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

GORGONZOLA

Terms

undefined, object
copy deck
ordinal
pertaining to order (of animals or position)
canker
something that corrodes, corrupts, or irritates
arcanum
a secret; a mystery
po-faced
having an overly serious demeanor or attitude; humorless
attrition
rubbing away by friction; gradual decrease in numbers or strength; wearing away through harassment
seemly
good-looking, proper
patina
a superficial layer
interstice
narrow space between things
affable
easily approachable; easy to talk to
ferret
drive or hunt out of hiding; expel
repartee
quick clever reply
moiety
half; one of the portions into which something is divided
remonstrate
object; protest
remit
to transmit (money) in payment; to refrain from exacting a fee or penalty
regent
a person who governs in place of a ruler who is ill, absent, or still a child
shoal
a place where a sea, river, or body of water is shallow
sinewy
tough; strong and firm; muscular
firebrand
piece of burning wood; hothead; person who stirs up trouble
quick
the vital or most important part; the tender, sensitive living flesh of the human body, esp. under the nails
factotum
handyman; person who does all kinds of work
arrogate
to claim for oneself without justification
flag
sag or droop
solstice
sun farthest
cavort
to walk or move in a spirited manner; prance
objurgate
the "criticize" word I learned from Kaplan
avulse
to separate, cut, or tear off
bamboozle
conceal one's true motives from especially by elaborately feigning good intentions so as to gain an end
macerate
soften by soaking in liquid; waste away
actuate
motivate, cause to act
blandishment
speech or action intended to coax someone into doing something
turpitude
depravity
tamp
tap or drive down by repeated light blows
adumbrate
foreshadow vaguely, intimate
mere
an expanse of standing water
glib
ready and fluent in speech but with an insincere and thoughtless manner
parvenu
upstart; newly rich person
paladin
a champion of a cause
reticulated
covered with a net-like pattern of lines
numismatics
coin collecting
perspicacious
acutely perceptive
blackguard
a scoundrel
cupidity
greed for wealth
modality
way of doing ****
ascetic
one who practices rigid self-denial
supervene
to ensue; to take place or occur as something additional or extraneous
belle
prove false
nugatory
worthless; futile
deprecation
belittlement
semimonthly
twice a month
protuberance
protrusion; swelling; bulge
minatory
like a monster
guile
deceit, trickery
sledge
large sled drawn by work animals
pantheon
a public building containing tombs or memorials of the illustrious dead of a nation; the gods of a particular mythology considered collectively
heterogeneous
originating outside of the body; composed of parts of different kinds; having widely dissimilar elements or constituents
supererogatory
superfluous; more than needed or demanded
shyster
lawyer using questionable methods
yore
time long past
matriculate
enroll (in a college or graduate school)
strophe
(in modern poetry) any separate section or extended movement in a poem, distinguished from a stanza in that it does not follow a regularly repeated pattern
watchword
a secret password; a word or phrase expressive of a principle or rule of action; slogan; a rallying cry; a cheer
cosset
to treat as a pet; pamper
touchstone
criterion, standard
vituperative
scathing, abusive
slake
quench; sate
mead
a meadow
prefigure
be a sign of; foreshadow
sinuous
twisting; winding; not morally honest
detente
a relaxing of tension, esp. between nations, as by negotiations or agreements
perfervid
marked by overwrought or exaggerated emotion; excessively fervent
asperity
sharpness; roughness; severity
surly
rude and bad tempered
insipid
without taste or flavour; lacking in spirit
suasion
the act of persuading
browbeat
bully; intimidate
carousal
drunken revel
dictum
authoritative and weighty statement (made by a judge); saying; maxim
prognosticate
predict (according to present indications)
laity
laymen; persons not connected with the clergy
occlude
block, obstruct
investiture
official ceremony conferring the authority of high office
ensconce
settle comfortably; place comfortably (in a secure place)
jejune
vapid, uninteresting; childish, puerile
refractory
stubbornly disobedient
collier
one that produces charcoal; a coal miner; a ship for transporting coal
brook
tolerate, endure
badinage
teasing conversation; banter; joking talk
palsied
paralyzed
parapet
a wall, rampart, or elevation of earth or stone to protect soldiers
conclave
private secret meeting
mercenary
working or serving for money; venal
cavil
find fault without good reason
imperious
domineering; too commanding; haughty
impious
irreverent
colloquy
informal discussion; conversation
parochial
confined or restricted as if within the borders of a parish : limited in range or scope
feckless
lacking strength of character
damask
a reversible fabric of linen, silk, cotton, or wool, woven with patterns
rancorous
long bitter, resentful
enjoin
command; order; forbid
refulgent
brilliant; brightly shining; gleaming
overweening
arrogant; presumptuous
empyrean
the highest heaven; (adj:) heavenly, celestial
aquifer
a water-bearing stratum of permeable rock, sand, or gravel
bathos
insincere or grossly sentimental pathos; an anticlimax
contumely
(n.) harsh language or treatment arising from haughtiness and contempt
involute
complex; intricate; curled or curved inward or spirally
barefaced
shameless, impudent
epiphenomenon
a secondary symptom or complication arising during the course of a disease
provender
dry food for livestock; fodder
metrical
written in the form of poetry
valence
the capacity of one person or thing to react with or affect another in some special way, as by attraction or the facilitation of a function
pratfall
a fall in which one lands on the arse; a humiliating blunder or defeat
lackadaisical
lacking purpose or effort; halfhearted; lazy; languid
amity
friendship; peaceful relations between nations
vertex
summit; highest point or top; apex
cant
insincere speech; speech used by a small group of people; an oblique surface
saturnine
dark; gloomy; sullen
docket
program as for a trial; list of things to be done
tonsorial
of or relating to a barber or the work of a barber
lubricious
lewd; also, slippery or smooth
councilor
member of an assembly called together for discussion
fortuitous
happening by accident or chance
mountebank
charlatan; boastful pretender
coup
highly successful action or sudden attack
improvident
thriftless; not providing for the future
collate
examine and compare in order to find differences; to assemble in proper numerical or logical sequence
sardonic
cynical; scornfully mocking
rubric
title or heading (in red print); directions for religious ceremony; protocol
fulsome
offensive from excess of praise
dishabille
the state of being negligently dressed
crabbed
peevish; difficult to read as handwriting
invective
a vehement or violent denunciation; an insulting or abusive word or expression
cloy
to weary or become distasteful through excess
sotto voce
spoken low or in an undertone
panoply
a large or impressive array
bravura
marked by an ostentatious display of skill
barrack
shout boisterously for or against a team; building in which troops are lodged
shunt
turn aside; divert; sidetrack
elegy
poem or song expressing lamentation
palmy
marked by prosperity
escarpment
a steep slope in front of a fortification
splenetic
bad-tempered, irritable
gaucherie
a socially awkward or tactless act
militia
army composed of ordinary citizens rather than professional soldiers
lubricious
showing too great an interest in sex (in an unpleasant way)
abdicate
resign and renounce one's powers
gall
to make sore by rubbing; chafe severely; to vex greatly
refract
pass through a material and change direction
alkali
anything that will neutralize an acid, as lime, magnesia, etc
prerogative
privilege; unquestionable right
stilted
bombastic; stiffly pompous
wangle
achieve by cleverness or trick; wiggle out; fake
estimable
admirable
atelier
a workshop; a studio
plenary
(of power) complete; full; fully attended by all qualified members
phantasmagoria
a shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined
scintilla
trace; minute amount
mettle
courage to continue bravely in a difficult situation
urchin
mischievous boy
diffident
reserved; shy; lacking confidence
riven
(adj.) split violently apart
spurious
false; forged
plucky
showing courage; brave
unequivocal
plain, clear, obvious
fleece
rob by a trick; swindle; plunder
fusillade
simultaneous firing or outburst (of missiles; questions, etc.)
