Words

Published on November 2016 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 53 | Comments: 0 | Views: 373
of 31
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content


scintilla: A tiny trace or spark of a specified quality or feeling
staid - Sedate, respectable, and unadventurousd
hypocritical - Behaving in a way that suggests one has higher standards or more
noble beliefs than is the case
declaim - utter or deliver words or a speech in a rhetorical or impassioned way,
as if to an audience; [ no obj. ] (declaim against) forcefully protest against
or criticize (something).
rhapsodize - speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and
delighta
adumbrate - report or represent in outline; sketch out in vague way; indicate fa
intly; foreshadow or symbolize; overshadow
lysis - The disintegration of a cell by rupture of the cell wall or membrane; Th
e gradual decline of disease symptoms.
quiescence - in a state or period of inactivity or dormancy
pellucid - translucently clear; lucid in style or meaning; easily understood; (o
f music or other sound) clear and pure in tone
factitious - artificially created or developed; sun. artificial, false, unnatura
l, affected, spurious
diegesis - Diegesis is a style of fiction storytelling which presents an interio
r view of a world and is: that world itself experienced by the characters in sit
uations and events of the narrative; telling, recounting, as opposed to showing,
enacting
cathect: inject with libidinal energy; To invest emotional energy in (a person,
object or idea)
cathexis: the concentration of mental energy on one particular person, idea, or
object (esp. to an unhealthy degree).
catachresis: the use of a word in a way that is not correct; misapplication of a
word, especially in a mixed metaphor
winsome - Attractive or appealing in appearance or character
steel (w/ object) - mentally prepare (oneself) to do or face something difficult

limpid - (of a liquid) Free of anything that darkens; completely clear
ambit - The scope, extent, or bounds of something
nostrum - A medicine, esp. one that is not considered effective, prepared by an
unqualified person
doxastic: relating to an individual's beliefs
orrery: a mechanical model of the solar system, or of just the sun, earth, and m
oon, used to represent their relative positions and motions
diachronic - Concerned with the way in which something, esp. language, has devel
oped and evolved through time
embourgeoisement - the proliferation in a society of values perceived as charact
eristic of the middle class, esp. of materialism.
hypostatize - treat or represent (something abstract) as a concrete reality.
lacuna - an unfilled space or interval; a gap: a missing portion in a book or ma
nuscript
renascent - becoming active or popular again
unregenerate - Not reforming or showing repentance; obstinately wrong or bad.
allegorize - interpret or represent symbolically
temporize - Avoid making a decision or committing oneself in order to gain time
purvey - spread or promote (an idea, view, etc.)
mimesis - imitation, in particular: representation or imitation of the real worl
d in art and literature; the deliberate imitation of the behavior of one group o
f people by another as a factor in social change
resumption - the action of beginning something again after a pause or interrupti
on
empyrian - Belonging to or deriving from heaven.
veridical - truthful; coinciding with reality
ossify - (often as adj. ossified) cease developing; be stagnant or rigid
rapprochement - (esp. in international relations) an establishment or resumption
of harmonious relations
palliative - (of a treatment or medicine) relieving pain or alleviating a proble
m without dealing with the underlying cause:
aleatory - Depending on the throw of a die or on chance; random
idiom - a characteristic mode of expression in music or art
recondite -(of a subject or knowledge) little known; abstruse
fulminate - express vehement protest
contradistinction - distinction made by contrasting the different qualities of t
wo things
parley - hold a conference with the opposing side to discuss terms
interpellate - (of an ideology or discourse) bring into being or give identity t
o (an individual or category).
factitious - artificially created or developed
vituperation - bitter and abusive language
importunate - persistent, esp. to the point of annoyance or intrusion
wont - (of a person) in the habit of doing something; accustomed
homily - a tedious moralizing discourse; A religious discourse that is intended
primarily for spiritual edification rather than doctrinal instruction; a sermon
dyad (dyadic) - something that consists of two elements or parts
contrivance - a thing that is created skillfully and inventively to serve a part
icular purpose; a device, esp. in literary or artistic composition, that gives a
sense of artificiality; the use of skill to bring something about or create som
ething
paunch - A large or protruding abdomen or stomach.
fructify - make (something) fruitful or productive.
berceuse - a lullaby
accede - assent or agree to a demand, request, or treaty; assume an office or po
sition
yoke - cause (two people or things) to be joined in a close relationship
askance - With an attitude or look of suspicion or disapproval
clearinghouse: An agency or organization that collects and distributes something
, esp. information.
recension - A revised edition of a text; an act of making a revised edition of a
text
diffident - Modesty or shyness resulting from a lack of self-confidence
verve - Vigor and spirit or enthusiasm
tony - Fashionable among wealthy or stylish people
unbridled - Uncontrolled; unconstrained
sempiternal - dateless: having no known beginning and presumably no end; eternal
and unchanging; everlasting
cabal - A secret political clique or faction
scion - A descendant of a notable family.
claptrap - Absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas
raconteur - a person who tells anecdotes in a skillful and amusing way
louche - Disreputable or sordid in a rakish or appealing way
adulation - Obsequious flattery; excessive admiration or praise
peregrine - (adj) foreign; not native
atavistic - Relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or an
cestral
occlude - Stop, close up, or obstruct (an opening, orifice, or passage); shut (s
omething) in
congeries - A disorderly collection; a jumble
ferment - Agitation and excitement among a group of people, typically concerning
major change and leading to trouble or violence
cipher - a secret or disguised way of writing; a code:
conversant - Familiar with or knowledgeable about something
disabuse (undeceive, disillusion): To free from a falsehood or misconception; P
ersuade (someone) that an idea or belief is mistaken
hector - Talk to (someone) in a bullying way
regime - A system or planned way of doing things, esp. one imposed from above.;
syn. order
orthodoxy - Authorized or generally accepted theory, doctrine, or practice; The
quality of conforming to such theories, doctrines, or practices
heterodoxy - any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox
position
patently - obviously: unmistakably (`plain' is often used informally for `plainl
y')
peregrination - traveling or wandering around
pat - Simple and somewhat glib or unconvincing.
ramify - Cause to branch or spread out
deposition - The action of deposing someone, esp. a monarch; The process of givi
ng sworn evidence
writ - One's power to enforce compliance or submission; one's authority
bemuse - Puzzle, confuse, or bewilder (someone)
screed - A long speech or piece of writing, typically one regarded as tedious.
purchase - A hold or position on something for applying power advantageously, or
the advantage gained by such application
trammel - A restriction or impediment to someone's freedom of action: "free from
the trammels of materialism"; (verb) deprive of freedom of action
sybaritic - Fond of sensuous luxury or pleasure; self-indulgent
apposite - Apt in the circumstances or in relation to something
arrogate - Take or claim (something) for oneself without justification
betroth - Enter into a formal agreement to marry
short thrift - Rapid and unsympathetic dismissal
tincture - Be tinged, flavored, or imbued with a slight amount of
hermetic - Insulated or protected from outside influences
largesse - Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others
sinew - verb: Strengthen with or as if with sinews; The parts of a structure, sy
stem, or thing that give it strength or bind it together; tendons
sinuous - Having many curves and turns; lithe and supple
quietism - Calm acceptance of things as they are without attempts to resist or c
hange them
exoteric - (esp. of a doctrine or mode of speech) Intended for or likely to be u
nderstood by the general public
inestimable - Too great to calculate
sedulous - Diligent in application or pursuit; constant, steady, and persevering
in business, or in endeavors to effect an object; steadily industrious
excrescence - A distinct outgrowth on a human or animal body or on a plant, esp.
one that is the result of disease or abnormality; an unattractive or superfluou
s addition or feature
telos - An ultimate object or aim
extant - (esp. of a document) Still in existence; surviving
exposition - A comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory
contraindicate - to give an indication against
guileless - Devoid of guile; innocent and without deception
crucible - A place or occasion of severe test or trial
continence - the exercise of self constraint in sexual matters
imprimateur - Official approval; sanction
harangue - Lecture (someone) at length in an aggressive and critical manner.
uneluctable - Unable to be resisted or avoided; inescapable
purvey - Provide or supply (food, drink, or other goods) as one's business
putative - Generally considered or reputed to be
atavistic - Relating to or characterized by reversion to something ancient or an
cestral
metropole - The metropole, from the Greek Metropolis 'mother city' (polis being
a city state, hence also used for any colonizing 'mother country'
supervenient - In a relationship with another set such that membership in the ot
her set implies membership in the present set; Supervening; occurring subsequent
ly; coming after something, especially when not causally connected
syndicate - control of manage by a syndicate; (noun) A group of individuals or
organizations combined to promote some common interest
polysemous: Having a diversity of meanings.
