form of representation that rouses emotion or sympathy

patriarch n

The chief of a tribe or race who rules by paternal right

patrician adj

Of senatorial or noble rank

patronize v

To exercise an arrogant condescension toward

patter v

To mumble something over and over

paucity n

Fewness

pauper n

One without means of support

pauperism n

Dependence on charity

pavilion n

An open structure for temporary shelter

payee n

A person to whom money has been or is to be paid

peaceable adj

Tranquil

peaceful adj

Tranquil

peccable adj

Capable of sinning

peccadillo n

A small breach of propriety or principle

peccant adj

Guilty

pectoral adj

Pertaining to the breast or thorax

pecuniary adj

Consisting of money

pedagogics n

The science and art of teaching

pedagogue n

A schoolmaster

pedagogy n

The science and art of teaching

pedal n

A lever for the foot usually applied only to musical instruments, cycles, and other machines

pedant n

A scholar who makes needless and inopportune display of his learning

peddle v

To go about with a small stock of goods to sell

peddler n

One who travels from house to house with an assortment of goods for retail

pedestal n

A base or support as for a column, statue, or vase

pedestrian n

One who journeys on foot

pediatrics n

The department of medical science that relates to the treatment of diseases of childhood

peerage n

The nobility

peerless adj

Of unequaled excellence or worth

peevish adj

Petulant (irritable)

pellucid adj

Translucent

penalty n

The consequences that follow the transgression of natural or divine law

penance n

Punishment to which one voluntarily submits or subjects himself as an expression of penitence

penchant n

A bias in favor of something

pendant n

Anything that hangs from something else, either for ornament or for use

pendulous adj

Hanging, especially so as to swing by an attached end or part

pendulum n

A weight hung on a rod, serving by its oscillation to regulate the rate of a clock

penetrable adj

That may be pierced by physical, moral, or intellectual force

penetrate v

To enter or force a way into the interior parts of

penetration n

Discernment

peninsular adj

Pertaining to a piece of land almost surrounded by water

penitence n

Sorrow for sin with desire to amend and to atone

penitential adj

Pertaining to sorrow for sin with desire to amend and to atone

pennant n

A small flag

pension n

A periodical allowance to an individual on account of past service done by him/her

pentad n

The number five

pentagon n

A figure, especially, with five angles and five sides

pentagram n

A figure having five points or lobes

pentahedron n

A solid bounded by five plane faces

pentameter n

In prosody, a line of verse containing five units or feet

pentathlon n

The contest of five associated exercises in the great games and the same contestants

pentavalent adj

Quinqeuvalent

penultimate adj

A syllable or member of a series that is last but one

penurious adj

Excessively sparing in the use of money

penury n

Indigence

perambulate v

To walk about

perceive v

To have knowledge of, or receive impressions concerning, through the medium of the body senses

perceptible adj

Cognizable

perception n

Knowledge through the senses of the existence and properties of matter or the external world

percipience n

The act of perceiving

percipient n

One who or that which perceives

percolate v

To filter

percolator n

A filter

percussion n

The sharp striking of one body against another

peremptory adj

Precluding question or appeal

perennial adj

Continuing though the year or through many years

perfectible adj

Capable of being made perfect

perfidy n

Treachery

perforate v

To make a hole or holes through

perform v

To accomplish

perfumery n

The preparation of perfumes

perfunctory adj

Half-hearted

perhaps adv

Possibly

perigee n

The point in the orbit of the moon when it is nearest the earth

periodicity n

The habit or characteristic of recurrence at regular intervals

peripatetic adj

Walking about

perjure v

To swear falsely to

perjury n

A solemn assertion of a falsity

permanence n

A continuance in the same state, or without any change that destroys the essential form or nature

permanent adj

Durable

permeate v

To pervade

permissible adj

That may be allowed

permutation n

Reciprocal change, different ordering of same items

pernicious adj

Tending to kill or hurt

perpendicular adj

Straight up and down

perpetrator n

The doer of a wrong or a criminal act

perpetuate v

To preserve from extinction or oblivion

perquisite n

Any profit from service beyond the amount fixed as salary or wages

persecution n

Harsh or malignant oppression

perseverance n

A persistence in purpose and effort

persevere v

To continue striving in spite of discouragements

persiflage n

Banter

persist v

To continue steadfast against opposition

persistence n

A fixed adherence to a resolve, course of conduct, or the like

personage n

A man or woman as an individual, especially one of rank or high station

personal adj

Not general or public

personality n

The attributes, taken collectively, that make up the character and nature of an individual

personnel n

The force of persons collectively employed in some service

perspective n

The relative importance of facts or matters from any special point of view

perspicacious adj

Astute

perspicacity n

Acuteness or discernment

perspicuous adj

Lucid

perspiration n

Sweat

perspire v

To excrete through the pores of the skin

persuadable adj

capable of influencing to action by entreaty, statement, or anything that moves the feelings

persuade v

To win the mind of by argument, eloquence, evidence, or reflection

pertinacious adj

Persistent or unyielding

pertinacity n

Unyielding adherence

pertinent adj

Relevant

perturb v

To disturb greatly

perturbation n

Mental excitement or confusion

perusal n

The act of reading carefully or thoughtfully

pervade v

To pass or spread through every part

pervasion n

The state of spreading through every part

pervasive adj

Thoroughly penetrating or permeating

perverse adj

Unreasonable

perversion n

Diversion from the true meaning or proper purpose

perversity n

Wickedness

pervert n

One who has forsaken a doctrine regarded as true for one esteemed false

pervious adj

Admitting the entrance or passage of another substance

pestilence n

A raging epidemic

pestilent adj

Having a malign influence or effect

pestilential adj

having the nature of or breeding pestilence

peter v

To fail or lose power, efficiency, or value

petrify v

To convert into a substance of stony hardness and character

petulance n

The character or condition of being impatient, capricious or petulant

petulant adj

Displaying impatience

pharmacopoeia n

A book containing the formulas and methods of preparation of medicines for the use of druggists

pharmacy n

The art or business of compounding and dispensing medicines

phenomenal adj

Extraordinary or marvelous

phenomenon n

Any unusual occurrence

philander v

To play at courtship with a woman

philanthropic adj

Benevolent

philanthropist n

One who endeavors to help his fellow men

philanthropy n

Active humanitarianism

philately n

The study and collection of stamps

philharmonic adj

Fond of music

philogynist n

One who is fond of women

philologist n

An expert in linguistics

philology n

The study of language in connection with history and literature

philosophize v

To seek ultimate causes and principles

philosophy n

The general principles, laws, or causes that furnish the rational explanation of anything

phlegmatic adj

Not easily roused to feeling or action

phonetic adj

Representing articulate sounds or speech

phonic adj

Pertaining to the nature of sound

phonogram n

A graphic character symbolizing an articulate sound

phonology n

The science of human vocal sounds

phosphorescence n

The property of emitting light

photoelectric adj

Pertaining to the combined action of light and electricity

photometer n

Any instrument for measuring the intensity of light or comparing the intensity of two lights

photometry n

The art of measuring the intensity of light

physicist n

A specialist in the science that treats of the phenomena associated with matter and energy

physics n

The science that treats of the phenomena associated with matter and energy

physiocracy n

The doctrine that land and its products are the only true wealth

physiognomy n

The external appearance merely

physiography n

Description of nature

physiology n

The science of organic functions

physique n

The physical structure or organization of a person

picayune adj

Of small value

piccolo n

A small flute

piece n

A loose or separated part, as distinguished from the whole or the mass

piecemeal adv

Gradually

pillage n

Open robbery, as in war

pillory n

A wooden framework in which an offender is fastened to boards and is exposed to public scorn

pincers n

An instrument having two lever-handles and two jaws working on a pivot

pinchers n

An instrument having two jaws working on a pivot

pinnacle n

A high or topmost point, as a mountain-peak

pioneer n

One among the first to explore a country

pious adj

Religious

pique v

To excite a slight degree of anger in

piteous adj

Compassionate

pitiable adj

Contemptible

pitiful adj

Wretched

pitiless adj

Hard-hearted

pittance n

Any small portion or meager allowance

placate v

To bring from a state of angry or hostile feeling to one of patience or friendliness

placid adj

Serene

planisphere n

A polar projection of the heavens on a chart

plasticity n

The property of some substances through which the form of the mass can readily be changed

platitude n

A written or spoken statement that is flat, dull, or commonplace

plaudit n

An expression of applause

plausible adj

Seeming likely to be true, though open to doubt

playful adj

Frolicsome

playwright n

A maker of plays for the stage

plea n

An argument to obtain some desired action

pleasant adj

Agreeable

pleasurable adj

Affording gratification

plebeian adj

Common

pledgee n

The person to whom anything is pledged

pledgeor n

One who gives a pledge

plenary adj

Entire

plenipotentiary n

A person fully empowered to transact any business

plenitude n

Abundance

plenteous adj

Abundant

plumb n

A weight suspended by a line to test the verticality of something

plummet n

A piece of lead for making soundings, adjusting walls to the vertical

pluperfect adj

Expressing past time or action prior to some other past time or action

plural adj

Containing or consisting of more than one

plurality n

A majority

plutocracy n

A wealthy class in a political community who control the government by means of their money

