Sunday - February 05, 2012
misanthropic [mis-uhn-throp-ik] (adj.)
Definition - Of or pertaining to one who hates or distrusts mankind.
Usage - Jonathan Swift, the misanthropic auther of Gulliver's Travels, said that he hated mankind, but loved men as idividuals.
Definition - Of or pertaining to one who hates or distrusts mankind.
Usage - Jonathan Swift, the misanthropic auther of Gulliver's Travels, said that he hated mankind, but loved men as idividuals.
Saturday - February 04, 2012
holocaust [hol-uh-kawst] (noun)
Definition - A great or complete devastation or destruction, especially by fire.
Usage - During the great fire of London, many people threw themselves into the Thames River in an attempt to escape the raging holocaust.
Definition - A great or complete devastation or destruction, especially by fire.
Usage - During the great fire of London, many people threw themselves into the Thames River in an attempt to escape the raging holocaust.
Friday - February 03, 2012
epigram [ep-i-gram] (noun)
Definition - A concise, witty saying.
Usage - "To err is human, to forgive divine" is one of many epigrams writtenby Alexander Pope.
Definition - A concise, witty saying.
Usage - "To err is human, to forgive divine" is one of many epigrams writtenby Alexander Pope.
Thursday - February 02, 2012
dilemma [di-lem-uh] (noun)
Definition - A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
Usage - They were in the dilemma of either violating the constitution or losing a golden opportunity.
Definition - A situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives.
Usage - They were in the dilemma of either violating the constitution or losing a golden opportunity.
Wednesday - February 01, 2012
vagabond [vag-uh-bond] (noun)
Definition - wandering from place to place without any settled home; nomadic:
Usage - He spent a few years as a vagabond before settling down.
Definition - wandering from place to place without any settled home; nomadic:
Usage - He spent a few years as a vagabond before settling down.
Monday - December 05, 2011
enigma [uh-nig-muh] (noun)
Definition - An obscure riddle or puzzle; a baffling situation or person.
Usage - I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Definition - An obscure riddle or puzzle; a baffling situation or person.
Usage - I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.
Sunday - December 04, 2011
ironic [ahy-ron-ik] (noun)
Definition - characterized by a manner of speaking in which words are used to convey the opposite of their litera
Usage - "Oh, that's just great!" he said. The ironic nature of his comment was not lost on me, for I had just run a red light on my way to my driving test.
Definition - characterized by a manner of speaking in which words are used to convey the opposite of their litera
Usage - "Oh, that's just great!" he said. The ironic nature of his comment was not lost on me, for I had just run a red light on my way to my driving test.
Saturday - December 03, 2011
limpid [lim-pid] (adjective)
Definition - Characterized by clearness, as of a pure liquid.
Usage - He had anticipated for months the start of fishing season, and so it was with keen enjoyment that he cast into the pure and limpid waters of the mountain stream.
Definition - Characterized by clearness, as of a pure liquid.
Usage - He had anticipated for months the start of fishing season, and so it was with keen enjoyment that he cast into the pure and limpid waters of the mountain stream.
Friday - December 02, 2011
diffuse [di-fyooz] (adjective)
Definition - Characterized by the excessive use of words; long-winded.
Usage - His diffuse writing style bombarded us with words but left us groping for meaning.
Definition - Characterized by the excessive use of words; long-winded.
Usage - His diffuse writing style bombarded us with words but left us groping for meaning.
Thursday - December 01, 2011
perjury [pur-juh-ree] (noun)
Definition - The willful giving of incomplete, deceptive, or false testimony in a legal document.
Usage - In 1950, a former State Department official was convicted of perjury for denying that he had attempted to pass United States military secrets to the Soviet Union.
Definition - The willful giving of incomplete, deceptive, or false testimony in a legal document.
Usage - In 1950, a former State Department official was convicted of perjury for denying that he had attempted to pass United States military secrets to the Soviet Union.
Wednesday - November 02, 2011
sedate [si-deyt] (adjective)
Definition - calm, quiet, or composed; undisturbed by passion or excitement.
Usage - The usually sedate Mr. Higgins lost his composure when his long-hidden crime was suddenly discovered.
Definition - calm, quiet, or composed; undisturbed by passion or excitement.
Usage - The usually sedate Mr. Higgins lost his composure when his long-hidden crime was suddenly discovered.
Tuesday - November 01, 2011
munificent [myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - extremely liberal in giving; very generous.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers. He had doubled their ordinary pay.
Definition - extremely liberal in giving; very generous.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers. He had doubled their ordinary pay.
Saturday - October 01, 2011
fraught [frawt] (adjective)
Definition - Full of or accompanied by (usually followed by with)
Usage - We abandoned our idea of traveling up the Amazon River when we learned that such a trip would be fra
Definition - Full of or accompanied by (usually followed by with)
Usage - We abandoned our idea of traveling up the Amazon River when we learned that such a trip would be fra
Tuesday - September 27, 2011
profusion [pruh-fyoo-zhuhn] (noun)
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Monday - September 26, 2011
jocular [jok-yuh-ler] (adjective )
Definition - Characterized by joking; spoken or done in jest.
Usage - The watercolor lesson enlivened by the jocular conversation of the kindly, humorous old man was always great fun.
Definition - Characterized by joking; spoken or done in jest.
Usage - The watercolor lesson enlivened by the jocular conversation of the kindly, humorous old man was always great fun.
Sunday - September 25, 2011
efficacy [ef-i-kuh-see] (noun)
Definition - Power or capacity to produce effects.
Usage - As the efficacy of his potion waned, Dr. Jekyll found it impossible to suppress the raging Mr. Hyde.
Definition - Power or capacity to produce effects.
Usage - As the efficacy of his potion waned, Dr. Jekyll found it impossible to suppress the raging Mr. Hyde.
Saturday - September 24, 2011
palpitate [pal-pi-teyt] (verb)
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Friday - September 23, 2011
propitiate [pruh-pish-ee-eyt] (adjective)
Definition - To conciliate a power; to cause to be favorably inclined.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Definition - To conciliate a power; to cause to be favorably inclined.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Thursday - September 22, 2011
mitigate [mit-i-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - after the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave himself to translating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - after the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave himself to translating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Wednesday - September 21, 2011
iterate [it-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Tuesday - September 20, 2011
fluctuate [fluhk-choo-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Monday - September 19, 2011
execrate [ek-si-kreyt] (verb)
Definition - To curse or denounce violently; to detest utterly.
Usage - Christ execrated the Pharisees because they placed more importance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Definition - To curse or denounce violently; to detest utterly.
Usage - Christ execrated the Pharisees because they placed more importance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Sunday - September 18, 2011
emaciate [i-mey-shee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To become or cause to become abnormally thin, as by starvation or sickness.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled his mind.
Definition - To become or cause to become abnormally thin, as by starvation or sickness.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled his mind.
Saturday - September 17, 2011
palliate [pal-ee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Definition - to relieve or lessen without curing; mitigate; alleviate.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Friday - September 16, 2011
adulate [aj-uh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Thursday - September 15, 2011
accelerate [ak-sel-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To increase the rate of movement, growth, or progress or something.
Usage - One can accelerate the growth of a plant by using fertilizer.
Definition - To increase the rate of movement, growth, or progress or something.
Usage - One can accelerate the growth of a plant by using fertilizer.
Wednesday - September 14, 2011
occult [uh-kuhlt] (adj.)
Definition - Pretaining to the supernatural or magical.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Definition - Pretaining to the supernatural or magical.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Tuesday - September 13, 2011
obsequious [uhb-see-kwee-uhs] (adj.)
Definition - Servilely obedient or submissive; fawning.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Definition - Servilely obedient or submissive; fawning.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Monday - September 12, 2011
nonchalant [non-shuh-lahnt] (adjective)
Definition - Exhibiting casual unconcern or lack of interest; indifferent.
Usage - An appreciation of great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Definition - Exhibiting casual unconcern or lack of interest; indifferent.
Usage - An appreciation of great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Sunday - September 11, 2011
inexorable [in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Unmoved by persuasion or entreaty; unyielding; relentless.
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Definition - Unmoved by persuasion or entreaty; unyielding; relentless.
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Saturday - September 10, 2011
inert [in-urt] (adjective)
Definition - Having no inherent power of action.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Definition - Having no inherent power of action.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Friday - September 09, 2011
inadvertent [in-uhd-vur-tnt] (adjective)
Definition - Not properly attentive; accidental, unintentional.
Usage - During World War II, Americans were warned to avoid inadvertent remarks that could jeopardize the safety of our fighting men.
Definition - Not properly attentive; accidental, unintentional.