jeremiad - A long, mournful complaint or lamentation; a list of woes
tendentious - Expressing or intending to promote a particular cause or point of
view, esp. a controversial one
founder: (of a ship) Fill with water and sink
teleology - The explanation of phenomena by the purpose they serve rather than b
y postulated causes.
irruption - a sudden violent entrance; a bursting in
intone - Say or recite with little rise and fall of the pitch of the voice
lineament - A distinctive feature or characteristic, esp. of the face
propound - Put forward (an idea, theory, or point of view) for consideration
diaphanous: very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent.;
delicately hazy
celerity - Swiftness of movement
metonymy - The substitution of the name of an attribute or adjunct for that of t
he thing meant, for example suit for business executive
coterminous - Having the same boundaries or extent in space, time, or meaning
polyvalent - Having many different functions, forms, or facets
blinkered - Having or showing a limited outlook
protean - Tending or able to change frequently or easily; Able to do many differ
ent things; versatile
magisterial - Having or showing great authority; domineering; dictatorial
abnegate - Renounce or reject (something desired or valuable)
seethe - (of a liquid) bubble up as a result of being boiled
ferment - Agitation and excitement among a group of people, typically concerning
major change and leading to trouble or violence
piquant - Pleasantly stimulating or exciting to the mind; having a pleasantly sh
arp taste or appetizing flavor
highbrow - Scholarly or rarefied in taste
antinomy - A contradiction between two beliefs or conclusions that are in themse
lves reasonable; a paradox
grandiloquent - Pompous or extravagant in language, style, or manner, esp. in a
way that is intended to impress
aberrant - Departing from an accepted standard
etiology: The cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condi
tion.
percipient - (of a person) Having a good understanding of things; perceptive
analogize - Make a comparison of (something) with something else to assist under
standing.
operationalize - put into operation or use; Express or define (something) in ter
ms of the operations used to determine or prove it
apogee: The highest point in the development of something; the climax or culmina
tion
interpellate - (of an ideology or discourse) Bring into being or give an identit
y to (an individual or category)
eave - the overhang at the lower edge of a roof
collate - Compare and analyze (texts or other data); Collect and combine (texts,
information, or sets of figures) in proper order
snigger - A smothered or half-suppressed laugh.
"betwixt and between" - (idiom) betwixt and between. In an intermediate position
; neither wholly one thing nor another.
modulate Exert a modifying or controlling influence on
puckish - Playful, esp. in a mischievous way
compunction - A feeling of guilt or moral scruple that follows the doing of some
thing bad: "spend the money without compunction
saddle - burden (someone) with an onerous responsibility or task
braggart - A person who boasts about achievements or possessions
credulity -A tendency to be too ready to believe that something is real or true
wither - cause harm or damage to
conjugates - A mathematical value or entity having a reciprocal relation with an
other
unpack - Analyze (something) into its component elements
hog-tie - Impede or hinder greatly
lothario - A man who behaves selfishly and irresponsibly in his sexual relations
hips with women
mandate - Give (someone) authority to act in a certain way; Require (something)
to be done; make mandatory
hidebound - Unwilling or unable to change because of tradition or convention
rapt - Completely fascinated by what one is seeing or hearing
infantilize - Treat (someone) as a child or in a way that denies their maturity
in age or experience
originate - Create or initiate (something)
withered - The action of becoming dry and shriveled
confabulate - Engage in conversation; talk; Fabricate imaginary experiences as c
ompensation for loss of memory
unassuming - Not pretentious or arrogant; modest
mea culpa - An acknowledgment of one's fault or error
voluble - Speaking or spoken incessantly and fluently
aplomb - Self-confidence or assurance, esp. when in a demanding situation
expedite - Make (an action or process) happen sooner or be accomplished more qui
ckly
expeditious - Done with speed and efficiency
assuming - Arrogant or presumptuous
swaddle - Wrap (someone, esp. a baby) in garments or cloth
recant - Say that one no longer holds an opinion or belief, esp. one considered
heretical
solvency: the ability to meet maturing obligations as they come due
mien - A person's look or manner, esp. one of a particular kind indicating their
character or mood
lithe - (esp. of a person's body) Thin, supple, and graceful
harried: feeling strained as a result of having demands persistently made on one
; harassed
preciosity: Overrefinement in art, music, or language, esp. in the choice of wor
ds
abstemious: Not self-indulgent, esp. when eating and drinking
patina - an impression or appearance of something; a similar film or coloring ap
pearing gradually on some other substance
saturnine - sluggish in temperament; gloomy; taciturn
requite - Make appropriate return for (a favor or service); reward
doggerel - (of verse) comic or burlesque, and usually loose or irregular in meas
ure; rude; crude; poor
torpor - sluggish inactivity or inertia; lethargic indifference; a state of susp
ended physical powers and activities; dormancy
torpid - inactive or sluggish
crater - Form a crater in (the ground or a planet)
doldrums - Low spirits; a feeling of boredom or depression; A period of inactivi
ty or a state of stagnation
witticism - A witty remark
undergird - Provide support or a firm basis for
exculpatory - clearing of guilt or blame
affectation - Behavior, speech, or writing that is artificial and designed to im
press
embody - Be an expression of or give a tangible or visible form to (an idea, qua
lity, or feeling)
enactment: A process of acting something out; The process of passing legislation
; A law that is passed
"on an even keel" - balanced
ensnarl - Cause to become caught up in complex difficulties or problems
ideation - The formation of ideas or concepts
cerebral: betraying or characterized by the use of the intellect rather than int
uition or instinct
penury - extreme poverty; destitution; dearth
probity - integrity and uprightness; honest
genteel - Polite, refined, or respectable, often in an affected or ostentatious
way
immiserate - to make miserable
haggiography - The writing of the lives of saints
inbuilt - Existing as an original or essential part of something or someone
encomium - A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly
impish - Inclined to do slightly naughty things for fun; mischievous
legerdemain - Skillful use of one's hands when performing conjuring tricks
effuse - to pour out or forth; to exude; flow out
ecumenical - general; universal; pertaining to the whole Christian church
turpitude - vile, shameful, or base character; depravity
impasto - the laying on of paint thickly
somnolent - sleepy; drowsy; tending to cause sleep
dolor - sorrow; grief
democratize - Make (something) accessible to everyone
circumscribe - to draw a line around; encircle; to enclose within bounds; define
; delimit; limit or confine esp. narrowly
dictum - an authoritative pronouncement; a saying; maxim
pallid - pale; faint or deficient in color; lacking in vitality or interest
scurrilous - grossly or obscenely abuseive; chracterized by or using low buffoon
ery; coarsely jocular or derisive
contravene - to come or be in conflict with; go or act against; deny or oppose;
to violate, infringe, or transgress
declaim - to speak aloud in an oratorical manner; to inveigh (usually followed b
y against)
interlocutor - a person who takes part in a conversation or dialogue; a person w
ho questions
mawkish - chracterized by sickly sentimentality; weakly emotional; maudly; sligh
tly nauseating
rhapsodic: ecstatic; feeling great rapture or delight
plutocracy: government run by the wealthy--an elite or ruling class of people wh
ose power derives from their wealth
heterodox: Of or pertaining to creeds, beliefs, or teachings, especially religio
us ones, that are different from the norm ('orthodox'), but not sufficiently dif
ferent to be called heretical
entreat: ask for or request earnestly
instantiate - Represent by an instance; provide an actual example
apprise (often followed by "of"): to give notice to; inform; advise
obviate: remove (a need or difficulty); Avoid; prevent
hapless - unlucky; luckless; unfortunate
mendacious: telling lies, esp. habitually; dishonest; untruthful; false or untru
e
antinome: something that is contradictory or opposite to anther; a logical contr
adiction
ideogram: a written symbol that represents an idea or object directly rather tha
n a particular word or speech sound, as a Chinese character
apprehensible: capable of being understood
