abase lower; humiliate verb abash embarrass verb abate subside; decrease, lessen verb abbreviate shorten verb abdicate renounce; give up verb aberrant abnormal or deviant noun abettor encourager noun abeyance suspended action noun abhor detest; hate verb abject wretched; lacking pride adjective abjure renounce upon oath verb ablution washing noun abnegation repudiation; self-sacrifice noun abolish cancel; put an end to verb abominate loathe; hate verb aboriginal being the first of its kind in a region; primitive; native adjective abortive unsuccessful; fruitless adjective abrasive rubbing away; tending to grind down adjective abridge condense or shorten verb abrogate abolish verb abscond depart secretly and hide verb absolute complete; totally unlimited; certain adjective absolve pardon(an offense) verb abstain refrain; hold oneself voluntary form an action or practice verb abstemious sparing in eating and drinking; temperate adjective abstinence restrain from eating or drinking noun abstract theoretical; not concrete; nonrepresentational adjective * abstruse obscure; profound; difficult to understand adjective * abusive coarsely insulting; physically harmful adjective abut border upon; adjoin verb abysmal bottomless adjective accede agree verb accelerate move faster verb accessible easy to approach; obtainable adjective accessory additional object; useful but not essential thing noun acclaim applaud; announce with great approval verb * acclimate adjust to climate verb acclivity sharp upslope of a hill noun accolade award of merit noun * accommodate oblige or help someone; adjust or bring into harmony, adapt verb accomplice partner in crime noun accord agreement noun accost approach and speak first to a person verb accoutre to equip verb accretion growth, increase noun accrue come about by addition verb acerbity bitterness of speech and temper noun acetic vinegary adjective acidulous slightly sour; sharp, caustic adjective acknowledge recognize, admit verb acme top; pinnacle noun acoustics science of sound; quality that makes a room easy or hard to hear in noun acquiesce assent; agree passively verb * acquittal deliverance from a charge noun acrid sharp, bitterly pungent adjective acrimonious stinging, caustic adjective actuarial calculating, pertaining to insurance statistics adjective actuate motivate verb acuity sharpness noun acumen mental keenness noun acute quickly perceptive; keen; brief and severe adjective adage wise saying; proverb noun adamant hard; inflexible adjective adapt alter; modify verb addiction compulsive, habitual need noun addle to muddle; drive crazy; become rotten verb address to direct speech to; deal with or discuss verb adduce to present as evidence verb adept expert at adjective adhere stick last verb adherent supporter, follower noun adjunct something attached to but holding and inferior position noun adjuration solemn urging noun admonish warn; reprove verb * admonition warning noun adorn decorate verb adroit skillful adjective * adulation flattery; admiration noun adulterate make impure by mixing with baser substances verb adulterated made impure or spoiled by the addition of inferior materials adjective advent arrival noun adventitious accidental; casual adjective adversary opponent noun * adverse unfavorable; hostile adjective adversity poverty; misfortune noun advert refer to verb advocate urge; plead for verb * aegis shield; defense noun aesthetic artistic; dealing with or capable of appreciation of the beautiful adjective * affable courteous adjective * affected artificial; pretended adjective affidavit written statement made under oath noun affiliation joining; associating with noun affinity kinship noun affirmation positive assertion; confirmation; solemn pledge by one who refuses to take an oath noun * affluence abundance; wealth noun affray public brawl noun agape openmouthed adjective agenda items of business at a meeting noun agglomeration collection; heap noun aggrandize increase or intensify verb aggregate sum; total adjective aghast horrified adjective agility nimbleness noun agitate stir up; disturb verb agnostic one who is skeptical of the existence or knowability of a god or any ultimate reality noun agrarian pertaining to land or its cultivation adjective alacrity cheerful promptness noun alchemy medieval chemistry noun alcove nook; small, recessed section of a room noun alias an assumed name noun alienate make hostile; separate verb alimentary supplying nourishment adjective alimony payment by a husband to his divorced wife noun allay calm; pacify verb allege state without proof verb allegory story in which characters are used as symbols noun alleviate relieve verb alliteration repetition of beginning sound in poetry noun allocate assign verb alloy a mixture as of metals noun allude relief indirectly verb allure entice; attract verb allusion indirect reference noun aloof apart; reserved adjective * aloft upward adjective altercation wordy quarrel noun altruistic unselfishly generous, concerned for others adjective * amalgamate combine, unite in one body verb amass collect verb amazon female warrior noun ambidextrous capable of using either hand with equal ease adjective ambience environment; atmosphere noun ambiguous unclear or doubtful in meaning adjective * ambivalence the state of having contradictory or conflicting emotional attitudes noun * amble moving at an easy pace noun ambrosia food of the gods noun ambulatory able to walk adjective ameliorate improve verb * amenable readily managed; willing to be led adjective amend correct; change, generally for the better verb amenities convenient features; courtesies noun amiable agreeable; lovable adjective amicable friendly adjective amiss wrong; faulty adjective amity friendship noun amnesia loss of memory noun amnesty pardon noun amoral nonmoral adjective amorous moved by sexual love; loving adjective amorphous shapeless adjective amphibian able to live both on land and in water adjective amphitheater oval building with tiers of seats noun ample abundant adjective amplify enlarge verb amputate cut off part of body; prune verb amuck in a state of rage adjective amulet charm; talisman noun anachronism an error involving time in a story noun analgesic causing insensitivity to pain adjective analogous comparable adjective analogy similarity; parallelism noun anarchist person who rebels against the established order noun * anarchy absence of governing body, state of disorder noun anathema solemn curse noun anchor secure or fasten firmly verb ancillary serving as an aid or accessory, auxiliary adjective anecdote short discount of an amusing or interesting event noun anemia condition in which blood lacks red corpuscles noun anesthetic substance that removes sensation with or without loss of consciousness noun anguish acute pain; extreme suffering noun angular sharp-cornered; stuff in manner adjective animated lively adjective animosity active enmity; hatred noun * animus hostile feeling or intent noun annals records; history noun annihilate destroy verb annotate comment; make explanatory notes verb annuity yearly allowance noun annul make void verb anomalous abnormal; irregular adjective anomaly irregularity noun anonymity state of being nameless; anonimousness noun anonymous having no name adjective antagonistic hostile; opposed; actively resisting adjective * antecede precede verb antecedents preceding events or circumstances that influence what comes later; early life; ancestors noun antediluvian antiquated; ancient adjective anthropoid manlike adjective anthropologist a student of the history and science of mankind noun anthropomorphic having human form or characteristics adjective anticlimax letdown of thought or emotion noun antipathy aversion; dislike noun antiquated old-fashioned; obsolete adjective * antiseptic substance that prevents infection noun antithesis contrast; direct opposite of or to noun * apathy lack of caring; indifference noun * ape intimate or mimic verb aperture opening; hole noun apex tip; summit; climax noun aphasia loss of speech due to injury or illness noun aphorism pithy maxim noun apiary a place where bees are kept noun aplomb poise verb apocalyptic prophetic; pertaining to revelations adjective apocryphal untrue; made up adjective apogee highest point noun apoplexy stroke; loss of consciousness followed by paralysis noun apostate one who abandons his religious faith or political beliefs noun apothegm pithy, compact saying noun apotheosis deification; glorification noun appall dismay; shock verb apparition ghost; phantom noun appease pacify; soothe verb * appellation name; title noun append attach verb application diligent attention noun apposite appropriate; fitting adjective appraise estimate value of verb appreciate be thankful for; increase in worth; be thoroughly conscious for verb apprehend arrest(a criminal); dread; perceive verb apprehension fear noun * apprise inform verb approbation approval noun appropriate acquire; take position of for one's own use verb apropos with reference to; regarding preposition aptitude fitness; talent noun aquiline curved; hooked adjective arable fit for plowing adjective arbiter a person with power to decide a dispute; judge noun arbitrary unreasonable or capricious; imperious; tyrannical; despotic adjective * arbitrate act as judge verb arboretum place where different tree varieties are exhibited noun arcade a covered passageway, usually lined with shops noun arcane secret; mysterious adjective archaeology study of artifacts and relics of early mankind noun archaic antiquated adjective archetype prototype; primitive pattern noun archipelago group of closely located islands noun archives public records; place where public records are kept noun ardor heat; passion; zeal noun arduous hard; strenuous adjective argot slang noun aria operatic solo noun arid dry; barren adjective aristocracy hereditary nobility; privileged class noun armada fleet of warships noun aromatic fragrant adjective arraign charge in court; indict verb array marshal; draw up in order verb array clothe; adorn verb arrears being in debt noun arrogance pride; haughtiness noun arroyo gully noun articulate effective; distinct adjective * artifacts products of primitive culture noun artifice deception; trickery noun artisan a manually skilled worker noun artless without guile, open and honest adjective ascendancy controlling influence; domination noun * ascertain find out for certain verb ascetic practicing self-denial, austere adjective * ascribe refer; attribute, assign verb aseptic preventing infection; having a cleansing effect adjective ashen ash-colored adjective asinine stupid adjective askance with a sideways or indirect look adjective askew crookedly; slanted; at an angle adjective asperity sharpness(of temper) noun aspersion slanderous remark noun aspirant seeker after position or status noun aspiration noble ambition noun assail assault verb assay analyze; evaluate verb assent agree; accept verb assessment estimation noun assiduous diligent adjective assimilate absorb; cause to become homogeneous verb assuage ease; lessen (pain) verb * asteroid small planet noun astigmatism eye defect that prevents proper focus noun astral relating to stars adjective astringent binding; causing contraction adjective astronomical enormously large or extensive adjective astute wise; shrewd adjective * asunder into parts, apart adjective asylum place of refuge or shelter; protection noun asymmetric not identical on both sides of a dividing central line adjective atavism resemblance to remote ancestors rather than to parents; deformity returning after passage of two or more generations noun atheistic denying the existence of God adjective atone make amends for; pay for verb atrocity brutal deed noun atrophy wasting away noun * attentive considerate; thoughtful adjective attenuate make thin; weaken verb attest testify; bear witness verb attribute essential quality noun attribute ascribe; explain verb attrition gradual wearing down noun atypical not normal adjective audacious daring; bold adjective audit examination of accounts noun augment increase verb augury omen; prophecy verb august impressive; majestic adjective aureole sun's corona; halo noun auroral pertaining to the aurora borealis adjective auspicious favoring success adjective austere strict; stern adjective austerity sternness; severity; lack of luxuries noun * authenticate prove genuine verb authoritarian favoring or exercising total control; non-democratic adjective * authoritative having the weight of authority; dictatorial adjective autocrat monarch with supreme power noun automaton mechanism that imitates actions of humans noun autonomous self-governing adjective autopsy examination of a dead body; post-mortem noun auxiliary helper; additional or subsidiary adjective avarice greediness for wealth noun aver state confidently verb averse reluctant adjective aversion firm dislike noun avert prevent; turn away verb aviary enclosure for birds noun avid greedy; eager for adjective avocation secondary or minor occupation noun avow declare openly verb avuncular like an uncle adjective awe solemn wonder noun awry distorted; crooked adverb axiom self-evident truth requiring no proof noun azure sky blue adjective babble chatter ugly verb bacchanalian drunken adjective badger pester; annoy verb badinage teasing conversation noun baffle frustrate; perplex verb bait harass; tease verb baleful deadly; destructive adjective balk foil verb ballast heavy substance used to add stability or weight noun balm something that relieves pain noun balmy mild; fragrant adjective banal hackneyed; commonplace; trite adjective * bandy discuss lightly; exchange blows or words verb bane cause of ruin noun baneful ruinous; poisonous adjective bantering good-natured ridiculing adjective barb sharp projection from fishhook, etc. noun bard poet noun baroque highly ornate adj. barrage barrier laid down by artillery fire noun barrister counselor-at-law noun barter trader noun bask luxuriate; take pleasure in warmth verb bassoon reed instrument of the woodwind family noun bastion fortress; defense noun bate let down; restrain verb bauble trinket; trifle noun bawdy indecent; obscene adj. beatific giving bliss; blissful adj. beatitude blessedness; state of bliss noun bedizen dress with vulgar finery verb bedraggle wet thoroughly verb befuddle confuse thoroughly verb beget father, produce; give raise to verb begrudge resent verb beguile amuse; delude, cheat verb behemoth huge creature; monstrous animal noun beholden obligated; indebted adj. behoove be suited to, be incumbent upon verb belabor explain or go over excessively or to a ridiculous degree; attach verbally verb belated delayed adj. beleaguer besiege verb belie contradict; give a false impression verb * belittle disparage; depreciate verb bellicose warlike adj. belligerent quarrelsome adj. bemused confused; lost in thought; preoccupied adj. benediction blessing noun benefactor gift giver; patron noun beneficent kindly; doing good adj. beneficiary person entitled to benefits or proceeds of an insurance policy or will noun benevolent generous; charitable adj. * benign kindly; favorable; not malignant adj. * benignity state of being kind, benign, gracious noun benison blessing noun bent determined adj. bent natural talent or inclination noun bequeath leave to someone by a will; hand down verb * berate scold strongly verb bereavement state of being valuable or loved noun bereft deprived of; lacking adj. berserk frenzied adj. beset harass; trouble verb besmirch soil; defile verb bestial beastlike; brutal adj. bestow give verb betroth become engaged to marry verb bevy large group noun biased slanted; prejudiced adj. bicameral two-chambered, as a legislative body adj. bicker quarrel verb biennial every two years adj. bigotry stubborn intolerance noun bilious suffering from ingestion; irritable adj. bilk swindle; cheat verb billowing rising or swelling like waves adj. bivouac temporary encampment noun bizarre fantastic; violently contrasting adj. blanch bleach; whiten verb bland soothing; mild, dull adj. blandishment flattery noun blase bored with pleasure or dissipation adj. blasphemy cursing; irreverence; sacrilege noun * blatant flagrant; consciously obvious; loudly offensive adj. bleak cold; cheerless adj. blighted suffering for a disease; destroyed adj. * blithe gay; joyous adj. bloated swollen or puffed as with water or air adj. bludgeon club; heavy-headed weapon noun bluff pretense(of strength); deception; high cliff noun blunder error noun blurt utter impulsively verb bode foreshadow; portend verb bogus counterfeit; not authentic adjective boisterous violent; rough; noisy adjective bolster support; prop up verb * bombastic pompous; using inflated language adjective boorish rude; clownish adjective bouillon clear beef soup noun bountiful generous; showing bounty adjective bourgeois middle class noun bovine cowlike; placid and dull adjective bowdlerize expurgate verb brackish somewhat saline adjective braggart boaster noun bravado swagger; assumed air of defiance noun brawn muscular strength; sturdiness noun brazen insolent adjective breach breaking of contract or duty; fissure; gap noun breadth width; extent noun brevity consciousness noun