sonorous
producing sound; producing a full, deep sound
truss
to tie; one of those triangley bridge structures
battlement
a parapet with open spaces that surmounts a wall and is used for defense or decoration
coffer
strongbox; large chest for money
dirge
a song sung at a burial or for a dead person
funk
to draw back as with fear or pain
tendinous
consisting of tendons; sinewy
autocracy
government in which one person possesses unlimited power
doughty
courageous, brave
cosset
to treat with excessive indulgence; to pamper
dabble
move noisily in a liquid
ravening
rapacious; seeking prey
otiose
ineffective; also, being at leisure; also, of no use
bellwether
a person or thing that shows the existence or direction of a trend; index
verisimilar
having the appearance of truth
enfranchise
set free; give the vote to
virago
an ill-tempered, overbearing woman; also, a woman of great strength and courage
seine
net
fiasco
total failure
admonish
to counsel against something; to scold
plangent
pounding, thundering, resounding
needle
goad; prod; tease
rapine
the act of plundering
punctilious
minutely attentive (perhaps too much so) to fine points; stressing niceties of conduct or form
penurious
penny-pinching, ungenerous
rapprochement
an establishment or reestablishment of harmonious relations
deliquesce
to melt and disappear
cabal
small group of people secretly united to promote their own interests
conduit
passageway for fluids
arcane
understood or known by only a few
awry
distorted; crooked; bent
supplicate
petition humbly; pray to grant a favor
exegesis
critical examination
littoral
on a coastal or shore region
stentorian
extremely loud and powerful
gall
to chafe; to vex or irritate greatly
motile
able to move spontaneously
bagatelle
a trifle; also, a short, light literary or musical piece
slag
waste matter; dross
corollary
natural consequence
comity
courtesy; civility
dither
to act irresolutely; vacillate
mien
demeanor; also, aspect; appearance
bedraggle
wet thoroughly
electorate
the body of qualified voters
wag
joker
unwonted
unaccustomed, unusual
provident
showing forethought; providing for future needs
disparate
fundamentally, entirely different
froward
intractable, not willing to yield or comply, stubborn
aplomb
poise; composure in difficult situations; assurance
exigent
urgent, pressing
coruscate
sparkle; flash
impeach
charge (a public official) with a crime while in office; raise doubts about
circumvent
outwit; baffle; avoid; get around
artifice
deception; trickery
equipoise
balance; balancing force
risible
causing laughter
frieze
ornamental horizontal band on a wall
quiescence
stillness, motionlessness
adjure
to swear, entreat, or request earnestly
arabesque
a complex, ornate design; (adj:) whimsical
repudiate
refuse to have anything to do with
clarion
loud, clear and rousing; a shrill, trumpet-like sound
metallurgy
science that deals with extracting metals from ores
congenital
of or pertaining to a condition present at birth, whether inherited or caused by the environment; having aby nature a specified character
sheaf
a bundle of things tied together
cronyism
the practice of favoring one's close friends, esp. in political appointments
recondition
repair
gauche
clumsy (in social behavior); coarse and uncouth
distrait
absentminded; distracted
consequential
self-important; significant; following as a result
cask
barrel for holding liquids
nexus
connection; connected series or group
billow
large wave; great swell or surge (of smoke)
woebegone
woeful; also, run-down
casuistry
false but clever argumentation
disclaim
disown; renounce claim to; deny
waggish
humourous, mischievous, tricky
distaff
the female branch of a family
meretricious
attracting by false show
tender
to proffer
countermand
cancel; revoke (an order)
suppurate
to form or discharge pus
redound
to have a consequence or effect
levity
an inappropriate lack of seriousness
syncopate
to place (the accents) on beats that are normally unaccented; to contract (a word) by omitting one or more sounds from the middle
iniquitous
wicked; immoral; unrighteous
crux
most vital or difficult part of a matter or an issue; the part of an issue requiring resolution
claque
a group of fawning admirers
patois
dialect spoken by the common people of a region and differing from the standard language of the country
tendencious
biased
table
remove from consideration
propitious
favorable; fortunate; of good omen
decry
express strong disapproval of; condemn openly
avatar
an incarnation in human form; an embodiment (as of a concept or philosophy) often in a person
fait accompli
an accomplished and presumably irreversible act
hedge
counterbalance a bet with other transactions to limit the risk
disaffected
disloyal; lacking loyalty
insensate
without feeling; lacking sense; foolish
autochthonous
indigenous; native
recriminate
to bring a countercharge against an accuser
pirate
corsair, freebooter, buccaneer
ecumenical
worldwide or general in extent, influence, or application; representing the whole Christian world; interreligious
idyll
short poem idealizing country life; simple, happy period of life (in the country)
apoplexy
stroke; loss of blood due to too much blood in the brain
enclave
territory enclosed within an alien land
disport
amuse; divert
heterodox
unorthodox
recumbent
leaning; lying down
inexorable
relentless; unyielding; implacable
rigmarole
a set of confused and meaningless statements; a long and complicated and confusing procedure
kidney
refulates amounts of stuff in the blood, filters wastes, and produces urine
scintillating
animated, vivacious; effervescent; witty; brilliantly clever
sophistry
seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning
vouchsafe
guarantee
fervent