sacral: of or pertaining to sacred rites or observances
centripetal: directed toward the center
subaltern: lower in rank; subordinate
apologetics: Reasoned arguments or writings in justification of something, typic
ally a theory or religious doctrine
categorical: without exceptions or conditions; absolute; unqualified and uncondi
tional
lollop: to move forward with a bounding or leaping motion
paucity: smallness of quantity; scarcity; scatiness; insufficiency of a number
apperceive - (in psychology) to comprehend (a new idea) by assimilation with the
sum of one's previous knowledge and experience
derogate - to stray in chracter or conduct; degenerate (usually fol. by from)
perfidious: deliberately faithless; treacherous; deceitful
parsimony: extreme or excessive economy or frugality
imbricate: overlapping in sequence, as tiles or shingles on a roof; overlap
forswear: to reject or renounce under oath; to deny vehemently or under oath
reprobate: noun--a depraved, unprncipled, or wicked person; verb--to disapprove,
condemn, or censure
elide: to omit (a vowel, consonant, or syllable) in pronunciation; to suppress;
omit; ignore; passover
propitious - presenting favorable conditions; indicative of favor; auspicious
salutary: favorable to or promoting health; healthful; conductive to some benefi
cial purpose; wholesome
prandial: of or pertaining to a meal, esp. dinner
perfunctory: performed merely as a routine duty; hasty and superficial; lacking
interest, care, or enthusiasm
snarl: to growl threateningly or viciously, esp. with a raised upper lip to bare
the teeth, as a dog
flout: to treat with disdain, scorn, or contempt
unremitting: not slackening or abating; incessant
feckless: unthinking and irresponsible; (of a person) Lacking in efficiency or v
itality
belie: (of an appearance) Fail to give a true notion or impression of (something
); disguise or contradict: "his alert manner belied his years"; Fail to fulfill
or justify (a claim or expectation); betray
nurturant: providing physical and emotional care and nourishment
balkanize: Divide (a region or body) into smaller mutually hostile states or gro
ups
pyrrhic: of or relating to or resembling Pyrrhus or his exploits (especially his
sustaining staggering losses in order to defeat the Romans); "a Pyrrhic victory
"
upshot: The final or eventual outcome or conclusion of a discussion, action, or
series of events
austerity: Sternness or severity of manner or attitude; Extreme plainness and si
mplicity of style or appearance
redux: Brought back; revived
rapier: (esp. of speech or intelligence) Quick and incisive; A thin, light, shar
p-pointed sword used for thrusting
malfeasance: Wrongdoing, esp. by a public official
ancillary: A person whose work provides necessary support to the primary activit
ies of an organization, institution, or industry; Something that functions in a
supplementary or supporting role
inchoate: just begun and so not fully formed or developed; rudimentary
taciturn: Habitually reserved and uncommunicative
aesthete: a person who has or affects to have a special appreciation of art and
beauty
perpetuity: the property of being perpetual (seemingly ceaseless)
heretical: Believing in or practicing religious heresy; Holding an opinion at od
ds with what is generally accepted
resplendent: glorious; having great beauty and splendor
obeisance: Deferential respect
aria: an elaborate song for solo voice
ballast: an attribute that tends to give stability in character and morals; some
thing that steadies the mind or feelings
sophism: A flawed argument superficially correct in its reasoning, usually desig
ned to deceive. An intentional fallacy
sophistic: plausible but misleading
penance: Voluntary self-punishment inflicted as an outward expression of repenta
nce for having done wron
succor: help in a difficult situation
vertiginous: causing vertigo, esp. by being extremely high or steep; relating to
or affected by vertigo.
sentry: lookout; a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
ardor: Enthusiasm or passion
feather in the cap: a symbol of honor and achievement
zealot: A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religio
us, political, or other ideals
pillory: attack or ridicule publically, put (someone in the pillory)
coeval: having the same age or date or origin; contemporary, ex. these lavas wer
e coeval with the volcanic activity
incorrigible: impervious to correction by punishment
reprisal: act of retaliation
prolapse: (of a part or organ of the body) Slip forward or down
apostasy: the state of having rejected your religious beliefs or your political
party or a cause (often in favor of opposing beliefs or causes)
sacrosanct: inviolable: must be kept sacred
rarefy: make more subtle or refined
penumbra: a fringe region of partial shadow around an umbra
moribund: (of a person) At the point of death
totalize: comprehend in an all-encompassing way
circumambulate: walk all the way around (something)
ambulate: walk; move about
senescent: growing old; aging
envisage: Contemplate or conceive of as a possibility or a desirable future even
t
insolvency: the lack of financial resources
epochal: highly significant or important especially bringing about or marking th
e beginning of a new development or era
phantasmagoric: characterized by fantastic imagery and incongruous juxtaposition
s
recrimination: n accusation in response to one from someone else
blithe: Showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or i
mproper
euphonious: having a pleasant sound; (of speech or dialect) pleasing in sound; n
ot harsh or strident
bravura: Great technical skill and brilliance shown in a performance or activity
lodge: [ trans. ] present (a complaint, appeal, claim, etc.) formally to the pro
per authorities : he has 28 days in which to lodge an appeal
insouciant: carefree; nonchalant; indifferent; casually unconcerned
acculturate: assimilate or cause to assimilate to a different culture, typically
the dominant one
brio: Vigor or vivacity of style or performance
incumbent: (incumbent on/upon) necessary for (someone) as a duty or responsibili
ty
immanent: existing or operating within; inherent
straw man: a sham argument set up to be defeated
suborn: bribe or otherwise induce (someone) to commit an unlawful act such as pe
rjury
programmatic: of the nature of or according to a program, schedule, or method
flaunt: Display (something) ostentatiously, esp. in order to provoke envy or adm
iration or to show defiance
essentialism: the view that categories of people, such as women and men, or hete
rosexuals and homosexuals, or members of ethnic groups, have intrinsically diffe
rent and characteristic natures or dispositions
gynocentric: centered on or concerned exclusively with women; taking a female (o
r specifically a feminist) point of view
edifice: a complex system of belief
inducement: a thing that persuades or influences someone to do something
cache: a collection of items of the same type stored in a hidden or inaccessible
place
sotto voce: (of singing or a spoken remark) in a quiet voice, as if not to be ov
erheard
abide: be unable to tolerate (someone or something), ex. can/could not abide
cachet: the state of being respected or admired; prestige
docent: a person who acts as a guide, typically on a voluntary basis, in a museu
m, art gallery, or zoo
bandwidth: (figurative) the breadth of a person's interests or mental capacity
vitiate: spoil or impair the quality or efficiency of
alterity: the state of being other or different; otherness
disrepute: the state of being held in low esteem by the republic, syn. ignominy
impute: represent (something, esp. something undesirable) as being done, caused,
or possessed by someone; attribute : the crimes imputed to Richard.
sterling: (of a person or their work, efforts, or qualities) excellent or valuab
le
polity: an organized society; a state as a political entity; a form or process o
f civil government or constitution
rhapsody: an effusively enthusiastic or ecstatic expression of feeling ex. rhaps
odies of priase
opprobrium: harsh criticism or censure; the public disgrace arising from one's s
hameful conduct
albatross: source of frustration or guilt; an encumbrance
pallid: (of a person's face) pale, typically because of poor health; feeble or i
nsipid
habituate: to turn into a habit; make psychologically or physically used (to som
ething)
egress: a way out
encomium - A speech or piece of writing that praises someone or something highly
virulent: bitterly hostile
avail: (avail oneself of) use or take advantage of (an opportunity or available
resource)
unitary: single; uniform; unified; whole
enjoin: instruct or urge (someone) to do something; prescribe (an action or atti
tude) to be performed or adopted--"the charitable deeds enjoined on him by relig
ion); (enjoin someone from), prohibit someone from performing (a particular acti
on) by issuing an injunction
diffidence: modest or shy because of a lack of self-confidence
adduce: cite as evidence
noblesse oblige: the inferred responsibility of privileged people to act with ge
nerosity and nobility toward those less privileged.