Usage - During World War II, Americans were warned to avoid inadvertent remarks that could jeopardize the safety of our fighting men.
Wednesday - September 07, 2011
disconsolate [dis-kon-suh-lit] (adjective)
Definition - Inconsolable; hopelessly sad.
Usage - A faint disconsolate cry greeted the rescuers at all collapsed mine shaft when they finally cleared away the last bit of debris.
Definition - Inconsolable; hopelessly sad.
Usage - A faint disconsolate cry greeted the rescuers at all collapsed mine shaft when they finally cleared away the last bit of debris.
Tuesday - September 06, 2011
diminution [dim-uh-noo-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - A decrease, lessening, diminishing.
Usage - A diminution of funds in no way slowed the city's plans for refurbishing the downtown waterfront.
Definition - A decrease, lessening, diminishing.
Usage - A diminution of funds in no way slowed the city's plans for refurbishing the downtown waterfront.
Monday - September 05, 2011
derelict [der-uh-likt] (adjective)
Definition - Deserted or abandoned property, especially a ship at sea.
Usage - The salvage hunters made a cursory inspection of the derelict and then focused their search upon the purser's office.
Definition - Deserted or abandoned property, especially a ship at sea.
Usage - The salvage hunters made a cursory inspection of the derelict and then focused their search upon the purser's office.
Sunday - September 04, 2011
deprecate [dep-ri-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To express strong disapproval of, or argue strongly against.
Usage - Any attempt on the part of government to prohibit the free exercise of religion should be immediately deprecated.
Definition - To express strong disapproval of, or argue strongly against.
Usage - Any attempt on the part of government to prohibit the free exercise of religion should be immediately deprecated.
Friday - September 02, 2011
torrid [tawr-id] (adjective)
Definition - Intensely hot of dry.
Usage - It was impossible to walk barefoot on the torrid desert sand.
Definition - Intensely hot of dry.
Usage - It was impossible to walk barefoot on the torrid desert sand.
Tuesday - August 30, 2011
decrepit [di-krep-it] (adjective)
Definition - Worn out by old age or hard use; enfeebled.
Usage - With decrepit step and slow, the weary traveler wends his way to dusty death.
Definition - Worn out by old age or hard use; enfeebled.
Usage - With decrepit step and slow, the weary traveler wends his way to dusty death.
Monday - August 29, 2011
exuberant [ig-zoo-ber-uhnt] (adjective)
Definition - effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant:
Usage - Our friends gave us an exuberant welcome at the airport.
Definition - effusively and almost uninhibitedly enthusiastic; lavishly abundant:
Usage - Our friends gave us an exuberant welcome at the airport.
Sunday - August 28, 2011
endorse [en-dawrs] (verb)
Definition - to approve, support, or sustain:
Usage - Newspapers often endorse candidates for public office.
Definition - to approve, support, or sustain:
Usage - Newspapers often endorse candidates for public office.
Saturday - August 27, 2011
climax [klahy-maks] (noun)
Definition - the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something;
Usage - Slugger Norris's winning home run in the World Series was a terrific climax to the season.
Definition - the highest or most intense point in the development or resolution of something;
Usage - Slugger Norris's winning home run in the World Series was a terrific climax to the season.
Friday - August 26, 2011
arduous [ahr-joo-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult:
Usage - Frequent sandstorms made the arduous trek across the Sahara Desert even more difficult.
Definition - requiring great exertion; laborious; difficult:
Usage - Frequent sandstorms made the arduous trek across the Sahara Desert even more difficult.
Thursday - August 25, 2011
canny [kan-ee] (adjective)
Definition - careful; cautious; prudent:
Usage - A canny businessperson can make a profit even in the worst of times.
Definition - careful; cautious; prudent:
Usage - A canny businessperson can make a profit even in the worst of times.
Wednesday - August 24, 2011
munificent [myoo-nif-uh-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - Extremely generous or liberal in giving; lavish.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers.
Definition - Extremely generous or liberal in giving; lavish.
Usage - Caesar had been most munificent to his soldiers.
Tuesday - August 23, 2011
ingratiate [in-grey-shee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To bring oneself deliberately into the good graces of onother.
Usage - With the limb from my apricot tree still in his mouth, my dog attempted to ingratiate himself with me by wagging his tail.
Definition - To bring oneself deliberately into the good graces of onother.
Usage - With the limb from my apricot tree still in his mouth, my dog attempted to ingratiate himself with me by wagging his tail.
Monday - August 22, 2011
incarnate [in-kahr-nit] (adjective)
Definition - Invested with flesh, especially in human form.
Usage - In Jesus Christ incarnate God has been seen of men.
Definition - Invested with flesh, especially in human form.
Usage - In Jesus Christ incarnate God has been seen of men.
Sunday - August 21, 2011
haven [hey-vuhn] (noun)
Definition - A place of safety; a sanctuary.
Usage - The local school was a haven for those made homeless by the hurricane.
Definition - A place of safety; a sanctuary.
Usage - The local school was a haven for those made homeless by the hurricane.
Saturday - August 20, 2011
clammy [klam-ee] (adjective)
Definition - Cold and damp
Usage - The speaker was so nervous his hands were clammy with sweat.
Definition - Cold and damp
Usage - The speaker was so nervous his hands were clammy with sweat.
Friday - August 19, 2011
breach [breech] (noun)
Definition - A braking or being broken
Usage - Your attempts to manipulate your roommate are what caused the breach in your friendship.
Definition - A braking or being broken
Usage - Your attempts to manipulate your roommate are what caused the breach in your friendship.
Thursday - August 18, 2011
arbitrary [ahr-bi-trer-ee] (adjective)
Definition - subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion.
Usage - All the constitutional safeguards of English freedom were swept away. Arbitrary taxation, abitrary legislation, abitrary imprisonment were powers claimed without dispute and unsparingly used by the Crown. -J. R. Green
Definition - subject to individual will or judgment without restriction; contingent solely upon one's discretion.
Usage - All the constitutional safeguards of English freedom were swept away. Arbitrary taxation, abitrary legislation, abitrary imprisonment were powers claimed without dispute and unsparingly used by the Crown. -J. R. Green
Wednesday - August 17, 2011
inveigle [in-vey-guhl] (verb)
Definition - To acquire, win, or obtain by beguiling talk or methods (usually fol. by from or away): to inveigle
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories
Definition - To acquire, win, or obtain by beguiling talk or methods (usually fol. by from or away): to inveigle
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories
Tuesday - August 16, 2011
impugn [im-pyoon] (verb)
Definition - to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
Usage - To Moliére's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Definition - to challenge as false (another's statements, motives, etc.); cast doubt upon.
Usage - To Moliére's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Monday - August 15, 2011
foment [foh-ment] (verb)
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sense.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sense.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Sunday - August 14, 2011
feign [feyn] (verb)
Definition - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Usage - to represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of:
Definition - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Usage - to represent fictitiously; put on an appearance of:
Saturday - August 13, 2011
balk [bawk] (verb)
Definition - to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified
Usage - The rider's horse balked at the last barrier and threw the unfortunate fellow headlong.
Definition - to stop, as at an obstacle, and refuse to proceed or to do something specified
Usage - The rider's horse balked at the last barrier and threw the unfortunate fellow headlong.
Friday - August 12, 2011
embellish [em-bel-ish] (verb)
Definition - To add decorative details; to add fictitious details.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Definition - To add decorative details; to add fictitious details.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Thursday - August 11, 2011
enamor [i-nam-er] (verb)
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Wednesday - August 10, 2011
divulge [di-vuhlj] (verb)
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - The jury members were asked not to divulge any facts of the trial until it was over.
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - The jury members were asked not to divulge any facts of the trial until it was over.
Tuesday - August 09, 2011
corrode [kuh-rohd] (verb)
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Monday - August 08, 2011
condole [kuhn-dohl] (verb)
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grieve with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grieve with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Sunday - August 07, 2011
censure [sen-sher] (noun)
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Saturday - August 06, 2011
appease [uh-peez] (verb)
Definition - To bring to a state of peace.
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Greant Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Definition - To bring to a state of peace.
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Greant Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Friday - August 05, 2011
abate [uh-beyt] (verb)
Definition - To reduce in amount.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw close to the end of the church age.
Definition - To reduce in amount.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw close to the end of the church age.
Thursday - August 04, 2011
prevaricate [pri-var-i-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To speak falsely or misleadingly.
Usage - Do not prevaricate by withholding part of the truth: answer each question completely and honestly.
Definition - To speak falsely or misleadingly.
Usage - Do not prevaricate by withholding part of the truth: answer each question completely and honestly.