greatly emotional or zealous
spry
nimble
troglodyte
one who lives in seclusion (like in a cave)
necromancy
art that professes to communicate with the spirits of the dead so as to predict the future
wheedle
cajole, coax, obtain by flattery
effluvium
noxious, harmful smell
plaudit
praise; enthusiastic approval; round of applause
discommode
to cause inconvenience to; trouble
gainsay
deny, dispute
sapphire
a blue gem
paramour
illicit lover
valetudinarian
a weak or sickly person
immanent
remaining within; inherent
pathogenic
causing disease
ineffable
indescribable in words
purlieu
a frequently visited place; haunt
precipitate
hasty, impulsive
flagon
a container for holding liquids, as for use at table, esp. one with a handle, a spout, and usually a cover
comity
friendly social atmosphere; social harmony
anamnesis
a recalling to mind
bedizen
dress or adorn in a gaudy manner
prima facie
at first view
succour
aid; help; relieve
brassy
brazen; bold; loud; noisy; clamorous
noisome
harmful; offensive; destructive
peon
landless agricultural worker; bonded servant
martinet
strict disciplinarian; one who demands total obedience to rules and orders
bodacious
thorough; blatant; unmistakable; bold and audacious; remarkable, outstanding
ad
toward
untoward
unexpected and adverse; unlucky
welter
to roll or tumble about in something; to become deeply involved
pied
multicoloured
poultice
soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body
ascetic
practicing self-denial; avoiding sensual pleasures and comforts
dirge
funeral hymn of mournful speech
flighty
(of a woman's behavior) fickle; often changing (from one lover to another)
pogrom
an organized massacre, especially of Jews
despoil
plunder; sack
grouse
to complain or grumble
adjudge
to award or bestow by formal decision
garret
an attic, usually a small, wretched one
equanimity
calmness of temperament; composure
travesty
gross or sucky parody
vitreous
of or pertaining to glass
nova
star that suddenly becomes much brighter then returns to its original brightness
descry
to catch sight of
mince
emphasize; speak too carefully
apotheosis
model of excellence
mummer
a masked or costumed merrymaker, especially at a festival
sub rosa
in strict confidence; secretly; privately
careen
lurch; stagger; sway from side to side
sacerdotal
of or like a priest
florid
ornate; flushed with rosy colour
diurnal
daily; occurring during the daytime
gambol
romp; skip about; leap about playfully
nonplussed
baffled, bewildered
harbinger
forerunner (which foreshadows what is to come)
anaerobic
living, active, occurring, or existing in the absence of free oxygen
ossify
become hardened and stuck in a conventional pattern
profuse
extravagant; abundant
stand
the growing trees in a particular area
pall
become boring; grow tiresome
animus
hostile feeling or intent
blazon
the official symbol of a group; to publish widely; proclaim
clout
great influence; hard blow with a fist
fey
possessing or displaying a strange and otherworldly aspect or quality
bandy
discuss lightly and glibly; exchange (words) heatedly
alloy
debase by mixing with something inferior
staid
serious and sedate; sober
megalomania
mania for doing grandiose things; mental disorder with delusions of wealth and importance
prelate
high-ranking clergyman, e.g. a bishop or an archbishop
predicate
to proclaim, declare, affirm, assert; to connote or imply; to base (one's actions on)
agog
eager and excited
arraign
charge in court; indict
apostate
one who abandons long-held convictions
tetchy
peevish; testy; irritable
endue
provide with some quality; endow
chisel
swindle or cheat
bon vivant
a person who enjoys the good things in life
flounder
move about clumsily, act with confusion
torpid
lethargic; sluggish
facile
expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively; fluent; silver; silver-tongued; smooth-spoken
pedagogue
a dull, formal, or pedantic teacher
flotilla
a fleet of ships; an indefinite large number
cog
tooth projecting from a wheel; unimportant part in a large enterprise
haberdashery
men's clothing; small wares or notions
dint
means; effort
sine qua non
an indispensable thing
susurrate
issue soft noises
franchise
right or privilege granted by authority; right to vote
quorum
minimum number of members necessary to conduct a meeting
actuarial
calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics
peremptory
leaving no opportunity for denial or refusal; imperative, imperious or dictatorial
scarify
make small cuts on (skin); break up and loosen the surface (of a road or field) with a pointed tool
avocation
secondary or minor occupation
hector
to bully or harass
apologia
a formal defense or justification
drone
male honeybee (who makes no honey); person who lives on the labour of others
etiolated
made feeble
tawdry
cheap and gaudy
labile
likely to change; unstable
unctuous
marked by a false or smug earnestness or agreeableness
abbess
the lady superior of a nunnery
amortize
reduce through periodic payments
lambent
playing on the surface; flickering.
askance
with a sideways or indirect look (with disapproval)
rostrum
raised platform for speech-making; pulpit
scuttlebutt
gossip; rumour
chevron
a sleeve badge that usually consists of one or more stripes that indicates the wearer's rank and service
escutcheon
ceremonial shield with a coat of arms
fusty
(of a room) having an unpleasant smell from being shut up for a long time
whimsy
tendency to behave amusingly strangely
ensign
flag; badge
salacious
bawdy; lustful
claptrap
pretentious but insincere or empty language; any artifice or expedient for winning applause or impressing the public
rapacious
greedy, esp for money; grasping
fetid
malodorous; foul
felicity
happiness; appropriateness (of a remark, etc.)