comity: courtesy and considerate behavior toward others; an association of natio
ns for their mutual benefit
neophyte: a person who is new to a subject, skill, or belief; a new convert to a
religion
restive: (of a person) unable to keep still or silent and becoming increasingly
difficult to control, esp. because of impatience, dissatisfaction, or boredom
ignoble: not honorable in character or purpose; of humble origin or social statu
s
androcentric: focused or centered on men
forswear: Agree to give up or do without (something); Swear falsely; commit perj
ury
prise - pry: to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open
lode: [in sing] figurative: a rich source of something
putative - Generally considered or reputed to be
entwine: wind or twist together
interstitial: of, forming, or occupying interstices, which are an intervening sp
ace, esp. a very small one
post hoc: occurring or done after the event
recumbent: (esp. of a person or human figure) lying down
reticent: Temperamentally disinclined to talk, Cool and formal in manner, reluct
ant to draw attention to yourself
forbearing: showing patient and unruffled self-control and restraint under adver
sity
illiberal: opposed to liberal principals; restricting freedom of thought or beha
vior; uncultured or unrefined; not generous; mean
tract: an area of indefinite extent, typically a large one; an indefinitely larg
e extent of something
profundity: deep insight; great depth of knowledge or thought; great depth or in
tensity of a state, quality, or emotion
distended: cause (something) to/ to swell out by stretching it from inside
escarpment: a long, steep slope, esp. at the edge of a plateau or separating are
as of land at different heights
indictment: a thing that serves to illustrate that a system or situation is bad
and deserves to be condemned; a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime
acrimonious: (typically of speech or a debate) angry and bitter
abet: encourage or assist (someone) to do something wrong, in particular, to com
mit a crime or other offense
profusion: an abundance or large quantity of something
recuse: challenge (a judge, prosecutor, or juror) as unqualified to perform lega
l duties because of a possible conflict of interest of impartiality
germinate: come into existence and develop
sophist: a person who reasons with clever but fallacious arguments
dreck: rubbish; trash
couch: (be couched in) express (something) in language of a specified style
dire straits: a state of extreme distress; a bad or difficult situation or state
of affairs
indecorous: failure to conform to good taste, propriety, or etiquette
spare: with no excess fat, thin; elegantly simple; meager, nearly adequate
effusive: expressing feelings of gratitude, pleasure, or approval in an unrestra
ined or heartfelt manner, SYN. sentimental, gushing
fulsome: complimentary or flattering to an excessive degree. of large size or qu
antity; disgusting because overdone, excessive
simulacrum: an image or representation of someone or something; an unsatisfactor
y imitation or substitute
canard: an unfounded rumor or story
accoutrements - Additional items of dress or equipment, carried or worn by a per
son or used for a particular activity
fever pitch: a state of extreme excitement
constellation: a group or cluster of related things
trappings: the outward signs, features, or objects associated with a particular
situation, role, or thing
typology: a classification according to general type, esp. in archaeology, psych
ology, or the social sciences; study or analysis using such classification; the
study and interpretation of types and symbols, originally esp. in the Bible
noesis: in philosophy: understanding, as the ability to sense, or know something
, immediately; noetic: of or relating to mental activity or the intellect
ornate: made in an intricate shape or decorated with complex patterns; (of a lit
erary style) using unusual words and complex constructions
revile: criticize in an abusive or angrily insulting manner
skein - A tangled or complicated arrangement, state, or situation; a length of t
hread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted
portent: a sign or warning that something, esp. something momentous or calamitou
s, is likely to happen; SYN. omen, augury, harbinger, presage
lodestar: figurative: a person or thing that serves as a guide
pithy: Concise and full of meaning
exegesis: critical explanation or interpretation of a text, esp. of scripture
supposition: an uncertain belief
exposition: a comprehensive description and explanation of an idea or theory
epistolary: relating to or denoting the writing or literary works in the form of
letters: an epistolary novel--a novel written as a series of documents
dither: be indecisive
garish: obtrusively bright and showy; lurid
vagaries - An unexpected and inexplicable change in a situation or in someone's
behavior
hermeneutic: ADJ. concerning interpretation, esp. of the Bible or literary texts
; NOUN a method or theory of interpretation
callous: showing or having an insensitive and cruel disregard for others
extol: praise enthusiastically
multifarious: many and of various types; having many varied parts of aspects
enervate: cause (someone) to feel drained of energy or vitality; SYN. debilitate
, enfeeble
default: fail to fulfill an obligation, esp. to repay a loan or to appear in a c
ourt of law; revert automatically to (a preselected option)
inveigh: (inveigh against) speak or write about (something) with great hostility
cerebral: intellectual rather than emotional or physical
episodic: containing or consisting of a series of loosely connected parts or eve
nts
brash: self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way; strong, energetic, o
r irreverent
permutation: a way, esp. one of several possible variations, in which a set or n
umber of things can be ordered or arranged; SYN. arrangement, form, configuratio
n, incarnation, order, selection
paramour: a lover, esp. the illicit partner of a mrried person
abrogate: repeal or do away with (a law, right, or formal agreement); SYN. repea
l, revoke, rescind, repudiate, disallow, cancel, invalidate, withdraw, abolish
combative/truculent: ready or eager to fight; pugnacious
plurality: the fact or state of being plural; [in sing.] a large number of peopl
e or things
arrogate: take or claim (something) for oneself without justification
wrest: forcibly pull (something) from a person's grasp; take (something, esp. po
wer or control) from someone or something else after considerable effort or diff
iculty
messianic: fervent or passionate
aspersions: (cast on) an attack on the reputation or integrity of someone or som
ething
fountainhead: an original source of something
craven: contemptibly lacking in courage; cowardly
pusillanimous: showing a lack of courage or determination; timid
timorous: showing or suffering from nervousness, fear, or a lack of confidence
benighted: In a state of pitiful or contemptible intellectual or moral ignorance
, typically owing to a lack of opportunity
collate: Collect and combine (texts, information, or sets of figures) in proper
order
culpable: deserving blame
triumphalism: excessive exultation over one's success or achievements
suffuse: gradually spread through or over
bray: make a loud, harsh cry or sound; [trans.] say (something) in a loud, harsh
way
impassive: not feeling or showing emotion
hallow: honor as holy
clearinghouse: An agency or organization that collects and distributes something
, esp. information
clinical: efficient and unemotional; coldly detached; (of a room or building) ba
re, functional, and clean
exogenous: relating to, or developing from external factors
endogenous: having an internal cause or origin
cagey: reluctant to give information owing to caution or suspicion
circumspect: wary and unwilling to take risks; GUARDED
exponent: a person who believes in and promotes the truth or benefits of an idea
or theory
ensconce: establish or settle (someone) in a comfortable, safe, or secret place
luminary: a person who inspires or influences others, esp. one prominent in a pa
rticular sphere
sprightly: (esp. of an old person) lively; full of energy
invidious: ADJ. (of an action or situation) likely to arouse or incur resentment
or anger in others; (of a comparison or distinction) unfairly disciminating; un
just
upheaval/cataclysm: a violent or sudden change or disruption to something
connive: (VERB: connive at/in) secretly allow (something considered immoral, ill
egal, wrong, or harmful) to occur; conspire to do soemthing considered immoral,
illegal, or harmful
expropriate: take away (property) from its owner; dispossess (someone) of proper
ty
provident: making or indicative of timely preparation for the future; economical
jurisprudence: the theory or philosophy of law
militate: VERB (of a fact or circumstance) be a powerful or conclusive factor in
preventing; SYN: hinder, discourage, tend to prevent, be detrimental to
remit: cancel or refrain from exacting or inflicting (a debt or punishment
)
coterie: a small group of people with shared interests or tastes, esp. one that
is exclusive of other people
diminution: a reduction in size, extent, or importance of something
"under the auspices of": with the help, support, or protection of
rhapsodize: speak or write about someone or something with great enthusiasm and
delight
subservient/biddable/passive/docile: prepared to obey others unquestioningly; le
ss important; subordinate
deleterious: causing harm or damage
imbroglio: an extremely confused, complicated, or embarrassing situation
gerund: a form that is derived from a verb but that functions as a noun, in Engl
ish ending in -ing, e.g., asking in do you mind my asking you?