Wednesday - August 03, 2011
ecclesiastical [i-klee-zee-as-ti-kuh] (adjective)
Definition - of or pertaining to the church or the clergy; churchly; clerical; not secular.
Usage - Fundamentalists affirm ecclesiastical separation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Definition - of or pertaining to the church or the clergy; churchly; clerical; not secular.
Usage - Fundamentalists affirm ecclesiastical separation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Tuesday - August 02, 2011
graven [grey-vuhn] (adjective)
Definition - a graven idol.
Usage - Mike told Sara that the bible says "Thou shalt have no graven images before God."
Definition - a graven idol.
Usage - Mike told Sara that the bible says "Thou shalt have no graven images before God."
Monday - August 01, 2011
capricious [kuh-prish-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Likely to change quickly for no obvious reason.
Usage - Robert Frost wrote an amusing poem about the capricious New England weather.
Definition - Likely to change quickly for no obvious reason.
Usage - Robert Frost wrote an amusing poem about the capricious New England weather.
Sunday - July 31, 2011
manifest [man-uh-fest] (adjective)
Definition - Plain to see; evident.
Usage - Poverty is manifest in many countries with large populations and limited resources.
Definition - Plain to see; evident.
Usage - Poverty is manifest in many countries with large populations and limited resources.
Saturday - July 30, 2011
intuition [in-too-ish-uhn] (noun)
Definition - Knowing or sensing something without the use of reason; an insight.
Usage - Following his intuition, Robert chose the path to the left and soon was rewarded by the glimpse of the pond he had been seeking.
Definition - Knowing or sensing something without the use of reason; an insight.
Usage - Following his intuition, Robert chose the path to the left and soon was rewarded by the glimpse of the pond he had been seeking.
Friday - July 29, 2011
remunerate [ri-myoo-nuh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To pay or reward.
Usage - Were you remunerated for the work you did for the schools used book sale or was it voluntary?
Definition - To pay or reward.
Usage - Were you remunerated for the work you did for the schools used book sale or was it voluntary?
Friday - July 29, 2011
infer [in-fur] ( verb)
Definition - To reach conclusion through reasoning.
Usage - Because you never return my phone calls and are always too busy to do anything with me, I infer that you are ending our friendship.
Definition - To reach conclusion through reasoning.
Usage - Because you never return my phone calls and are always too busy to do anything with me, I infer that you are ending our friendship.
Thursday - July 28, 2011
impair [im-pair] (verb)
Definition - To damage, weaken, or lessen.
Usage - Even one alcoholic drink impairs a person's ability to drive.
Definition - To damage, weaken, or lessen.
Usage - Even one alcoholic drink impairs a person's ability to drive.
Wednesday - July 27, 2011
harrowing [har-oh-ing] (adjective)
Definition - Very distressing or acutely painful.
Usage - Some of the war scenes in the movie were so harrowing I almost left the theater.
Definition - Very distressing or acutely painful.
Usage - Some of the war scenes in the movie were so harrowing I almost left the theater.
Tuesday - July 26, 2011
faculty [fak-uhl-teeh] (noun)
Definition - Any of the natural powers of the mind and body, such as sight or hearing.
Usage - Dispite his eighty-five years, he retained all his faculty.
Definition - Any of the natural powers of the mind and body, such as sight or hearing.
Usage - Dispite his eighty-five years, he retained all his faculty.
Monday - July 25, 2011
cardinal [kahr-dn-l] (adjective)
Definition - Most important; chief.
Usage - A cardinal rule for investors is "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
Definition - Most important; chief.
Usage - A cardinal rule for investors is "Don't put all your eggs in one basket."
Sunday - July 24, 2011
adversity [ad-vur-si-tee] (noun)
Definition - Misfortune; hardship.
Usage - In Dicken's novels, the heroine usually triumphs over adversity.
Definition - Misfortune; hardship.
Usage - In Dicken's novels, the heroine usually triumphs over adversity.
Saturday - July 23, 2011
supersede [soo-per-seed] (verb)
Definition - To replace to cause to be set aside because of superiority.
Usage - By the 1960s, airplanes had superseded ships as the most common means for long-distance travel.
Definition - To replace to cause to be set aside because of superiority.
Usage - By the 1960s, airplanes had superseded ships as the most common means for long-distance travel.
Friday - July 22, 2011
porous [pawr-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Full of tiny holes or spaces; easily pentrated by gas or liquid.
Usage - The amount of clay in the soil of our yard prevents it from being very porous, so rainwater often accumulates in large pools.
Definition - Full of tiny holes or spaces; easily pentrated by gas or liquid.
Usage - The amount of clay in the soil of our yard prevents it from being very porous, so rainwater often accumulates in large pools.
Thursday - July 21, 2011
paucity [paw-si-tee] (noun)
Definition - Scarcity; smallness in number or amount.
Usage - The paucity of the harvest became very clear when we looked at the half-empty corn crib.
Definition - Scarcity; smallness in number or amount.
Usage - The paucity of the harvest became very clear when we looked at the half-empty corn crib.
Wednesday - July 20, 2011
idyll [ahyd-l] (noun)
Definition - An episode or experience that is calm and carfree.
Usage - Our summer idyll ended when the boat came to take us off the island.
Definition - An episode or experience that is calm and carfree.
Usage - Our summer idyll ended when the boat came to take us off the island.
Tuesday - July 19, 2011
furor [fyoor-awr] (noun)
Definition - An uproar; a state of great anger or excitement.
Usage - When the surprise witness for the prosecution turned out to be the best friend of the accused, the courtroom was thrown into a furor.
Definition - An uproar; a state of great anger or excitement.
Usage - When the surprise witness for the prosecution turned out to be the best friend of the accused, the courtroom was thrown into a furor.
Monday - July 18, 2011
fallacy [fal-uh-see] (noun)
Definition - A false or mistaken idea.
Usage - Uncle Walter argues that it is a fallacy to think that the federal government is less efficient than state governments.
Definition - A false or mistaken idea.
Usage - Uncle Walter argues that it is a fallacy to think that the federal government is less efficient than state governments.
Sunday - July 17, 2011
envisage [en-viz-ij] (verb)
Definition - To picture in one's mind to imagine something in the future.
Usage - Few colonists in the 1600s could have envisaged that the forests surrounding them would be gone within a few hundred years.
Definition - To picture in one's mind to imagine something in the future.
Usage - Few colonists in the 1600s could have envisaged that the forests surrounding them would be gone within a few hundred years.
Saturday - July 16, 2011
facetious [fuh-see-shuhs] (adjective)
Definition - platfully humorous.
Usage - LInda claims she was just being facetious when she asked if your new ring was a prize from the bubble gum machine.
Definition - platfully humorous.
Usage - LInda claims she was just being facetious when she asked if your new ring was a prize from the bubble gum machine.
Friday - July 15, 2011
emanate [em-uh-neyt] (verb)
Definition - To come out from a source.
Usage - As the boys crept down the basement stairs, a low humming noise emanate from the furnace.
Definition - To come out from a source.
Usage - As the boys crept down the basement stairs, a low humming noise emanate from the furnace.
Thursday - July 14, 2011
defray [di-frey] (verb)
Definition - To supply the money for; to pay.
Usage - Our school has money in the budget to defray the cost of our class's trip to Plimoth Plantation.
Definition - To supply the money for; to pay.
Usage - Our school has money in the budget to defray the cost of our class's trip to Plimoth Plantation.
Wednesday - July 13, 2011
complacent [kuhm-pley-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - so self-satisfied that one sees no need for change; un concerned.
Usage - "I don't need to study" was Barry's complacent answer when reminded of tomorrow's final test.
Definition - so self-satisfied that one sees no need for change; un concerned.
Usage - "I don't need to study" was Barry's complacent answer when reminded of tomorrow's final test.
Tuesday - July 12, 2011
averse [uh-vurs] (adjective)
Definition - Having a feeling of oppsition or distaste.
Usage - My parents are averse to our watching televsion while we eat dinner.
Definition - Having a feeling of oppsition or distaste.
Usage - My parents are averse to our watching televsion while we eat dinner.
Monday - July 11, 2011
amenity [uh-men-i-tee] (noun)
Definition - A feature that contributes to physical comfort.
Usage - Air conditioning is an amenity that many urban dwellers in the South consider essential.
Definition - A feature that contributes to physical comfort.
Usage - Air conditioning is an amenity that many urban dwellers in the South consider essential.
Sunday - July 10, 2011
practicable [prak-ti-kuh-buhl] (adjective )
Definition - Capable of being done; feasible.
Usage - Making a community garden in that vacant lot is a practicable plan, but you'll have to get permission from the city first.
Definition - Capable of being done; feasible.
Usage - Making a community garden in that vacant lot is a practicable plan, but you'll have to get permission from the city first.
