GRE 2000

copy deck

grandiloquent

using pompous words

acidify

v. To change into acid.

ferment

substance become excited

cornucopia

abundant supply

soot

black powder in smoke

fetid

stinking

impiety

lack of reverence or dutifulness

fervor

warmth of feelings earnestness

adherent

adj. Clinging or sticking fast.

burnish

to polish rub to a shine

disheveled

untidy

calipers

metal supports attached to the legs measuring instrument

armada

n. A fleet of war-vessels.

lull

become quiet or less active

acid

n. A sour substance.

Artesian

well n. A very deep bored well. water rises due to underground pressure

aerostatics

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

aviary

n. A spacious cage or enclosure in which live birds are kept.

palate

roof of the mouth sense of taste

palpability

can be felt touched understood

abjure

v. To recant, renounce, repudiate under oath.

dismal

sad gloomy miserable

provident

frugal looking to the future

overhaul

examine thoroughly to learn about the condition

amazon

n. tall strong athletic woman

quaff

drink deeply

desultory

aimless haphazard digressing at random

albeit

conj. Even though.

grovel

crawl humble oneself

adjunct

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

turquoise

greenish-blue precious stone

apiary

n. A place where bees are kept.

balk

obstacle purposely to get on the way of

elicit

draw out

epitome

brief summary representative example a typical model

manacle

chains for the hands or feet

condone

forgive

recuperate

become strong after illness loss exhaustion

imbroglio

complicated and embarrassing situation

slate

king of blue-grey stone propose criticize

dubious

feeling doubt

congeal

make or become stiff and solid

antiphony

n. An anthem or other composition sung responsively.

eddy

circular or spiral movement (e.g.. of wind)

airy

adj. having plenty of fresh air moving about; well-ventilated

malign

injurious speak ill of smb tell lie

aloft

adv. up in the air; overhead

accusation

n. A charge of crime, misdemeanor, or error.

allusion

n. ~ indirect reference

amicable

adj. Done in a friendly spirit.

aeronaut

n. One who navigates the air, a balloonist.

edible

fit to be eaten/not poisonous

apothecary

n. One who keeps drugs for sale and puts up prescriptions.

apparent

adj. clearly seen or understood; obvious

acumen

n. Quickness of intellectual insight, or discernment; keenness of discrimination.

address

n. details of where a person lives, works or can be found, and where letters, etc may be delivered

rift

split crack dissension

ally

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

aldermanship

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

apathy

n. Insensibility to emotion or passionate feeling.

burgeon

grow forth send out buds

ascendant

adj. Dominant.

anneal

v. make tough by cooling slowly after heating

arrant

adj. Notoriously bad.

requite

repay give in return

brazen

made of brass

epicurean

devoted to pleasure (sensuous enjoyment)

covert

disguised

commuter

person who travels regularly

scorch

become discolored/dry up/go at high speed

eradicate

get rid of pull up by the roots

ambitious

adj. Eagerly desirous and aspiring.

affirmation

n. affirming

amenable

adj. Willing and ready to submit.

disseminate

distribute (esp. ideas)

amalgamate

mix combine unite societies

matriculation

be admitted enter a university as a student

reverent

feeling or showing deep respect

inscrutable

incapable of being discovered or understood

castigate

to chastise correct by punishing

amenities

[ amenity: ] [often pl] a useful or pleasant facility or service

convoke

call together summon

baize

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

accoutre

equip

cumbersome

burdensome heavy and awkward to carry

aspire

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

simper

(give a) silly/self-conscious smile

antiseptic

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

impediment

something that hinders (e.g. stammer)

indulge

gratify give way to satisfy allow oneself

antiseptic

n. substance that prevents a wound, etc from becoming septic, esp by destroying bacteria

raffish

low vulgar base tawdry

extinct

no longer active

armory

n. An arsenal.

ostentation

display to obtain admiration or envy

perilous

dangerous

sumptuous

magnificent

abet

v. ~ sb (in sth) help or encourage sb to commit an offence or do sth wrong

dissemble

speak or behave so as to hide something (in mind)

antonym

n. A word directly opposed to another in meaning.

averse

adj. ~ to sth not liking sth; opposed to sth

deter

discourage hinder

irresolute

hesitating undecided

rivet

fix take up secure metal pin

batten

n. A narrow strip of wood.

combustion

process of burning

evoke

call up bring out

aspersion

slanderous remark

skiff

small boat

aptitude

n. ~ natural ability or skill

spurn

have nothing to do reject or refuse

preclude

prevent make impossible

rabble

mob crowd the lower classes of populace

gregarious

living in societies liking the company

alacrity

n. prompt and eager readiness

amenable

adj. ~ (of people) willing to be influenced or controlled (by sth)

augury

omen sign

colander

bowl-shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water

expurgate

to remove obscenity purify censor

analogous

adj. ~ partially similar or parallel; offering an analogy

contumacious

insubordinate rebellious

lackluster

(of eyes) dull

illicit

unlawful forbidden

abscond

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

assessor

n. An officer whose duty it is to assess taxes.

obsequious

too eager to obey or serve

trickle

flow in drops

affront

n. An open insult or indignity.

conviction

convincing firm belief

imperviousness

haughty arrogant commanding

apostate

n. person who renounces his former beliefs, etc

absorb

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

fidelity

loyalty accuracy

introspection

examining one's own thoughts and feelings

duplicity

deliberate deception

extort

obtain by threats violence

accrue

v. ~ (from sth) come as a natural increase or advantage, esp financial; accumulate

amok

adv. run amok rush about in a wild and angry frenzy

acknowledge

v. accept the truth of admit (sth)

trifling

unimportant

abrogate

repeal or annul by authority

aggress

v. To make the first attack.

supine

lying on the back slow to act passive

stray

wander lose one's way

tarnished

lost brightness

secular

material (not spiritual) living outside monasteries

overweening

presumptuously arrogant overbearing immoderate being a jerk

altercation

n. (act of) quarrelling or arguing noisily

bereft

rob or dispossess of something (material)

precepts

rules establishing standards of conduct

alchemy

n. medieval form of chemistry, the chief aim of which was to discover how to turn ordinary metals into gold ,

hew

make by hard work cut (by striking)

asperity

roughness harshness ill temper irritability

profundity

depth

baleful

adj. Malignant.

lament

show feel great sorrow

askew

adj. , adv not in a straight or level position; crooked

feud

bitter quarrel over a long period of time

archangel

n. An angel of high rank.

jagged

notched, rough

nonchalant

not having interest

auspice

n. favoring, protecting, or propitious influence or guidance.

azure

n. , adj bright blue, as of the sky

loll

rest to sit or stand in a lazy way hang (dog's tongue)

limp

lacking strength walking unevenly

embellish

make beautiful

imperious

commanding haughty arrogant

figurehead

carved image on the prow of a ship

adherence

n. Attachment.

actuate

v. make (a machine, an electrical device, etc) move or work; make (a process) begin , ;

acknowledge

v. To recognize; to admit the genuineness or validity of.

aviary

n. large cage or building for keeping birds in, eg in a zoo ,

aversion

n. ~ strong dislike

defiance

open disobedience or resistance

curriculum

course of study

unearth

discover and bring to light

invincible

too strong to be defeated

astronomical

adj. of astronomy

recalcitrant

disobedient

fixate

stare at

abhorrence

n. The act of detesting extremely.

academician

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

eloquence

fluent speaking skillful use of language

evince

to show clearly to indicate

opprobrious

showing scorn or reproach

dexterity

skill (esp. in handling)

smolder

burn slowly without flame

satiate

satisfy fully

acerbity

n. Sourness, with bitterness and astringency.

antidote

n. ~ substance that acts against the effects of a poison or disease

acrimonious

adj. bitter

assay

n. testing of esp metals for quality

amphibian

n. animal able to live both on land and in water

altitude

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

incredulous

skeptical unwilling to believe

probity

uprightness incorruptibility principle

prolix

tiring because too long

append

v. ~ sth (fml ) attach or add sth (esp in writing)

spear

weapon with a metal point on a long shaft

succor

assistance relief in time of distress

averse

adj. Reluctant.

approbation

n. Sanction.

penchant

strong inclination a liking

Advent

n. the ~ of sth/sb the approach or arrival of

oblivious

unaware having no memory

froward

intractable not willing to yield or comply stubborn

arabesque

a complex ornate design

loquacious

talkative garrulous

ascend

go or come up

stentorian

extremely loud and powerful

ambiguous

adj. Having a double meaning.

affectation

n. A studied or ostentatious pretense or attempt.

talon

claw of a bird of prey

lachrymose

causing tears tearful

paradigm

a model example or pattern

avid

eager greedy

ablution

n. (fml or joc ) ceremonial washing of the body, hands, sacred vessels, etc

blatant

noisy and rough

saturnine

gloomy dark sullen morose

miser

person who loves wealth and spends little

stygian

hence dark gloomy

aqueduct

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

augury

omen; prophecy

amalgamate

v. ~ (with sb/sth) (cause people or things to) combine or unite

peripatetic

wandering

acquittance

n. Release or discharge from indebtedness, obligation, or responsibility.

amatory

adj. Designed to excite love.

alkali

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

stint

to be thrifty to set limits

ale

fermented alcoholic beverage similar to but heavier than beer

artery

n. any of the tubes carrying blood from the heart to all parts of the body

allure

v. tempt or attract (sb) by the expectation of gaining sth

unencumbered

easy-going trifle

mischievous

harmful causing mischief

apotheosis

n. Deification.

auburn

adj. Reddish-brown, said usually of the hair.

affluence

n. A profuse or abundant supply of riches.

aggrandize

to make appear great or greater:praise highly

shallow

little depth not earnest

anthropology

n. The science of man in general.

affiliate

n. Some auxiliary person or thing.

picaresque

involving clever rogues or adventurers

jabber

talk excitedly utter rapidly

avow

v. declare (sth) openly; admit

forswear

renounce disallow repudiate

encumbrance

burden things that get on the way of

anvil

n. iron block on which a smith shapes heated metal by hammering it

obdurate

hardened and unrepenting stubborn inflexible

agility

nimbleness

coax

get smb to do something by kindness

aspiration

n. ~ ~ (to do sth) strong desire or ambition

aphorism

n. short wise saying; maxim ;

abscond

to go away suddenly (to avoid arrest)

bolster

give greatly needed support

adjourn

v. stop (a meeting, etc) for a time; postpone

absolve

v. ~ sb (fml esp law , ) clear sb (of guilt); declare sb free (from blame, a promise, a duty, etc)

redeem

get back by payment compensate

aide-de-camp

n. An officer who receives and transmits the orders of the general.