pneumatic adj

Pertaining to or consisting of air or gas

poesy n

Poetry

poetaster n

An inferior poet

poetic adj

Pertaining to poetry

poetics n

The rules and principles of poetry

poignancy n

Severity or acuteness, especially of pain or grief

poignant adj

Severely painful or acute to the spirit

poise n

Equilibrium

polar adj

Pertaining to the poles of a sphere, especially of the earth

polemics n

The art of controversy or disputation

pollen n

The fine dust-like grains or powder formed within the anther of a flowering plant

pollute v

To contaminate

polyarchy n

Government by several or many persons of what- ever class

polycracy n

The rule of many

polygamy n

the fact or condition of having more than one wife or husband at once

polyglot adj

Speaking several tongues

polygon n

A figure having many angles

polyhedron n

A solid bounded by plane faces, especially by more than four

polysyllable adj

Having several syllables, especially more than three syllables

polytechnic adj

Pertaining to, embracing, or practicing many arts

polytheism n

The doctrine or belief that there are more gods than one

pommel v

To beat with something thick or bulky

pomposity n

The quality of being marked by an assumed stateliness and impressiveness of manner

pompous adj

Marked by an assumed stateliness and impressiveness of manner

ponder v

To meditate or reflect upon

ponderous adj

Unusually weighty or forcible

pontiff n

The Pope

populace n

The common people

populous adj

Containing many inhabitants, especially in proportion to the territory

portend v

To indicate as being about to happen, especially by previous signs

portent n

Anything that indicates what is to happen

portfolio n

A portable case for holding writing-materials, drawings, etc

posit v

To present in an orderly manner

position n

The manner in which a thing is placed

positive adj

Free from doubt or hesitation

posse n

A force of men

possess v

To own

possessor n

One who owns, enjoys, or controls anything, as property

possible adj

Being not beyond the reach of power natural, moral, or supernatural

postdate v

To make the date of any writing later than the real date

posterior n

The hinder part

postgraduate adj

Pertaining to studies that are pursued after receiving a degree

potency n

Power

potent adj

Physically powerful

potentate n

One possessed of great power or sway

potential n

Anything that may be possible

potion n

A dose of liquid medicine

powerless adj

Impotent

practicable adj

Feasible

prate v

To talk about vainly or foolishly

prattle v

To utter in simple or childish talk

preamble n

A statement introductory to and explanatory of what follows

precarious adj

Perilous

precaution n

A provision made in advance for some possible emergency or danger

precede v

To happen first

precedence n

Priority in place, time, or rank

precedent n

An instance that may serve as a guide or basis for a rule

precedential adj

Of the nature of an instance that may serve as a guide or basis for a rule

precession n

The act of going forward

precipice n

A high and very steep or approximately vertical cliff

precipitant adj

Moving onward quickly and heedlessly

precipitate v

To force forward prematurely

precise adj

Exact

precision n

Accuracy of limitation, definition, or adjustment

preclude v

To prevent

precocious adj

Having the mental faculties prematurely developed

precursor n

A forerunner or herald

predatory adj

Prone to pillaging

predecessor n

An incumbent of a given office previous to another

predicament n

A difficult, trying situation or plight

predicate v

To state as belonging to something

predict v

To foretell

prediction n

A prophecy

predominance n

Ascendancy or preponderance

predominant adj

Superior in power, influence, effectiveness, number, or degree

predominate v

To be chief in importance, quantity, or degree

preeminence n

Special eminence

preempt v

To secure the right of preference in the purchase of public land

preemption n

The right or act of purchasing before others

preengage v

To preoccupy

preestablish v

To settle or arrange beforehand

preexist v

To exist at a period or in a state earlier than something else

preexistence n

Existence antecedent to something

preface n

A brief explanation or address to the reader, at the beginning of a book

prefatory adj

Pertaining to a brief explanation to the reader at the beginning of a book

prefer v

To hold in higher estimation

preferable adj

More desirable than others

preference n

An object of favor or choice

preferential adj

Possessing, giving, or constituting preference or priority

preferment n

Preference

prefix v

To attach at the beginning

prehensible adj

Capable of being grasped

prehensile adj

Adapted for grasping or holding

prehension n

The act of laying hold of or grasping

prejudice n

A judgment or opinion formed without due examination of the facts

prelacy n

A system of church government

prelate n

One of a higher order of clergy having direct authority over other clergy

prelude n

An introductory or opening performance

premature adj

Coming too soon

premier adj

First in rank or position

premise n

A judgment as a conclusion

premonition n

Foreboding

preoccupation n

The state of having the mind, attention, or inclination preoccupied

preoccupy v

To fill the mind of a person to the exclusion of other subjects

preordain v

To foreordain

preparation n

An act or proceeding designed to bring about some event

preparatory adj

Having to do with what is preliminary

preponderant adj

Prevalent

preponderate v

To exceed in influence or power

prepossession n

A preconceived liking

preposterous adj

Utterly ridiculous or absurd

prerogative adj

Having superior rank or precedence

presage v

To foretell

prescience n

Knowledge of events before they take place

prescient adj

Foreknowing

prescript adj

Prescribed as a rule or model

prescriptible adj

Derived from authoritative direction

prescription n

An authoritative direction

presentient adj

Perceiving or feeling beforehand

presentiment n

Foreboding

presentment n

Semblance

preservation n

Conservation

presumption n

That which may be logically assumed to be true until disproved

presumptuous adj

Assuming too much

pretension n

A bold or presumptuous assertion

pretentious adj

Marked by pretense, conceit, or display

preternatural adj

Extraordinary

pretext n

A fictitious reason or motive

prevalence n

Frequency

prevalent adj

Of wide extent or frequent occurrence

prevaricate v

To use ambiguous or evasive language for the purpose of deceiving or diverting attention

prevention n

Thwarting

prickle v

To puncture slightly with fine, sharp points

priggish adj

Conceited

prim adj

Stiffly proper

prima adj

First

primer n

An elementary reading-book for children

primeval adj

Belonging to the first ages

primitive adj

Pertaining to the beginning or early times

principal adj

Most important

principality n

The territory of a reigning prince

principle n

A general truth or proposition

priory n

A monastic house

pristine adj

Primitive

privateer n

A vessel owned and officered by private persons, but carrying on maritime war

privilege n

A right or immunity not enjoyed by all, or that may be enjoyed only under special conditions

privity n

Knowledge shared with another or others regarding a private matter

privy adj

Participating with another or others in the knowledge of a secret transaction

probate adj

Relating to making proof, as of a will

probation n

Any proceeding designed to ascertain or test character, qualification, or the like

probe v

To search through and through

probity n

Virtue or integrity tested and confirmed

procedure n

A manner or method of acting

proceed v

To renew motion or action, as after rest or interruption

proclamation n

Any announcement made in a public manner

procrastinate v

To put off till tomorrow or till a future time

procrastination n

Delay

proctor n

An agent acting for another

prodigal n

One wasteful or extravagant, especially in the use of money or property

prodigious adj

Immense

prodigy n

A person or thing of very remarkable gifts or qualities

productive adj

Yielding in abundance

profession n

Any calling or occupation involving special mental or other special disciplines

professor n

A public teacher of the highest grade in a university or college

proffer v

To offer to another for acceptance

proficiency n

An advanced state of acquirement, as in some knowledge, art, or science

proficient adj

Possessing ample and ready knowledge or of skill in any art, science, or industry

profile n

An outline or contour

profiteer n

One who profits

profligacy n

Shameless viciousness

profligate adj

Abandoned to vice

profuse adj

Produced or displayed in overabundance

progeny n

Offspring

progression n

A moving forward or proceeding in course

prohibition n

A decree or an order forbidding something

prohibitionist n

One who favors the prohibition by law of the manufacture and sale of alcoholic beverages

prohibitory adj

Involving or equivalent to prohibition, especially of the sale of alcoholic beverages

projection n

A prominence

proletarian n

A person of the lowest or poorest class

prolific adj

Producing offspring or fruit

prolix adj

Verbose

prologue n

A prefatory statement or explanation to a poem, discourse, or performance

prolong v

To extend in time or duration

promenade v

To walk for amusement or exercise

prominence n

The quality of being noticeable or distinguished

prominent adj

Conspicuous in position, character, or importance

promiscuous adj

Brought together without order, distinction, or design (for sex)

