Unit 1: Vocabulary and Word Relationships
Word List and Definition to Expand Your Vocabulary
The Federal, State and Municipal government agencies commonly test vocabulary as part of their examinations for various job openings.
We think and write using words. By studying many words and learning their meanings you will be able to communicate with greater confidence, clarity and impact.
The following lists of important words, their spelling and definitions should be seriously studied. Make a list of the words you are not familiar with and take time to write them down on paper until you have mastered each one. You will find that in a short period of time, this learning will actually become easier and the desired results you want to achieve, will occur faster. Remember, that we think, write and speak words - therefore knowledge of many words is important.
abandon : desert; give up all claim to
abase : dishonor; to humble or degrade
abate : decrease; dwindle
abbreviate : to shorten; reduce
abdicate : give up; resign
abeyance : held or kept back; a state of suspension
abide : to await; endure; continue
abnormal : irregular; departing from type, standard, or rule
abode : a dwelling; a habitation
abolish : do away with; to efface
aboriginal : primitive, existing from the beginning
abreast : side by side, in line with
abrupt : terminating suddenly, steep
abscond : to flee or retire in haste
absolute : fixed; positive; perfect in itself
absorb : gross or engage wholly; to drink in
abstain : to forbear; hold aloof; refrain
abstinence : self-denial
abstruse : obscure; hidden; profound
abut : to border upon; touch at one end; terminate
academy : a private school
accelerate : to hasten; quicken speed of
accessible : attainable; capable of being approached
accommodate : supply; adjust; do a favor to
accomplice : associate or companion in crime
accost : to draw near; come face to face with; salute
account : compute; a reckoning
accumulat e : collect; heap up; increase in size, number or quantity
acknowledgment : recognition of a truth; confession
acoustics : science of sound
acquaint : to familiarize
acquit : to release; set free; discharge
acrimony : harshness; unkindness
acumen : shrewd; keen; intelligent
acute : insight; sharpness
adequate : fit; equal; capable
adjacent : near to; adjoining; continuous
adjourn : defer; postpone
adjunct : appendage; dependency
adjust : set right; fit; settle
admeasure : to measure dimensions; apportion
administer : direct the application of laws; to give, as an oath or sacrament
advantageous : beneficial
adverse : opposed; unfavorable; contrary
affirmative : asserting; indicating; defending
affront : insult; offend, irritate
alacrity : alertness; swiftness; briskness
allay : pacify; quiet; soothe
altercation : dispute; discords; row
amazement : surprise; awe; wonder
amend : to fix or mend
antidote : remedy; counteraction
antipathy : dislike; hatred; hostility
apathetic : no interest, little emotion
appropriate : assume; ascribe; usurp
artifice : trick; stratagem; finesse
aspire : to long, aim, or seek ambitiously; to rise up
audacity : boldness; effrontery; hardihood
austere : rigid; rigorous; severe
avaricious : miserly; parsimonious
aversion : dislike; repugnance
awkward : clumsy; uncouth; ungainly
axiom : adage; maxim; proverb
babble : murmur continuously; prattle
bacteria : group of vegetable micro-organisms
baffle : to elude; frustrate
baggage : the trunks; bags of a traveler
balance : adjust; settle
balcony : platform; gallery
balk : check; disappoint; stop suddenly
ballast : impart steadiness to
ballot : election by secret vote
bane : a disease; deadly poison
banish : to condemn to exile; drive away
bankrupt : unable to meet one’s obligations; insolvent
banter : make fun of; attack jestingly
barbarian : uncivilized person; savage or brutal man
barbed : having sharp points turned back
barometer : instrument for measuring weight of the atmosphere
barrack : large building for the lodgement of soldiers
barrage : a barrier; curtain
barred : excluded; not allowed
barren : unfruitful; lacking; empty
barrier : an obstacle to progress; approach, or attack; an enclosing fence or wall
barter : to give in exchange
basis : a foundation; fundamental principle of anything
bastion : an earthwork faced with brick projecting from angles, and having two flanks and faces
bathe : to subject to a bath
battle : a combat; a fight
beatific : blissful
beautify : to make beautiful; embellish
becalm : to make calm or still
beckon : summon or signal by signs
befall : come to pass; to happen
beget : cause to exist; produce
behavior : conduct; manners
behest : a command; precept
behold : observe with care; look at
beleaguer : to besiege; blockade
believe : accept as true; have faith
bellicose : pugnacious; warlike
belligerent : waging war; a person engaged in fighting
bemoan : to lament; sympathize with
beneath : lower in rank or dignity; below
benevolent : kind; charitable
benign : kind or gentle disposition; favorable; genial
bequeath : hand down; transmit
bereave : to deprive; make destitute; strip
beseech : beg eagerly for; implore
besiege : lay siege to; beset or harass
bestial : having qualities of a beast; brutal; obscene; sensual
betrothal : act of engaging to marry; state of being engaged
bewilder : to lead into confusion; puzzle
beyond : out of reach of; past
biannual : occurring twice a year
bicker : to engage in petty altercation; flicker; quiver
bigotry : blind and obstinate attachment to a creed, party, or opinion; fanaticism
bilateral : pertaining to, or having two sides
billow : great wave of the sea swelled by the wind
binding : cover of a book; a bandage
binocular : having two eyes; suited to the use of both eyes
blanch : to take the color out
bland : plain or tasteless
blasphemous : uttering blasphemy; profane
blatant : bawling; noisy
blaze : a body of flame; brilliant sunlight
bleak : desolate; unsheltered
blemish : to injure; stain; tarnish
blight : a disease in plants; mildew
bliss : highest degree of happiness; blessedness
blithe : gay; joyous; glad
blotch : a large irregular spot; an eruption; or pustule
bludgeon : short heavy stick, sometimes loaded, used as a weapon
bluff : broad and full; surly
blunder : err stupidly; to move or act clumsily
blunt : not sharp; dull in understanding
bluster : bully; use empty threats
boarish : swinish; brutal; cruel
boast : to brag; vaunt; exult
bode : to portend; presage
bogus : counterfeit; spurious
boisterous : violent; rough; stormy
bolster : a pad to ease pressure; a compress
bombard : to attack with cannon
bondage : slavery; compulsory servitude
bonus : an additional dividend out of accumulated profits
border : a margin; frontier; brink
borrow : to obtain on loan; adopt
bounty : generosity; munificence
boycott : to combine against a person, hinder the conduct of his business, as a means of punishment
brassard : armor for the upper arm
bravado : arrogant menace; defiance
brawl : a noisy quarrel; an uproar
braze : to solder with brass
breach : the act of breaking; quarrel
breadth : freedom from narrowness; broad effect
breathe : to inhale air and expel it from the lungs; blow softly; insinuate; live
breed : to procreate; produce; train
brevity : shortness; conciseness
brigadier : a general officer commanding a brigade, and ranking next below a major general
brilliance : splendor; dazzling; brightness
brisk : lively; active; swift
brittle : apt to break
broad : wide; ample; vast; liberal
brochure : a pamphlet dealing with a subject of passing interest
bruise : an injury to the flesh of an animal, plant, or other body, caused by a blow
brute : rough; brutal; uncivilized
buccaneer : a pirate; a sea robber
buckle : join; twist; bend; confine
budget : a statement of revenue or expenditures; to provide for
buffet : a blow with the hand; box
bulge : a bending outwards; the bilge of a ship
bulletin : a periodical publication
bulwark : a rampart; a fortification
burden : that which is borne or carried; a load
bureau : a desk or writing table furnished with drawers; an office
burlesque : a ludicrous, grotesque representation; travesty; parody
burnish : polish by friction; make smooth
cabaret : a place of refreshment where dancind and singing are provided; tea or coffee set
cable : large strong rope or chain
cadence : rythmical flow, inflection
caisson : an ammunition wagon or chest; a sunken panel in a ceiling
cajole : to coax or deceive by flattery; cheat
calamity : distress; affliction
calculate : to compute; estimate
calendar : a register of days, weeks, etc.