antler

n. branched horn of a stag or of some other deer

chicanery

legal trickery/false argument

apex

n. The highest point, as of a mountain.

appellate

adj. Capable of being appealed to.

supersede

take the place of

amusement

n. Diversion.

alacrity

n. Cheerful willingness.

feckless

lacking purpose or vitality ineffective careless

afoot

adv. In progress.

imminent

likely to come or happen soon

forge

workshop for the shaping of metal to shape metal lead

arbiter

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

teetotal

oppose to alcohol

salubrious

healthful

antipathy

settled aversion or dislike:DISTASTE

altruism

n. Benevolence to others on subordination to self-interest.

coeval

of the same period coexisting

peremptory

urgent imperative unchallengeable ending debate

nonplused

greatly surprised

palatial

magnificent

diaphanous

transparent gauzy

ashen

adj. like ashes in colour; very pale

augment

v. To make bigger.

dislodge

move force from the place occupied

rancorous

feeling bitterness spitefulness

acquittal

n. judgement that a person is not guilty of the crime with which he has been charged

profuse

abundant/lavish

jibe

gibe make fun of

engrave

impress deeply

adventitious

adj. not planned; accidental

mellifluous

sweetly flowing

adherent

n. supporter of a party or doctrine

discrete

individually distinct

acarpous

effete no longer fertile worn out

indigence

poverty

homiletics

act of preaching

propagation

increasing the number spreading extending

alchemy

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

equivocate

try to deceive by equivocal language

ascent

n. A rising, soaring, or climbing.

transgress

break go beyond (a limit)

audible

adj. Loud enough to be heard.

brass

yellow metal (mixing copper and zinc)

deviance

being different in moral standards (from normal)

apt

well-suited quick-witted

crease

line made by crushing white line on the ground in cricket

allude

v. To refer incidentally, or by suggestion.

coagulation

change to a thick and solid state

pundit

pedant authority on a subject

summarily

briefly without delay

alliteration

n. occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of two or more words in succession, as in sing a song of sixpence or as thick as thieves , sing a song of sixpence as thick as thieves

allegory

n. story, painting or description in which the characters and events are meant as symbols of purity, truth, patience, etc ,

presumption

arrogance

apiary

n. place with a number of hives where bees are kept

torpid

sleeping sluggish lethargic dormant

foster

nurture care for

accusatory

adj. Of, pertaining to, or involving an accusation.

atrophy

n. wasting away of the body or part of it through lack of nourishment or use

sequence

succession connected line of

disencumber

free from encumbrance

punctilious

precise paying attention to trivialities

actuate

v. To move or incite to action.

anonymous

adj. Of unknown authorship.

stolid

showing no emotion impassive

ebullient

overflowing with enthusiasm showing excitement

heterogeneous

made up of different kinds

lien

legal claim until a debt on it is repaid

bigot

stubborn narrow-minded person

sere

make hard and without feeling

commodious

having plenty of space for what is needed

heinous

odious (of crime)

accession

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

auroral

[ aurora: ] an atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands, curtains, or streamers of light, usually green, red, or yellow, that move across the sky in polar regions.

audition

n. The act or sensation of hearing.

forfeit

suffer the loss of something

abstemious

adj. not taking much food or drink; not self-indulgent; moderate

partisan

one-sided committed to a party biased or prejudiced

tadpole

form of a frog when it leaves the egg

brash

hasty rush cheeky saucy

arborescent

adj. Having the nature of a tree.

impede

hinder get in the way of

auricular

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

expatiate

to roam wander freely

anguish

severe suffering

archdeacon

n. A high official administrator of the affairs of a diocese.

apolitical

adj. not interested or involved in politics

antipathize

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

pied

of mixed colors

astringent

substance that shrinks

lavish

giving or producing freely liberally or generously

cogent

strong convincing

telltale

That gives warning or information

amalgam

n. alloy of mercury with another metal

acquiesce

v. To comply; submit.

analogous

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

arbitrary

adj. based on personal opinion or impulse, not on reason

proclivity

inclination

shunt

send from one track to another lay aside evade discussion

acumen

n. ability to understand and judge things quickly and clearly; shrewdness

hone

stone used for sharpening tools

adjacent

having a common endpoint or border also immediately preceding or following

apparition

n. appearance, esp of sth startling, strange or unexpected ,

maladroit

tactless clumsy

incongruous

out of place not in harmony or agreement

divestiture

taking off getting rid of giving up

avuncular

adj. of or like an uncle, esp in manner

auspicious

favorable successful prosperous

awaken

v. To arouse, as emotion, interest, or the like.

alcove

recess/partially enclosed place

alien

n. One who owes allegiance to a foreign government.

recluse

person who lives alone and avoids people

malapropism

misuse of a word (for one that resembles it)

fragile

easily injured broken or destroyed

demur

to hesitate raise objections

gloat

over look at with selfish delight

paean

song of praise or triumph

sedulous

persevering

premature

doing or happening something before the right time

platitude

a trite or banal statement unoriginality

exigency

emergency an urgent situation

splenetic

bad-tempered irritable

barcarole

n. A boat-song of Venetian gondoliers.

soar

rise fly high

arboreal

of connected with trees

renowned

celebrated famous

prudence

careful forethought

admonition

n. Gentle reproof.

conjoin

to join together

perspicacity

quick judging and understanding

tepid

lukewarm

impugned

challenged to be doubted

prevaricate

to equivocate to stray from the truth

abstemious

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

eulogy

formal praise panegyric

animated

adj. lively

deferential

showing respect

adjutant

adj. Auxiliary.

glimmer

weak/unsteady light

duress

threats to compel smb

antilogy

n. Inconsistency or contradiction in terms or ideas.

dogmatic

positive certain arbitrary without room for discussion

undermine

weaken gradually at the base make something under

acrophobia

"acro'phobic adjectiv

antenatal

adj. Occurring or existing before birth.

stanch

to stop the flow of a fluid

assurance

n. confident belief in one's own abilities and powers

sanctimony

self-righteousness hypocritical with FALSE piety

luminary

star light-giving body

fluke

lucky stroke

academic

adj. of schools, colleges, etc

countervail

counterbalance

slur

join sounds/words (indistinct)

abrasion

n. That which is rubbed off.

abstruse

difficult to comprehend obscure

apiarist

n. person who keeps bees

animadvert

v. To pass criticism or censure.

arraign

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

irrevocable

final and unalterable

acetic

adj. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of vinegar.

turpitude

wickedness shamefulness

artifice

n. clever trickery; deception

provoke

make angry vax

protracted

prolonged

cloture

closing device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting

tonic

something giving strength or energy

apostate

one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions

revere

have deep respect for

authoritative

adj. having authority; that can be trusted; reliable

antipodes

n. A place or region on the opposite side of the earth.

constrain

compel

bask

in enjoy warmth and light

advocate

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

serrated

having a toothed edge

annotate

v. To make explanatory or critical notes on or upon.

reiterate

say or do again several times

assuage

make something (pain desire) less

impetuous

having sudden energy impulsive thrusting ahead forceful

aver

affirm assert prove justify

substantiation

giving facts to support (statement)

academic

adj. Of or pertaining to an academy, college, or university.

deluge

great flood heavy rush of water

incumbents

official duties

animate

v. To make alive.

arcane

requiring secret or mysterious knowledge

ambiguous

adj. having more than one possible meaning

alluvion

n. Flood.

mollify

make calmer or quieter

auriferous

adj. Containing gold.

ashen

adj. Pale.

conceit

over-high opinion of too much pride

amortize

end (a debt) by setting aside money

excoriation

severe criticism

distraught

distracted violently upset in mind

arcade

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

reminiscent

viewing the past

assail

v. ~ sb (fml ) attack sb violently or repeatedly

abusive

adj. Employing harsh words or ill treatment.

hoax

mischievous trick played on smb for a joke

slack

sluggish dull not tight

recitals

a number of performance of music

quixotic

generous unselfish

authenticity

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

antecedents

ancestr

allotment

n. Portion.

alimentary

adj. of food and digestion

aromatic

adj. having a pleasant, distinctive smell; fragrant

abraded

rubbed off worn away by friction

accessible

adj. Approachable.

arraign

v. ~ sb (law ) bring a criminal charge against sb; bring sb to court for trial

hollow

not soled with hole

adjoin

v. be next or nearest to and joined with

edacious

voracious devouring

quandary

state of doubt or perplexity

precarious

uncertain risky dangerous

ecumenical

representing the whole Christian world

almanac

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

disingenuous

sophisticated artful trying to deceive cunning

incense

make angry

acquisition

n. Anything gained, or made one's own, usually by effort or labor.

altar

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

auricle

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

impute

to attribute to a cause or source ascribe

aureole

sun's corona; halo

contemn

to scorn or despise

appease

make quiet or calm

clamor

shout complain with a lot of noise

profligate

wasteful prodigal licentious extravagant

foolproof

incapable of failure or error

aberration

n. deviation from what is accepted as normal or right

cordon

line (of police acting as a guard)

cant

insincere talk/jargon

ulterior

situated beyond

suffocate

cause or have difficulty in breathing

perfidy

treachery breaking of faith

ail

trouble be ill

apoplexy

n. sudden inability to feel or move, caused by the blockage or rupture of an artery in the brain ,

aboveboard

adv. & adj. Without concealment, fraud, or trickery.

baffle

v. To foil or frustrate.

assess

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

anode

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

alternative

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

euphoria

elation state of pleasant excitement

arboreal

adj. Of or pertaining to a tree or trees.

anticlimax

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

incorrigibility

cannot be cured or corrected

incise

engrave make a cut in

thwart

obstruct/frustrate

abstruse

adj. difficult to understand

expedient

likely to be useful for a purpose

atheistic

adj.