Friday - July 08, 2011
myriad [mir-ee-uhd] (noun)
Definition - A very large number.
Usage - A myriad of mosquitoes swarmed around us as we sloshed through the swamp.
Definition - A very large number.
Usage - A myriad of mosquitoes swarmed around us as we sloshed through the swamp.
Thursday - July 07, 2011
magnanimous [mag-nan-uh-muhs] (adjective )
Definition - Generous, unselfish, or forgiving.
Usage - Nelson Mandela was too magnanimous to seek revenge on his persecutors.
Definition - Generous, unselfish, or forgiving.
Usage - Nelson Mandela was too magnanimous to seek revenge on his persecutors.
Wednesday - July 06, 2011
incapacitate [in-kuh-pas-i-teyt] (verb)
Definition - To make helpless or incapable.
Usage - Keiko was incapacitated for six weeks while her leg was in a cast.
Definition - To make helpless or incapable.
Usage - Keiko was incapacitated for six weeks while her leg was in a cast.
Tuesday - July 05, 2011
gratis [grat-is] (adjective)
Definition - Without payment; free of charge.
Usage - Admission to the museum is gratis on monday.
Definition - Without payment; free of charge.
Usage - Admission to the museum is gratis on monday.
Monday - July 04, 2011
garner [gahr-ner] (verb)
Definition - To collect or gather; to acquire or obtain.
Usage - The school committee candidate garnered support by going from door to door throughout the district to meet people.
Definition - To collect or gather; to acquire or obtain.
Usage - The school committee candidate garnered support by going from door to door throughout the district to meet people.
Sunday - July 03, 2011
jaded [jey-did] (adjective)
Definition - Dulled or wearied by excess or overindulgence.
Usage - Jaded fans of special effects in movies seem to need ever more spectacular sights in order to be thrilled.
Definition - Dulled or wearied by excess or overindulgence.
Usage - Jaded fans of special effects in movies seem to need ever more spectacular sights in order to be thrilled.
Saturday - July 02, 2011
commiserate [kuh-miz-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To feel or express sorrow or compassion for; to sympathize.
Usage - If I'm upset about something it helps me feel better if someone commiserates with me.
Definition - To feel or express sorrow or compassion for; to sympathize.
Usage - If I'm upset about something it helps me feel better if someone commiserates with me.
Friday - July 01, 2011
boon [boon] (noun)
Definition - A welcome gift or blessing.
Usage - After the long dry spell, the rain was a boon to the Iowa farmers.
Definition - A welcome gift or blessing.
Usage - After the long dry spell, the rain was a boon to the Iowa farmers.
Thursday - June 30, 2011
transmute [trans-myoot] (verb)
Definition - To change the form or appearance of.
Usage - In the fairy tale "Rumpelstiltsken," the foolish miller claimed that his daughter could transmute straw into gold.
Definition - To change the form or appearance of.
Usage - In the fairy tale "Rumpelstiltsken," the foolish miller claimed that his daughter could transmute straw into gold.
Wednesday - June 29, 2011
scintillate [sin-tl-eyt] (veb)
Definition - To flash or sparkle.
Usage - The mirrors on the revolving ball suspended from the ceiling scintillated above the dancers.
Definition - To flash or sparkle.
Usage - The mirrors on the revolving ball suspended from the ceiling scintillated above the dancers.
Tuesday - June 28, 2011
repose [ree-pohz] (verb)
Definition - To lie at rest.
Usage - Until it was time to leave, I reposed in the hammock on the porch.
Definition - To lie at rest.
Usage - Until it was time to leave, I reposed in the hammock on the porch.
Monday - June 27, 2011
quandary [kwon-duh-ree] (noun)
Definition - A state of being in doubt about what to do.
Usage - The lawyers were in a quandary whether or not controversial material on the Internet is protected by the Frist Amendment.
Definition - A state of being in doubt about what to do.
Usage - The lawyers were in a quandary whether or not controversial material on the Internet is protected by the Frist Amendment.
Sunday - June 26, 2011
raucous [raw-kuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Rough and unpleasant to the ear.
Usage - The raucous cries of the restaurant's parrot startled the diners.
Definition - Rough and unpleasant to the ear.
Usage - The raucous cries of the restaurant's parrot startled the diners.
Saturday - June 25, 2011
protege [proh-tuh-zhey] (noun )
Definition - One whose training or career is helped along by another.
Usage - Margaret Thatcher was a protege of Edward Health, whom she eventually replaced as British prime minister.
Definition - One whose training or career is helped along by another.
Usage - Margaret Thatcher was a protege of Edward Health, whom she eventually replaced as British prime minister.
Friday - June 24, 2011
definitive [di-fin-i-tiv] (adjective )
Definition - Supplying a final answer; conclusive.
Usage - Some scholars believe that the definitive biography of the poet Sylvia Plath has not yet been written.
Definition - Supplying a final answer; conclusive.
Usage - Some scholars believe that the definitive biography of the poet Sylvia Plath has not yet been written.
Thursday - June 23, 2011
pariah [puh-rahy-:uh] (noun )
Definition - A social outcast.
Usage - Her classmates treated Maria like a pariah when she told the principal that drugs were being sold in school.
Definition - A social outcast.
Usage - Her classmates treated Maria like a pariah when she told the principal that drugs were being sold in school.
Wednesday - June 22, 2011
avocation [av-uh-key-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - An activity pursued for pleasure; a hobby.
Usage - Serious artists say that painting is both their profession and their avocation.
Definition - An activity pursued for pleasure; a hobby.
Usage - Serious artists say that painting is both their profession and their avocation.
Tuesday - June 21, 2011
ingrate [in-greyt] (noun)
Definition - An ungrateful person.
Usage - I felt like an ingrate for forgetting to thank my mother for carrying in the food and drink for the party.
Definition - An ungrateful person.
Usage - I felt like an ingrate for forgetting to thank my mother for carrying in the food and drink for the party.
Monday - June 20, 2011
fateful [feyt-fuh] (adjective)
Definition - Having great or significant consequences.
Usage - The article examines President Truman's fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Definition - Having great or significant consequences.
Usage - The article examines President Truman's fateful decision to drop the atomic bomb on Hiroshima.
Sunday - June 19, 2011
moribund [mawr-uh-buhnd] (adjective)
Definition - close to death; in a dying state.
Usage - It is incontrovertible that the company was moribund when we took it over last year.
Definition - close to death; in a dying state.
Usage - It is incontrovertible that the company was moribund when we took it over last year.
Saturday - June 18, 2011
expostulate [ik-spos-chuh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulated with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulated with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Friday - June 17, 2011
expostulate [ik-spos-chuh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulate with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Definition - To argue earnestly with another in an attempt to dissuade.
Usage - My friends expostulate with me on the wisdom of waiting until daylight to begin my journey.
Thursday - June 16, 2011
censure [sen-sher] (verb)
Definition - To blame or find fault with.
Usage - The judge censured the lawyer for failing to file the papers on time.
Definition - To blame or find fault with.
Usage - The judge censured the lawyer for failing to file the papers on time.
Thursday - June 16, 2011
exorbitant [ig-zawr-bi-tuhnt] (adjective )
Definition - Exceeding normal bounds; greater or more than seems reasonable.
Usage - Two hundred dollars seems an exorbitant price for a man's shirt.
Definition - Exceeding normal bounds; greater or more than seems reasonable.
Usage - Two hundred dollars seems an exorbitant price for a man's shirt.
Wednesday - June 15, 2011
amorous [am-er-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Expressing love or the state of being in love.
Usage - The couple exchanged amorous glances as they sat across from each other at the dinner table.
Definition - Expressing love or the state of being in love.
Usage - The couple exchanged amorous glances as they sat across from each other at the dinner table.
Tuesday - June 14, 2011
vociferous [voh-sif-er-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Making one's feelings known in a loud way.
Usage - The community's vociferous opposition to a stadium in their neighborhood led the governor to abandon the plan.
Definition - Making one's feelings known in a loud way.
Usage - The community's vociferous opposition to a stadium in their neighborhood led the governor to abandon the plan.
Monday - June 13, 2011
sojourn [soh-jurn] (noun)
Definition - A visit or temporary stay.
Usage - Our summer sojourn with our cousins ended after six wonderful weeks in Puerto Rico.
Definition - A visit or temporary stay.
Usage - Our summer sojourn with our cousins ended after six wonderful weeks in Puerto Rico.
Sunday - June 12, 2011
propagate [prop-uh-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To reproduce.
Usage - The scientists were puzzled when the frogs that propagated in the fall had unusually few offspring.
Definition - To reproduce.