groundswell: a buildup of opinion or feeling in a large section of the populatio
n
prescient: having or showing knowledge of events before they take place
cogent: (of an argument or case) clear, logical, and convincing
politic: (of an action) seeming sensible and judicious under the circumstances
impolitic: failing to possess or display prudence
abreast: (figurative) up to date with the latest news, ideas, or information; si
de by side and facing the same way; alongside or even with something
rend: tear (something) into two or more pieces
astute: having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people a
nd turn this to one's advantage
discrete: individually separate and distinct
felicity: intense happiness; the ability to find appropriate expression for one'
s thoughts; a particularly effective feature of a work of literature or art
embellish: a decorative detail or feature added to something to make it more att
ractive
disjunct: disjoined and distinct from one another
felicitous: well chosen or suited to the circumstances; pleasing and fortunate
belabor: argue or elaborate (a subject) in excessive detail
beset: (of a problem or difficulty) trouble or threaten persistently; surround a
nd harass; assail on all sides
fabulate: relate (an event or events) as fable or story; relate untrue or invent
ed stories
acumen: the ability to make good judgments and quick decisions, typically in a p
articular domain
preternatural: beyond what is normal or natural
assail: make a concerted or violent attack on; criticize strongly
contrite: feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt
fatuous: silly and pointless
mordant: (esp. of humor) having or showing a sharp or critical quality; biting
fractious: easily irritated; bad-tempered; (of an organization) difficult to con
trol; unruly
valorize: give or ascribe value or validity to (something)
excoriate: censure or criticize severely
coeval: adj. having the same age or date of origin; contemporary; NOUN: a person
of roughly the same age as oneself; a contemporary
elfin: small and delicate, typically with an attractively mischievous or strange
charm
depose: remove from office suddenly and forcefully
indict: formally accuse or charge (someone) with a serious crime
inviolate: free or safe from injury or violation
inviolable: never to be broken, infringed, or dishonored
virtual: almost or nearly as described, but not completely or according to stric
t definition
zenith: the highest point reached by a celestial or other object
give a wide berth: steer well clear of something while passing it; stay away fro
m someone or something
manifold: many and various; having many different forms or elements
parlance: a particular way of speaking or using words, esp. a way common to thos
e with a particular job or interest
piecemeal: characterized by unsystematic partial measures taken over a period of
time
redolent: ( redolent of/with) strongly reminiscent or suggestive of something
beneficent: (of a person) generous or doing good; resulting in good
plait: a single length of hair or other flexible material made up of three or mo
re interlaced strands; a braid; VERB: form (hair or other material) into a plait
or plaits
primacy: the fact of being primary, preeminent, or more important
bacchanalian: characterized by or given to drunk revelry; riotously drunken
subsume: include or absorb (something) in something else
desultory: lacking a plan, purpose or enthusiasm; (of conversation or speech) go
ing constantly from one subject to another in a halfhearted way; unfocused
castigate: reprimand (someone) severely
bifurcate: divide into two branches or forks
remonstrate: make a forcefully reproachful protest
consign - Deliver (something) to a person's custody, typically in order for it t
o be sold
caustic: sarcastic in a scathing and bitter way
airily: In a way that shows that one is not treating something as serious; casua
lly
touchstone: a standard or criterion by which something is judged or recognized
internecine: destructive to both sides in a conflict
re
capitulate: Cease to resist an opponent or an unwelcome demand; surrender
aphorism: A short pithy instructive saying
vicissitude: a change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelco
me or unpleasant; alternation between opposite or contrasting things
terse: Brief and to the point; effectively cut short
inextricable: Not permitting extrication; incapable of being disentangled or unt
ied
inveterate: having a particular habit, activity, or interest that is long-establ
ished and unlikely to change
axiom/maxim: A saying that is widely accepted on its own merits
preliminary: Something that serves as a preceding event or introduces what follo
ws
apoplectic: overcome with anger; extremely indignant
interpolate: insert (something) between fixed points : illustrations were interp
olated in the text
broach: raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion
prolix: (of speech or writing) using or containing too many words; tediously len
gthy
consilient: agreement between the approaches to a topic of different academic su
bjects, especially science and the humanities.
intercede: intervene on behalf of another
pursuant (pursuant to): in accordance with (a law or a legal document or resolut
ion)
hermetic: insulated or protected from outside influences
trenchant: vigorous or incisive in expression or style; having a sharp edge
pliant: flexible
jejune: naive, simplistic, and superficial; dry and uninteresting
untoward: unexpected and inappropriate or inconvenient
rarefied: esoterically distant from the lives and concerns of ordinary people
quotidian: of or occurring every day; daily, esp. when mundane
abtruse: difficult to understand; obscure
pathology: mental, social, or linguistic abnormality or malfunction
frenetic: fast and energetic in a rather wild and uncontrolled way
acerbic: (esp. of a comment or style of speaking) sharp and forthright
pernicious: having a harmful effect, esp. in a gradual or subtle way
harbinger: a person or thing that announces or signals the approach of another;
a forerunner of something
spurious: not being what it purports to be; false or fake; apparently but not ac
tually valid
scurrilous: making or spreading scandalous claims about someone with the intenti
on of damaging their reputation
accrete: grow by accumulation or coalescence
comport: (comport oneself) conduct oneself; behave, (comport with) accord with;
agree with
intransigent: unwilling or refusing to change one's views or to agree about some
thing
purview: the scope of the influence or concerns of something
affront: an action or remark that causes outrage or offense
recourse: a source of help in a difficult situation
stultify: cause to lose enthusiasm and initiative, esp. as a result of a tedious
or restrictive routine; cause (someone) to appear foolish or absurd
aggrandize: increase the power, status, or wealth of; enhance the reputation of
(someone) beyond what is justified by the facts
supplant: supercede and replace
transpose: cause (two or more things) to change places with each other; transfer
to a different place or context
metastasize: (of a condition or circumstance) spread or grow, esp. unfavorably;
(of a cancer) spread to other sites in the body by metastasis
inexorable: impossible to stop or prevent
coy/demure - Affectedly modest or shy especially in a playful or provocative way
delimit - determine the limits or boundaries of
demarcate - set the boundaries or limits of; separate or distinguish from
anodyne - not likely to provoke dissent or offense; uncontentious or inoffensive
, often deliberately so
gravitas - Formality in bearing and appearance
codify - arrange (law or rules) into a systematic code; arrange according to a p
lan or system
doctrinaire - seeking to impose a doctrine in all circumstances without regard t
o practical considerations
provenance - the beginning of something's existence; something's origin
mores - the essential or characteristic customs and conventions of a community
antithesis - The juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas to give a feeling o
f balance
bravado: a bold manner or a show of boldness intended to impress or intimidate
constitutive: having the power to establish or give organized existence to somet
hing; forming a part or constituent of something; component; forming an essentia
l element of something
aporia - an irresolvable internal contradiction or logical disjunction in a text
, argument, or theory
leaven - permeate and modify or transform (something) for the better
germane - relevant to a subject under consideration
adversative/antithetical - Expressing antithesis or opposition
rejoinder/retort/quip - A quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witt
y or critical one)
dialectic - the art of investigating or discussing the truth of opinions; inquir
y into metaphysical contradictions and their solutions
overture - an introduction to something more substantial; an approach or proposa
l made to someone with the aim of opening negotiations or establishing a relatio
nship
impugn - dispute the truth, validity, or honesty of (a statement or motive); cal
l into question
obstreperous - noisy and difficult to control
perspicacious - having a ready insight into and understanding of things
affable - Diffusing warmth and friendliness
monolith - a large and impersonal political, corporate, or social structure rega
rded as intractably indivisible and uniform
devices - An inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase 'left to yo
ur own devices
ineffable - too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words
proposition - a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or
false
incipient - in an initial stage; beginning to happen or develop
explicate - Make plain and comprehensible, Elaborate, as of theories and hypothese
s
oblivion - the state of being unaware or unconscious of what is happening; the s
tate of being forgotten; extinction
estrange - cause (someone) to be no longer close or affectionate to someone
duality - Being twofold; a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses
predicate - Affirm or declare as an attribute or quality of
throe - Hard or painful trouble or struggle
salacious - Characterized by lust; Suggestive of or tending to moral looseness
burgeon - Grow and flourish
onerous - Not easily borne; wearing
preeminent - Standing above others in quality or position
hazard - Put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation
conjuncture - A critical combination of events or circumstances
prosaic - Not challenging; dull and lacking excitement; Not fanciful or imaginat
ive
taut: stretched or pulled tight; not slack
tensile: of or relating to tension; capable of being drawn out or stretched
umbrage - A feeling of anger caused by being offended
adamantine - Impervious to pleas, persuasion, requests, reason
precocious - Characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early developme
nt or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)
implacable - Incapable of being placated; relentless; unstoppable
genteel - Marked by refinement in taste and manners
flank - Be located at the sides of something or somebody
brusque - Marked by rude or peremptory shortness
commensurate - Corresponding in size or degree or extent
duly - At the proper time
exult/jubilate - To express great joy; Feel extreme happiness or elation
periphery - The outside boundary or surface of something
outlier - An extreme deviation from the mean
concert - Contrive (a plan) by mutual agreement; Settle by agreement
tautology - an unnecessary repetition of meaning, using different words that eff
ectively say the same thing twice
bombast - high-sounding language with little meaning, used to impress people; Po
mpous or pretentious talk or writing
chasten - Restrain or temper; Correct by punishment or discipline
earnest/solemn - Characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of
your opinions; Not distracted by anything unrelated to the goal
deference/defer - A disposition or tendency to yield to the will of others
augur - Indicate by signs; Predict from an omen
sublimate - Direct energy or urges into useful activities
sublime - of such excellence, grandeur, or beauty as to inspire great admiration
or awe
proselytize - Convert to another faith or religion
panoptic - Broad in scope or content; Including everything visible in one view
evenly - In a level and regular way
bromide/platitude/banality - A trite or obvious remark
untenable - (of theories etc) incapable of being defended or justified
divest - deprive of status or authority; take possessions away from someone
canvass - Consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover ess
ential features or meaning
amnion - The innermost membrane that encloses the embryo of a mammal, bird, or r
eptile
versimilitude - the appearance of truth; the quality of seeming to be true
dilettante - An amateur who engages in an activity without serious intentions an
d who pretends to have knowledge; Showing frivolous or superficial interest; ama
teurish
misbegotten: badly conceived, designed, or planned
topical - Of interest at the present time
prolific/fecund - Intellectually productive
ignominious - deserving or causing public disgrace or shame
philistine - Smug and ignorant and indifferent or hostile to artistic and cultur
al values
grandstand - Perform ostentatiously in order to impress the audience and with an
eye to the applause
confluence - A place where things merge or flow together (especially rivers); A
flowing together; A coming together of people
postulate - Maintain or assert; Require as useful, just, or proper
posit - Put forward; Put (something somewhere) firmly; Take as a given; assume a
s a postulate or axiom
decry - Express strong disapproval of
amenable - Disposed or willing to comply; Readily reacting to suggestions and in
fluences
dissident - A person who dissents from some established policy; ADJ. Characteriz
ed by departure from accepted beliefs or standards
mollify/pacify - Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of; Mak
e more temperate, acceptable, or suitable by adding something else; moderate
subjugate - Make subservient; force to submit or subdue
controvert - Be resistant to; Prove to be false or incorrect
inscrutable - Of an obscure nature
indefatigable - Showing sustained enthusiastic action with unflagging vitality
homogeneity - The quality of being similar or comparable in kind or nature
heterogeneity - diverse in character or content
immaculate - Free from stain or blemish; Free from stain or blemish
meticulous - Marked by extreme care in treatment of details
saccharine - Overly sweet
antiquated/archaic - So extremely old as seeming to belong to an earlier period
opulent/sumptuous - Rich and superior in quality
insurrection - Organized opposition to authority; a conflict in which one factio
n tries to wrest control from another
serenity/ataraxis - The absence of mental stress or anxiety
redact - Prepare for publication or presentation by correcting, revising, or ada
pting
seachange - A profound transformation
proffer - Present for acceptance or rejection
append: State or say further; Fix to; attach
diametrically - used to emphasize how completely different two or more things ar
e
panoply - A complete and impressive array
attenuate - Become weaker, in strength, value, or magnitude
parity - equality, as in amount, status, or character.