poignant

deeply moving keen

incite

stir up rouse

strut

a supporting bar

intransigent

uncompromising

euthanasia

easy and painless death

aseptic

surgically clean

accept

v. To take when offered.

macerate

make or become soft by soaking in water

deprave

make morally bad corrupt

album

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

ardor

extreme vigor or energy:INTENSITY

benign

kind and gentle mild (climate)

parsimonious

too economical miserly

anthracite

n. Hard coal.

gouge

tool for cutting grooves in wood

aliment

n. That which nourishes.

germane

relevant pertinent to

aggravation

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

tautology

a repetition a redundancy

aspiration

n. An earnest wish for that which is above one's present reach.

abominate

v. To hate violently.

idiosyncrasy

personal mannerism

gainsay

to deny to oppose

ostensible

seeming appearing as such professed

alleviate

make (pain) easier to bear

incipient

beginning

admittance

n. Entrance, or the right or permission to enter.

acclaimed

welcomed with shouts and approval

impair

worsen diminish in value

auxiliary

adj. giving help or support; additional

suffice

be enough

torment

severe pain or suffering

assonate

v. To accord in sound, especially vowel sound.

assert

v. make others recognize (sth) by behaving firmly and confidently

perpetrate

be guilty commit (a crime)

annotate

v. add notes to giving explanation or comment

proscribe

denounce as dangerous

uncouth

rough awkward

acclaim

v. To utter with a shout.

afterlife

n. existence that is thought by some to follow death

patron

regular customer person who gives support

amity

n. friendly relationship between people or countries

sinuous

winding undulating serpentine

paucity

scarcity a lacking of

baste

v. To cover with melted fat, gravy, while cooking.

abyss

n. hole so deep that it seems to have no bottom

prodigious

enormous wonderful

agnostic

n. person who believes that nothing can be known about the existence of God or of anything except material things

antic

n. A grotesque, ludicrous, or fantastic action.

amphitheater

oval building with tiers of seats

actuarial

calculating; pertaining to insurance statistics

efficacy

production of a desired result

equanimity

calmness of temperament

berate

scold sharply

adjudge

v. To award or bestow by formal decision.

auspicious

adj. showing signs of future success; favourable; promising

appall

v. To fill with dismay or horror.

drowsiness

feeling sleepy half asleep

amateur

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

repel

refuse to accept/cause dislike

aerie

= eyrie

penitent

feeling or showing regret

derivative

unoriginal obtained from another source

apothegm

= apophthegm

Antichrist

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

angelic

adj. Saintly.

atypical

adj. not representative or characteristic of its type; not typical

arch-

comb form chief; most important

extralegal

outside the law

conundrum

a riddle dilemma enigma

barometer

n. An instrument for indicating the atmospheric pressure per unit of surface.

plumb

get to the root of

agile

adj. Able to move or act quickly, physically, or mentally.

savant

person of great learning

sidestep

step to one side

apprise

v. ~ sb of sth inform sb of sth

addendum

n. thing that is to be added

acknowledgment

n. Recognition.

quell

suppress subdue

curtail

make shorter then was planned

Anglo-Saxon

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

appease

v. make quiet or calm, usu by making concessions or by satisfying demands

reconcile

settle a quarrel restore peace

reprobate

person hardened in sin one devoid of decency

savor

taste flavor something

indomitable

not easily discouraged or subdued

asteroid

n. any of many small planets revolving round the sun, esp between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter

bellicose

belligerent pugnacious warlike

arsenal

n. place where weapons and ammunition are made or stored

accolade

n. praise; approval

mettlesome

courageous high-spirited

lucubrate

write in scholarly fashion

actionable

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

archipelago

n. (sea surrounding a) group of many islands

ancestry

n. One's ancestors collectively.

antique

adj. belonging to the distant past

endearing

making dear or liked

heresy

belief contrary to what is generally accepted

aver

v. (fml ) state (sth) firmly and positively; assert ;

subpoena

written order requiring a person to appear in a low court

aghast

adj. Struck with terror and amazement.

equilibrium

state of being balanced

denouement

an outcome or solution the unraveling of a plot

arrears

n. money that is owed and should have been paid earlier

impecunious

having little or no money

relapse

fall back again

mettle

quality of endurance or courage

sash

long strip worn round the waist

judicious

sound in judgment wise

superimpose

put something on the top

abscission

n. The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation.

pucker

wrinkle

middling

fairly good but not very good

obtrusive

projecting prominent undesirably noticeable

asunder

adv. into pieces; apart

turmoil

trouble disturbance

cravat

piece of linen worn as a necktie

adjacent

n. That which is near or bordering upon.

ample

adj. enough

ailment

n. Slight sickness.

obfuscate

to darken make obscure muddle

atomizer

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

accost

v. approach and speak to (sb) boldly

sanity

health of mind soundness of judgment

ambulatory

walking

apposition

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

assuage

v. make (sth) less severe; soothe

armada

n. large fleet of ships

hermetic

sealed by fusion

molt

moult lose hair feathers before new growing

actuary

n. expert who calculates insurance risks and premiums

anarchy

n. absence of government or control in society; lawlessness

ruffian

violent cruel man

imprecation

an invocation of evil a curse

repudiate

disown refuse to accept or pay

exuberance

state of growing vigorously being full of life

aspirant

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

exoneration

set smb clear free (e.g.. from blame)

spurious

FALSE counterfeit

academy

n. Any institution where the higher branches of learning are taught.

autocracy

n. Absolute government.

anhydrous

adj. Withered.

abrupt

adj. Beginning, ending, or changing suddenly or with a break.

bequest

arrangement to give something at death

descry

catch sight of see something in the distance

archaism

n. Obsolescence.

scent

smell (especially pleasant)

gush

burst out suddenly/talk ardently

candid

frank straight-forward

sanction

approval (by authority) penalty

penury

extreme poverty

indefatigability

not easily exhaustible tirelessness

discomfit

confuse embarrass

astral

adj. of or from the stars

presage

warning sign

arrange

v. To put in definite or proper order.

auditory

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

ambidextrous

able to use the left hand or the right equally well

pitfall

covered hole as a trap unsuspected danger

turgid

excessively ornate swollen or bloated

lugubrious

mournful excessively sad

abrade

v. To wear away the surface or some part of by friction.

anemometer

n. An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of wind.

agglomerate

v. To pile or heap together.

baton

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

lurk

be out of view ready to attack

abide

v. (esp with can/could, in negative sentences or questions can/could) tolerate (sb/sth); endure; bear

shrill

sharp piercing

antediluvian

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

affliction

n. pain; suffering; distress

surfeit

satiate feed to fulness or to excess

antecedent

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

apex

n. top or highest point

acute

adj. very great; severe

torque

twisting force causing rotation

sermon

reproving a person for his faults

obviate

to make unnecessary get rid of

taciturn

untalkative silent

ardent

adj. Burning with passion.

felicitous

apt suitably expressed well chosen apropos

insularity

narrow-mindedness isolated

derision

ridicule mockery deriding

graze

touch or scrape lightly in passing

ferret

discover by searching search

equipoise

equal distribution of weight equilibrium

lassitude

weariness tiredness

mite

Avery small amount, portion, or particle

precursory

preliminary anticipating

personable

pleasing in appearance attractive

anodyne

n, adj that can relieve pain

clientele

customers

calumny

slander aspersion

regicide

crime of killing a king

stride

walk with long steps

ignoble

dishonorable common undignified

annunciation

n. Proclamation.

remonstrate

to protest object

absence

n. The fact of not being present or available.

adulteration

making unpure poorer in quality

appease

v. To soothe by quieting anger or indignation.

pungency

sharpness stinging quality

clot

half-solid lump formed from liquid

levee

formal reception/embankment

abdomen

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

obtain

to be established accepted or customary

acetic

adj. of, containing, producing, or derived from acetic acid or vinegar

antagonism

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

bale

n. A large package prepared for transportation or storage.

apprehensible

adj. Capable of being conceived.

doggerel

trivial poorly constructed verse

ford

shallow place in a river (to cross)

autocratic

adj.

advent

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

counterfeit

forgery

arid

adj. having little or no rainfall; dry

enunciate

pronounce (words)/express a theory

alias

n. An assumed name.

artless

adj. simple and natural; without deceit

enmity

hatred being an enemy

assailant

n. One who attacks.

sophomoric

self-assured though immature affected bombastic overblown

adapt

v. ~ sth (for sth) make sth suitable for a new use, situation, etc; modify sth

affidavit

n. written statement that can be used as evidence in court, made by sb who swears that it is true

constrict

make tight or smaller

arboriculture

n. The cultivation of trees or shrubs.

alienable

adj. Capable of being aliened or alienated, as lands.

accomplice

n. person who helps another to do sth wicked or illegal

dupe

cheat make a fool of

abbreviate

v. ~ sth shorten (a word, phrase, etc), esp by omitting letters

battalion

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

aye

adv. An expression of assent.

advert

v. To refer incidentally.

quiescence

state of being passive/motionless

panegyric

formal praise eulogy

consternation

surprise and fear dismay

allege

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

sophistry

fallacious reasoning faulty logic

pry

get something inquire too curiously

predominate

have more power than others

decree

order given by authority

ameliorate

v. (cause sth to) become better

agitate

v. cause anxiety to (a person, his feelings, etc); disturb; excite

purvey

provide supply

delineate

to portray depict sketch out

shun

keep away from avoid

achromatic

adj. Colorless,

dissent

have a different opinion refuse to assent

fatuous

without sense foolish self-satisfaction

inured

accustomed to adapted

adverse

adj. Opposing or opposed.

allegory

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

prosaic

everyday mundane commonplace trite pedestrian

officious

too eager or ready to help offer advice

agape

adj. ~ (of the mouth) wide open, esp with wonder

suborn

induce by bribery or something to commit perjury

fragrant

sweet-smelling

recompense

make payment to reward punish

disdain

look on with contempt

aerostat

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

amalgamate

v. To mix or blend together in a homogeneous body.

intransigence

unwillingness to compromise stubbornness intractability

acne

n. inflammation of the oil-glands of the skin, producing red pimples on the face and neck

anesthetic

adj. Pertaining to or producing loss of sensation.