Usage - The scientists were puzzled when the frogs that propagated in the fall had unusually few offspring.
Saturday - June 11, 2011
concede [kuhn-seed] (verb)
Definition - To admit to be true, often reluctantly.
Usage - Bungee jumpers concede that the sport can be dangerous.
Definition - To admit to be true, often reluctantly.
Usage - Bungee jumpers concede that the sport can be dangerous.
Friday - June 10, 2011
dogma [dawg-muh] (noun)
Definition - An unproven principle or belief held to be true.
Usage - The economic theory that the wealth of large companies will trickle down to others in the society was dogma to many in the 1980s.
Definition - An unproven principle or belief held to be true.
Usage - The economic theory that the wealth of large companies will trickle down to others in the society was dogma to many in the 1980s.
Thursday - June 09, 2011
aver [uh'ver] (verb)
Definition - To declare positively; to state as the truth.
Usage - Bishop Cardozo averred that the church has a duty to become involved in secular as well as spiritual matters.
Definition - To declare positively; to state as the truth.
Usage - Bishop Cardozo averred that the church has a duty to become involved in secular as well as spiritual matters.
Wednesday - June 08, 2011
ascendancy [uh-sen-duhn-see] (noun)
Definition - Controlling influence; domination.
Usage - The ascendacy of the United States as a world power coincided with the decline of the Britsh Empire.
Definition - Controlling influence; domination.
Usage - The ascendacy of the United States as a world power coincided with the decline of the Britsh Empire.
Tuesday - June 07, 2011
voracious [vaw-rey-shuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Ravenous; desiring and eating a large amount of food.
Usage - We arrived back from our hike with voracious appetites.
Definition - Ravenous; desiring and eating a large amount of food.
Usage - We arrived back from our hike with voracious appetites.
Monday - June 06, 2011
despot [des-puht] (noun)
Definition - A ruler with absolute power or tyrannical control over a goup of people.
Usage - In the late 1970s and early 1980s, thousands fled Haiti seeking refuge from the despot Jean Claude D
Definition - A ruler with absolute power or tyrannical control over a goup of people.
Usage - In the late 1970s and early 1980s, thousands fled Haiti seeking refuge from the despot Jean Claude D
Sunday - June 05, 2011
pomp [pomp] (noun)
Definition - A showy or dignified display.
Usage - The commencement excercises at major univerities are usually marked by pomp and ceremony.
Definition - A showy or dignified display.
Usage - The commencement excercises at major univerities are usually marked by pomp and ceremony.
Saturday - June 04, 2011
ingenious [in-jeen-yuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Marked by imagination, resourcefulness, or cleverness.
Usage - Disposing of garbage by converting it into energy is an ingenious idea.
Definition - Marked by imagination, resourcefulness, or cleverness.
Usage - Disposing of garbage by converting it into energy is an ingenious idea.
Friday - June 03, 2011
haphazard [hap-haz-erd] (adjective)
Definition - Marked by lack of plan, order, or direction.
Usage - He described in humorous detail his haphazard travels around Europe.
Definition - Marked by lack of plan, order, or direction.
Usage - He described in humorous detail his haphazard travels around Europe.
Thursday - June 02, 2011
alacrity [uh-lak-ri-tee] (noun )
Definition - cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Usage - The seller of the classic car accepted my first offer with such alacrity that I
Definition - cheerful readiness, promptness, or willingness: We accepted the invitation with alacrity.
Usage - The seller of the classic car accepted my first offer with such alacrity that I
Thursday - May 12, 2011
impervious [im-pur-vee-uhs] (adjective )
Definition - Incapable of being penetrated.
Usage - We stayed dry in the downpour because our tent is impervious to rain.
Definition - Incapable of being penetrated.
Usage - We stayed dry in the downpour because our tent is impervious to rain.
Wednesday - May 11, 2011
nondescript [non-di-skript] (adjective )
Definition - Hard to describe because of lack of distinctive qualities or features.
Usage - Encumbered with backpack and other paraphernalia, I walked along the endless row of nondescript houses looking for number 136.
Definition - Hard to describe because of lack of distinctive qualities or features.
Usage - Encumbered with backpack and other paraphernalia, I walked along the endless row of nondescript houses looking for number 136.
Tuesday - May 10, 2011
antiquity [an-tik-wi-tee] (noun)
Definition - The ancient world, especially before the the Middle Ages.
Usage - Emperor Nero of Rome was one of the great despots of antiquity.
Definition - The ancient world, especially before the the Middle Ages.
Usage - Emperor Nero of Rome was one of the great despots of antiquity.
Monday - May 09, 2011
apropos [ap-ruh-pohs] (adjective)
Definition - Fitting the occasion; suitable or apt.
Usage - The red, white, and blue blouse seemed quite apropos for her post-election celebration.
Definition - Fitting the occasion; suitable or apt.
Usage - The red, white, and blue blouse seemed quite apropos for her post-election celebration.
Sunday - May 08, 2011
tacit [tas-it] (adjective )
Definition - Expressed without words; implied.
Usage - You gave your tacit approval by not raising any objectins to our plan.
Definition - Expressed without words; implied.
Usage - You gave your tacit approval by not raising any objectins to our plan.
Saturday - May 07, 2011
allude [uh-lood] (verb)
Definition - To refer to in an indirect way (used with to).
Usage - "I made a mistake that night," he said, alluding to the way he lost his temper.
Definition - To refer to in an indirect way (used with to).
Usage - "I made a mistake that night," he said, alluding to the way he lost his temper.
Friday - May 06, 2011
erudite [er-yoo-dahyt] (adjective)
Definition - Having or demonstrating extensive knowledge; learned.
Usage - In her first book, the author provided an erudite account of the looting of artworks during the World War II.
Definition - Having or demonstrating extensive knowledge; learned.
Usage - In her first book, the author provided an erudite account of the looting of artworks during the World War II.
Thursday - May 05, 2011
adroit [uh-droit] (adjective )
Definition - Clever at dealing with difficult situations; adept; skillful.
Usage - Her adroit handling of the boat saved us from going onto the rocks.
Definition - Clever at dealing with difficult situations; adept; skillful.
Usage - Her adroit handling of the boat saved us from going onto the rocks.
Wednesday - May 04, 2011
voluble [vol-yuh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Characterized by a ready flow of words; talkative.
Usage - The voluble host scarely gave his guests a chance to speak.
Definition - Characterized by a ready flow of words; talkative.
Usage - The voluble host scarely gave his guests a chance to speak.
Tuesday - May 03, 2011
wane [weyn] (verb)
Definition - To get smaller, dimmer, or weaker; to near an end.
Usage - When interest in "sitcoms" waned, the television networks switched to detective shows.
Definition - To get smaller, dimmer, or weaker; to near an end.
Usage - When interest in "sitcoms" waned, the television networks switched to detective shows.
Monday - May 02, 2011
speculate [spek-yuh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To think about or make guesses.
Usage - As we waited, we speculated about wether he'd keep his promise and show up.
Definition - To think about or make guesses.
Usage - As we waited, we speculated about wether he'd keep his promise and show up.
Sunday - May 01, 2011
secular [sek-yuh-ler] (adjective)
Definition - Worldly; not connected with a church or religion.
Usage - The choir included a few secular songs in the memorial service.
Definition - Worldly; not connected with a church or religion.
Usage - The choir included a few secular songs in the memorial service.
Saturday - April 30, 2011
plumb [pluhm] (noun)
Definition - a small mass of lead or other heavy material, as that suspended by a line and used to measure the de
Usage - The lake was too deep for us to plumb
Definition - a small mass of lead or other heavy material, as that suspended by a line and used to measure the de
Usage - The lake was too deep for us to plumb
Friday - April 29, 2011
obligatory [uh-blig-uh-tawr-ee, ] (adjective )
Definition - required as a matter of obligation; mandatory
Usage - A reply is desirable but not obligatory.
Definition - required as a matter of obligation; mandatory
Usage - A reply is desirable but not obligatory.
Thursday - April 28, 2011
maxim [mak-sim] (noun)
Definition - an expression of a general truth or principle, esp. an aphoristic or sententious one: the maxims of
Usage - Remember the maxim "Haste makes waste " and slow down.
Definition - an expression of a general truth or principle, esp. an aphoristic or sententious one: the maxims of
Usage - Remember the maxim "Haste makes waste " and slow down.
Wednesday - April 27, 2011
intermittent [in-ter-mit-nt] (adjective)
Definition - Not continuouse; happening at intervals.
Usage - Showers were intermittent throughout the day, although the forecast had promised sunshine.
Definition - Not continuouse; happening at intervals.
Usage - Showers were intermittent throughout the day, although the forecast had promised sunshine.