outre
violating convention or propriety
extirpate
root up; uproot; destroy completely
analgesic
causing insensitivity to pain
odium
general or widespread hatred or disgust felt towards a person or his actions
suborn
to induce someone to do something bad
sleeper
one that achieves unexpected success
fatuous
smugly and unconsciously foolish; inane; silly
decrepit
weakened by old age; feeble
vegetate
live in a monotonous way (without interests or activity)
titular
of a title; in name only
excrescence
something growing out from something else; also, a disfiguring or unwanted part
ambulatory
walking; able to walk
ataxia
loss of coordination of the mmuscles
writ
written order
billet-doux
love letter
verbiage
excessive and pompous array of words
quidnunc
a gossip; a busybody
plethora
an excess
forensic
suitable to debate or courts of law
austere
severe or stern in appearance; undecorated
inchoate
not fully formed; disorderly
adjuration
solemn urging
pedantic
overly concerned with trivial details of learning
ancillary
serving as an aid or accessory
parley
conference (between opponents)
doggo
in hiding
prodigal
lavish, wasteful
jingoist
extremely aggressive and warlike patriot
filament
a very fine thread or threadlike structure
discomfit
disconcert; thwart
timbre
distinctive quality of sound produced by an instrument or voice
adduce
to offer as an example, reason, or proof in a discussion or analysis
repast
mealtime
abstemious
sparing in eating or drinking
corpuscle
any of the red or white cells in the blood; any minute particle
spartan
(of conditions) simple and harsh; highly self-disciplined
beleager
besiege or attack (with an army); beset; harass
turncoat
traitor
trope
figurative use of a word
hardscrabble
barren, marginal; also, marked by poverty
obfuscate
cause confusion; make needlessly complex
vassal
subordinate or dependent
organ
a grouping of tissues into a distinct structure that performs a specialized task
jocose
given to joking (jocUND = merry)
discountenance
refusal to approve of something
orthography
(study or system of) spelling
condign
adequate (of punishment); severe and well deserved
phalanx
group of men packed together (for attack or defense)
jurisprudence
the science of law
throttle
seize by the throat and strangle
alternately
in turns
bromide
a platitude or trite saying; a person who is platitudinous and boring
cipher
nonentity; worthless person or thing; secret code
gamine
a neglected street girl; a diminutive or very slender girl, esp. one who is pert, impudent, or playfully mischievous
trumpery
something decorative or attractive but with very little use
impassive
revealing no emotion
incidental
not essential; minor
paregoric
a tincture of opium used chiefly to stop diarrhea in children.; any soothing medicine; anodyne
remunerative
(of work) compensating; rewarding; profitable; well-paid
kvetch
to complain habitually
augur
to divine or predict, as from omens; prognosticate; to serve as an omen; foreshadow
serried
(of people) pressed together or compacted
sinecure
well-paid position with little responsibility
score
mark with lines or notches
blithe
without appropriate thought
plenipotentiary
invested with full power
hamstring
to make ineffective or powerless; cripple
reactionary
extremely conservative; far-right
sluggard
lazy person
soliloquy
monologue; long speech manipulating a conversation
comport
conduct oneself in the specified way; behave
manumit
emancipate; free from slavery or bondage
unguent
ointment
polity
(particular form of) political organization; form of government of nation or state
remand
to send back (a case) to a lower court from which it was appealed, o send back (a prisoner or accused person) into custody
lucubrate
write or study laboriously
argot
slang; speech spoken by only a small group of people
tawny
brownish yellow
philistine
a smug ignorant person; one who lacks knowledge
bivouac
temporary encampment
bulwark
strong wall built for defense
viscid
sticky; gooey
nicety
precision; accuracy; minute distinction or difference
augury
an omen, token, or indication
parry
ward off a blow; deflect
punk
dry, decayed wood that can be used as tinder; spunk
roseate
rosy; optimistic
fustian
pompous or pretentious language
sectarian
of a sect; narrow-minded; parochial
belabor
harp on; assail verbally; beat severely
fresco
painting on wet plaster
bilge
foolish talk or worthless ideas
metier
an occupation, especially in which one excels
contusion
bruise
desuetude
cessation of use; disuse
environ
enclose; surround
civic
of the city; of citizenship
raffish
marked by or suggestive of flashy vulgarity or crudeness
bluster
blow in heavy gusts; threaten emptily
alluvial
of soil deposits left by running water
nice
exacting, fastidious, extremely precise
recusant
refusing to obey official rules/official religious beliefs
frowzy
dirty and untidy; slovenly; ill-smelling; musty
dour
sullen; gloomy; stubborn
dapple
a small contrasting blotch; also, to mark with spots
pathological
pertaining to disease
incontinent
lacking self-restraint; licentious
recrudesce
(of a sore, disease, etc.) renew activity, break out again
decorum
appropriateness of behaviour or conduct
dignitary
person with a high rank or position
fraught
filled (with something unpleasant); full
harry
harass; annoy; torment by repeated attacks; raid
factious
inclined to form factions; causing dissention
antipathy
aversion; dislike or opposition
inamorata
woman whom a man loves
wassail
an expression of good wishes on a festive occasion, especially in drinking to some one
overblown
inflated; exaggerated
balky
refusing or likely to refuse to proceed, act, or function as directed or expected
voluble
fluent
bailiwick
a person's specific area of knowledge, authority, interest, skill, or work
liver
secretes bile (a liquid that aids in digestion)
backset
setback
irascible
easily angered
abstruse
hard to understand
facetious
playful, humourous
apocrypha
writings or statements of dubious authenticity
solecism
a grammatical mistake; an incorrect use of language
orotund
full and strong in sound; pompous
catalepsy
a physical condition characterized by suspension of sensation, muscular rigidity, fixity of posture, and often by loss of contact with environment
chiromancy
palmistry
catholic
(of likings and interests) universal; broad
whet
to sharpen by grinding; to make keen and eager; stimulate
niggle
spend too much time on minor points (especially when finding fault)
sententious
moralizing
comestible
something fit to be eaten
vendetta
blood feud; an often prolonged series of retaliatory, vengeful, or hostile acts or exchange of such acts
tessellated
mosaic, inlaid
languor
lack of physical or spiritual energy; lassitude; depression
decollete
having a low-cut neckline
insuperable
