Computer-Based General Test
Structure of the Computer-Based General Test
The computer-based General Test contains four sections, one of which is an unidentified pretest section that can appear in any position in the test after the analytical writing section. Questions in the pretest section are being tested for possible use in future tests and answers will not count toward your scores. An identified research section that is not scored may also be included and this section would always appear in the final section of the test. Questions in the research section are included for the purpose of ETS research and answers will not count toward your scores.
Total testing time is up to 3 1/4 hours, not including the research section. The directions at the beginning of each section specify the total number of questions in the section and the time allowed for the section. The analytical writing section will always be first. For the Issue task, two topics will be presented and you will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead, one topic will be presented. The verbal and quantitative sections may appear in any order, including an unidentified verbal or quantitative pretest section. Treat each section presented during your test as if it counts.
Typical Computer-Based GRE General Test
Section Number of Questions Time
Analytical Writing 1 Issue task* 45 min.
1 Argument task* 30 min.
Verbal 30 30 min.
Quantitative 28 45 min.
Pretest** Varies Varies
Research*** Varies Varies
* For the Issue task, two essay topics will be presented and you will choose one. The Argument task does not present a choice of topics; instead one topic will be presented.
** An unidentified verbal or quantitative pretest section may be included and may appear in any order after the analytical writing section. It is not counted as part of your score.
*** An identified research section that is not scored may be included and it will always be at the end of the test.
Modified Versions of Verbal and Quantitative Questions
The test you take may include questions that are modified versions of published questions or of questions you have already seen on an earlier section of the test. Some modifications are substantial; others are less apparent. Thus, even if a question appears to be similar to a question you have already seen, it may in fact be a different question and may also have a different correct answer. You can be assured of doing your best on the test you take by paying careful attention to the wording of each question as it appears in your test.
The GRE Program is currently investigating the feasibility of reusing questions that have been published in GRE practice materials. As part of that investigation, you may see questions from these materials on a test you take.
How Does the Computer-Based General Test Work?
Analytical Writing Section
The 2 writing tasks are delivered on the computer, and you must word process your responses.
For the Issue task, you will be able to choose 1 of 2 essay topics selected by the computer from the pool of topics.
The Argument task does not offer a choice of topics; the computer will present you with a single topic selected from the topic pool.
The testing software uses an elementary word processor developed by ETS so that individuals familiar with a specific commercial word processing software do not have an advantage or disadvantage. The software contains the following functionalities: inserting text, deleting text, cut and paste, undoing the previous action, and scrolling. Tools such as a spelling checker and grammar checker are not available in the software, in large part to maintain fairness with those examinees who handwrite essays at paper-based administrations.
Verbal and Quantitative Sections
The verbal and quantitative sections of the General Test are adaptive tests; that is, they are tailored to your performance level and provide precise information about your abilities using fewer test questions than traditional paper-based tests. At the start of each section, you are presented with test questions of middle difficulty. As you answer each question, the computer scores that question and uses that information, as well as your responses to any preceding questions and information about the test design, to determine which question is presented next. As long as you respond correctly to each question, questions of increased difficulty typically will be presented. When you respond incorrectly, the computer typically will present you with questions of lesser difficulty. Your next question will be the one that best reflects both your previous performance and the requirements of the test design. This means that different test takers will be given different questions.
Because the computer scores each question before selecting the next one, you must answer each question when it is presented. For this reason, once you answer a question and move on to another, you cannot go back and change your answer. The computer has already incorporated both your answer and requirements of the test design into its selection of the next question for you.
Each computer-based test section meets preestablished specifications, including the types of questions asked and the subject matter presented. The statistical characteristics of the questions answered correctly and incorrectly, including the difficulty levels, are taken into account in the calculation of the score. Therefore, it is appropriate to compare scores of different test takers even though they received different questions.
ETS has conducted research studies indicating that verbal and quantitative scores on the computer-based General Test are comparable to verbal and quantitative scores earned on the paper-based General Test.
On the Test Day
Report to the test center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment for check-in procedures. If you arrive late, you may not be admitted and your test fee will be forfeited. Plan to be at the test center up to 4 hours.
What to take to the test center:
* your authorization voucher if you registered by mail
* acceptable and valid identification with signature and photo
At the test center:
* Dress so that you can adapt to any room temperature.
* Test centers do not have large waiting areas. Friends or relatives who accompany you to the test center will not be permitted to wait in the test center or be in contact with you while you are taking the test. Except for ETS-authorized observers, visitors are not allowed in the testing room while testing is in progress.
* ID verification at the test center may include thumbprinting, photographing, videotaping, or other form of electronic ID confirmation. If you refuse to participate, you will not be permitted to test and you will forfeit your test fee. This is in addition to the requirement that you must present acceptable and valid identification.
* Other than ID, personal items are not allowed in the testing room. Before the test, you will be assigned a locker or receive instructions from test center staff regarding where you must deposit items such as cell phones, pagers, handbags, and study materials (cell phones are not permitted on the writing surface). You may also be asked to empty your pockets. Storage space is limited, so plan accordingly. You may not have access to your personal items during the test or break.
* Test centers assume no responsibility for candidates’ personal belongings.
* The test administrator/supervisor will assign you a seat.
* On occasion, weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the test administrator’s or ETS’s control may require a delayed start or the rescheduling of your test appointment. In the event that a technical problem at the test center makes it necessary to cancel your test session, or if it is later determined that your scores could not be reported, you will be offered the opportunity to schedule another test appointment free of charge or receive a full refund of the original test fee. In addition, you may seek reimbursement from ETS for reasonable and documented expenses associated with traveling to the test center, even though technical problems are generally not the fault of ETS. To request reimbursement, contact ETS with the following information within 30 days of your original appointment: your name, date of birth, mailing address, daytime telephone number, e-mail address, original test date and registration or CBT appointment number, and a brief description of what occurred at the test center. All reimbursements will be made in U.S. dollars.
Test Center Procedures and Regulations
The following procedures and regulations apply during the entire test session, which begins at sign-in, ends at sign-out, and includes breaks.
* If you requested and received an authorization voucher from ETS, you must take it with you to the test center.
* You will be required to write (not print) and sign a confidentiality statement at the test center. If you do not complete and sign the statement, you cannot test and your fees will NOT be refunded.
* You will be required to sign the test center log before and after the test session and any time you leave or enter the testing room.
* The administrator will provide you with scratch paper that may be replaced after you have used all pages of the scratch paper initially given to you. You may not take your own scratch paper to the test, nor may you remove scratch paper from the testing room at any time. Scratch paper is provided to assist test takers in working out problems and for appropriate note taking during timed sections of the test. Scratch paper should NOT be used during untimed sections or during breaks.
* If you need to leave your seat at any time other than the break, raise your hand; timing of the section will not stop.
* If at any time during the test you have a problem with your computer, or for any reason need the administrator, raise your hand.
* Testing premises are subject to videotaping.
* The GRE General Test includes an optional 10-minute break after the analytical writing section. This break time cannot be exceeded.
* The maximum time allotted for the tutorial and/or other untimed sections prior to the test is 30 minutes. The purpose of the tutorial and/or other untimed sections prior to the test is to become familiar with the computer functions and other important information that will make your computer-based test experience as convenient as possible. The time you spend on the tutorial and/or other untimed sections should not be used for any other purpose. You may not use scratch paper during this time. Infractions will be reported to ETS, and the test administrator is authorized to dismiss you from the test administration if you fail to follow the test administrator’s directions.
Although tests are administered under strict supervision and security measures, testing irregularities may sometimes occur. Please contact us as soon as possible to report any observed behavior that may lead to an invalid score — for example, someone copying from another test taker, taking a test for someone else, having access to test questions before the exam, or using notes or unauthorized aids. All information will be held in strictest confidence.
Phone: 1-800-353-8570 (United States only)
Fax: 1-609-406-9709
E-mail/Internet: TSReturns@ets.org
Dismissal From A Test Center
A test administrator/supervisor is authorized to dismiss you from a test session and/or your scores may be canceled by ETS for violations such as, but not limited to, the following:
* attempting to take the test for someone else or having someone else take the test for you
* failing to provide acceptable identification
* obtaining improper access to the test, a part of the test, or information about the test
* using a telephone or cellular phone during the test session or during breaks
* using any aids in connection with the test, such as: mechanical pencils, pens, pagers, beepers, calculators, watch calculators, books, pamphlets, notes, rulers, highlighter pens, stereos or radios with headphones, telephones, cell phones, watch alarms (including those with flashing lights or alarm sounds), stop watches, dictionaries, translators, and any hand-held electronic or photographic devices.
* creating a disturbance (disruptive behavior in any form will not be tolerated; the test administrator/supervisor has sole discretion in determining what constitutes disruptive behavior)
* attempting to give or receive assistance —or otherwise communicate in any manner with another person about the content of the test during the administration, during breaks, or after the test.
* removing or attempting to remove test content from the test center. Under no circumstances may test content or any part of the test content be removed, reproduced, and/or disclosed by any means (e.g., hard copy, verbally, electronically) to any person or entity.
* tampering with a computer
* attempting to remove scratch paper from the computer-based testing room or using scratch paper during untimed sections of the test or during breaks
* bringing a weapon or firearm into the test center
* bringing food, drink, or tobacco into the testing room
* leaving the test center vicinity during the test session or during breaks
* leaving the testing room without permission
* taking excessive or extended unscheduled breaks during the test session. Test center supervisors are required to strictly monitor unscheduled breaks and report test takers who take excessive or extended breaks.
* referring to, looking through, or working on any test, or test section, when not authorized to do so, or working after time has been called
* failing to follow any of the test administration regulations contained in the Bulletin, given by the test administrator/supervisor, or specified in any test materials
ETS reserves the right to take all action —including, but not limited to, barring you from future testing and/or canceling your scores—for failure to comply with test administration regulations or the test administrator/supervisor’s directions. If your scores are canceled, they will not be reported, and your fees will not be refunded.
Test-Taking Strategies
We strongly urge you to carefully review the following information as you prepare for your test and before you arrive at the test center. It could help improve your performance on the test.
Become familiar with the test before test day. It is always best to know as much as possible about what to expect before you arrive at the test center. Thoroughly read this section of our Web site to learn about the purpose of the test, the content of the questions, test day procedures, and test preparation strategies and materials.
Once you know what to expect on your test, it’s time to practice. Review the free POWERPREP software sent to you upon registration. For additional practice, try answering the free, interactive sample questions or download the Math Review (in PDF format) or the full-length paper-based GRE Practice General Test (in PDF format).
For the analytical writing section, the software will give you advice about how to write effective essays for the Issue and Argument tasks. It will also let you practice writing essay responses under simulated testing conditions. For the verbal and quantitative sections, you should try to answer some sample questions to become familiar with the question format.
Analytical Writing Section
Writing tasks will be delivered on the computer, and you must word process your responses.
Issue Task
The Issue task gives you considerable latitude in the way you respond to the claim made about a given issue. To prepare for this task, try asking yourself the following questions as you review the published list of Issue topics. Practice writing responses on several of the topics, keeping to the 45-minute limit.
* What does the statement mean? What does it imply? What, precisely, is the central issue?
* Do I agree with all or with any part of the statement? Why or why not?
* Is the statement valid only in certain circumstances.
* Do I need to explain how I interpret certain terms or concepts used in the statement?
* If I take a certain position on the issue, what reasons support my position?
* What examples — either hypothetical or drawn from my readings or direct experiences — could I use to illustrate those reasons and advance my point of view? Which examples are most compelling?
* What reasons might someone use to refute or undermine my position? How should I acknowledge or defend against those views?
Argument Task
Because the Argument task is constrained by the line of reasoning in the argument presented to you, be sure to read and analyze the argument carefully. Try asking yourself the following questions as you review the list of published Argument topics, and practice writing responses to several of the topics within the 30-minute time limit.
* What claims, conclusions, and underlying assumptions does the argument make?
* What alternative explanations and counterexamples can I think of?
* What additional evidence might weaken or strengthen the claims?
* What changes in the argument would make the reasoning more sound?
Verbal and Quantitative Sections
IMPORTANT NOTE: Test-taking strategies appropriate for the verbal and quantitative sections of the computer-based General Test are different from those that are appropriate for taking the verbal and quantitative sections of the paper-based General Test. Be sure to follow the appropriate strategies for the testing format in which you will be testing. Computer-based testing strategies should not be used if you take the paper-based test.
* Try to practice test questions under timed conditions so that you get used to the pace of the test. For example, if there are 30 questions in a section and you have a total of 30 minutes to complete the section, give yourself an average of 1 minute to complete each question. When you are practicing, keep your time in mind and remember that if you spend too much time on one question, you will have less time to spend on others.
* Use the computer tutorial to your advantage. The tutorial is included in the GRE POWERPREP software that will be sent to you when you register. The tutorial will let you try out the functions of the computer (e.g., the mouse, the scroll bar) that you will need to use during the test.
When you arrive at the test center on the test day, you will have the opportunity to complete an untimed computer tutorial before the actual test begins. You can spend up to 30 minutes on the tutorial and other untimed sections to become familiar and comfortable with the computer before you start the timed sections of the test.