callous : hardened; insensible
calm : undisturbed; stillness; pacify
cameo : a precious stone on which figures are engraved in relief
camouflage : any covering to hide or deceive
cancel : void, the part of a book deleted
candid : honest; outspoken; sincere
cannon : a large gun; a piece of ordnance
canoe : any light boat propelled by paddles
canopy : a covering fixed above a bed, or suspended over a throne or dais
canvas : a coarse heavy cloth of hemp or flax used for tents; a painting
canyon : a gorge; valley between hill
capable : receptive; legally qualified
capacious : roomy; spacious
capital : punishable with death; first in importance; good; chief
capital : sum invested in any particular business; top of a column or pillar
caprice : a whim; a freak
capsize : to be overturned; upset; an upset
capsule : a metallic seal or cover for a bottle; a small shallow vessel
caption : a certificate of arrest
captivity : servitude; imprisonment
carat : a twenty-fourth part
cardinal : chief; preeminent; fundamental
careen : to incline on one side, as a ship under press of sail
careless : neglectful; wanting in care or interest
caret : a mark used in writing or corrective proofs to indicate where something is to be omitted or added
carnage : slaughter; massacre
carnival : the season of rejoicing before lent; feasting or revelry
carouse : revel; a drinking bout
carrier : one who carries or conveys
cartilage : elastic animal tissue, forming bone; gristle
cartoon : a pictorial caricature; caricature pictorially
cartridge : a case of cardboard, metal or other material containing the charge of a firearm
casket : small chest for jewels; costly coffin
castigate : to correct; chastise; punish
casualty : an accident, especially if resulting in bodily injury or death
cataclysm : a deluge; flood; or a debacle
categorical : absolute; unconditional
cauldron : a large kettle or boiler
caustic : a substance which burns; sarcastic
cautious : heedful; circumspect; wary
cavern : a den; cave
celebrate : to praise or honor; commemorate
celestial : heavenly; supremely excellent
censure : criticize adversely; blame
census : an official enumeration of the inhabitants of a country with details of sex, age, occupation, etc.
centralize : to draw or bring to a center
century : a hundred; a subdivision; a legion
cereal : edible grain
ceremony : a scared rite of observance; behavior regulated by the laws of strict etiquette
certain : sure; beyond a doubt; definite; fixed or stated
certificate : written testimony to the truth of any fact
certify : to testify or make known in writing; assure
chaff : straw or hay cut fine for cattle; anything worthless
chagrin : ill humor; mortify
chaise : a light two-wheeled carriage
challenge : a summons to fight; defy
chamber : a private room; to inclose; furnish
champaign : flat, open country
chancellor : a judge of a court of equity or chancery; official advise of a bishop
channel : the bed of a stream; groove
chant : to sing; intone; a solemn or monotonous song
chaos : the confused matter out of which the universe was formed; confusion
chaplain : a clergyman who performs service in the Army, Navy, public institution
character : a letter, sign, or figure; distinctive qualities or traits
chargeable : liable to be charged
charitable : kind and liberal; benevolent in disposition
chaste : morally pure; modest; refined
chattel : personal property except freehold purchaseable for a low price; common
cherish : to hold or esteem dear; encourage; harbor in the mind
chicanery : resort to quibbling; trickery
chide : to find fault with; scold
chivalrous : warlike; high spirited; gallant
choleric : quick-tempered; bilious
choose : select; to make a choice; prefer
chord : the string of a musical instrument; straight line joining ends of the arc of a circle; to string
chronic : continuing a long time or recurring
chronicle : a register of facts of events chronologically arranged
cinema : a motion-picture show
circuitous : round-about
circumambient : enclosing, or being surrounded on all sides
circumstance : an event; happening; ceremony
cistern : a natural or artificial receptacle for storing water; a reservoir
citadel : a fortress; castle
cite : to summon officially to appear in court; quote
citizen : a native or inhabitant of a town or city; a freeman; a tradesman
civil : relating to the affairs of a city or government; well-bred; polite
civilize : to reclaim from a savage state
clairvoyant : one who professes to have the power of preternatural knowledge
clamor : a loud and continued noise
clandestine : secret; private
clarification : the act of making clear
classification : the art of forming or dividing into classes
cleave : to adhere; be attached strongly
cleft : a crack; crevice
clemency : compassion; remission
client : one who empliys a lawyer
climax : the summit; acme
clique : a group of persons united for some common purpose; a coterie; a ring
cloister : a monastery or nunnery; to confine
closure : act of shutting up; to end
clot : to coagulate
clutch : to grasp, seize or grip tightly
coagulate : to clot or curdle
coalition : union in a body or mass
coarse : large in texture or size, not refined; rough; rude; indelicate
coast : a frontier; to sail close or near to
cobbler : one who mends boots and shoes; a cooling summer drink of ice, wine, etc.
cocaine : a poisonous alkaloid extracted from coca leaves, used as local anesthetic
coddle : treat tenderly; to stew gently
coerce : to restrain or constrain by force
cogent : forcible; not easily resisted
cognizant : having knowledge of anything
coherent : consistent; logical
coincide : to correspond exactly; occur at the same time
coliseum : a large building in which games and sports may be held; a theater
collaborate : to work jointly, especially in literary or scientific work
collapse : falling in or together, break down
collateral : side by side; a kinsman; concurrent
colleague : an associate in the same office, employment, or commission
colloquialism : slang, an ordinary form of speech
collusion : a secret agreement for a fraudulent or evil purpose
coloration : act of coloring, state of being colored, arrangement or combination of colors
colossus : anything huge or marvelously great
combat : to fight; a struggle
combustible : inflammable; an inflammable substance
comfort : to console; a quilted bed cover
commemorate : celebrate with honor
commensurate : reducible to a common measure; equal
commit : surrender, learn by heart; consign
commodious : useful; convenient; roomy
commune : to converse together
communique : a communication or piece of information given out officially
compare : to make one thing the measure of another; to bear a comparison
compassion : sorrow for the sufferings of others; sympathy; pity
compensate : make amends for; to recompense
compile : to put together in fresh form from existing materials
complacence : inward satisfaction
complexion : color of the skin, especially the face, aspect
compliance : acquiescence
composite : made up of seperate elements; compound
comprehension : extent, understanding
compromise : a settlement by mutual concessions; expose to risk
compunction : contrition; self-approach
concave : hollow and curved
conceal : to hide; keep secret; disguise
concentrate : to bring to one point or common center; condense; render pure
concern : interest or engage; business anxiety
concise : condensed, terse
concoction : a plan or plot; a compound of various ingredients
concourse : arriving togetehr; a place for assembly
concrete : not abstract; united in growth
concur : agree or unite in action; coincide
condemn : pronounce guilty; censure; blame
condition : state; stipulation or terms of a contract; quality; examine
condole : to lament; to express sympathy for another
conduct : to guide; manage; behave
conduit : a cana or pipe for the conveyance of water, etc.
confederacy : persons, states or nations united in a league; unlawful combination
confess : to admit or acknowledge; avow, prove
confide : to trust fully; have confidence in
confine : a boundary, border, or limit; imprison
confiscate : seize, as thus forfeited
conflagration : a freat fire
conform : to make like; comply with
confusion : perplexity; disorder; tumult
confute : to prove to be false or invalid
congenial : pleasant and sympathetic; kindred
congested : unduly crowded; containing an unnatural accumulation of blood
conglomerate : to gather into a bail or round mass
congratulate : to felicitate an account of some happy event
congregate : to assemble; to come together
congruence : suitability; agreement; consistency
conjecture : a guess; to imagine; surmise
conjugate : to inflect; combined in pairs; a word agreeing with derivation with another work
conjurer : one who performs tricks by sleight of hand; an enchanter
connect : unite; associate with; cohere
connivance : a passive cooperation in a crime or fault; collusion
connoisseur : a critical judge; one competent to act or pass upon
connotation : implication of something more to come; inference
conquest : subjugation; victory
conscience : the moral sense which determines right or wrong
consecrate : to set apart as sacred; devote
consensus : general agreement; accord
conservative : having the tendency to preserve
consider : contemplate; to deliberate; reflect
consistent : solid; not contradictory; conformably
consolation : alleciation of mental or physical distress; solace
conspicuous : mentally or physically visible; manifest; distinguished
constituent : necessary or essential; an elector
constitutional : fundamental; a walk taken for the beneift of the health
constrict : to bind; cramp
construe : translate, interpret
consummate : to complete; finish; perfect
contaminate : to pollute
contempt : disdain; scorn; disobedience, the orders, etc. of a court
contest : to disputel oppose; contend; competition
continual : proceeding without interruption; incessant; constant
contortion : a twist; flexure
contraband : prohibited from importation; illegal
contract : draw closer together; shorten; condense
contract : a written agreement
contradict : assert to contrary or opposite
contravene : obstruct; act contrary to
contrive : to devise; invent; plan, scheme
controvert : to contend against; refute; disprove
convalescence : gradual recovery after illness
convenient : suitable; appropriate; handy
converge : tend to one point
convert : change from one religion to another
convert : one who has changed
convey : to carry or transport; communicate
convulse : to agitate violently; shake
co-ordinate :harmonize; of the same rank or authority as another
cordial : an aromatic and sweetened spirit; hearty; sincere; cheering
correlate : to put in relation with each other
corrugate : to draw, or shape, into wrinkles or folds
corrupt : make impure; seduce; abounding in errors; spoiled; open to bribery
cosmopolitan : a citizen of the world; a home in any part of the world
council : an assembly of persons met in consultation
counsel : to advise
countenance : the whole form of the face; appearance; to support; encourage; favor
counterfeit : forge; imitate; a forgery
countervail : to compensate; counterbalance
coup : a sudden telling blow; a roll of the wheel at roulette
courage : fortitude; valor
courteous : polite; obliging
covenant : to enter into a formal agreement; deed
covet : to indulge inordinate desire; lust after
coward : one without courage; a dastard; poltroon
coy : shy, modest; reserved
crafty : cunning; artful
crag : a steep, rugged rock
create : form out of nothing; to originate
credential : giving a claim or title to credit
credible : worthy of credit; probable
cremate : to reduce to ashes by heat, especially dead bodies
crest : summit of a hill; courage; pride
crevice : a crack; fissure
criminal : pertaining to crime; one guilty of a crime
criterion : a standard, law, or rule by which a correct judgment can be formed
crouch : to stoop low; cringe
crucial : extremely critical; severe
crucible : a melting pot
cruelty : unhumanity; savageness
crumble : cause to fall into pieces; to disappear gradually
crush : break by pressure; squeeze; ruin
cryptogram : a writing or a system of writing in cipher
crystallize : assume a definite shape; to be converted into crystals
cumbersome : burdensome; clumsy
culminate : to reach the highest point of altitude, rank, power, etc.