Tuesday - April 26, 2011
incontrovertible [in-kon-truh-vur-tuh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Impossible to dispute; unquestionable.
Usage - The statement that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing is incontrovertible.
Definition - Impossible to dispute; unquestionable.
Usage - The statement that carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are increasing is incontrovertible.
Monday - April 25, 2011
array [uh-rey] (verb)
Definition - A large group of people or things.
Usage - The ship's cabin contained an array of charts and maps.
Definition - A large group of people or things.
Usage - The ship's cabin contained an array of charts and maps.
Wednesday - April 06, 2011
lament [luh-ment] (verb)
Definition - To feel or express grief.
Usage - Uncountable mourners lined the streets to lamet the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Whales.
Definition - To feel or express grief.
Usage - Uncountable mourners lined the streets to lamet the 1997 death of Diana, Princess of Whales.
Tuesday - April 05, 2011
implicate [im-pli-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To show to be involved with something, especially something dishonest or illegal.
Usage - The defence attorney insisted that her client could not be implicated in the theft.
Definition - To show to be involved with something, especially something dishonest or illegal.
Usage - The defence attorney insisted that her client could not be implicated in the theft.
Monday - April 04, 2011
feckless [fek-lis] (adjective)
Definition - Careless of irresponsible
Usage - Pip's feckless ways in London left him devoid of cash.
Definition - Careless of irresponsible
Usage - Pip's feckless ways in London left him devoid of cash.
Thursday - March 31, 2011
sagacious [suh-gey-shuhs] (adjective )
Definition - Showing sound judgment
Usage - My grandmother's sagacious advice has guided me many times over the years.
Definition - Showing sound judgment
Usage - My grandmother's sagacious advice has guided me many times over the years.
Wednesday - March 30, 2011
indolent [in-dl-uhnt] (adjective )
Definition - Indulging in ease; avoiding exertion; lazy.
Usage - Being in the torrid heat of the tropical sun makes one feel indolent.
Definition - Indulging in ease; avoiding exertion; lazy.
Usage - Being in the torrid heat of the tropical sun makes one feel indolent.
Tuesday - March 29, 2011
impoverish [im-pov-er-ish] (verb)
Definition - to make poor.
Usage - Uncontrolled gambling can impoverish a person.
Definition - to make poor.
Usage - Uncontrolled gambling can impoverish a person.
Monday - March 28, 2011
impediment [im-ped-uh-muhnt] (noun )
Definition - Anything that gets in the way; an obstacle.
Usage - After the hurricane, fallen trees were impediments to traffic in our neighborhood.
Definition - Anything that gets in the way; an obstacle.
Usage - After the hurricane, fallen trees were impediments to traffic in our neighborhood.
Sunday - March 27, 2011
impugn [im-pyoon] (verb)
Definition - To oppose or attack with criticism or arguments; to challenge the truth, validity or correctness of.
Usage - In Moliére's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Definition - To oppose or attack with criticism or arguments; to challenge the truth, validity or correctness of.
Usage - In Moliére's Tartuffe, Orgon impugned the motives of anyone who dared to criticize Tartuffe.
Friday - March 25, 2011
enunciate [i-nuhn-see-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to pronounce clearly
Usage - In speech class we learn to enunciate our words.
Definition - to pronounce clearly
Usage - In speech class we learn to enunciate our words.
Thursday - March 24, 2011
cynical [sin-i-kuhl] (adjective)
Definition - Doubtful of the sincerity of others' motives; skeptical
Usage - People become cynical about diet programs when lost weight is soon regained.
Definition - Doubtful of the sincerity of others' motives; skeptical
Usage - People become cynical about diet programs when lost weight is soon regained.
Wednesday - March 23, 2011
callow [kal-oh] (adjective)
Definition - immature or inexperienced: a callow youth.
Usage - The student was too callow to know he was being fooled.
Definition - immature or inexperienced: a callow youth.
Usage - The student was too callow to know he was being fooled.
Tuesday - March 22, 2011
recuperate [ri-koo-puh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To regain health or strength.
Usage - Her surgeon expects Amanda to recuperate quickly.
Definition - To regain health or strength.
Usage - Her surgeon expects Amanda to recuperate quickly.
Monday - March 21, 2011
punctilious [puhngk-til-ee-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Careful of and attentive to details, especially ones relating to good manners and behavior.
Usage - A punctilious host tries to leave nothing to chance when preparing for guests.
Definition - Careful of and attentive to details, especially ones relating to good manners and behavior.
Usage - A punctilious host tries to leave nothing to chance when preparing for guests.
Sunday - March 20, 2011
paraphernalia [par-uh-fer-neyl-yuh] (noun)
Definition - Personal belongings.
Usage - We accumulated so much paraphernalia that the closets couldn't hold it all.
Definition - Personal belongings.
Usage - We accumulated so much paraphernalia that the closets couldn't hold it all.
Saturday - March 19, 2011
odoriferous [oh-duh-rif-er-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Having or giving off a smell.
Usage - Odoriferous fumes spewed from the truck's exhaust.
Definition - Having or giving off a smell.
Usage - Odoriferous fumes spewed from the truck's exhaust.
Friday - March 18, 2011
meander [mee-an-der] (verb)
Definition - To follow a winding course.
Usage - The Mississippi River meanders from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Definition - To follow a winding course.
Usage - The Mississippi River meanders from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico.
Thursday - March 17, 2011
aromatic [ar-uh-mat-ik] (adjective)
Definition - having an aroma; fragrant or sweet-scented; odoriferous.
Usage - aromatic plants bestow no spicy fragrance while thay grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Definition - having an aroma; fragrant or sweet-scented; odoriferous.
Usage - aromatic plants bestow no spicy fragrance while thay grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Wednesday - March 16, 2011
hubbub [huhb-uhb] (noun)
Definition - Noisy confusion; uproar.
Usage - Fans thronged onto the field in a hubbub of excitment when the Boston Red Sox won the pennant.
Definition - Noisy confusion; uproar.
Usage - Fans thronged onto the field in a hubbub of excitment when the Boston Red Sox won the pennant.
Tuesday - March 15, 2011
extraneous [ik-strey-nee-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - Not necessary; irrelevant.
Usage - When you revise your written instructions, eliminate any extraneous details.
Definition - Not necessary; irrelevant.
Usage - When you revise your written instructions, eliminate any extraneous details.
Monday - March 14, 2011
contend [kuhn-tend] (verb)
Definition - To struggle with.
Usage - Mail carriers sometimes have to content with bothersome dogs.
Definition - To struggle with.
Usage - Mail carriers sometimes have to content with bothersome dogs.
Sunday - March 13, 2011
camaraderie [kah-muh-rah-duh-ree] (noun)
Definition - Good will and warm feelings amoung friends.
Usage - A spirit of camaraderie filled the room where the group gathered for its high-school reunion
Definition - Good will and warm feelings amoung friends.
Usage - A spirit of camaraderie filled the room where the group gathered for its high-school reunion
Saturday - March 12, 2011
adage [ad-ij] (noun)
Definition - An old saying that has come to be accepted as true; a proverb.
Usage - Preparing to move again, I comforted myself with the adage "A rolling stone gathers no moss."
Definition - An old saying that has come to be accepted as true; a proverb.
Usage - Preparing to move again, I comforted myself with the adage "A rolling stone gathers no moss."
Friday - March 11, 2011
wanton [won-tn] (adjective)
Definition - Ignoring what is right.
Usage - In refusint to remove asbestos from the ceilings, the company showed a wanton disregard for its empl
Definition - Ignoring what is right.
Usage - In refusint to remove asbestos from the ceilings, the company showed a wanton disregard for its empl
Thursday - March 10, 2011
subjugate [suhb-juh-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To bring under control; to conquer.
Usage - In the late eighteenth century, Russia subjugated the country of Georgia, in western Asia, and made
Definition - To bring under control; to conquer.
Usage - In the late eighteenth century, Russia subjugated the country of Georgia, in western Asia, and made
Wednesday - March 09, 2011
venerate [ven-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To show great respect for.
Usage - Asian cultures venerate their ancestors long after they have died.
Definition - To show great respect for.
Usage - Asian cultures venerate their ancestors long after they have died.
Tuesday - March 08, 2011
stilted [stil-tid] (adjective)
Definition - Artificially stiff or formal in manner.
Usage - His stilted conversation reflected his unease at the gathering of artists in the gallery.
Definition - Artificially stiff or formal in manner.
Usage - His stilted conversation reflected his unease at the gathering of artists in the gallery.
Monday - March 07, 2011
pensive [pen-siv] (adjective)
Definition - Deep in thought; dreamily thoughtful.
