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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
contrition [kuhn-trish-uhn] (noun)
Definition - Sincere sorrow for sin.
Usage - Peter wept tears of contrition after he had denied his Lord.
Definition - Sincere sorrow for sin.
Usage - Peter wept tears of contrition after he had denied his Lord.
contingent [kuhn-tin-juhnt] (adjective)
Definition - dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional
Usage - War is contingent; even dictatorship is contingent. Both depend on . . . ignorance. - Ezra Pound
Definition - dependent for existence, occurrence, character, etc., on something not yet certain; conditional
Usage - War is contingent; even dictatorship is contingent. Both depend on . . . ignorance. - Ezra Pound
contention [kuhn-ten-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - A striving together in opposition, especially in verbal controvery.
Usage - A fool's lips enter into contention. - Proverbs 18:6
Definition - A striving together in opposition, especially in verbal controvery.
Usage - A fool's lips enter into contention. - Proverbs 18:6
consummation [kon-suh-mey-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - completion, perfection
Usage - The time . . . of the general consummation of all things is left uncertain. - Sandys
Definition - completion, perfection
Usage - The time . . . of the general consummation of all things is left uncertain. - Sandys
condescend [kon-duh-send] (verb)
Definition - To come down voluntarily to the level of inferiors.
Usage - We think he is too good a man to condescend to deliberate misrepresentation.
Definition - To come down voluntarily to the level of inferiors.
Usage - We think he is too good a man to condescend to deliberate misrepresentation.
concurrent [kuhn-kur-uhnt] (adjective)
Definition - occurring or existing simultaneously or side by side: concurrent attacks by land, sea, and air.
Usage - The Germans launched a well-prepared full-scale invasion of southern Norway with the concurrent occupation of Trondheim and Narvik. - Times Literary Supplement
Definition - occurring or existing simultaneously or side by side: concurrent attacks by land, sea, and air.
Usage - The Germans launched a well-prepared full-scale invasion of southern Norway with the concurrent occupation of Trondheim and Narvik. - Times Literary Supplement
compunction [kuhm-puhngk-shuhn] (noun)
Definition - a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pai
Usage - When a person gives heed to false teachings his conscience becomes insensitive and he sins without compunction.
Definition - a feeling of uneasiness or anxiety of the conscience caused by regret for doing wrong or causing pai
Usage - When a person gives heed to false teachings his conscience becomes insensitive and he sins without compunction.
complacent [kuhm-pley-suhnt] (adjective)
Definition - Feeling or showing satisfaction; self-satisfied
Usage - Many will agree that the world is in bad shape, but they will usually remain complacent unless some problem touches them.
Definition - Feeling or showing satisfaction; self-satisfied
Usage - Many will agree that the world is in bad shape, but they will usually remain complacent unless some problem touches them.
compatible [kuhm-pat-uh-buhl] (adjective)
Definition - Capable of existing together.
Usage - Truth and error are not compatible: when truth is mixed with error, truth ceases to be truth.
Definition - Capable of existing together.
Usage - Truth and error are not compatible: when truth is mixed with error, truth ceases to be truth.
commiserate [kuh-miz-uh-reyt] (verb)
Definition - to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity
Usage - Job's friends gathered around to commiserate with him but turned out to be miserable comforters.
Definition - to feel or express sorrow or sympathy for; empathize with; pity
Usage - Job's friends gathered around to commiserate with him but turned out to be miserable comforters.
cogent [koh-juhnt] (adjective)
Definition - Having power to compel assent or belief
Usage - There are many cogent arguments against drinking alcohol, and none for it.
Definition - Having power to compel assent or belief
Usage - There are many cogent arguments against drinking alcohol, and none for it.
vouchsafe [vouch-safe] (verb)
Definition - To grant or bestow in a graious or condescending manner; permit.
Usage - If your lordship would vouchsafe an answer, I will return immediately to the king with your reply.
Definition - To grant or bestow in a graious or condescending manner; permit.
Usage - If your lordship would vouchsafe an answer, I will return immediately to the king with your reply.
slough [sluhf] (verb)
Definition - to be or become shed or cast off
Usage - He sloughed off all the verbal attacks with a mere shrug of his shoulders.
Definition - to be or become shed or cast off
Usage - He sloughed off all the verbal attacks with a mere shrug of his shoulders.
qualm [kwahm] (noun)
Definition - A feeling of doubt, fear, or uneasiness; a pang of conscience.
Usage - The small girl had no qualms about riding the spirited horse: she appeared to be totally fearless.
Definition - A feeling of doubt, fear, or uneasiness; a pang of conscience.
Usage - The small girl had no qualms about riding the spirited horse: she appeared to be totally fearless.
sardonic [sahr-don-ik] (adjective )
Definition - Showing scornful mockery or cynical derision.
Usage - A sardonic smile twisted Casca's face as he spoke contemptuously of Julius Caesar.
Definition - Showing scornful mockery or cynical derision.