Once the test is under way, you can always click on “Help” to review the directions or a summary of the tutorial again, but be aware that this will count against your allotted time for that section of the test.
Some questions, graphs, or passages are too large to appear completely on the computer screen. In these cases a “scroll bar” appears to the right of the material and the word “Beginning” appears on the information line at the top of the screen. These are your cues to scroll for more information.
Pace yourself throughout the test — You want to finish!
* Use the resources available for test practicing (test preparation books, software) to become familiar with the test and test instructions before you get to the test center.
* Read the directions carefully before you begin. The directions at the beginning of each test section give you the total number of questions in that section as well as total time allotted for that section.
* Try to budget enough time for each question so that you will be able to complete the test without having to rush at the end of each section. Keep in mind the average amount of time you may want to spend per question.
* Once you start the test, an on-screen clock display will continuously count down the remaining time. You can hide this display if you want, but it is a good idea to check the clock periodically to monitor your progress. The clock will automatically alert you when 5 minutes remain in the allotted time for that section.
* Use your time wisely. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Eliminate the wrong answers and select the best choice. Don’t let yourself get stuck on a tough question and lose time. Keep moving through the test and try to finish each section.
* You may want to use the one-minute break between test sections to replenish your supply of scratch paper. After the analytical writing section, an on-screen message will tell you a 10-minute break is available. Section timing will not stop if you take an unscheduled break.
Know the rules.
* Computer-adaptive tests require that you answer every question in the order it is presented. You can’t skip a question and go back. The computer selects the next question you see from a large pool of available questions based upon your previous responses.
* Click on the appropriate answer. Answer each question by clicking on the oval next to your answer choice or by clicking on any part of the text of that answer choice. Complete your answer by clicking on “Next” and then “Answer Confirm.” You can change your answer any time before confirming it by clicking on a different answer choice.
* Understand the implications of exiting a section or quitting the test. Once you exit a section, you cannot return to it. Click on the “Test Quit” box at the bottom of your screen only if you decide to end your testing session. If you quit the test, you will not receive a score for any section, even for sections you have already completed. If you click on “Section Exit” or “Test Quit” by mistake, you will be given the opportunity to reverse or confirm your decision.
You may take the computer-based General Test once per calendar month up to 5 times in a 12-month period. This applies even if you ended your testing session by clicking on “Test Quit ” or canceled your scores after completing the test.
Understand how the test is scored.
* Computer-adaptive tests are scored differently than most paper and pencil tests. Your score on the computer-adaptive test depends on a combination of such factors as
o the number of questions you answered within the allotted time
o your performance on questions answered throughout the test
o the statistical characteristics (including difficulty level) of questions answered throughout the test.
Don’t panic if you don’t know an answer.
* Don’t spend too much time on any one question. The last thing you want to do is waste a lot of valuable time on any one question. If, after you’ve given it a reasonable amount of thought, you don’t know the answer, eliminate as many answer choices as possible and then select and confirm the answer you think is best. Keep going and aim to complete the test.
* If you are running out of time at the end of a section, make every effort to complete the test. Data indicate that most test takers get higher scores if they finish the test. In fact, based on analyses of test takers, a majority of test takers will score higher if they finish the test than if they do not attempt to answer all of the questions. There is a chance that guessing at the end of the test can seriously lower your score. The best strategy is to pace yourself so that you have time to consider each test question, and won’t have to guess.
Test Development Process
The General Test is composed of questions formulated by specialists in various fields. Each question is reviewed by several independent critics and revised if necessary. New questions are pretested in actual tests under standard testing conditions.
Questions appearing in a test for the first time are analyzed for usefulness and potential weaknesses; they are not used in computing scores. Questions that perform satisfactorily become part of a pool from which new editions of the General Test are assembled at a future date.
After questions for a new edition of a General Test have been assembled, they are reviewed by other subject matter experts and test specialists from inside and outside ETS. Individual test questions and the test as a whole are reviewed to eliminate material considered to be potentially offensive, inappropriate for major subgroups of the test-taking population, or serving to perpetuate any negative attitude concerning these subgroups.
The extensive procedure described above has been developed to ensure that every question in the General Test is appropriate and useful and that the combination of questions is satisfactory. Even so, the appraisal continues until after the new edition has been administered and subjected to a rigorous statistical analysis, before scores are reported, to see whether each question yields the expected statistical results.
This analysis could provide information that suggests that a particular question is ambiguous, requires knowledge beyond the scope of the test, or is inappropriate for the total group or for a particular subgroup of test takers. Answers to questions found to have such flaws are not used in computing scores.
Scoring Process
Scores will be based on one section each of verbal and quantitative, and two analytical writing tasks.
Analytical Writing Section
A single score is reported for the analytical writing section. Each essay receives a score from 2 trained readers using 6-point holistic scale. In holistic scoring, readers are trained to assign scores on the basis of the overall quality of a response to the assigned task. If the 2 assigned scores differ by more than 1 point on the scale, the discrepancy is adjudicated by a third, very experienced, reader. Otherwise, the scores from the 2 readings of an essay are averaged. The final scores on the 2 essays are then averaged and rounded up to the nearest half-point interval (e.g., 3.0, 3.5). If no essay response is given for either of the 2 tasks in this section, an NS (No Score) is reported for the section. If any essay response is provided for only one of the 2 writing tasks, the task for which no essay response is provided will receive a score of zero.
The primary emphasis in scoring the analytical writing section is on your critical thinking and analytical writing skills rather than on grammar and mechanics. Additional scoring information is provided in the POWERPREP software and in the interpretive leaflet enclosed with your score report.
During the scoring process, your essay responses on the analytical writing section will be reviewed by ETS essay-similarity-detection software and by experienced essay readers. See Independent Intellectual Activity.
Verbal and Quantitative Sections
You will receive a test score on every section (except unidentified pretest sections and/or research sections), regardless of the number of questions answered, even if time expires before you answer all the questions. However, if you answer no questions at all in a section, that section will be reported as a No Score (NS).
Your score on each section of the test will depend on the number of questions answered in the time allotted, as well as on your performance on the questions given. Because both of these sections are computer adaptive, the questions given are selected to reflect both your performance on preceding questions and the requirements of the test design. Test design factors that influence which questions are presented include:
* the statistical characteristics (including the difficulty level) of those questions already answered
* the required variety of question types
* the appropriate coverage of content
Scores Reported on the General Test
Three scores are reported:
* a verbal score reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments,
* a quantitative score reported on a 200-800 score scale, in 10-point increments, and
* an analytical writing score reported on 0-6 score scale, in half-point increments.
If you answer no questions at all in a section (analytical writing, verbal, or quantitative), that section will be reported as a No Score (NS).
Descriptions of the analytical writing abilities characteristic of particular score levels are available in the interpretive leaflet enclosed with your score report, and in the Guide to the Use of GRE Scores.
Canceling Your Scores
At the end of the test, before you view your scores, you will have the option to cancel your scores. This is the only time your scores can be canceled. Canceled scores cannot be reinstated, and no refund will be issued.
Institutions will not receive any information about your canceled scores or about any previous scores you may have on file.
Reporting Your Scores
You can view unofficial verbal and quantitative scores at the test center; however, because of the essay scoring process, you will not receive your analytical writing score at that time. Official verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores will be sent to you and score recipients within 10 to 15 days after you take the test. Printed score reports are not available at the test center.
At the end of the test, if you choose to report your scores, you may request that they be sent to as many as 4 graduate institutions or fellowship sponsors at no additional charge. If an institution is not listed, ask the test center administrator for the appropriate form to indicate unlisted institutions. Complete the form and turn it in before you leave the test center. The form will not be accepted after you leave the test center. If you do not select institutions on the test day, you will be required to pay US$15 per recipient to have the scores sent at a later date.
Test centers cannot provide printed copies of score reports.
Retaking the Test
You may take the General Test (computer-based and/or paper-based) only once per calendar month and no more than 5 times in any 12-month period. This applies even if you canceled your scores on a test taken previously.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
GRE GENERAL WORD LIST
abacus frame with balls for calculating
abate to lessen, to subside
abdication giving up control, authority
abdomen stomach and bowels
aberration straying away from what is normal
abeyance suspended action
abhor to hate, to detest
abide be faithful to; endure
abjure promise or swear to give up
abraded rubbed off, worn away by friction
abrasion rubbing, scraping, wearing off
abrogate repeal or annul by authority
abscond to go away suddenly (to avoid arrest)
abstruse difficult to comprehend; obscure
abundant plentiful
abut border on
abysmal bottomless, extreme
acarpous effete, no longer fertile, worn out
accentuate give more force or attention to
acclaimed welcomed with shouts and approval
accolade praise, approval
accretion the growing of separate things into one
acquiesce in agree (without protest)
acquisition smth acquired, acquiring
adamant kind of stone; inflexible
adhere remain faithful, stick fast to
adhesion adhering, support
adjacent lying near, next
admonitory containing warning
adorn add beauty; decorate
adulteration making unpure, poorer in quality
affinity close connection, relationship
aggravate make worse; irritate
agile active, quick-moving
ail trouble; be ill
alacrity eager and cheerful readiness
alienate estrange
allegiance duty, support, loyalty
alleviate make (pain) easier to bear
alloy to debase by mixing with something inferior
aloof reserved, indifferent
amalgamate mix, combine, unite societies
ambidextrous able to use the left hand or the right equally well
ambiguous doubtful, uncertain
ambivalent having both of two contrary meanings
ameliorate improve, make better
amendment improving
amicable friendly
amortize end (a debt) by setting aside money
amplify make large or fuller, increase the strength
animosity strong dislike
annul put an end to
anticlimax sudden fall
antidote medicine used against a poison or a disease
antithetical direct opposing
apartheid brutal racial discrimination
apathetic indifference
aplomb self-confidence
apostate one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions
apotheosis deification, glorification to godliness
appease make quiet or calm
apprehensive grasping, understanding; fear, unhappy feeling about future
apprise give notice to, inform
approbation approval
appropriate take for one’s own use, acquire, set aside
apropos appropriate to the situation; apt
apt well-suited, quick-witted
arabesque a complex, ornate design
arabesque whimsical
arbitrate decide by arbitration
arboreal of connected with trees
ardently with full of ardor
ardor enthusiasm
arduous steep, difficult ascent; laborious
argot jargon, slang
arrant in the highest degree
arrogance proud, superior manner of behaviour
articulate speak distinctly, connect by joints
ascend go or come up
ascent the act of ascending
ascertain get to know
ascetic practicing self-denial, austere, stark
ascribe consider to be the origin of or belonging to
asperity roughness, harshness, ill temper, irritability
aspersion slander
assail with attack violently
asset valuable quality, smth that has money value
assiduous diligent, hard-working, sedulous
assuage make smth (pain, desire) less
assumption smth supposed but not proved
asterisk the mark * (e.g.. omitted letters)
astringent substance that shrinks
astute clever; quick at seeing to get an advantage
atonement repayment; death of Jesus
attenuate make thin. weaken, enervate
audacious daring, foolishly bold, impudent
augury omen, sign
august majestic, venerable
auspice protection or support, patronage
auspicious favorable, successful, prosperous
austere severely moral and strict; simple and plain
auxiliary helping, supporting
aver affirm, assert, prove, justify
aversion strong dislike
avid eager, greedy
avow admit. Declare openly
baleful harmful, ominous, causing evil
balk obstacle; purposely to get on the way of
balloon swell out like balloon
balm sweet-smelling oil; consolation
banal uninteresting
band flat, thin strip of material; range of frequencies
bane cause of injury, poison, source of harm
baneful causing harm or ruin, pernicious, destructive
barrage artificial obstacle built across a river
barren not good enough, unable to have young ones, without value
bask in enjoy warmth and light
bazaar market
be irreconcilable cannot be brought into harmony
beatify to bless, make happy, or ascribe a virtue to
bedizen to adorn, especially in a cheap, showy manner
belie contradict, give a false impression
belittle cause to seem unimportant
bellicose belligerent, pugnacious, warlike
belligerent (person, nation) waging war
belligerently waging war
bend cause smth to be out of a straight line
benefactor person who has given help
benevolence wish or activity in doing good
benign kind and gentle; mild (climate)
bequest arrangement to give smth at death
berate scold sharply
bereft rob or dispossess of smth (material)
bewilder puzzle, confuse
biased prejudice
bigot stubborn, narrow-minded person
bilge bulge, the protuberance of a cask