brindled tawny or grayish with steaks or spots adjective bristling rising like bristles; showing irritation adjective brittle easy broken; difficult adjective broach open up verb brocade rich, figured fabric noun brochure pamphlet noun brooch ornamental clasp noun browbeat bully; intimidate adjective brusque blunt; abrupt adjective bucolic rustic; pastoral adjective buffoonery clowning noun bugaboo bugbear; object of baseless terror noun bullion gold and silver in the form of bars noun bulwark earthwork or other strong defense noun bumptious self-assertive adjective bungle spoil by clumsy behavior verb bureaucracy government by bureaus noun burgeon grow forth; send out buds verb burlesque give an imitation that ridicules verb burly husky; muscular adjective burnish make shiny by rubbing; polish verb buttress support; prop up verb buxom plump; vigorous; jolly adjective cabal small group of persons secretly united to promote their own interests noun cache hiding place noun cacophony discord noun cadaver corpse noun cadaverous like a corpse; pale adjective cadence rhythmic rise and fall (of words and sounds); beat noun cajole coax; wheedle verb * calamity disaster; misery noun caliber ability; capacity noun calligraphy beautiful writing; excellent penmanship noun callous hardened; unfeeling adjective callow youthful; immature adjective calorific heat-producing adjective calumny malicious misrepresentation; slander noun camaraderie good-fellowship noun cameo shell or jewel carved in relief noun candor frankness noun * canine related to dogs; dog-like adjective canker any ulcerous sore; any evil noun canny shrewd; thrifty adjective cant jargon of thieves; pious phraseology noun cantankerous ill humored; irritable adjective cantata story set in music, to be sung by a chorus noun canter slow gallop noun canto division of a long poem noun canvass determine votes, etc. verb capacious spacious adjective capitulate surrender verb caprice whim noun capricious fickle; incalculable adjective * caption title; chapter heading; text under illustration noun captious faultfinding adjective carafe glass water bottle; decanter noun carat unit of weight of precious stones; measure of fineness of gold noun carcinogenic causing cancer adjective cardinal chief adjective careen lurch; sway from side to side verb caricature distortion; burlesque noun carnage destruction of life noun carnal fleshy adjective carnivorous meat-eating adjective carousal drunken relief noun carping finding fault adjective carrion rotting flesh of a dead body noun carte noun unlimited authority or freedom blanche cartographer map-maker noun cascade small waterfall noun caste one of the hereditary classes in Hindu society noun castigate punish verb casualty serious or fatal accident noun cataclysm deluge; upheaval noun catalyst agent which brings about a chemical change while it remains unaffected and unchanged noun catapult slingshot; a hurling machine noun cataract great waterfall; eye abnormality noun catastrophe calamity noun catechism book of religious instruction; instruction by question and answer noun categorical without exceptions; unqualified; absolute adjective catharsis purging or cleansing away any passage of the body noun cathartic purgative noun catholic broadly sympathetic; liberal adjective caucus private meeting of members of a party to select officers or determine policy noun causal implying a cause-and-effect relationship adjective caustic burning; sarcastically biting adjective cauterize burn with hot iron or caustic verb cavalcade procession; parade noun cavil make frivolous objections verb cede transfer; yield title to verb celerity speed; rapidity noun celestial heavenly adjective celibate unmarried; abstaining from sexual intercourse adjective censor overseer of morals; person who reads to eliminate inappropriate remarks noun censorious critical adjective * censure blame; criticize verb * centaur mythical figure, half man and half horse noun centigrade measure of temperature used widely in Europe adjective centrifugal radiating, departing from the center adjective centripetal tending toward the center adjective centurion Roman army officer noun cerebral pertaining to the brain or intellect adjective cerebration thought noun ceremonious marked by formality adjective cessation stopping noun cession yielding to another, ceding noun chafe warm by rubbing; make sore by rubbing verb chaff worthless products of an endeavor noun chaffing bantering; joking adjective chagrin vexation; disappointment noun chalice goblet; consecrated cup noun chameleon lizard that changes color in different situations noun champion support militantly verb chaotic in utter disorder adjective charisma divine gift; great popular charm or appeal of a political leader noun charlatan quack; pretender to knowledge noun chary cautiously watchful adjective chasm abyss noun chassis framework and working parts of an automobile noun chaste pure adjective chasten discipline; punish in order to correct verb chastise punish verb chattel personal property noun chauvinist blindly devoted patriot noun checkered marked by changes in fortune adjective cherubic angelic; innocent looking adjective chicanery trickery noun chide scold verb chimerical fantastic; highly imaginative adjective chiropodist one who treats disorders of the feet noun chivalrous courteous; faithful; brave adjective choleric hot-tempered adjective choreography art of dancing noun chronic long established as a disease adjective chronicle report; record (in chronological order) verb churlish boorish; rude adjective ciliated having minute hairs adjective circlet small ring; band noun circuitous roundabout adjective circumlocution indirect or roundabout expression noun circumscribe limit; confine verb circumspect prudent; cautious adjective circumvent outwit; baffle verb citadel fortress noun cite quote; command verb civil having to do with citizens or the state; courteous and polite adjective clairvoyant having foresight adjective clairvoyant fortuneteller noun clamber climb by crawling verb clamor noise noun clandestine secret adjective clangor loud, resounding noise noun clarion shrill, trumpetlike sound noun claustrophobia fear of being locked in noun clavicle collarbone noun cleave split asunder verb cleft split noun clemency disposition to be lenient; mildness, as of the weather noun * cliché phrase dulled in meaning by repetition noun clientele body of customers noun climactic relating to the highest point adjective clime region; climate noun clique small excessive group noun cloister monastery or convent noun cloven split adjective coagulate thicken; congeal; clot verb coalesce combine; fuse verb coddle to treat gently verb codicil supplement to the body of a will noun codify to arrange (laws, rules) as a code; classify verb coercion use of force to get someone's compliance noun * coeval living as the same time as; contemporary adjective cog tooth protecting from a wheel noun cogent convincing adjective cogitate think over verb cognate allied by blood; of the same or kindred nature adjective cognitive having to do with knowing or perceiving adjective cognizance knowledge noun cognomen family name noun cohere stick together verb cohesion force keeps parts together noun coiffure hairstyle noun coincident occurring at the same time adjective colander utensil with perforated bottom used for straining noun collaborate work together verb collage work of art put together from fragments noun collate examine in order to verify authenticity; arrange in order verb collateral security given for loan noun colloquial pertaining to conversational or common speech adjective colloquy informal discussion noun collusion conspiring in a fraudulent scheme noun colossal huge adjective comatose in a coma; extremely sleepy adjective combustible easily burned adjective comely attractive; agreeable adjective comestible something fit to be eaten noun comeuppance rebuke; deserts noun comity courtesy; civility noun commandeer to draft form military purposes; to take for a public use verb commemorative remembering; honoring adjective commensurate equal in extent adjective commiserate to feel or express pity or symphony for verb commodious spacious and comfortable adjective communal held in common; of a group of people adjective compact agreement; contract noun compact tightly packed; firm, brief adjective compatible harmonious; in harmony with adjective compelling overpowering, irresistible in effect adjective compendium brief, comprehensive summary noun compensatory making up for; repaying adjective compilation listing of statistical information in tabular or book form noun complacent self-satisfied adjective * complaisant trying to please; obliging adjective complement that which completes noun compliance conformity in fulfilling requirements; readiness to yield noun * compliant yielding adjective complicity participation; involvement noun component element; ingredient noun comport bear one's self; behave verb composure mental calmness noun * comprehensive thorough; inclusive adjective * compress close; squeeze; contract verb comprise include; consist of verb compromise adjust; endanger the interests or reputation of verb compunction remorse noun compute reckon; calculate verb concave hollow adjective concede admit; yield verb * conceit whimsical idea; extravagant metaphor noun concentric having a common center adjective conception beginning; forming of an idea noun concession act of yielding noun conciliatory reconciling; soothing adjective * concise brief and compact adjective * conclusive decisive; ending all debate adjective concoct prepare by combining; make up in concert verb concomitant that which accompanies noun concord harmony; agreement` between people or things noun concur agree verb * concurrent happening at the same time adjective condescend bestow courtesies with a superior air verb condiments seasonings; spices noun condole express sympathetic sorrow verb condone overlook; forgive verb * conductive contributive; tending to adjective conduit aqueduct; passageway for fluids noun confidant trusted friend noun confirm corroborate; verify; support verb confiscate seize; commandeer verb conflagration great fire noun confluence flowing together; crowd noun conformity harmony; agreement noun confound confuse; puzzle verb congeal freeze; coagulate verb congenial pleasant; friendly adjective congenital existing at birth adjective conglomeration mass of material sticking together noun congruence correspondence of parts; harmonious relationship noun conifer pine tree; cone-bearing tree noun conjecture surmise; guess noun conjugal pertaining to marriage adjective conjure summon a devil; practice magic; imagine; invent verb connivance pretense of ignorance of something wrong; assistance; permission to offend noun connoisseur person competent to act as a judge of art, etc.; a lover of an art noun connotation suggested or implied meaning of an expression noun connubial pertaining to marriage or the matrimonial state adjective consanguinity kinship noun conscientious scrupulous; careful adjective consecrate dedicate; sanctify verb consequential pompous; important; self-important adjective consign deliver officially; entrust; set apart verb consistency absence of contradictions; dependability; uniformity noun console lessen sadness or disappointment; give comfort verb consonance harmony; agreement noun consort associate with verb consort husband or wife noun conspicuous easily seen; noticeable; striking adjective conspiracy treacherous plot noun constituent supporter noun constraint compulsion; repression of feelings noun construe explain; interpret verb consummate compete adjective contagion infection noun contaminate pollute verb contemporary person belonging to the same period noun contempt scorn; disdain noun contend struggle; compete; assert earnestly verb * contentious quarrelsome adjective * contest dispute verb context writings preceding and following the passage quoted noun contiguous adjacent to; touching upon adjective continence self-restraint; sexual chastity noun contingent conditional adjective contortions twistings ; distortions noun contraband illegal trade; smuggling noun contract compress or shrink; make a pledge; catch a disease verb * contravene contradict; infringe on verb contrite penitent adjective * contrived forced; artificial; not spontaneous adjective controvert oppose with arguments; contradict verb confusion bruise noun conundrum riddle noun convene assemble verb converge come together verb * conversant familiar with adjective converse opposite noun convex curving outward adjective conveyance vehicle; transfer noun conviction strongly held belief noun * convivial festive; gay; characterized by joviality adjective convoke call together verb convoluted coiled around adjective copious plentiful adjective coquette flirt noun cordial gracious; heartfelt adjective * cordon extended line of men or fortifications to prevent access or egress noun cornice protecting molding on building (usually above columns) noun corollary consequence; accompaniment noun corporeal bodily; material adjective corpulent very fat adjective correlation mutual relationship noun corroborate confirm verb * corrosive eating away by chemicals or disease adjective corrugated wrinkled, ridged adjective cosmic pertaining to outer space adjective coterie group that meets socially; select circle noun countenance approve; tolerate verb countermand cancel; revoke verb counterpart a thing that completes another; things very much alike noun coup highly successful action or sudden attack noun couple join; unite verb courier messenger noun convenant agreement noun covert secret; hidden; implied adjective covetous avaricious; eagerly desirous of adjective cower shrink quivering, as from fear verb coy shy; modest; coquettish adjective cozen cheat; hoodwink; swindle verb crabbed sour; peevish adjective crass very unrefined; grossly insensible adjective craven cowardly adjective credence belief noun credibility believability noun credo creed noun credulity belief on slight evidence noun * creed system of religious or ethical belief noun crescendo increase in the volume or intensity as in a musical passage; climax noun crestfallen dejected; dispirited adjective crevice crack; fissure noun cringe shrink back, as if in fear verb criterion standard used in judging noun * crone hag noun crotchety eccentric; whimsical adjective crux critical point noun crypt secret recess or vault, usually used for burial noun cryptic mysterious; puzzling; secret adjective * cubicle small chamber used for sleeping noun cuisine style of cooking noun culinary pertaining to cooking adjective cull pick out; reject verb culmination attainment of highest point noun culpable deserving blame adjective culvert artificial channel for water noun cumbersome heavy; hard to manage adjective cupidity greed noun curator superintendent; manager noun curmudgeon churlish, miserly individual noun cursive flowing, running adjective cursory casual; hastily done adjective curtail shorten; reduce verb cynical skeptical or distrustful of human motives adjective cynosure object of general attention noun dais raised platform for guests of honor noun dally trifle with; procrastinate verb dank damp adjective dappled spotted adjective dastard coward noun daub smear (as with paint) verb daunt intimidate verb * dauntless bold adjective dawdle loiter; waste time verb deadlock standstill; stalemate noun deadpan wooden; impersonal adjective dearth scarcity noun debacle breaking up; downfall noun debase reduce to lower state verb debauch corrupt; make intemperate verb debilitate weaken; enfeeble verb * debonair friendly; aiming to please adjective debris rubble noun debutante young woman making formal entrance in society noun decadence decay noun decant pour off gently verb decapitate behead verb decelerate slow down verb deciduous falling off as of leaves adjective decimate kill, usually one out of ten verb decipher interpret secret code verb declivity downward slope noun décolleté having a low-necked dress adjective decomposition decay noun decorous proper adjective decoy lure or bail noun decrepit worn out of age adjective decrepitude state of collapse caused by illness or old age noun decry disparage verb deducible derived by reasoning adjective defame harm someone's reputation; malign verb default failure to do noun defeatist attitude of one who is ready to accept defeat as a natural outcome adjective defection desertion noun deference courteous regard for another's wish noun * defile pollute; profane verb definitive final; compete adjective deflect turn aside verb defoliate destroy leaves verb defray pay costs for verb deft neat; skillful adjective defunct dead; no longer in use or existence adjective degenerate become worse; deteriorate verb degraded lowered in rank; debased adjective deify turn into god; idolize verb deign condescend verb delectable delightful; delicious adjective delete erase; strike out verb deleterious harmful adjective deliberate consider; ponder verb deleterious harmful adjective delineate portray noun * delirium mental disorder marked by confusion noun delude deceive verb delude flood; rush noun delusion false