cultivate : to till; seek the society of
culvert : a drain or waterway of masonry or brickwork under a road, etc.
curfew : a bell originally rung at 8:00 p.m. as an intimation that light and fires were to be extinguished
curiosity : inquisitiveness; something strange
current : widely circulated; genial tendency
curriculum : a course of study prescribed in a university, school, etc.
cursory : hasty; superficial
custody : guardianship, imprisonment; security
cuticle : the scarf skin; the think exterior bark of a plant
cyclone : a violent storm
cynic : a morose, surly, or sarcastic person
cynosure : an object of general attraction
daily : occurring each successive day
dally : to trifle away time; loiter
dank : damp; moist
dauntless : fearless
deaf : deprived of hearing
dearth : want; scarcity; famine
debit : that which is owing, entered on the debtor side of a ledger
debt : that which is due from one person to another; obligation
debtor : one who owes something to another
deceive : to mislead or cause to err; delude; impose upon; disappoint
deduce : to gather by reasoning; derive
deleterious : harmful, morally or physically; poisonous
delicacy : grace; sensitiveness; refinement; consideration for the feelings of others
delicious : highly pleasing to senses, taste or mind; exquisite
delinquent : falling short of duty; an offender
delirium : madness; wild enthusiasm
delusion : deceit; imposition; illusion
democracy : political r social equality
demonstrate : teach by examples; to organize or take part in a party demonstration
denominator : expression of a fraction which when placed below the line gives the name or value to
the unit
dense : thick; compact; intense
density : compactness; mass of matter per unit of volume
dependent : hanging down; contingent
deplorable : sad; calamitous; grievous
depreciation : fall in value
desecrate : to divert from a sacred to a secular use; profane
desiccate : to dry thoroughly; dry up
designate : point out; distinguish; name
desultory : cursory; erratic
detriment : that which injures, reduce in value or causes damage
devotee : a votary; enthusiast
diagnosis : scientific discrimination
dictatorial : absolute; imperious
dilatory : slow; inactive
diligence : careful attention; assiduity
diplomacy : skill in conducting negotiations
disappoint : to thwart or frustrate the hope of;
discern : to distinguish mentally, or with the eye; judge or decide between
disclaimer : disavowal; denial
discrepancy : inconsistency; difference
discrimination : power of penetration; faculty of nice discernment
dishonor : bring shame upon the character of; violation of dignity; shame
dismiss : to send away; discharge from office of employment
dispensation : distribution; suspending of a rule or law in some particular case
disseminate : propagate; diffuse
dissension : strife; disagreement
dissent : to disagree in opinion
distinguish : discriminate; make known
dominant : exercising chief authority; ruling, ascending
dulcet : sweet or pleasant to the ear; harmonious
duodecimo : a sheet folded into 12 leaves (12 mo); said of a book
duplication : the act of doubling; a fold
duplicity : deceit; hypocrisy; double dealing
durable : permanent; stable; lasting
dutiful : respectful; obedient to parents
dwell : to reside for a length of time; continue; linger
dwindle : diminish; decrease
dynast : a ruler or governor
eager : earnest; keen; enthusiastic
earmark : a mark for identification
eavesdropper : one who listens to the private conversations of others
ebb : decline; flow back, as the tide
eccentric : erratic; peculiar in manner
echo : repetition of a sound caused by reflection
economy : management of money
ecstasy : excessive joy
ecstatic : overpowering; entrancing
edge : extreme border; brink; margin; keenness; exasperate; incite
edible : fit to be eaten as food
editorial : a leading article in a newspaper
efface : to obliterate; destroy
effect : accomplish; mental impression
effervescent : gently bubbling and hissing from; the giving off of gas
efficacious : capable of producing a desired effect
efficient : powerful; ready; a qualified person
effrontery : impudence; boldness
egregious : extraordinary; flagrant; gross
eject : to cast forth; dismiss from office; evict
elaborate : to produce with labor; to improve or refine with study or labor
elastic : rebounding; springy
elasticity : power to recover from depression
elation : joyful elevation of mind
elicit : to draw out
eliminate : to leave out of consideration, or cast aside
elucidate : to make clear; illustrate
emaciation : act of losing flesh gradually
emanate : to flow out, issue, or proceed, as from a source
embargo : any check or impediment
embarrass : to hinder; perplex; distress
embezzle : to appropriate fraudulently, as property entrusted to one’s care
emigrate : to leave one’s country to settle in another
eminence : elevation; exalted rank; height
emolument : profit; pecuniary gain; income
employee : one who works for another
encourage : to give, or inspire with courage; stimulate
encroach : infringe; intrude
encyclopedia : a dictionary of the arts, sciences and literatures
enormous : excessive; immense; huge, extremely wicked
ensconced : hidden; fixed securely or comfortably; settled
entente : an understanding politically, between nations
enumerate : count; go over in deatil
enunciate : utter; express; speak
episode : an incident
epistle : a letter; a written communication or message
epitome : a summary; abridgement
equable : uniform; proportionate
equator : imaginary circle passing round the middle of the earth and dividing it
equitable : impartial; just; valid
equity : justice; impartiality
equivalent : equal in value or power; commensurate
essence : volatile matter; perfume
evolve : to develop; unfold; work out
exaggerate : to enlarge or heighten by overstatement; color highly
exceptional : unusual; superior
excess : superfluity; intemperance
excitement : commotion; warmth of temper
exclusive : tending to shut out; illiberal
excruciating : agonizing
execution : performance; completion; destruction; capital punishment
executive : administrative; active
exhaust : weaken; drain; the outlet from an engine cylinder
exhilarate : to make joyous, glad, or cheerful; enliven
exigency : pressing necessity or demand; urgency
existence : state of being; life; duration
exonerate : acquit; justify
experience : encounter; to know
exploitation : selfish or unfair utilization
exquisite : refined; delicate; highly finished
extemporaneous : unpremeditated; offhand
extenuating : offering excuses for; mitigating
extinguish : to put out; void; eclipse
extraneous : external; foreign; not essential
extraordinary : uncommon; unusual; rare; special
extravagant : wasteful; prodigal; irregular
extreme : last; utmost; furtherest; final
exuberant : copious; abundant; plentiful
exult : to rejoice in triumph; be glad above measure
fabricate : to construct; invent falsely
facilitate : make easy or less difficult
fallacy : mistake; an unsound method of reasoning; sophism
falsify : counterfeit; forge; to lie
familiarize : to make well-acquainted; to habituate
famous : renowned; conspicuous; noted
fanatical : characterized by wild enthusiasm; visionary
fantastic : odd; whimsical; imaginary; unreal
fascinate : bewitch; captivate
fastidious : overnice; hard to please
favorable : advantageous; partial; friendly
feather : a plume; part of the exterior covering of a bird
February : the second month of the year
fiasco : a complete or ludicrous failure
fiction : act of feigning or inventing
fictitious : false; unreal
fidelity : honesty; faithful; integrity
fiend : demon; person who uses or does something excessively
figurative : symbolical; unreal; metaphorical
filibuster : a freebooter; delayer of action
financier : one skilled in the principles of banking or conducting private or public financial affairs
finesse : artifice or stratagem; skill
finical : fastidious; over particular
finite : having limits
fissure : a narrow opening; furrow
fixity : stability; permanence
flabbergasted : astonished; confounded
flagrant : openly wicked; notorious; glaring
fleece : the whole wool shorn from a sheep at one time; strip
flexible : easily bent; pliant
flimsy : a bank note; thin; weak
flounder : to struggle, roll or proceed with difficulty; a flat sea fish
flourish : to prosper or thrive; embellish
flout : to insult; jeer; scoff
fluctuate : undulate; rise and fall
flue : a pipe or passage to convey away smoke, hot air, etc.; fluff; a barb
fluent : voluble; eloquent; possessing readiness and ease of speech
flux : any flow or issue of matter; a substance added to assist in reduction of a metal by fusion; to melt
forbidding : repellent; disagreeable
forethought : a thinking or planning beforehand in anticipation of an event
forfeit : a fine or penalty; to lose
forgery : act of counterfeiting coin
fortuitous : happening by chance; accidental
fragrant : sweet-smelling
frivolous : trifling; trivial; petty; silly
frontispiece : illustration facing front page of book
frustrate : to defeat or disappoint; nullify
fulfill : execute; perform or carry out
function : faculty; power; act
fundamental : essential; primary; basis
furtive : secret; stealthy; sly
fury : violent or uncontrollable rage; madness; a termagant woman
futile : vain; useless
gait : manner of walking; way of course
gallant : brave; high spirited; chivalrous
gallop : rapid forward springing movement of a horse; hasten
gamble : to wager; play for money
gambol : to frisk; to skip about fortively: frolic
gamut : the entire series of recognized notes; the entire range or extent of anything
gangrene : first state of mortification; to mortify
garrison : a fortified place with troops, guns, etc.