Usage - A sardonic smile twisted Casca's face as he spoke contemptuously of Julius Caesar.
quail [kweyl] (verb)
Definition - to lose heart or courage in difficulty or danger; shrink with fear.
Usage - The mender of roads, his courage gone, quailed under the relentless gaze of Madame Defarge.
Definition - to lose heart or courage in difficulty or danger; shrink with fear.
Usage - The mender of roads, his courage gone, quailed under the relentless gaze of Madame Defarge.
cosmos [koz-muhs] (noun)
Definition - The world or universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious system.
Usage - Those who claim to see no order in the cosmos have their eyes closed.
Definition - The world or universe regarded as an orderly, harmonious system.
Usage - Those who claim to see no order in the cosmos have their eyes closed.
lithe [lahyth] (adjective)
Definition - Easily or gracefully bent; pliant
Usage - Kicking out and swinging wildly, I rode the lithe birch trees to the ground.
Definition - Easily or gracefully bent; pliant
Usage - Kicking out and swinging wildly, I rode the lithe birch trees to the ground.
portentous [pawr-ten-tuhs] (adjective)
Definition - Indicating something ominous or calamitous about to happen; exciting wonder and awe.
Usage - Such a portentous and mysterious monster roused all my curiosity.
Definition - Indicating something ominous or calamitous about to happen; exciting wonder and awe.
Usage - Such a portentous and mysterious monster roused all my curiosity.
harbinger [hahr-bin-jer] (noun)
Definition - a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
Usage - "Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger, comes dancing from the east and leads with her the flowery May." - Milton
Definition - a person who goes ahead and makes known the approach of another; herald.
Usage - "Now the bright morning star, day's harbinger, comes dancing from the east and leads with her the flowery May." - Milton
dotage [doh-tij] (noun)
Definition - a decline of mental faculties, esp. as associated with old age; senility.
Usage - Dryden praised Ben Johnson as a "most learned and judicious writer," but he also criticized Johnson's last plays as unfortunate products of the writer's dotage.
Definition - a decline of mental faculties, esp. as associated with old age; senility.
Usage - Dryden praised Ben Johnson as a "most learned and judicious writer," but he also criticized Johnson's last plays as unfortunate products of the writer's dotage.
dastardly [das-terd-lee] (adjective)
Definition - cowardly; meanly base; sneaking: a dastardly act.
Usage - "The slanders of an avowed antagonist are seldom so mean and dastardly as those of a traitor." -Spurgeon
Definition - cowardly; meanly base; sneaking: a dastardly act.
Usage - "The slanders of an avowed antagonist are seldom so mean and dastardly as those of a traitor." -Spurgeon
alleviate [uh-lee-vee-eyt] (verb)
Definition - To make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate.
Usage - For the Christian, when a loved one dies,the blessed hope of the resurrection alleviates the sorrow.
Definition - To make easier to endure; lessen; mitigate.
Usage - For the Christian, when a loved one dies,the blessed hope of the resurrection alleviates the sorrow.
benighted [bi-nahy-tid] (adjective)
Definition - Involved in intellectual or moral darkness
Usage - It is interesting that foreign countries are sending missionaries to win the benighted heathen in the United States.
Definition - Involved in intellectual or moral darkness
Usage - It is interesting that foreign countries are sending missionaries to win the benighted heathen in the United States.
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.
fortitude [fawr-ti-tood, -tyood] (noun)
Definition - mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:
Usage - The Biblical injunction to "be strong and of a good courage" exhorts us to exercise godly fortitude.
Definition - mental and emotional strength in facing difficulty, adversity, danger, or temptation courageously:
Usage - The Biblical injunction to "be strong and of a good courage" exhorts us to exercise godly fortitude.
askance [uh-skans] (adverb)
Definition - With a side glance; with a look of mistrust, jealousy, or disapproval.
Usage - "Judas is at once distinguished, looking askance with a wicked sneer on his face." - Jameson
Definition - With a side glance; with a look of mistrust, jealousy, or disapproval.
Usage - "Judas is at once distinguished, looking askance with a wicked sneer on his face." - Jameson
profusion [pruh-fyoo-zhuhn] (noun)
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity. lavish spending; extravagance.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
Definition - abundance; abundant quantity. lavish spending; extravagance.
Usage - Wheat grows in such profusion in America that the wheat farmers have huge surpluses to sell to other countries.
foray [for-ey] (verb)
Definition - A quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder
Usage - His pirates had forayed a nearby village and now were fighting their way back to the beach.
Definition - A quick raid, usually for the purpose of taking plunder
Usage - His pirates had forayed a nearby village and now were fighting their way back to the beach.
prevaricate [pri-var-i-keyt] (verb)
Definition - to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
Usage - He continued to prevaricate about the accident.
Definition - to speak falsely or misleadingly; deliberately misstate or create an incorrect impression; lie.
Usage - He continued to prevaricate about the accident.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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