belief; hallucination noun delusive deceptive; raising vain hopes adjective delve dig; investigate verb demagogue person who appeals to people's prejudice noun demean degrade; humiliate verb demeanor behavior; bearing noun demented insane adjective demise death noun demolition destruction noun demoniac fiendish adjective demotic pertaining to the people adjective demur delay; object verb demure grave; serious; coy adjective denigrate blacken verb denizen inhabitant of noun denotation meaning; distinguishing by name noun denouement outcome; final development of the plot of a play noun denounce condemn; criticize verb * depict portray verb deplete reduce; exhaust verb deplore regret; disapprove of verb * deploy move troops so that the battle line is extended at the expense of depth verb depose dethrone; remove from office verb deposition testimony under oath noun depravity corruption; wickedness noun * depreciate express disapproval of; protest against; belittle verb * depreciate lessen in value verb depredation plundering noun deranged insane adjective derelict abandoned; adjective deride scoff at verb * derision ridicule noun derivative unoriginal; derived from another source adjective dermatologist one who studies the skin and its diseases noun derogatory expressing a low opinion adjective descant discuss fully verb descry catch sight of verb desecrate profane; violate the sanctity of verb desiccate dry up verb desolate rob of joy; lay waste to; forsake verb despicable contemptible adjective despise scorn verb despoil plunder verb despondent depressed; gloomy adjective * despot tyrant; harsh, authoritarian ruler noun * destitute extremely poor adjective desultory aimless; jumping around adjective detached emotionally removed; calm and objective; indifferent adjective * detergent cleansing agent noun deterrent something that discourages; hindrance noun * detonation explosion noun detraction slandering; aspersion noun detrimental harmful; damaging adjective deviate turn away from verb devious going astray; erratic; cunning adjective * devoid lacking adjective devolve deputize; pass to others verb devotee enthusiastic follower noun devout pious adjective dexterous skillful adjective diabolical devilish adjective diadem crown noun dialectic art of debate noun diaphanous sneer; transparent adjective diatribe bitter scolding; invective noun dichotomy branching into two parts noun dictum authoritative and weighty statement noun didactic teaching; instructional adjective * diffidence shyness noun diffusion wordiness; spreading in all directions like a gas noun digression wandering away from the subject noun * dilapidated ruined because of neglect adjective dilate expand verb dilatory delaying adjective dilemma problem; choice of two unsatisfactory alternatives noun dilettante aimless follower of the arts; amateur; dabbler noun diligence steadiness of effort; persistent hard work noun * dilute make less concentrated; reduce in strength verb diminution lessening; reduction in size noun * din continued loud noise noun dint means; effort noun dire disastrous adjective dirge lament with music noun disabuse correct a false impression; undeceive verb disapprobation disapproval; condemnation noun disarray disorderly or untidy state noun disavowal denial; disclaiming noun disband dissolve; disperse verb disburse pay out verb discernible distinguishable; perceivable adjective discerning mentally quick and observant; having insight adjective * disclaim disown; renounce claim to verb disclose reveal verb discomfit put to rout; defeat; disconcert verb disconcert confuse; upset; embarrass verb disconsolate sad adjective discordant inharmonious; conflicting adjective * discount disregard verb discourse formal discussion; conversation noun discredit defame; destroy confidence in; disbelieve verb discrepancy lack of consistency; difference noun discrete separate; unconnected adjective discretion prudence; ability to adjust actions to circumstances noun discriminating able to see differences; prejudiced adjective * discursive digressing; rambling adjective * disdain treat with scorn or contempt verb * disfigure mar in beauty; spoil verb disgruntle make discontented verb dishearten discourage; cause to lose courage or hope verb disheveled untidy adjective disinclination unwillingness noun * disingenuous not native; sophisticated adjective disinter dig up; unearth verb disinterested unprejudiced adjective disjointed disconnected adjective dismantle take apart verb dismember cut into small parts verb dismiss put away from consideration; reject verb disparage belittle verb * disparate basically different; unrelated adjective disparity difference; condition of inequality noun * dispassionate calm; impartial adjective * dispatch speediness; prompt execution; message sent with all due speed noun dispel scatter; drive away; cause to vanish verb disperse scatter verb * dispirited lacking in spirit adjective disputatious argumentative; fond of argument adjective * disquisition formal systematic inquiry; an explanation of the results of a formal inquiry noun dissection analysis; cutting apart in order to examine noun dissemble disguise; pretend verb disseminate scatter (like seeds) verb * dissent disagree verb * dissertation formal essay noun dissimulate pretend; conceal by feigning verb dissipate squander verb dissolute loose in morals adjective dissonance discord noun * dissuade advise against verb distant reserved or aloof; cold in manner adjective distend expand; swell out verb * distill extract the essence; purify; refine verb distortion twisting out of shape noun distrait absentminded adjective distraught upset; distracted by anxiety adjective diurnal daily adjective diva operatic singer; prima donna noun diverge vary; go in different directions from the same point verb divergent differing; deviating adjective * divers several; differing adjective diverse differing in some characteristics; various adjective diversion act of turning aside; pastime noun diversity variety; dissimilitude noun divest strip; deprive verb divulge reveal verb docile obedient; easily managed adjective docket program as for trial; book where such entries are made noun doctrinaire unable to compromise about points of doctrine; dogmatic; unyielding adjective document provide written evidence verb * doddering shaky; infirm from old age adjective doff take off verb dogged determined; stubborn adjective doggerel poor verse noun dogmatic positive; arbitrary adjective * doldrums blues; listlessness; slack period noun dolorous sorrowful adjective dolt stupid person noun domicile home noun domineer rule over tyrannically verb dormant sleeping; lethargic; torpid adjective dorsal relating to the back of an animal adjective dour sullen; stubborn adjective douse plunge into water; drench; extinguish verb dowdy slovenly; untidy adjective dregs sediment; worthless residue noun droll queer and amusing adjective drone idle person; male bee noun drone talk dully; buzz or murmur like a bee verb dross waste matter; worthless impurities noun drudgery menial work noun dubious doubtful adjective * duenna attendant or young female; chaperone noun duplicity double dealing; hypocrisy noun * duress forcible restraint noun dutiful respectful; obedient adjective dwindle shrink; reduce verb dynamic active; efficient adjective dyspeptic suffering from indigestion adjective earthy unrefined; coarse adjective ebb recede; lessen verb ebullient showing excitement; overflowing with enthusiasm adjective eccentric odd; whimsical; irregular adjective * eccentricity oddity; idiosyncrasy noun ecclesiastic pertaining to the church adjective éclat brilliance; glory noun eclectic selective in choosing from a variety of sources adjective * eclipse darken; extinguish; surpass verb ecologist a person concerned with the interrelationship between living organisms and their environment noun ecstasy rapture; joy; any overflowing emotion noun eddy swirling current of water, air, etc. noun edify instruct; correct morally verb eerie weird adjective efface rub out verb effectual efficient adjective effeminate having womanly traits adjective effervescent exuberant; bubbly and excited adjective * effete worn out; exhausted; barren adjective efficacy power to produce desired effect noun effigy dummy noun efflorescent flowering adjective effluvium noxious smell noun effrontery shameless boldness noun effusive pouring forth; gushing adjective egoism excessive interest in one's self; belief that one should be interested in one's self rather than in others noun egotism conceit; vanity noun egregious gross; shocking adjective egress exit noun ejaculation exclamation noun elaboration addition of details; intricacy noun * elated overjoyed; in high spirits adjective * elegiacal like in elegy; mournful adjective elicit draw out by discussion verb elixir cure-all; something invigorating noun ellipsis omission of words from a text noun elliptical oval; ambiguous, either purposely or because key words have been left out adjective eloquence expressiveness; persuasive speech noun * elucidate explain; enlighten verb elusive evasive; baffling; hard to gasp adjective * elysian relating to paradise; blissful adjective emaciated thin and wasted adjective * emanate issue forth verb emancipate set free verb embargo ban on commerce or other activity noun embark commence; go on board a boat or airplane; begin a journey verb embed enclose; place in something verb embellish adorn verb * embezzlement stealing noun embroil throw into confusion; involve in strife; entangle verb embryonic undeveloped; rudimentary adjective * emend correct; correct by a critic verb emendation correction of errors; improvement noun emetic substance causing vomiting noun eminent high; lofty adjective emissary agent; messenger noun emollient soothing or softening remedy noun empirical based on experience adjective emulate rival; imitate verb * enamored in love adjective enclave territory enclosed within an alien land noun encomium high praise; eulogy noun encompass surround verb encroachment gradual intrusion noun encumber burden verb endearment fond statement noun endemic prevailing among a specific group of people or in a specific area or country adjective endorse approve; support verb * endue provide with some quality; endow verb enduring lasting; surviving adjective energize invigorate; make forceful and active verb enervate weaken verb * enfranchise to admit to the rights of citizenship (especially the right to vote) verb engaging charming; attractive adjective engender cause; produce verb * engross occupy fully verb enhance advance; improve verb * enigma puzzle noun * enigmatic obscure; puzzling adjective enmity ill will; hatred noun * ennui boredom noun enormity hugeness (in a bad sense) noun enrapture please intensely verb ensconce settle comfortably verb ensue follow verb enthrall capture; enslave verb entice lure; attract; tempt verb entity real being noun entomology study of insects noun entrance put under a spell; carry away with emotion verb entreat plead; ask earnestly verb entree entrance; a way in noun entrepreneur businessman; contractor noun enumerate list; mention one by one verb enunciate speak distinctly verb environ enclose; surround verb eon long period of time; an age noun ephemeral short-lived; fleeting adjective * epic long heroic poem or similar work of art noun * epicure connoisseur of food and drink noun epigram witty thought or saying, usually short noun epilogue short speech at conclusion of dramatic work noun episodic loosely connected adjective epitaph inscription in memory of a dead person noun epithet a word or phrase characteristically used to describe a person or thing noun epitome summary; concise abstract noun epoch period of time noun equable tranquil; steady; uniform adjective equanimity calmness of temperament noun equestrian rider on horseback noun equilibrium balance noun * equine resembling a horse adjective equinox period of equal days and nights noun equitable fair; impartial adjective equity fairness; justice noun equivocal doubtful; ambiguous adjective * equivocate lie; mislead; attempt to conceal the truth verb erode eat away verb erotic pertaining to passionate love adjective errant wandering adjective erratic odd; unpredictable adjective * erroneous mistaken; wrong adjective * erudite learned; scholarly adjective * escapade prank; flighty conduct noun eschew avoid verb esoteric known only to a chosen few adjective * espionage spying noun espouse adopt; support verb esteem respect; value; judge verb estranged separated; alienated adjective ethereal light; heavenly; fine adjective ethnic relating to races adjective ethnology study of man noun etymology study of word parts noun eulogy praise noun * euphemism mild expression in place of an unpleasant one noun * euphonious pleasing in sound adjective euphoria feeling of great happiness and well-being (sometimes exaggerated) noun euthanasia mercy killing noun evanescent fleeting; vanishing adjective evasive not frank; eluding adjective evince show clearly verb evoke call forth verb exacerbate worsen; embitter verb * exacting extremely demanding adjective exalt raise in rank or dignity; praise verb exasperate vex verb exchequer treasury noun excise cut away; cut out verb exculpate clear from blame verb execrable very bad adjective execrate curse; express abhorrence for verb execute put into effect; carry out verb * exegesis explanation, especially of Biblical passages noun exemplary serving as a model; outstanding adjective * exemplify serve as an example of; embody verb * exertion effort; expenditure of much physical work noun exhaustive thorough; comprehensive adjective * exhort urge verb exhume dig out of the ground; remove from a grave verb exigency urgent situation noun exodus departure noun exonerate acquit; exculpate verb * exorbitant excessive adjective exorcise drive out evil spirits verb exotic not native; strange adjective expatiate talk at length verb expatriate exile; someone who has withdrawn from his native land noun expedient suitable; practical; politic adjective expedite hasten verb * expeditiously rapidly and efficiently adverb expertise specialized knowledge; expert skill noun expiate make amends for (a sin) verb expletive interjection; profane oath noun explicit definite; open adjective * exploit deed or action, particularly a brave deed noun expository explanatory; serving to explain adjective expunge cancel; remove verb expurgate clean; remove offensive parts of a book verb extant still in existence adjective extemporaneous not planned; impromptu adjective extenuate weaken; mitigate verb extol praise; glorify verb * extort wring from; get money by threats, etc. verb extradition surrender of prisoner by one state to another noun extraneous not essential; external adjective * extricate free; disentangle verb * extrinsic not inherent; foreign adjective extrovert person interested mostly in external objects and actions noun extrude force or push out verb exuberance abundance; effusiveness; lavishness noun * exude discharge; give forth verb exult rejoice verb fabricate build; lie verb facade front of the building noun facet small plane surface (of a gem); a side noun facetious humorous; jocular adjective facile easy; expert adjective ` facilitate make less difficult verb * facsimile copy noun faction party; clique; dissension noun faculty mental or bodily powers; teaching staff noun fallacious misleading adjective fallible liable to err adjective fallow plowed but not sowed; uncultivated adjective falter hesitate verb fanaticism excessive zeal noun * fancied imagined; unreal adjective fencier breeder or deal of animals noun fanciful whimsical; visionary adjective fanfare call by bugles or trumpets noun fantastic unreal; grotesque; whimsical adjective farce broad comedy; mockery noun fastidious difficult to please; squeamish adjective * fatalism belief that events are determined by forces beyond one's control noun fathom comprehend; investigate verb fatuous foolish; inane adjective fauna animals of period or region noun fawning courting behavior by cringing and flattering adjective faze disconcert; dismay verb feasible practical adjective fecundity fertility; fruitfulness noun feign pretend verb feint trick; shift; sham blow noun felicitous apt; suitably expressed; well chosen adjective fell cruel; deadly adjective felon person convicted of grave crime noun ferment agitation; commotion noun ferret drive or hunt out of hiding verb fervent ardent; hot adjective fervid ardent adjective fervor glowing ardor noun * fester generate pus verb festive joyous; celebratory adjective fete honor at a festival verb fetid malodorous adjective fetter shackle verb fiasco total failure noun fiat command noun fickle changeable; faithless adjective fictitious imaginary adjective fidelity loyalty noun figment invention; imaginary thing noun figurative not literal but metaphorical; using a figure of speech adjective figurine small ornamental statuette noun filch steal verb filial pertaining to a son or daughter adjective finale conclusion noun finesse delicate skill noun finicky too particular; fussy adjective finite limited adjective firebrand hothead; troublemaker noun fissure crevice noun fitful spasmodic; intermittent