gaudy : showy; vulgarly gay
gauge : standard of measure; estimate
gaunt : pinched and lean
gazette : a newspaper
genealogy : family pedigree; lineage
generalize : to reduce to, or arrange in; to infer; notion
genial : agreeably warm and cheerful; cordial
genius : innate bent of mind; gift; talent
gesticulate : to make gestures or motions, as in speaking or attracting attention
gesture : movement of face; to express ideas
ghastly : deathlike; pale; haggard; horrible
gigantic : huge; colossal
gild : to overlay with gold; illuminate
gimlet : a small boring tool with a pointed screw at the end
glassy : hard and smooth; dull; lack luster
glimmer : to shine faintly and intermittently; sheen
glorious : full of glory; illustrious; celebrated
gnarled : bent; twisted
gnash : to strike together, as the teeth
gnaw : bite in agony, rage, despair; corrode
goatee : tuft of hair on the chin resembling the beard of a male goat
gondola : a long narrow venetian pleasure boat propelled by one oar
gorgeous : splendid; showy
government : administration of public affairs
gradual : regular and slow; step by step
grapple : to lay fast hold of; a seizing
gratitude : appreciating of favors received; thankfulness
gratuity : a donation or present; free gift
grease : soft animal fat; oily matter; bribe
gross : bulky; entire amount; 12 dozen; dull
grovel : to live prone; be mean or debased
grudge : secret malice or ill will
guard : to watch over or protect; attention; an official in charge of a train
guardian : a warden; protecting; tutelary
guide : director; lead or direct; regulate
guile : deceit; cunning; duplicity
guilty : not innocent; wicked; criminal
guise : external appearance; dress; mien
gullible : capable of being easily deceived
gumption : quickness of perception; common sense
gutter : a channel for carrying away water
guttural : pertaining to, or produced in the throat
gymnasium : a building where gymnastic exercises are practiced; a school
gynarchy : government by a woman; female rule
gyral : rotatory; whirling
habitual : customary; inveterate
hackneyed : worn-out; commonplace; trite
haggle : to higgle; contend over trifles
hail : frozen raindrops; a greeting
halcyon : peaceful; happy; calm
hale : sound bodily; hearty; constrain
haphazard : chance; accident; by chance
harass : to annoy or vex
harmony : quality of being pleasing to the ear; accord in feeling, sentiment, unison
harpsichord : a stringed instrument with a keyboard, the precursor of pianoforte
harry : to plunder; lay waste, annoy or vex; tease; make predatory raids
haughty : proud and disdainful; contemptuous
haunt : a place of accustomed resort; to visit frequently or habitually
hazard : chance; risk; imperil
headquarters : the center or source of authority
hearken : to listen; attend to what is uttered
heighten : elevate; intensify; improve
heir : one who succeeds another in the possession of property, title, etc.
hemorrhage : bleeding
herbaceous : pertaining to or nature of feeding upon herbs
hermetically : in an air-tight manner, by means of fusion
heterogeneous : opposite or dissimilar in character
heyday : time of vigor; perfection; delight
hideous : shocking; horrible; dreadful
hindrance : obstruction
homogeneous : uniform; composed of similar parts
honorary : done, or conferred, as an honor
horizontal : level; parallel to or situated near the horizon
hostile : showing animosity; adverse
humiliate : to humble; abase
humorous : comical; diverting
hypercritical : given to faultfinding; censorious
idiosyncrasy : peculiarity of constitution or temperament
illegitimate : contrary to law; irregular
illicit : unlawful; unlicensed
illustration : the act of elucidating by means of pictures, etc.
illustrious : eminent; glorious; renowned
imagination : the creative faculty; a mental conception
imitation : not genuine
immaculate : without blemish; unspotted, pure
immeasurable : immense; limitless; vast
immediate : next; direct; approximate; instant
impassable : not admitting passage
impatient : intolerant of pain, delay, circumstances, etc.; eager
impeccable : faultless; irreproachable
impediment : obstruction; hindrance; obstacle
impenetrable : not admitting entrance; impervious
imperious : dictatorial; overbearing; urgent
imperturbable : self-contained; cool; calm
inaccessible : that which cannot be accomplished, attained or reached
inaccurate : incorrect, wrong, erroneous
inadvisable : inexpedient; not advisable
inane : empty; void; senseless; space
inaugurate : make a formal beginning of; consecrate
incalculable : beyond calculation
incapacitate : disqualify; disable
incidental : casual; subordinate; minor expenses
incisive : sharp; having the quality of cutting into
incite : stir up; encourage; impel
incoherent : without cohesion; inconsecutive
incomprehensible : not to be understood or grasped by mind; inconceivable
inconsistent : lacking uniformity; self-contradicting; discrepant
indemnity : compensation for loss
indescribable : beyond description
indignation : anger mingled with contempt or disgust
indissoluble : not dissoluble or dissolvable
ineffectual : non-productive; unavailing
infraction : violation of breech, especially of law, infringement
ingenious : having inventive skill; clever
ingenuous : frank; open; sincere; artless
inimitable : matchless; unrivaled
innate : inborn; native
innocuous : harmless
inoculate : to communicate ( a disease ) by the insertion of infectious matter through the skin with
the object of protecting or curing
inoperative : without effect; not in operation
inopportune : untimely; not appropriate
insatiable : that cannot be satisfied or appeased
inseparable : incapable of being seperate; one that clings to another
insignia : badges of honor or office
insignificant : trivial; unimportant
insinuate : suggest or hint indirectly
insolvent : unable to pay all debts; bankrupt
inspiration : creative influence of genious
instinctive : spontaneous
integrity : soundness; uprightness, honesty
intelligible : capable of being understood; clear
interim : meantime; temporary
intermediate : intervening; an adjuster
intermittent : alternating; coming and going at intervals; recurrent
interpolate : corrupt by insertions
intervene : to come or be situated between; interpose; interfere
intimate : well acquainted; confidential
intimidate : to make afraid
intricate : entangled or involved
intrinsic : real; genuine
intuition : instinctive knowledge or feeling
inundate : to fill with an overflowing abundance; flood
invalidate : to weaken or destroy the force or validity of
inventory : account
iridescent : having colors like the rainbow
irrefutable : indisputable
irregular : not conforming to rule; variable
irrelevant : disconnected; not pertaining to
irreparable : not capable of repair
irrepressible : unrestrainable
irresistible : not to be resisted
irreverent : wanting in reverence
irritation : exasperation; vexation; impatience
isthmu s : a neck of land connecting two larger portions
jaunt : a short excursion or ramble; to roam or ramble
jealousy : suspicious fear or watchfulness
jeer : to scoff at; ridicule; derision
jiffy : an instant
jointure : landed estate settled on a woman in consideration of her marriage to be enjoyed by her after the death of her husband
journalism : newspaper or periodicial literature
journey : a day’s work or travel
jovial : convivial; merry; festive
jubilant : expressing exultation; triumphant
judgment : opinion; criticism; intelligence
judicial : pertaining to courts of justice or the administration of justice
junction : a point or place of union; union
juncture : a joint; connection; seam
jurisdiction : legal authority; extent of power
justice : impartiality; a judge or magistrate
justifiable : excusable; defensible
juxtaposition : a placing of a person or thing near to or side by side with, another person or thing
keen : sharp; piercing; a funeral dirge
kennel : house for a dog or pack of hounds; lair of a fox; street gutter
keystone : central stone of arch
kindle : to set fire to; inflame
kismet : fate; destiny
kith : acquaintance; friends collectively
kleptomaniac : one who is under the influence of a form of insanity manifesting itself in an irresistible propensity to steal
knave : a dishonest or deceitful person
knead : to work into a mass, as dough
knoll : a rounded hillock; hilltop
knotting : a kind of lace work
knowledge : a clear perception of a truth or fact; inofrmation acquaintance
knuckle : the projecting joint of the fingers; yield or submit
laboratory : a place where scientific experiments and operations are carried on
labyrinth : inexplicable difficulty; a maze