promissory adj

Expressing an engagement to pay

promontory n

A high point of land extending outward from the coastline into the sea

promoter n

A furtherer, forwarder, or encourager

promulgate v

To proclaim

propaganda n

Any institution or systematic scheme for propagating a doctrine or system

propagate v

To spread abroad or from person to person

propel v

To drive or urge forward

propellant adj

Propelling

propeller n

One who or that which propels

prophecy n

Any prediction or foretelling

prophesy v

To predict or foretell, especially under divine inspiration and guidance

propitious adj

Kindly disposed

proportionate adj

Being in proportion

propriety n

Accordance with recognized usage, custom, or principles

propulsion n

A driving onward or forward

prosaic adj

Unimaginative

proscenium n

That part of the stage between the curtain and the orchestra

proscribe v

To reject, as a teaching or a practice, with condemnation or denunciation

proscription n

Any act of condemnation and rejection from favor and privilege

proselyte n

One who has been won over from one religious belief to another

prosody n

The science of poetical forms

prospector n

One who makes exploration, search, or examination, especially for minerals

prospectus n

A paper or pamphlet containing information of a proposed undertaking

prostrate adj

Lying prone, or with the head to the ground

protagonist n

A leader in any enterprise or contest

protection n

Preservation from harm, danger, annoyance, or any other evil

protective adj

Sheltering

protector n

A defender

protege n

One specially cared for and favored by another usually older person

Protestant n

A Christian who denies the authority of the Pope and holds the right of special judgment

protocol n

A declaration or memorandum of agreement less solemn and formal than a treaty

protomartyr n

The earliest victim in any cause

protoplasm n

The substance that forms the principal portion of an animal or vegetable cell

prototype n

A work, original in character, afterward imitated in form or spirit

protract v

To prolong

protrude v

To push out or thrust forth

protrusion n

The act of protruding

protuberance n

Something that swells out from a surrounding surface

protuberant adj

Bulging

protuberate v

To swell or bulge beyond the surrounding surface

proverb n

A brief, pithy saying, condensing in witty or striking form the wisdom of experience

provident adj

Anticipating and making ready for future wants or emergencies

providential adj

Effected by divine guidance

provincial adj

Uncultured in thought and manner

proviso n

A clause in a contract, will, etc., by which its operation is rendered conditional

provocation n

An action or mode of conduct that excites resentment

prowess n

Strength, skill, and intrepidity in battle

proximately adv

Immediately

proxy n

A person who is empowered by another to represent him or her in a given matter

prudence n

Caution

prudential adj

Proceeding or marked by caution

prudery n

An undue display of modesty or delicacy

prurient adj

Inclined to lascivious thoughts and desires

pseudapostle n

A pretended or false apostle

pseudonym n

A fictitious name, especially when assumed by a writer

pseudonymity n

The state or character of using a fictitious name

psychiatry n

The branch of medicine that relates to mental disease

psychic adj

Pertaining to the mind or soul

psychopathic adj

Morally irresponsible

psychotherapy n

The treatment of mental disease

pudgy adj

Small and fat

puerile adj

Childish

pugnacious adj

Quarrelsome

puissant adj

Possessing strength

pulmonary adj

Pertaining to the lungs

punctilious adj

Strictly observant of the rules or forms prescribed by law or custom

punctual adj

Observant and exact in points of time

pungency n

The quality of affecting the sense of smell

pungent adj

Affecting the sense of smell

punitive adj

Pertaining to punishment

pupilage n

The state or period of being a student

purgatory n

An intermediate state where souls are made fit for paradise or heaven by expiatory suffering

purl v

To cause to whirl, as in an eddy

purloin v

To steal

purport n

Intent

purveyor n

one who supplies

pusillanimous adj

Without spirit or bravery

putrescent adj

Undergoing decomposition of animal or vegetable matter accompanied by fetid odors

pyre n

A heap of combustibles arranged for burning a dead body

pyromania n

An insane propensity to set things on fire

pyrotechnic adj

Pertaining to fireworks or their manufacture

pyx n

A vessel or casket, usually of precious metal, in which the host is preserved

quackery n

Charlatanry

quadrate v

To divide into quarters

quadruple v

To multiply by four

qualification n

A requisite for an employment, position, right, or privilege

qualify v

To endow or furnish with requisite ability, character, knowledge, skill, or possessions

qualm n

A fit of nausea

quandary n

A puzzling predicament

quantity n

Magnitude

quarantine n

The enforced isolation of any person or place infected with contagious disease

quarrelsome adj

Irascible

quarter n

One of four equal parts into which anything is or may be divided

quarterly adj

Occurring or made at intervals of three months

quartet n

A composition for four voices or four instruments

quarto n

An eight-page newspaper of any size

quay n

A wharf or artificial landing-place on the shore of a harbor or projecting into it

querulous adj

Habitually complaining

query v

To make inquiry

queue n

A file of persons waiting in order of their arrival, as for admittance

quibble n

An utterly trivial distinction or objection

quiescence n

Quiet

quiescent adj

Being in a state of repose or inaction

quiet adj

Making no noise

quietus n

A silencing, suppressing, or ending

quintessence n

The most essential part of anything

quintet n

Musical composition arranged for five voices or instruments

quite adv

Fully

Quixotic adj

Chivalrous or romantic to a ridiculous or extravagant degree

rabid adj

Affected with rabies or hydrophobia

racy adj

Exciting or exhilarating to the mind

radiance n

Brilliant or sparkling luster

radiate v

To extend in all directions, as from a source or focus

radical n

One who holds extreme views or advocates extreme measures

radix n

That from or on which something is developed

raillery n

Good-humored satire

ramify v

To divide or subdivide into branches or subdivisions

ramose adj

Branch-like

rampant adj

Growing, climbing, or running without check or restraint

rampart n

A bulwark or construction to oppose assault or hostile entry

rancor n

Malice

rankle v

To produce irritation or festering

rapacious adj

Disposed to seize by violence or by unlawful or greedy methods

rapid adj

Having great speed

rapine n

The act of seizing and carrying off property by superior force, as in war

rapt adj

Enraptured

raptorial adj

Seizing and devouring living prey

ration v

To provide with a fixed allowance or portion, especially of food

rationalism n

The formation of opinions by relying upon reason alone, independently of authority

raucous adj

Harsh

ravage v

To lay waste by pillage, rapine, devouring, or other destructive methods

ravenous adj

Furiously voracious or hungry

ravine n

A deep gorge or hollow, especially one worn by a stream or flow of water

reaction n

Tendency towards a former, or opposite state of things, as after reform, revolution, or inflation

reactionary adj

Pertaining to, of the nature of, causing, or favoring reaction

readily adv

Without objection or reluctance

readjust v

To put in order after disarrangement

ready adj

In a state of preparedness for any given purpose or occasion

realism n

The principle and practice of depicting persons and scenes as they are believed really to exist

rearrange v

To arrange again or in a different order

reassure v

To give new confidence

rebellious adj

Insubordinate

rebuff n

A peremptory or unexpected rejection of advances or approaches

rebuild v

To build again or anew

rebut v

To oppose by argument or a sufficient answer

recapitulate v

To repeat again the principal points of

recapture v

To capture again

recede v

To move back or away

receivable adj

Capable of being or fit to be received - often money

receptive adj

Having the capacity, quality, or ability of receiving, as truths or impressions

recessive adj

Having a tendency to go back

recidivist n

A confirmed criminal

reciprocal adj

Mutually interchangeable or convertible

reciprocate v

To give and take mutually

reciprocity n

Equal mutual rights and benefits granted and enjoyed

recitation n

The act of reciting or repeating, especially in public and from memory

reck v

To have a care or thought for

reckless adj

Foolishly headless of danger

reclaim v

To demand or to obtain the return or restoration of

recline v

To cause to assume a leaning or recumbent attitude or position

recluse n

One who lives in retirement or seclusion

reclusory n

A hermitage

recognizance n

An acknowledgment entered into before a court with condition to do some particular act

recognize v

To recall the identity of (a person or thing)

recoil v

To start back as in dismay, loathing, or dread

recollect v

To recall the knowledge of

reconcilable adj

Capable of being adjusted or harmonized

reconnoiter v

To make a preliminary examination of for military, surveying, or geological purposes

reconsider v

To review with care, especially with a view to a reversal of previous action

reconstruct v

To rebuild

recourse n

Resort to or application for help in exigency or trouble

recover v

To regain

recreant n

A cowardly or faithless person

recreate v

To refresh after labor

recrudescence n

The state of becoming raw or sore again

recrudescent adj

Becoming raw or sore again

recruit v

To enlist men for military or naval service

rectify v

To correct

rectitude n

The quality of being upright in principles and conduct

recuperate v

To recover

recur v

To happen again or repeatedly, especially at regular intervals

recure v

To cure again

recurrent adj

Returning from time to time, especially at regular or stated intervals

redemption n

The recovery of what is mortgaged or pledged, by paying the debt

redolence n

Smelling sweet and agreeable

redolent adj

Smelling sweet and agreeable

redoubtable adj

Formidable

redound n

Rebound

redress v

To set right, as a wrong by compensation or the punishment of the wrong-doer

reducible adj

That may be reduced

redundance n

Excess

redundant adj

Constituting an excess

reestablish v

To restore

refer v

To direct or send for information or other purpose

referable adj

Ascribable

referee n

An umpire

referrer n

One who refers

refinery n

A place where some crude material, as sugar or petroleum, is purified

reflectible adj

Capable of being turned back

reflection n

The throwing off or back of light, heat, sound, or any form of energy that travels in waves