adjective flaccid flabby adjective flagging weak; drooping adjective flagrant conspicuously wicked adjective * flail thresh grain by hand; strike or slap verb flair talent noun flamboyant ornate adjective flaunt display ostentatiously verb flay strip off skin; plunder verb fleck spot verb fledgling inexperienced adjective fleece wool coat of a sheep noun fleece rob; plunder verb flick light stroke as with a whip noun flinch hesitate; shrink verb flippancy trifling gaiety noun flit fly; dart lightly; pass swiftly by verb floe mass of floating ice noun flora plants of a region or era noun florid flowery; ruddy adjective flotsam drifting wreckage noun flourish grow well; prosper; decorate with ornaments verb flout reject; mock verb fluctuate weaver verb fluency smoothness of speech noun fluke unlikely occurrence; stroke of fortune noun fluster confuse verb fluted having vertical parallel grooves (as in a pillar) adjective flux flowing; series of changes noun fodder coarse food for cattle, horses, etc. noun foible weakness; slight fault noun foil contrast noun foil defeat; frustrate verb foist insert improperly; palm off verb foment stir up; instigate verb foolhardy rash adjective foppish vain about dress and appearance adjective foray raid noun forbearance patience noun ford place where a river can be crossed on foot noun foreboding premonition of evil noun forensic suitable to debate or courts of law adjective foresight ability to foresee future happenings; prudence noun * forestall prevent by taking action in advance verb forgo give up; do without verb formality adherence to established rules or procedures noun formidable menacing; threatening adjective forsake desert; abandon; renounce verb forswear renounce; abandon verb forte strong point or special talent noun fortitude bravery; courage noun fortuitous accidental; by chance adjective foster rear; encourage verb founder fail completely; sink verb founder person who establishes (an organization, business) noun fracas brawl; melee noun fractious unruly verb frailty weakness noun franchise right granted by authority noun frantic wild adjective fraudulent cheating; deceitful adjective fraught filled adjective fray brawl noun frenetic frenzied; frantic adjective frenzied madly excited adjective fresco painting on plaster (usually fresh) noun fret to be annoyed or vexed verb friction clash in opinion; rubbing against noun frigid intensely cold adjective fritter waste verb frivolity lack of seriousness noun * frolicsome prankish; gay adjective frond fern leaf; palm or banana leaf noun frugality thrift; economy noun fruition bearing of fruit; fulfillment; realization noun frustrate thwart; defeat verb fulcrum support on which a lever rests noun fulsome disgustingly excessive adjective fundamental basic; primary; essential verb funeral sad; solemn adjective furor frenzy; great excitement noun furtive stealthy; sneaky adjective * fusion union; coalition noun futile ineffective; fruitless adjective gadfly animal-biting fly; an irritating person noun gaffe social blunder noun gainsay deny verb gait manner of walking or running; speed noun galaxy the Milky Way; any collection of brilliant personalities noun gall bitterness; nerve noun gall annoy; chafe verb galleon large sailing ship noun galvanize stimulate by shock; stir up verb gambit opening in chess in which a piece is sacrificed noun gambol skip; leap playfully verb gamely bravely; with spirit adverb gamut entire range noun gape open widely verb garbled mixed up; based on false or unfair selection adjective * gargantuan huge; enormous adjective gargoyle waterspout carved in grotesque figures on building verb garish gaudy adjective garner gather; store up verb garnish decorate verb garrulity talkativeness noun garrulous loquacious; wordy adjective gastronomy science of preparing and serving good food noun gauche clumsy; boorish adjective gaudy flashy; showy adjective gaunt lean and angular; barren adjective gazette official periodical publication noun genealogy record of descent; lineage noun generality vague statement noun generic characteristic of a class or species adjective genesis beginning; origin noun geniality cheerfulness; kindness; sympathy noun genre particular variety of art and culture noun genteel well-bred; elegant adjective gentility those of gentle birth; refinement noun gentry people of standing; class of people just below nobility noun genuflect bend the knee as in worship verb germane pertinent; bearing upon the case at hand adjective germinal pertaining to germ; creative adjective germinate cause to sprout; sprout verb gestate evolve, as in prenatal growth verb gesticulation motion; desire noun ghastly horrible adjective gibber speak foolishly verb gibe mock verb giddy light-hearted; dizzy adjective gingerly very carefully adjective girth distance around something; circumference noun gist essence noun glacial like a glacier; extremely cold adjective glaze cover with a thin and shiny surface verb glib fluent adjective gloat express evil satisfaction; view malevolently verb glossary brief explanation of words used in the text noun glossy smooth and shining adjective glower scowl verb glut overstock; fill to excess verb glutinous sticky; viscous adjective glutton someone who eats too much noun * gnarled twisted adjective gnome dwarf; underground spirit noun goad urge on verb gorge small, steep-walled canyon noun gorge stuff oneself verb gory bloody adjective gossamer sneer; like cobwebs adjective gouge tear out verb gourmand epicure; person who takes excessive pleasure in food and drink noun gourmet connoisseur of food and drink noun graduated arranged by degrees (of height, difficulty, etc.) adjective grandiloquent pompous; bombastic; using high-sounded language adjective grandiose imposing; impressive adjective granulate form into grains verb graphic pertaining to the art of delineating; vividly described adjective grapple wrestle; come to grips with verb grate make a harsh noise; have an unpleasant effect verb gratify please verb gratis free adjective gratuitous given freely; unwarranted adjective gratuity tip noun gravity seriousness noun * gregarious sociable adjective * grievance cause of complaint noun grill question severely verb grimace a facial distortion to show feeling such as pain, disgust, etc. noun gristly ghastly adjective grouse complain; fuss verb grotesque fantastic; comically hideous adjective grotto small cavern noun grovel crawl or creep on ground; remain prostrate verb grudging unwilling; reluctant; stingy adjective gruel liquid food made by boiling oatmeal, etc. in milk or water verb grueling exhausting adjective gruesome grisly adjective gruff rough-mannered adjective guffaw boisterous laughter noun guile deceit; duplicity noun * guileless without deceit adjective guise appearance; costume noun gullible easily deceived adjective gustatory affecting the sense of taste adjective gusto enjoyment; enthusiasm noun gusty windy adjective hackneyed commonplace; trite adjective * haggard wasted away; gaunt adjective haggle argue about prices verb halcyon calm; peaceful adjective hale healthy adjective hallowed blessed; consecrated adjective hallucination delusion noun hamper obstruct verb * hap chance; luck noun haphazard random; by chance adjective * hapless unfortunate adjective harangue noisy speech noun harass to annoy by repeated attacks verb harbinger forerunner noun harbor provide a refuge for; hide verb hardy sturdy; robust; able to stand inclement water adjective * harping tiresome dwelling on a subject noun harrow break up ground after plowing; torture verb harry raid verb haughtiness pride; arrogance noun * hazardous dangerous adjective hazy slightly obscure adjective heckler person who harasses others noun hedonism belief that pleasure is the sole aim of life noun * heed pay attention to; consider verb heedless not noticing; disregarding adjective heinous atrocious; hatefully bad adjective herbivorous grain eating adjective heresy opinion contrary to popular belief; opinion contrary to accepted religion noun * heretic person who maintains opinions contrary to the doctrines of the church noun hermetically sealed by fusion so as to be airtight adjective hermitage home of a hermit noun herpetologist one who studies reptiles noun heterodox unorthodox; unconventional adjective heterogeneous dissimilar adjective hew cut to pieces with ax or sword verb heyday time of greatest success; prime noun hiatus gap; pause noun hibernal wintry adjective hibernate sleep throughout the winter verb hierarchy body divided into ranks noun hieroglyphic picture writing noun hilarity boisterous mirth noun hindmost furthest behind adjective hindrance block; obstacle noun hireling one who serves for hire homage honor; tribute noun homespun domestic; made at home adjective homogeneous of the same kind adjective * hone sharpen verb hoodwink deceive; delude verb horde crowd noun horticultural pertaining to cultivation of gardens adjective hovel shack; small, wretched house noun hover hang about; wait nearby verb hubbub confused uproar noun hue color; aspect noun humane kind adjective * humdrum dull; monotonous adjective humid damp adjective humility humbleness of spirit noun humus substance formed by decaying vegetable matter noun hurtle crash; rush verb husbandry frugality; thrift; agriculture noun hybrid mongrel; mixed breed noun hydrophobia rabies; fear of water noun hyperbole exaggeration; overstatement noun hypercritical excessively exacting adjective hypochondriac person unduly worried about his health; worrier without cause about illness noun hypocritical pertaining to be virtuous; deceiving adjective * hypothetical based on assumptions or hypothesis adjective ichthyology study of fish noun icon religious image; idol noun iconoclastic attacking cherished traditions adjective ideology ideas of a group of people noun idiom special usage in language noun idiosyncrasy peculiarity; eccentricity noun idiosyncratic private; peculiar to an individual adjective idolatry worship of idols; excessive admiration noun idyllic charmingly carefree; simple adjective igneous produced by fire; volcanic adjective ignoble of lowly origin; unworthy adjective ignominious disgraceful adjective illicit illegal adjective illimitable infinite adjective illuminate brighten; clear up or make understandable verb illusion misleading vision noun illusive deceiving adjective illusory deceptive; not real adjective imbalance lack of balance or symmetry; disproportion noun imbecility weakness of mind noun imbibe drink in verb immaculate pure; spotless adjective imminent impeding; near at hand adjective immobility state of being immovable noun immune exempt adjective immutable unchangeable adjective * impair worsen; diminish in value verb * impale pierce verb impalpable imperceptible; intangible adjective impartial not biased; fair adjective impasse predicament from which there is no escape noun impassive without feeling; not affected by pain adjective * impeach charge with crime in office; indict verb impeccable faultless adjective impecunious without money adjective impede hinder; block; delay verb * impediment hindrance; stumbling block noun impenetrable not able to be pierced or entered; beyond understanding adjective impending nearing; approaching adjective impenitent not repentant adjective imperial like an emperor; related to an empire adjective imperious domineering adjective impermeable impervious; not permitting passage through its substance adjective impertinent insolent adjective imperturbable calm; placid adjective impervious not penetrable; not permitting passage through adjective impetuous violent; hasty; rash adjective impetus moving force noun impiety irreverence; wickedness noun impinge infringe; touch; collide with verb impious irreverent adjective implacable incapable of being pacified adjective implausible unlikely; unbelievable adjective implement put into effect; supply with tools verb * implication that is hinted at or suggested noun * implicit understood but not stated adjective * implore beg verb imply suggest a meaning not expressed; signify verb impolitic not wise adjective imponderable weightless adjective import significance noun importunate urging; demanding adjective importune beg earnestly verb impostor someone who assumes false identity noun impotent weak; ineffective adjective impoverished poor adjective impregnable invulnerable adjective impromptu without previous preparation adjective impropriety state of being inappropriate noun improvident thriftless adjective improvise compose on the spur of the moment verb imprudent lacking caution; injudicious adjective impugn doubt; challenge; gainsay verb impunity freedom from punishment noun impute attribute; ascribe verb inadvertently carelessly; unintentionally adjective * inalienable not to be taken away; nontransferable adjective inane silly; senseless adjective * inanimate lifeless adjective inarticulate speechless; producing indistinct speech adjective inaugurate start; initiate; install at office verb * incandescent strikingly bright; shining with intense heat adjective incantation singing or chanting of magic spells; magical formula noun incapacitate disable verb incarcerate imprison verb incarnate endowed with flesh; personified adjective incarnation act of assuming a human body and human nature noun incendiary arsonist noun incense enrage; infuriate verb incentive spur; motive noun inception start; beginning noun incessant uninterrupted adjective * inchoate recently begun; rudimentary; elementary adjective incidence rate of occurrence; particular occurrence noun incidental not essential; minor adjective * incipient beginning; in an early stage adjective incisive cutting; sharp adjective * incite arouse to action verb * inclement stormy; unkind adjective incline slope; slant noun inclined tending or leaning toward; bent adjective inclusive tending to include all adjective * incognito with identity concealed; using an assumed name adjective incoherent unintelligible; muddled; illogical adjective incommodious not spacious adjective incompatible inharmonious adjective incongruous not fitting; absurd adjective * inconsequential of trifling significance adjective * incontinent lacking self-restraint; licentious adjective incontrovertible indisputable adjective * incorporeal immaterial; without a material body adjective incorrigible uncorrectable adjective * incredulity tendency to disbelief noun incredulous withholding belief; skeptical adjective increment increase noun incriminate accuse verb incubate hatch; scheme verb incumbent officeholder noun incur bring upon oneself verb incursion temporary invasion noun indefatigable tireless adjective indemnify make secure against loss; compensate loss verb indenture bind as a servant or apprentice to master verb indicative suggestive; implying adjective indict charge verb * indifferent unmoved; lacking concern adjective * indigenous native adjective indigent poor adjective indignation anger at an injustice noun indignity offensive or insulting treatment noun indiscriminate choosing at random; confused adjective * indisputable too certain to be disputed adjective indissoluble permanent adjective indolent lazy adjective * indomitable unconquerable adjective indubitably beyond a doubt adverb induce persuade; bring about verb * inductive pertaining to induction or proceeding from the specific to the general adjective indulgent humoring; yielding; lenient adjective * inebriety habitual intoxication verb ineffable unutterable; cannot be expressed in speech adjective ineffectual not effective; weak adjective inept unsuited; absurd; incompetent adjective inequity unfairness noun inert inactive; lacking power to move adjective * inertia state of being inert or indisposed to move noun inevitable unavoidable adjective inexorable relentless; unyielding; implacable adjective infallible unerring adjective infamous notoriously bad adjective * infantile childish; infantile adjective infer deduce; conclude verb * inference conclusion drawn from data noun infernal pertaining to hell; devilish adjective informal lacking ceremony; casual adjective infidel unbeliever noun infiltrate pass into or through; penetrate (an organization) sneakily verb * infinitesimal very small adjective infirmity weakness noun inflated exaggerated adjective influx flowing into noun infraction violation noun infringe violate; encroach verb ingenious clever adjective ingenue an artless girl; an actress who plays such parts noun ingenious naïve; young; unsophisticated adjective * ingrate ungrateful person noun ingratiate become poplar with verb inherent firmly established by nature or habit adjective * inhibit prohibit; restrain verb inimical unfriendly; hostile adjective inimitable matchless; not able to be imitated adjective iniquitous unjust; wrong adjective initiate begin; originate; receive into a group verb injurious harmful adjective inkling hint noun innate inborn adjective * innocuous harmless adjective * innovation change; introduction of something new noun * innuendo hint; inspiration noun inopportune untimely; poorly chosen adjective inordinate unrestrained; excessive adjective insatiable not easily satisfied; greedy adjective inscrutable incomprehensive; not