lackadaisacal : affectedly pesnive or sentimental
lacquer : a varnish consisting of shellac dissolved in alcohol and variously colored
laity : people, as distinguished from clergy;
lamentable : mounrful; pitiable
language : spoken or written words of one race or nation as distinguished from that of another;
human speech
languid : wanting energy; weak
languish : become weak or spiritless; pine away
lassitude : weariness; languor
latitude : extent; freedom from rules; laxity
laughable : humorous; amusing; merry
leaden : heavy; sluggish; base in quality
leaven : to produce fermentation in, taint
lecture : formal discourse on a subject; reprimand
legacy : bequest
legendary : fabulous; mythical
legible : capable of being read; clear
legislature : that body in a state which is invested with the power of enacting and repealing laws
legitimate : lawful; born in wedlock; real
leisure : spare time; free from business
lengthen : to make long or longer
lenient : mild; merciful
lessee : one to whom lease is granted
lessen : reduce; make or become less
lesson : instruction given at one time; exercise; precept
lessor : the grantor of a lease
levity : frivolity; lightness of weight
levy : seize in execution; to raise or collect as an army or tax
liaison : a relationship established between bodies of troops widely separated, by means of various
kinds of signals; connecting link
library : an arranged collection of books
licensee : the person to whom a license is granted
license : unrestrained liberty; permission
lief : willingly; rather
liege : bound by feudal service or tenure; a vassal
lien : security for payment
lieu : place; stead
lieutenant : an officer ranking next below a captain in the Army and a commander in the Navy; a deputy
ligament : a strong, elastic tissue connecting extremities of movable bones
lightning : sudden flash of electricity
literal : consisting of, or expressed by letters
literary : versed or engaged in literature
livelihood : means of living
loath : unwilling; reluctant
loathe : regard with abhorrence or disgust; detest
lodgment : occupation of a military position
logical : pertaining to laws which govern thinking
longevity : extended age
longitude : on the ecliptic; distance in degrees from the vernal equinox
loose : not fast; unbound; unconnected
lose : be defeated; forfeit; mislay
lovable : worthy of love
lucrative : profitable
luminous : emitting or radiating light; bright; clear; perspicuous
luncheon : a light meal between breakfast and dinner
luxurious : pertaining to anything productive of enjoyment
macadamize : to cover (a road) with small broken stone; to form a smooth hard rounded surface
machinist : one skilled in the principles of machinery
magnetism : that property possessed by various bodies, as iron or steel, of attracting or repelling each other according to certain physical laws
magnetize : to communicate magnetic properties to
magnificent : splended; pompous; sublime
maintenance : a sustenance; support
manageable : easy to conduct; docile
manufacturer : one who makes or fabricates from raw materials
marital : relating to a husband
marshal : a sheriff; a pursuivant
martial : military; adapted to war
martyr : one who suffers acutely; torture
marvelous : exciting wonder; incredible
masquerade : a disguise; to cover with a mask
massive : weighty; heavy; bulky
mastery : eminent skill; dominion; preeminence
masticate : to grind with the teeth; chew
matinee : a reception, musical, or dramatic performance held in the daytime
maturity : full development; ripeness
meandrous : winding; sinuous; flexuous
measurable : capable of being measured
medieval : pertaining to or characteristic of the middle ages
mediocre : of medium excellence; ordinary
memorandum : note to assist memory; summary or outline
mendacity : falsehood; habitual lying
mendicity : practice of habit of begging
mentor : teacher; wise counselor
mercenary : one who serves for pay; sordid
merchandise : goods, wares, etc. bought and sold
meteoric : transitorily brilliant
middling : of middle rank, size, etc., moderate
mileage : length in miles
millionaire : one very rich; one worth a million
mineralogy : the science of minerals
minute : very small; 1/6Oth part of an hour or of a degree; memorandum; precise
mobile : movable
moderate : keep within bounds; reasonable; calm
molasses : treacle, dark colored sirup
mollify : to calm; make tender; assuage
monarchy : kingdom or empire
monetary : pertaining to money
moneyed : possessed of money; wealthy
moneys : coins; specie; wealth
monopoly : exclusive possession or control
morbid : gloomy; gruesome; grisly
mortification : humiliation; vexation; chagrin
mosquito : a two-winged insect, the female of which has a long proboscis which punctures skin and
extracts blood; very annoying to man and animal, carries germs of malaria, yellow fever
mountaineer : one dwelling among mountains
mounrful : doleful; sad
multiplication : process of increasing in number
municipal : pertaining to local self-government
munificent : bountiful
munition : to provide with munitions
munition : to provide with munitions
musician : one singing or playing musical instrument
mutilate : render imperfect; maim
mysterious : obscure; incomprehensible
mythology : the science of legends
naivete : natural; unaffected simplicity or ingenuousness
narcotic : a medicine to alleviate pain and induce sleep
naturalization : act of investing foreigner with privileges of natural-born citizens
nauseate : loathe; to feel disgust
nautical : pertaining to ships, sailors, or navigation; maritime
naval : consisting of ships, maritime
navel : depression in center part of abdomen indicating where umbilical cord was joined to
fetus; umbilicus
navigation : act of steering or managing in sailing
nebulous : cloudy; hazy; misty
necessity : compulsion; extreme poverty
negotiate : to treat with others in business or private affairs; sell
neither : not the one nor the other
neutral : unbiased; indifferent
nevertheless : notwithstanding; in spite of that
nickel : a grayish-white ductile metal; a five-cent coin; an alloy of nickel and copper
noisome : injurious to health; disgusting
nonchalance : coolness; indifferent
nondescript : abnormal; novel; odd
noxious : poisonous
oaf : a stupid person; a dolt
oasis : a fertile spot in a barren, sandy desert
obdurate : hardened in heart or feelings, especially against moral influence
obedience : submission to authority; dutifulness
obeisance : a bow or curtsey
obituary : a register of deaths
objectionable : liable or open to opposition; reprehensible
obligation : the binding power of a vow, promise or contract
obliging : complaisant; civil or courteous
obliterate : to efface or wear out; destroy; leaving no trace
oblivious : forgetful
obnoxious : hateful; offensive; unpopular
obsequious : servile; comply to excess
obsession : the state of being possessed by one idea to the exclusion of others
obstacle : a hindrance; an impediment
obstinacy : the state or quality of being stubborn; stubbornness
obtrusive : inclined or apt to intrude
obtuse : not pointed or acute: denoting an angle greater than a right angle
occasion : opportunity; state of affairs
occupancy : the act of taking and holding in possession
occupy : fill or cover; employ
occurrence : an accident, event, or incident
oddity : a person or thing that is peculiar; eccentricity; strangeness
odious : offensive; unpopular
offensive : annoying; disagreeable; disgusting
officious : too forward in offering services; meddling
omelet : eggs beaten with milk or water and fried
omnipotence : unlimited power
omnivorous : feeding upon animal and vegetable food; all-devouring
oneself : the reflexive form of the indefinite pronoun one
opaque : not transparent
operation : mission; process; performance
opinion : belief or judgment
opponent : antagonistic; opposite; adverse
opportune : well-times, seasonable
ordinary : usual; customary; plain
ovation : an enthusiastic demonstration of public esteem
overbearing : arrogant; tyrannical
overwhelm : to crush; to destroy utterly
pacify : to calm or appease, assuage
pageant : a theatrical show or spectacle
pagination : the marking, numbering, or making into pages
palatial : royal; magnificent
palaver : a public conference; chatter
pallid : pale; wan
palmy : flourishing; prosperous
palpable : easily perceived; obvious
palsy : paralysis; to paralyze
pantomime : a representation in dumb show
parable : an allegorical method of conveying instruction by means of a table or short fictitious narrative
paradox : a tenet contrary to received opinions
paraffin : a white crystalline substance obtained by distallation from wood, shale, etc.
