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GRE 2000

Terms

undefined, object
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

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2024

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