reflector n

A mirror, as of metal, for reflecting light, heat, or sound in a particular direction

reflexible adj

Capable of being reflected

reform n

Change for the better

reformer n

One who carries out a reform

refract v

To bend or turn from a direct course

refractory adj

Not amenable to control

refragable adj

Capable of being refuted

refringency n

Power to refract

refringent adj

Having the power to refract

refusal n

Denial of what is asked

refute v

To prove to be wrong

regale v

To give unusual pleasure

regalia n

The emblems of royalty

regality n

Royalty

regenerate v

To reproduce

regent n

One who is lawfully deputized to administer the government for the time being in the name of the ruler

regicide n

The killing of a king or sovereign

regime n

Particular conduct or administration of affairs

regimen n

A systematized order or course of living with reference to food, clothing and personal habits

regiment n

A body of soldiers

regress v

To return to a former place or condition

regretful adj

Feeling, expressive of, or full of regret

rehabilitate v

To restore to a former status, capacity, right rank, or privilege

reign v

To hold and exercise sovereign power

reimburse v

To pay back as an equivalent of what has been expended

rein n

A step attached to the bit for controlling a horse or other draft-animal

reinstate v

To restore to a former state, station, or authority

reiterate v

To say or do again and again

rejoin v

To reunite after separation

rejuvenate v

To restore to youth

rejuvenescence n

A renewal of youth

relapse v

To suffer a return of a disease after partial recovery

relegate v

To send off or consign, as to an obscure position or remote destination

relent v

To yield

relevant adj

Bearing upon the matter in hand

reliance n

Dependence

reliant adj

Having confidence

relinquish v

To give up using or having

reliquary n

A casket, coffer, or repository in which relics are kept

relish v

To like the taste or savor of

reluctance n

Unwillingness

reluctant adj

Unwilling

remembrance n

Recollection

reminiscence n

The calling to mind of incidents within the range of personal knowledge or experience

reminiscent adj

Pertaining to the recollection of matters of personal interest

remiss adj

Negligent

remission n

Temporary diminution of a disease

remodel v

Reconstruct

remonstrance n

Reproof

remonstrant adj

Having the character of a reproof

remonstrate v

To present a verbal or written protest to those who have power to right or prevent a wrong

remunerate v

To pay or pay for

remuneration n

Compensation

Renaissance n

The revival of letters, and then of art, which marks the transition from medieval to modern time

rendezvous n

A prearranged place of meeting

rendition n

Interpretation

renovate v

To restore after deterioration, as a building

renunciation n

An explicit disclaimer of a right or privilege

reorganize v

To change to a more satisfactory form of organization

reparable adj

Capable of repair

reparation n

The act of making amends, as for an injury, loss, or wrong

repartee n

A ready, witty, or apt reply

repeal v

To render of no further effect

repel v

To force or keep back in a manner, physically or mentally

repellent adj

Having power to force back in a manner, physically or mentally

repentance n

Sorrow for something done or left undone, with desire to make things right by undoing the wrong

repertory n

A place where things are stored or gathered together

repetition n

The act of repeating

repine v

To indulge in fretfulness and faultfinding

replenish v

To fill again, as something that has been emptied

replete adj

Full to the uttermost

replica n

A duplicate executed by the artist himself, and regarded, equally with the first, as an original

repository n

A place in which goods are stored

reprehend v

To find fault with

reprehensible adj

Censurable

reprehension n

Expression of blame

repress v

To keep under restraint or control

repressible adj

Able to be kept under restraint or control

reprieve v

To grant a respite from punishment to

reprimand v

To chide or rebuke for a fault

reprisal n

Any infliction or act by way of retaliation on an enemy

reprobate n

One abandoned to depravity and sin

reproduce v

To make a copy of

reproduction n

The process by which an animal or plant gives rise to another of its kind

reproof n

An expression of disapproval or blame personally addressed to one censured

repudiate v

To refuse to have anything to do with

repugnance n

Thorough dislike

repugnant adj

Offensive to taste and feeling

repulse n

The act of beating or driving back, as an attacking or advancing enemy

repulsive adj

Grossly offensive

repute v

To hold in general opinion

requiem n

A solemn mass sung for the repose of the souls of the dead

requisite adj

Necessary

requital n

Adequate return for good or ill

requite v

To repay either good or evil to, as to a person

rescind v

To make void, as an act, by the enacting authority or a superior authority

reseat v

To place in position of office again

resemblance n

Similarity in quality or form

resent v

To be indignant at, as an injury or insult

reservoir n

A receptacle where a quantity of some material, especially of a liquid or gas, may be kept

residue n

A remainder or surplus after a part has been separated or otherwise treated

resilience n

The power of springing back to a former position

resilient adj

Having the quality of springing back to a former position

resistance n

The exertion of opposite effort or effect

resistant adj

Offering or tending to produce resistance

resistive adj

Having or exercising the power of resistance

resistless adj

Powerless

resonance adj

Able to reinforce sound by sympathetic vibrations

resonance n

The quality of being able to reinforce sound by sympathetic vibrations

resonate v

To have or produce resonance

resource n

That which is restored to, relied upon, or made available for aid or support

respite n

Interval of rest

resplendent adj

Very bright

respondent adj

Answering

restitution n

Restoration of anything to the one to whom it properly belongs

resumption n

The act of taking back, or taking again

resurgent adj

Surging back or again

resurrection n

A return from death to life

resuscitate v

To restore from apparent death

retaliate v

To repay evil with a similar evil

retch v

To make an effort to vomit

reticence n

The quality of habitually keeping silent or being reserved in utterance

reticent adj

Habitually keeping silent or being reserved in utterance

retinue n

The body of persons who attend a person of importance in travel or public appearance

retort n

A retaliatory speech

retouch v

To modify the details of

retrace v

To follow backward or toward the place of beginning, as a track or marking

retract v

To recall or take back (something that one has said)

retrench v

To cut down or reduce in extent or quantity

retrieve v

To recover something by searching

retroactive adj

Operative on, affecting, or having reference to past events, transactions, responsibilities

retrograde v

To cause to deteriorate or to move backward

retrogression n

A going or moving backward or in a reverse direction

retrospect n

A view or contemplation of something past

retrospective adj

Looking back on the past

reunite v

To unite or join again, as after separation

revelation n

A disclosing, discovering, or making known of what was before secret, private, or unknown

revere v

To regard with worshipful veneration

reverent adj

Humble

reversion n

A return to or toward some former state or condition

revert v

To return, or turn or look back, as toward a former position or the like

revile v

To heap approach or abuse upon

revisal n

Revision

revise v

To examine for the correction of errors, or for the purpose of making changes

revocation n

Repeal

revoke v

To rescind

rhapsody n

Rapt or rapturous utterance

rhetoric n

The art of discourse

rhetorician n

A showy writer or speaker

ribald adj

Indulging in or manifesting coarse indecency or obscenity

riddance n

The act or ridding or delivering from something undesirable

ridicule n

Looks or acts expressing amused contempt

ridiculous adj

Laughable and contemptible

rife adj

Abundant

righteousness n

Rectitude

rightful adj

Conformed to a just claim according to established laws or usage

rigmarole n

Nonsense

rigor n

Inflexibility

rigorous adj

Uncompromising

ripplet n

A small ripple, as of water

risible adj

capable of exciting laughter

rivulet n

A small stream or brook

robust adj

Characterized by great strength or power of endurance

rondo n

A musical composition during which the first part or subject is repeated several times