Usage - Lying on my back, I grew pensive as I watched the drifting summer clouds.
Definition - Deep in thought; dreamily thoughtful.
Usage - Lying on my back, I grew pensive as I watched the drifting summer clouds.
Sunday - March 06, 2011
iterate [it-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Definition - To say or mention again or repeatedly.
Usage - He iterated his financial advice often, especially to those who visited his bank.
Saturday - March 05, 2011
fluctuate [fluhk-choo-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Definition - To vary or change irregularly; to waver.
Usage - Stock prices continued to fluctuate wildly as investors jumped into and out of the market.
Friday - March 04, 2011
encumber [en-kuhm-ber] (verb)
Definition - To weigh down or burden.
Usage - I strumbled through the terminal door, encumbered by my two heavy suitcases.
Definition - To weigh down or burden.
Usage - I strumbled through the terminal door, encumbered by my two heavy suitcases.
Thursday - March 03, 2011
deduce [di-doos] (verb)
Definition - To draw a conclusion from given facts.
Usage - Your carrying an umbrella leads me to deduce that you expect it to rain.
Definition - To draw a conclusion from given facts.
Usage - Your carrying an umbrella leads me to deduce that you expect it to rain.
Wednesday - March 02, 2011
zenith [zee-nith] (noun)
Definition - The highest point; the peak.
Usage - Winning the Nobel Prize for Literature is, for some writers, the zenith of their career.
Definition - The highest point; the peak.
Usage - Winning the Nobel Prize for Literature is, for some writers, the zenith of their career.
Tuesday - March 01, 2011
masticate [mas-ti-keyt] (verb)
Definition - To grind or crush with the teeth, to chew.
Usage - Since digestion begins in the mouth, children should be taught to masticate thoroughly each mouthful of food.
Definition - To grind or crush with the teeth, to chew.
Usage - Since digestion begins in the mouth, children should be taught to masticate thoroughly each mouthful of food.
Monday - February 28, 2011
labyrinth [lab-uh-rinth] (noun)
Definition - an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach
Usage - He was entagled in a labyrinth, formed by an incredible number of small islands.
Definition - an intricate combination of paths or passages in which it is difficult to find one's way or to reach
Usage - He was entagled in a labyrinth, formed by an incredible number of small islands.
Thursday - February 24, 2011
traverse [truh-vurs] (verb)
Definition - To pass over, across, or through.
Usage - Route 66, which traverses the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles, is sometimes called "The Mo
Definition - To pass over, across, or through.
Usage - Route 66, which traverses the United States from Chicago to Los Angeles, is sometimes called "The Mo
Tuesday - February 22, 2011
sustenance [suhs-tuh-nuhns] (noun)
Definition - Something that provides nourishment; food needed to live.
Usage - Roots and berries provided sustenance for the sailors when the storm forced them to abandon ship and
Definition - Something that provides nourishment; food needed to live.
Usage - Roots and berries provided sustenance for the sailors when the storm forced them to abandon ship and
Monday - February 21, 2011
laggard [lag-erd] (noun)
Definition - One who falls behind others because of moving slowly or loitering; a straggler.
Usage - The laggards crossed the finish line long after the winner had broken the tape.
Definition - One who falls behind others because of moving slowly or loitering; a straggler.
Usage - The laggards crossed the finish line long after the winner had broken the tape.
Thursday - February 17, 2011
zealot [zel-uht] (noun)
Definition - A fanatically devoted or committed person; an immoderate partisan.
Usage - Because the king had become a target for terrorists and deranged zealots, Scotland Yard put into efect new security measures.
Definition - A fanatically devoted or committed person; an immoderate partisan.
Usage - Because the king had become a target for terrorists and deranged zealots, Scotland Yard put into efect new security measures.
Wednesday - February 16, 2011
ubiquitous [yoo-bik-wi-tuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Appearing to be present in large numbers or in many different places.
Usage - Tourist with cameras are ubiquitous in Europe every summer.
Definition - Appearing to be present in large numbers or in many different places.
Usage - Tourist with cameras are ubiquitous in Europe every summer.
Tuesday - February 15, 2011
pathos [pey-thos] (noun)
Definition - the quality or power in an actual life experience or in literature, music, speech, or other forms of
Usage - The poet spoke of the suffering of the people with a pathos that drew sighs and tears from many in his audience.
Definition - the quality or power in an actual life experience or in literature, music, speech, or other forms of
Usage - The poet spoke of the suffering of the people with a pathos that drew sighs and tears from many in his audience.
Sunday - February 13, 2011
heresy [her-uh-see] (noun)
Definition - A belief or opinion at variance with established doctrine in religion or in other fields.
Usage - There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresy, ever denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Definition - A belief or opinion at variance with established doctrine in religion or in other fields.
Usage - There were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresy, ever denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
Friday - February 11, 2011
despot [des-puht] (noun)
Definition - An absolute tyrannical ruler.
Usage - The lords of the realm feared an audience with the inscrutable oriental despot, because they know he held their very lives in his power.
Definition - An absolute tyrannical ruler.
Usage - The lords of the realm feared an audience with the inscrutable oriental despot, because they know he held their very lives in his power.
Thursday - February 10, 2011
dogma [dawg-muh] (noun)
Definition - That which is held as an opinion; a belief, principle, doctrine (sometimes imperiously or arrongantl
Usage - The dictator consistently proclaimed his political dogma on radio and television broadcasts.
Definition - That which is held as an opinion; a belief, principle, doctrine (sometimes imperiously or arrongantl
Usage - The dictator consistently proclaimed his political dogma on radio and television broadcasts.
Wednesday - February 09, 2011
blasphemy [blas-fuh-mee] (noun)
Definition - Profane speaking of God or of sacred things, any irrecerent act or utterance.
Usage - And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. - Rev. 13:6
Definition - Profane speaking of God or of sacred things, any irrecerent act or utterance.
Usage - And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. - Rev. 13:6
Tuesday - February 08, 2011
austere [aw-steer] (adjective)
Definition - Having a stern look or manner; strict or servere in modes of living or acting.
Usage - Our visit with old Mr. Jenkins revealed him to be gentle and kind, not austere as we had supposed.
Definition - Having a stern look or manner; strict or servere in modes of living or acting.
Usage - Our visit with old Mr. Jenkins revealed him to be gentle and kind, not austere as we had supposed.
Monday - February 07, 2011
aromatic [ar-uh-mat-ik] (adjective)
Definition - Having a sweet, penetrating smell; spicy.
Usage - Aromatic plats bestow no spicy fragrance while they grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Definition - Having a sweet, penetrating smell; spicy.
Usage - Aromatic plats bestow no spicy fragrance while they grow; but crushed, or trodden to the ground, diffuse their balmy sweets around. - Goldsmith
Sunday - February 06, 2011
propitiate [pruh-pish-ee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Definition - to make favorably inclined; appease; conciliate.
Usage - Man cannot by good works propitiate a holy God.
Saturday - February 05, 2011
palpitate [pal-pi-teyt] (verb)
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of the heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Definition - To quiver, flutter, or tremble; to beat quickly, said especially of the heart.
Usage - His heart palpitated with excitement as he was escorted to the Oval Office to meet with the President of the United States.
Friday - February 04, 2011
palliate [pal-ee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To cause (a fault or crime) to appear less serious; to ease the effects of something without curing.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Definition - To cause (a fault or crime) to appear less serious; to ease the effects of something without curing.
Usage - They have endeavored to heighten the advantages, or palliate the evils of those forms. - James Madison
Thursday - February 03, 2011
mitigate [mit-i-geyt] (verb)
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - After the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave huimself to tanslating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Definition - To make or become less severe or painful; to moderate.
Usage - After the loss of his wife, Longfellow gave huimself to tanslating, which mitigated his sorrow.
Wednesday - February 02, 2011
Extol [ik-stohl] (verb)
Definition - To praise highly.
Usage - The Scout leader extolled the virtues of truth and honor.
Definition - To praise highly.
Usage - The Scout leader extolled the virtues of truth and honor.
Tuesday - February 01, 2011
destitute [des-ti-toot] (adjective)
Definition - Lacking; devoid of.
Usage - Staring at the blank sheet of paper, I found myself destitute of ideas.
Definition - Lacking; devoid of.
Usage - Staring at the blank sheet of paper, I found myself destitute of ideas.
Friday - January 28, 2011
execrate [ek-si-kreyt] (verb)
Definition - to detest utterly; abhor; abominate. to curse.
Usage - Christ execrate the Pharisees because they place more inportance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Definition - to detest utterly; abhor; abominate. to curse.
Usage - Christ execrate the Pharisees because they place more inportance on the outward appearance than on the inward, heart condition.