parallel : lying side by side, corresponding
paralysis : loss of the power of sensation or voluntary motion of parts of body
paralyze : to affect with paralysis; unnerve
paraphernalia : ornaments of dress generally; equipmetn; trappings
paraphrase : a free translation of explanation
parasite : a hanger on, an animal or plant nourished by another to which it attaches itself
parenthesis : an explanatory word or clause inserted in a sentence, which is grammatically complete
without it
parliament : a legislative assembly in British colonies
parody : a burlesque imitation of a serious poem
parole : early release from sentence
partiality : the state or quality of being partial
passenger : one who travles in or on a conveyance; one who passes
pastoral : pertaining to shepherds, hence rural
paternal : pertaining to, or exhibiting the characteristics of a father; hereditary
patronage : specials support
pecuniary : monetary
penance : repentance, self imposed suffering, as an expression of contrition for sin
pendant : an earring or locket; a pennant
penetrate : to pierce into; enter; reach the mind
penitence : sorrow for sin; state of being penitent
penitentiary : a state prison; a house of correction
pensive : thoughtful; sad
perceive : understand; discern
periodical : published or appearing from time to time
perishable : something tending to deteriorate; mortal
permanence : state or quality of being durable; duration
permeate : to penetrate and pass through the pores or interstices of
permissible : that may be permitted
pernicious : highly injurious or hurtful; destructive
perpendicular : standing at right angles to a given line or surface; perfectly upright
perpetrate : to commit; perform; in a bad sense
perpetuate : to make perpetual, preserve from extinction or oblivion
perseverance : the act of being persistent
personnel : the body of person employed in any public service, especially the Army and Navy
perspective : effect of distance upon the appearance of objects; a vista or view
persuasion : settled belief; accepted creed
photographic : pertaining to or produced by photography
pierce : affect deeply; explore; dive into
piteous : exciting pity; sorrowful; sad
placate : to appease; satisfy; conciliate
plagiarism : the act of stealing from the writing of another and passing as one’s own
plaintive : expressing grief or sorrow; sad
platoon : two files of soldiers forming a sub-division of a military unit
pleasantry : merriment; lively talk; gaiety
plethora : excess of red corpuscles in the blood
pneumonia : acute inflammation of the lungs
poignancy : state of being poignant
pomposity : the state of being pompous
pompous : stately; grand; self-important; ostentatious
ponderous : very heavy; weighty; important; dull
populous : thickly peopled
porcelain : a fine, white, thin, semi-transparent kinf od earthenware
portentous : ominous; foreshadowing evil; wondrous
portraiture : describing in words or portraits
possession : the thing possessed
possibility : the state of being possible; contingency
posterity : succeeding generations; descendants; the future
posthumous : following after one’s death
potential : latent; possibility
practitioner : one who is engaged in the excercise of any profession, especially medicine or law
precarious : depending upon the will or pleasure of another; uncertain
precede : to go before in time, place, rank, etc.
precedence : priority; relative rank in social etiquette
precedent : going before; anterior; a parallel case in the past
precinct : an outward limit or boundary; minor territorial district
precipitate : to throw headlong; urge on violently; overhasty; rash
precipitous : very steep; rash; hasty; headlong
predilection : preference beforehand; prepossession; partiality
predominant : having superior influence, etc., superior, controlling
prejudice : prejudgement without due examination; detriment; injury
preliminary : introductory, something preceding
preparatory : previously necessary; introductory
prepossessing : tending to win or secure favor, attractive
prestige : moral influence due to past reputation, achievements, etc.
presumption : strong probability; over confidence or arrogance
pretentious : assuming an air of superiority
principal : occupying the first place or rank; essential; a capital sum lent at interest
privilege : peculiar advantage; right or immunity; prerogative; exempt
probably : likely to occur; supposedly; presumably
proceed : advance; issue; carryon a legal process
prodigal : lavish; wasteful; a spendthrift
professor : one who teaches in higher education
proficiency : degree of advancement in any branch of knowledge, science or art
proficient : thoroughly qualified or skilled; expert or adept
profusion : lavishness; excess; abundance
progressive : moving forward; improving
propeller : one who, or that which, propels
prophecy : prediction of something to take place in the future, especially by divine inspiration
prophesy : to foretell future events, especially by divine inspiration; preach
prophetic : predictive
propitious : favorable; disposed to be merciful
proposition : an offer of terms; proposal
proprietary : manufactured by one who has exclusive rights to make and sell such articles
prosecute : accused of a crime before a legal tribunal
prospectus : an outline of proposed undertaking; sketch, or plan
protrude : to project; thrust forward
provident : careful for the future; economical
provisional : provided for present use; temporary
proximity : nearness; closeness
psychology : mental philosophy; metaphysics
punctilious : exact to excess; scrupulous
pungent : piercing; biting; sarcastic; caustic
purport : meaning; design; signification
purpose : design; end or aim desired
quack : the cry of a duck; charlatan
quadruplets : a collection or combination of four
quaff : to drink luxuriously
quake : to tremble or shake; be agitated
qualification : any quality, endowment, or acquirement which fits a person for any office or
occupation; restriction
qualify : render legally capable; make fit; moderate
quantity : large portion, sum or mass
quarrel : an angry dispute; altercation
quash : to crush; subdue suddenly or completely; render void; annul
quicken : to impart life; Vivify; stimulate
quiescence : response or rest; mental quietude
quietude : repose, tranquility
quietus : rest, death; knockout blow
quintessence : the pure concentrated essence of anything; vital or essential part
quintuplets : five children in the same parturition
quip : a gibe; jest; a sneering remark
quota : part or share assigned to each
quotation : current price; that which is quoted
rabble : a noisy crowd or mob, especially of the law orders
racketeer : a gangster; desperado; outlaw
radiance : brilliant brightness; splendor
radical : fundamental; extreme; original
rage : excessive and uncontrolled anger; vehemence; enthusiasm
rally : reunite; recover strength; good humored
ramification : subdivision; manner of producing branches
rampant : overleapinf restraint or natural bounds; unchecked; widespread
rancor : implacable enmity; deep spite or malice
random : chance, done haphazardly
ransack : to search minutely; rummage; plunder
rarity : a scarce article; exceptional; excellence; incomparable
ratify : to approve and sanction; establish
reactionary : one opposed to political progress
recapitulate : to go over, or summarize
recede : to fall back or retrograde; retreat
receipt : written acknowledgement of anythign received
recipient : one who receives; receiving
reciprocal : mutual; alternating; mutually interchangeable
rectify : correct; remedy
recognition : remembrance; recollection
recoil : to retreat; draw back
recommend : to commend to another; introduce favorably; advise
recompense : reward; compensation; repay or requite
recuperation : recovery
redeem : make good use ofl recover; rescue
redundant : repetitive; verbosity
referendum : the referring of a bill or act of the legislature to the people for decision by vote
refinement : elegance; polish
reflex : bent or turned back; directed backwards, reflective
refrain : to restrain; forbear; abstain from action
refrigeration : act of cooling
refugee : one who flees for protection, especially from political or religious persecution
regale : feast sumptuously; to feast
regardless : heedless; negligent
regime : mode; system or rule of government, social or political
regiment : a number of companies of soldiers united into one body under the command of a colonel
registration : enrollment, as of voters or students
rehabilitate : to restore to former condition or status
rehearse : tell or narrate
reign : to exercise sovereign authority; rule
reimburse : to refund
reinforce : to strengthen by addition
reins : the kidneys; inner parts; bridal strap
reiterate : to repeat; say over again
rejuvenate : to make youthful again
relapse : to fall back from a state of convalescence
relaxation : diminution of tension; diversion or recreation
religious : godly, pious; bonded by monastic vows; devotional
reminiscence : a recovery of ideas; memory
remittance : the sending of money; bills, etc. in payment
remorseless : cruel; merciless
remunerate : to reward as an equivalent for service; recompense
renaissance : any revival or new birth; especially an improvement along artistic lines
reorganize : to organize anew
reparation : restoration to a good condition; restitution
repetition : recital from memory; the act of repeating
reprehensible : deserving censure; culpable
representation : statement of arguments or reasons, portrayal, description likeness
reprieve : temporary suspension of a criminal sentence; to grant a respite to
repudiate : to disown or disclaim; disavow
repugnance : aversion; reluctance; dislike
request : desire expressed; prayer; demand
residence : a place of abode; domicile
resign : to yield to another; surrender formally; withdraw from
resolution : fixed determination; solution; analysis; state of being resolved
respectable : held in good repute
respite : delay; interval of rest; reprieve
responsibility : that for which one is responsible or accountable
resuscitate : to revive from apparent death; revivify
retaliate : to return by giving like for like
retinue : attendants of a prince or person of distinction
retreat : retirement or seclusion; shelter
retrench : to furnish with curtailment; cut down expenses
retrieve : to recover; restore; regain
retroactive : tending to operate backward; restrospective
reunion : festive gathering of familiar friends or associates; act if reuniting
revelry : boisterous festivity
reverence : veneration; a title given to clergy; act of obeisance; respect; honor
rhythm : the harmonious recurrence of sound, accent, and movement
ridiculous : deserving or exciting ridicule; preposterous; absurd; droll
righteous : just; equitable; honest; holy; deserved
rigmarole : foolish; disconnected talk
ritual : body of rites used in the church
rivet : a short metal bolt clinched by hammering; clinch; make firm, secure
rogue : a dishonest person; knave; cheat
rollicking : jovial; careless; swaggering
rotunda : a circular domed building
rousing : stirring; exciting; startling
rout : tumultuous crowd; to root up; uproar
route : course; journey; march
routine : regular habit or practice
rubbish : mixed or waste fragments; ruins of building; nonsense
ruffian : a brutal, boisterous fellow; any base, low character, as a robber, etc.