to be discovered adjective insensate without feeling adjective insensible unconscious; unreasonable adjective insidious treacherous; stealthy; sly adjective insinuate hint; imply verb insipid tasteless; dull adjective * insolent haughty and contemptuous adjective insolvent bankrupt; lacking money to pay adjective * insomnia wakefulness; inability to sleep noun instigate urge; start; provoke verb * insubordinate disobedient adjective insularity narrow-mindedness; isolation noun insuperable insurmountable; invincible adjective insurgent rebellious adjective insurrection rebellion; uprising noun intangible not material; not able to be perceived by touch adjective * integral complete; necessary for completeness adjective integrate make whole; combine; make into one unit verb integrity wholeness; purify; uprightness noun * intellect higher mental powers noun intelligentsia the intelligent and educated classes internecine mutually destructive adjective interpolate insert between verb intervene come between verb intimate hint verb intimidation fear noun intractable unruly; refractory adjective * intransigent refusing any compromise; stubborn adjective intrepid fearless adjective intricate complex; knotty; tangled adjective intrinsically essentially; inherently; naturally adjective introspective locking within oneself adjective introvert one who is introspective; inclined to think more about oneself noun intrude trespass; enter as uninvited person verb intuition power of knowing without reasoning noun inundate overflow; flood verb inured accustomed; hardened adjective invalidate weaken; destroy verb invective abuse noun inveigh denounce; utter censure or invective verb inveigle lead astray; wheedle verb inverse opposite adjective invert turn upside down or inside out verb * inveterate deep-rooted; habitual adjective invidious designed to create ill will or envy adjective invincible unconquerable adjective inviolability security from being destroyed; corrupted or profaned noun invoke call upon; ask for verb invulnerable incapable of injury adjective iota very small quantity noun irascible irritable; easily angered adjective * irate angry adjective iridescent exhibiting rainbowlike colors adjective irksome annoying; tedious adjective ironic resulting in unexpected and contrary manner adjective * irony hidden sarcasm or satire; use of words that convey a meaning opposite to the literal meaning noun irrational illogical; lacking reason; insane adjective irreconcilable incompatible; not able to be resolved adjective irrelevant not applicable; unrelated adjective irremediable incurable; uncorrectable adjective irreparable not able to be corrected or repaired adjective irrepressible unable to be restrained or held back adjective irresolute uncertain how to act; weak adjective * irreverence lack of proper aspect noun * irrevocable unalterable adjective isotope varying form of an element noun itinerant wandering; traveling adjective itinerary plan of a trip noun jaded fatigued; surfeited adjective jargon language used by special group; gibberish noun jaundiced yellowed; prejudiced; envious adjective jaunt trip; short journey noun jaunty stylish; perky; carefree adjective jeopardy exposure to death or danger noun jettison throw overboard verb jingoism extremely aggressive and militant patriotism noun jocose given to joking adjective jocular said or done in jest adjective jocund merry adjective jollity gaiety; cheerfulness noun jostle shove; bump verb jovial good-natured; merry adjective jubilation rejoicing noun judicious sound in judgment; wise adjective * juggernaut irresistible crashing force noun juncture crisis; joining point noun junket marry feast or picnic noun junta group of men joined by political intrigue; cabal noun jurisprudence science of law noun juxtapose place side by side verb kaleidoscope tube in which patterns made by the reflection in mirrors of colored pieces of glass, etc. produce interesting symmetrical effects noun ken range of knowledge noun kindle start a fire; inspire verb * kindred related; belonging to the same family adjective kinetic producing motion adjective kismet fate noun kith familiar friends noun kleptomaniac person who has a convulsive desire to steal noun knavery rascality noun knead mix; work dough verb knell tolling of a bell at a funeral; sound of the funeral bell noun knoll little round hill noun labyrinth maze noun lacerate mangle; tear verb lachrymose producing tears adjective lackadaisical affectedly languid adjective lackey footman; toady noun lackluster dull adjective laconic brief and to the point adjective * laggard slow; sluggish adjective lagoon shallow body of water near a sea; lake noun laity laymen; persons not connected with the clergy noun lament grieve; express sorrow verb * lampoon ridicule verb languid weary; sluggish; listless adjective languish lose animation; lose strength verb * languor lassitude; depression noun lank long and thin adjective larceny theft noun largess generous gift noun lascivious lustful adjective lassitude languor; weariness noun latent dormant; hidden adjective lateral coming from the side adjective latitude freedom from narrow limitations noun laud praise verb * lavish liberal; wasteful adjective lax careless adjective leaven cause to rise or grow lighter; enliven verb lechery lustfulness; impurity in thought and deed noun lectern reading desk noun leeway room to move; margin noun legacy gift made by a will noun * legend explanatory list of symbols on a map noun legerdemain sleight of hand noun leniency mildness; permissiveness noun leonine like a lion noun lethal deadly adjective lethargic drowsy; dull adjective * levity lightness noun * levy impose (a fine); collect (a payment) verb lewd lustful adjective lexicographer compiler of a dictionary noun lexicon dictionary noun liability drawback; debts noun liaison officer who acts as go-between for two armies noun libelous defamatory; injurious to the good name of a person adjective libidinous lust full adjective libido emotional urges behind human activity noun libretto text of an opera noun licentious wanton; lewd; dissolute adjective lieu instead of noun Lilliputian extremely small adjective limber flexible adjective limbo region near heaven or hell where certain souls are kept; a prison listless lacking in spirit or energy adjective * litany supplicatory prayer noun lithe flexible; supple adjective litigation lawsuit noun livid lead-colored; black and blue; enraged adjective loath averse; reluctant adjective loathe detest verb lode metal-bearing vein noun lofty very high adjective * loiter hang around; linger verb loll lounge about verb longevity long life noun lope gallop softly verb loquacious talkative adjective lout clumsy person noun lucid easily understood adjective * lucrative profitable adjective lucre money noun ludicrous laughable; trifling adjective lugubrious mournful adjective lull moment of calm noun lumber move heavily or clumsily verb luminary celebrity; dignitary noun luminous shining; issuing light adjective lunar pertaining to the moon adjective lurid wild; sensational adjective luscious pleasing to taste or smell adjective luster shine; gloss noun lustrous shining adjective luxuriant fertile; abundant; ornate adjective macabre gruesome; grisly adjective Machiavellian crafty; double-dealing adjective machinations schemes noun madrigal pastoral song noun maelstrom whirlpool noun magnanimous generous adjective * magnate person of prominence or influence noun magniloquent boastful; pompous adjective magnitude greatness; extent noun maim mutilate; injure verb maladroit clumsy; bungling adjective malaise uneasiness; distress noun malapropism comic misuse of a word noun malcontent person dissatisfied with existing state of affairs noun malediction curse noun malefactor criminal noun malevolent wishing evil adjective malicious dictated by hatred or spite adjective malign speak evil of; defame verb malignant having an evil influence; virulent adjective malingerer one who feigns illness to escape duty noun mall public walk noun malleable capable of being shaped by pounding adjective malodorous foul-smelling adjective mammal a vertebrate animal whose female suckles its young noun mammoth gigantic adjective manacle restrain; handcuff verb mandate order; charge noun mandatory obligatory adjective mangy shabby; wretched adjective maniacal raving mad adjective manifest understandable; clear adjective manifesto declaration; statement of policy noun manifold numerous; varied adjective manipulate operate with hands verb manumit emancipate; free from bondage verb marital pertaining to marriage adjective maritime bordering on the sea; nautical adjective marred damaged; disfigured adjective * marrow soft tissue filling the bones noun marshal put in order verb marsupial one of a family of mammals that nurse their offspring in a pouch noun martial warlike adjective martinet strict disciplinarian noun masochist person who enjoys his own pain noun masticate chew verb materialism preoccupation with physical comforts and things noun maternal motherly adjective matriarch woman who rules a family or larger social group noun matricide murder of a mother by a child noun matrix mold or die noun maudlin effusively sentimental adjective maul handle roughly verb mausoleum monumental tomb noun mauve pale purple adjective maverick rebel; nonconformist noun mawkish sickening; insipid adjective maxim proverb; a truth pithily stated noun mayhem an injury to body noun meager scantly; inadequate adjective * meander to wind or turn in its course verb meddlesome interfering adjective mediate settle a dispute through the services of an outsider verb mediocre ordinary; commonplace adjective meditation reflection; thought noun medley mixture noun megalomania mania for doing grandiose things noun melange medley; miscellany noun melee fight noun mellifluous flowing smoothly; smooth adjective memento token reminder noun memorialize commemorate verb mendacious lying; false adjective mendicant beggar noun menial suitable for servants; low adjective mentor teacher noun mercantile concerning trade adjective mercenary interested in money or gain adjective mercurial fickle; changing adjective meretricious flashy; tawdry adjective merger combination (of two business corporations) noun mesa high, flat-topped hill noun mesmerize hypnotize verb metallurgical pertaining to the art of removing metals from ores adjective metamorphosis change of form noun metaphor implied comparison noun metaphysical pertaining to speculative philosophy adjective mete measure; distribute verb methodological systematic adjective * meticulous excessively careful adjective * metropolis large city noun mettle courage; spirit noun miasma swamp gas; odor of decaying matter noun microcosm small world noun mien demeanor; bearing noun migrant changing its habitat; wandering adjective migratory wandering adjective milieu environment; means of expression noun militant combative; bellicose adjective militate work against verb millennium thousand-year period noun mimicry imitation noun minaret slender tower attached to a mosque noun mincing affectedly dainty adjective mignon a servile dependent noun minuscule extremely small adjective minute extremely small adjective minutiae petty details noun mirage unreal reflection; optical illusion noun mire entangle; stick in swampy ground verb mirth merriment; laughter noun misadventure mischance; ill luck noun misanthrope one who hates mankind noun misapprehenison error; misunderstanding noun miscegenation intermarriage between races noun miscellany mixture of writings on various subjects noun mischance ill luck noun misconstrue interpret incorrectly; misjudge verb * miscreant wretch; villain noun misdemeanor minor crime noun miserly stingy; mean adjective * misgivings doubts noun mishap accident noun misnomer wrong name; incorrect designation noun misogamy hatred of marriage noun misogynist hater of women noun missile object to be thrown or projected noun missive letter noun mite very small object or creature; small coin noun mitigate appease verb * mnemonic pertaining to memory adjective mobile movable; not fixed adjective mode prevailing style noun modicum limited quantity noun modish fashionable adjective modulation toning down; changing from one key to another noun mogul powerful person noun molecule the smallest part of a homogeneous substance in chemistry noun mollify soothe verb molt shed or cast off hair of feathers verb molten melted adjective momentous very important adjective momentum quantity of motion of a moving body; impetus noun monarchy government under a single ruler noun monastic related to monks adjective monetary pertaining to money adjective monolithic solidly uniform; unyielding adjective monotheism belief in one God noun monotony sameness leading to boredom noun monumental massive adjective moodiness fits of depression or gloom noun moor marshy wasteland noun moot debatable adjective moratorium legal delay of payment noun morbid given to unwholesome thought; gloomy adjective mordant biting; sarcastic; stinging adjective mores customs noun moribund at the point of death adjective morose ill-humored; sullen adjective * mortician undertaken noun mortify humiliate; punish to the flesh verb mote small speck noun motif theme noun motley parti-colored; mixed adjective mottled spotted adjective mountebank charlatan; boastful pretender noun muddle confuse; mix up verb muggy warm and damp adjective mulct defraud a person of something verb multifarious varied; greatly diversified adjective multiform having many forms adjective multilingual having many languages adjective multiplicity state of being numerous noun mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual adjective * munificent very generous adjective murkiness darkness; gloom noun muse ponder verb musky having the odor of a musk adjective muster gather; assemble verb musty stale; spoiled by age adjective mutable changing in form; fickle adjective muted silent; muffled; toned down adjective mutilate maim verb mutinous unruly; rebellious adjective myopic nearsighted adjective myriad very large number noun nadir lowest point noun naiveté quality of being unsophisticated noun narcissist conceited person noun nascent incipient; coming into being adjective natal pertaining to birth adjective nauseate cause to become sick; fill with disgust verb nautical pertaining to ships or navigation adjective nave main body of a church noun nebulous vague; hazy; cloudy adjective necromancy black magic; dealings with the dead noun nefarious very wicked adjective negation denial noun negligence carelessness noun nemesis revenging agent noun neologism new or newly coined word or phrase noun neophyte recent convert; beginner noun nepotism favoritism (to a relative) noun nether lower adjective nettle annoy; vex verb neutral impartial; not supporting one side over another adjective nexus connection noun nib beak; pen point noun nicety precision; minute distinction noun niggardly meanly stingy; parsimonious adjective niggle spend too much time on minor points; carp verb nihilism denial of traditional values; absolute skepticism noun nirvana in Buddhist teachings, the ideal state in which the individual loses himself in the attainment of impersonal beatitude noun nocturnal done at night adjective noisome foul smelling; unwholesome adjective nomadic wandering adjective nomenclature terminology; system of names noun nominal in name only; trifling adjective nonchalance indifference; lack of interest noun noncommittal neutral; unpledged; undecided adjective nonentity person of no importance; nonexistence noun nonplus bring to a halt confusion verb nostalgia homesickness; longing for the past noun nostrum questionable medicine noun notoriety disrepute; ill fame noun * novelty something new; newness noun * novice beginner noun noxious harmful adjective nuance shade of difference in meaning or color noun nubile marriageable adjective nullify to make invalid noun * numismatist person who collects coins noun nuptial related to marriage adjective nurture bring up; feed; educate verb * nutrient providing nourishment adjective oaf stupid; awkward person noun obdurate stubborn adjective obelisk tall column tapering and ending a pyramid noun obese fat adjective obfuscate confuse; muddle verb obituary death notice adjective objective not influenced by emotions; fair adjective objective goal; aim noun obligatory binding; required adjective oblique slanting; deviating from the perpendicular or from a straight line adjective obliterate destroy completely verb * oblivion forgetfulness noun * obnoxious offensive adjective obscure dark; vague; unclear adjective obscure darken; make unclear verb obsequious slavishly attentive; servile; sycophantic adjective obsession fixed idea; continued brooding noun obsolete outmoded adjective obstetrician physician specializing in delivery of babies noun obstinate stubborn adjective * obstreperous boisterous; noisy adjective obtrusive pushed forward adjective obtuse blunt; stupid adjective obviate make unnecessary; get rid of verb Occident the West noun occult mysterious; secret; supernatural adjective oculist physician who specializes in treatment of the eyes noun odious