Thursday - January 27, 2011
emaciate [i-mey-shee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - to make abnormally lean or thin by a gradual wasting away of flesh.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled is mind.
Definition - to make abnormally lean or thin by a gradual wasting away of flesh.
Usage - Long years of imprisonment emaciated Dr. Manette's body and enfeebled is mind.
Wednesday - January 26, 2011
annihilate [uh-nahy-uh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - to reduce to utter ruin or nonexistence; destroy utterly:
Usage - God can no more be the author of evil, than He can annihilate Himself, and cease to be. - Defoe
Definition - to reduce to utter ruin or nonexistence; destroy utterly:
Usage - God can no more be the author of evil, than He can annihilate Himself, and cease to be. - Defoe
Tuesday - January 25, 2011
adulate [aj-uh-leyt] (verb)
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Definition - To flatter in a servile manner.
Usage - To adulate one's superior in order to attain advancement is contemptible.
Monday - January 24, 2011
occult [uh-kuhlt] (adjective)
Definition - of or pertaining to magic or supernatural.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Definition - of or pertaining to magic or supernatural.
Usage - Christians should not delve into occult literature, but rather should remain simple concerning evil.
Sunday - January 23, 2011
obsequious [uhb-see-kwee-uhs] (adjective)
Definition - obedient; dutiful.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Definition - obedient; dutiful.
Usage - On our trip to Egypt, we soon learned that the obsequious camel drivers were professional beggars.
Saturday - January 22, 2011
obese [oh-bees] (adjective)
Definition - very fat.
Usage - In circuses, an obese woman is traditionally cast with a tall, thin man.
Definition - very fat.
Usage - In circuses, an obese woman is traditionally cast with a tall, thin man.
Friday - January 21, 2011
detract [di-trakt] (verb)
Definition - To take away, especially from the value, beauty, or importance of.
Usage - The addition of a modern family room detracted from the cozy style of the bungalow.
Definition - To take away, especially from the value, beauty, or importance of.
Usage - The addition of a modern family room detracted from the cozy style of the bungalow.
Thursday - January 20, 2011
flamboyant [flam-boi-uh nt] (adjective)
Definition - Excessively showy; unrestrained
Usage - My conservative aunt considered his brightly colored, boldly patterned necktie too flamboyant.
Definition - Excessively showy; unrestrained
Usage - My conservative aunt considered his brightly colored, boldly patterned necktie too flamboyant.
Saturday - January 08, 2011
nonchalant [non-shuh-lahnt] (adjective)
Definition - coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual
Usage - An appreciation of the great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Definition - coolly unconcerned, indifferent, or unexcited; casual
Usage - An appreciation of the great costs of liberty should help to reform the unpatriotic, nonchalant demeanor of many as they sing our national anthem.
Friday - January 07, 2011
inexorable [in-ek-ser-uh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - unyielding; unalterable: not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Definition - unyielding; unalterable: not to be persuaded, moved, or affected by prayers or entreaties
Usage - He slowly yielded to the inexorable pressure of his opponent's flawless logic.
Thursday - January 06, 2011
inert [in-urt] (adjective)
Definition - Lacking power or inclination to move or act; sluggish; idolent.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Definition - Lacking power or inclination to move or act; sluggish; idolent.
Usage - My inert brother sat on the couch staring into the television while the rest of us cleaned the house.
Wednesday - January 05, 2011
guttural [guht-er-uhl] (adjective)
Definition - Sounded in the throat; hence, harsh, grating, or rasping.
Usage - A guttural growl apprised the hunter of the nearness of his prey.
Definition - Sounded in the throat; hence, harsh, grating, or rasping.
Usage - A guttural growl apprised the hunter of the nearness of his prey.
Tuesday - January 04, 2011
exemplary [ig-zem-pluh-ree] (adjective)
Definition - Worthy of imitation; fit to serve as a model or example.
Usage - The exemplary art of the Greeks had never been surpassed by modern-daysculptors.
Definition - Worthy of imitation; fit to serve as a model or example.
Usage - The exemplary art of the Greeks had never been surpassed by modern-daysculptors.
Monday - January 03, 2011
bewail [bi-weyl] (verb)
Definition - To express deep regret or sorrow over.
Usage - Many football fans bewailed the replacement of real grass by AstroTurf when the new stadium was built.
Definition - To express deep regret or sorrow over.
Usage - Many football fans bewailed the replacement of real grass by AstroTurf when the new stadium was built.
Sunday - January 02, 2011
ecclesiastical [i-klee-zee-as-ti-kuhl] (adjective)
Definition - Of or pertaining to a church.
Usage - Fundementalists affirm ecclesiastical seperation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Definition - Of or pertaining to a church.
Usage - Fundementalists affirm ecclesiastical seperation from modernism, as well as personal separation from the world.
Saturday - January 01, 2011
culinary [kyoo-luh-ner-ee] (adjective)
Definition - Of or pertaing to the kitchen or cookery
Usage - The brides's first meal may not been perfect, but her husband declared it a culinary delight.
Definition - Of or pertaing to the kitchen or cookery
Usage - The brides's first meal may not been perfect, but her husband declared it a culinary delight.
Friday - December 31, 2010
celestial [suh-les-chuhl] (adjective)
Definition - Of or pertaining to the sky or the material heavens.
Usage - In science class today, we studied about the sun and other celestial bodies.
Definition - Of or pertaining to the sky or the material heavens.
Usage - In science class today, we studied about the sun and other celestial bodies.
Thursday - December 30, 2010
inveigle [in-vey-guhl] (verb)
Definition - To lead astray or win over by guile or flattery.
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories.
Definition - To lead astray or win over by guile or flattery.
Usage - Beware of the automobile salesman who tries to inveigle you into buying many unneeded accessories.
Wednesday - December 29, 2010
foment [foh-ment] (verb)
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sence.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Definition - To keep people or conditions agitated; to stir up or stimulate, especially in a bad sence.
Usage - He was a despicable man, always eager to foment fear and discord among the people.
Tuesday - December 28, 2010
feign [feyn] (verb)
Definition - To put on or give a false appearance of; to fabricate.
Usage - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Definition - To put on or give a false appearance of; to fabricate.
Usage - They feign penitence, but behind my back I know they call me a toothless old ape. - Kipling
Monday - December 27, 2010
enamor [i-nam-er] (verb)
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Definition - To inflame with love; to charm, fascinate.
Usage - Because he was greatly enamored of Juliet, Romeo braved all adversaries to win her love.
Sunday - December 26, 2010
embellish [em-bel-ish] (verb)
Definition - to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Definition - to enhance (a statement or narrative) with fictitious additions.
Usage - By adding original artwork to the page margins, William Blake embellished each volume of his poetry.
Saturday - December 25, 2010
collateral [kuh-lat-er-uhl] (adjective)
Definition - security pledged for the payment of a loan
Usage - "The Rocky Mountains . . . occur . . . singly or in groups, and occasionally in collateral ridges." -Irving
Definition - security pledged for the payment of a loan
Usage - "The Rocky Mountains . . . occur . . . singly or in groups, and occasionally in collateral ridges." -Irving
Friday - December 24, 2010
divulge [di-vuhlj] (verb)
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - Portia gave herself a "voluntary wound . . . in the thigh" to prove to her husband Brutus that she could stand any pain, and therefore would not divulge any of his secrets.
Definition - To reveal a secret; to make known.
Usage - Portia gave herself a "voluntary wound . . . in the thigh" to prove to her husband Brutus that she could stand any pain, and therefore would not divulge any of his secrets.
Thursday - December 23, 2010
corrode [kuh-rohd] (verb)
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Definition - To eat away gradually, as by chemical action.
Usage - Iron and steel corrode simply by being in contact with oxygen.
Wednesday - December 22, 2010
condole [kuhn-dohl] (verb)
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grive with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Definition - To express sympathy with another in his affliction; to grive with.
Usage - When our neighbor's house burned, we condoled with him and offered to let him stay with us until he found a new house.
Tuesday - December 21, 2010
censure [sen-sher] (verb)
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Definition - To express disapproval or condemnation.
Usage - The senator was censured for violating congressional standards of conduct.
Monday - December 20, 2010
appease [uh-peez] (verb)
Definition - To bring peace, often by satisfying demands
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Definition - To bring peace, often by satisfying demands
Usage - Neville Chamberlain of Great Britain blundered tragically when he attempted to appease the Nazis.
Sunday - December 19, 2010
abate [uh-beyt] (verb)
Definition - To lessen in force or intensity.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw toward the close of the church age.
Definition - To lessen in force or intensity.
Usage - Do not expect the attacks of Satan to abate as we draw toward the close of the church age.