tenuous - Having little substance or significance
magnanamous - Noble and generous in spirit; Generous and understanding and toler
ant
affix - Attach to
byzantine - Highly complex or intricate
alacrity: Brisk and cheerful readiness
secular - Having only slow changes, or changing only over a long or indefinite p
eriod of time; happening only once in a long time, esp. once a century
conflate - Mix together different elements
homogenous - All of the same or similar kind or nature
infringe/encroach/impinge - Go against, as of rules and laws; Advance beyond the
usual limit
officious - Intrusive in a meddling or offensive manner
arbiter - Someone with the power to settle matters at will
genesis - A coming into being
liminal - Of a stimulus just strong enough to be consciously experienced; At a t
hreshold or transitional stage
facile - Arrived at without due care or effort; lacking depth; Expressing yourse
lf readily, clearly, effectively
facsimile - An exact copy or reproduction
disconsolate - Sad beyond comforting; incapable of being consoled; Causing dejec
tion
assiduous - Marked by care and persistent effort
venal - Capable of being corrupted
bastardize - Change something so that its value declines; for example, art forms
volition - The capability of conscious choice and decision and intention; The ac
t of making a choice
incontrovertible - Impossible to deny or disprove; Necessarily or demonstrably t
rue
refute - Overthrow by argument, evidence, or proof; Prove to be false or incorre
ct
delineate - Show the form or outline of; Determine the essential quality of; Des
cribe in vivid detail
elucidate - Make free from confusion or ambiguity; make clear
lucid - transparently clear; easily understandable, Capable of thinking and expr
essing yourself in a clear and consistent manner
mutable - Capable of or tending to change in form or quality or nature
perspicuous (syn. lucid) - transparently clear; easily understandable
expound - Add details, as to an account or idea; clarify the meaning of and disc
ourse in a learned way, usually in writing
pedantic - Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivi
al aspects
dubious - Fraught with uncertainty or doubt; Open to doubt or suspicion
promulgate - State or announce; Put a law into effect by formal declaration
appropriate - Give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause; Take po
ssession of by force, as after an invasion
corroborate - Establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts
vigorous - Characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity; Strong an
d active physically or mentally
capitulate - Surrender under agreed conditions
stalwart - Having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
vaunt - Show off
dissuade - Turn away from by persuasion
renascent/resurgent - Rising again as to new life and vigor
ivory tower - designates a world or atmosphere where intellectuals engage in pur
suits that are disconnected from the practical concerns of everyday life. As suc
h, it has a pejorative connotation, denoting a willful disconnect from the every
day world;
heresy - Any opinions or doctrines at variance with the official or orthodox posit
ion
aberration - A state or condition markedly different from the norm; A disorder i
n one's mental state
ebullient/exuberant - Joyously unrestrained
militant - Showing a fighting disposition
lethargy - Weakness characterized by a lack of vitality or energy
effrontery - Audacious (even arrogant) behavior that you have no right to
bereft - Sorrowful through loss or deprivation
pervert - Change the inherent purpose or function of something; Corrupt morally
or by intemperance or sensuality
consummate - Perfect and complete in every respect; having all necessary qualiti
es; Having or revealing supreme mastery or skill
reductive - Characterized by or causing diminution or curtailment
philander - Talk or behave amorously, without serious intentions
defect - Desert (a cause, a country or an army), often in order to join the oppo
sing cause, country, or army
obsequious - Attempting to win favor from influential people by flattery
indolent - Disinclined to work or exertion
totality - The state of being total and complete
derelict - Worn and broken down by hard use; Forsaken by owner or keeper; Failing
in what duty requires; In deplorable condition
elocution - An expert manner of speaking involving control of voice and gesture
lambaste/reprimand/berate/chide - Censure severely or angrily
discourse - Extended verbal expression in speech or writing
locution - A word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
vitriolic - Harsh or corrosive in tone
cognizant - (sometimes followed by 'of') having or showing knowledge or understa
nding or realization or perception
erudite - Having or showing profound knowledge
amorphous - Having no definite form or distinct shape
consecrate - Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
fastidious - Giving careful attention to detail; hard to please; excessively con
cerned with cleanliness
preface - Furnish with a preface or introduction
peremptory - Offensively self-assured or given to exercising usually unwarranted
power; Not allowing contradiction or refusal
imbibe - Take in, also metaphorically
belligerent - Characteristic of an enemy or one eager to fight
combatant - Engaging in or ready for combat
indictment - An accusation of wrongdoing
crystallize - Cause to take on a definite and clear shape
benevolent - Intending or showing kindness; Showing or motivated by sympathy and
understanding and generosity
relegate - Refer to another person for decision or judgment
abate - Make less active or intense
auxiliary - Someone who acts as an assistant; Functioning in a subsidiary or sup
porting capacity
dubiety - The state of being unsure of something
vernacular - A characteristic language of a particular group (as among thieves);
ADJ. Being or characteristic of or appropriate to everyday language
vascillate - Be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions o
r courses of action; Move or sway in a rising and falling or wavelike pattern
oscillate - Be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or
courses of action; Move or swing from side to side regularly
latent - Potentially existing but not presently evident or realized; Not present
ly active
logistics - Handling an operation that involves providing labor and materials be
supplied as needed
prevarication/fabrication - A statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
; Intentionally vague or ambiguous
seditious - Arousing to action or rebellion; In opposition to a civil authority
or government
hegemony - The dominance or leadership of one social group or nation over others
commensalism - The relation between two different kinds of organisms when one re
ceives benefits from the other without damaging it
symbiosis - The relation between two different species of organisms that are int
erdependent; each gains benefits from the other
sequester - Keep away from others; Requisition forcibly, as of enemy property
misanthrope - Someone who dislikes people in general
surreptitious - Marked by quiet and caution and secrecy; taking pains to avoid b
eing observed
faculty - One of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
sapient - Acutely insightful and wise
maven - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field
pragmatic - Guided by practical experience and observation rather than theory; C
oncerned with practical matters
placid - Not easily irritated
exquisite - Of extreme beauty; Delicately beautiful
volatile - Liable to lead to sudden change or violence; Tending to vary often or
widely
banal/hackneyed - Repeated too often; overfamiliar through overuse
ephemeral - Lasting a very short time
esoteric - Confined to and understandable by only an enlightened inner circle
ingratiate - Gain favor with somebody by deliberate efforts
replete - Fill to satisfaction
bedrock - Principles from which other truths can be derived
lament - Express grief verbally
streamlined - Made efficient by stripping off nonessentials; Designed or arrange
d to offer the least resistance to fluid flow
ubiquitous - Being present everywhere at once
pugnacious - Tough and callous by virtue of experience
invective - Abusive or venomous language used to express blame or censure or bitte
r deep-seated ill will
politic - Smoothly agreeable and courteous with a degree of sophistication; Mark
ed by artful prudence, expedience, and shrewdness
heuristics - A commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the proba
bility of solving some problem
sycophant - A person who tries to please someone in order to gain a personal adv
antage
effusive - Uttered with unrestrained enthusiasm; Extravagantly demonstrative
brazen - Unrestrained by convention or propriety; VERB: Face with defiance or im
pudence
audacious/intrepid - Invulnerable to fear or intimidation
foment - Try to stir up public opinion
reconcile - Make compatible with; Accept as inevitable; Come to terms
imminent - Close in time; about to occur
ethereal - Characterized by lightness and insubstantiality; as impalpable or int
angible as air
a priori - Involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to a necessary e
ffect; not supported by fact
ad hominem - arising from or appealing to personal considerations (rather than t
o fact or reason or logic);
ad infinitum - To infinity; without or seemingly without limit
buffet - Strike against forcefully; Strike, beat repeatedly