incapable of being surmounted, overcome, passed over, or solved
panache
flair; manner of doing things without difficulty (causing admiration); flamboyance
peroration
conclusion of a speech; flowery, rhetorical speech
incogitant
thoughtless; inconsiderate
trencherman
a person who eats a lot
germane
relevant to the subject at hand
plinth
a square base or a lower block, as of a pedestal
mercantile
concerning trade or merchants
tablet
slab or panel with words cut or written on it, esp one fixed to a wall as a memorial
gerrymander
change voting district lines in order to favour a political party
chimerical
fantastically improbably; highly unrealistic
mordant
bitingly sarcastic; stinging; cutting; incisive
sop
a conciliatory or propitiatory bribe, gift, or gesture
tribulation
suffering; ordeal; distress
synoptic
presenting or taking the same point of view
sylvan
pertaining to the woods or the country
sybarite
lover of luxury; person devoted to pleasure and luxury
demesne
the legal possession of land as one's own
bugaboo
bugbear; object of baseless terror
lexicographer
compiler of a dictionary
subterfuge
a deceptive device or stratagem
inchoate
not fully formed
career
to run or move rapidly along; go at full speed
scurvy
contemptible, despicable
temerity
rashness, recklessness
multivalent
having various meanings
agonist
a person engaged in a contest, conflict, struggle, etc., esp. the protagonist in a literary work; a person who is torn by inner conflict
profligate
wasteful (of money); dissipated; wildly immoral; dissolute
ascendancy
controlling influence
dispassionate
unbiased
consternation
great shock; dismay (not confusion)
bilious
suffering from indigestion; easily irritated
temporize
gain time by postponing an action; avoid committing oneself
fiduciary
relating to the holding of something in trust for another
turret
a little tower; specifically: an ornamental structure at an angle of a larger structure
factitious
artificial; produced artificially; sham
parsimonious
cheap, miserly
fractious
unruly; peevish; cranky
equable
free from variations; uniform
polarity
state of having two opposite qualities
mendacious
untruthful
valedictory
pertaining to farewell
temporal
of this earth; of this world
dilatory
intended to delay
culvert
artificial channel for water (passing under a road)
diminution
lessening in size; shrinking
goldbrick
to shirk duty or responsibility
keystone
something on which associated things depend for support
foible
small weakness of character; slight fault
retrograde
moving backwards
votary
a sworn adherent; a devoted admirer
farrago
an assortment; a medley
retrench
cut down; cut down expenses; economize
catcall
shout of disapproval or displeasure (as at a sports match)
gelid
extremely cold; icy
rebarbative
causing annoyance or irritation
perspicuity
clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity
tarry
linger
garner
to gather and store
junta
group of military officers ruling a country after seizing power
impeccable
not capable of sin
meridian
highest point reached by the sun; highest point
dialectical
relating to the art of debate; mutual or reciprocal
spume
foam; light white air-filled mass on the top of a liquid
vaunt
to speak vaingloriously of; boast of; (n.) extravagant self-praise
auberge
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers; inn; lodge
deprecatory
expressing disapproval, protest, or depreciation; apologetic
myopic
nearsighted; lacking foresight
purview
range of operation, one's concern, knowledge; scope
stockade
fixed line of posts used as a defensive barrier
debacle
sudden disastrous downfall or defeat; complete disaster
implacable
not capable of being appeased or changed
millennium
hopeful period of happiness and prosperity
invidious
designed to create ill will or envy
rampart
defensive mound of earth
choler
anger
node
a knot, protuberance, or knob; a centering point of component parts
tensile
capable of being stretched
hackles
hairs on the back and neck (that rise)
lissome
moving or flexing with grace and ease
swarthy
(of a skin or complexion) dark; dusky
gage
place a bet on; stake
sap
excavate the earth beneath
parlance
particular way of speaking or use of words; phraseology
homespun
hand woven
aseptic
preventing infection; having a cleansing effect
humus
substance or rich soil formed by decaying vegetable matter
amatory
designed to excite love
internecine
mutually destructive; involving slaughter within a group
billingsgate
foul language
navigable
able to be steered; (of water) wide and deep enough to be passed through
fin de siecle
sophisticated; world-weary
plumb
exactly vertical
eulogy
speech in praise of someone
talisman
object giving supernatural powers to its bearer
hypostasis
fluid leavins; the essence of a person
peroration
the flowery conclusion of a speech
shoddy
made of inferior material; not genuine; dishonest
indite
write; compose
scaffold
temporary platform for workers
rheumatism
stiffness
sedition
conduct or language inciting rebellion
suture
stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision
opprobrium
public disgrace
perennial
recurrent all year
plume
to feel complacent satisfaction with (oneself); (of a bird) to preen
testator
maker of a will
obloquy
slander; disgrace; infamy
scotch
stamp out; thwart; hinder
sap
a fool or nitwit
winnow
separate the good parts from the bad
asperity
harshness; irritability
myrmidon
a loyal follower
protean
able to take on many forms; versatile
gainsay
deny; speak against
transfigure
to give an exalted meaning or glorified appearance to
impute
blame; credit, attribute
concameration
an arch or vault
coquette
girl or woman who flirts
lien
legal claim or right on a property
louche
of questionable taste or morality
philology
the study of language and words
racketeer
one who obtains money by an illegal enterprise usually involving intimidation
candescent
incandescent
cornucopia
an inexhaustable store
retiring
shy and reserved (of a person); modest
pinion
restrain and immobilize by binding the wings or legs; the wing of a bird
obdurate
unmoved by persuasion
ramble
a stroll; a promenade
imprecation
an invocation of evil; a curse
Promethean
boldly original
catechism
summary of the principles of a religion in the form of questions and answers; a similar book of instructions on another subject
marshal
put in order; guide ceremoniously to the correct place
juggernaut
overwhelming advancing force that crushed everything in its path
demagogue
person who appeals to people's prejudice
capillary
resembling a hair; fine and slender
insensible
numb; unconscious
assay
test; try
unexceptionable
entirely acceptable
vexillology
the study of flags
analgesia
the reduction of pain without the loss of consciousness
forensics