rupture : to burst
sable : a kind of weasel valued for its handsome dark glossy fur; black
sabotage : wanton destruction of employers’ property by workers during labor troubles
saccharine : producing sugar; sweet
sachet : a small bag or cushion filled with perfume
sacrifice : goods sold at a loss; devote with loss; kill
sacrilegious : violating sacred things; profane
sagacious : judicious; wise; acute
salable : marketable
salacious : lustful; impure
salmon : a marine fish which ascends fresh water rivers to spawn
saltpeter : potassium nitrate; nitre
salutary : healthful; wholesome; beneficient
sanatorium : a health retreat
sanctuary : part of a church around the altar
sanguine : hopeful; confident; blood color
sapient : wise; sagacious
sarcasm : bitter, cutting, satirical expression
sardonic : forced, bitter or heartless, said of a laugh or smile
satanic : diabolical; infernal; malicious
satellite : small planetrevolving around a large one
satiety : fullness or gratification beyond desire
satisfactory : giving gratification or content
saturate : to soak
savory : mint; pleasing to taste or smell
scanty : narrow; barely sufficient
scaramouch : a boastful coward; a poltron
scepter : royal mace; a staff borne by a sovereign as the emblem of authority
scoundrel : a man without honor or virtue; low; mean; base
scourge : to whip severely
scruple : hesitation, especially from conscientious motives
scrupulous : conscientious; exact; careful
scrutinize : to inspect or examine closely
scurrilous : foul-mouthed; mean; vile
secern : to secrete; to distinguish, discriminate
sedate : calm; composed; serious; sober
sedative : assuaging pain
sedentary : remaining in one place; inactive
sediment : the matter which subsides or settles at the bottom of a liquid; dregs; lees
sedulous : steadily industrious an persevering in business or endeavor; diligent; untiring
seethe : to boil; to be hot
segregate : to separate from others or from a mass
seniority : the state or quality of being senior
sensibility : delicacy of feeling
sensuous : connected with sensible objects; full of passion
sentiment : thought prompted by passion or feeling; emotion; sensibility
separable : capable of being separated or divided
sepulcher : place of burial; entomb; bury
sequel : succeeding part or result; consequence; continuation
sequence : order of succession; series; result
sergeant : a police officer next below a captain
serviceable : useful; beneficial
sheathe : encase with a protecting covering
shriek : a sharp, shrill outcry
shuffle : slovenly; irregular gait; prevaricate; evade fair questions
shun : to avoid; escape from; neglect
shyster : one who carried on legal business in a mean and tricky manner
sieve : a utensil for seperating the finer from the coarser parts of a substance
signature : sign manual; name of a person written by himself
similarity : likeness; resemblance
simultaneous : happening, done, or existing at the same time
sinister : inauspicious; evil; dishonest
skeleton : framework of anything; outline
skirmish : contest; fight irregularly
skulk : avoid work in a cowardly manner; lurk
slaughter : great destruction of life by violence; carnage
slink : sneak off; a coward; a sneak
slippery : unstable; smooth; cunning
slipshod : wearing shoes or slippers down at the heel; slovenly
slouch : ungainly, clownish gait
slovenly : lacking neatness or order
sluggard : one who is habitually lazy and idle
sluice : wet copiously
smattering : superficial knowledge
smirch : to smear; to soil; make dirty
smirk : to smile affectedly or conceitedly
smoky : tranished or noisome with smoke
smolder : to burn slowly or smoke without vent; exist in a sitfled condition
smooth : not rough; glossy; even surfaced; flattering; render easy; calm; regulate; suave, polished
smother : to destroy the lift of by suffocation; suppress or conceal; stifle; stifling smoke or thick dust
smudge : a smear or stain; suffocating smoke; a smoldering fire for keeping off mosquitoes; blacken
with smoke
sneak : slink; steal; a mean servile fellow; petty thief
sociable : companionable; affable
social : inclined to friendly intercourse and conversation; convivial; a party or social function
society : fraternity; company
sociology : social science
sojourn : to dwell for a time; a temporary residence
soldier : man of military skill
solemn : inspiring awe; serious; devout
solicitor : a person legally qualified to act for another in a court of law; an attorney
somersault : a leap in which a person turns with his heels over head
sonorous : resonant; loud-sounding; vocal
sooth : truth; reality; trustworthy; true
soothe : to comfort; allay; pacify; assuage
sophisticated : worldly-wise; experienced in worldy affairs
sordid : mean; vile; meanly avaricious
soul : disembodied spirit; conscience
souvenir : a momento or keepsake
sovereign : supreme in power; royal
sparkling : glittering; flashing; brilliant
specialty : that for which a person is noted and distinguished
specific : definite or particular; precise
specimen : a part of something to show the quality; a sample
spectacle : pageant; exhibition
speculative : contemplative; theoretical; risky
spendthrift : prodigal; extravagant
spiritual : incorporeal; not material; holy
sponge ; an absorbent pad; parasite; erase
sprawl : to stretch the body carelessly when in a horizontal position; lie
spread : propagate; scatter; open; emit
squeal : a sharp, shrill, prolonged sound
squeeze : crush; compress; embrace forcibly
squirm : to wriggle; writhe
stability : firmness of character; fixedness
stagnant : motionless; not brisk; torpid; dull
stalwart : sturdy; tall and stout; brave
stamina : backbone; power of endurance; tone and vigor of the animal system
stampede : any sudden flight ot rush; to start off in a panic
standardize : to cause to conform to a standard; to regulat in conformity to a standard
standing : duration; maintenance of position; reputation; stagnant; established ot settled; fixed
staple : principal element or topic; raw material; loop of metal for holding a bolt, etc.
stationar y : fixed; not moving; not improving
stationery : stationer’s articles
statistics : a compilation of figures pertaining to various public departments, or interests as
domestic economy, etc.