blandishment flattery, coaxing
blandness polite manner, comforting, uninteresting
blatant noisy and rough
blithe cheerful, casual, carefree
blithe gay and joyous
blueprint plan, scheme, photographic print
blunt plain, not troubling to be polite
boggle be alarmed, hesitate, amazed
bogus sham, counterfeit, not genuine
boisterous loud, noisy, rough, lacking restraint
bolster give greatly needed support
boorish crude, offensive, rude
braid strands of hair woven together, smth edging sloth
brash hasty, rush; cheeky, saucy
brass yellow metal (mixing copper and zinc)
brazen made of brass
breach opening, broken place, breaking
brisk active, lively
brisket breast of an animal
brittle easily broken
broach bring up, announce, begin to talk about
brook to tolerate, endure
buoyant able to float; light-hearted
burgeon grow forth, send out buds
burnish to polish, rub to a shine
bust run out of money
cabal a scheme or plot, a group of plotters
cadge to beg, to get by begging
calipers metal supports attached to the legs, measuring instrument
calumniate to slander, present false accusal
calumny slander, aspersion
candid frank, straight-forward
canvass discuss thoroughly; sort of touting
capricious fickle, whimsical, given to change, unpredictable
castigate to chastise, correct by punishing
castigation severe punishment
casual happening by chance, careless
catalyst substance that causes speeding up
caustic biting, sarcastic
censure expression of blame or disapproval; a rebuke
census official counting of the population
centurion leader of a unit of 100 soldiers
chary cautious, wary
chastened corrected, punished
chastisement punishment
chauvinist a blindly devoted patriot
chisel steel tool for shaping materials
churl bad-tempered person
cite give as an example
clamor shout, complain with a lot of noise
cleanse make pure, thoroughly clean
cling to resist separation
clot half-solid lump formed from liquid
cloture closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
coalescing coming together and uniting into one substance
coax get smb to do smth by kindness
coddle treat with care and tenderness
coerce compel, to force to make obedient
coeval of the same period, coexisting
cogent strong, convincing
cogitate think deeply, mediate
cognition knowing, awareness (emotionless)
cognizant being fully aware of
coherent sticking together
colander bowl-shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water
collaborate work in partnership
collusion secret agreement for a deceitful purpose
combustion process of burning
commemorate keep the memory of
commend praise
commendable worthy of praise
commingle mingle together
commuter person who travels regularly
complacently with self-satisfaction
complaisance tending to comply, obliging, willingness to please
comply act in accordance
compound mix or combine
comprise be composed of
compunction feeling of regret for one’s action
conceal hide, keep secret
conceit over-high opinion of, too much pride
conciliatory reconciling, soothing, comforting, mollifying
concord agreement or harmony
concur agree in opinion, happen together
condense increase in density, strength, make laconic
condone forgive
congeal make or become stiff and solid
conjoin to join together
connoisseur a person with good judgement (e.g.. in art)
connotation suggestion in addition to
consent give agreement or permission
consequential pompous, self important
consolation consoling or being consoled
console give comfort or sympathy to
conspicuous easily seen; remarkable
consternation surprise and fear, dismay
constrict make tight or smaller
consume get to the end of
contemn to scorn or despise
contentious argumentative, pugnacious, combative, quarrelsome
contiguous touching, neighboring, near
contrite filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing
contumacious insubordinate, rebellious
conundrum a riddle, dilemma, enigma
conviction convincing; firm belief
convoke call together, summon
convoluted complicated; coiled, twisted
cord twisted strands
cordial warm and sincere
cordon line (of police acting as a guard)
corporeal physical; of or for the body
correlate have a mutual relation
corroboration additional, strengthening evidence
countenance to favor or approve of
counterfeit forgery
countervail counterbalance
covert disguised
covetous eagerly desirous
cower crouch; shrink back
craven cowardly
crease line made by crushing; white line on the ground in cricket
credulity too great a readiness to believe things
credulous ready to believe things
crush press, lose shape, subdue, overwhelm
cryptic secret, with a hidden meaning
cumbersome burdensome, heavy and awkward to carry
curmudgeon bad-tempered person
curriculum course of study
cursory quick, hurried
curtail make shorter then was planned
cynic person who see no good in anything
dart quick movement; missile in darts
daunt intimidate, make fearful
dawdler person who is slow; waste of time
dearth shortage
debacle a breakup, overthrow, sudden disaster
decorous polite, decent
decorum propriety, properness
decree order given by authority
decry disapprove of
defer postpone; give way (to show respect)
deference respect
deferential showing respect
defiance open disobedience or resistance
deflect turn aside
defy resist openly
degrade reduce in rank or status
delineate to portray, depict, sketch out
deluge great flood, heavy rush of water
demagogue person appealing not to reasons
demur to hesitate, raise objections
denigrate blacken, belittle, sully, defame
denouement an outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot
denounce give information against
dent hollow, depression mad by a blow
deplete use until none remains
deposition dethronement, depositing
deprave make morally bad; corrupt
deprecate protest against, express disapproval of
dereliction deserting and leaving to fall into ruins
derision ridicule, mockery, deriding
derivative derived, not original or primitive
derivative unoriginal, obtained from another source
derogatory insulting; tending to damage
descry catch sight of, see smth in the distance
desiccant substance used to absorb moisture
desiccate to dry up, dehydrate
desuetude cessation of use; disuse
desultory aimless, haphazard, digressing at random
detach separate
deter discourage, hinder
detraction slandering, verbal attack, aspersion
detumescence diminishing or lessening of swelling
deviance being different in moral standards (from normal)
dexterity skill (esp. in handling)
dexterous clever, skillful with hands
diaphanous transparent, gauzy
diatribe bitter and violent attack in words
dictate order
diffidence shyness
diffident lacking in self-confidence
dilate speak comprehensively, become wider, large
dilatory causing delay, procrastinating
disabuse to undeceive, correct a false impression
disallow refuse to allow or accept as a correct
discern see with an effort but clearly
discomfit confuse, embarrass
discomfit to defeat, put down
disconcert upset the self-possession of
discountenance refuse to approve of
discourse speech, lecture,
discredit refuse to believe
disdain look on with contempt
disencumber free from encumbrance
disheveled untidy
disingenuous sophisticated, artful, trying to deceive, cunning
disinter dig up from the earth
dislodge move, force from the place occupied
dismal sad, gloomy, miserable
disparate essentially different
dispassionate free from passion
dissemble speak or behave so as to hide smth (in mind)
disseminate distribute (esp. ideas)
dissent have a different opinion, refuse to assent
dissipation going away, dispersing
dissolution disintegration, looseness in morals
distinct easily heard, seen, understood, clearly marked
distorted pulled out of the usual shape, give a false account of
distraught distracted, violently upset in mind
distress great pain; cause discomfort
divergence getting farther apart from a point
diverse of different kinds
divestiture taking off, getting rid of, giving up
divulge make known smth secret
doggerel trivial, poorly constructed verse
dogmatic positive, certain, arbitrary, without room for discussion
dogmatism being dogmatic
dolt stupid fellow
dormant in a state of inactivity but awaiting development
dote show much fondness, center one’s attention
drone male bee, person who isn’t self-employed
drowsiness feeling sleepy, half asleep
dubious feeling doubt
dud no use person, smth that fails
dulcet melodious, harmonious
dupe cheat, make a fool of
duplicity deliberate deception
duress threats to compel smb
dwarf person or smb much below the usual size
dynamo a generator, something that produces electric current
earthenware dishes made of baked clay
ebullience exuberance, outburst of feeling
ebullient overflowing with enthusiasm; showing excitement
ecumenical representing the whole Christian world
edacious voracious, devouring
eddy circular or spiral movement (e.g.. of wind)
effete infertile, worn out, weak
efficacy production of a desired result
effluvia outflow in a stream of particles; a noxious odor or vapor
effrontery boldness, impudence, arrogance
egress way out, exit
elaborate worked out with much care in great detail
elate stimulate
elation high-spirits
electorate all the electors
elegy a lament, a melancholy composition
elicit draw out
eloquence fluent speaking; skillful use of language
emaciate make thin and weak
embellish make beautiful
embezzle use in a wrong way for one’s own benefit
emergence emerging
emote stir up, excite
empirical relying on experiment
encapsulate enclose in capsule
encomium warm or glowing praise; eulogy, panegyric
encumbrance burden; things that get on the way of
endearing making dear or liked
endemic epidemic
endemic prevailing in a specific area
endorse write one’s name on the back of
enduring lasting
enervate weaken, deprive of strength, attenuate
engender cause, produce, give rise to
engrave impress deeply
engrossing taken up all the time or attention; writing in large or formal
engulf swallow up
enigma smth that is puzzling
enmity hatred; being an enemy
enormity excessive wickedness; evilness
enormousness great size
entangle put into difficulties
entreat ask earnestly
enzyme catalyst
epicure food lover, a connoisseur of food
epicurean devoted to pleasure (sensuous enjoyment)
epistle letter
epithet adjective
epitome brief summary; representative example; a typical model
equable steady, regular
equanimity calmness of temperament
equilibrium state of being balanced
equipoise equal distribution of weight; equilibrium
equivocal having a double or doubtful meaning; suspicious
equivocate try to deceive by equivocal language
eradicate get rid of; pull up by the roots
erasure erasing, removing all traces
erode wear away, eat into
erratic irregular in behavior or opinion
erudite learned, scholarly
escalate increase, develop
esoteric abstruse; intended only for a small circle of
espouse marry; give one’s support to
eulogy formal praise; panegyric
euphoria elation; state of pleasant excitement
euthanasia easy and painless death
evaluating finding out the value
evaporate change into vapor, disappear, die
evince to show clearly, to indicate
evoke call up, bring out
evolve unfold, develop naturally and gradually
excoriate to flay, strip off the skin; to denounce sharply
excoriation severe criticism
exculpate free from blame
exculpate to clear from a charge of guilt
exert but forth; bring into use
exertion instance of exerting
exhaustive complete, thorough
exigency emergency, an urgent situation
exonerate free; clear
exoneration set smb clear, free (e.g.. from blame)
exorbitant much too high or great
expatiate to roam, wander freely
expedient likely to be useful for a purpose
expiation ending; expiring
exploit brilliant achievement; develop; use selfishly
expostulate argue earnestly to dissuade, correct, or protest
expurgate to remove obscenity, purify, censor
exscind to cut out, cut away
exsert thrust out, push forth
extant still in existence
extensive far-reaching
extenuate reduce the strength of, lessen seriousness, partially excuse
extinct no longer active
extirpate to destroy, exterminate, cut out, exscind
extol praise highly
extort obtain by threats, violence
extralegal outside the law
extricable that can be freed
extrovert cheerful person
exuberance state of growing vigorously; being full of life
facetious humorous, funny, jocular
facile easily done
facilitate make easy (e.g.. a process of smth)
fallacious based on error
fallacy false or mistaken belief
fatuous without sense, foolish self-satisfaction
faucet device for controlling the outflow of a liquid
fawn young deer, try to win smb’s favor
feckless futile, irresponsible, inefficient
feckless lacking purpose or vitality; ineffective; careless
fecund fertile
feint pretend
felicitous apt; suitably expressed, well chosen, apropos
felon person guilty of murder
ferment substance; become excited
ferocity savage cruelty
ferret discover by searching; search
fertile producing much, full of ideas
fertilize make fertile or productive
fervid intense, zealous
fervid showing earnest feeling
fervor warmth of feelings; earnestness
fetter to shackle, put in chains
feud bitter quarrel over a long period of time
fidelity loyalty, accuracy
fidget move restlessly, make nervous
figurehead carved image on the prow of a ship
finesse delicate way of dealing with a situation
finical too fussy about food, clothing, etc.
finicky finical
finite limited, having bounds
fission splitting or division (esp. of cells)
fixate stare at
flamboyant brightly colored, florid
flammable having tendency to burst into flames
flaunting show off complacently
flaw crack, lessen value
flax pale yellow (hair); a plant
fledged able to fly, trained, experienced
fleet number of ships, quick-moving
fleeting passing quickly
flexibility easily bent without braking
flinch draw, move back, wince
florid very much ornamented; naturally red (e.g.. of face)
floridness ruddiness; heavily decorated; ornateness
flout reject, mock, to go against (as in going against tradition)
fluster make nervous or confused
foible defect of character (a person is wrongly proud)
foil prevent from carrying out; contrast
foment put smth warm (to lessen the pain)
foppish like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes
forbear refrain from, be patient; ancestor
forbearance patience, willingness to wait
ford shallow place in a river (to cross)
forestall prevent by taking action in advance, preempt
forfeit suffer the loss of smth
forge workshop for the shaping of metal; to shape metal; lead
forgery counterfeit
forswear renounce, disallow, repudiate
fortify strengthen
fortuitous happening by chance
foster nurture, care for
fragile easily injured, broken or destroyed
fragrant sweet-smelling
franchise special right given by authority
frantic wildly excited with joy, pain, anxiety
frenetic frantic, frenzied
fret worry; irritation; wear away
friction the rubbing of one thing against another, difference of opinion
fringe edge; ornamental border; part of hair over the forehead
froward intractable, not willing to yield or comply, stubborn
frugal careful, economical
fulminate berate, vituperate, to thunder out, to explode
fulmination bitter protest
fulsome disgusting, offensive due to excessiveness
gainsay to deny, declare false, to oppose
gambol quick, playful jumping
garment article of clothing
garner to gather and save; to store up
garrulity talkativeness
garrulous too talkative
gaucherie socially awkward, tactless behavior
germane relevant; pertinent to
gist the point, general sense
glean gather facts in small quantities
glib ready and smooth but not sincere
gloat over look at with selfish delight
glut supply to much, fill to excess
gnaw waste away; bite steadily
goad smth urging a person to action
gossamer soft, light, delicate material
gouge tool for cutting grooves in wood
grace favor
grave serious, requiring consideration
gregarious living in societies; liking the company
grievance cause for complaint or protest
grievous causing grief or pain; serious, dire, grave
grimace twisted expression of a face
grind crush, polish
grooves long channel in the surface, habitual way of living
grovel crawl, humble oneself
guile deceit, cunning
guileless straight-forward, candid
gull cheat, deceive
gullible easily gulled
gust outburst of feeling; sudden rain, wind, fire, etc.