the art and study of formal debate
burlesque
give an imitation that ridicules; imitate mockingly
rubicund
having a healthy reddish color; ruddy; florid
rout
utter defeat
a posteriori
inductive; reasoning from observed facts
uncouth
boorish; clumsy in speech or behavior
poltroon
coward
caterwaul
to make a harsh cry or screech
disquisition
a formal discourse or treatise in which a subject is examined and discussed; dissertation
trammel
a hindrance or impediment to free action; restraint
mawkish
sentimental
skulduggery
dishonest behavior or action
coda
concluding section
stalwart
physically strong; brawny; steadfast
refectory
dining hall; room where meals are served (in a school)
cortege
a train of attendants : retinue; a procession; a funeral procession
demur
question or oppose
fission
splitting or division (esp. of cells)
repine
fret; complain; be annoyed
abrogate
to declare null and void
mealymouthed
avoiding the use of direct and plain language
discursive
digressing; rambling; marked by analytical reasoning; relating to discourse
horse
latitudes of calm
concourse
a place where crowds come together
fatalism
belief that events are determined by forces or fates beyond one's control
syncretism
the attempted reconciliation or union of different or opposing principles, practices, or parties, as in philosophy or religion
libido
all of the instinctual energies and desires that are derived from the id
foundling
a deserted or abandoned child
gull
trick; deceive; hoodwink
pied
multicoloured
patrimony
property inherited from a father
obstreperous
boisterous; noisy and uncontrollable
intrigue
make secret plans; plot; arouse the curiosity of
dally
treat without the necessary seriousness; procrastinate
intestate
not having made a will before death
jaundiced
affected with prejudice, envy, hostility, or bias
doctrinaire
(adj.) rigidly applying a theory with no concern for practical problems
missal
a book of prayers or devotions
sanctimonious
displaying ostentatious and hypocritical devoutness
mote
small particle, usu of dust; speck
epithet
word or phrase used to characterize a person or thing
scullion
a low or contemptible person
epicene
belonging to, or partaking of the characteristics of, both sexes; effeminate
ventral
of the abdomen
idiolect
the language or speech pattern of one individual at a particular period of life
worldling
a person devoted to the interests and pleasures of this world; a worldly person
tonsure
shaving of the head
cosset
pamper or treat with great indulgence
multifarious
numerous and varied; having many different parts
elf
a small lively creature; also: a usually lively mischievous or malicious person
obsequious
overly submissive and eager to please
addle
make or become confused; muddle; drive crazy
impetus
the act of applying force suddenly
patrician
person of high rank; aristocrat
chaffing
bantering; joking
sequela
a secondary consequence or result
adactylia
congenital absence of fingers and/or toes
dispose
to put in a particular order or place
pillory
punish by placing in a wooden frame; subject to criticism or ridicule
id
the part of the psyche, residing in the unconscious, that is the source of instinctive impulses
oligarchy
government by the privileged few
rebus
puzzle in which pictures or letters stand for words
importune
beg repeatedly; make requests (in an annoying way)
actuary
expert who calculates insurance risks and premiums
quail
lose courage
parity
equality; close resemblance
stodgy
dull; stuffy; boringly conservative
awl
pointed tool used for piercing
mannered
having an unnatural style of speaking, writing, etc; affected
fugacious
lasting but a short time
grandee
a man of elevated rank or station; a nobleman
craven
cowardly
posse
body or force armed with legal authority
impolitic
unwise; not expedient
treacle
molasses; contrived or unrestrained sentimentality
nonpareil
a person or thing having no equal
annals
a record of events in their chronological order, year by year
deprecate
deplore; protest against; belittle
thrall
bondage, slavery
skittish
inconstant; capricious; frivolous; not serious
scrabble
to scrape or scratch with the hands or feet
contretemps
something inopportune or embarrassing
caliber
ability; quality; diameter of the inside of a sphere
algorithm
a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem
recherche
exotic; rare; exquisitely refined
fallow
plowed but not sowed; uncultivated; not in use
germinal
creative
ferment
agitation; commotion; unrest
effulgent
shining brightly; brilliant
apostle
one who pioneers an important reform movement, cause, or belief; a passionate adherent; a strong supporter
didactic
intended to teach a moral lesson
meet
fitting, proper
lubricious
lewd, wanton, and salacious
go to seed
weaken; deteriorate
numinous
spiritual; holy
arcade
a covered passageway lined with shops
armistice
cease-fire; truce
unlettered
lacking facility in reading and writing and ignorant of the knowledge to be gained from books
fettle
a state of good health
torrid
hot and scorching; passionate
vitiate
corrupt; debase; make ineffective
milksop
a weak or ineffectual person
sleight
dexterity; quickness of the hands in doing tricks
headlong
hasty; rash; headfirst
metropolitan
pertaining to or constituting a mother country
cathect
to invest emotion or feeling in (an idea, object, or another person)
dingus
an ornamental attachment or decoration; doodad
squelch
produce a splashing sound (in mud); crush; squash
vet
subject to thorough appraisal; evaluate
stratagem
deceptive scheme; clever trick
cerebrate
use the mind; think
a priori
deductive; derived from reasoning
transpose
reverse the order or position of
moribund
dying; at the point of death
viand
food
execrate
denounce; loathe
mincing
affectedly dainty, nice, or elegant
edacious
devouring; voracious; consuming
draught
current of air; act of swallowing liquid
nomenclature
terminology; system of naming things
mausoleum
monumental tomb; large, stately tomb
galvanic
pertaining to a direct current of electricity; also, having the effect of an electric shock
belie
contradict; give a false impression; disguise
die
tool for imparting a desired shape
galumph
to move in a clumsy manner or with a heavy tread
pallet
small poor bed
contumacious
stubborn and disobedient
pastiche
a hodgepodge; a potpourri
interpolate
insert between
parlous
fraught with danger; hazardous
puckish
impish; whimsical
insouciant
carefree; unconcerned
natty
neat in appearance
mendicant
beggar
foofaraw
excessive or flashy ornamentation; also, a fuss over a trivial matter
immure
imprison
exiguous
small in amount; minute
pith
essence; important part
commodious
spacious and comfortable
slaver
slobber; drool
piebald
of different colours; mottled; spotted with different colours
cardinal