rookery n

A place where crows congregate to breed

rotary adj

Turning around its axis, like a wheel, or so constructed as to turn thus

rotate v

To cause to turn on or as on its axis, as a wheel

rote n

Repetition of words or sounds as a means of learning them, with slight attention

rotund adj

Round from fullness or plumpness

rudimentary adj

Being in an initial, early, or incomplete stage of development

rue v

To regret extremely

ruffian adj

A lawless or recklessly brutal fellow

ruminant adj

Chewing the cud

ruminate v

To chew over again, as food previously swallowed and regurgitated

rupture v

To separate the parts of by violence

rustic adj

Characteristic of dwelling in the country

sacrifice v

To make an offering of to deity, especially by presenting on an altar

sacrificial adj

Offering or offered as an atonement for sin

sacrilege n

The act of violating or profaning anything sacred

sacrilegious adj

Impious

safeguard v

To protect

sagacious adj

Able to discern and distinguish with wise perception

salacious adj

Having strong sexual desires

salience n

The condition of standing out distinctly

salient adj

Standing out prominently

saline adj

Constituting or consisting of salt

salutary adj

Beneficial

salutation n

Any form of greeting, hailing, or welcome, whether by word or act

salutatory n

The opening oration at the commencement in American colleges

salvage n

Any act of saving property

salvo n

A salute given by firing all the guns, as at the funeral of an officer

sanctimonious adj

Making an ostentatious display or hypocritical pretense of holiness or piety

sanction v

To approve authoritatively

sanctity n

Holiness

sanguinary adj

Bloody

sanguine adj

Having the color of blood

sanguineous adj

Consisting of blood

sapid adj

Affecting the sense of taste

sapience n

Deep wisdom or knowledge

sapient adj

Possessing wisdom

sapiential adj

Possessing wisdom

saponaceous adj

Having the nature or quality of soap

sarcasm n

Cutting and reproachful language

sarcophagus n

A stone coffin or a chest-like tomb

sardonic adj

Scornfully or bitterly sarcastic

satiate v

To satisfy fully the appetite or desire of

satire n

The employment of sarcasm, irony, or keenness of wit in ridiculing vices

satiric adj

Resembling poetry, in which vice, incapacity ,or corruption is held up to ridicule

satirize v

To treat with sarcasm or derisive wit

satyr n

A very lascivious person

savage n

A wild and uncivilized human being

savor v

To perceive by taste or smell

scabbard n

The sheath of a sword or similar bladed weapon

scarcity n

Insufficiency of supply for needs or ordinary demands

scholarly adj

Characteristic of an erudite person

scholastic adj

Pertaining to education or schools

scintilla n

The faintest ray

scintillate v

To emit or send forth sparks or little flashes of light

scope n

A range of action or view

scoundrel n

A man without principle

scribble n

Hasty, careless writing

scribe n

One who writes or is skilled in writing

script n

Writing or handwriting of the ordinary cursive form

Scriptural adj

Pertaining to, contained in, or warranted by the Holy Scriptures

scruple n

Doubt or uncertainty regarding a question of moral right or duty

scrupulous adj

Cautious in action for fear of doing wrong

scurrilous adj

Grossly indecent or vulgar

scuttle v

To sink (a ship) by making holes in the bottom

scythe n

A long curved blade for mowing, reaping, etc

seance n

A meeting of spirituals for consulting spirits

sear v

To burn on the surface

sebaceous adj

Pertaining to or appearing like fat

secant adj

Cutting, especially into two parts

secede v

To withdraw from union or association, especially from a political or religious body

secession n

Voluntary withdrawal from fellowship, especially from political or religious bodies

seclude v

To place, keep, or withdraw from the companionship of others

seclusion n

Solitude

second-rate adj

Second in quality, size, rank, importance, etc

secondary adj

Less important or effective than that which is primary

secondly adv

In the second place in order or succession

secrecy n

Concealment

secretary n

One who attends to correspondence, keeps records, or does other writing for others

secretive adj

Having a tendency to conceal

sedate adj

Even-tempered

sedentary adj

Involving or requiring much sitting

sediment n

Matter that settles to the bottom of a liquid

sedition n

Conduct directed against public order and the tranquillity of the state

seditious adj

Promotive of conduct directed against public order and the tranquillity of the state

seduce v

To entice to surrender chastity

sedulous adj

Persevering in effort or endeavor

seer n

A prophet

seethe v

To be violently excited or agitated

seignior n

A title of honor or respectful address, equivalent to sir

seismograph n

An instrument for recording the phenomena of earthquakes

seize v

To catch or take hold of suddenly and forcibly

selective adj

Having the power of choice

self-respect n

Rational self-esteem

semblance n

Outward appearance

semiannual adj

Recurring at intervals of six months

semicircle n

A half-circle

semicivilized adj

Half-civilized

semiconscious adj

Partially conscious

seminar n

Any assemblage of pupils for real research in some specific study under a teacher

seminary n

A special school, as of theology or pedagogics

senile adj

Peculiar to or proceeding from the weakness or infirmity of old age

sensation n

A condition of mind resulting from spiritual or inherent feeling

sense n

The signification conveyed by some word, phrase, or action

sensibility n

Power to perceive or feel

sensitive adj

Easily affected by outside operations or influences

sensorium n

The sensory apparatus

sensual adj

Pertaining to the body or the physical senses

sensuous adj

Having a warm appreciation of the beautiful or of the refinements of luxury

sentence n

A related group of words containing a subject and a predicate and expressing a complete thought

sentience n

Capacity for sensation or sense-perception

sentient adj

Possessing the power of sense or sense-perception

sentinel n

Any guard or watch stationed for protection

separable adj

Capable of being disjoined or divided

separate v

To take apart

separatist n

A seceder

septennial adj

Recurring every seven years

sepulcher n

A burial-place

sequacious adj

Ready to be led

sequel n

That which follows in consequence of what has previously happened

sequence n

The order in which a number or persons, things, or events follow one another in space or time

sequent adj

Following in the order of time

sequester v

To cause to withdraw or retire, as from society or public life

sequestrate v

To confiscate

sergeant n

A non-commissioned military officer ranking next above a corporal

sergeant-at-arms n

An executive officer in legislative bodies who enforces the orders of the presiding officer

sergeant-major n

The highest non-commissioned officer in a regiment

service n

Any work done for the benefit of another

serviceable adj

Durable

servitude n

Slavery

severance n

Separation

severely adv

Extremely

sextet n

A band of six singers or players

sextuple adj

Multiplied by six

sheer adj

Absolute

shiftless adj

Wanting in resource, energy, or executive ability

shrewd adj

Characterized by skill at understanding and profiting by circumstances

shriek n

A sharp, shrill outcry or scream, caused by agony or terror

shrinkage n

A contraction of any material into less bulk or dimension

shrivel v

To draw or be drawn into wrinkles

shuffle n

A mixing or changing the order of things

sibilance n

A hissing sound

sibilant adj

Made with a hissing sound

sibilate v

To give a hissing sound to, as in pronouncing the letter s

sidelong adj

Inclining or tending to one side

sidereal adj

Pertaining to stars or constellations

siege n

A beleaguerment

significance n

Importance

significant adj

Important, especially as pointing something out

signification n

The meaning conveyed by language, actions, or signs

similar adj

Bearing resemblance to one another or to something else

simile n

A comparison which directs the mind to the representative object itself

similitude n

Similarity

simplify v

To make less complex or difficult

simulate v

Imitate

simultaneous adj

Occurring, done, or existing at the same time

sinecure n

Any position having emoluments with few or no duties

singe v

To burn slightly or superficially

sinister adj

Evil

sinuosity n

The quality of curving in and out

sinuous adj

Curving in and out

sinus n

An opening or cavity

siren n

A sea-nymph, described by Homer as dwelling between the island of Circe and Scylla

sirocco n

hot winds from Africa

sisterhood n

A body of sisters united by some bond of sympathy or by a religious vow

skeptic n

One who doubts any statements

skepticism n

The entertainment of doubt concerning something

skiff n

Usually, a small light boat propelled by oars

skirmish n

Desultory fighting between advanced detachments of two armies

sleight n

A trick or feat so deftly done that the manner of performance escapes observation

slight adj

Of a small importance or significance

slothful adj

Lazy

sluggard n

A person habitually lazy or idle

sociable adj

Inclined to seek company

socialism n

A theory of civil polity that aims to secure the reconstruction of society

socialist adj

One who advocates reconstruction of society by collective ownership of land and capital

sociology n

The philosophical study of society

Sol n

The sun

solace n

Comfort in grief, trouble, or calamity

solar adj

Pertaining to the sun

solder n

A fusible alloy used for joining metallic surfaces or margins

soldier n

A person engaged in military service

solecism n

Any violation of established rules or customs

solicitor n

One who represents a client in court of justice; an attorney

solicitude n

Uneasiness of mind occasioned by desire, anxiety, or fear

soliloquy n

A monologue

solstice n

The time of year when the sun is at its greatest declination

soluble adj

Capable of being dissolved, as in a fluid

solvent adj

Having sufficient funds to pay all debts

somber adj

Gloomy

somniferous adj

Tending to produce sleep

somnolence n

Oppressive drowsiness

somnolent adj

Sleepy

sonata n

An instrumental composition

sonnet n

A poem of fourteen decasyllabic or octosyllabiclines expressing two successive phrases

sonorous adj

Resonant

soothsayer n

One who claims to have supernatural insight or foresight

sophism n

A false argument understood to be such by the reasoner himself and intentionally used to deceive

sophistical adj

Fallacious

sophisticate v

To deprive of simplicity of mind or manner

sophistry n

Reasoning sound in appearance only, especially when designedly deceptive

sorcery n

Witchcraft

sordid adj

Of degraded character or nature

souvenir n

A token of remembrance

sparse adj

Thinly diffused

Spartan adj

Exceptionally brave; rigorously severe

spasmodic adj

Convulsive

specialize v

To assume an individual or specific character, or adopt a singular or special course