hack cut roughly; hired horse
hallow to make holy; consecrate
hamper basket with a lid, prevent free movement or activity
hapless unlucky, unfortunate
harangue a long, passionate speech
harbinger smth or smb that foretells the coming of
harrow to distress, create stress or torment
harsh rough, cruel, stern
haughty arrogant; conceited
haven harbor, safety place
heed pay attention; notice
heinous odious (of crime)
heresy belief contrary to what is generally accepted
hermetic sealed by fusion
heterogeneous made up of different kinds
hew make by hard work; cut (by striking)
hirsute hairy, shaggy
hoax mischievous trick played on smb for a joke
hoi polloi the masses; the rabble
hollow not soled, with hole
holster leather case for a pistol
hone stone used for sharpening tools
hoodwink trick, mislead
hospitable liking to give hospitality
hubris arrogant pride
hurdle light frame, fence to be jumped over
husk worthless outside part of anything
hypocrisy falsely making oneself appear to be good
iconoclast person who attacks popular beliefs
iconoclastic attacking cherished beliefs
idiosyncrasy personal mannerism
idolatrous worshipping idols
idolatry excessive admiration of
idyll a carefree episode or experience
ignoble dishonorable, common, undignified
ignominious shameful, dishonorable, undignified, disgraceful
illicit unlawful, forbidden
illusory deceptive; an illusion
imbroglio complicated and embarrassing situation
immaculate pure, faultless
immerse absorb; put under the surface of
imminent likely to come or happen soon
immutable that cannot be changed
impair worsen, diminish in value
impaired damaged, weakened
impassive unmoved; feeling no sign of passion
impecunious having little or no money
impede hinder; get in the way of
impediment smth that hinders (e.g. stammer)
impending imminent, being about to happen, expected
imperative urgent, essential
imperious commanding, haughty, arrogant
imperviousness haughty, arrogant, commanding
impermeable that cannot be permeated
imperturbable calm; not capable of being excited
impervious not allowing to pass through (of materials)
imperviousness arrogance, commanding presence, overbearingness
impetuous having sudden energy, impulsive, thrusting ahead, forceful
impiety lack of reverence or dutifulness
implacable incapable of being placated, unpleasable
implausibility incredibility
implicate show that smb has a share
implicit implied though not plainly expressed
implosion collapse; bursting inward
imply make a suggestion
importune beg urgently; solicit (of a prostitute)
imprecation an invocation of evil; a curse
impromptu without preparation
impudence being rash, indiscreet
impudent rash, indiscreet
impugned challenged, to be doubted
impute to attribute to a cause or source, ascribe
inadvertent not paying proper attention
inane silly, senseless
inasmuch since, because
incense make angry
incessant often repeated, continual
inchoate not yet fully formed, rudimentary, elementary
incise engrave, make a cut in
incite stir up, rouse
inclined directing the mind in a certain direction
incoherently not consistently, unclearly
incongruous out of place, not in harmony or agreement
incorrigibility cannot be cured or corrected
incredulous skeptical, unwilling to believe
inculcate fix firmly by repetition
incumbents official duties
incursion a raid, a sudden attack
indefatigability not easily exhaustible; tirelessness
indelible that cannot be rubbed out
indelicate immodest; lacking in refinement
indigence poverty
indigenous native
indistinct not easily heard, seen, clearly marked
indolence laziness
indomitable not easily discouraged or subdued
indulge gratify, give way to, satisfy; allow oneself
indulgent inclined to indulge
ineffable to great to be described in words
ineluctable certain, inevitable
inept unskillful; said or done at the wrong time
infertile not fertile, barren
inflame become red, angry
inflammatory tending to inflame
infuriate fill with fury or rage
infuse put, pour, fill
ingenuous naive, young, artless, frank, honest, sincere
ingest take in by swallowing
inherent existing as a natural part
inhibit hinder, restrain
inimical harmful or friendly
inimitable defying imitation, unmatchable
innocuous causing no harm
inscrutable incapable of being discovered or understood
insensible unconscious, unresponsive, unaffected
insinuate suggest unpleasantly; make a way for smth gently
insipid without taste or flavor
insouciant unconcerned, carefree
insularity narrow-mindedness, isolated
insurrection rising of people to open resistance to
interdict prohibit, forbid
interim as an installment
intersperse place here and there
intervene come between; interfere to change the result
intractable unruly, refractory, stubborn
intransigence unwillingness to compromise, stubbornness, intractability
intransigent uncompromising
intrepid fearless, brave, undaunted
introspection examining one’s own thoughts and feelings
inundate flood; cover by overflowing
inured accustomed to, adapted
invective abusive language, curses
inveigh to attack verbally, denounce, deprecate
inveterate deep-rooted. long-established
involute complex
irascible irritable, easily angered
irate angry
ire anger
irksome tiresome
irrelevant not relevant, not connected
irresolute hesitating; undecided
irrevocable final and unalterable
itinerary plan for a journey, details or records of a route
itinerate to travel from place to place, to peregrinate
jabber talk excitedly; utter rapidly
jeopardize put in danger
jibe gibe, make fun of
jocular meant as a joke
judicious sound in judgment; wise
knit draw together, unite firmly
labyrinthine to entangle the state of affairs
lachrymose causing tears, tearful
lackluster (of eyes) dull
laconic brief, to the point, terse
lag go too slow
lament show, feel great sorrow
lassitude weariness, tiredness
latent present but not yet active, developed or visible
laudatory expressing or giving praise
lavish giving or producing freely, liberally or generously
leakage the process of leaking
legacy smth handed down from ancestors
libel statement that damages reputation
liberality free giving; generosity
libertine immoral person
lien legal claim until a debt on it is repaid
limn paint, portray
limp lacking strength, walking unevenly
lithe bending, twisting
loll rest, to sit or stand in a lazy way; hang (dog’s tongue)
loquacious talkative, garrulous
lubricant substance that makes work easier
lubricate put oil to make work easily
lubricious lewd, wanton, greasy, slippery
lucubrate write in scholarly fashion
luculent easily understood, lucid, clear
lugubrious mournful, excessively sad
lull become quiet or less active
luminary star, light-giving body
lustrous being bright, polished
macabre gruesome, suggesting death
machination plot, scheme (esp. evil)
maladroit tactless, clumsy
malapropism misuse of a word (for one that resembles it)
malevolence wishing to do evil
malign injurious, speak ill of smb, tell lie
malinger to fake illness or injury, in order to shirk a duty
malleable yielding; easily shaped; moldable; adapting
manacle chains for the hands or feet
martial brave, of associated with war
massacre cruel killing of a large number of people
matriculation be admitted, enter a university as a student
mature come to full development, to a state ready for use
maudlin sentimental in a silly or tearful way
maverick rebel, nonconformist
mellifluous sweetly flowing
mendacious false
mendacity dishonesty
mendicant a beggar
mercurial quick, changeable in character, fleeting
meretricious attractive on the surface but of little value
mesmerize hypnotize
meticulous giving great attention to details
mettle quality of endurance or courage
mettlesome courageous, high-spirited
middling fairly good but not very good
minatory menacing, threatening
mince pronounce or speak affectedly, euphemize
misanthrope person who hates mankind
mischievous harmful, causing mischief
miser person who loves wealth and spends little
misogynist one who hates women/females
missile smth that is thrown or shot
mitigate make less severe or painful
moderation quality of being limited, not extreme
mollify make calmer or quieter
molt moult, lose hair, feathers before new growing
morbid diseased, unhealthy (e.g.. about ideas)
morose ill-tempered, unsocial
mortuary place where dead bodies are taken to be kept until burial
multifarious varied, motley, greatly diversified
mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; commonplace, everyday
myriad very great number
nadir lowest, weakest point
nascent coming into existence, emerging
nebulous cloud-like; hazy; vague; indistinct
negligent taking too little care
neophyte person who has been converted to a belief
nexus a connection, tie, or link
nibble show some inclination to accept (an offer)
nice precise, sensitive to subtleness
noisome offensive, disgusting (smell)
nonchalant not having interest
nonplused greatly surprised
nostrum a quack remedy, an untested cure
notion nominal, token
noxious harmful
nullify make void and null
numb without ability to feel or move
numbness without ability to move a finger
obdurate hardened and unrepenting; stubborn, inflexible
obfuscate to darken, make obscure, muddle
oblivious unaware, having no memory
obloquy abusively detractive language, sharp criticism, vituperation
obsequious too eager to obey or serve
obsolete no longer used
obstreperous noisy, loud
obtain to be established, accepted, or customary
obtrusive projecting, prominent, undesirably noticeable
obviate to make unnecessary, get rid of
occluded blocked up
occult hidden, concealed, beyond comprehension
odious repulsive, hateful
odium contempt, dislike, aversion
odor smell; favor; reputation
officious too eager or ready to help, offer advice
onerous needing effort, burdensome
opprobrious showing scorn or reproach
ossify to turn to bone; to settle rigidly into an idea
ostensible seeming, appearing as such, professed
ostentation display to obtain admiration or envy
ostentatious fond of showing ostentation
ostracism shut out from society, refuse to meet, talk
ostrich fast-running bird unable to fly
outset start
overhaul examine thoroughly to learn about the condition
overweening presumptuously arrogant, overbearing, immoderate, being a jerk
overwhelm weigh down, submerge
paean song of praise or triumph
palate roof of the mouth; sense of taste
palatial magnificent
palliate lessen the severity of
palliate to make something appear less serious, to alleviate, to gloss over
palpability can be felt, touched, understood
palpitate tremble, beat rapidly and irregularly
panegyric formal praise, eulogy
paradigm a model, example, or pattern
parenthesis sentence within another one, smth separated
pariah an outcast, a rejected and despised person
parsimonious too economical, miserly
partisan one-sided, committed to a party, biased or prejudiced
patron regular customer; person who gives support
paucity scarcity, a lacking of
peccadillo small sin; small weakness in one’s character
pedantic bookish, showing off learning
pedestrian commonplace, trite, unremarkable
pellucid transparent, easy to understand
penchant strong inclination, a liking
penitent feeling or showing regret
penury extreme poverty
peregrination traveling about, wandering
peremptory urgent, imperative, unchallengeable, ending debate
perennial lasting for a long time (e.g.. a year)
perfidious treacherous, faithless
perfidy treachery; breaking of faith
perfunctory done as a duty without care
perilous dangerous
peripatetic wandering
perish be destroyed; decay
perjury willful false statement, unlawful act
permeate spread into every part of
pernicious harmful, injurious
perpetrate be guilty; commit (a crime)
persevere keep on steadily, continue
personable pleasing in appearance, attractive
perspicacity quick judging and understanding
pertain belong as a part, have reference
pest destructive thing or a person who is nuisance
petrified taken away power (to think, feel, act)
petrify to make hard, rocklike
petrous like a rock, hard, stony
petulant unreasonably impatient
philistine a smug ignorant person; one who lacks knowledge
phlegmatic calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional
picaresque involving clever rogues or adventurers
pied of mixed colors
pinch be too tight, take between the thumb and finger
pious dutiful to parents; devoted to religion
piquant agreeably pungent, stimulating
pique hurt the pride or self-respect, stir (curiosity)
pitfall covered hole as a trap, unsuspected danger
pith essential part, force, soft liquid substance
pivotal of great importance (others depend on it)
placate soothe, pacify, calm
plaintive mournful, melancholy, sorrowful
plaque flat metal on a wall as a memorial
platitude a trite or banal statement; unoriginality
plea request
plead address a court of law as an advocate
plethora glut
pliant pliable, easily bent, shaped or twisted
plod continue doing smth without resting
pluck pull the feathers off, pick (e.g.. flowers)
plumb get to the root of
plummet fall, plunge, steeply
plunge move quickly, suddenly and with force
poignant deeply moving; keen
poise be ready, be balanced, self-possession
polemical controversial, argued
ponderous heavy, bulky, dull
portent omen; marvelous; threatening
poseur someone taking on airs to impress others; a phony
posture state, attitude; adopt a vain
poverty state of being poor
pragmatic practical, favoring utility
precarious uncertain, risky, dangerous
precept moral instruction
precepts rules establishing standards of conduct
precipitate throw smth violently down from a height
preclude prevent, make impossible
precursory preliminary, anticipating
predilection special liking, mental preference
predominate have more power than others
preempt obtain by preemption or in advance
premature doing or happening smth before the right time
preponderance greatness in number, strength, weight
presage warning sign
preternatural not normal or usual
prevalent common
prevaricate to equivocate, to stray from the truth
prim neat; formal
pristine primitive, unspoiled, pure, as in earlier times, unadulterated
probity uprightness, incorruptibility, principle
proclivity inclination
procrastination keeping on putting off
prodigal wasteful, reckless with money
prodigious enormous, wonderful
profane worldly, having contempt for God
profligate wasteful, prodigal, licentious, extravagant
profundity depth
proliferate grow, reproduce by rapid multification
prolix tiring because too long
prone prostrate; inclined to (undesirable things)
propagation increasing the number, spreading, extending
propinquity nearness in time or place, affinity of nature
propitiate do smth to take away the anger of
propitiatory conciliatory, appeasing, mitigating
propitious auspicious, presenting favorable circumstances