accompaniment

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

unfeigned

not pretended sincere

inept

unskillful said or done at the wrong time

abide

be faithful to endure

abridge

v. make shorter, esp by using fewer words; condense

cordial

warm and sincere

inculcate

fix firmly by repetition

audacious

adj. showing a willingness to take risks; daring; fearless

condense

increase in density strength make laconic

extenuate

reduce the strength of lessen seriousness partially excuse

glut

supply to much fill to excess

craven

cowardly

adulation

n. excessive admiration or praise; flattery

ingenuous

naive young artless frank honest sincere

assonant

adj. Having resemblance of sound.

abeyance

suspended action

interdict

prohibit forbid

abominable

adj. Very hateful.

aggravate

make worse irritate

heed

attention/give notice to

avid

adj. ~ eager; greedy

apology

n. A disclaimer of intentional error or offense.

avow

admit. Declare openly

dilate

speak comprehensively become wider large

servile

like a slave lacking independence

preponderance

greatness in number strength weight

sanguine

cheerful confident optimistic

tenacity

firmness persistency adhesiveness tending to hang on

dulcet

melodious harmonious

anthropomorphic

adj. treating gods, animals, etc as human in form and personality ,

adore

v. love deeply and respect (sb) highly

frenetic

frantic frenzied

adhere

v. ~ (to sth) remain attached (to sth); stick (as if) by means of glue or suction

ascribe

v. ~ sth to sb/sth consider sth to be caused by, written by or belonging to sb/sth

sublime

extreme astounding

appellation

n. name or title; system of naming ;

garrulous

too talkative

atrocity

n. great wickedness or cruelty

sheath

cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool

assuage

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

procrastination

keeping on putting off

pith

essential part force soft liquid substance

boorish

crude offensive rude

anthology

n. A collection of extracts from the writings of various authors.

actuality

n. Any reality.

compunction

feeling of regret for one's action

dawdler

person who is slow waste of time

propitious

auspicious presenting favorable circumstances

pest

destructive thing or a person who is nuisance

collusion

secret agreement for a deceitful purpose

anterior

adj. Prior.

salutary

remedial wholesome causing improvement

arbitrate

v. ~ (between A and B) make a judgement about or settle (a dispute) between two parties (usu when asked by them to do so)

adorn

v. ~ sth/sb/oneself add beauty or ornament to sth/sb/oneself

finicky

finical

suppress

prevent from being known put an end to

audacious

adj. Fearless.

anatomy

n. That branch of morphology which treats of the structure of organisms.

abusive

adj. criticizing harshly and rudely; insulting

angular

adj. Sharp-cornered.

levity

lack of seriousness

asexual

adj. Having no distinct sexual organs.

alloy

to debase by mixing with something inferior

abscission

The act of cutting off, as in a surgical operation.

atrocious

adj. Outrageously or wantonly wicked, criminal, vile, or cruel.

subdue

overcome bring under control

render

deliver provide represent

aggregate

v. ~ sb (fml ) be formed or bring sb into an assembled group or amount

abbot

n. The superior of a community of monks.

perfidious

treacherous faithless

supplicate

make a humble petition to

cling

to resist separation

adulterant

n. An adulterating substance.

aurora

n. A luminous phenomenon in the upper regions of the atmosphere.

abstain

v. ~ keep oneself from doing or enjoying sth, esp from taking alcoholic drinks; refrain ;

antagonistic

adj. ~ showing or feeling antagonism; hostile

assessment

n. action of assessing

labyrinthine

to entangle the state of affairs

aberrant

adj. not following the normal or correct way

extrovert

cheerful person

amorous

adj. readily showing or feeling love; relating to love

affirmative

adj. Answering yes; to a question at issue.

abase

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

limn

paint portray

amphibious

adj. Living both on land and in water.

hoodwink

trick mislead

aforesaid

adj. Said in a preceding part or before.

inveigh

to attack verbally denounce deprecate

undulate

to move in wavelike fashion fluctuate

abnormal

adj. Not conformed to the ordinary rule or standard.

ascetic

adj. not allowing oneself pleasures and comforts; having or involving a very austere life

abrogate

v. cancel, repeal or annul (sth)

altercate

v. To contend angrily or zealously in words.

antislavery

adj. Opposed to human slavery.

bewilder

puzzle confuse

daunt

intimidate make fearful

effluvia

outflow in a stream of particles a noxious odor or vapor

affinity

n. ~ ~ (between A and B) structural resemblance or similarity of character; relationship

adept

adj. ~ ~ (at/in doing sth) expert or skilful in (doing) sth

enduring

lasting

apostasy

n. A total departure from one's faith or religion.

timid

shy easily frightened

affluence

n. abundance of money, goods or property; wealth

ossify

to turn to bone to settle rigidly into an idea

malinger

to fake illness or injury in order to shirk a duty

affect

v. To act upon

flak

criticism/anti-aircraft guns

abet

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

admonish

to express warning or disapproval to especially in a gentle, earnest, or solicitous manner

addendum

n. Something added, or to be added.

abstain

v. To keep oneself back (from doing or using something).

flax

pale yellow (hair) a plant

piquant

agreeably pungent stimulating

amiss

adj. , adv wrong(ly); inappropriate(ly)

fetter

to shackle put in chains

corporeal

physical of or for the body

irascible

irritable easily angered

preen

tidy/show self-satisfaction

annul

v. declare (sth) no longer valid; abolish; cancel

assumption

n. thing accepted as true or as sure to happen, but not proved

abed

adv. In bed; on a bed.

anticyclone

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

amiable

adj. showing and inspiring friendliness; pleasant and good-tempered

adduce

v. To bring forward or name for consideration.

boisterous

loud noisy rough lacking restraint

knit

draw together unite firmly

severance

severing

affable

adj. Easy to approach.

pariah

an outcast a rejected and despised person

admissible

adj. Having the right or privilege of entry.

impervious

not allowing to pass through (of materials)

aphorism

n. Proverb.

assiduous

adj. showing constant and careful attention

arboretum

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

apposite

adj. ~ (of a remark, etc) very appropriate (for a purpose or an occasion)

accuracy

n. Exactness.

ascertain

v. discover (sth) so that one is certain; get to know

slake

to assuage to satisfy allay

itinerate

to travel from place to place to peregrinate

acrimonious

adj. Full of bitterness.

nostrum

a quack remedy an untested cure

addle

v. To make inefficient or worthless; muddle.

sodden

soaked saturated

halcyon

calm and peaceful

appropriate

adj. Suitable for the purpose and circumstances.

alabaster

n. A white or delicately tinted fine-grained gypsum.

absolution

n. Forgiveness, or passing over of offenses.

umbrage

offense resentment

aver

v. To assert as a fact.

harbinger

something or smb that foretells the coming of

deplete

use until none remains

abject

adj. Sunk to a low condition.

scurvy

mean contemptible

exorbitant

much too high or great

apropos

appropriate to the situation apt

analgesia

n. loss of ability to feel pain while still conscious

regale

to delight or entertain to feast

catalyst

substance that causes speeding up

alluvial

adj. made of sand, earth, etc left by rivers or floods, esp in a delta

askance

adv. look

endemic

epidemic

aggression

n. An unprovoked attack.

ubiquitous

present everywhere

stigmatize

describe smb scornfully

susceptibility

sensitiveness

garble

make unfair selection from facts

accredit

v. To give credit or authority to.

badger

v. To pester.

absolve

v. To free from sin or its penalties.

harangue

a long passionate speech

animadversion

n. The utterance of criticism or censure.

console

give comfort or sympathy to

swerve

change direction suddenly

ascetic

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

assimilate

v. To adapt.

pluck

pull the feathers off pick (e.g.. flowers)

conciliatory

reconciling soothing comforting mollifying

apiculture

the cultivation of bees on a commercial scale for the production of honey

advert

n. = advertisement

alacrity

eager and cheerful readiness

contentious

argumentative pugnacious combative quarrelsome

conceal

hide keep secret

dormant

in a state of inactivity but awaiting development

forestall

prevent by taking action in advance preempt

entangle

put into difficulties

aggregate

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

apartheid

brutal racial discrimination

alleviate

v. To make less burdensome or less hard to bear.

ascendancy

n. ~ (position of) having dominant power or control

felon

person guilty of murder

anemia

condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles

exculpate

to clear from a charge of guilt

allege

v. state (sth) as a fact but without proof; give as an argument or excuse

avidity

n. Greediness.

parley

negotiation, discussion between enemies

account

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

alder

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

acrid

adj. Harshly pungent or bitter.

attorney-general

n. The chief law-officer of a government.

alter

v. To make change in.

cohort

a group or band of people

countenance

to favor or approve of

antecede

be earlier in time; go back further

animus

n. animosity shown in speech or action

adhesion

n. The state of being attached or joined.

asinine

adj. stupid or stubborn

lumber

move in a clumsy/noisy way

apprise

give notice to inform

rotund

rich and deep plump and round

barrage

artificial obstacle built across a river

abrasive

adj. that scrapes or rubs sth away; rough

atone

v. To make amends for.

appurtenances

[ appurtenance: ] a secondary or less significant thing or part

anchor

n. heavy metal device attached to a rope, chain, etc and used to moor a ship or boat to the sea-bottom or a balloon to the ground

insinuate

suggest unpleasantly make a way for something gently

anteroom

n. A room situated before and opening into another, usually larger.

baleful

harmful ominous causing evil

cadge

to beg to get by begging

abhor

v. feel hatred and disgust for (sb/sth); detest

iconoclast

person who attacks popular beliefs

foible

defect of character (a person is wrongly proud)

beatitude

n. Any state of great happiness.

lustrous

being bright polished

accede

v. To agree.

anarchy

n. Absence or utter disregard of government.

bass

adj. Low in tone or compass.

bedizen

to adorn especially in a cheap showy manner

amity

n. Friendship.

abolish

v. end the existence of

odor

smell favor reputation

aloof

adj. ~ cool and remote in character; unconcerned

abridge

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

connotation

suggestion in addition to

afire

adv. & adj. On fire, literally or figuratively.

autonomy

n. Self-government.

emote

stir up excite

arbor

n. A tree.

underbid

make a lower bid then smb else

advisory

adj. Not mandatory.

plummet

fall plunge steeply

adulterate

v. make poorer in quality by adding another substance

archaeology

n. study of ancient civilizations by scientific analysis of physical remains found in the ground

allocate

v. ~ sth allot or assign sth (to sb/sth) for a special purpose

toady

obsequious flatterer

diffidence

shyness

sting

something sharp

abnegate

v. To renounce (a right or privilege).

parenthesis

sentence within another one something separated

abbess

n. The lady superior of a nunnery.

benefactor

person who has given help

apprehend

v. seize (sb); arrest

assassination

n. Murderer, as by secret assault or treachery.

adamant

n. Any substance of exceeding hardness or impenetrability.