specialty n

An employment limited to one particular line of work

specie n

A coin or coins of gold, silver, copper, or other metal

species n

A classificatory group of animals or plants subordinate to a genus

specimen n

One of a class of persons or things regarded as representative of the class

specious adj

Plausible

spectator n

One who beholds or looks on

specter n

Apparition

spectrum n

An image formed by rays of light or other radiant energy

speculate v

To pursue inquiries and form conjectures

speculator n

One who makes an investment that involves a risk of loss, but also a chance of profit

sphericity n

The state or condition of being a sphere

spheroid n

A body having nearly the form of a sphere

spherometer n

An instrument for measuring curvature or radii of spherical surfaces

spinous adj

Having spines

spinster n

A woman who has never been married

spontaneous adj

Arising from inherent qualities or tendencies without external efficient cause

sprightly adj

Vivacious

spurious adj

Not genuine

squabble v

To quarrel

squalid adj

Having a dirty, mean, poverty-stricken appearance

squatter n

One who settles on land without permission or right

stagnant adj

Not flowing: said of water, as in a pool

stagnate v

To become dull or inert

stagnation n

The condition of not flowing or not changing

stagy adj

Having a theatrical manner

staid adj

Of a steady and sober character

stallion n

An uncastrated male horse, commonly one kept for breeding

stanchion n

A vertical bar, or a pair of bars, used to confine cattle in a stall

stanza n

A group of rimed lines, usually forming one of a series of similar divisions in a poem

statecraft n

The art of conducting state affairs

static adj

Pertaining to or designating bodies at rest or forces in equilibrium

statics n

The branch of mechanics that treats of the relations that subsist among forces in order

stationary adj

Not moving

statistician n

One who is skilled in collecting and tabulating numerical facts

statuesque adj

Having the grace, pose, or quietude of a statue

statuette n

A figurine

stature n

The natural height of an animal body

statute n

Any authoritatively declared rule, ordinance, decree, or law

stealth n

A concealed manner of acting

stellar adj

Pertaining to the stars

steppe n

One of the extensive plains in Russia and Siberia

sterling adj

Genuine

stifle v

To smother

stigma n

A mark of infamy or token of disgrace attaching to a person as the result of evil-doing

stiletto n

A small dagger

stimulant n

Anything that rouses to activity or to quickened action

stimulate v

To rouse to activity or to quickened action

stimulus n

Incentive

stingy adj

Cheap, unwilling to spend money

stipend n

A definite amount paid at stated periods in compensation for services or as an allowance

Stoicism n

The principles or the practice of the Stoics-being very even tempered in success and failure

stolid adj

Expressing no power of feeling or perceiving

strait n

A narrow passage of water connecting two larger bodies of water

stratagem n

Any clever trick or device for obtaining an advantage

stratum n

A natural or artificial layer, bed, or thickness of any substance or material

streamlet n

Rivulet

stringency n

Strictness

stringent adj

Rigid

stripling n

A mere youth

studious adj

Having or showing devotion to the acquisition of knowledge

stultify v

To give an appearance of foolishness to

stupendous adj

Of prodigious size, bulk, or degree

stupor n

Profound lethargy

suasion n

The act of persuading

suave adj

Smooth and pleasant in manner

subacid adj

Somewhat sharp or biting

subaquatic adj

Being, formed, or operating under water

subconscious adj

Being or occurring in the mind, but without attendant consciousness or conscious perception

subjacent adj

Situated directly underneath

subjection n

The act of bringing into a state of submission

subjugate v

To conquer

subliminal adj

Being beneath the threshold of consciousness

sublingual adj

Situated beneath the tongue

submarine adj

Existing, done, or operating beneath the surface of the sea

submerge v

To place or plunge under water

submergence n

The act of submerging

submersible adj

Capable of being put underwater

submersion n

The act of submerging

submission n

A yielding to the power or authority of another

submittal n

The act of submitting

subordinate adj

Belonging to an inferior order in a classification

subsequent adj

Following in time

subside v

To relapse into a state of repose and tranquillity

subsist v

To be maintained or sustained

subsistence n

Sustenance

substantive adj

Solid

subtend v

To extend opposite to

subterfuge n

Evasion

subterranean adj

Situated or occurring below the surface of the earth

subtle adj

Discriminating

subtrahend n

That which is to be subtracted

subversion n

An overthrow, as from the foundation

subvert v

To bring to ruin

succeed v

To accomplish what is attempted or intended

success n

A favorable or prosperous course or termination of anything attempted

successful adj

Having reached a high degree of worldly prosperity

successor n

One who or that which takes the place of a predecessor or preceding thing

succinct adj

Concise

succulent adj

Juicy

succumb v

To cease to resist

sufferance n

Toleration

sufficiency n

An ample or adequate supply

suffrage n

The right or privilege of voting

suffuse v

To cover or fill the surface of

suggestible adj

That can be suggested

suggestive adj

Stimulating to thought or reflection

summary n

An abstract

sumptuous adj

Rich and costly

superabundance n

An excessive amount

superadd v

To add in addition to what has been added

superannuate v

To become deteriorated or incapacitated by long service

superb adj

Sumptuously elegant

supercilious adj

Exhibiting haughty and careless contempt

superficial adj

Knowing and understanding only the ordinary and the obvious

superfluity n

That part of anything that is in excess of what is needed

superfluous adj

Being more than is needed

superheat v

To heat to excess

superintend v

To have the charge and direction of, especially of some work or movement

superintendence n

Direction and management

superintendent n

One who has the charge and direction of, especially of some work or movement

superlative n

That which is of the highest possible excellence or eminence

supernatural adj

Caused miraculously or by the immediate exercise of divine power

supernumerary adj

Superfluous

supersede v

To displace

supine adj

Lying on the back

supplant v

To take the place of

supple adj

Easily bent

supplementary adj

Being an addition to

supplicant n

One who asks humbly and earnestly

supplicate v

To beg

supposition n

Conjecture

suppress v

To prevent from being disclosed or punished

suppressible adj

Capable of being suppressed

suppression n

A forcible putting or keeping down

supramundane adj

Supernatural

surcharge n

An additional amount charged

surety n

Security for payment or performance

surfeit v

To feed to fullness or to satiety

surmise v

To conjecture

surmount v

To overcome by force of will

surreptitious adj

Clandestine

surrogate n

One who or that which is substituted for or appointed to act in place of another

surround v

To encircle

surveyor n

A land-measurer

susceptibility n

A specific capability of feeling or emotion

susceptible adj

Easily under a specified power or influence

suspense n

Uncertainty

suspension n

A hanging from a support

suspicious adj

Inclined to doubt or mistrust

sustenance n

Food

swarthy adj

Having a dark hue, especially a dark or sunburned complexion

Sybarite n

A luxurious person

sycophant n

A servile flatterer, especially of those in authority or influence

syllabic adj

Consisting of that which is uttered in a single vocal impulse

syllabication n

Division of words into that which is uttered in a single vocal impulse

syllable n

That which is uttered in a single vocal impulse

syllabus n

Outline of a subject, course, lecture, or treatise

sylph n

A slender, graceful young woman or girl

symmetrical adj

Well-balanced

symmetry n

Relative proportion and harmony

sympathetic adj

Having a fellow-feeling for or like feelings with another or others

sympathize v

To share the sentiments or mental states of another

symphonic adj

Characterized by a harmonious or agreeable mingling of sounds

symphonious adj

Marked by a harmonious or agreeable mingling of sounds

symphony n

A harmonious or agreeable mingling of sounds

synchronism n

Simultaneousness

syndicate n

An association of individuals united for the prosecution of some enterprise

synod n

An ecclesiastical council

synonym n

A word having the same or almost the same meaning as some other

synopsis n

A syllabus or summary

systematic adj

Methodical

tableau n

An arrangement of inanimate figures representing a scene from real life

tacit adj

Understood

taciturn adj

Disinclined to conversation

tack n

A small sharp-pointed nail

tact n

Fine or ready mental discernment shown in saying or doing the proper thing

tactician n

One who directs affairs with skill and shrewdness

tactics n

Any maneuvering or adroit management for effecting an object

tangency n

The state of touching

tangent adj

Touching

tangible adj

Perceptible by touch

tannery n

A place where leather is tanned

tantalize v

To tease

tantamount adj

Having equal or equivalent value, effect, or import

tapestry n

A fabric to which a pattern is applied with a needle, designed for ornamental hangings

tarnish v

To lessen or destroy the luster of in any way

taut adj

Stretched tight

taxation n

A levy, by government, of a fixed contribution

taxidermy n

The art or process of preserving dead animals or parts of them

technic adj

Technical

technicality n

Something peculiar to a particular art, trade, or the like

technique n

Manner of performance

technography n

The scientific description or study of human arts and industries in their historic development

technology n

The knowledge relating to industries and manufactures

teem v

To be full to overflowing

telepathy n

Thought-transference

telephony n

The art or process of communicating by telephone

telescope v

To drive together so that one slides into the another like the sections of a spy-glass