statue : the representation of a person, animal or any living being sculptured or modeled in
some solid material
status : condition; social standing of place
statute : written law
steady : regular; unwavering; reliable
stealthy : clandestine; sly
stereotyped : mechanical; trite; hackneyed
stifle : to suffocate; smother; extinguish
stipulate : to arrange or settle definitely or by special agreement
strait : narrow; not broad; difficulty
stratagem :trick or method used in military
strategic : direction of a campaign
strategy : use of artifice in carrying out some design or advantage
strategem : a device for defeating an enemy
strenuous : ardent; zealous; strong; valiant
strychnine : a highly poisonous alkaloid extracted from nux vomica
stupefy : make stupid; dull
stupendous : astonishing; of great size or degree
subjective : derived from one’s own consciousness
subordinate : one who is inferior to another in rank, etc.; render subject
subsequent : followlnq or coming after in time or order; posterior
subsidiary : auxiliary; furnishing assistance
subsidy : public grant to aid an enterprise for public convenience
subtle : artful; insinuating; crafty
succession : act of following in order; lineage
succumb : to yield; submit; sink; die
suffocate : to choke by stopping respiration; smother; stifle
suffrage : vote, or right to vote, franchise
suicidal : pertaining to, or partaking of suicide
sumptuous : expensive; costly; magnificent
sundry : various; several
superb : grand; stately; first-rate; proud
supercilious : haughty; disdainful; overbearing
superficial : slight; not deep; unlearned; pertaining to or being on the surface
superfluous : more than enough or necessary; excessive
superintendent : overseer; one who directs
superscription : the address on a letter or parcel
supersede : to set aside or render null and void by superior power; come into, or take the place of
surcharge : any unlawful charge; to give an excessive load
surreptitious : done by stealth or fraud; unauthorized
susceptibility : impressibility; sensibility
suspicion : distrust; want of confidence; hint
swivel : something fixed in another body so as to turn round in it
syllable : that pary of a word that can be uttered distinctly by a single effort of the voice
synthesis : composition; or putting of two or more things together
tabulation : act of arranging ideas
tackle : implements of gear; to harness
tact : nice discernment and delicate skill in saying and doing exactly what is expedient or suitable
in given circumstances
tactician : one skilled in tactics
tactics : any method of procedure
tactile : tangible, pertaining to touch
taint : corruption; disgrace; infect
tally : a label or tag; to be fitted; match
tantalize : to tease or torment by exciting hopes or fears which will not be realized
tantamount : equivalent in value or signification
tattle : prate; tell tales or secrets
tautology : sameness of words or meaning
tawny : of a yellowish-brown color
technical : particular training, trade or procedure
teeming : prolific; overflowing
temerity : foolhardiness; rashness, precipitancy
temperance : patience; sobriety; total abstinence
tendency : direction or course; inclination
tension : mental strain; expansive or elastic force
tentative : experimental; attempt; conjecture
tenuous : slender; not dense; insignificant
territory : large tract of land
texture : manner of weaving; web; tissue
thenceforward : onward from that time or place
theoretical : not practical; speculative
thereabouts : near that place, quantity, or degree, etc.
thermometer : an instrument for measuring temperatures, or the degree of heat of bodies
thoroughbred : of pure and unmixed breed; high-spirited
threaten : terrify by menaces
threshold : sill of a door; entrance; door
ticklish : sensible to slight touches; difficult; delicate to handle or achieve
tidy : trim; neat; orderly
tinker : an unskilled workman; a bungler; mend clumsily
tolerate : to endure, permit, allow so as not to hinder or prohibit
tonnage : carrying capacity of a vessel
topography : the features of a region or locality
torpedo : a submarine minel kind of firework
torpid : numb; inactive; dormant
tortoise : a land or fresh-water turtle; a testudo
tortuous : crooked; underhand; deceitful
traction : rolling friction, as of wheels on a track; attraction
tragedy : an event in which human lives are lost by murderous violence, or some catastrophe
tragic : calamitous; fatal; terrible
transact : carry through; negotiate
transcendent : that which is surpassingly great
transgression : the act of violating any law or rule of moral duty; fault; offense; sin
trasnmission : passage through; the things transmitted
transparent : having the property of transmitting rays of light; clear
transpose : to change the place or order of, by putting eacg in the place of the other
travail : labor with pain; parturition; severe toil
treacherous : perfidious; faithless
tread : to step or walk with a more or less stately or measured step; run of a ladder; a step
treasurer : one who has charge of collected funds
treatise : a written composition on some particular subject, in which its principles are discussed
or explained
trenchant : sharp; keen; severe
tribune : a bench or elevated place; a bishop’s throne
tribute : personal contribution made in token of services rendered or acknowledgement due
trickery : deception; cheating; imposture; fraud
trillion : in the U.S. and France, a unit followed by twelve ciphers
triumph : state of joy at success; victory
trouble : to worry; be agitated
trousseau : a bride’s outfit
trustee : a person to whom property or management of property is committed for the benefit of others
tuition : instruction; fee for instruction
tumultuous : disorderly; agitated
turpentine : the resinous or viscid juice of pine and fir trees
typography : arrangement of composed type
ulterior : lying beyond or on the further side
ultimate : being the last; farthest; final
ultimatum : final conditions offered as the basis of an agreement, prior to the declaration of hostilities
unbiased : unprejudiced; not favoring either side or party, or opinion
unimpeachabl e : free from accusation or blame
unmanageable : beyond control
unnatural : not in accordance with the laws of nature
unrivaled : without a rival; alone in a class
unwitting : not aware; without knowledge of
usurp : to take possession of by force, or without right; applied to seizure and use of office, powers,
rights, etc.
utility : usefulness; intrinsic value
vacillate : be unsteady; waver
vacuum : space devoid of all matter; a void
vagary : a wild freak; whim
vague : indefinite; unsettled
valid : having legal force; sound
vanguard : the advance guard of an army
vanquish : to conquer; subdue; refute in argument
variance : difference; quarrel
variety : diversity; change; variation
vehement : passionate; ardent; energetic
velocity : speed; rate of movement of a body
ventilator : a contrivance for regulating the free admission of air
verbatim : word for word
verify : to prove to be true; fulfill
vermilion : a brilliant red pigment obtained from cinnabar; the cochineal insect
versatile : many-sided; variable
version : a translation from one language to another
vertica l : directly overhead; perpendicular to the plane of the horizon
vessel : recipient; instrument; ship
vestige : a mark left in passing; track
vexatious : annoying; troublesome; harassing
vicinity : proximity; an adjacent place or region
vicious : corrupt in moral principles of conduct; faulty; unruly; spiteful
vicissitude : change; alteration
vigilant : alert; watchful
vilify : to defame; debase by slander
villain : a criminal; rogue; scoundrel; a serf or feudal tenant of the lowest class
violate : to transgress; break forcibly; disturb; injure; desecrate
violence : physical or moral force; vehemence
virtually : practically
visible : in view; obvious; apparent; perceptible by the eye
visionary : unreal; an unpractical schemer
vitiate : to render faulty or defective; taint; deprave; annul
vivacious : lively; gay
vivid : lifelike; realistic; forming brilliant images
volatile : diffusing freely; lively; sprightly
voucher : one who gives attestation or witness; certify
vulnerable : capable of being wounded
waive : to give up a claim to; to forego
warehouse : a building for storing goods
warranty : guarantee; security; authorization
waterproof : impervious to water; a raincoat
waylay : to beset by the road or in ambush
weather : state of the atmosphere with regard to cold, heat, wet, dryness, etc.
weird : supernatural; caused by magical influence; a spell or charm
wharf : quay or erection on the shore of a harbor, river, etc. for discharging or taking in cargoes,
passengers, etc.
wheedle : to entice with flattering words; coax
whereabouts : near what place? about where?
whereas : when in fact or truth; since seeing that
whether : if it be the truth or fact; introduces an indirect question
whimsical : fantastical; odd in appearance
whirl : to turn around rapidly; twirl
whistle : to make a shrill sound by forcing the breath through the contarcted lips; a small wind instrument
wholesale : buying or selling large quantities
wield : control or sway; handle
willful : stubborn; inflexible; intentional
woebegone : unhappy; dilapidated; desolate
wrench : strain; a violent twist; instrument for turning or unloosening nuts, bolts, pipe joints, etc.
writhe : to twist with violence; pervert; to contort the body
yacht : a light and quick-sailing vessel used for pleasure or racing
yawn : an involuntary opening of the jaws through drowsiness
yearn : to feel an earnest desire
yield : to submit; produce; concede; comply
yonder : that place; there
youngster : a young person; lad
zeal : ardor or enthusiasm in the pursuit of a desire; eager attention
zenith : the point in the heavens directly over the head of the spectator
zero : nothing; a cipher; the numeral 0
zest : relish; keen enjoyment; peel
zigzag : having short, sharp turns
zircon : a heavy, hard, sparkling mineral