hateful adjective odium repugnance; dislike noun odoriferous giving off an odor adjective odorous having an odor adjective odyssey long, eventful journey noun officious meddlesome; excessively trying to please adjective ogle glance coquettishly at; make eyes at verb olfactory concerning the sense of smell adjective oligarchy government by a few noun ominous threatening adjective * omnipotent all-powerful adjective omnipresent universally present; ubiquitous adjective omniscient all-knowing adjective omnivorous eating both plant and animal food; devouring everything adjective onerous burdensome adjective onomatopoeia words formed in imitation of natural sounds noun onslaught viscous assault noun onus burden; responsibility noun opalescent iridescent adjective opaque dark; not transparent adjective * opiate sleep producer; deadener of pain noun opportune timely; well chosen adjective opportunist individual who sacrifices principles for expediency by taking advantage of the circumstances noun * opprobrium infamy; vilification noun optician maker and seller of eyeglasses noun optimist person who looks on the good side noun * optimum most favorable adjective optional not compulsory; left to one's choice adjective optometrist one who fits glasses to remedy visual defects noun opulence wealth noun * opus work noun oracular foretelling; mysterious adjective oratorio dramatic poem set to music noun ordain command; arrange; consecrate verb ordinance decree noun orient get one's bearings; adjust verb orientation act of finding oneself in society noun orifice mouthlike opening; small opening noun ornate excessively decorated adjective ornithologist scientific student of birds noun ornithology study of birds noun orthodox traditional; conservative in belief adjective orthography correct spelling noun oscillate vibrate pendulumlike; weaver verb ossify change or harden into bone verb ostensible apparent; professed; pretended adjective ostentatious showy; pretentious adjective ostracize exclude from public favor; ban verb oust expel; drive out verb overt open to view adjective overweening presumptuous; arrogant adjective ovoid egg-shaped adjective pachyderm thick-skinned animal noun pacifist one opposed to force; antimilitarist noun paean song of praise or joy noun painstaking showing hard work; taking great care adjective palatable agreeable; pleasing to the taste adjective palatial magnificent adjective paleontology study of prehistoric life noun palette board on which painter mixes pigments noun pall grow tiresome verb pallet small, poor bed noun palliate ease pain; make less severe or offensive verb pallid pale; wan adjective palpable tangible; easily perceptible adjective palpitate throb; flutter verb paltry insignificant; petty adjective panacea cure-all; remedy for all diseases noun panache flair; flamboyance noun pandemic widespread; affecting the majority of people adjective pandemonium wild tumult noun pander cater to the low desires of others verb panegyric formal praise noun panorama comprehensive view; unobstructed view in all directions noun pantomime acting without dialogue noun papyrus ancient paper made from stem of papyrus plant noun parable short, simple story teaching a moral noun paradigm model; example; pattern noun paradox statement that looks false but is actually correct noun paragon model of reflection noun parallelism state of being parallel; similarity noun parameter limits; independent variable noun paranoia chronic form of insanity marked by delusions noun paranoiac mentally unsound person suffering from delusions noun paraphernalia equipment; odds and ends noun paraphrase restate a passage in one's own words while retaining the thought of the author verb parasite animal or plant living on another; toady; sycophant noun parched extremely dry; very thirsty adjective pariah social outcast noun parity equality; close resemblance noun parley conference noun parochial narrow in outlook; provincial; related to parishes adjective parody humorous imitation; travesty noun * paroxysm fit or attack of pain, laughter, rage noun parry ward off a blow verb parsimonious stingy; excessively frugal adjective partial incomplete; biased; having a liking for something adjective partiality inclination; bias noun partisan one-sided; prejudiced; committed to a party noun * parvenu upstart; newly rich person noun passé old-fashioned; past the prime adjective passive not active; acted upon adjective pastiche imitation of another's style in musical composition or writing noun pastoral rural adjective patent open for the public to read; obvious adjective pathetic causing sadness, compassion, pity; touching adjective pathological pertaining to disease adjective pathos tender sorrow; pity; quality in art or literature that produces these feelings noun patina green crust on old bronze works; tone slowly by varnished painting noun patriarch father and ruler of a family or tribe noun patrician noble; aristocratic adjective patronize support; act superior toward verb paucity scarcity noun peccadillo slight offense noun pecuniary pertaining to money adjective pedagogue teacher; dull and formal teacher noun pedagogy teaching; art of education noun pedant scholar who overemphasizes book learning and technicalities noun pedantic showing off learning; bookish adjective pedestrian ordinary, unimaginative adjective pediatrician expert in children's diseases noun pediment triangular part above columns in Greek buildings noun pejorative having a deteriorating or depreciating effect on the meaning of a word adjective pell-mell in confusion; disorderly adverb pellucid transparent; limpid; easy to understand adjective penance self-imposed punishment for sin noun penchant strong inclination; liking noun pendant hanging down from something adjective penitent repentant adjective pensive dreamily thoughtful; thoughtful with a hint of sadness adjective penurious stingy; parsimonious adjective penury extreme poverty noun peon unskilled laborer; drudge noun perceptive insightful; aware; wise adjective percussion striking one object against another sharply adjective perdition damnation; complete ruin noun peregrination journey noun peremptory demanding and leaving no choice adjective perennial something that is continuing or recent noun perfidious basely false adjective perfidy violation of a thrust noun perforate pierce; put a hole through verb perfunctory superficial; not thorough adjective * perimeter outer boundary noun peripatetic walking about; moving adjective peripheral marginal; outer adjective * periphery edge, especially of a round surface noun perjury false testimony while under oath noun permeable porous; allowing passage through adjective permeate pass through; spread verb pernicious very destructive adjective perpetrate commit an offense verb perpetual everlasting adjective perquisite any gain above stipulate salary noun personable attractive adjective perspicacious having insight; penetrating; astute adjective perspicuity clearness of expression; freedom from ambiguity noun perspicuous plainly expressed adjective pert impertinent; forward adjective pertinacious stubborn; persistent adjective pertinent suitable; to the point adjective perturb disturb greatly verb perturbation agitation noun * perusal reading noun pervasive spread throughout; permeating adjective * perverse stubborn; intractable adjective perversion corruption; turning from right to wrong noun perversity stubborn maintenance of a wrong cause noun pessimism belief that life is basically bad and evil; gloominess noun pestilential causing plague; baneful adjective petrify turn to stone verb petty trivial; unimportant; very small adjective petulant touchy, peevish adjective pharisaical pertaining to the Pharisees, who paid scrupulous attention to the tradition; self-righteous; hypocritical adjective phenomena observable facts; subjects of scientific investigation noun philander make love lightly; flirt verb philanthropist lover of mankind; doer of good noun * philistine narrow-minded person, uncultured and exclusively interested in material gain noun philology study of language noun phlegmatic calm; not easily disturbed adjective phobia morbid fear noun physiognomy face noun physiological pertaining to the science of the function of living organisms adjective picaresque pertaining to rogues in literature adjective piebald molted; spotted adjective pied variegated; multicolored adjective piety religious devotion; godliness noun * pillage plunder verb pillory punish by placing in a wooden frame and subjecting to ridicule verb pinion restrain verb pinnacle peak noun piquant pleasantly tart-tasting; stimulating adjective pique irritation; resentment noun pithy concise; meaty adjective pittance small allowance or wage noun pivotal crucial; key; vital adjective placate pacify; conciliate verb * placebo harmless substance prescribed as a dummy pill noun placid peaceful; calm adjective plagiarism theft of another's ideas or writing passed off as original noun plagiarize steal another's ideas and pass them off as one's own verb plaintive mournful adjective platitude trite remark; commonplace statement noun platonic purely spiritual; theoretical; without sensual desire adjective plauditory approving; applauding adjective plausible having a show of truth but open to doubt adjective plebeian common; pertaining to the common people adjective plebiscite expression of the will of a people by direct election noun plenary complete; full adjective plenipotentiary fully empowered adjective plenitude abundance; completeness noun plethora excess; overabundance noun plight condition, state (especially a bad state or condition); predicament noun plumb checking perpendicularly; vertical adjective podiatrist doctor who treats ailments of the feet noun podium pedestal; raised platform noun poignancy quality of being deeply moving; keenness of emotion noun * polarize split into opposite extremes or camps verb polemic controversy; argument in support of point of view noun politic expedient; prudent; well devised adjective polity form of government of nation or state noun polygamist one who has more than one spouse at a time noun polyglot speaking several languages adjective pomposity self-important behavior; acting like a stuffed shirt noun ponderous weighty; unwieldy adjective porous full of pores; like a sieve adjective portend foretell; presage verb portent sign; omen; forewarning noun portly stately; stout adjective posterity descendants; future generations noun posthumous after death (as of a child born after father's death or book published after author's death) adjective postprandial after dinner adjective postulate self-evident truth noun potable suitable for drinking adjective potent powerful; persuasive; greatly influential adjective * potentate monarch; sovereign noun potential expressing possibility; latent adjective potion dose (of liquid) noun potpourri heterogeneous mixture; medley noun poultice soothing application applied to sore and inflamed portions of the body noun practicable feasible adjective practical based on experience; useful adjective pragmatic practical; concerned with practical values adjective * pragmatist practical person noun prate speak foolishly; boast idly verb prattle babble verb preamble introductory statement noun precarious uncertain; risky adjective * precedent something preceding in time which may be used as an authority or guide for future decision noun precedent preceding in time, rank, etc. adjective precept practical rule guiding conduct noun precipice cliff; dangerous position noun precipitate headlong; rash adjective precipitous steep adjective precise exact adjective preclude make impossible; eliminate verb * precocious advanced in development adjective * precursor forerunner noun predatory plundering adjective predecessor former occupant of a post noun * predilection partiality; preference noun * preeminent outstanding; superior adjective preempt appropriate beforehand verb prefatory introductory adjective prehensile capable of gasping or holding adjective prelude introduction; forerunner noun premeditate plan in advance verb premise assumption; postulate noun premonition forewarning noun premonitory serving to warn adjective preponderance superiority of power, quantity, etc. noun preposterous absurd; ridiculous adjective prerogative privilege; unquestionable right noun presage foretell verb presentiment premonition; foreboding noun prestige impression produced by achievements or reputation noun presumptuous arrogant; taking liberties adjective * pretentious ostentatious; ambitious adjective * preternatural beyond that which is normal to nature adjective pretext excuse noun prevail induce; triumph over verb prevalent widespread; generally accepted adjective * prevaricate lie verb prim very precise and formal; exceedingly proper adjective primogeniture seniority by birth noun primordial existing at the beginning (of time); rudimentary adjective primp dress up verb pristine characteristic of earlier times; primitive; unspoiled adjective privation hardship; want noun privy secret; hidden; not public adjective probe explore with tools verb probity uprightness; incorruptibility noun problematic perplexing; unsettled; questionable adjective proboscis long snout; nose noun proclivity inclination; natural tendency noun procrastinate postpone; delay verb prod poke; stir up; urge verb prodigal wasteful; reckless in money adjective * prodigious marvelous; enormous adjective * prodigy marvel; highly gifted child noun profane violate; desecrate verb profligate dissipated; wasteful; licentious adjective profound deep; not superficial; complete adjective * profusion lavish expenditure; overabundant condition noun * progenitor ancestor noun progeny children; offspring noun prognosis forecasted course of a disease; prediction noun prognosticate predict verb projectile missile noun proletarian member of the working class noun proliferation rapid growth; spread; multiplication noun * prolific abundantly fruitful adjective * prolix verbose; drawn out adjective promiscuous mixed indiscriminately; haphazard; irregular; particularly sexually adjective promontory headland noun promulgate make known by official proclamation or publication verb prone inclined to; prostrate adjective propagate multiply; spread verb propellants substances which propel or drive forward noun propensity natural inclination noun prophylactic used to prevent disease adjective propinquity nearness; kinship noun propitiate appease verb propitious favorable; kindly adjective proponent person who supports or proposes (an idea) noun propound put forth for analysis verb propriety fitness; correct conduct noun propulsive driving forward adjective prosaic commonplace; dull adjective proscribe ostracize; banish; outlaw verb proselytize convert to a religion or belief verb prosody the art of versification noun prostrate stretch out fill on ground verb protean versatile; able to take many shapes adjective protégé person under protection and support of a patron noun protocol diplomatic etiquette noun prototype original work used as a model by others noun protract prolong verb * protrude stick out verb provenance origin or source of something noun provender dry food; fodder noun provident displaying foresight; thrifty; preparing for emergencies adjective provincial pertaining to a province; limited adjective provisional tentative adjective proviso stipulation noun provoke stir to anger; cause retaliation verb * proximity nearness noun proxy authorized agent noun prude excessively modest person noun prudent cautious; careful adjective * prune cut away; trim verb prurient based on lascivious thoughts adjective pseudonym pen-name noun psyche soul; mind noun psychiatrist a doctor who treats mental diseases noun psychopathic pertaining to mental derangement adjective psychosis mental disorder noun pterodactyl extinct flying reptile noun puerile childish adjective pugilist boxer noun pugnacious combative; disposed to fight adjective puissant powerful; strong; potent adjective pulchritude beauty; comeliness noun pulmonary pertaining to the lungs adjective pulsate throb verb pummel beat verb punctilious laying stress on niceties of conduct, form; precise adjective pundit learned Hindu; any learned man; authority on a subject noun pungent stinging; caustic adjective punitive punishing adjective puny insignificant; tiny; weak adjective purchase firm grasp or footing noun purgatory place for spiritual expiation noun purge clean by removing impurities; clear of charges verb purloin steal verb purport intention; meaning noun purveyor furnisher of foodstuffs; caterer noun purview scope noun pusillanimous cowardly; fainthearted adjective putative supposed; reputed adjective putrid foul; rotten; decayed adjective pyromaniac person with an insane desire to set things on fire noun quack charlatan; impostor noun quadrupled four-footed animal noun quaff drink with relish verb quagmire bog; marsh noun quail cower; lose heart verb quaint odd; old-fashioned; picturesque adjective qualified limited; restricted adjective * qualms misgivings noun quandary dilemma noun * quarantine isolation of person or ship to prevent spread of infection noun quarry victim; object