Americanism

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

guile

deceit cunning

abidance

n. An abiding.

altruist

n. One who advocates or practices altruism.

ambulance

n. A vehicle fitted for conveying the sick and wounded.

temperate

showing self-control

blandness

polite manner comforting uninteresting

imperative

urgent essential

bogus

sham counterfeit not genuine

complaisance

tending to comply obliging willingness to please

alloy

n. metal formed of a mixture of metals or of metal and another substance

anthropomorphous

adj. Having or resembling human form.

nugatory

trifling/worthless

acetate

n. A salt of acetic acid.

aroma

n. An agreeable odor.

annuity

n. fixed sum of money paid to sb yearly, usu for the remaining part of his lifetime

truce

(agreement) stop of fighting for a time

amble

v. ride or walk at a slow, leisurely pace

ignominious

shameful dishonorable undignified disgraceful

anathematize

declare to be evil or anathema

attenuate

v. make (sth/sb) thin or slender

acme

n. highest stage of development; point of perfection

accompanist

n. One who or that which accompanies.

latent

present but not yet active developed or visible

arboretum

n. place where trees are grown for scientific study or for display

interim

as an installment

perfunctory

done as a duty without care

analogy

n. ~ partial similarity between two things that are compared

apathy

n. ~ lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern; indifference

qualm

feeling of doubt temporary feeling of sickness

archaic

adj. Antiquated

nibble

show some inclination to accept (an offer)

coda

passage that completes a piece of music

absent-minded

adj. Lacking in attention to immediate surroundings or business.

occluded

blocked up

obtuse

blunt/stupid

squander

spend wastefully

archaic

adj. of a much earlier or an ancient period in history

divergence

getting farther apart from a point

aspire

v. ~ after/to sth desire strongly to achieve sth; have ambition for sth

azalea

n. A flowering shrub.

anticlimax

n. disappointing end to a series of events which had seemed likely to become more interesting, exciting or impressive

amputate

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

petrify

to make hard rocklike

prim

neat formal

recidivism

relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior

effrontery

boldness impudence arrogance

alderman

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

brittle

easily broken

afresh

adv. Once more, after rest or interval.

coddle

treat with care and tenderness

resuscitation

coming back to consciousness

articulate

speak distinctly connect by joints

aborigines

n. The original of earliest known inhabitants of a country.

aleck

one who considers himself smarter than others

ingest

take in by swallowing

hirsute

hairy shaggy

anathema

n. detested person or thing

testiness

witness/evidence

misogynist

one who hates women/females

obloquy

abusively detractive language sharp criticism vituperation

assent

n. ~ (fml ) agreement; approval

alienate

v. To cause to turn away.

sullied

to be stained or discredited

plead

address a court of law as an advocate

artless

adj. Ingenuous.

implosion

collapse bursting inward

trudge

walk heavily

acerbity

Sourness of taste, character, or tone.

antithesis

n. ~ (of/to sth/sb) direct opposite

anemia

n. Deficiency of blood or red corpuscles.

astute

adj. Keen in discernment.

harrow

to distress create stress or torment

mendacity

dishonesty

insipid

without taste or flavor

pusillanimous

cowardly craven

abdominal

n. Of, pertaining to, or situated on the abdomen.

somatic

of the body

dwarf

person or smb much below the usual size

accordion

n. A portable free-reed musical instrument.

lionize

treat as a famous person

flaunting

show off complacently

abash

to destroy the self-possession or self-confidence of:disconcert

ambivalent

having both of two contrary meanings

opaqueness

dullness/not allowing light to pass through

agrarian

adj. Pertaining to land, especially agricultural land.

enervate

weaken deprive of strength attenuate

awry

adv. & adj. Out of the proper form, direction, or position.

arrhythmic

lacking rhythm or regularity

mendicant

a beggar

auxiliary

helping supporting

animalcule

n. An animal of microscopic smallness.

autonomous

adj. Self-governing.

recreancy

cowardice a cowardly giving up

artisan

a manually skilled worker

eschew

avoid

accursed

adj. Doomed to evil, misery, or misfortune.

snare

trap

trepidation

alarm excited state of mind

discern

see with an effort but clearly

ado

n. unnecessary activity or ceremony.

espouse

marry give one's support to

pedantic

bookish showing off learning

implicate

show that smb has a share

profligacy

shameless immorality

grave

serious requiring consideration

squat

crouch/settle without permission

odious

repulsive hateful

arbitrary

adj. Fixed or done capriciously.

defer

postpone give way (to show respect)

assail

with attack violently

anthropologist

n. student of or expert in anthropology

luculent

easily understood lucid clear

expostulate

argue earnestly to dissuade correct or protest

amorous

adj. Having a propensity for falling in love.

assent

v. To express agreement with a statement or matter of opinion.

aghast

adj. ~ filled with horror or amazement

fluster

make nervous or confused

awful

adj. extremely bad or unpleasant; terrible

rumple

make rough

censure

expression of blame or disapproval a rebuke

adulterate

v. To make impure by the admixture of other or baser ingredients.

assiduous

adj. Diligent.

indulgent

inclined to indulge

angular

adj. having angles or sharp corners

concur

agree in opinion happen together

advertiser

n. One who advertises, especially in newspapers.

sycophant

person who flatter to the rich and powerful

apologist

n. person who defends a doctrine by logical argument

commemorate

keep the memory of

apathetic

adj. showing or feeling apathy

apprehend

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

aloof

adv. Not in sympathy with or desiring to associate with others.

discreet

careful/prudent

turbulence

being uncontrolled violent

arable

n. , adj suitable for ploughing and for growing crops

tamper

interfere with

expiation

ending expiring

amplify

v. increase (sth) in size or strength

arduous

adj. needing much effort or energy; laborious

aesthetic

adj. concerned with beauty and the appreciation of beauty

alcove

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

avalanche

n. mass of snow, ice and rock that slides rapidly down the side of a mountain

agile

active quick-moving

highbrow

(person) with superior tastes

asymmetric

adj. not having parts that correspond to each other in size, shape, etc; lacking symmetry

anachronism

n. Anything occurring or existing out of its proper time.

ache

v. To be in pain or distress.

dissolution

disintegration looseness in morals

detumescence

diminishing or lessening of swelling

allusion

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

arrogate

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

Conduce

To bring about

agitate

v. To move or excite (the feelings or thoughts).

abyss

n. Bottomless gulf.

antispasmodic

adj. Tending to prevent or relieve non-inflammatory spasmodic affections.

abscess

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

refine

make or become pure cultural

avocation

secondary or minor occupation

atonement

repayment death of Jesus

alliance

n. Any combination or union for some common purpose.

benevolence

wish or activity in doing good

obstreperous

noisy loud

abhor

to hate to detest

astringent

adj. Harsh in disposition or character.

anathema

n. Anything forbidden, as by social usage.

clinch

come to grips/settle conclusively

arrogance

proud superior manner of behaviour

reactionary

opposing progress

accede

v. ~ (fml ) take office

elaborate

worked out with much care in great detail

affable

polite and friendly

rescind

repeal/annul/cancel

acoustics

n. qualities of a room, hall, etc that make it good or bad for carrying sound

maul

hurt by rough handling

disallow

refuse to allow or accept as a correct

aperture

n. Hole.

discountenance

refuse to approve of

quirk

habit or action peculiar to smb or something

baritone

adj. Having a register higher than bass and lower than tenor.

ascribe

consider to be the origin of or belonging to

affinity

close connection relationship

florid

very much ornamented naturally red (e.g.. of face)

artful

adj. cunningly clever at getting what one wants; crafty

alteration

n. Change or modification.

attache

n. A subordinate member of a diplomatic embassy.

tassel

bunch of threads

disconcert

upset the self-possession of

ancillary

adj. ~ helping in a subsidiary way

transient

temporary fleeting

ambiguous

doubtful uncertain

ameliorate

improve make better

alms

n. money, clothes, food, etc given to poor people

phlegmatic

calm sluggish temperament unemotional

resigned

unresisting submissive

hospitable

liking to give hospitality

scabbard

sheath for the blade

pious

dutiful to parents devoted to religion

allude

v. ~ to sb/sth (fml ) mention sb/sth briefly or indirectly

temerity

boldness brashness intrepidness

anagram

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

importune

beg urgently solicit (of a prostitute)

hush

make or become silent

barograph

n. An instrument that registers graphically and continuously the atmospheric pressure.

fervid

showing earnest feeling

amorphous

adj. having no definite shape or form; not organized

prodigal

wasteful reckless with money

elegy

a lament a melancholy composition

deposition

dethronement depositing

finesse

delicate way of dealing with a situation

abhorrent

adj. Very repugnant; hateful.

accumulate

v. To become greater in quantity or number.

apocalyptic

adj. prophesying great and dramatic events like those in the Apocalypse

facile

easily done

arid

adj. Very dry.

appertain

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

barren

not good enough unable to have young ones without value

convoluted

complicated coiled twisted

abject

adj. wretched; hopeless

coy

shy/modest (esp of a girl)

palpitate

tremble beat rapidly and irregularly

aspersion

slander

antiquated

adj. (of things) out of date, obsolete ,

abominable

adj. ~(fml ) causing disgust; detestable

misanthrope

person who hates mankind

avenge

v. take or get revenge for

sponge

porous rubber for washing live at once expense

austere

severely moral and strict simple and plain

rarefy

to make thin to make less dense to purify or refine

aboriginal

adj. inhabiting a land from a very early period, esp before the arrival of colonists

anomalous

adj. different from what is normal; irregular

frugal

careful economical

indistinct

not easily heard seen clearly marked

abstract

adj. existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or practical existence

adroit

adj. ~ skilful; clever

amour

n. A love-affair, especially one of an illicit nature.