pique - to excite (interest, curiosity, etc.); to arouse an emotion or provoke t
o action
prerogative - A right reserved exclusively by a particular person or group (espe
cially a hereditary or official right)
malign - Speak unfavorably about
beatific - Experiencing or bestowing celestial joy; Marked by utter benignity; r
esembling or befitting an angel or saint
partition - Divide into parts, pieces, or sections
virtuoso - Someone who is dazzlingly skilled in any field; ADJ. Having or reveal
ing supreme mastery or skill
parry - Impede the movement of (an opponent or a ball); Avoid or try to avoid fu
lfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
eminent - standing above others in character or attainment or reputation; Standi
ng above others in quality or position;
iniquity - Absence of moral or spiritual values; Morally objectionable behavior;
An unjust act
ruminate - Reflect deeply on a subject
furnish - Provide or furnish with
sardonic - Disdainfully or ironically humorous; scornful and mocking
discern - Detect with the senses
convivial - Occupied with or fond of the pleasures of good company, SYN. gregari
ous, congenial, jovial, affable, amiable; (of an atmosphere or event) friendly,
lively, and enjoyable
mire - Entrap; Cause to get stuck as if in a mire; Be unable to move further
quagmire - A soft wet area of low-lying land that sinks underfoot
ideologue - An advocate of some ideology
provincial - Characteristic of the provinces or their people
render - Cause to become; Give an interpretation or rendition of
consonance - The property of sounding harmonious
mainstay - A central cohesive source of support and stability
eviscerate - Take away a vital or essential part of
ardent - Characterized by intense emotion; Glowing or shining like fire
austere - Severely simple; Of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding
in aspect
recalcitrant - Stubbornly resistant to authority or control
privy - (followed by 'to') informed about something secret or not generally know
n
omnibus - Providing for many things at once
languish - Lose vigor, health, or flesh, as through grief; Have a desire for som
ething or someone who is not present
apocryphal - Being of questionable authenticity
mobility - The quality of moving freely
conjecture/surmise - Infer from incomplete evidence; Imagine to be the case or t
rue or probable
negotiate - Succeed in passing through, around, or over
megalomaniac - pathological egotist
elliptical - Characterized by extreme economy of expression or omission of super
fluous elements
presumptuous - Excessively forward
enigma - Something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained; A difficu
lt problem
squalor - Sordid dirtiness
idiosyncrasy - A behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an ind
ividual
zeitgeist - The spirit of the time; the spirit characteristic of an age or gener
ation
ethos - (anthropology) the distinctive spirit of a culture or an era
gesticulate - Show, express or direct through movement
heraldic - Indicative of or announcing something to come
herald - Praise vociferously; Foreshadow or presage
autodidactic - having taught oneself
didactic - Instructive (especially excessively)
strident/vociferous - Conspicuously and offensively loud; given to vehement outc
ry
mundane - Found in the ordinary course of events
flagrant - Conspicuously and outrageously bad or reprehensible
obstinate - Stubbornly persistent in wrongdoing; VERB: Persist stubbornly
unabashed - not embarassed
veritable - Not counterfeit or copied
pejorative - Expressing disapproval
sophomoric - Of or relating to a sophomore; immature and silly
incense - Make furious
multilateral - Having many parts or sides
indelible - Cannot be removed, washed away or erased
placate/appease - Cause to be more favorably inclined; gain the good will of
unilateral - Involving only one part or side
glean - Gather, as of natural products
draconian - (of laws or their application) excessively harsh and severe; unusual
ly severe or cruel
parse - Analyze syntactically by assigning a constituent structure to (a sentenc
e)
augment - Enlarge or increase
propensity - An inclination to do something; A disposition to behave in a certai
n way
preponderant - Having superior power and influence
callow - Young and inexperienced
decadence - The state of being degenerate in mental or moral qualities
decadent - Marked by excessive self-indulgence and moral decay
antipathy - A feeling of intense dislike
colloquial - Characteristic of informal spoken language or conversation
colloquialism - A colloquial expression; characteristic of spoken or written commu
nication that seeks to imitate informal speech
paradigm - A standard or typical example
quintessential - Representing the perfect example of a class or quality
debase - Corrupt morally or by intemperance or sensuality
eclectic - Selecting what seems best of various styles or ideas
remedial - Tending or intended to rectify or improve
meteoric - Like a meteor in speed or brilliance or transience
encapsulate - Put in a short or concise form; reduce in volume
histrionic - Characteristic of acting or a stage performance; often affected
tantamount - Being essentially equal to something
fruition - Something that is made real or concrete; Enjoyment derived from use o
r possession
pretense - Pretending with intention to deceive; A false or unsupportable qualit
y
extrapolate/infer - Draw from specific cases for more general cases
superlative - The highest level or degree attainable; the highest stage of devel
opment; An exaggerated expression (usually of praise)
cursory - Hasty and without attention to detail; not thorough
visceral - Obtained through intuition rather than from reasoning or observation
savant - Someone who has been admitted to membership in a scholarly field
dulcet -Extremely pleasant in a gentle way
passable - just good enough to be acceptable; satisfactory
aplomb - Great coolness and composure under strain
uppity - Presumptuously arrogant
uppish - (used colloquially) overly conceited or arrogant
engender/generate - Call forth
despondent - Without or almost without hope
effulgent/radiant - Radiating or as if radiating light
irascible - Quickly aroused to anger; Characterized by anger
inert - Unable to move or resist motion; Slow and apathetic
vex - Disturb the peace of mind of; afflict with mental agitation or distress; Be a
mystery or bewildering to
disparity - Inequality or difference in some respect
imperturbable - Not easily perturbed or excited or upset; marked by extreme calm
and composure
rote - Memorization by repetition
procure - Get by special effort
insular - Suggestive of the isolated life of an island; Narrowly restricted in o
utlook or scope
inundate - Fill quickly beyond capacity; as with a liquid
autonomous - Existing as an independent entity
pathos - A quality that arouses emotions (especially pity or sorrow)
hyperbolize - To enlarge beyond bounds or the truth
dejected - Affected or marked by low spirits
provision - A stipulated condition; The activity of supplying or providing somet
hing
stipulation - An assumption on which rests the validity or effect of something e
lse
fusillade/salvo - Rapid simultaneous discharge of firearms
ineffectual - Not producing an intended effect; Lacking in power or forcefulness
pedant - A person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than
they merit
candor - Ability to make judgments free from discrimination or dishonesty; The q
uality of being honest and straightforward in attitude and speech
impervious - Not admitting of passage or capable of being affected
imperious - Able to deal authoritatively with affairs
malevolent - Wishing or appearing to wish evil to others; arising from intense i
ll will or hatred
iconoclast - Someone who attacks cherished ideas or traditional institutions
idiosyncratic - Peculiar to the individual
wistful - Showing pensive sadness
indiscretion - A petty misdeed
incur - Make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
remiss - Failing in what duty requires
garrulous/loquacious - Full of trivial conversation
insurmountable - Not capable of being surmounted or overcome
sesquipedalian - Given to the overuse of long words
imperceptible - Impossible or difficult to perceive by the mind or senses
supercilious - Having or showing arrogant superiority to and disdain of those on
e views as unworthy
bijou - a small and delicate piece; ADJ: Small and elegant
predilection - A predisposition in favor of something; A strong liking
contentious - Inclined or showing an inclination to dispute or disagree, even to
engage in law suits ; Involving or likely to cause controversy
inveigle - Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
wheedle - Influence or urge by gentle urging, caressing, or flattering
palaver - Speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly; Have a len
gthy discussion, usually between people of different backgrounds
equivocate - Be deliberately ambiguous or unclear in order to mislead or withhold in
formation
proliferate - Grow rapidly
surrogate - A person appointed to represent or act on behalf of others
unctuous/smarmy - Unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner o
r speech
espouse - Choose and follow; as of theories, ideas, policies, strategies or plans
stifle - Smother or suppress
genial - Diffusing warmth and friendliness; Agreeable, conducive to comfort
deign - Do something that one considers to be below one's dignity
chastise - Censure severely