of a hunt noun quarry dig into verb quay dock; landing place noun queasy easily nauseated; squeamish adjective quell put down; quiet verb querulous fretful; whining adjective queue line noun quibble equivocate; play on words verb quiescent at rest; dormant adjective quietude tranquillity noun quintessence purest and highest embodiment noun quip taunt noun quirk startling twist; caprice noun quixotic idealistic but impractical adjective quizzical bantering; comical; humorously serious adjective quorum number of members necessary to conduct a meeting noun rabid like a fanatic; furious adjective raconteur story-teller noun ragamuffin person wearing tattered clothes noun rail scold; rant verb raiment clothing noun rakish stylish; sporty adjective ramble wonder aimlessly (physically or mentally) verb ramification branching out; subdivision noun ramify divide into branches or subdivisions verb ramp slope; inclined plane noun rampant rearing up on hind legs; unrestrained adjective rampart defensive mound of earth noun ramshackle rickety; falling apart adjective rancid having the odor of stale fat adjective rancor bitterness; hatred noun rankle irritate; fester verb rant rave; speak bombastically verb rapacious excessively gasping; plundering adjective rapprochement reconciliation noun rarefied made less dense (of a gas) adjective raspy grating; harsh adjective ratify approve formally; verify verb * ratiocination reasoning; act of drawing conclusions from premises noun rationalization bringing into conformity with reason noun rationalize reason; justify an improper act verb raucous harsh and shrill adjective ravage plunder; despoil verb ravenous extremely hungry adjective raze destroy completely verb reactionary recoiling from progress; retrograde adjective realm kingdom; sphere noun rebate discount noun rebuff snub; beat back verb * rebuttal refutation; response with contrary evidence noun * recalcitrant obstinately stubborn adjective recant repudiate; withdraw previous statement verb recapitulate summarize verb receptive quick or willing to receive ideas, suggestions, etc. adjective recession withdrawal; retreat noun recidivism habitual return to crime noun recipient receiver noun reciprocal mutual; exchangeable; interacting adjective reciprocate repay in kind verb recluse hermit noun * reconcile make friendly after quarrel; correct inconsistencies verb recondite abstruse; profound; secret adjective reconnaissance survey of enemy by soldiers; noun recount narrate or tell; count over again verb recourse resorting to help when in trouble noun recreant coward; betrayed of faith noun recrimination countercharges noun rectify correct verb * rectitude uprightedness noun recumbent reclining; lying down completely or in part adjective recuperate recover verb recurrent occurring again and again adjective redolent fragrant; odorous; suggestive of an odor adjective redoubtable formidable; causing fear adjective redress remedy; comprehension noun redundant superfluous; excessively wordy; repetitious adjective * reek emit (odor) verb refectory dining hall noun refraction bending of a ray of light noun refractory stubborn; unmanageable adjective refurbish renovate verb refutation disproof of opponents' arguments noun refute disprove verb * regal royal adjective regale entertain verb regatta boat or yacht race noun regeneration spiritual rebirth noun regicide murder of a king or queen noun regime method or system of government noun regimen prescribed diet and habits noun rehabilitate restore to proper condition verb reimburse repay verb reiterate repeat verb rejuvenate make young again verb relegate banish; consign to inferior position verb * relevancy pertinence; reference to the case in hand noun * relinquish abandon verb relish savor; enjoy verb remediable reparable adjective remedial curative; corrective adjective reminiscence recollection noun remiss negligent adjective remnant remainder noun remonstrate protest verb remorse guilt; self-reproach noun * remunerative compensating; rewarding adjective rend split; tear apart verb render deliver; provide; represent verb rendezvous meeting place noun rendition translation; artistic interpretation of a song noun renegade deserter; apostate noun renege deny; go back on verb renounce abandon; discontinue; disown; repudiate verb * renovate restore to good condition; renew verb renunciation giving up; renouncing verb reparable capable of being repaired adjective reparation amends; compensation noun repartee clever reply noun repellent driving away; unattractive adjective repercussion rebound; reverberation; reaction noun repertoire list of works of music, drama, etc., a performer is prepared to present noun repine fret; complain verb replenish fill up again verb replete filled to capacity; abundantly supplied adjective replica copy noun replicate reproduce; duplicate verb repository storehouse noun reprehensible deserving blame adjective repress restrain; crush; oppress verb reprieve temporary stay noun reprimand reprove severely verb * reprisal retaliation noun reproach blame; censure noun reprobation severe disapproval noun reprove censure; rebuke verb * repudiate disown; disavow verb * repugnance loathing noun repulsion act of driving back; distaste noun reputed supposed adjective requiem mass for the dead; dirge noun requisite necessary requirement noun requite repay; revenge verb rescind cancel verb reserve self-control; formal but distant manner noun * residue remainder; balance noun resigned unresisting; patiently submissive adjective * resilient elastic; having the power of springing back adjective resolution determination noun resolve determination noun * resonant echoing; resounding; possessing resonance adjective respite delay in punishment; interval of relief; rest noun resplendent brilliant; lustrous adjective responsiveness state of reacting readily to appeals noun restitution reparation; indemnification noun restive unmanageable; fretting under control adjective restraint controlling force noun resurgent rising again after defeat, etc. adjective resuscitate revive verb retaliation repayment in kind (usually for bad treatment) noun retentive holding; having a good memory adjective reticence reserve; uncommunicativeness; inclination to be silent noun * retinue following; attendants noun retiring modest; shy adjective retort quick, sharp reply noun retract withdraw; take back verb * retrench cut down; economize verb retribution vengeance; compensation; punishment for offenses noun retrieve recover; find and bring in verb retroactive of a law which dates back to a period before its enactment adjective retrograde go backwards; degenerate, instead of advancing verb retrospective looking back on the past adjective revelry boisterous merrymaking noun reverberate echo; resound verb reverent respectful; worshipful adjective * reverie daydream; musing noun revile slander; vilify verb revulsion sudden violent change of feeling; reaction noun rhapsodize to speak or write in an exaggerately enthusiastic matter verb rhetoric art of effective communication; insincere language noun rhetorical pertaining to effective communication; insincere language adjective ribald wanton; profane adjective rider amendment or clause added to a legislative bill noun rife abundant; current adjective rift opening; break noun rigor severity noun risible inclined to laugh; ludicrous adjective risqué verging upon the improper; offcolor adjective roan brown mixed with gray or white adjective robust vigorous; strong adjective rococo ornate; highly decorated adjective roil to make liquids murky by stirring up sediment verb roseate rosy; optimistic adjective roster list noun rostrum platform for speech-making; pulpit noun rote repetition noun rotunda circular building or hall covered with a dome noun rotundity roundness; sonorousness of speech noun rout stampede; drive out verb rubble broken fragments noun ruddy reddish; healthy-looking adjective rudimentary not developed; elementary adjective * rueful regretful; sorrowful; dejected adjective ruffian bully; scoundrel noun ruminate chew the cud; ponder verb rummage ransack; thoroughly search verb ruse trick; stratagem noun rustic pertaining to country people; uncouth adjective rusticate banish to the country; dwell in the country verb ruthless pitiless adjective saccharine cloyingly sweet adjective sacrilegious desecrating; profane adjective sacrosanct most sacred; inviolable adjective sadistic inclined to cruelty adjective saga Scandinavian myth; any legend noun sagacious keen; shrewd; having insight adjective * salient prominent adjective saline salty adjective sallow yellowish; sickly in color adjective salubrious healthful adjective salutary tending to improve; beneficial; wholesome adjective salvage rescue from loss verb sanctimonious displaying ostentatious or hypocritical devoutness adjective sanction approve; ratify verb * sangfroid coolness in a trying situation noun sanguinary bloody adjective sanguine cheerful; hopeful adjective sarcasm scornful remarks; stinging rebuke noun sarcophagus stone coffin, often highly decorated noun sardonic disdainful; sarcastic; cynical adjective sartorial pertaining to tailors adjective sate satisfy to the full; cloy verb satellite small body revolving around a larger one noun satiate surfeit; satisfy fully verb satiety condition of being crammed full; glutted state; repletion noun satire form of literature in which irony; sarcasm, and ridicule are employed to attack vice and folly noun satirical mocking adjective * saturate soak verb * saturnine gloomy adjective satyr half-human, half-bestial being in the court of Dionysus, portrayed as wanton and cunning noun saunter stroll slowly verb savant scholar noun savoir faire tact; poise; sophistication noun savory tasty; pleasing, attractive, or agreeable adjective * scanty meager; insufficient adjective * scapegoat someone who bears the blame for others noun scavenger collector and disposer of refuse; animal that devours refuse and carrion noun schism division; split noun scintilla shred; least bit noun scintillate sparkle; flash verb scion offspring noun scoff mock; ridicule verb scourge lash; whip; severe punishment noun scrupulous conscientious; extremely thorough adjective * scrutinize examine closely and critically verb * scullion menial kitchen worker noun scurrilous obscene; indecent adjective scurry move briskly verb scuttle scurry; run with short; rapid steps verb scuttle sink verb sebaceous oily; fatty adjective secession withdrawal noun seclusion isolation; solitude noun * secrete hide away; produce and release a substance into an organism verb sectarian relating to a religious fraction or subgroup; narrow-minded; limited adjective * secular worldly; not pertaining to church matters; temporal adjective sedate composed; grave adjective sedentary requiring sitting adjective sedition resistance to authority; insubordination noun sedulous diligent adjective seethe be disturbed; boil verb seine net for catching fish noun seismic pertaining to earthquakes adjective semblance outward appearance; guise noun senility old age; feeble mindedness of old age noun sensual devoted to the pleasures of the senses; carnal; voluptuous adjective sensuous pertaining to the physical senses; operating through the senses adjective sententious terse; concise; aphoristic adjective septic putrid; producing putrefaction adjective sepulcher tomb noun sequester retire from public life; segregate; seclude verb seraph high-ranking, six-winged angel noun serendipity gift for finding valuable things not searched for noun serenity calmness; placidity noun serpentine winding; twisting adjective serrated having a sawtoothed edge adjective servile slavish; cringing adjective * severance division; partition; separation noun severity harshness; plainness noun shackle chain; fetter verb sham pretend verb shambles slaughterhouse; science of carnage noun sheaf bundle of stalks of grain; any bundle of things tied together noun sheathe place into a case verb sherbet flavored dessert ice noun shimmer glimmer intermittently verb shoddy sham; not genuine; inferior adjective shrew scolding woman noun shrewd clever; astute adjective sibling brother or sister noun silt sediment deposited by running water noun simian monkeylike adjective simile comparison of one thing with another, using the word "like" or "as" noun similitude similarity; using comparisons such as similes noun simpering smirking adjective simulate feign verb sinecure well-paid position with little responsibility noun sinewy tough; strong and firm adjective singular unique; extraordinary; odd adjective sinister evil adjective sinuous winding; bending in and out; not morally honest adjective sirocco warm, sultry wind blown from Africa to southern Europe noun skeptic doubter; person who suspends judgment until he has examined the evidence supporting a point of view noun * skimp provide scantily; live very economically verb skinflint miser noun skirmish minor fight noun skittish lively; frisky adjective skullduggery dishonest behavior noun skulk move furtively and secretly verb slacken slow up; loosen verb slake quench; sate verb slander defamation; utterance of false and malicious statements noun sleazy flimsy; unsubstantial adjective sleeper something originally of little value or importance that in time becomes very valuable noun sleight dexterity noun slither slip or slide verb sloth laziness noun slough cast off verb slovenly untidy; careless in work habits adjective sluggard lazy person noun sluggish slow; lazy; lethargic adjective sluice artificial channel for directing or controlling the flow of water noun smattering slight knowledge noun smirk conceited smile noun smolder burn without flame; be liable to break out in any moment verb snicker half-stiffed laugh noun snivel run at the nose; snuffle; whine verb sobriety soberness noun sobriquet nickname noun sodden soaked; dull, as if from drink adjective sojourn temporary stay noun solace comfort in trouble noun solecism construction that is flagrantly incorrect grammatically noun solemnity seriousness; gravity noun * solicit request earnestly; seek verb solicitous worried; concerned adjective soliloquy talking to oneself noun solstice point at which the sun is farthest from the equator noun solvent able to pay all debts adjective somber gloomy; depressing adjective * somnambulist sleepwalker noun somnolent half asleep adjective sonorous resonant adjective sophist teacher of philosophy; quibbler; employer of fallacious reasoning noun sophistication artificiality; unnaturalness; act of employing sophistry in reasoning noun sophistry seemingly plausible but fallacious reasoning noun sophomoric immature; shallow adjective soporific sleep producer adjective sordid filthy; base; vile adjective soupçon suggestion; hint; taste noun spangle small metallic piece sewn to clothing for ornamentation noun sparse not thick; thinly scattered; scanty adjective spasmodic fitful; periodic adjective spate sudden flood or strong outburst; a large number or amount noun spatial relating to space adjective spatula broad-bladed instrument used for spreading or mixing noun spawn lay eggs verb specious seemingly reasonable but incorrect adjective spectral ghostly adjective spectrum colored band produced when beam of light passes through a prism noun spendthrift someone who wastes money noun * sphinx-like enigmatic; mysterious adjective splenetic spiteful; irritable; peevish adjective spontaneity lack of premeditation; naturalness; freedom from constraint noun spoonerism accidental transposition of sounds in successive words noun sporadic occurring irregularly adjective sportive playful adjective spry vigorously active; nimble adjective spume froth; foam noun spurious false; counterfeit adjective spurn reject; scorn verb squalid dirty; neglected; poor adjective squander waste verb * staccato played in an abrupt manner; marked by abrupt sharp sound adjective stagnant motionless; stale; dull adjective * staid sober; sedate adjective stalemate deadlock noun stalwart strong; brawny; steadfast adjective stamina strength; staying power noun stanch check flow of blood verb stanza division of a poem noun * static unchanging; lacking development adjective * statue law noun statutory created by statute or legislative action adjective steadfast loyal adjective * stein beer mug noun stellar pertaining to the stars adjective stern check the flow verb stem from arise from verb stentorian extremely loud adjective stereotyped fixed and unvarying representation adjective stigma token of disgrace; brand noun stigmatize brand; mark as wicked verb stilted bombastic; inflated adjective stint supply; allotted demand; assigned portion of work noun stipend pay for services noun stipulate make express conditions; specify verb stoic person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain noun * stoke to feed plentifully verb stolid dull; impassive adjective stratagem deceptive scheme noun stratum layer of earth's surface; layer of society noun striated marked with parallel bands; grooved adjective stricture critical comments; severe and adverse criticism noun strident loud and harsh adjective stringent blinding; rigid adjective strut pompous walk noun strut supporting