prosaic everyday, mundane, commonplace, trite, pedestrian
proscribe denounce as dangerous
protracted prolonged
provident frugal; looking to the future
provisional of the present time only
provoke make angry; vax
prudence careful forethought
prudish easily shocked, excessively modest
prune dried plum, silly person
pry get smth; inquire too curiously
pugnacious fond of, in the habit of fighting
punch strike with the fist; tool for cutting holes; alc. drink
punctilious precise, paying attention to trivialities
pundit pedant, authority on a subject
pungency sharpness; stinging quality
purvey provide, supply
pusillanimous cowardly, craven
pyre large pile of wood for burning
quack person dishonestly claiming to smth
quaff drink deeply
quail lose courage, turn frightened
qualm feeling of doubt, temporary feeling of sickness
quell suppress, subdue
quibble try to avoid by sophistication
quiescent at rest, dormant, torpid
quirk habit or action peculiar to smb or smth
quixotic generous, unselfish
quotidian banal; everyday
rabble mob, crowd; the lower classes of populace
raconteur person who tells anecdotes
radiant bright, shining
raffish low, vulgar, base, tawdry
rail at find fault, utter reproaches
ramify to be divided or subdivided; to branch out
rancorous feeling bitterness, spitefulness
rant use extravagant language
rapacious greedy (esp for money)
rarefy to make thin, to make less dense, to purify or refine
reactionary opposing progress
rebuff snub
recalcitrant disobedient
recant take back as being false; give up
recast cast or fashion anew
recidivism relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior
reciprocity granting of privileges in return for similar
recitals a number of, performance of music
recluse person who lives alone and avoids people
recompense make payment to; reward, punish
reconcile settle a quarrel; restore peace
recondite little known; abstruse
recourse smth turned to for help
recreancy cowardice, a cowardly giving up
recuperate become strong after illness, loss, exhaustion
redeem get back by payment; compensate
redemptive serving to redeem
redoubtable formidable, causing fear
refine make or become pure, cultural
refractory stubborn, unmanageable, untractable
refulgent shining, brilliant
regale to delight or entertain; to feast
regicide crime of killing a king
reiterate say or do again several times
rejuvenation becoming young in nature or appearance
relapse fall back again
relinquish give up
reluctant unwilling or disinclined
remonstrate to protest, object
render deliver, provide, represent
renovate restore smth to better condition
renowned celebrated, famous
rent regular payment for the use of smth, division or split
repast meal
repine at be discontented with
reproach scold, upbraid
reprobate person hardened in sin; one devoid of decency
repudiate disown, refuse to accept or pay
repulsive causing a feeling of disgust
requite repay, give in return
resigned unresisting, submissive
resilience quality of quickly recovering the original shape
resolve determine
resort to frequently visit
restive refusing to move; reluctant to be controlled
resurrect bring back into use
resuscitation coming back to consciousness
retard check, hinder
reticent reserved, untalkative, silent, taciturn
revere have deep respect for
rift split, crack, dissension
rivet fix, take up, secure; metal pin
roll call calling of names
rope thick strong cord made by twisting
rotund rich and deep; plump and round
rubric heading, title, or category
ruffian violent, cruel man
sagacious having sound judgment; perceptive, wise; like a sage
salacious obscene
salient prominent, protruding, conspicuous, highly relevant
salubrious healthful
salutary remedial, wholesome, causing improvement
sanctimony self-righteousness, hypocritical, with false piety
sanction approval (by authority); penalty
sanguine cheerful, confident, optimistic
sanity health of mind; soundness of judgement
sap weaken
sate satiate
satiate satisfy fully
saturnine gloomy, dark, sullen, morose
savant person of great learning
savor taste, flavor smth
sawdust tiny bits of wood
scabbard sheath for the blade
scent smell (esp pleasant)
scribble write hastily
scurvy mean, contemptible
seal piece of wax, lead, etc stamped on the document
secular material (not spiritual); living outside monasteries
sedulous persevering
seminal like a seed; constituting a source, originative
sententious short and pithy, full of maxims/proverbs
sequence succession, connected line of
serrated having a toothed edge
serration having a toothed edge
servile like a slave, lacking independence
severance severing
shaft arrow or spear, smth long and narrow
shallow little depth; not earnest
shard piece of broken earthenware
sheath cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool
shove push
shrewd astute; showing sound judgement
shrill sharp, piercing
shun keep away from; avoid
shunt send from one track to another; lay aside; evade discussion
sidestep step to one side
sinuous winding, undulating, serpentine
skiff small boat
skit short piece of humorous writing
slack sluggish; dull; not tight
slake to assuage, to satisfy, allay
slate king of blue-grey stone; propose; criticize
sluggard lazy, slow-moving person
soar rise, fly high
sober self-controlled
sobriety quality or condition of being sober
sodden soaked, saturated
soggy heavy with water
solvent of the power of forming a solution
somatic of the body
soot black powder in smoke
sophisticated complex, subtle, refined
sophistry fallacious reasoning, faulty logic
sophomoric self-assured though immature, affected, bombastic, overblown
sordid wretched, comfortless, contemptible
spear weapon with a metal point on a long shaft
specious illogical, of questionable truth or merit
splenetic bad-tempered, irritable
splice join (two ends)
sponge porous rubber for washing; live at once expense
spurious false, counterfeit
spurn have nothing to do; reject or refuse
squalid foul, filthy
squander spend wastefully
stanch to stop the flow of a fluid
steeply rising or falling sharply
stentorian extremely loud and powerful
stickler person who insists on importance of smth
stigma mark of shame or disgrace
stigmatize describe smb scornfully
sting smth sharp
stingy spending, using unwillingly
stint to be thrifty, to set limits
stipulate state or put forward as a necessary condition
stolid showing no emotion; impassive
strands smth twisted together into a rope, line of development
stray wander, lose one’s way
streak long, thin; move very fast
striated striped, grooved, or banded
stride walk with long steps
strut a supporting bar
stygian hence, dark, gloomy
stymie to hinder, obstruct, or block
subdue overcome, bring under control
sublime extreme; astounding
submerge put under water, liquid, sink out of sight
suborn induce by bribery or smth to commit perjury
subpoena written order requiring a person to appear in a low court
subsume include under a rule
succor assistance, relief in time of distress
suffice be enough
sullied to be stained or discredited
summarily briefly; without delay
sumptuous magnificent
sundry various, miscellaneous, separate
supercilious disdainful; characterized by haughty scorn
superfluous more then is needed or wanted
superimpose put smth on the top
supersede take the place of
supine lying on the back; slow to act, passive
suppliant asking humbly, beseeching
supplicate make a humble petition to
suppress prevent from being known; put an end to
surfeit satiate, feed to fulness or to excess
susceptibility sensitiveness
sustain keep from falling; maintain; suffer; give a decision
sycophant person who flatter to the rich and powerful
synopsis summary or outline
taciturn untalkative, silent
talon claw of a bird of prey
tamp tap or drive down by repeated light blows
tamper interfere with
tangential suddenly changeable
tarnished lost brightness
taunt contemptuous reproach, hurtful remark
taut tightly stretched
tautology a repetition, a redundancy
tawdry cheap, gaudy, showy, tacky
tease annoy; puzzling question
tedious tiresome
teetotal oppose to alcohol
temerity boldness, brashness, intrepidness
temperance abstinence from alcohol, self-control, moderation
temperate showing self-control
tenacity firmness, persistency, adhesiveness, tending to hang on
tenuous insubstantial, flimsy, weak
terse brief and to the point
thrift care, economy, thriving, prosperous
timid shy, easily frightened
timorous fearful, timid, afraid
tolerable fairly good
tonic smth giving strength or energy
topple be unsteady and overturn
torment severe pain or suffering
torpid sleeping, sluggish, lethargic, dormant
tortuous full of twists and bends
tout person who worries others to buy smth, to use his service
touting act as tout
toy think not seriously, handle absent-mindedly
tractable easily controlled or guided
transgress break, go beyond (a limit)
transient temporary, fleeting
transitory brief
trenchant forceful, effective, vigorous; extremely perceptive, incisive
trend tendency, general direction
trepidation alarm, excited state of mind
trifling unimportant
trite not new
truculence aggressiveness, ferocity
trudge walk heavily
turbid muddy, having the sediment stirred up
turbulence being uncontrolled, violent
turgid excessively ornate; swollen or bloated
turmoil trouble, disturbance
turpitude wickedness, shamefulness
tyro tiro, beginner
ulterior situated beyond
umbrage offense, resentment
uncouth rough, awkward
underbid make a lower bid then smb else
undermine weaken gradually, at the base, make smth under
undulate to move in wavelike fashion, fluctuate
unencumbered easy-going, trifle
unfeigned not pretended, sincere
unscathed unharmed, unhurt
untoward unfortunate, inconvenient
upbraid scold, reproach
urbane elegant, refined in manners
vacillation being uncertain, hesitating
vagary strange act or idea
vain without use, result; conceited
valiant brave
valorous brave
vanquish conquer
vapor stim, mist
veer change direction
venal ready to do smth dishonest
veneer surface appearance covering the true nature
veneration regard with deep respect
veracity truth
verisimilitude appearing true or real
veritable real, rightly named
verve spirit, vigor, enthusiasm
vex annoy, distress, trouble
vigilance watchfulness, self-appointed group who maintain order
vigilant member of a vigilance committee
vigorous strong, energetic
vilify slander, say evil things
vindictive having a desire to revenge
virago a loud, domineering woman; a scold or nag
visceral of the internal organs of the body
vitiate lower the quality; weaken the strength
vituperate curse, abuse in words
vivacious lively, high-spirited
volatile changeable, inconstant, fickle, unstable, explosive
volubility fluency, verbosity, easy use of spoken language
voluble fluent
voluminous occupying much space
waft scent, waving movement; carry lightly through
wag merry person
wage payment, carry on, engage in (war)
warmonger person who stirs up war
warp become bent
warrant authority, written order, guarantee
wary cautious
weave make (threads) into cloth
weigh measure hoe heavy smth is
welter turmoil; a bewildering jumble
wend to go, proceed
whimsical full of odd and fanciful ideas
wince show bodily or mental pain
woo try to win
yarn tale, story; fibers for knitting
abacus frame with balls for calculating
abate to lessen, to subside
abdication giving up control, authority
abdomen stomach and bowels
aberration straying away from what is normal
abeyance suspended action
abhor to hate, to detest
abide be faithful to; endure
abjure promise or swear to give up
abraded rubbed off, worn away by friction
abrasion rubbing, scraping, wearing off
abrogate repeal or annul by authority
abscond to go away suddenly (to avoid arrest)
abstruse difficult to comprehend; obscure
abundant plentiful
abut border on
abysmal bottomless, extreme
acarpous effete, no longer fertile, worn out
accentuate give more force or attention to
acclaimed welcomed with shouts and approval
accolade praise, approval
accretion the growing of separate things into one
acquiesce in agree (without protest)
acquisition smth acquired, acquiring
adamant kind of stone; inflexible
adhere remain faithful, stick fast to
adhesion adhering, support
adjacent lying near, next
admonitory containing warning
adorn add beauty; decorate
adulteration making unpure, poorer in quality
affinity close connection, relationship
aggravate make worse; irritate
agile active, quick-moving
ail trouble; be ill
alacrity eager and cheerful readiness
alienate estrange
allegiance duty, support, loyalty
alleviate make (pain) easier to bear
alloy to debase by mixing with something inferior
aloof reserved, indifferent
amalgamate mix, combine, unite societies
ambidextrous able to use the left hand or the right equally well
ambiguous doubtful, uncertain
ambivalent having both of two contrary meanings
ameliorate improve, make better
amendment improving
amicable friendly
amortize end (a debt) by setting aside money
amplify make large or fuller, increase the strength
animosity strong dislike
annul put an end to
anticlimax sudden fall
antidote medicine used against a poison or a disease
antithetical direct opposing
apartheid brutal racial discrimination
apathetic indifference
aplomb self-confidence
apostate one who abandons long-held religious or political convictions
apotheosis deification, glorification to godliness
appease make quiet or calm
apprehensive grasping, understanding; fear, unhappy feeling about future
apprise give notice to, inform
approbation approval
appropriate take for one’s own use, acquire, set aside
apropos appropriate to the situation; apt
apt well-suited, quick-witted
arabesque a complex, ornate design
arabesque whimsical
arbitrate decide by arbitration
arboreal of connected with trees
ardently with full of ardor
ardor enthusiasm
arduous steep, difficult ascent; laborious
argot jargon, slang
arrant in the highest degree
arrogance proud, superior manner of behaviour
articulate speak distinctly, connect by joints
ascend go or come up
ascent the act of ascending
ascertain get to know
ascetic practicing self-denial, austere, stark
ascribe consider to be the origin of or belonging to
asperity roughness, harshness, ill temper, irritability
aspersion slander
assail with attack violently
asset valuable quality, smth that has money value
assiduous diligent, hard-working, sedulous
assuage make smth (pain, desire) less
assumption smth supposed but not proved
asterisk the mark * (e.g.. omitted letters)
astringent substance that shrinks
astute clever; quick at seeing to get an advantage
atonement repayment; death of Jesus
attenuate make thin. weaken, enervate
audacious daring, foolishly bold, impudent
augury omen, sign
august majestic, venerable
auspice protection or support, patronage