abundant

adj. Plentiful.

albino

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

flout

reject mock to go against (as in going against tradition)

antediluvian

adj. of the time before Noah's Flood

machination

plot scheme (esp. evil)

perish

be destroyed decay

abut

v. To touch at the end or boundary line.

admonitory

containing warning

lope

move along with long strides

idyll

a carefree episode or experience

permeate

spread into every part of

assay

n. The chemical analysis or testing of an alloy ore.

altruistic

(adj.) unselfish

adumbrate

v. To represent beforehand in outline or by emblem.

antiquate

v. To make old or out of date.

stingy

spending using unwillingly

accessory

n. thing that is a useful or decorative extra but that is not essential; minor fitting or attachment

agglomeration

n. action of agglomerating

garrulity

talkativeness

myriad

very great number

approbation

approval

impudent

rash indiscreet

avarice

n. greed for wealth or gain

refulgent

shining brilliant

admonish

v. To warn of a fault.

acquit

v. To free or clear, as from accusation.

peccadillo

small sin small weakness in one's character

thrift

care economy thriving prosperous

authentic

adj. Of undisputed origin.

append

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

renovate

restore something to better condition

acquaint

v. To make familiar or conversant.

immaculate

pure faultless

adamant

adj. firmly or stubbornly determined; unwilling to be persuaded

ampere

n. The practical unit of electric-current strength.

reticent

reserved untalkative silent taciturn

incessant

often repeated continual

flamboyant

brightly colored florid

truculence

aggressiveness ferocity

accelerate

v. To move faster.

crass

very great (es. stupidity)

refractory

stubborn unmanageable untractable

adroit

adj. Having skill in the use of the bodily or mental powers.

ante

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

topple

be unsteady and overturn

attentive

adj. ~ giving attention (to sb/sth); alert and watchful

apogee

n. position in the orbit of the moon, a planet or a satellite when it is at its greatest distance from the earth ,

accommodate

v. provide lodging or room for

beatify

v. To make supremely happy.

antidote

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

alcoholism

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

haughty

arrogant conceited

ineluctable

certain inevitable

foil

prevent from carrying out contrast

pellucid

transparent easy to understand

solvent

of the power of forming a solution

evasive

tending to evade

tangential

suddenly changeable

fleet

number of ships quick-moving

trenchant

forceful effective vigorous extremely perceptive incisive

accompany

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

malevolence

wishing to do evil

dote

show much fondness center one's attention

debacle

a breakup overthrow sudden disaster

stigma

mark of shame or disgrace

rejuvenation

becoming young in nature or appearance

plaque

flat metal on a wall as a memorial

breach

opening broken place breaking

hack

cut roughly hired horse

apparition

n. Ghost.

empirical

relying on experiment

macabre

gruesome suggesting death

abysmal

bottomless extreme

engender

cause produce give rise to

accustom

v. To make familiar by use.

earthenware

dishes made of baked clay

axiom

n. statement that is accepted as true without further proof or argument

ambush

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

apogee

n. The climax.

accessible

adj. ~ that can be reached, used, etc

acrid

adj. having a strongly bitter smell or taste

inclined

directing the mind in a certain direction

noisome

offensive disgusting (smell)

temperance

abstinence from alcohol self-control moderation

pivotal

of great importance (others depend on it)

athirst

adj. Wanting water.

anachronism

n. mistake of placing sth in the wrong historical period

recondite

little known abstruse

amphitheater

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

atrocity

n. Great cruelty or reckless wickedness.

adjuration

n. A vehement appeal.

acclivity

n. upward slope

annihilate

v. destroy completely

muffler

cloth worn round the neck/silencer

nexus

a connection tie or link

ominous

threatening

fret

worry irritation wear away

ascetic

practicing self-denial austere stark

consequential

pompous self important

arduous

steep difficult ascent laborious

deprecate

protest against express disapproval of

aerial

adj. Of, pertaining to, or like the air.

alienate

v. ~ sb cause sb to become unfriendly or indifferent; estrange sb

enthral

please greatly/enslave (fig)

drone

male bee person who isn't self-employed

antechamber

n. A waiting room for those who seek audience.

fidget

move restlessly make nervous

gullible

easily gulled

authenticate

Rractical experience of sth

antique

adj. Pertaining to ancient times.

allegiance

duty support loyalty

maverick

rebel nonconformist

provisional

of the present time only

plethora

glut

antedate

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

retrospective

Looking back on past

recast

cast or fashion anew

adorn

add beauty decorate

aboriginal

adj. Primitive; unsophisticated.

ablution

n. A washing or cleansing, especially of the body.

abacus

frame with balls for calculating

amply

adv. Sufficiently.

embezzle

use in a wrong way for one's own benefit

disparate

essentially different

attrition

n. process of gradually weakening sb's strength and confidence by continuous harassment

pugnacious

fond of in the habit of fighting

equivocal

having a double or doubtful meaning suspicious

alley

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

churl

bad-tempered person

hallow

to make holy consecrate

analyze

v. To examine minutely or critically.

adversity

n. Misfortune.

abomination

n. A very detestable act or practice.

sordid

wretched comfortless contemptible

bacterium

n. A microbe.

atonement

n. Amends, reparation, or expiation made from wrong or injury.

array

v. place (esp armed forces, troops, etc) in battle order

innocuous

causing no harm

hubris

arrogant pride

soggy

heavy with water

disinter

dig up from the earth

fringe

edge ornamental border part of hair over the forehead

epithet

adjective

fallacious

based on error

fledged

able to fly trained experienced

cantankerous

bad-tempered/quarrelsome

acquiescence

n. Passive consent.

forbearance

patience willingness to wait

attest

v. ~ (to) sth be or give clear proof of sth

abut

v. ~ on/against sth (of land or a building) have a common boundary or side with sth; adjoin sth

ire

anger

credulity

too great a readiness to believe things

splice

join (two ends)

awe

n. feeling of respect combined with fear or wonder

august

majestic, venerable

cursory

quick hurried

aura

n. Pervasive psychic influence supposed to emanate from persons

droll

jesting

archaeology

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

perjury

willful FALSE statement unlawful act

synopsis

summary or outline

taut

tightly stretched

appropriate

adj. ~ suitable; right and proper

intrepid

fearless brave undaunted

awl

n. small pointed tool for making holes, esp in leather or wood

dud

no use person something that fails

austere

adj. severely and strictly moral; having no pleasures or comforts

ameliorate

v. To relieve, as from pain or hardship

azure

n. The color of the sky.

articulate

adj. able to express one's ideas clearly in words

argot

jargon slang

ambrosial

extremely pleasing to taste

ambrosial

adj. Divinely sweet, fragrant, or delicious.

affected

adj. not natural or genuine; pretended; artificial

implicit

implied though not plainly expressed

decry

disapprove of

anarchist

n. person who believes in anarchism

mercurial

quick changeable in character fleeting

antemundane

adj. Pertaining to time before the world's creation.

abstruse

adj. Dealing with matters difficult to be understood.

neophyte

person who has been converted to a belief

jocular

meant as a joke

drawl

slow way of speaking

bilge

bulge the protuberance of a cask

garner

to gather and save to store up

nascent

coming into existence emerging

gourmand

a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess

animosity

n. Hatred.

derogatory

insulting tending to damage

ambience

n. environment; atmosphere of a place

anthology

n. collection of poems or pieces of prose on the same subject or by the same writer

malleable

yielding easily shaped moldable adapting

exploit

brilliant achievement develop use selfishly

beau

n. An escort or lover.

gnaw

waste away bite steadily

crush

press lose shape subdue overwhelm

batter

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

arrangement

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

chastisement

punishment

arrogance

a feeling or an impression of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims

amnesty

n. general pardon, esp for offences against the State

rave

act with excessive enthusiasm

chastened

corrected punished

endorse

write one's name on the back of

tawdry

cheap gaudy showy tacky

ponderous

heavy bulky dull

banal

adj. Commonplace.

abstinence

n. ~ abstaining, esp from food or alcoholic drinks

dainty

pretty/delicate(food)/difficult to please

affix

v. ~ sth (fml ) stick, fasten or attach sth

asterisk

the mark * (e.g.. omitted letters)

apostle

n. Any messenger commissioned by or as by divine authority.

streak

long thin move very fast

insurrection

rising of people to open resistance to

athwart

adv. From side to side.

portent

omen marvelous threatening

pedestrian

commonplace trite unremarkable

aplomb

self-confidence

ambidextrous

adj. able to use the left hand or the right hand equally well

aggravate

v. To make heavier, worse, or more burdensome.

curmudgeon

bad-tempered person

august

majestic venerable

agenda

n. matters of business to be discussed at a meeting, etc

aperture

n. narrow opening

abut

border on

impromptu

without preparation

abdicate

v. To give up (royal power or the like).

gust

outburst of feeling sudden rain wind fire etc.

entreat

ask earnestly

archbishop

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

apocryphal

adj. not likely to be genuine; untrue or invented

fracas

noisy quarrel

implacable

incapable of being placated unpleasable

emaciate

make thin and weak

chary

cautious wary

fulsome

disgusting offensive due to excessiveness

proliferate

grow reproduce by rapid multification

amorphous

adj. Without determinate shape.

ineffable

to great to be described in words

aphasia

n. partial or total loss of ability to speak or understand spoken language, caused by damage to the brain

austerity

n. quality of being austere

agog

eager/excited

amputate

v. cut off by surgical operation

reciprocity

granting of privileges in return for similar

Anglophobia

n. Hatred or dread of England or of what is English.

balsam

n. A medical preparation, aromatic and oily, used for healing.

cryptic

secret with a hidden meaning

avow

v. To declare openly.

forgery

counterfeit

anemic

adj. Affected with anemia.

addle

v. confuse (sth/sb); muddle

extinguish

end the existence of/wipe or put out

disproof

proof to the contrary

accessory

n. A person or thing that aids the principal agent.

intersperse

place here and there

prudish

easily shocked excessively modest

blandishment

flattery coaxing

assonance

n. Resemblance or correspondence in sound.