telltale adj

That gives warning or information

temerity n

Recklessness

temporal adj

Pertaining to or concerned with the affairs of the present life

temporary adj

Lasting for a short time only

temporize v

To pursue a policy of delay

tempt v

To offer to (somebody) an inducement to do wrong

tempter n

An allurer or enticer to evil

tenacious adj

Unyielding

tenant n

An occupant

tendency n

Direction or inclination, as toward some objector end

tenet n

Any opinion, principle, dogma, or doctrine that a person believes or maintains as true

tenor n

A settled course or manner of progress

tense adj

Strained to stiffness

tentative adj

Done as an experiment

tenure n

The term during which a thing is held

tercentenary adj

Pertaining to a period of 300 years

termagant adj

Violently abusive and quarrelsome

terminal adj

Pertaining to or creative of a boundary, limit

terminate v

To put an end or stop to

termination n

The act of ending or concluding

terminus n

The final point or goal

terrify v

To fill with extreme fear

territorial adj

Pertaining to the domain over which a sovereign state exercises jurisdiction

terse adj

Pithy

testament n

A will

testator n

The maker of a will

testimonial n

A formal token of regard, often presented in public

thearchy n

Government by a supreme deity

theism n

Belief in God

theocracy n

A government administered by ecclesiastics

theocrasy n

The mixed worship of polytheism

theologian n

A professor of divinity

theological adj

Based on or growing out of divine revelation

theology n

The branch of theological science that treats of God

theoretical adj

Directed toward knowledge for its own sake without respect to applications

theorist n

One given to speculating

theorize v

To speculate

thereabout adv

Near that number, quantity, degree, place, or time, approximately

therefor adv

For that or this

thermal adj

Of or pertaining to heat

thermoelectric adj

Denoting electricity produced by heat

thermoelectricity n

Electricity generated by differences of temperature,

thesis n

An essay or treatise on a particular subject

thoroughbred adj

Bred from the best or purest blood or stock

thoroughfare n

A public street or road

thrall n

One controlled by an appetite or a passion

tilth n

Cultivation

timbre n

The quality of a tone, as distinguished from intensity and pitch

timorous adj

Lacking courage

tincture n

A solution, usually alcoholic, of some principle used in medicine

tinge n

A faint trace of color

tipsy adj

Befuddled with drinks

tirade n

Harangue

tireless adj

Untiring

tiresome adj

Wearisome

Titanic adj

Of vast size or strength

toilsome adj

Laborious

tolerable adj

Moderately good

tolerance n

Forbearance in judging of the acts or opinions of others

tolerant adj

Indulgent

tolerate v

To passively permit or put up with

toleration n

A spirit of charitable leniency

topography n

The art of representing on a map the physical features of any locality or region with accuracy

torpor n

Apathy

torrid adj

Excessively hot

tortious adj

Wrongful

tortuous adj

Abounding in irregular bends or turns

torturous adj

Marked by extreme suffering

tractable adj

Easily led or controlled

trait n

A distinguishing feature or quality

trajectory n

The path described by a projectile moving under given forces

trammel n

An impediment

tranquil adj

Calm

tranquility n

Calmness

tranquilize v

To soothe

transact v

To do business

transalpine adj

Situated on the other side of the Alps

transatlantic adj

Situated beyond or on the other side of the Atlantic

transcend v

To surpass

transcendent adj

Surpassing

transcontinental adj

Extending or passing across a continent

transcribe v

To write over again (something already written)

transcript n

A copy made directly from an original

transfer v

To convey, remove, or cause to pass from one person or place to another

transferable adj

Capable of being conveyed from one person or place to another

transferee n

The person to whom a transfer is made

transference n

The act of conveying from one person or place to another

transferrer n

One who or that which conveys from one person or place to another

transfigure v

To give an exalted meaning or glorified appearance to

transfuse v

To pour or cause to pass, as a fluid, from one vessel to another

transfusible adj

Capable of being poured from one vessel to another

transfusion n

The act of pouring from one vessel to another

transgress v

To break a law

transience n

Something that is of short duration

transient n

One who or that which is only of temporary existence

transition n

Passage from one place, condition, or action to another

transitory adj

Existing for a short time only

translate v

To give the sense or equivalent of in another language or dialect

translator n

An interpreter

translucence n

The property or state of allowing the passage of light

translucent adj

Allowing the passage of light

transmissible adj

That may e sent through or across

transmission n

The act of sending through or across

transmit v

To send trough or across

transmute v

To change in nature, substance, or form

transparent adj

Easy to see through or understand

transpire v

To come to pass

transplant v

To remove and plant in another place

transposition n

The act of reversing the order or changing the place of

transverse adj

Lying or being across or in a crosswise direction

travail n

Hard or agonizing labor

travesty n

A grotesque imitation

treacherous adj

Perfidious

treachery n

Violation of allegiance, confidence, or plighted faith

treasonable adj

Of the nature of betrayal, treachery, or breech of allegiance

treatise n

An elaborate literary composition presenting a subject in all its parts

treble adj

Multiplied by three

trebly adv

Triply

tremendous adj

Awe-inspiring

tremor n

An involuntary trembling or shivering

tremulous adj

Characterized by quivering or unsteadiness

trenchant adj

Cutting deeply and quickly

trepidation n

Nervous uncertainty of feeling

trestle n

An open braced framework for supporting the horizontal stringers of a railway-bridge

triad n

A group of three persons of things

tribune n

Any champion of the rights and liberties of the people: often used as the name for a newspaper

trickery n

Artifice

tricolor adj

Of three colors

tricycle n

A three-wheeled vehicle

trident n

The three-pronged fork that was the emblem of Neptune

triennial adj

Taking place every third year

trimness n

Neatness

trinity n

A threefold personality existing in the one divine being or substance

trio n

Three things grouped or associated together

triple adj

Threefold

triplicate adj

Composed of or pertaining to three related things or parts

triplicity n

The state of being triple or threefold

tripod n

A three-legged stand, usually hinged near the top, for supporting some instrument

trisect v

To divide into three parts, especially into three equal parts

trite adj

Made commonplace by frequent repetition

triumvir n

One of three men united coordinately in public office or authority

trivial adj

Of little importance or value

troublesome adj

Burdensome

truculence n

Ferocity

truculent adj

Having the character or the spirit of a savage

truism n

A statement so plainly true as hardly to require statement or proof

truthful adj

Veracious

turgid adj

Swollen

turpitude n

Depravity

tutelage n

The act of training or the state of being under instruction

tutelar adj

Protective

tutorship n

The office of a guardian

twinge n

A darting momentary local pain

typical adj

Characteristic

typify v

To serve as a characteristic example of

typographical adj

Pertaining to typography or printing

typography n

The arrangement of composed type, or the appearance of printed matter

tyrannical adj

Despotic

tyranny n

Absolute power arbitrarily or unjustly administrated

tyro n

One slightly skilled in or acquainted with any trade or profession

ubiquitous adj

Being present everywhere

ulterior adj

Not so pertinent as something else to the matter spoken of

ultimate adj

Beyond which there is nothing else

ultimatum n

A final statement or proposal, as concerning terms or conditions

ultramontane adj

Beyond the mountains, especially beyond the Alps (that is, on their Italian side)

ultramundane adj

Pertaining to supernatural things or to another life

umbrage n

A sense of injury

unaccountable adj

Inexplicable

unaffected adj

Sincere

unanimity n

The state or quality of being of one mind

unanimous adj

Sharing the same views or sentiments

unavoidable adj

Inevitable

unbearable adj

Unendurable

unbecoming adj

Unsuited to the wearer, place, or surroundings

unbelief n

Doubt

unbiased adj

Impartial, as judgment

unbridled adj

Being without restraint

uncommon adj

Rare

unconscionable adj

Ridiculously or unjustly excessive

unconscious adj

Not cognizant of objects, actions, etc

unction n

The art of anointing as with oil

unctuous adj

Oily

undeceive v

To free from deception, as by apprising of the real state of affairs

undercharge v

To make an inadequate charge for

underexposed adj

Insufficiently exposed for proper or full development, as negatives in photography