paradoxical - Seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true
obtrusive - Undesirably noticeable
concession - The act or condition of conceding or yielding; A point conceded or
yielded
stratification - The act or process or arranging persons into classes or social
strata; a layered configuration
intelligible - Capable of being apprehended or understood; Well articulated or e
nunciated, and loud enough to be heard distinctly
capacious - Large in capacity
censure - Rebuke formally
sanction - Give authority or permission to; Formal and explicit approval
nexus - The means of connection between things linked in series
repugnant - Offensive to the mind
admonish - Warn strongly; put on guard; Admonish or counsel in terms of someone's
behavior
caveat - A warning against certain acts
emphatic - Sudden and strong; Forceful and definite in expression or action
strife - Lack of agreement or harmony; Bitter conflict; heated often violent dis
sension
paragon - An ideal instance; a perfect embodiment of a concept
incisive - Having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinction
s
impasse - A situation in which no progress can be made or no advancement is poss
ible
precipitous - Done with very great haste and without due deliberation, Extremely s
teep
intone - Utter monotonously and repetitively and rhythmically; Speak carefully,
as with rising and falling pitch or in a particular tone
sordid - Morally degraded, Unethical or dishonest, Foul and run-down and repulsi
ve
avarice - Reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth, Extreme g
reed for material wealth
cupidity - Extreme greed for material wealth
allay - Lessen the intensity of or calm
impetus - A force that moves something along
benign - Not dangerous to health; not recurrent or progressive (especially of a
tumor), Pleasant and beneficial in nature or influence
dullard - A person who is not very bright, A person who evokes boredom
lummox - An awkward stupid person
languid - Lacking spirit or liveliness
ingenue - The role of an innocent artless young woman in a play
insidious - Beguiling but harmful
exacerbate - make worse
artless - Characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious;Simpl
e and natural; without cunning or deceit
eschew - Avoid and stay away from deliberately; stay clear of
sententious - Abounding in or given to pompous or aphoristic moralizing
salient - Having a quality that thrusts itself into attention
hail - Praise vociferously, Call for
trepidation - A feeling of alarm or dread
devolution - The process of declining from a higher to a lower level of effectiv
e power or vitality or essential quality
encumber - Hold back
valence - the capacity of one person or thing to react with or affect another in
some special way, as by attraction or the facilitation of a function or activit
y.
obfuscate - Make obscure or unclear
dalliance - The deliberate act of delaying and playing instead of working
litany - Any long and tedious address or recital
credo/creed - Any system of principles or beliefs
communion - Sharing thoughts and feelings
wrought - Shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as
by work or effort)
penchant - a strong liking
bulwark - An embankment built around a space for defensive purposes
collude - Act in unison or agreement and in secret towards a deceitful or illegal pu
rpose
anathema - A detested person
gentrify - Renovate so as to make it conform to middle-class aspirations
deft - Skillful in physical movements; especially of the hands
sanctimonious - Excessively or hypocritically pious
solicitous - Full of anxiety and concern
fetter - Restrain with fetters
malaise - Physical discomfort (as mild sickness or depression)
subterfuge - Something intended to misrepresent the true nature of an activity
evocation - Imaginative re-creation; Calling up supposed supernatural forces by
spells and incantations
sublime - Inspiring awe; Worthy of adoration or reverence; Of high moral or inte
llectual value; elevated in nature or style
exalt - Praise, glorify, or honor; Fill with sublime emotion; tickle pink; Heigh
ten or intensify
cloister - Seclude from the world in or as if in a cloister; Residence that is a p
lace of religious seclusion (such as a monastery)
consternation - Fear resulting from the awareness of danger
laud- Praise, glorify, or honor
solvent - A statement that solves a problem or explains how to solve the problem
marvel - Be amazed at, Express astonishment or surprise about something
overt - Open and observable; not secret or hidden
flippant - Showing inappropriate levity
demagog - An orator who appeals to the passions and prejudices of his audience
Orate - Talk pompously
commiserate - To feel or express sympathy or compassion
acuity - A quick and penetrating intelligence
diatribe - Thunderous verbal attack
obtuse - Slow to learn or understand; lacking intellectual acuity
custody - A state of being confined (usually for a short time)
complacent - Contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions
extraneous - Not pertinent to the matter under consideration; Not essential
asinine/vacuous - Devoid of intelligence ; Devoid of significance or point
duplicity - Acting in bad faith; deception by pretending to entertain one set of
intentions while acting under the influence of another ; A fraudulent or duplic
itous representation
exhort - Urge on or encourage especially by shouts; Force or impel in an indicated
direction
expedient - Serving to promote your interest; Appropriate to a purpose; practica
l
robust - Physically strong, Strong enough to withstand or overcome intellectual
challenges or adversity
evince - Give expression to
harrowing - Extremely painful
sedate - Cause to be calm or quiet as by administering a sedative to; ADJ.: Char
acterized by dignity and propriety; Dignified and somber in manner or character
and committed to keeping promises
mitigate - Lessen or to try to lessen the seriousness or extent of
maudlin - Effusively or insincerely emotional
palpable - Capable of being perceived by the senses or the mind; especially capa
ble of being handled or touched or felt
agent - An active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect; A
substance that exerts some force or effect
treacly/cloying - overly sweet
propagate - Become distributed or widespread
wonky - Turned or twisted toward one side; Inclined to shake as from weakness or
defect
acquiesce - To agree or express agreement
assent - To agree or express agreement
dissent - Express opposition through action or words
munificence - liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of s
pirit
subversive - A radical supporter of political or social revolution; ADJ. In oppo
sition to a civil authority or government
subvert - Cause the downfall of; of rulers; Corrupt morally or by intemperance o
r sensuality; Destroy completely
accede - Submit or yield to another's wish or opinion
manifesto - A public declaration of intentions (as issued by a political party or
government)
anesthetic - Characterized by insensibility
blasé - Uninterested because of frequent exposure or indulgence; Nonchalantly unco
ncerned
licentitious/unchaste - Lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrain
ed
demur: raise doubts or objections or show reluctance
catachresis - The use of a word in a way that is not correct, for example, the u
se of mitigate for militate
misgiving: a feeling of doubt or apprehension about the outcome or consequences
of something
insouciance: casual lack of concern; indifference
chaste - Pure and simple in design or style; Morally pure (especially not having
experienced sexual intercourse)
coalesce - Fuse or cause to grow together; ADJ. Growing together, fusing
petulant - Easily irritated or annoyed
contingent - Determined by conditions or circumstances not yet established
dismissive - Showing indifference or disregard
derisive - Abusing vocally; expressing contempt or ridicule
abjure/recant - Formally reject or disavow a formerly held belief, usually under
pressure
deride - Treat or speak of with contempt
apt - At risk of or subject to experiencing something usually unpleasant ; Menta
lly quick and resourceful ; Being of striking appropriateness and pertinence
efface - Remove completely from recognition or memory; Make inconspicuous
extrapolate - Draw from specific cases for more general cases; Gain knowledge of
(an area not known or experienced) by extrapolating
bloviate - Orate verbosely and windily
entrenched - Established firmly and securely; VERB: Fix firmly or securely; Impi
nge or infringe upon
aegis - Kindly endorsement and guidance; Armor plate that protects the chest; th
e front part of a cuirass
levity - Feeling an inappropriate lack of seriousness
convalescence - Gradual healing (through rest) after sickness or injury
mercurial - Liable to sudden unpredictable change
cavalier - Given to haughty disregard of others
tractable - Easily managed (controlled or taught or molded); Readily reacting to
suggestions and influences
precarious - Affording no ease or reassurance; Dangerously insecure
irreverent - Showing a lack of respect for people or things that are generally t
aken seriously; Showing lack of due respect or veneration; Characterized by a li
ghtly pert and exuberant quality
revelatory - (usually followed by 'of') pointing out or revealing clearly
vapid/insipid - Lacking taste or flavor or tang, Lacking significance or impact,
Lacking significance or liveliness or spirit or zest

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close