attenuate

make thin. weaken enervate

aversion

strong dislike

skit

short piece of humorous writing

antiquity

n. ancient times, esp before the Middle Ages

desiccant

substance used to absorb moisture

quiescent

at rest dormant torpid

ostracism

shut out from society refuse to meet talk

amoral

adj. not based on moral standards; not following any moral rules ;

entice

tempt or persuade

asperity

n. harshness or severity, esp of manner

prune

dried plum silly person

penurious

poor/stingy

accurate

adj. Conforming exactly to truth or to a standard.

dynamo

a generator something that produces electric current

inimitable

defying imitation unmatchable

aloof

reserved indifferent

Achillean

adj. Invulnerable.

rebuff

snub

acquittal

n. A discharge from accusation by judicial action.

subsume

include under a rule

nadir

lowest weakest point

agog

adj. eager; excited

extol

praise highly

immutable

that cannot be changed

fawn

young deer try to win smb's favor

abate

v. make or become less

esoteric

abstruse intended only for a small circle of

ramify

to be divided or subdivided to branch out

anonymity

n. state of being anonymous

aristocrat

n. A hereditary noble or one nearly connected with nobility.

anomaly

n. anomalous thing; irregularity

anthropoid

adj. man-like in form

abeyance

n. A state of suspension or temporary inaction.

alto

n. The lowest or deepest female voice or part.

liberality

free giving generosity

legacy

something handed down from ancestors

assignee

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

stickler

person who insists on importance of something

fecund

fertile

coerce

compel to force to make obedient

assassin

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

nebulous

cloud-like hazy vague indistinct

discourse

speech lecture

abeyance

n. be in abeyance; fall/go into abeyance (of a right, rule, problem, etc) be suspended temporarily; not be in force or use for a time

quack

person dishonestly claiming to something

augment

v. make (sth) larger in number or size; increase

artifice

n. Trickery.

brook

to tolerate endure

contrite

filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing

credulous

ready to believe things

belligerent

(person nation) waging war

plod

continue doing something without resting

rapacious

greedy (esp for money)

abjure

v. promise or swear to give up (a claim, an opinion, a belief, etc); renounce formally

adamant

kind of stone inflexible

appraise

v. To estimate the money value of.

abdicate

v. resign from or formally renounce the throne

arroyo

a brook; a creek a water-carved gully or channel

abdication

giving up control authority

consummate

perfect/make perfect/complete

acclimate

to adapt to a new temperature, altitude, climate, environment, or situation

restive

refusing to move reluctant to be controlled

mesmerize

hypnotize

imperturbable

calm not capable of being excited

autobiography

n. The story of one's life written by himself.

dereliction

deserting and leaving to fall into ruins

extant

still in existence

apotheosis

n. (of a human being) making or becoming a god or a sain

timorous

fearful timid afraid

inchoate

not yet fully formed rudimentary elementary

superfluous

more then is needed or wanted

resilience

quality of quickly recovering the original shape

austere

adj. Severely simple; unadorned.

trite

not new

amalgam

n. An alloy or union of mercury with another metal.

absolute

adj. complete; total

adjutant

n. army officer responsible for administrative work in a battalion

aggrieve

v. To give grief or sorrow to.

pine

waste away through sorrow or illness

ballad

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

quail

lose courage turn frightened

falter

waver/move in an uncertain manner

auxiliary

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

annihilate

v. To destroy absolutely.

bailiff

n. An officer of court having custody of prisoners under arraignment.

authoritarian

adj. favouring complete obedience to authority before personal freedom

fulmination

bitter protest

sobriety

quality or condition of being sober

steeply

rising or falling sharply

pyre

large pile of wood for burning

alleviate

v. make less severe; ease

cogitate

think deeply mediate

abode

n. house; home

beatify

to bless make happy or ascribe a virtue to

roll

call calling of names

abridgment

n. A condensed form as of a book or play.

antiphon

n. A response or alteration of responses, generally musical.

alcove

n. small space in a room, etc formed by part of the wall being set back; recess

aberration

n. Deviation from a right, customary, or prescribed course.

access

n. A way of approach or entrance; passage.

inane

silly senseless

assiduous

diligent hard-working sedulous

onerous

needing effort burdensome

rant

use extravagant language

holster

leather case for a pistol

corroboration

additional strengthening evidence

ancestry

n. line of ancestors

retard

check hinder

impermeable

that cannot be permeated

pertain

belong as a part have reference

bawl

v. To proclaim by outcry.

sophisticated

complex subtle refined

sluggard

lazy slow-moving person

accuse

v. To charge with wrong doing, misconduct, or error.

abominate

v. feel hatred or disgust for (sth/sb); detest; loathe

approbation

n. approval; consent

petrified

taken away power (to think feel act)

propitiatory

conciliatory appeasing mitigating

analogy

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

arbitrate

v. To act or give judgment as umpire.

aquiline

adj. of or like an eagle

discredit

refuse to believe

apposite

adj. Appropriate.

amplitude

n. Largeness.

autopsy

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

centurion

leader of a unit of 100 soldiers

shard

piece of broken earthenware

canvass

discuss thoroughly sort of touting

apprehensive

adj. ~ ~ (that.../for sb/sth) feeling anxiety; fearful; uneasy

glib

ready and smooth but not sincere

involute

complex

morose

ill-tempered unsocial

abscond

v. ~go away suddenly and secretly, esp in order to avoid arrest

arrear

n. Something overdue and unpaid.

ascension

n. The act of rising.

extempore

without previous thought or preparation

inadvertent

not paying proper attention

ape

n. any of the four primates (gorilla, chimpanzee, orang-utan, gibbon) most closely related to man .

arcade

n. covered passage or area, esp one with an arched roof and shops along one or both sides

amnesia

n. partial or total loss of memory

ampersand

n. The character &; and.

libertine

immoral person

alienation

n. Estrangement.

reproach

scold upbraid

anthem

n. short musical composition, usu for a choir and an organ, to be sung in religious services, often with words taken from the Bible ,

addiction

n. ~ condition of taking drugs, etc habitually and being unable to stop doing so without suffering adverse effects

plunge

move quickly suddenly and with force

dearth

shortage

resort

to frequently visit

acquire

v. To get as one's own.

glean

gather facts in small quantities

antistrophe

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

profane

worldly having contempt for God

broach

bring up announce begin to talk about

preternatural

not normal or usual

adjunct

n. ~ thing that is added or attached to sth else but is less important and not essential

inundate

flood cover by overflowing

appreciable

adj. Capable of being discerned by the senses or intellect.

puissance

strength

avert

v. To turn away or aside.

feint

pretend

exscind

to cut out cut away

assets

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

specious

illogical of questionable truth or merit

impassive

unmoved feeling no sign of passion

adverse

adj. not favourable; contrary

propinquity

nearness in time or place affinity of nature

scribble

write hastily

supercilious

disdainful characterized by haughty scorn

adage

n. traditional saying; proverb ;

ambush

n. waiting in a hidden position to make a surprise attack

covetous

eagerly desirous

acoustic

adj. Pertaining to the act or sense of hearing.

armful

n. As much as can be held in the arm or arms.

Antarctic

adj. Pertaining to the south pole or the regions near it.

engrossing

taken up all the time or attention writing in large or formal

gaucherie

socially awkward tactless behavior

apotheosis

deification glorification to godliness

quibble

try to avoid by sophistication

petulant

unreasonably impatient

allegiance

n. ~ (to sb/sth) support of or loyalty to a government, ruler, cause, etc

denigrate

blacken belittle sully defame

ambulate

v. To walk about

affront

n. ~ (to sb/sth) deliberately insulting or disrespectful remark, action, etc, esp in public

infuse

put pour fill

consume

get to the end of

caustic

biting sarcastic

odium

contempt dislike aversion

animadversion

n. criticism

aplomb

n. confidence and self-control; poise

gossamer

soft light delicate material

appall

to overcome with consternation, shock, or dismay

agrarian

adj. of land

appellation

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

accost

v. To speak to.

effete

infertile worn out weak

transitory

brief

acme

n. The highest point, or summit.

infuriate

fill with fury or rage

tamp

tap or drive down by repeated light blows

annex

v. take possession of

negligent

taking too little care

encapsulate

enclose in capsule

raconteur

person who tells anecdotes

mince

pronounce or speak affectedly euphemize

predilection

special liking mental preference

pique

hurt the pride or self-respect stir (curiosity)

ascertain

get to know

chisel

steel tool for shaping materials

belabor

beat hard

aural

adj. Of or pertaining to the ear.

anecdote

n. short, interesting or amusing story about a real person or event ,

correlate

have a mutual relation

striated

striped grooved or banded

sawdust

tiny bits of wood

soporific

producing sleep

absurd

adj. Inconsistent with reason or common sense.

taunt

contemptuous reproach hurtful remark

administrator

n. One who manages affairs of any kind.

forbear

refrain from be patient ancestor

autonomous

adj. self-governing; acting independently

plea

request

squalid

foul filthy

archetype

n. original or ideal model from which others are copied; prototype ;

ambivalence

the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes

argot

n. words and phrases used by a particular group and not intended to be understood by others; cant ;

idolatry

excessive admiration of

divulge

make known something secret

erratic

irregular in behaviour or opinion

aeronautics

n. the art or practice of flying aircraft

shrewd

astute showing sound judgement

salacious

obscene

astringent

n. substance, used medically or in cosmetics, that makes skin or body tissue contract and so stops bleeding

annals

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

Arthurian

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

asperity

n. Harshness or roughness of temper.

contiguous

touching neighboring near

recant

take back as being FALSE give up

repast

meal

submerge

put under water liquid sink out of sight

arbiter

n. ~ person who has power to decide what will be done, accepted, etc with regard to sth

atheism

n. The denial of the existence of God.

engulf

swallow up

coalescing

coming together and uniting into one substance

accomplish

v. To bring to pass.

cower

crouch shrink back

ambidextrous

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

libel

statement that damages reputation

apropos

adv, adj appropriate or relevant to what is being said or done

putrefaction

becoming rotten

airy

adj. Delicate, ethereal.

affix

v. To fasten.

able-bodied

adj. Competent for physical service.

stymie

to hinder obstruct or block

travesty

parody/imitation

aria

n. song for one voice, esp in an opera or oratorio

autarchy

n. Unrestricted power.