undergarment n

A garment to be worn under the ordinary outer garments

underhanded adj

Clandestinely carried on

underlie v

To be the ground or support of

underling n

A subordinate

underman v

To equip with less than the full complement of men

undermine v

To subvert in an underhand way

underrate v

To undervalue

undersell v

To sell at a lower price than

undersized adj

Of less than the customary size

understate v

To fail to put strongly enough, as a case

undervalue v

To underestimate

underworld n

Hades

underwrite v

To issue or be party to the issue of a policy of insurance

undue adj

More than sufficient

undulate v

To move like a wave or in waves

undulous adj

Resembling waves

unfavorable adj

Adverse

ungainly adj

Clumsy

unguent n

Any ointment or lubricant for local application

unicellular adj

Consisting of a single cell

unify v

To cause to be one

unique adj

Being the only one of its kind

unison n

A condition of perfect agreement and accord

unisonant adj

Being in a condition of perfect agreement and accord

Unitarian adj

Pertaining to a religious body that rejects the doctrine of the Trinity

univalence n

Monovalency

unlawful adj

Illegal

unlimited adj

Unconstrained

unnatural adj

Artificial

unnecessary adj

Not essential under the circumstances

unsettle v

To put into confusion

unsophisticated adj

Showing inexperience

unspeakable adj

Abominable

untimely adj

Unseasonable

untoward adj

Causing annoyance or hindrance

unutterable adj

Inexpressible

unwieldy adj

Moved or managed with difficulty, as from great size or awkward shape

unwise adj

Foolish

unyoke v

To separate

up-keep n

Maintenance

upbraid v

To reproach as deserving blame

upcast n

A throwing upward

upheaval n

Overthrow or violent disturbance of established order or condition

upheave v

To raise or lift with effort

uppermost adj

First in order of precedence

uproarious adj

Noisy

uproot v

To eradicate

upturn v

To throw into confusion

urban adj

Of, or pertaining to, or like a city

urbanity n

Refined or elegant courtesy

urchin n

A roguish, mischievous boy

urgency n

The pressure of necessity

usage n

Treatment

usurious adj

Taking unlawful or exorbitant interest on money loaned

usurp v

To take possession of by force

usury n

The demanding for the use of money as a loan, a rate of interest beyond what is allowed by law

utilitarianism n

The ethical doctrine that actions are right because they are useful or of beneficial tendency

utility n

Fitness for some desirable practical purpose

utmost n

The greatest possible extent

vacate v

To leave

vaccinate v

To inoculate with vaccine virus or virus of cowpox

vacillate v

To waver

vacuous adj

Empty

vacuum n

A space entirely devoid of matter

vagabond n

A wanderer

vagrant n

An idle wanderer

vainglory n

Excessive, pretentious, and demonstrative vanity

vale n

Level or low land between hills

valediction n

A bidding farewell

valedictorian n

Student who delivers an address at graduating exercises of an educational institution

valedictory n

A parting address

valid adj

Founded on truth

valorous adj

Courageous

vapid adj

Having lost sparkling quality and flavor

vaporizer n

An atomizer

variable adj

Having a tendency to change

variance n

Change

variant n

A thing that differs from another in form only, being the same in essence or substance

variation n

Modification

variegate v

To mark with different shades or colors

vassal n

A slave or bondman

vaudeville n

A variety show

vegetal adj

Of or pertaining to plants

vegetate v

To live in a monotonous, passive way without exercise of the mental faculties

vegetation n

Plant-life in the aggregate

vegetative adj

Pertaining to the process of plant-life

vehement adj

Very eager or urgent

velocity n

Rapid motion

velvety adj

Marked by lightness and softness

venal adj

Mercenary, corrupt

vendible adj

Marketable

vendition n

The act of selling

vendor n

A seller

veneer n

Outside show or elegance

venerable adj

Meriting or commanding high esteem

venerate v

To cherish reverentially

venereal adj

Pertaining to or proceeding from sexual intercourse

venial adj

That may be pardoned or forgiven, a forgivable sin

venison n

The flesh of deer

venom n

The poisonous fluid that certain animals secrete

venous adj

Of, pertaining to, or contained or carried in a vein or veins

veracious adj

Habitually disposed to speak the truth

veracity n

Truthfulness

verbatim adv

Word for word

verbiage n

Use of many words without necessity

verbose adj

Wordy

verdant adj

Green with vegetation

verification n

The act of proving to be true, exact, or accurate

verify v

To prove to be true, exact, or accurate

verily adv

In truth

verity n

Truth

vermin n

A noxious or troublesome animal

vernal adj

Belonging to or suggestive of the spring

versatile adj

Having an aptitude for applying oneself to new and varied tasks or to various subjects

vertex n

Apex

vertical adj

Lying or directed perpendicularly to the horizon

vertigo n

Dizziness

vestige n

A visible trace, mark, or impression, of something absent, lost, or gone

vestment n

Clothing or covering

veto n

The constitutional right in a chief executive of refusing to approve an enactment

vicarious adj

Suffered or done in place of or for the sake of another

viceroy n

A ruler acting with royal authority in place of the sovereign in a colony or province

vicissitude n

A change, especially a complete change, of condition or circumstances, as of fortune

vie v

To contend

vigilance n

Alert and intent mental watchfulness in guarding against danger

vigilant adj

Being on the alert to discover and ward off danger or insure safety

vignette n

A picture having a background or that is shaded off gradually

vincible adj

Conquerable

vindicate v

To prove true, right, or real

vindicative adj

Revengeful

vindicatory adj

Punitive

vinery n

A greenhouse for grapes

viol n

A stringed instrument of the violin class

viola n

A musical instrument somewhat larger than a violin

violation n

Infringement

violator n

One who transgresses

virago n

A bold, impudent, turbulent woman

virile adj

Masculine

virtu n

Rare, curious, or beautiful quality

virtual adj

Being in essence or effect, but not in form or appearance

virtuoso n

A master in the technique of some particular fine art

virulence n

Extreme poisonousness

virulent adj

Exceedingly noxious or deleterious

visage n

The face, countenance, or look of a person

viscount n

In England, a title of nobility, ranking fourth in the order of British peerage

vista n

A view or prospect

visual adj

Perceptible by sight

visualize v

To give pictorial vividness to a mental representation

vitality n

The state or quality of being necessary to existence or continuance

vitalize v

To endow with life or energy

vitiate v

To contaminate

vituperable adj

Deserving of censure

vivacity n

Liveliness

vivify v

To endue with life

vivisection n

The dissection of a living animal

vocable n

a word, especially one regarded in relation merely to its qualities of sound

vocative adj

Of or pertaining to the act of calling

vociferance n

The quality of making a clamor

vociferate v

To utter with a loud and vehement voice

vociferous adj

Making a loud outcry

vogue n

The prevalent way or fashion

volant adj

Flying or able to fly

volatile adj

Changeable

volition n

An act or exercise of will

volitive adj

Exercising the will

voluble adj

Having great fluency in speaking

voluptuous adj

having fullness of beautiful form, as a woman, with or without sensuous or sensual quality

voracious adj

Eating with greediness or in very large quantities

vortex n

A mass of rotating or whirling fluid, especially when sucked spirally toward the center

votary adj

Consecrated by a vow or promise

votive adj

Dedicated by a vow

vulgarity n

Lack of refinement in conduct or speech

vulnerable adj

Capable of receiving injuries

waif n

A homeless, neglected wanderer

waistcoat n

A vest

waive v

To relinquish, especially temporarily, as a right or claim

wampum n

Beads strung on threads, formerly used among the American Indians as currency

wane v

To diminish in size and brilliancy

wantonness n

Recklessness

warlike adj

Belligerent

wavelet n

A ripple

weak-kneed adj

Without resolute purpose or energy

weal n

Well-being

wearisome adj

Fatiguing

wee adj

Very small

well-bred adj

Of good ancestry

well-doer n

A performer of moral and social duties

well-to-do adj

In prosperous circumstances

whereabouts n

The place in or near which a person or thing is

whereupon adv

After which

wherever adv

In or at whatever place

wherewith n

The necessary means or resources

whet v

To make more keen or eager

whimsical adj

Capricious

whine v

To utter with complaining tone

wholly adv

Completely

wield v

To use, control, or manage, as a weapon, or instrument, especially with full command

wile n

An act or a means of cunning deception

winsome adj

Attractive

wintry adj

Lacking warmth of manner

wiry adj

Thin, but tough and sinewy

witchcraft n

Sorcery

witless adj

Foolish, indiscreet, or silly

witling n

A person who has little understanding

witticism n

A witty, brilliant, or original saying or sentiment

wittingly adv

With knowledge and by design

wizen v

To become or cause to become withered or dry

wizen-faced adj

Having a shriveled face

working-man n

One who earns his bread by manual labor

workmanlike adj

Like or befitting a skilled workman

workmanship n

The art or skill of a workman

wrangle v

To maintain by noisy argument or dispute

wreak v

To inflict, as a revenge or punishment

wrest v

To pull or force away by or as by violent twisting or wringing

wretchedness n

Extreme misery or unhappiness

writhe v

To twist the body, face, or limbs or as in pain or distress

writing n

The act or art of tracing or inscribing on a surface letters or ideographs

wry adj

Deviating from that which is proper or right

yearling n

A young animal past its first year and not yet two years old

zealot n

One who espouses a cause or pursues an object in an immoderately partisan manner

zeitgeist n

The intellectual and moral tendencies that characterize any age or epoch

zenith n

The culminating-point of prosperity, influence, or greatness

zephyr n

Any soft, gentle wind

zodiac n

An imaginary belt encircling the heavens within which are the larger planets