auspicious favorable, successful, prosperous
austere severely moral and strict; simple and plain
auxiliary helping, supporting
aver affirm, assert, prove, justify
aversion strong dislike
avid eager, greedy
avow admit. Declare openly
baleful harmful, ominous, causing evil
balk obstacle; purposely to get on the way of
balloon swell out like balloon
balm sweet-smelling oil; consolation
banal uninteresting
band flat, thin strip of material; range of frequencies
bane cause of injury, poison, source of harm
baneful causing harm or ruin, pernicious, destructive
barrage artificial obstacle built across a river
barren not good enough, unable to have young ones, without value
bask in enjoy warmth and light
bazaar market
be irreconcilable cannot be brought into harmony
beatify to bless, make happy, or ascribe a virtue to
bedizen to adorn, especially in a cheap, showy manner
belie contradict, give a false impression
belittle cause to seem unimportant
bellicose belligerent, pugnacious, warlike
belligerent (person, nation) waging war
belligerently waging war
bend cause smth to be out of a straight line
benefactor person who has given help
benevolence wish or activity in doing good
benign kind and gentle; mild (climate)
bequest arrangement to give smth at death
berate scold sharply
bereft rob or dispossess of smth (material)
bewilder puzzle, confuse
biased prejudice
bigot stubborn, narrow-minded person
bilge bulge, the protuberance of a cask
blandishment flattery, coaxing
blandness polite manner, comforting, uninteresting
blatant noisy and rough
blithe cheerful, casual, carefree
blithe gay and joyous
blueprint plan, scheme, photographic print
blunt plain, not troubling to be polite
boggle be alarmed, hesitate, amazed
bogus sham, counterfeit, not genuine
boisterous loud, noisy, rough, lacking restraint
bolster give greatly needed support
boorish crude, offensive, rude
braid strands of hair woven together, smth edging sloth
brash hasty, rush; cheeky, saucy
brass yellow metal (mixing copper and zinc)
brazen made of brass
breach opening, broken place, breaking
brisk active, lively
brisket breast of an animal
brittle easily broken
broach bring up, announce, begin to talk about
brook to tolerate, endure
buoyant able to float; light-hearted
burgeon grow forth, send out buds
burnish to polish, rub to a shine
bust run out of money
cabal a scheme or plot, a group of plotters
cadge to beg, to get by begging
calipers metal supports attached to the legs, measuring instrument
calumniate to slander, present false accusal
calumny slander, aspersion
candid frank, straight-forward
canvass discuss thoroughly; sort of touting
capricious fickle, whimsical, given to change, unpredictable
castigate to chastise, correct by punishing
castigation severe punishment
casual happening by chance, careless
catalyst substance that causes speeding up
caustic biting, sarcastic
censure expression of blame or disapproval; a rebuke
census official counting of the population
centurion leader of a unit of 100 soldiers
chary cautious, wary
chastened corrected, punished
chastisement punishment
chauvinist a blindly devoted patriot
chisel steel tool for shaping materials
churl bad-tempered person
cite give as an example
clamor shout, complain with a lot of noise
cleanse make pure, thoroughly clean
cling to resist separation
clot half-solid lump formed from liquid
cloture closing, device (in Parliament) to end a debate by voting
coalescing coming together and uniting into one substance
coax get smb to do smth by kindness
coddle treat with care and tenderness
coerce compel, to force to make obedient
coeval of the same period, coexisting
cogent strong, convincing
cogitate think deeply, mediate
cognition knowing, awareness (emotionless)
cognizant being fully aware of
coherent sticking together
colander bowl-shaped vessel with many holes used to drain off water
collaborate work in partnership
collusion secret agreement for a deceitful purpose
combustion process of burning
commemorate keep the memory of
commend praise
commendable worthy of praise
commingle mingle together
commuter person who travels regularly
complacently with self-satisfaction
complaisance tending to comply, obliging, willingness to please
comply act in accordance
compound mix or combine
comprise be composed of
compunction feeling of regret for one’s action
conceal hide, keep secret
conceit over-high opinion of, too much pride
conciliatory reconciling, soothing, comforting, mollifying
concord agreement or harmony
concur agree in opinion, happen together
condense increase in density, strength, make laconic
condone forgive
congeal make or become stiff and solid
conjoin to join together
connoisseur a person with good judgement (e.g.. in art)
connotation suggestion in addition to
consent give agreement or permission
consequential pompous, self important
consolation consoling or being consoled
console give comfort or sympathy to
conspicuous easily seen; remarkable
consternation surprise and fear, dismay
constrict make tight or smaller
consume get to the end of
contemn to scorn or despise
contentious argumentative, pugnacious, combative, quarrelsome
contiguous touching, neighboring, near
contrite filled with deep sorrow for wrongdoing
contumacious insubordinate, rebellious
conundrum a riddle, dilemma, enigma
conviction convincing; firm belief
convoke call together, summon
convoluted complicated; coiled, twisted
cord twisted strands
cordial warm and sincere
cordon line (of police acting as a guard)
corporeal physical; of or for the body
correlate have a mutual relation
corroboration additional, strengthening evidence
countenance to favor or approve of
counterfeit forgery
countervail counterbalance
covert disguised
covetous eagerly desirous
cower crouch; shrink back
craven cowardly
crease line made by crushing; white line on the ground in cricket
credulity too great a readiness to believe things
credulous ready to believe things
crush press, lose shape, subdue, overwhelm
cryptic secret, with a hidden meaning
cumbersome burdensome, heavy and awkward to carry
curmudgeon bad-tempered person
curriculum course of study
cursory quick, hurried
curtail make shorter then was planned
cynic person who see no good in anything
dart quick movement; missile in darts
daunt intimidate, make fearful
dawdler person who is slow; waste of time
dearth shortage
debacle a breakup, overthrow, sudden disaster
decorous polite, decent
decorum propriety, properness
decree order given by authority
decry disapprove of
defer postpone; give way (to show respect)
deference respect
deferential showing respect
defiance open disobedience or resistance
deflect turn aside
defy resist openly
degrade reduce in rank or status
delineate to portray, depict, sketch out
deluge great flood, heavy rush of water
demagogue person appealing not to reasons
demur to hesitate, raise objections
denigrate blacken, belittle, sully, defame
denouement an outcome or solution; the unraveling of a plot
denounce give information against
dent hollow, depression mad by a blow
deplete use until none remains
deposition dethronement, depositing
deprave make morally bad; corrupt
deprecate protest against, express disapproval of
dereliction deserting and leaving to fall into ruins
derision ridicule, mockery, deriding
derivative derived, not original or primitive
derivative unoriginal, obtained from another source
derogatory insulting; tending to damage
descry catch sight of, see smth in the distance
desiccant substance used to absorb moisture
desiccate to dry up, dehydrate
desuetude cessation of use; disuse
desultory aimless, haphazard, digressing at random
detach separate
deter discourage, hinder
detraction slandering, verbal attack, aspersion
detumescence diminishing or lessening of swelling
deviance being different in moral standards (from normal)
dexterity skill (esp. in handling)
dexterous clever, skillful with hands
diaphanous transparent, gauzy
diatribe bitter and violent attack in words
dictate order
diffidence shyness
diffident lacking in self-confidence
dilate speak comprehensively, become wider, large
dilatory causing delay, procrastinating
disabuse to undeceive, correct a false impression
disallow refuse to allow or accept as a correct
discern see with an effort but clearly
discomfit confuse, embarrass
discomfit to defeat, put down
disconcert upset the self-possession of
discountenance refuse to approve of
discourse speech, lecture,
discredit refuse to believe
disdain look on with contempt
disencumber free from encumbrance
disheveled untidy
disingenuous sophisticated, artful, trying to deceive, cunning
disinter dig up from the earth
dislodge move, force from the place occupied
dismal sad, gloomy, miserable
disparate essentially different
dispassionate free from passion
dissemble speak or behave so as to hide smth (in mind)
disseminate distribute (esp. ideas)
dissent have a different opinion, refuse to assent
dissipation going away, dispersing
dissolution disintegration, looseness in morals
distinct easily heard, seen, understood, clearly marked
distorted pulled out of the usual shape, give a false account of
distraught distracted, violently upset in mind
distress great pain; cause discomfort
divergence getting farther apart from a point
diverse of different kinds
divestiture taking off, getting rid of, giving up
divulge make known smth secret
doggerel trivial, poorly constructed verse
dogmatic positive, certain, arbitrary, without room for discussion
dogmatism being dogmatic
dolt stupid fellow
dormant in a state of inactivity but awaiting development
dote show much fondness, center one’s attention
drone male bee, person who isn’t self-employed
drowsiness feeling sleepy, half asleep
dubious feeling doubt
dud no use person, smth that fails
dulcet melodious, harmonious
dupe cheat, make a fool of
duplicity deliberate deception
duress threats to compel smb
dwarf person or smb much below the usual size
dynamo a generator, something that produces electric current
earthenware dishes made of baked clay
ebullience exuberance, outburst of feeling
ebullient overflowing with enthusiasm; showing excitement
ecumenical representing the whole Christian world
edacious voracious, devouring
eddy circular or spiral movement (e.g.. of wind)
effete infertile, worn out, weak
efficacy production of a desired result
effluvia outflow in a stream of particles; a noxious odor or vapor
effrontery boldness, impudence, arrogance
egress way out, exit
elaborate worked out with much care in great detail
elate stimulate
elation high-spirits
electorate all the electors
elegy a lament, a melancholy composition
elicit draw out
eloquence fluent speaking; skillful use of language
emaciate make thin and weak
embellish make beautiful
embezzle use in a wrong way for one’s own benefit
emergence emerging
emote stir up, excite
empirical relying on experiment
encapsulate enclose in capsule
encomium warm or glowing praise; eulogy, panegyric
encumbrance burden; things that get on the way of
endearing making dear or liked
endemic epidemic
endemic prevailing in a specific area
endorse write one’s name on the back of
enduring lasting
enervate weaken, deprive of strength, attenuate
engender cause, produce, give rise to
engrave impress deeply
engrossing taken up all the time or attention; writing in large or formal
engulf swallow up
enigma smth that is puzzling
enmity hatred; being an enemy
enormity excessive wickedness; evilness
enormousness great size
entangle put into difficulties
entreat ask earnestly
enzyme catalyst
epicure food lover, a connoisseur of food
epicurean devoted to pleasure (sensuous enjoyment)
epistle letter
epithet adjective
epitome brief summary; representative example; a typical model
equable steady, regular
equanimity calmness of temperament
equilibrium state of being balanced
equipoise equal distribution of weight; equilibrium
equivocal having a double or doubtful meaning; suspicious
equivocate try to deceive by equivocal language
eradicate get rid of; pull up by the roots
erasure erasing, removing all traces
erode wear away, eat into
erratic irregular in behavior or opinion
erudite learned, scholarly
escalate increase, develop
esoteric abstruse; intended only for a small circle of
espouse marry; give one’s support to
eulogy formal praise; panegyric
euphoria elation; state of pleasant excitement
euthanasia easy and painless death
evaluating finding out the value
evaporate change into vapor, disappear, die
evince to show clearly, to indicate
evoke call up, bring out
evolve unfold, develop naturally and gradually
excoriate to flay, strip off the skin; to denounce sharply
excoriation severe criticism
exculpate free from blame
exculpate to clear from a charge of guilt
exert but forth; bring into use
exertion instance of exerting
exhaustive complete, thorough
exigency emergency, an urgent situation
exonerate free; clear
exoneration set smb clear, free (e.g.. from blame)
exorbitant much too high or great
expatiate to roam, wander freely
expedient likely to be useful for a purpose
expiation ending; expiring
exploit brilliant achievement; develop; use selfishly
expostulate argue earnestly to dissuade, correct, or protest
expurgate to remove obscenity, purify, censor
exscind to cut out, cut away
exsert thrust out, push forth
extant still in existence
extensive far-reaching
extenuate reduce the strength of, lessen seriousness, partially excuse
extinct no longer active
extirpate to destroy, exterminate, cut out, exscind
extol praise highly
extort obtain by threats, violence
extralegal outside the law
extricable that can be freed
extrovert cheerful person
exuberance state of growing vigorously; being full of life
facetious humorous, funny, jocular
facile easily done
facilitate make easy (e.g.. a process of smth)
fallacious based on error
fallacy false or mistaken belief
fatuous without sense, foolish self-satisfaction
faucet device for controlling the outflow of a liquid
fawn young deer, try to win smb’s favor
feckless futile, irresponsible, inefficient
feckless lacking purpose or vitality; ineffective; careless
fecund fertile
feint pretend
felicitous apt; suitably expressed, well chosen, apropos
felon person guilty of murder
ferment substance; become excited
ferocity savage cruelty
ferret discover by searching; search
fertile producing much, full of ideas
fertilize make fertile or productive
fervid intense, zealous
fervid showing earnest feeling
fervor warmth of feelings; earnestness
fetter to shackle, put in chains
feud bitter quarrel over a long period of time
fidelity loyalty, accuracy
fidget move restlessly, make nervous
figurehead carved image on the prow of a ship
finesse delicate way of dealing with a situation
finical too fussy about food, clothing, etc.