bar noun stultify cause to appear foolish or inconsistent verb stupefy make numb; stun; amaze verb * stupor state of apathy; daze; lack of awareness noun stygian gloomy; hellish; deathly adjective stymie present an obstacle; stump verb suavity urbanity; polish noun subaltern subordinate noun subjective occurring or taking place within the subject; unreal adjective subjugate conquer; bring under control verb sublimate refine; purify verb sublime exalted; noble; uplifting adjective subliminal below the threshold adjective submissive yielding; timid adjective * subsequent following; later adjective subservient behaving like a slave; servile; obsequious adjective subside settle down; descend; grow quiet verb subsidiary subordinate; secondary adjective subsidy direct financial aid by government, etc. noun subsistence existence; means of support; livelihood noun substantiate verify; support verb substantive essential; pertaining to the substance adjective subterfuge pretense; evasion noun subtlety nicety; cunning; guile; delicacy noun * subversive tending to overthrow or ruin adjective succinct brief; terse; compact adjective * succor aid; assistance; relief noun succulent juicy; full of richness adjective succumb yield; give in; die verb suffuse spread over verb sully tarnish; soil verb sultry sweltering adjective summation act of finding the total; summary noun sumptuous lavish; rich; adjective sunder separate; part verb sundry various; several adjective superannuated retired on pension because of age adjective supercilious contemptuous; haughty adjective superficial trivial; shallow adjective superfluous excessive; overabundant; unnecessary adjective * superimpose place over something else verb supernal heavenly; celestial adjective supernumerary person or thing in excess of what is necessary; extra noun supersede cause to be set aside; replace verb supine lying on back adjective supplant replace; usurp verb supple flexible; pliant adjective suppliant entreating; beseeching adjective supplicate petition humbly; pray to grant a favor verb supposition hypothesis; the act of supposing noun suppress crush; subdue; inhibit verb surcease cessation noun surfeit cloy; overfeed verb surly rude; cross adjective surmise guess verb surmount overcome verb surpass exceed verb * surreptitious secret adjective * surrogate substitute noun surveillance watching; guarding noun susceptible impressionable; easily influenced; having little resistance, as to a disease adjective sustain experience; support; nourish verb * sustenance means of support, food, nourishment noun suture stitches sewn to hold the cut edges of a wound or incision; material used in sewing noun swarthy dark; dusky adjective swathe wrap around; bandage verb swelter be oppressed by heat verb swerve deviate; turn aside sharply verb swindler cheat noun sybarite lover of luxury noun sycophant servile flatterer noun * syllogism logical formula utilizing a major premise, a minor premise and a conclusion noun sylvan pertaining to the woods; rustic adjective symmetry arrangement of parts so that balance is obtained; congruity noun synchronous similarly timed; simultaneous with adjective synoptic providing a general overview; summary adjective synthesis combining parts into a whole noun synthetic artificial; resulting from synthesis adjective tacit understood; not put into words adjective taciturn habitually silent; talking little adjective * tactile pertaining to the organs or sense of touch adjective tainted contaminated; corrupt adjective talisman charm noun talon claw of bird noun tangential peripheral; only slightly connected; digressing adjective tangible able to be touched; real; palpable adjective tantalize tease; torture with disappointment verb tantamount equal adjective tantrum fit of petulance; caprice noun taper candle noun tarantula venomous spider noun tarn small mountain lake noun tarry delay; dawdle verb tatterdemalion ragged fellow noun taurine like a bull adjective taut tight; ready adjective tautological needlessly repetitious adjective tautology unnecessary repetitions; pleonasm noun tawdry cheap and gaudy adjective tedious boring; tiring adjective * temerity boldness; rashness noun temper moderate; tone down or restrain; toughen (steel) verb temperate restrained; self-controlled adjective tempo speed of music noun temporal not lasting forever; limited by time; secular adjective temporize avoid committing oneself; gain time verb tenacious holding fast adjective tenacity firmness; persistency; adhesiveness noun tendentious having and aim; biased; designed to further a cause adjective tenet doctrine; dogma noun tensile capable of being stretched adjective tentative provisional; experimental adjective * tenuous thin; rare; slim adjective tenure holding of an office; time during which such and office is held noun tepid lukewarm adjective termagant shrew, scolding, brawling woman noun terminate bring to an end verb terminology terms used in a science or art noun terminus last stop of railroad noun terrapin American marsh tortoise noun terrestrial on the earth adjective terse concise; abrupt; pithy adjective * tertiary third adjective tessellated inlaid; mosaic adjective testator maker of a will noun testy irritable; short-tempered ad. tether tie with a rope verb thaumaturgist miracle worker; magician noun thematic relating to a unifying motif or idea adjective theocracy government of a community by religious leaders noun therapeutic curative adjective thermal pertaining to heat adjective thespian pertaining to drama adjective thrall slave; bondage noun threnody song of lamentation; dirge noun thrifty careful about money; economical adjective thrive prosper; flourish verb throes violent anguish noun throng crowd noun throttle strange verb thwart baffle; frustrate verb thyme aromatic plant used for seasoning noun timbre quality of a musical tone produced by a musical instrument noun timidity lack of self-confidence or courage noun timorous fearful; demonstrating fear adjective tipple drink (alcoholic beverages) frequently verb tirade extended scolding; denunciation noun * titanic gigantic adjective tithe tax of one-tenth noun titillate tickle verb titter nervous laugh noun titular nominal holding of title without obligations adjective toady flatter of favors verb toga Roman outer robe noun tome large volume noun topography physical features of a region noun torpid dormant; dull; lethargic adjective * torpor lethargy; sluggishness; dormancy noun torso trunk of statue with head and limbs missing; human trunk noun tortilla flat cake made of cornmeal, etc. noun tortuous winding; full of curves adjective touchstone stone used to test the fitness of gold alloys; criterion noun touchy sensitive; irascible adjective toxic poisonous adjective tract pamphlet; a region of indefinite size noun tractable docile adjective traduce expose to slander verb trajectory path taken by a projectile noun tranquillity calmness; peace noun transcend exceed; surpass verb transcribe copy verb transgression violation of law; sin noun transient fleeting; quickly passing away; staying for a short time adjective transition going from one state of action to another noun transitory impermanent; fleeting adjective translucent partly transparent adjective transmute change; convert to something different verb transparent permitting light to pass through freely; easily detected adjective transpire exhale; become known; happen verb trappings outward decorations; ornaments noun traumatic pertaining to an injury caused by violence adjective travail painful labor noun traverse go through or across verb travesty comical parody; treatment aimed at making something appear ridiculous noun treatise article treating a subject systematically and thoroughly noun trek travel; journey noun tremor trembling; slight quiver noun tremulous trembling; wavering adjective trenchant cutting; keen adjective trepidation fear; trembling agitation noun * tribulation distress; suffering noun tribunal court of justice noun tribute tax levied by a ruler; mark of respect noun trident three-pronged spear noun trilogy group of three works noun trite hackneyed; commonplace adjective * trivia trifles; unimportant matters noun * troth pledge of good faith especially in betrothal noun truckle curry favor; act in an obsequious way verb truculent aggressive; savage adjective truism self-evident truth noun trumpery objects that are showy, valueless, deceptive noun truncate cut the top off verb tryst meeting noun tumult commotion; riot; noise noun tundra rolling, treeless plain in Siberia and arctic North America noun turbid muddy; having the sediment disturbed adjective turbulence state of violent agitation noun * tureen deep table dish for holding soup noun turgid swollen; distended adjective turmoil confusion; strife noun turpitude depravity noun tutelage guardianship; training noun tutelary protective; pertaining to a guardianship adjective tycoon wealthy leader noun tyranny oppression; cruel government noun tyro beginner; novice noun ubiquitous being everywhere; omnipresent adjective ulterior situated beyond; unstated adjective ultimate final; not susceptible to further analysis adjective ultimatum last demand; warning noun umbrage resentment; anger; sense of injury or insult noun unanimity complete agreement noun unassuaged unsatisfied; not soothed adjective unassuming modest adjective unbridled violent adjective uncanny strange; mysterious adjective unconscionable unscrupulous; excessive adjective uncouth outlandish; clumsy; boorish adjective unctuous oily; bland; insincerely suave adjective undermine weaken; sap verb undulate move with a wavelike motion verb unearth dig up verb unearthly not earthy; weird adjective unequivocal plain; obvious; unmistakable adjective unerringly infallibly adjective unfaltering steadfast adjective unfeigned genuine; real adjective unfledged immature adjective unfrock strip a priest or minister of church authority verb ungainly awkward adjective unguent ointment noun uniformity sameness; monotony noun * unilateral one-sided adjective unimpeachable blameless and exemplary adjective uninhibited unrepressed adjective unique without an equal; single in kind adjective unison unity of pitch; complete accord noun unkempt disheveled; with uncared-for appearance adjective * unmitigated harsh; severe; not lightened adjective universal characterizing or affecting all; present everywhere adjective unobtrusive inconspicuous; not blatant adjective * unprecedented novel; unparalleled adjective * unruly disobedient; lawless adjective unsavory distasteful; morally offensive adjective unscathed unharmed adjective unseemly unbecoming; indecent adjective unsullied untarnished adjective untenable insupportable adjective untoward unfortunate; annoying adjective unwarranted unjustified; groundless; undeserved adjective * unwitting unintentional; not knowing adjective unwonted unaccustomed adjective upbraid scold; reproach verb upshot outcome noun urbane suave; refined; elegant adjective urchin mischievous child (usually a boy) noun ursine bearlike; pertaining to a bear adjective usurpation act of seizing power and rank of another noun usury lending money at illegal rates of interest noun utopia imaginary land with perfect social and political system noun vacillation fluctuation; wavering noun * vacuous empty; inane adjective vagabond wanderer; tramp noun vagrant a homeless wanderer noun * vainglorious boastful; excessively conceited adjective valedictory pertaining to farewell adjective valid logically convincing; sound; legally acceptable adjective validate confirm; ratify verb valor bravery noun vampire ghostly being that sucks the blood of the living noun vanguard forerunners; advance forces noun vantage position giving an advantage noun vapid insipid; insane adjective vassal in feudalism, one who held land of a superior lord noun vaunted boasted; bragged; highly publicized adjective veer change in direction verb vegetate live in a monotonous way verb vehement impetuous; with marked vigor adjective vellum parchment noun velocity speed noun venal capable of being bribed adjective vendetta blood feud noun vendor seller noun veneer thin layer; cover noun venerable deserving high respect adjective venerate revere verb * venial forgivable; trivial adjective venison the meat of a deer noun vent small opening; outlet noun vent express; utter verb ventral abdominal adjective ventriloquist someone who can make his or her voice seem to come from another person or thing noun venturesome bold adjective venturous daring adjective venue location noun veracious truthful adjective verbalize to put into words verb verbatim word for word adverb verbiage pompous array of words noun verbose wordy adjective * verdant green; fresh adjective verge border; edge noun verisimilitude appearance of truth; likelihood noun verity truth; reality noun vernacular living language; natural style noun vernal pertaining to spring adjective versatile having many talents; capable of working in many fields adjective vertex summit noun vertigo dizziness noun verve enthusiasm; liveliness noun vestige trace; remains noun vex annoy; distress noun viable capable of maintaining life adjective * viand food noun vicarious acting as a substitute; done by a deputy adjective vicissitude change of fortune noun victuals food noun vie contend; compete verb vigilance watchfulness noun vignette picture; short literary sketch noun vigor active strength noun vilify slander verb * vindicate clear of charges verb vindictive revengeful adjective viper poisonous snake noun virile manly adjective virtual in essence; for particular purposes adjective virtue goodness; moral excellence; good quality noun virtuoso highly skilled artist noun * virulent extremely poisonous adjective * virus disease communicator noun visage face; appearance noun visceral felt in one's inner organs adjective viscous sticky; gluey adjective visionary produced by imagination; fanciful; mystical adjective vital vibrant and lively; critical; living, breathing adjective vitiate spoil the effect of; make inoperative verb vitreous pertaining to or resembling glass adjective vitriolic corrosive; sarcastic adjective vituperative abusive; scolding adjective vivacious animated; gay adjective vivisection act of dissecting living animals noun vixen female fox; ill-tempered woman noun vociferous clamorous; noisy adjective vogue popular fashion noun volatile evaporating rapidly; lighthearted; mercurial adjective * volition act of making a conscious choice noun voluble fluent; glib adjective voluminous bulky; large adjective voluptuous gratifying the senses adjective voracious ravenous adjective vouchsafe grant condescendingly; guarantee verb vulnerable susceptible to wounds adjective vulpine like a fox; crafty adjective vying contending verb waft moved gently by wind or waves verb waggish mischievous; humorous; tricky adjective waif homeless child or animal noun waive give up temporarily; yield verb wallow roll in; indulge in; become helpless verb wan having a pale or sickly color; pallid adjective wane grow gradually smaller verb wangle wiggle out; fake verb wanton unruly; unchaste; excessive adjective warble sing; babble verb warrant justify; authorize verb warranty guarantee; assurance by seller noun warren tunnels in which rabbits live; crowded conditions in which people live noun wary very cautious adjective wastrel profligate noun wax increase; grow verb waylay ambush; lie in want verb wean accustom a baby not to nurse; give up a cherished activity verb weather endure the effect of weather or other forces verb welt mark from a beating or whipping noun wheedle cajole; coax; deceive by flattery verb whelp young wolf, dog, tiger, etc. noun whet sharpen; stimulate verb whimsical capricious; fanciful; quaint adjective * whinny neigh like a horse verb whit smallest speck noun whorl ring of leaves around stem; ring noun willful intentional; headstrong adjective wily cunning; artful adjective wince shrink back; flinch verb windfall unexpected lucky event noun winnow sift; separate good parts from bad verb winsome agreeable; gracious; engaging adjective wispy thin; slight; barely discernible adjective wistful vaguely longing; sadly thoughtful adjective wither shrivel; decay verb witless foolish; idiotic adjective witticism witty saying; facetious remark noun wizardry sorcery; magic noun wizened withered; shriveled adjective wont custom, habitual procedure noun worldly engrossed in matters of this earth; not spiritual adjective wraith ghost; phantom of a living person noun wrangle quarrel; obtain through arguing verb wrath anger; fury noun wreak inflict verb wrench pull; strain; twist verb wrest pull away; take by violence verb writhe squirm; twist verb wry twisted; with a humorous twist adjective xenophobia fear or hatred of foreigners noun yen longing; urge noun yeoman man owning small estate; middle-class farmer noun yield give in; surrender verb yield amount produced; crop; income on investment noun yoke join together; unite verb yokel country bumpkin noun yore time-past noun zany crazy; comic adjective zealot fanatic; person who shows excessive zeal noun zenith point directly overhead in the sky; summit noun zephyr gentle breeze; west wind noun