autopsy

n. examination of a dead body to learn the cause of death; post-mortem ()

attest

v. To certify as accurate, genuine, or true.

diatribe

bitter and violent attack in words

inimical

harmful or friendly

actuary

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

sober

self-controlled

fission

splitting or division (esp. of cells)

accord

n. peace treaty; agreement

audacious

daring foolishly bold impudent

artifacts

something created by humans usually for a practical purpose; especially :an object remaining from a particular period

accouter

v. To dress.

frantic

wildly excited with joy pain anxiety

stipple

paint with dots

sententious

short and pithy full of maxims/proverbs

exhaustive

complete thorough

acclaim

v. welcome (sb/sth) with shouts of approval; applaud loudly

conspicuous

easily seen remarkable

abbey

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

acrimony

n. Sharpness or bitterness of speech or temper.

ardor

n. Intensity of passion or affection.

antemeridian

adj. Before noon.

allay

v. make (sth) less; relieve

adversary

n. opponent in a contest; enemy

attune

bring into harmony

advocacy

n. ~ giving of support (to a cause, etc)

indolence

laziness

allot

v. To assign a definite thing or part to a certain person.

abnegation

n. denial or renunciation (of a doctrine)

acreage

n. Quantity or extent of land, especially of cultivated land.

fagged

too tired, exhausted

hoi

polloi the masses the rabble

antecede

v. To precede.

antagonism

n~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) active opposition or hostility, esp between two people

inasmuch

since because

annuity

n. An annual allowance, payment, or income.

arboreal

adj. of or living in trees

abduction

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

acute

adj. Having fine and penetrating discernment.

cajole

use flattery or deceit to persuade

abet

help/encourage smb (in doing wrong)

suppliant

asking humbly beseeching

abate

to lessen to subside

encomium

warm or glowing praise eulogy panegyric

riddle

puzzling person or thing

arrogant

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

askance

adv. With a side or indirect glance or meaning.

baneful

causing harm or ruin pernicious destructive

Augustinian

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

attribute

v. ~ sth to sb/sth regard sth as belonging to, caused by or produced by sb/sth

annalist

n. Historian.

arrival

n. A coming to stopping-place or destination.

prone

prostrate inclined to (undesirable things)

anecdote

n. A brief account of some interesting event or incident.

placate

soothe pacify calm

goad

something urging a person to action

amicable

adj. showing friendliness; without hostility

aggrandize

v. To cause to appear greatly.

extirpate

to destroy exterminate cut out exscind

analyst

n. One who analyzes or makes use of the analytical method.

blithe

cheerful casual carefree

massacre

cruel killing of a large number of people

aberration

straying away from what is normal

inveterate

deep-rooted. long-established

archetype

n. A prototype.

alcohol

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

annual

adj. Occurring every year.

astute

adj. clever and quick at seeing how to gain an advantage; shrewd

automaton

n. = robot 1

terse

brief and to the point

autocrat

n. ruler of an autocracy

pliant

pliable easily bent shaped or twisted

abase

v. ~ oneself/sb lower oneself/sb in dignity; degrade oneself/sb ;

amend

v. correct an error in (sth); make minor improvements in; change slightly

akin

adj. Of similar nature or qualities.

bask

v. To make warm by genial heat.

barring

prep. Apart from.

aristocracy

n. A hereditary nobility

avert

v. ~ sth turn sth away

enzyme

catalyst

insensible

unconscious unresponsive unaffected

abjure

promise or swear to give up

cognizant

being fully aware of

alimony

n. allowance that a court may order a man to pay to his wife or former wife before or after a legal separation or divorce

peregrination

traveling about wandering

adhere

v. To stick fast or together.

snub

treat with contempt

avocation

n. Diversion.

invective

abusive language curses

accolade

praise approval

abrogate

v. To abolish, repeal.

palliate

lessen the severity of

affiliation

n. affiliating or being affiliated

egress

way out exit

accretion

n. growth or increase by means of gradual additions

afterthought

n. A thought that comes later than its appropriate or expected time.

accrue

accumulate

archipelago

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

indelible

that cannot be rubbed out

pinch

be too tight take between the thumb and finger

adoration

n. Profound devotion.

apostate

adj. False.

anesthetic

= anaesthesia, anaesthetic

flinch

draw move back wince

annals

n. story of events year by year; historical records

tractable

easily controlled or guided

automaton

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

antiquary

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

asylum

n. safety; refuge

finical

too fussy about food clothing etc.

alternate

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

alias

n. name by which a person is called at other times or in other places; false name

serration

having a toothed edge

aspirant

n. ~ (fml ) person who is ambitious (for fame, promotion, success, etc)

aseptic

adj. free from bacteria that cause a thing to become septic; surgically clean

castigation

severe punishment

detraction

slandering verbal attack aspersion

tyro

tiro beginner

advocate

v. speak publicly in favour of (sth); recommend; support

redoubtable

formidable causing fear

becalm

v. To make quiet.

laudatory

expressing or giving praise

multifarious

varied motley greatly diversified

awry

adv. crookedly; out of position; askew ;

ebullience

exuberance outburst of feeling

accommodate

v. To furnish something as a kindness or favor.

autocrat

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

moderation

quality of being limited not extreme

avarice

n. Passion for getting and keeping riches.

irksome

tiresome

husk

worthless outside part of anything

atone

v. ~ (fml ) act in a way that compensates for a previous wrong, error, etc

insouciant

unconcerned carefree

application

n. ~ (to sb) (for sth) formal request

gist

the point general sense

ferocity

savage cruelty

philistine

a smug ignorant person one who lacks knowledge

tortuous

devious/not straightforward

poncho

large piece of cloth

absorption

n. The act or process of absorbing.

autumnal

adj. Of or pertaining to autumn.

sundry

various miscellaneous separate

pristine

primitive unspoiled pure as in earlier times unadulterated

archives

n. historical documents or records of a government, town, etc

avalanche

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

cabal

a scheme or plot a group of plotters

demagogue

person appealing not to reasons

extricable

that can be freed

abortive

adj. coming to nothing; unsuccessful

anoint

v. ~ sb apply oil or ointment to sb (esp as a religious ceremony)

astigmatism

n. defect in an eye or a lens that prevents correct focusing

maudlin

sentimental in a silly or tearful way

antithetical

direct opposing

acuity

n. (esp of thought or the senses) sharpness; acuteness

impending

imminent being about to happen expected

erudite

learned scholarly

surcharge

additional load/charge

adjuration

solemn urging

foment

put something warm (to lessen the pain)

aversion

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

affable

adj. polite and friendly

meticulous

giving great attention to details

Baconian

adj. Of or pertaining to Lord Bacon or his system of philosophy.

chauvinist

a blindly devoted patriot

pernicious

harmful injurious

stipulate

state or put forward as a necessary condition

abstinence

n. Self denial.

sever

break off

bauble

n. A trinket.

accelerate

v. make move faster or happen earlier; increase the speed of

repine

at be discontented with

analgesic

adj. n substance that relieves pain

concord

agreement or harmony

didactic

intended to instruct

decorum

propriety properness

ardor

enthusiasm

repulsive

causing a feeling of disgust

sagacious

having sound judgment perceptive wise like a sage

buoyant

able to float light-hearted

adjacency

n. The state of being adjacent.

aristocracy

n. highest social class; the nobility

allay

v. To calm the violence or reduce the intensity of; mitigate.

acquiesce

v. ~ (fml ) accept sth without protest; offer no opposition (to a plan, conclusion, etc)

ineptitude

quality of being unskillful

flop

fail/move/fall clumsily

annex

v. To add or affix at the end.

anew

adv. Once more.

inferno

hell

equable

steady regular

lithe

bending twisting

ambrosia

n. food of the gods

anxious

adj. Distressed in mind respecting some uncertain matter.

aegis

n. under the aegis of sb/sth with the protection or support of sb/sth, esp a public institution

ascribe

v. To assign as a quality or attribute.

audit

n. official examination of accounts to see that they are in order

tenuous

insubstantial flimsy weak

meretricious

attractive on the surface but of little value

accretion

the growing of separate things into one

epistle

letter

apparent

adj. Easily understood.

hypocrisy

falsely making oneself appear to be good

antitoxin

n. A substance which neutralizes the poisonous products of micro-organisms.

artful

adj. Characterized by craft or cunning.

adieu

inter. Good-by; farewell.

astute

clever quick at seeing to get an advantage

dolt

stupid fellow

attire

n. clothes; dress

enigma

something that is puzzling

plaintive

mournful melancholy sorrowful

assassinate

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

forage

food for horses and cattle

animosity

strong dislike

augur

v. To predict.

amulet

n. piece of jewellery, etc worn as a charm1(

noxious

harmful

grievous

causing grief or pain serious dire grave

acidulous

adj. rather sharp or bitter in taste or manner

apothecary

n. person who prepares and sells medicines and medical goods

seminal

like a seed constituting a source originative

amass

v. gather together or collect (sth), esp in large quantities

quotidian

banal everyday

indigenous

native

anguish

n. severe physical or mental pain

accomplice

n. An associate in wrong-doing.

desuetude

cessation of use disuse

advocacy

n. The act of pleading a cause.

mundane

worldly as opposed to spiritual commonplace everyday

atavism

n. reappearance in a person of a characteristic or quality that has not been seen in his family for many generations

facetious

humorous funny jocular

antidote

medicine used against a poison or a disease

aqueous

adj. Of, pertaining to, or containing water.

adversity

n. unfavourable conditions; trouble

apprehensive

grasping understanding fear unhappy feeling about future

gorge

eat greedily/narrow opening with a stream

petrous

like a rock hard stony

morbid

diseased unhealthy (e.g.. about ideas)

arrant

in the highest degree

foppish

like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes

minatory

menacing threatening

appreciate

v. understand and enjoy (sth); value highly

connoisseur

a person with good judgement (e.g.. in art)

incursion

a raid a sudden attack

animosity

n. ~ ~ (between A and B) (instance of) strong dislike or of hostility

turbid

muddy having the sediment stirred up

assimilate

v. (cause sth to) become absorbed into the body after digestion

prevalent

common

abysmal

adj. extremely bad

ensign

flag/badge

irate

angry

appraise

v. assess the value or quality of