finicky finical
finite limited, having bounds
fission splitting or division (esp. of cells)
fixate stare at
flamboyant brightly colored, florid
flammable having tendency to burst into flames
flaunting show off complacently
flaw crack, lessen value
flax pale yellow (hair); a plant
fledged able to fly, trained, experienced
fleet number of ships, quick-moving
fleeting passing quickly
flexibility easily bent without braking
flinch draw, move back, wince
florid very much ornamented; naturally red (e.g.. of face)
floridness ruddiness; heavily decorated; ornateness
flout reject, mock, to go against (as in going against tradition)
fluster make nervous or confused
foible defect of character (a person is wrongly proud)
foil prevent from carrying out; contrast
foment put smth warm (to lessen the pain)
foppish like a man who pays too much attention to his clothes
forbear refrain from, be patient; ancestor
forbearance patience, willingness to wait
ford shallow place in a river (to cross)
forestall prevent by taking action in advance, preempt
forfeit suffer the loss of smth
forge workshop for the shaping of metal; to shape metal; lead
forgery counterfeit
forswear renounce, disallow, repudiate
fortify strengthen
fortuitous happening by chance
foster nurture, care for
fragile easily injured, broken or destroyed
fragrant sweet-smelling
franchise special right given by authority
frantic wildly excited with joy, pain, anxiety
frenetic frantic, frenzied
fret worry; irritation; wear away
friction the rubbing of one thing against another, difference of opinion
fringe edge; ornamental border; part of hair over the forehead
froward intractable, not willing to yield or comply, stubborn
frugal careful, economical
fulminate berate, vituperate, to thunder out, to explode
fulmination bitter protest
fulsome disgusting, offensive due to excessiveness
gainsay to deny, declare false, to oppose
gambol quick, playful jumping
garment article of clothing
garner to gather and save; to store up
garrulity talkativeness
garrulous too talkative
gaucherie socially awkward, tactless behavior
germane relevant; pertinent to
gist the point, general sense
glean gather facts in small quantities
glib ready and smooth but not sincere
gloat over look at with selfish delight
glut supply to much, fill to excess
gnaw waste away; bite steadily
goad smth urging a person to action
gossamer soft, light, delicate material
gouge tool for cutting grooves in wood
grace favor
grave serious, requiring consideration
gregarious living in societies; liking the company
grievance cause for complaint or protest
grievous causing grief or pain; serious, dire, grave
grimace twisted expression of a face
grind crush, polish
grooves long channel in the surface, habitual way of living
grovel crawl, humble oneself
guile deceit, cunning
guileless straight-forward, candid
gull cheat, deceive
gullible easily gulled
gust outburst of feeling; sudden rain, wind, fire, etc.
hack cut roughly; hired horse
hallow to make holy; consecrate
hamper basket with a lid, prevent free movement or activity
hapless unlucky, unfortunate
harangue a long, passionate speech
harbinger smth or smb that foretells the coming of
harrow to distress, create stress or torment
harsh rough, cruel, stern
haughty arrogant; conceited
haven harbor, safety place
heed pay attention; notice
heinous odious (of crime)
heresy belief contrary to what is generally accepted
hermetic sealed by fusion
heterogeneous made up of different kinds
hew make by hard work; cut (by striking)
hirsute hairy, shaggy
hoax mischievous trick played on smb for a joke
hoi polloi the masses; the rabble
hollow not soled, with hole
holster leather case for a pistol
hone stone used for sharpening tools
hoodwink trick, mislead
hospitable liking to give hospitality
hubris arrogant pride
hurdle light frame, fence to be jumped over
husk worthless outside part of anything
hypocrisy falsely making oneself appear to be good
iconoclast person who attacks popular beliefs
iconoclastic attacking cherished beliefs
idiosyncrasy personal mannerism
idolatrous worshipping idols
idolatry excessive admiration of
idyll a carefree episode or experience
ignoble dishonorable, common, undignified
ignominious shameful, dishonorable, undignified, disgraceful
illicit unlawful, forbidden
illusory deceptive; an illusion
imbroglio complicated and embarrassing situation
immaculate pure, faultless
immerse absorb; put under the surface of
imminent likely to come or happen soon
immutable that cannot be changed
impair worsen, diminish in value
impaired damaged, weakened
impassive unmoved; feeling no sign of passion
impecunious having little or no money
impede hinder; get in the way of
impediment smth that hinders (e.g. stammer)
impending imminent, being about to happen, expected
imperative urgent, essential
imperious commanding, haughty, arrogant
imperviousness haughty, arrogant, commanding
impermeable that cannot be permeated
imperturbable calm; not capable of being excited
impervious not allowing to pass through (of materials)
imperviousness arrogance, commanding presence, overbearingness
impetuous having sudden energy, impulsive, thrusting ahead, forceful
impiety lack of reverence or dutifulness
implacable incapable of being placated, unpleasable
implausibility incredibility
implicate show that smb has a share
implicit implied though not plainly expressed
implosion collapse; bursting inward
imply make a suggestion
importune beg urgently; solicit (of a prostitute)
imprecation an invocation of evil; a curse
impromptu without preparation
impudence being rash, indiscreet
impudent rash, indiscreet
impugned challenged, to be doubted
impute to attribute to a cause or source, ascribe
inadvertent not paying proper attention
inane silly, senseless
inasmuch since, because
incense make angry
incessant often repeated, continual
inchoate not yet fully formed, rudimentary, elementary
incise engrave, make a cut in
incite stir up, rouse
inclined directing the mind in a certain direction
incoherently not consistently, unclearly
incongruous out of place, not in harmony or agreement
incorrigibility cannot be cured or corrected
incredulous skeptical, unwilling to believe
inculcate fix firmly by repetition
incumbents official duties
incursion a raid, a sudden attack
indefatigability not easily exhaustible; tirelessness
indelible that cannot be rubbed out
indelicate immodest; lacking in refinement
indigence poverty
indigenous native
indistinct not easily heard, seen, clearly marked
indolence laziness
indomitable not easily discouraged or subdued
indulge gratify, give way to, satisfy; allow oneself
indulgent inclined to indulge
ineffable to great to be described in words
ineluctable certain, inevitable
inept unskillful; said or done at the wrong time
infertile not fertile, barren
inflame become red, angry
inflammatory tending to inflame
infuriate fill with fury or rage
infuse put, pour, fill
ingenuous naive, young, artless, frank, honest, sincere
ingest take in by swallowing
inherent existing as a natural part
inhibit hinder, restrain
inimical harmful or friendly
inimitable defying imitation, unmatchable
innocuous causing no harm
inscrutable incapable of being discovered or understood
insensible unconscious, unresponsive, unaffected
insinuate suggest unpleasantly; make a way for smth gently
insipid without taste or flavor
insouciant unconcerned, carefree
insularity narrow-mindedness, isolated
insurrection rising of people to open resistance to
interdict prohibit, forbid
interim as an installment
intersperse place here and there
intervene come between; interfere to change the result
intractable unruly, refractory, stubborn
intransigence unwillingness to compromise, stubbornness, intractability
intransigent uncompromising
intrepid fearless, brave, undaunted
introspection examining one’s own thoughts and feelings
inundate flood; cover by overflowing
inured accustomed to, adapted
invective abusive language, curses
inveigh to attack verbally, denounce, deprecate
inveterate deep-rooted. long-established
involute complex
irascible irritable, easily angered
irate angry
ire anger
irksome tiresome
irrelevant not relevant, not connected
irresolute hesitating; undecided
irrevocable final and unalterable
itinerary plan for a journey, details or records of a route
itinerate to travel from place to place, to peregrinate
jabber talk excitedly; utter rapidly
jeopardize put in danger
jibe gibe, make fun of
jocular meant as a joke
judicious sound in judgment; wise
knit draw together, unite firmly
labyrinthine to entangle the state of affairs
lachrymose causing tears, tearful
lackluster (of eyes) dull
laconic brief, to the point, terse
lag go too slow
lament show, feel great sorrow
lassitude weariness, tiredness
latent present but not yet active, developed or visible
laudatory expressing or giving praise
lavish giving or producing freely, liberally or generously
leakage the process of leaking
legacy smth handed down from ancestors
libel statement that damages reputation
liberality free giving; generosity
libertine immoral person
lien legal claim until a debt on it is repaid
limn paint, portray
limp lacking strength, walking unevenly
lithe bending, twisting
loll rest, to sit or stand in a lazy way; hang (dog’s tongue)
loquacious talkative, garrulous
lubricant substance that makes work easier
lubricate put oil to make work easily
lubricious lewd, wanton, greasy, slippery
lucubrate write in scholarly fashion
luculent easily understood, lucid, clear
lugubrious mournful, excessively sad
lull become quiet or less active
luminary star, light-giving body
lustrous being bright, polished
macabre gruesome, suggesting death
machination plot, scheme (esp. evil)
maladroit tactless, clumsy
malapropism misuse of a word (for one that resembles it)
malevolence wishing to do evil
malign injurious, speak ill of smb, tell lie
malinger to fake illness or injury, in order to shirk a duty
malleable yielding; easily shaped; moldable; adapting
manacle chains for the hands or feet
martial brave, of associated with war
massacre cruel killing of a large number of people
matriculation be admitted, enter a university as a student
mature come to full development, to a state ready for use
maudlin sentimental in a silly or tearful way
maverick rebel, nonconformist
mellifluous sweetly flowing
mendacious false
mendacity dishonesty
mendicant a beggar
mercurial quick, changeable in character, fleeting
meretricious attractive on the surface but of little value
mesmerize hypnotize
meticulous giving great attention to details
mettle quality of endurance or courage
mettlesome courageous, high-spirited
middling fairly good but not very good
minatory menacing, threatening
mince pronounce or speak affectedly, euphemize
misanthrope person who hates mankind
mischievous harmful, causing mischief
miser person who loves wealth and spends little
misogynist one who hates women/females
missile smth that is thrown or shot
mitigate make less severe or painful
moderation quality of being limited, not extreme
mollify make calmer or quieter
molt moult, lose hair, feathers before new growing
morbid diseased, unhealthy (e.g.. about ideas)
morose ill-tempered, unsocial
mortuary place where dead bodies are taken to be kept until burial
multifarious varied, motley, greatly diversified
mundane worldly as opposed to spiritual; commonplace, everyday
myriad very great number
nadir lowest, weakest point
nascent coming into existence, emerging
nebulous cloud-like; hazy; vague; indistinct
negligent taking too little care
neophyte person who has been converted to a belief
nexus a connection, tie, or link
nibble show some inclination to accept (an offer)
nice precise, sensitive to subtleness
noisome offensive, disgusting (smell)
nonchalant not having interest
nonplused greatly surprised
nostrum a quack remedy, an untested cure
notion nominal, token
noxious harmful
nullify make void and null
numb without ability to feel or move
numbness without ability to move a finger
obdurate hardened and unrepenting; stubborn, inflexible
obfuscate to darken, make obscure, muddle
oblivious unaware, having no memory
obloquy abusively detractive language, sharp criticism, vituperation
obsequious too eager to obey or serve
obsolete no longer used
obstreperous noisy, loud
obtain to be established, accepted, or customary
obtrusive projecting, prominent, undesirably noticeable
obviate to make unnecessary, get rid of
occluded blocked up
occult hidden, concealed, beyond comprehension
odious repulsive, hateful
odium contempt, dislike, aversion
odor smell; favor; reputation
officious too eager or ready to help, offer advice
onerous needing effort, burdensome
opprobrious showing scorn or reproach
ossify to turn to bone; to settle rigidly into an idea
ostensible seeming, appearing as such, professed
ostentation display to obtain admiration or envy
ostentatious fond of showing ostentation
ostracism shut out from society, refuse to meet, talk
ostrich fast-running bird unable to fly
outset start
overhaul examine thoroughly to learn about the condition
overweening presumptuously arrogant, overbearing, immoderate, being a jerk
overwhelm weigh down, submerge
paean song of praise or triumph
palate roof of the mouth; sense of taste
palatial magnificent
palliate lessen the severity of
palliate to make something appear less serious, to alleviate, to gloss over
palpability can be felt, touched, understood
palpitate tremble, beat rapidly and irregularly
panegyric formal praise, eulogy
paradigm a model, example, or pattern
parenthesis sentence within another one, smth separated
pariah an outcast, a rejected and despised person
parsimonious too economical, miserly
partisan one-sided, committed to a party, biased or prejudiced
patron regular customer; person who gives support
paucity scarcity, a lacking of
peccadillo small sin; small weakness in one’s character
pedantic bookish, showing off learning
pedestrian commonplace, trite, unremarkable
pellucid transparent, easy to understand
penchant strong inclination, a liking
penitent feeling or showing regret
penury extreme poverty
peregrination traveling about, wandering
peremptory urgent, imperative, unchallengeable, ending debate
perennial lasting for a long time (e.g.. a year)
perfidious treacherous, faithless
perfidy treachery; breaking of faith
perfunctory done as a duty without care
perilous dangerous
peripatetic wandering
perish be destroyed; decay