major, serious
peregrinate
to wander from place to place
cloying
distasteful (because excessive); excessively sweet or sentimental
chthonic
dwelling in or under the earth; also, pertaining to the underworld
baleful
evil; malignant; deadly; threatening; ominous
temporize
be indecisive or evasive to gain time
canny
shrewd in money matters; thrifty
toady
servile flatterer; yes man
sap
to enervate or weaken the vitality of
senescence
the state of being or growing old
persiflage
to provide with an incentive; move to action; impel
tocsin
(bell rung as a) warning signal
winsome
charming (in a childlike way); agreeable; gracious; engaging
gallivant
wander aimlessly
larder
pantry; place where food is kept
caliper
thickness or depth; instrument for measuring thickness, usually with legs
redact
edit
callow
youthful; immature; inexperienced
athwart
across; in opposition
verdant
inexperienced
waggle
move back and forth
miff
a trivial quarrel
vituperative
(of remarks) blistering, scalding, scathing
antediluvian
antiquated; extremely ancient
rara avis
a rare or unique person or thing
epicurean
believing that pleasure is good and suffering is bad and should be avoided
precipitate
cause or happen prematurely
eschew
avoid habitually
incur
bring upon oneself
plutocracy
society ruled by the wealthy
accretion
the growing of separate things into one
maven
one who is experienced or knowledgeable; expert
amok
in a state of rage
secession
formal withdrawal
abnegate
deny or renounce
kismet
fate; destiny
spectral
ghostly
mulct
defraud a person of something; swindle
rarefy
make or become thin; purify
cataract
great waterfall; eye abnormality
trepidation
tremulous fear
fester
rankle; produce irritation or resentment
nostrum
questionable medicine; quack medicine
annuity
yearly allowance
expatiate
talk at length; speak or write in detail
founder
sunk; fail; break down
credulous
too trusting
conservatory
school or fine arts; glass-enclosed area
notions
small articles, as buttons, thread, ribbon, and other personal items
cadre
a tightly-knit group of zealots active in advancing the interests of a revolutionary party
ponderous
heavy, massive; awkward, dull
pretention
claim (without foundation)
voluptuary
a person devoted to luxury and the gratification of sensual appetites
premonitory
serving to warn
matrix
point of origin; array of numbers; mold or die
weighted
adjusted to have a more representative value (like a vote)
friable
easily crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder
ingenuous
artless; frank and candid; lacking sophistication
impugn
attack as false or questionable; challenge; gainsay
quondam
former; sometime
incarnadine
blood red in colour
apiary
a place where bees are kept
acarpous
effete, no longer fertile, worn out
lathe
a machine for use in working wood, metal, etc., that holds the material and rotates it about a horizontal axis against a tool that shapes it
emetic
substance causing vomiting
gestalt
a configuration or pattern of elements so unified as a whole that it cannot be described merely as a sum of its part
populist
appealing to the common people; grass roots
cordon
extended line of men or fortifications
abjure
renounce; avoid
topography
a description or an analysis of a structured entity, showing the relations among its components
contemn
to treat or regard with disdain, scorn, or contempt
wry
(of a person's face, features, etc) twisted into an expression of disappointment, disgust or mockery
cozen
to deceive or induce to do something by artful coaxing
opalescent
iridescent; lustrous like an opal
axiomatic
taken as a given
allay
to satisfy (a thirst); to assuage
interdict
prohibit, forbid the use of, restrain a person from doing something
effrontery
extreme boldness; presumptuousness
incursion
temporary invasion
asseverate
aver, assert, allege
malinger
evade responsibility by pretending to be ill
apologue
a didactic narrative; a moral fable; an allegory
ab
away
missive
written message; letter
pablum
something (as writing or speech) that is trite, insipid, or simplistic
epistemology
the study of the nature of knowledge
infelicitous
unfortunate; inappropriate
fugacious
lasting a short time; evanescent
puissant
potent; wielding great power
larceny
the theft of property
wanton
unrestrained; willfully cruel; unchaste
jape
to jest
imponderable
weightless; unable to undergo precise evaluation
amulet
object worn and believed to protect against evil and bad luck
roister
to engage in noisy revelry; carouse
connivance
pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance
jur
swear
ravel
fall apart into tangles; untangle; unravel or untwist
igneous
produced by fire; volcanic
apprize
appraise
lean
producing little; barren
ichthyology
the study of fish
polymath
a person of great or varied learning
ellipsis
omission of words from a text
abjure
renounce or reject solemnly
emblazon
ornament richly
wizened
shriveled; withered
hull
husk; dry outer covering of a seed; frame of a ship
chafe
warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing
backslide
revert (to bad habits)
anneal
make tough by cooling slowly after heating
errant
wandering around; straying from proper morals
rasp
rub with something rough
bumptious
presumptuously, obtusely, and often noisily self-assertive; obtrusive
foray
raid; sudden military advance
anathema
solemn curse; someone or thing regarded as a curse
functionary
person with official duties
eclat
brilliant or conspicuous success
alcove
nook, recess
putative
supposed; reputed; generally regarded as such
stanch
stop or check the flow of blood
cavalier
a horseman; a gallant or chivalrous man; a gentleman
junket
trip taken for pleasure by a public official
purblind
having greatly reduced vision
pettifog
to bicker or quibble over trifles or unimportant matters; to practice chicanery
nosology
a classification or list of diseases
skulk
move furtively and secretly
vestibule
a passage, hall, or antechamber between the outer door and the interior parts of a house or building
harridan
a scolding, vicious woman
damp
to diminish the intensity of something
fop
a man who is vain about dress or appearance
extralegal
being beyond the province or authority of law
plaintive
expressing sorrow
bonhomie
good-natured easy friendliness
smolder
be liable to break out at any moment
dais
raised platform for speakers or other important people
achillean
invulnerable
largess
generous giving; also, gifts of money or other valuables
minutiae
petty or trivial details
bluff
good-naturedly direct, blunt, or frank; heartily outspoken; presenting a bold and nearly perpendicular front, as a coastline
assignation
an appointment for a meeting, esp. a lover's secret rendezvous
punctilio
a fine point of exactness in conduct, ceremony, or procedure
oblique