perjury willful false statement, unlawful act
permeate spread into every part of
pernicious harmful, injurious
perpetrate be guilty; commit (a crime)
persevere keep on steadily, continue
personable pleasing in appearance, attractive
perspicacity quick judging and understanding
pertain belong as a part, have reference
pest destructive thing or a person who is nuisance
petrified taken away power (to think, feel, act)
petrify to make hard, rocklike
petrous like a rock, hard, stony
petulant unreasonably impatient
philistine a smug ignorant person; one who lacks knowledge
phlegmatic calm, sluggish temperament; unemotional
picaresque involving clever rogues or adventurers
pied of mixed colors
pinch be too tight, take between the thumb and finger
pious dutiful to parents; devoted to religion
piquant agreeably pungent, stimulating
pique hurt the pride or self-respect, stir (curiosity)
pitfall covered hole as a trap, unsuspected danger
pith essential part, force, soft liquid substance
pivotal of great importance (others depend on it)
placate soothe, pacify, calm
plaintive mournful, melancholy, sorrowful
plaque flat metal on a wall as a memorial
platitude a trite or banal statement; unoriginality
plea request
plead address a court of law as an advocate
plethora glut
pliant pliable, easily bent, shaped or twisted
plod continue doing smth without resting
pluck pull the feathers off, pick (e.g.. flowers)
plumb get to the root of
plummet fall, plunge, steeply
plunge move quickly, suddenly and with force
poignant deeply moving; keen
poise be ready, be balanced, self-possession
polemical controversial, argued
ponderous heavy, bulky, dull
portent omen; marvelous; threatening
poseur someone taking on airs to impress others; a phony
posture state, attitude; adopt a vain
poverty state of being poor
pragmatic practical, favoring utility
precarious uncertain, risky, dangerous
precept moral instruction
precepts rules establishing standards of conduct
precipitate throw smth violently down from a height
preclude prevent, make impossible
precursory preliminary, anticipating
predilection special liking, mental preference
predominate have more power than others
preempt obtain by preemption or in advance
premature doing or happening smth before the right time
preponderance greatness in number, strength, weight
presage warning sign
preternatural not normal or usual
prevalent common
prevaricate to equivocate, to stray from the truth
prim neat; formal
pristine primitive, unspoiled, pure, as in earlier times, unadulterated
probity uprightness, incorruptibility, principle
proclivity inclination
procrastination keeping on putting off
prodigal wasteful, reckless with money
prodigious enormous, wonderful
profane worldly, having contempt for God
profligate wasteful, prodigal, licentious, extravagant
profundity depth
proliferate grow, reproduce by rapid multification
prolix tiring because too long
prone prostrate; inclined to (undesirable things)
propagation increasing the number, spreading, extending
propinquity nearness in time or place, affinity of nature
propitiate do smth to take away the anger of
propitiatory conciliatory, appeasing, mitigating
propitious auspicious, presenting favorable circumstances
prosaic everyday, mundane, commonplace, trite, pedestrian
proscribe denounce as dangerous
protracted prolonged
provident frugal; looking to the future
provisional of the present time only
provoke make angry; vax
prudence careful forethought
prudish easily shocked, excessively modest
prune dried plum, silly person
pry get smth; inquire too curiously
pugnacious fond of, in the habit of fighting
punch strike with the fist; tool for cutting holes; alc. drink
punctilious precise, paying attention to trivialities
pundit pedant, authority on a subject
pungency sharpness; stinging quality
purvey provide, supply
pusillanimous cowardly, craven
pyre large pile of wood for burning
quack person dishonestly claiming to smth
quaff drink deeply
quail lose courage, turn frightened
qualm feeling of doubt, temporary feeling of sickness
quell suppress, subdue
quibble try to avoid by sophistication
quiescent at rest, dormant, torpid
quirk habit or action peculiar to smb or smth
quixotic generous, unselfish
quotidian banal; everyday
rabble mob, crowd; the lower classes of populace
raconteur person who tells anecdotes
radiant bright, shining
raffish low, vulgar, base, tawdry
rail at find fault, utter reproaches
ramify to be divided or subdivided; to branch out
rancorous feeling bitterness, spitefulness
rant use extravagant language
rapacious greedy (esp for money)
rarefy to make thin, to make less dense, to purify or refine
reactionary opposing progress
rebuff snub
recalcitrant disobedient
recant take back as being false; give up
recast cast or fashion anew
recidivism relapse into antisocial or criminal behavior
reciprocity granting of privileges in return for similar
recitals a number of, performance of music
recluse person who lives alone and avoids people
recompense make payment to; reward, punish
reconcile settle a quarrel; restore peace
recondite little known; abstruse
recourse smth turned to for help
recreancy cowardice, a cowardly giving up
recuperate become strong after illness, loss, exhaustion
redeem get back by payment; compensate
redemptive serving to redeem
redoubtable formidable, causing fear
refine make or become pure, cultural
refractory stubborn, unmanageable, untractable
refulgent shining, brilliant
regale to delight or entertain; to feast
regicide crime of killing a king
reiterate say or do again several times
rejuvenation becoming young in nature or appearance
relapse fall back again
relinquish give up
reluctant unwilling or disinclined
remonstrate to protest, object
render deliver, provide, represent
renovate restore smth to better condition
renowned celebrated, famous
rent regular payment for the use of smth, division or split
repast meal
repine at be discontented with
reproach scold, upbraid
reprobate person hardened in sin; one devoid of decency
repudiate disown, refuse to accept or pay
repulsive causing a feeling of disgust
requite repay, give in return
resigned unresisting, submissive
resilience quality of quickly recovering the original shape
resolve determine
resort to frequently visit
restive refusing to move; reluctant to be controlled
resurrect bring back into use
resuscitation coming back to consciousness
retard check, hinder
reticent reserved, untalkative, silent, taciturn
revere have deep respect for
rift split, crack, dissension
rivet fix, take up, secure; metal pin
roll call calling of names
rope thick strong cord made by twisting
rotund rich and deep; plump and round
rubric heading, title, or category
ruffian violent, cruel man
sagacious having sound judgment; perceptive, wise; like a sage
salacious obscene
salient prominent, protruding, conspicuous, highly relevant
salubrious healthful
salutary remedial, wholesome, causing improvement
sanctimony self-righteousness, hypocritical, with false piety
sanction approval (by authority); penalty
sanguine cheerful, confident, optimistic
sanity health of mind; soundness of judgement
sap weaken
sate satiate
satiate satisfy fully
saturnine gloomy, dark, sullen, morose
savant person of great learning
savor taste, flavor smth
sawdust tiny bits of wood
scabbard sheath for the blade
scent smell (esp pleasant)
scribble write hastily
scurvy mean, contemptible
seal piece of wax, lead, etc stamped on the document
secular material (not spiritual); living outside monasteries
sedulous persevering
seminal like a seed; constituting a source, originative
sententious short and pithy, full of maxims/proverbs
sequence succession, connected line of
serrated having a toothed edge
serration having a toothed edge
servile like a slave, lacking independence
severance severing
shaft arrow or spear, smth long and narrow
shallow little depth; not earnest
shard piece of broken earthenware
sheath cover for the blade of a weapon or a tool
shove push
shrewd astute; showing sound judgement
shrill sharp, piercing
shun keep away from; avoid
shunt send from one track to another; lay aside; evade discussion
sidestep step to one side
sinuous winding, undulating, serpentine
skiff small boat
skit short piece of humorous writing
slack sluggish; dull; not tight
slake to assuage, to satisfy, allay
slate king of blue-grey stone; propose; criticize
sluggard lazy, slow-moving person
soar rise, fly high
sober self-controlled
sobriety quality or condition of being sober
sodden soaked, saturated
soggy heavy with water
solvent of the power of forming a solution
somatic of the body
soot black powder in smoke
sophisticated complex, subtle, refined
sophistry fallacious reasoning, faulty logic
sophomoric self-assured though immature, affected, bombastic, overblown
sordid wretched, comfortless, contemptible
spear weapon with a metal point on a long shaft
specious illogical, of questionable truth or merit
splenetic bad-tempered, irritable
splice join (two ends)
sponge porous rubber for washing; live at once expense
spurious false, counterfeit
spurn have nothing to do; reject or refuse
squalid foul, filthy
squander spend wastefully
stanch to stop the flow of a fluid
steeply rising or falling sharply
stentorian extremely loud and powerful
stickler person who insists on importance of smth
stigma mark of shame or disgrace
stigmatize describe smb scornfully
sting smth sharp
stingy spending, using unwillingly
stint to be thrifty, to set limits
stipulate state or put forward as a necessary condition
stolid showing no emotion; impassive
strands smth twisted together into a rope, line of development
stray wander, lose one’s way
streak long, thin; move very fast
striated striped, grooved, or banded
stride walk with long steps
strut a supporting bar
stygian hence, dark, gloomy
stymie to hinder, obstruct, or block
subdue overcome, bring under control
sublime extreme; astounding
submerge put under water, liquid, sink out of sight
suborn induce by bribery or smth to commit perjury
subpoena written order requiring a person to appear in a low court
subsume include under a rule
succor assistance, relief in time of distress
suffice be enough
sullied to be stained or discredited
summarily briefly; without delay
sumptuous magnificent
sundry various, miscellaneous, separate
supercilious disdainful; characterized by haughty scorn
superfluous more then is needed or wanted
superimpose put smth on the top
supersede take the place of
supine lying on the back; slow to act, passive
suppliant asking humbly, beseeching
supplicate make a humble petition to
suppress prevent from being known; put an end to
surfeit satiate, feed to fulness or to excess
susceptibility sensitiveness
sustain keep from falling; maintain; suffer; give a decision
sycophant person who flatter to the rich and powerful
synopsis summary or outline
taciturn untalkative, silent
talon claw of a bird of prey
tamp tap or drive down by repeated light blows
tamper interfere with
tangential suddenly changeable
tarnished lost brightness
taunt contemptuous reproach, hurtful remark
taut tightly stretched
tautology a repetition, a redundancy
tawdry cheap, gaudy, showy, tacky
tease annoy; puzzling question
tedious tiresome
teetotal oppose to alcohol
temerity boldness, brashness, intrepidness
temperance abstinence from alcohol, self-control, moderation
temperate showing self-control
tenacity firmness, persistency, adhesiveness, tending to hang on
tenuous insubstantial, flimsy, weak
terse brief and to the point
thrift care, economy, thriving, prosperous
timid shy, easily frightened
timorous fearful, timid, afraid
tolerable fairly good
tonic smth giving strength or energy
topple be unsteady and overturn
torment severe pain or suffering
torpid sleeping, sluggish, lethargic, dormant
tortuous full of twists and bends
tout person who worries others to buy smth, to use his service
touting act as tout
toy think not seriously, handle absent-mindedly
tractable easily controlled or guided
transgress break, go beyond (a limit)
transient temporary, fleeting
transitory brief
trenchant forceful, effective, vigorous; extremely perceptive, incisive
trend tendency, general direction
trepidation alarm, excited state of mind
trifling unimportant
trite not new
truculence aggressiveness, ferocity
trudge walk heavily
turbid muddy, having the sediment stirred up
turbulence being uncontrolled, violent
turgid excessively ornate; swollen or bloated
turmoil trouble, disturbance
turpitude wickedness, shamefulness
tyro tiro, beginner
ulterior situated beyond
umbrage offense, resentment
uncouth rough, awkward
underbid make a lower bid then smb else
undermine weaken gradually, at the base, make smth under
undulate to move in wavelike fashion, fluctuate
unencumbered easy-going, trifle
unfeigned not pretended, sincere
unscathed unharmed, unhurt
untoward unfortunate, inconvenient
upbraid scold, reproach
urbane elegant, refined in manners
vacillation being uncertain, hesitating
vagary strange act or idea
vain without use, result; conceited
valiant brave
valorous brave
vanquish conquer
vapor stim, mist
veer change direction
venal ready to do smth dishonest
veneer surface appearance covering the true nature
veneration regard with deep respect
veracity truth
verisimilitude appearing true or real
veritable real, rightly named
verve spirit, vigor, enthusiasm
vex annoy, distress, trouble
vigilance watchfulness, self-appointed group who maintain order
vigilant member of a vigilance committee
vigorous strong, energetic
vilify slander, say evil things
vindictive having a desire to revenge
virago a loud, domineering woman; a scold or nag
visceral of the internal organs of the body
vitiate lower the quality; weaken the strength
vituperate curse, abuse in words
vivacious lively, high-spirited
volatile changeable, inconstant, fickle, unstable, explosive
volubility fluency, verbosity, easy use of spoken language
voluble fluent
voluminous occupying much space
waft scent, waving movement; carry lightly through
wag merry person
wage payment, carry on, engage in (war)
warmonger person who stirs up war
warp become bent
warrant authority, written order, guarantee
wary cautious
weave make (threads) into cloth
weigh measure hoe heavy smth is
welter turmoil; a bewildering jumble
wend to go, proceed
whimsical full of odd and fanciful ideas
wince show bodily or mental pain
woo try to win
yarn tale, story; fibers for knitting
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