evasive, misleading, devious
impugn
to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon
elliptical
of or relating to deliberate obscurity (as of literary or conversational style)
bole
the stem or trunk of a tree
nucleate
to form into a nucleus; cluster
regale
to entertain, delight
fungible
(esp. of goods) being of such nature or kind as to be freely exchangeable or replaceable, in whole or in part, for another of like nature or kind
animadversion
critical remark
requiem
the Mass celebrated for the repose of the souls of the dead; a plainsong setting for this Mass
perfunctory
cursory; done without care or interest
cormorant
a gluttonous or greedy person
foist
insert improperly; impose upon another; pass off as genuine or worthy
cadaverous
like a corpse; pale
tutelary
protective; pertaining to guardianship
effete
having lost one's original power; worn out; exhausted
exscind
to cut out, cut away
bimonthly
every two months
defalcate
misuse money held in trust
temperament
characteristic frame of mind, disposition; emotional excess
husband
use sparingly; conserve; save
rankle
to cause anger, irritation, or deep bitterness
vise
tool with tightened jaws for holding work in place
tyro
a beginner
circumlocution
a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea
hallmark
any mark or special indication of genuineness, good quality, or purity
whimsical
full of odd and fanciful ideas
castigate
criticize, but *also* punish
accede
agree
sublimate
refine or purify; divert energy from its immediate goal
politic
prudent; judicious; well judged; expedient; well devised
ductile
malleable; pliable; easily influenced or controlled
pontifical
pertaining to the pope; pompous or pretentious
unassuming
not drawing attention to oneself or to one's merits or rank; modest
coxcomb
a vain, showy fellow
canard
unfounded false rumour
oneirism
absentminded dreaming while awake
scrappy
quarrelsome
canonical
following accepted standards
forswear
renounce under oath; make a solemn promise to give up
gambit
action made to produce a future advantage
foundry
an establishment for producing castings in molten metal
rout
(v.) to disperse in defeat
specious
deceptively attractive
collation
a light meal
gadabout
one who roams about in search of amusement
apogee
highest point
fetter
shackle; restrict the freedom of
ethereal
like a spirit or fairy; unearthly light; unusually refined
filial
pertaining to or befitting a son or daughter
uproarious
very noisy; hilarious
renegade
a deserter; a traitor
ordination
ceremony confirming a priest
manacle
restrain; handcuff
ersatz
being a substitute or imitation
whelm
to turn (as a dish or vessel) upside down usually to cover something : cover or engulf completely with usually disastrous effect
carping
faultfinding; petty criticism
cocker
treat with excessive indulgence; cosset; coddle; mollycoddle; spoil; indulge
concordat
formal agreement
trice
an instant; a moment
obtrude
intrude
palaver
idle talk; also, to talk idly
aberrant
deviating from the norm; incorrect
consonance
harmony; agreement
encomiastic
praising; eulogistic
supine
lying down; exhibiting indolent or apathetic inertia or passivity; especially: mentally or morally slack
preternatural
beyond of different from what is natural; inexplicable; extraordinary; abnormal
daub
smear; cover with something sticky
elysium
place or condition of bliss
captious
pointing out trivial faults
nebbish
a weak-willed, timid, or ineffectual person
euphony
sweet sound
bete noire
something or someone particularly detested or avoided
plurality
a majority
munificent
very generous in giving
parse
to resolve (as a sentence) into component parts of speech and describe them grammatically
acetic
vinegary
raillery
good natured joking; banter
traduce
violate; betray; expose to shame
epilogue
short speech at the conclusion of a dramatic work
restive
marked by impatience; fidgety
arrant
downright; thorough; unmitigated; notorious
lope
(of an animal) move easily and swiftly; gallop slowly
vulpine
like a fox; crafty
zenith
point directly overhead in sky; summit; acme
recondite
abstruse; not easily understood; profound; secret
mottled
marked with patches of different colours without a regular pattern
betimes
early; also, on occasion
imbue
saturate; soak thoroughly; fill (someone with feelings, ex.)
allotrope
one of two or more existing forms of an element
gaunt
lean and angular; emaciated; bony; barren
swarthy
of a dark color, complexion, or cast
camphor
a substance in medicine as a counter-irritant for infections and in the treatment of pain and itching
propitiate
appease, conciliate
consort
keep company
beset
harass or trouble from all directions
smattering
a slight or superficial understanding of a subject
abominate
loathe; hate
unprepossessing
unattractive
martinet
one who enforces strict discipline
swan song
a final or farewell appearance, action, or pronouncement
waylay
ambush
plane
carpenter's tool for smoothing and leveling wood
betoken
signify; indicate; be a sign of
dastard
a person who acts treacherously or underhandedly
atavism
reversion to an earlier type; throwback
arrogate
to claim unwarrantably or presumptuously; assume or appropriate to oneself without right; to attribute or assign to another; ascribe
flounder
struggle
supernal
heavenly
phlegmatic
sluggish; calm, unemotional
dross
waste matter; worthless impurities
emolument
salary; payment for an office
throes
pangs of pain or emotion
homily
a sermon; an admonitory or moralizing discourse; an inspirational saying or cliche
caucus
private meeting of a political party to select members or determine policy
pharisaical
self-righteous; hypocritical
riposte
a quick and witty reply, often unfriendly
fiat
command; arbitrary order
blowhard
talkative boaster
pine
yearn; lose vigour
rendition
a surrender
blackball
vote against (an applicant); ostracize
capitation
tax paid at the same amount for each person
abnegation
renunciation; self-sacrifice
pedant
someone who shows off learning
lodestar
guiding principle
jibe
agree; be in harmony with
indemnify
promise to compensate someone for any harm she may suffer
aporia
a difficulty encountered in establishing the theoretical truth of a proposition, created by the presence of evidence both for and against it.
concomitant
existing or happening together with something else
adventitious
accidental; casual
equivocate
use ambiguous language to deceive
militate
work against
cognoscente
a person with special knowledge
deference
respect; courtesy
copacetic
completely satisfactory
ponderable
appreciable; significant
ecclesiastic
pertaining to the church
mite
very small or modest contribution or offering
privation
lack of the basic necessities or comforts of life; hardship; want

Deck Info

1103

permalink